Chapter 696: The Alola Pokémon School

Chapter 696: The Alola Pokémon School (Merged, Need Votes!)

“Gengar?”

A black hole?

Gengue, Male, biting into a chicken leg, suddenly looked up.

I’m familiar with black holes!

Jinghe, Male snatched the chicken leg from Gengue, Male's mouth and put it back in the bowl.

“It’s not the black hole you think it is.”

When Joy Miss mentioned a “black hole,” she was referring to the Ultra Wormhole, a passage connecting the Pokémon World to Ultra Space.

This primarily involves the Pokémon Sun and Moon storyline, which includes the somewhat convoluted setup of the multiverse, alternate dimensions, and alien phenomena.

It’s more like the Pokémon world borrowed elements from other anime and series.

“Do you know what the black hole is, Teacher Jinghe?” Joy Miss couldn’t help but ask.

Even as Joy Miss, she knew very little about the Ultra Wormhole.

After all, even within the International Police, this was classified information known only to the upper echelons.

So Jinghe, Male smiled and didn’t delve too deeply into what the black hole was, instead asking:

“I heard that each island in Alola has a guardian deity. Did the guardian deity of Melemele Island appear when the black hole emerged?”

“Of course not.”

Joy Miss instinctively spoke, then realized her tone might have been a bit off and quickly added:

“What I mean is, although the black hole’s appearance injured many trainers’ and tourists’ Pokémon, the injuries weren’t severe. They were quickly ‘controlled’ by Jasmine and the others, so there was no need for the ‘guardian deity’ to intervene.”

“The guardian deity of Melemele Island is Tapu Koko, right?”

“Mm-hm!” Joy Miss nodded. “It seems Teacher Jinghe is quite familiar with Alola’s culture.”

“A little, a little. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

In fact, the four guardian deities of Alola are deeply connected to the Ultra Wormhole, Ultra Space, and Ultra Beasts.

They are believed to be the first Pokémon to emerge in Alola, representing the most ancient traditions and totems.

Recent research has revealed that the Z-Moves originating from Alola are closely tied to these guardian deities.

More precisely, a special aura enveloping Alola is controlled by these guardian deities.

The primary proponent of this theory is Dr. Kukui.

Therefore, many people consider the guardian deities to be the origin of Z-Moves.

However, Jinghe, Male knows that the special aura enveloping the four islands truly originated from the first powerful being from another dimension, known as the “Light God,” Necrozma!

The guardian deities, as “natives,” were the first Pokémon to encounter the “Light God” Necrozma and gained the ability to manipulate the aura from Necrozma.

The so-called “Z-Crystals,” “Z-Moves,” or “Z-Energy,” also known as “Ultra Force,” actually originates from Necrozma.

Similarly, the “Dynamax Power” in the Galar region and the “Terastal Power” in the Paldea region are akin to Alola’s “Ultra Force.”

The difference is that “Ultra Force” comes from Necrozma, “Dynamax Power” from Eternatus, and “Terastal Power” from Palafin.

If we trace the origins of “Ultra Force” further, its essence is the fundamental power of the “Light God” Necrozma—light!

For example, the two most famous deities in Alola, the Sun God Solgaleo and the Moon God Lunala, each carry a significant portion of the “light” scattered by Necrozma.

This setup is actually quite familiar.

Especially in the anime, at the climactic moment, Ash and his friends gathered the light from all of Alola to restore Necrozma to its full power and sanity, turning it back into the “Light God” and dispelling the darkness.

It’s almost like watching an episode of Ultraman, with all the light, Ultra Beasts, and the Ultra Guardians.

But in the Pokémon world, you can always believe in the power of light.

In fact, Teacher Jinghe has always been a sincere “believer in light.”

The only way to help Necrozma is to cook Ash into a soup!

“But if Teacher Jinghe had been there, the impact wouldn’t have been so great,” Joy Miss said with admiration and trust.

The entire Joy family is very interested in Teacher Jinghe.

