After wrapping up our detailed discussion about the Pokémon curriculum, the Education Minister leaned back with a satisfied sigh. For a moment, the tension in the room melted, replaced by the warmth of old familiarity.
We chatted casually for a few minutes—about Aarey, about my family, about how the world was becoming stranger every day.
Then I leaned forward.
"Uncle… one more thing. Can you introduce me to the Finance Minister?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Planning something already?"
"Yes," I said simply. "And I want it to go as smoothly as today's meeting."
He laughed loudly.
"Aye, beta… you're exactly like your father when he gets serious about work. Alright. Stay for lunch. Finance Minister is coming over anyway."
"Seriously?"
"Of course. He visits twice a month. You two can talk."
Perfect.
Lunch Meeting
The Finance Minister arrived in about thirty minutes—tall, sharp-eyed, and wearing an expensive Nehru jacket. The kind of politician who never smiled unless he meant it.
But when he saw me, he extended his hand warmly.
"Aakash! Congratulations on the bill passing. You've done something remarkable today."
"Thank you, sir," I said, shaking his hand.
We moved to the dining room.
Lunch was simple—dal, sabzi, chapati, rice. But the atmosphere felt heavy, like the calm before a negotiation.
As we finished eating, I placed my napkin aside and leaned forward slightly.
"Minister," I began, "I wanted to discuss Pokémon-related industries and how Maharashtra can benefit from them—while also giving new trainers a sustainable way to earn."
His eyes sharpened immediately.
"Oh? Now this I'm interested in. Go ahead."
I took a breath.
"First… we need a clear announcement."
He nodded for me to continue.
"Whatever trainers acquire from Pokémon Zones during exploration—the berries, stones, materials, herbs, mushrooms, shells, honey, anything—they keep it. 100%."
He frowned.
"We allow that? Won't that cost the state—"
"Sir," I cut him off gently, raising a hand. "Listen fully first."
He nodded.
"Pokémon-related items will be in extremely high demand. And the government will never be able to supply enough manpower to collect them. Zones are unstable, dangerous, unpredictable. If we use employees… we'll bleed money."
He went silent. Thinking.
"But," I continued, "trainers will go inside anyway. They want to explore. They want Pokémon. They want experience. Let them collect. Let them keep. They won't be able to or require all the items they collect. They'll have to sell it to us in the end."
He didn't disagree.
Instead, he leaned back.
"Interesting. Continue."
"I'm prepared to share recipes for several essential items. Potions, healing sprays, antidotes, paralyze heal, awakenings—real medical-grade items that trainers will desperately need."
That grabbed his full attention.
"In return," I said, "I have only two conditions."
"Which are?" he asked.
"One—these potions must be sold exclusively through Pokestore. My chain."
He nodded slowly.
"Two—profit share: 30% to me, 70% to the state."
He stared at me.
"You're giving the government 70%?"
"Sir, these items will sell in millions. Trainers are going to multiply in numbers. Zones will keep expanding. This will become one of the largest industries in the country within two years. I don't need the majority share. I need distribution."
His fingers tapped the table.
"And marketing," I added. "Which the state can do far better than me."
He let out a long breath.
"You're thinking big, Aakash."
I nodded.
"But that's not all."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Once we open international trade for Pokémon materials—berries, stones, honey, feathers, mushrooms—India will make ten to twenty times the profit. A single crate of potions will sell for premium prices."
His eyes widened slightly.
"We can easily dominate the global supply chain of Pokémon resources… if we start now."
I wasn't done.
"We can also issue paid tasks for trainers."
"Tasks?" he repeated.
"Patrol missions. Exploration assignments. Mapping new zones. Surveying ecosystems. Clearing aggressive Pokémon. Deliveries. Rescue missions."
I continued:
"Instead of hiring hundreds of new forest officers, wildlife workers, and research staff… we can use trainer manpower. They gain experience. They earn money. Their Pokémon grow. And the state saves crores in manpower costs."
The Finance Minister slowly leaned back in his chair.
For the first time since lunch began, a genuine smile crossed his face.
"Mr. Patil… this is not a proposal. This is an economic blueprint."
I nodded.
"Pokémon are not just wildlife. They are a new industry. A new workforce. A new economy. If we guide it properly… Maharashtra will lead the world."
He clasped his hands together.
"I'll convene a finance panel tomorrow morning. Bring your potion recipes and a detailed model."
"No problem."
