Chapter 8: That Annoying Green-Haired Guy

"Everyone, settle down! I have an important announcement to make!"

"In three days, our academy will be hosting a one-on-one Pokémon exchange competition with an academy from the Unova region. Participation is open to everyone. If you make the cut, you'll have the chance to advance to the city-level tournament! I expect you all to take this seriously."

The moment the balding instructor finished speaking, the previously dull atmosphere of the classroom reached a fever pitch.

There were only a few Pokémon battle classes in the entire academy, and the students in this room were considered the elite. To them, participation meant a shot at victory, and victory meant a ticket to the city-level tournament!

This was a city-level event, even official Trainers who had earned Gym Badges weren't guaranteed a spot in a competition of that caliber. Even if they didn't place in the top three, reaching the top eight would be enough to make a name for themselves. It could even lead to scouts from prestigious families or corporations extending an olive branch. Such an opportunity was once-in-a-lifetime!

It wouldn't even be surprising if the Gym Leader of the Nichiyo Gym came to watch the matches personally. If a student performed well enough to be scouted as an apprentice, they might even have the chance to succeed the position as the next Gym Leader. It was a literal fast track to the top.

To these students who had yet to officially debut as Trainers, the allure of such glory was irresistible.

"..."

Meanwhile, N sat with his chin resting on one hand, his expression unchanged.

While participating in a tournament to sharpen his skills wasn't a bad idea, he wasn't interested in the limelight or the formalities of organized competition. His current strength wasn't where he wanted it to be yet; until he grew stronger, he preferred to keep a low profile. He felt that training with Zorua in the wild would be far more efficient than a school tournament.

"N, I heard from the Professor that you finally have your own starter Pokémon, right?"

"Hm?"

A flicker of surprise crossed N's emerald eyes. He slowly turned his gaze toward Hilda. He had only just reported back to Professor Oak last night, had the news reached her already?

Seeing her eager expression, N didn't even have to guess what she was thinking.

"Let's enter together! The competition is a one-on-one battle format anyway!"

"I’m not really interested, to be honest..."

N scratched his cheek awkwardly. His training schedule for the coming days was already packed. If he wanted battle experience, fighting wild Pokémon in the Nichiyo Forest was more than enough.

Besides, his Zorua was a genuine Mid Elite level. In terms of sheer level, it already outclassed most of the other students. He felt there wasn't much point in participating in a match of this level.

"You're not looking down on everyone because you think they're too weak, are you? Tell you what... if you beat me in this tournament, I'll grant you any one request."

"Anything at all. How about it?"

A faint blush crept onto Hilda’s face. She ran a slender, fair finger along her cheek, idly twirling a lock of brown hair that rested on her shoulder. Her light blue eyes flickered away shyly, and if one looked closely, the tips of her ears were tinged with a telltale shade of peach.

N, however, was still looking down, weighing the pros and cons. Since it was a joint event with an academy from another region, there was a chance he’d run into talented opponents from afar after all.

"Also, the grand prize is a full set of High Grade Evolution Stones."

The moment the instructor mentioned the prize, N adjusted the brim of his black-and-white cap. A slight smirk played on his lips, and a sharp glint flashed in his green eyes.

The sheer speed of his change in attitude caused Hilda’s face to darken.

What is that supposed to mean?!

He did a total 180 just for a set of Evolution Stones? Was she really that unappealing?! She had just offered him any request, and he acted like it didn't even matter!

She tried to tell herself that this was just how the "Green-Haired Guy" was and that she shouldn't let it get to her... but the more she tried to suppress her irritation, the more it boiled over!

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Finally, she snapped. Her small, pale fist clenched until her knuckles cracked.

Mega Punch!

Hilda threw a ferocious straight punch toward N’s face, the force of the blow whistling through the air.

N, seemingly having anticipated this, leaned back slightly. With practiced ease, he caught her wrist and gave it a gentle tug.

Clap!

Caught off guard, the girl was pulled directly into N's arms.

In an instant, her fierce expression vanished, replaced by a flustered, panicked, and incredibly bashful look. Her entire head felt like it had been shoved into a furnace.

It was warm. When they were children, Hilda used to act spoiled and ask N for hugs all the time, but they weren't kids anymore. With her current stubborn personality, she would never do something like this willingly.

How many years had it been since they were this close?

Hilda, nearly losing herself in the moment, suddenly snapped her blue eyes wide open. Realizing the situation, she turned into a startled Fennekin, pushing N away with a bright red face as she scrambled to escape his embrace.

"Wait... what do you think you're doing?!"

"Sorry, sorry. Force of habit."

N realized the position was a bit too intimate and let her go with an apologetic expression. Seizing the chance to retreat, Hilda flew back, the crimson flush still lingering on her cheeks.

"You... you just wait! When the tournament starts, I'm going to punch your head off!!"

"...A girl should really try to speak a bit more gracefully."

"Shut up!!"

N couldn't help but let out a wry laugh. Despite the outburst, he found himself looking forward to seeing Hilda's strength. He wondered which starter Pokémon she had chosen; she might actually turn out to be quite the rival.