After gradually mastering the Anywhere Door's quirks, Aiden's next few days passed with remarkable fulfillment.
But on June 5th—a morning call from an unknown number startled the early-rising Aiden.
Caller ID: Professor Kukui.
For a moment, he wondered if he'd overslept.
But after ruffling Sylveon's fur—and feeling its indignant swat—he confirmed reality remained intact.
Why would Alola's Professor Kukui suddenly call me?
Though curious, courtesy demanded he answer.
The Rotom Phone projected an azure light—forming a holographic screen with Kukui's likeness.
Beneath a loosely worn white lab coat, sun-kissed skin and powerfully sculpted muscles gleamed—making Aiden nod in approval.
This Alolan professor—owner of the "the Masked Royal" wrestling alias, passionate about moves since youth—dressed nothing like a typical Pokémon Professors.
Across the entire Pokémon world, no other Professor focused so intensely on physical cultivation.
"Nice to meet you, Gym Leader Aiden!"
Kukui's hologram beamed, waving energetically.
"Alola, Professor Kukui."
Aiden reciprocated the greeting.
Alola's prototype was Hawaii. "Alola" served as both region name and universal greeting—derived from real-world "Aloha."
Aiden adapted accordingly.
Kukui seemed pleasantly surprised.
"Had Gym Leader Aiden visited Alola before?"
"No. While researching regional mythologies, I also learned local customs."
Aiden shook his head—casually fabricating.
Don't underestimate my intel network.jpg
He'd never visited Alola… though he had once roleplayed as a legendary protagonist and casually saved the world.
"I see."
Kukui swiftly pivoted to his purpose:
"Gym Leader Aiden—as the last Type Master Tournament champion… would you consider joining next week's Ice-type Master Tournament in Alola?"
Aiden's eyebrow lifted instinctively.
A random Professor calling out of the blue? There's obviously an agenda.
But… attribute tournament related?
"Unfortunately I'm not currently planning to."
Aiden declined without hesitation.
"I haven't caught any Ice-types so I don't meet participation requirements."
He'd heard rumors of the next Attribute Master Tournament from Chairwoman Geeta—who'd subtly hinted he "recreate glory" and win another cup for Paldea.
But he genuinely lacked eligibility—
Even counting Lucario's beloved "signature weapon" Sword of Ruin… he was still one short. Should he slap an Ice-type mask on Ogerpon?
Mask craftsmanship was likely lost to time—highly improbable.
"I see—"
Kukui's hologram nodded. His expression suggested Aiden's reply wasn't unexpected.
Perhaps this was his desired outcome all along?
Quickly, Kukui extended another invitation:
"Then… would Teacher Azure consider doing guest commentary?"
"I believe Teacher Azure's presence would significantly boost this tournament's popularity."
?
Aiden blinked—slowly typing a mental question mark on his forehead.
So Professor Kukui's been waiting for this setup all along?
He suddenly recalled a common chat copypasta from his streams:
"[_]'s really leveling up [_] now riding our Teacher Azure's hype!"
Still… Kukui's proposal held merit.
With the Victory Road approaching, Aiden actually had free time. Guest commentary would give him purpose.
Otherwise—he'd struggle to decide what to stream.
And—though self-praise felt awkward—he was last tournament's dominant champion. Doing some commentary? He was more than qualified.
Banned from competing due to overwhelming strength—promoted straight to the judge's seat!
Most crucially—he genuinely needed to visit Alola.
Previously, he'd obtained a special Z-Crystal base from the system. If luck favored him in Alola… encountering the Island Guardians might let him handcraft a Sylveon Z-Crystal——
Lucario now had its "Sword Hero" form. Sylveon needed to strive (cheat) to keep up!
"Sure."
After brief consideration, Aiden agreed.
"Wonderful! On behalf of Alola—I welcome your visit, Teacher Azure!"
Kukui's delight was palpable. Aiden guessed why.
As a newly joined League region, Alola historically lacked global recognition—it was known mainly as a winter vacation spot. But beyond that? A complete blank slate.
For any region—this was fatal. It directly impacted local development.
Even Galar and Kalos—with mature battle industries and distinct cultures—constantly sought ways to boost international influence.
As for Alola—
Let's put it this way: Professor Kukui—the dual-role Champion/Professor who single-handedly built Alola's League—had less online popularity than Aiden's leftover scraps.
Over the past year, Alola experienced two explosive popularity surges.
First—when Aiden used the Alolan starter Incineroar in-stream, introducing this obscure island region to trainers worldwide.
Second—when he dominated with Alolan Ninetales and Hail teams, sweeping the internet again.
Though slightly unseemly… both viral moments undeniably centered on "Teacher Azure."
