A New Year, A New Beginning! (BONUS)

January 1st, clear skies.

A brand-new year, the very first day.

Early in the morning, Johan received a flood of New Year's greetings.

There were messages from his students, including Steven and the others, from academy professors, from Team Rocket, Professor Oak, and various figures from Kanto and Johto. There were also greetings from Sinnoh, Kalos, Galar, and other regions.

Seeing his screen almost overflow with messages, Johan realized—

"I've really gotten to know a lot of people."

Among them weren't just "famous names" but also many ordinary people, including trainers who had once sought his advice on Pokémon psychology. They, too, had sent their well-wishes.

"Happy New Year."

A lazy voice came through his phone—Cynthia.

Judging by her tone, she probably hadn't even gotten out of bed yet.

"Happy New Year," Johan replied with a chuckle. "Still not up? The sun's already shining on your face."

"Mm…"

The sound of rustling could be heard.

But instead of getting up, it seemed like she just turned over?

"I'm facing the window now," Cynthia said.

Johan wiped his forehead.

When did she become this 'clever'?

"Let me guess… you haven't even opened the curtains?" Johan sighed.

"Oh, right."

Johan: "…"

Where did the sharp and imposing 'Cabbage Queen' go?

Did you lock her away somewhere?

After ending the call with Cynthia, his phone immediately rang again.

"Happy New Year, Mr. Johan!"

"Same to you, same to you."

To his surprise, this call was from Looker's partner, Anabel.

Through the call, Johan could faintly hear the sounds of a scuffle.

"You're…"

"Nothing much, just apprehending some Pokémon hunters," Anabel said with a smile.

Good grief.

Even on New Year's, Pokémon hunters were still hard at work.

But then again, it made sense—just like thieves, the best time to act was when people let their guard down.

"That's tough work," Johan said.

Both international and regional police officers had it rough. Even on New Year's, they had to remain on duty and carry out missions.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Anabel finally revealed the real reason for her call.

"Congratulations, Mr. Johan. Due to your outstanding performance in both 'Operation Snow Peak' and 'Operation Canalave,' the International Police has officially promoted your rank to 'Superintendent'!" Anabel announced.

Superintendent—one rank above Inspector.

If an Inspector was equivalent to the head of a criminal investigation unit, then a Superintendent was comparable to the Chief of Criminal Affairs.

Although it seemed like only a small promotion, the implications were completely different.

Inspectors were senior field operatives responsible for carrying out missions.

Superintendents, however, had officially stepped into the ranks of command and had the authority to plan and direct operations.

In other words—

This promotion officially marked Johan's entry into the management level.

To put things in perspective, Anabel had worked diligently in the International Police for over ten years, yet she was still only a Chief Inspector—just one rank above Superintendent.

And Chief Inspectors already had the authority to oversee covert operations in a given region.

Above them were Deputy Chief Superintendents and Chief Superintendents, who managed entire regions as top officials.

Of course, Johan was a specially appointed professional, different from officers like Anabel who had climbed the ranks through political and operational achievements.

"A bad—cough—I mean, good piece of news to start the year with," Johan forced a smile.

For most people, rank promotions were a big deal, a recognition of ability. But to Johan… a bonus payout would have been way more exciting.

When it came to police ranks, Johan's attitude was about the same as Handsome's.

Still, this promotion would be useful for cracking down on Pokémon hunters in the future.

Especially now that his own household had gained another victim—Alcremie.

After Anabel, more calls kept coming in.

For example, Professor Oak.

"Johan, I'm very interested in Regigigas. Did you record any data? Good, good, next time we should study it together. Looks like I've already got my research topic for this year's conference…"

Excuse me?

Weren't you the one who initially documented it as being less than four meters tall?

"Oh, by the way, did you message Bertha? I sent her one, but she hasn't replied," Professor Oak said, sounding puzzled.

So, the New Year's greeting was just an excuse—he actually called to ask about Bertha?