“Ha ha.” Jinghe, Male chuckled politely.

Right now, he just wants to retrieve the “Fairy Tablet.” Other matters can wait.

It’s not that he can’t do it; it’s just too time-consuming. He needs to clear the Champion’s path first, then he can go about it openly.

Every day the island’s development is delayed, his wallet gets a little lighter.

Joy Miss took a bite of coconut chicken, her eyes lighting up.

“Is this... coconut water?” she asked, surprised.

“Yes.”

“Coconut water stewed chicken? I had no idea such a dish existed.” Joy Miss was thoroughly impressed.

It must be said, the Pokémon world’s cuisine isn’t bad, and the development of food is quite advanced. However, it’s a world primarily centered around Pokémon, so the “development” of food isn’t as sophisticated as in the real world.

"Try this one, coconut jelly."

"Ooh, nice!"

"Gengar!!"

My chicken leg!

The next day.

Melemele Island, Hau'oli City.

"The sun is shining bright, Gengar!"

Mounting his bicycle, Jinghe rode leisurely away from the Pokémon Center, heading out of the city and into the countryside.

Alola truly is the least developed region in the Pokémon world, with many natural environments still incredibly well-preserved.

Just as he left Hau'oli City, he saw quite a few wild Pokémon.

The serious-faced "Turtonator" standing guard, the adorable "Comfey" dancing around flowers in groups, and the "Litten" that kept calling out to Jinghe in their baby voices.

It was a scene full of vitality.

Kukui Research Institute.

Knock, knock.

Wearing green safety goggles, a lab coat, and showing off his tanned, muscular skin, Dr. Kukui was eating instant noodles. Upon hearing the knock, he immediately put down his bowl and said loudly:

"Coming!"

Opening the door, Dr. Kukui was momentarily stunned before exclaiming joyfully:

"Jinghe! Welcome!"

"Dr. Kukui, Aloha!" Jinghe greeted with a smile.

Alola is inspired by Hawaii, and the word "Aloha" is derived from the Hawaiian language, meaning "hello", "goodbye", "I love you", and also carries connotations of "hope", "love", "peace", and "happiness."

"Aloha!" Dr. Kukui immediately gave Jinghe a big hug.

The two were old friends. They first met at the Kanaz Pokémon Academy, and they had been in touch ever since. Jinghe contacted Dr. Kukui first when he decided to come to Alola.

"Would you like something to drink? Coffee? Pineapple juice?"

Dr. Kukui stepped aside to let Jinghe in while offering.

"Pineapple juice, please", Jinghe said.

Pineapple juice is one of Alola's signature beverages, even more famous than coconut water.

"Gengar~!"

Hearing there was something to drink, Gengar immediately emerged from the shadows, raising his hand to indicate he wanted a cup too.

"Sure!"

Dr. Kukui smiled and poured two glasses of juice, placing them on the coffee table.

"Jinghe, you've been really popular lately. It's not an exaggeration to say you're a household name. The kids at the school are always talking about inviting you to give a lecture."

Jinghe didn't hesitate, taking a sip of the juice. It was tangy and sweet, with a refreshing chill, and tasted great.

He said, "Alright, alright, I get it. I'll go, okay?"

"Really?" Dr. Kukui looked delighted.

Jinghe sighed, "With Dr. Kukui, Dr. Oak, and the famous Pokémon regional morphology expert, Dr. Sam Oak, all inviting me, I can't really say no."

Dr. Kukui laughed heartily.

"That's great! I'm sure the kids will be thrilled!"

"Actually, I'm a bit curious. Why doesn't your Pokémon school have a summer break?" Jinghe asked.

Dr. Kukui sat down on the sofa opposite Jinghe.

"Our school's schedule is quite flexible. We don't have classes all day; only three to four hours a day. Continuous learning for seven or eight hours would be too stressful, so we extended the school year."

I see.

"Also, some students need to help their families, so they prefer this teaching method."

It seems the Alola Pokémon School is quite flexible and suits the residents of Alola, even though it means fewer breaks during the holidays.