Thus Aiden imagined Kukui's conflicted psyche:
A whole, legitimate region… relying on another region's Gym Leader for hype? Feels like a helpless XX!
"So… when will Teacher Azure arrive?"
Kukui—unaware of Aiden's thoughts—remained immersed in "Teacher Azure's coming to commentate!" joy. His smile radiated warmth:
"If you reach Melemele Island by the day after tomorrow… you might catch the local Grand Trial Festival!"
"Sure. I could actually come right now."
Aiden initially planned direct Anywhere Door teleportation—but reconsidered.
This thing's too broken. Better keep it low-key.
After all—Arceus-crafted black tech. Unreplicable by conventional science. What if it drove Pokémon-world scientists insane?——
So he added:
"Maybe a few hours. I'll contact you upon arriving in Melemele Island."
"Perfect."
Thus—Aiden and Kukui reached consensus.
After brief pleasantries, the hologram dissolved—call ended.
"Alola, huh——"
Aiden lay on his bed—then messaged Chairwoman Geeta:
[Aiden: Chairwoman Geeta, Professor Kukui invited me to Alola as Ice-type Master Tournament judge.]
Just returned from Sinnoh… now I'm off to Alola as a commentator.
But this time—he had perfectly valid reasons!
Who said only competitors drive popularity?
As the most battle-capable commentator—and most articulate battler—this ultra-popular streamer needs only to sit at the commentary desk to become the arena's star!
Predictably, Chairwoman Geeta replied swiftly:
[Geeta: Excellent! I trust your capabilities, Aiden.]
[Geeta: Also—enjoy your vacation!]
With Chairwoman Geeta's approval secured, Aiden exhaled in relief.
Simultaneously—he mentally awarded himself a thumbs-up.
Two vacations under one month—each half a month long—
In Paldea… only I could pull this off, right?
If Larry heard this—he'd scream "Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
—
A Couple of Hours Later
Alola Region, Melemele Island
Deep within the silent tropical rainforest—a pink wooden door (utterly alien to surroundings) swung open.
Aiden emerged—vacation-ready, sunglasses perched—inhaling deeply.
Warm sea breeze carried distinct oceanic scent. The heat prompted immediate grumbling:
"Should've come in winter—Alola's summer is brutal."
But quickly—his expression reignited with vigor.
"Since I'm here… might as well enjoy it!"
His gaze swept the horizon.
Alola comprised four major islands. His destination: Melemele Island in the northwest.
Home to Hau'oli City and golden surfing beaches—it served as most tourists' first stop in Alola.
Even nearing summer—distant beaches teemed with visitors.
Aiden closed his eyes—retrieving the Anywhere Door via system.
A practical trick discovered during research: preventing accidental entry by others/Pokémon during his absence.
In a sense—this Arceus-linked system in his mind had fully transformed into Doraemon's 4D pocket—
Though eager to vacation… he'd contacted Kukui earlier. Paying his respects first was proper.
Thus—Aiden bypassed distant beaches—heading downhill per memory.
As a former Sun/Moon protagonist—he recalled Melemele's layout well.
Uphill led to Iki Town and the Ruins of Conflict. Downhill—human settlements of Hau'oli City.
South of Hau'oli City stood the region's two most important structures:
The Pokémon School—and Professor Kukui's lab.
Descending along the path, Aiden spotted numerous wild Pokémon.
Yungoos ignoring him completely—chasing Rattata relentlessly; Grubbin buried in burrows—awaiting prey's approach.
Alolans revered nature—achieving true harmony with wild Pokémon. Even in modernity—this persisted.
Thus, only here did human society and wild Pokémon coexist without barriers. Cities retained protected habitats for Pokémon survival.
Gradually, the local Pokémon grew accustomed to humans. Some even approached proactively.
Beyond this—Aiden occasionally spotted flying Pokémon soaring overhead… with humans riding their backs, waving downward.
Alolans championed coexistence with Pokémon. Mount riding was commonplace.
On other islands—one might even encounter Machamp, Mudsdale, or Sharpedo—
This was the region's specialty
Embracing Alola's ethos, Aiden soon reached the foothills—where forest met distant beaches.
Here—the path became intimately familiar.
Following memory—he arrived at his destination: Professor Kukui's Lab.
Having contacted Kukui earlier—the lab door stood open.
But before entering—Aiden scanned surroundings—spotting a nearby building.
That should be Lillie's house?
The Alolan legendary heroine—who single-handedly defeated the Rainbow Rockets and the radiant deity Necrozma—piqued Aiden's interest.
But she likely hadn't relocated to Alola yet.
After a glance—he dismissed the thought. Knocked—and entered.
Immediately—he noticed Kukui chatting with a young girl.
The girl? He recognized her at a glance—
One of Alola's designated "adorable girls": the golden-haired, wealthy heiress Lillie!
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