__________________________________________________________
After wrapping up my discussion with the Finance Minister, we parted ways outside the Ministry.
He headed toward a convoy of black SUVs.
I headed toward a plain white government car that looked painfully out of place.
But my mind was racing the whole ride back.
By the time I reached my new villa, the sun was already dipping.
The front yard was filled with workers—electricians, carpenters, interior designers—moving between the villa and the backyard. Equipment was stacked near the fountain. New reinforced glass was being installed on the lower floor. The training grounds layout was being marked with chalk and rope.
I spent thirty minutes walking through the villa, checking each room.
Everything was progressing smoothly.
The battle arena markings.
The reinforced windows.
The emergency shelters.
The Pokémon-proof flooring.
The in-house berry storage upgrades.
All moving exactly as planned.
Good.
I stepped onto the terrace, inhaling the warm evening air.
Time for the announcement.
I opened the livestream app and hit Start Broadcast.
Within seconds, the screen filled with viewers.
[Chat]
HE'S LIVE AGAIN??
BRO WHEN DOES HE REST
I adjusted the camera.
Took a breath.
"Hello, everyone. I'm here to announce that the Pokémon Regulation Laws have officially passed."
The chat exploded.
[Chat]
LET'S GOOOOOO
FINALLY
THANK GOD SOME SYSTEM IS COMING
I continued.
"A whole new system will now be established. Anyone who wants to train Pokémon will be classified as a Trainer. And trainers will be divided into three categories…"
I raised three fingers.
"Basic, Advanced, and Elite.
The government will release full details soon."
I waited a beat to let that sink in.
"But the main reason I'm live today… is to announce the changes to the education system."
The chat froze in anticipation.
I continued clearly, every word measured:
"There will now be Pokémon Academies across Maharashtra, starting this September. Students can join after completing 10th standard—but only if they have a Basic Trainer Certificate."
The reactions flooded in.
[Chat]
WAIT WHAT????
POKÉMON SCHOOLS???
BRO THIS IS REAL LIFE????
IS THIS LIKE ACADEMY ARC??
I smiled slightly.
"Yes. The legal age for being a trainer is officially 16."
"And from now on, students of 9th and 10th standard will have compulsory Pokémon Theory subjects."
This sent the chat into a frenzy.
[Chat]
FINALLY EDUCATION THAT MAKES SENSE
BRO MY LITTLE BROTHER IS SO LUCKY
WE STUDIED NOTHING USEFUL 💀
I WANT TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL
I continued:
"When entering 10th, every student will have a choice—Do you want to become a Pokémon Trainer, or not?
If yes, you must follow one of three paths to get your first Pokémon."
I held up one finger.
"Option 1 — Random Egg (₹50,000)"
"Through the government program. These are safe, beginner-friendly species. This cost is included into school fee for those who opt in."
Second finger.
"Option 2 — Private Selection"
"You can visit certified breeding centers or conservation zones.
If a newborn Pokémon or egg is suitable and willing, you may adopt it.
Prices start at ₹2,00,000, depending on species."
The chat filled with shocked emojis.
Third finger.
"Option 3 — Encounter in the City"
"If a Pokémon appears in your life, recognizes you, and accepts you… you can register it after passing your Basic License."
I paused before adding:
"But this method is dangerous, unpredictable, and not recommended."
Comments exploded.
[Chat]
BRO NOT EVERYONE IS AAKASH 💀💀
WE WILL DIE TRYING THE THIRD OPTION
PLEASE DON'T GIVE HOPE LIKE THAT
I chuckled.
"Realistically, most students will use Option 1 or 2."
Then I continued:
"For this first year only—students already in Junior College (11th and 12th) can also apply. But they must:
• Get their own Pokémon
• Pass a written Pokémon exam
• Obtain Basic Trainer License
Junior college students will not get the random egg option."
Next:
"For current 10th standard students—those who have given exams but are still waiting for results—listen carefully."
The chat stilled instantly.
"When your results are declared, you will receive a form for the Pokémon Trainer Intensive Course."
"That course will be one month long, held in June."
"It will teach, in one month, everything that 9th and 10th theory will teach in two years."
"If you pass…you will be eligible for a Pokémon Academy seat in September."
I ended it with:
"This is the beginning of a new era.
We will prepare you.
We will protect you.
And together… we'll build a world where humans and Pokémon grow side by side."
I bowed my head slightly.
"Thank you."
And ended the stream.
_________________________________
Support me on p@treon:
[email protected]/blaze98