How long was Johan supposed to be this human telephone for?

Then there was Lance.

Even on New Year's, he was still out fighting crime.

Team Rocket was on holiday, yet Lance was still working overtime in the Investigation Bureau.

At this point, it almost felt like law enforcement was Lance's side job.

And when Johan heard that Team Rocket had actually promoted Lance, he almost spat out his drink.

Other calls followed—

From Sabrina, preparing for the New Year's banquet: "You haven't updated your menu in a while. Hurry up and add something new—Alakazam can't wait any longer."

From Lorelei, half a year away from graduation: "I realized that Pokémon like Ninetales counter both Dragon and Flying types quite well."

From the Team Rocket trio, currently filming: "Happy New Year, Mr. Johan (Meowth)! Sōrī-nansu!"

From Flint and Volkner: "No idea why, but we got beaten up by the boss lady last night…"

From Palmer, just starting overtime: "Elite Four Bertha actually assigned me a mission…"

From Mustard: "Little Johan, Happy New Year~~ We're doing just fine, no need to visit Armor Island~~"

From Professor Sycamore: "Johan, I'm about to publish my research. Want to take a look first and see if anything needs adding?"

From Lana: "Mr. Johan, I think I just saw Lugia!"

From Mallow: "Brand-new 100,000 Volt Pineapple Juice! When are you coming to Alola? It's on me!"

And—

Johan even got a message from Giovanni.

From a very motivated Giovanni: "Happy New Year. Thanks for the gift—I understand your message. This year, we will reach new heights."

See?

This was why Giovanni was the boss—so deep and full of hidden meaning.

Except… Johan had no idea what exactly Giovanni thought he understood.

After that, greetings continued rolling in.

Clearly, this was not going to be a quiet morning.

All thanks to the mass message Johan sent out after midnight last night.

But honestly, chatting with these people wasn't so bad sometimes.

While his other friends could only send greetings and invitations via text or call—

Steven and the others were different.

"Happy New Year, Teacher!"

Steven, Flannery, and Roxanne showed up at his doorstep.

Each brought a prepared gift.

Steven gifted a Metal Coat, Flannery brought a lump of Charcoal, and Roxanne gifted a Hard Stone.

All were quite valuable items.

Clearly, his students knew him well.

As for their return gifts…

Johan had prepared them back in Sinnoh.

Plushies.

Everyone got a plushie. Equality for all.

Steven received a Mawile, Flannery got a Torkoal, and Roxanne got a Rockruff.

"Wait, why do they get cute ones, and I get a Torkoal?" Flannery pouted, squishing her plushie. "Not that I don't like it, but…"

Because Torkoal is perfect for picnics, Johan thought.

But he couldn't say that out loud.

Instead, he said, "Ahem, you just don't understand. Torkoal is one of the few Pokémon with the Drought ability—it fits perfectly with your Fire-type team."

Flannery immediately looked enlightened, realizing Johan's "thoughtful intentions."

"Then, what about my Rockruff?" Roxanne asked.

"Well…"

Johan paused slightly. "You excel at defense but lack offensive power. When Rockruff evolves into Lycanroc, it'll help cover that weakness, especially in terms of speed."

"I see…" Roxanne nodded, understanding his reasoning.

Steven, meanwhile, curiously asked, "So, what about my Mawile?"

"Coverage. Steel-types are strong, but they lack the ability to deal decisive blows against Dragon-types."

By now, Johan had perfected his ability to bullsh— er, convince without hesitation.

And since Steven's team mainly consisted of Steel/Rock Pokémon, the Fairy-type Mawile also helped mitigate his Fighting-type weakness.

"Understood," Steven nodded seriously.

Johan discreetly wiped his forehead.

"Alright, let's go—I'll treat you all to our café's new desserts!"

"New desserts?!" Flannery and Roxanne instantly perked up.

"The café is open again!"

A new year, a new beginning!

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Powerstones?

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