"Whatever works best is the best", Jinghe said.

As long as it doesn't affect his holidays, it's fine.

Dr. Kukui nodded, feeling a bit nostalgic.

"Alola is still too underdeveloped."

Having traveled to many regions and leagues, Dr. Kukui deeply felt the backwardness of Alola.

"Jinghe, to be honest, I actually want to establish a new Alola League to promote the development of Alola."

As a native Alolan, Dr. Kukui has the capability and responsibility to establish the Alola League, aiming to improve communication and exchange with other regions, which is his greatest goal or dream.

Just as Dande hopes to promote the Galar Region, Dr. Kukui also wants more people to recognize the existence of Alola.

"The Alola League?"

Jinghe wasn't surprised by Dr. Kukui's ambition and even agreed with his ideas.

While Alola's relatively backward system hasn't led to any major issues, it has indeed become a haven for many Pokémon hunters.

"I support your idea. Establishing a league and setting new rules will not only better protect Alola but also enhance the skills of Alolan Pokémon trainers."

Moreover, if you look at the top trainers, Alola isn't that far behind.

The Island Kahuna of the four islands, though they may vary, can still be compared to the Elite Four of other regions, especially the Kalos Region.

Additionally, Dr. Kukui himself is quite strong.

In his prime, he challenged the Kanto League, defeating three of the Elite Four before losing to the champion, Lance. It's fair to say he has the strength to rival a champion.

With the help of the Island Guardian, Tapu Koko, it would be possible to rival some of the strongest Champions.

Furthermore, with the support of his close friend Mallow, the young prodigy Lillie, Sophocles, and Kiawe, it’s hard to imagine that they would be much worse off than the Kalos League.

To be honest.

It was Dr. Kukui who chose the most challenging Kanto League. If he had chosen the more laid-back Kalos League, he might have succeeded in his challenge.

Thus, at the peak of his power, Dr. Kukui, without the aid of Tapu Koko, could be considered an average Champion or perhaps even one of the Elite Four, somewhere between the two.

But this is still Alola’s strongest force.

Compared to other regions, the overall strength of Pokémon Trainers in Alola is somewhat weaker.

The current Dr. Kukui is roughly at the level of an Elite Four member, perhaps just a bit short of his peak.

But remember, he is not just a Trainer; he is also a Pokémon doctor!

A Champion and a doctor—so far, only Professor Oak has achieved this, with Dr. Brattain falling just short. This highlights Dr. Kukui’s exceptional talent.

If he had focused solely on being a Trainer, his potential might not have been limited to that of an average Champion.

"Is that so?"

Dr. Kukui seemed very invigorated by Jinghe's acknowledgment.

"I have already received the recognition of two Island Kahuna. Once I gain the approval of the other two, I plan to challenge the Kanto League to truly understand the gap between Alola and Kanto."

Jinghe thought that the biggest obstacle for Dr. Kukui in establishing the Alola League would not be the Island Kahuna, but the Aether Foundation!

The Aether Foundation is the largest "powerhouse" in Alola, reportedly owning about 50% of the region's wealth.

Its influence over Alola is comparable to the Malcom Group's influence over the Galar Region.

Without the support of the Aether Foundation, Dr. Kukui's establishment of the Alola League would likely face significant challenges.

However, he didn’t want to dampen Dr. Kukui’s spirits. He believed Dr. Kukui understood the situation and simply smiled.

"Why not choose the Kalos League?"

Dr. Kukui looked very confident.

"Kanto League is said to be the strongest. If I’m going to challenge, I might as well challenge the best to truly understand the gap."

The strongest league, huh?

Jinghe pondered for a moment and said softly,

"That might not be the case for much longer."

"Huh?" Dr. Kukui didn’t quite hear him.

"Never mind." Jinghe smiled and shook his head.

He was about to challenge the Hoenn League’s Champion Road. If successful, there would be Primo and Micel in the future.

If they all reached their peaks,

There would be at least three beings on par with Champions!

With the Kanto League’s Champion still uncertain, it’s hard to say which league is stronger between Kanto and Hoenn.

Of course,

If Red and Green’s generation were to rise to power, the situation would be different.

"I was thinking", Jinghe paused, "Dr. Kukui, is there any way I can meet the Island Guardian of Melemele Island, Tapu Koko?"

"Tapu Koko? You want to meet it?" Dr. Kukui was taken aback.

"Yes. There are some things I want to ask Tapu Koko."

"Ah",

Dr. Kukui nodded thoughtfully.

"You might not know, but although Tapu Koko is a Guardian, it doesn’t appear often. In fact, very few people have ever seen it."

"However",

After a moment’s thought, he continued,

"I’ll see what I can do. It should be possible."

"Thank you."

With Ash not around, Dr. Kukui was undoubtedly the best choice to meet the Island Guardian.

Jinghe really didn’t want to resort to violent means to "invite" the Island Guardian, as that would harm both people and the natural balance.

"Sure."

The two continued chatting for a while.

"By the way, Jinghe, let me take you to the school. You can meet everyone, especially the kids who have been looking forward to your arrival", Dr. Kukui suggested.

"Sounds good."

So, Jinghe got into Dr. Kukui’s jeep and headed to the Pokémon School in Hau'oli City.

Compared to the towering buildings of Kanaz Pokémon Academy, the advanced technology of Berry Academy, and the long history of Orange Academy, the Alola Pokémon School seemed rather modest.

It had only one classroom building, one faculty office, a cafeteria, and a playground.

A small river ran through the campus, and the surrounding greenery was quite pleasant.

When Jinghe and Dr. Kukui arrived, several students were playing with their Pokémon on the playground, filled with sunshine and laughter.

Though the facilities were somewhat basic, it was clear that the students were very happy.

Dr. Kukui led Jinghe to meet the principal while introducing the school.

"The current enrollment isn’t ideal, with only four to six students per grade. Most of the older students, after completing their basic courses, are self-studying. The school mainly focuses on teaching the basics to the younger students."

Four to six students per grade?

"Teachers?" Jinghe asked.

"Ah, mainly the principal, Samson Oak, and myself", Dr. Kukui coughed lightly, looking a bit embarrassed.

Jinghe didn’t seem bothered by this and even nodded in agreement.

"The faculty is truly outstanding."

This isn't sarcasm, but a heartfelt observation.

Though there are only two teachers.

Yet, consider the identities of these two teachers.

One is a renowned authority in Pokémon studies, a cousin of Professor Oak, Professor Sycamore, who holds a doctorate in Pokémon regional forms!

The other is a doctor in Pokémon move studies, and also a top-tier trainer with the potential to rival the Champion, currently at the level of an Elite Four!

Though the number of teachers is small, the average quality of the faculty is unparalleled in the entire Pokémon world.

As for the student resources,

Take Ash's class, for example.

Including Ash and Lily, who serves as Professor Kukui's assistant, the other four students are all destined to become Captains!

And being a Captain doesn't necessarily mean that's their limit.

In Alola, a Captain is, in a sense, equivalent to a Gym Leader in other regions.

Add to that, Ash becoming the Champion, and Lily being the heiress of the Aether Foundation.

A single classroom in this school will simultaneously house a Champion, four Gym Leaders, and the heiress of a foundation that controls half of Alola's wealth.

This isn't just any ordinary Pokémon school; it's the elite academy of Alola!

A small but elite faculty and student body.

If we push the timeline forward by a few decades, this school will likely become the "West Point" of Alola, the bedrock of the future Alola League!

The prestige of this school might even rival that of the Kanto Pokémon Academy.

"Alola~"

"Alola!"

Along the way, many greetings were heard.

Upon entering the campus, Professor Kukui spotted a girl in a white dress, with golden waterfall-like hair and a wide white sun hat. He immediately waved to her.

She hesitated for a moment before running over.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed, whether from the run or from seeing the strangers with Professor Kukui, it was hard to tell.

"A-Alola", the girl clasped her hands, looking very shy.

Professor Kukui introduced her with a smile:

"This is the assistant I told you about, her name is Lily. I'm sure you know her, the famous Professor Jinghe."

Under the wide white sun hat, Lily's light green eyes quickly scanned Jinghe's face, her surprise evident, but she quickly lowered her head, shyly saying:

"J-Jinghe, I-I'm Lily."

"Hello, Lily", Jinghe greeted with a gentle smile.

Lily is a key character in the Pokémon Sun and Moon storyline.

As is well known, Serena belongs to Ash, and Lily belongs to everyone (crossed out).

Cough, Lily is one of the main characters in the Pokémon Sun and Moon anime, very popular, and a character who has grown and changed significantly, earning the affection of many fans.

The current Lily, due to a UB incident in her childhood, is still in the stage of fearing Pokémon, and her relationship with her mother, the president of the Aether Foundation, Lusamine, is also quite strained.

"Gengar!"

Gengue, Male floated out from the shadows behind Jinghe, grinning and greeting Lily.

!!

At the sight of Gengue, Male, Lily immediately stiffened, her body trembling, unable to speak.

Jinghe pressed Gengue's head and pushed it back, apologizing:

"Sorry, Gengue didn't mean to scare you. He's just a bit mischievous."

It took Lily a while to calm down.

Professor Kukui sighed lightly, not immediately explaining but arranging:

"Lily, Professor Jinghe will be teaching at our school for a while. You'll assist him during this period."

Though Lily is very afraid of Pokémon, she performs exceptionally well as an assistant, thanks to her excellent upbringing.

"Really?"

Lily instinctively looked up, her eyes sparkling with surprise.

She then realized her lapse and quickly lowered her head, whispering:

"Y-Yes, I understand."

"Then, Lily, please take care of me", Jinghe smiled.

Having an assistant, especially one who is the heiress of the Aether Foundation, will undoubtedly make many things easier.

"Y-Yes!"

"By the way, are the others here? Let Mallow and Mallow come out; they've been looking forward to seeing Professor Jinghe."

"They don't have classes this morning", Lily explained softly, then quickly added, "I'll go call them!"

With that, she ran off to gather her friends.

"Let's go, Jinghe. It seems they're not around for now; let's go meet Principal Sycamore."

The two headed to the principal's office.

They pushed open the door.

There, an elderly man in a floral shirt was snoring loudly, drool forming bubbles that grew and shrank.

Professor Kukui approached helplessly and gently popped the drool bubble.

Sycamore immediately jumped up from his chair.

"Ha ha! I'm Sycamore, the one hugging a Bounsweet!"

As he spoke, the Alolan form of Professor Sycamore, Oak's cousin, transformed into a Bounsweet, quite convincingly.

Jinghe: "."

Kukui: "."

Gengue, Male, seeing this, immediately sprang out, rubbed his head, and transformed into a Bounsweet as well.

"Gengar~"

Sycamore was "horrified", feeling he had met his match, and was about to transform again when Professor Kukui quickly stopped him.

"Principal, Jinghe, Male has arrived."

Satoshi Oak, the man known as "the man with a thousand Pokémon faces", finally noticed Jinghe, Male's presence.

"Jinghe, Male has finally arrived? Great!"

Satoshi Oak had intended to continue his cosplay performance, but fortunately, Dr. Kukui was there to quickly introduce them and finalize the teaching schedule.

After all, there weren't many classes or students, so the arrangement was quite flexible.

As long as Jinghe, Male was available and it was daytime, they could start at any time!

On the other hand, Gengue, Male was both wary and curious about Satoshi Oak, the "Alolan form of Dr. Oak." As he left, he couldn't help but glance back at Principal Oak several times.

At the Alola Pokémon School, near the school's Tauros ranch.

A dark-skinned boy in red shorts was riding a majestic Charizard, slowly descending. After unloading bundles of hay from Charizard's back, he used a pitchfork to toss the hay into the ranch, while tapping on the fence.

"Dinner time! Dinner time!"

"Moo~ Moo~"

The Tauros, hearing the commotion, rushed over.

"Don't push! Don't push! One by one, everyone will get something to eat!" the boy called out.

"Kiawe!"

At that moment, Lillie, wearing a sun hat, ran over.

"Lillie?" Kiawe looked at her with a puzzled expression.

Lillie panted, "Jinghe, Male, the teacher, has arrived. Dr. Kukui wants us to gather on the playground."

"Jinghe, Male?"

Kiawe was taken aback, and then his eyes seemed to ignite with flames, "Is it the Jinghe, Male who punches Mythical Pokémon, kicks Phantom Pokémon, and shatters the Time and Space Dragons with a single blow?"

"Ah? Ah, it should be him."

Kiawe immediately dropped the pitchfork and climbed back onto Charizard.

"Charizard, let's go! We're going to challenge Jinghe, Male!"

Lillie called out from below:

"Before we gather, go tell Mallow first."

"Got it!"

Kiawe's voice echoed from a distance.

By the school, at the seaside fishing area.

Mallow, with her blue short hair, sat on a rock, her eyes fixed on the calm sea, looking particularly focused.

"Today is calm, so I won't fish for Groudon. My target is Lugia!" Mallow whispered to herself, her tone resolute.

"Mallow! Mallow!"

Lillie stood on the shore, hands on her knees, shouting:

"Jinghe, Male, the teacher, has come to the school. Dr. Kukui wants us to gather on the playground!"

"Jinghe, Male?"

Hearing Lillie's words, Mallow was stunned. She immediately stood up, leaving the Seaking on the hook and picking up her bucket.

Jinghe, Male was the one who had defeated Groudon and ridden Lugia!

She had to ask him how he "conquered" these Pokémon.

Lillie quickly added:

"We should go to the cafeteria first and tell Mallow."

"Right, Mallow!"

The usually calm Mallow couldn't help but show some excitement.

On the playground of the Pokémon School.

Jinghe, Male and Dr. Kukui had already arrived.

Dr. Kukui, who was deep in thought, suddenly said:

"I've got it!"

"What?"

"I know how to make you meet Tapu Koko!"

"Huh?"

"Tapu Koko is very curious, especially about battles and Pokémon it hasn't seen before. The more powerful the clash, the more likely it is to attract Tapu Koko", Dr. Kukui explained.

A battle?

Jinghe, Male rubbed his chin, starting to understand.

Dr. Kukui wanted to battle him?

If it was to meet Tapu Koko, it wasn't out of the question.

Noticing Jinghe, Male's gaze, Dr. Kukui realized the misunderstanding and laughed:

"Not with me."

"At least, not right now."

Of course, he also wanted to battle Jinghe, Male, but for him, establishing the Alola League was the most important thing right now. For that, he could suppress his battle instincts.

"Then..."

"With my master, the Island Kahuna of Melemele Island, Hala!"

Island Kahuna?

Dr. Kukui explained:

"Jinghe, Male, you might not know, but the Island Guardians and the Island Kahuna have a close relationship. The Island Kahuna receives more attention from the Guardians, so if you battle the Island Kahuna..."

It would definitely be more likely to attract Tapu Koko than battling anyone else.

Jinghe, Male understood Dr. Kukui's point and nodded in agreement.

"Will Kahuna Hala agree?"

"He will!"

Dr. Kukui was very confident, "My master has always had a twenty-year-old heart when it comes to Pokémon battles!"

It was worth noting that the Island Kahuna and the Island Guardians of Alola shared many similar traits.

Despite his age, Hala was always passionate about battles and curious about new things. He was the first Island Kahuna to support Dr. Kukui in creating the Alola League.

After a moment of thought, Jinghe, Male nodded in agreement with Dr. Kukui's suggestion.

If he could meet Tapu Koko, the other three Island Guardians would be easier to handle.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end