Melemele Island, Pokémon School.
When Silas and his family arrived on riding Pokémon, quite a number of people were already gathered at the school gate, waiting.
To the local people of Alola, the Melemele Emerald Team and the Akala Crimson Team represented the honor of two different islands. Both sides even had their own support groups backing them.
Some people had painted themselves to look like Passimian, with special patterns drawn on their arms and faces.
As Silas arrived, he immediately noticed Professor Kukui and Principal Samson maintaining order at the school entrance.
Asking his mom and Serena to wait for a moment, Silas walked forward to greet them.
"Alola!"
Hearing his voice, Principal Samson turned his head. "Alola~ (Alolan Exeggutor expression)! The 'Noivern' from Zygarde."
"Alola~ Silas," Professor Kukui greeted cheerfully as well.
From the two of them, Silas learned that there was another reason why so many people had come today—the Island Kahuna.
In the Alola region, an Island Kahuna was equivalent to an Elite Four member in other regions, with even greater authority.
They were not only responsible for humans, but also for mediating conflicts and disputes among Pokémon on their island.
Just like this time—if the conflict between the two Passimian tribes were left to develop unchecked, it would cause considerable damage to the island's ecosystem.
That was why today's Passimian match had come about.
Through a rugby-style competition, their territories would be redefined.
After understanding the situation, Silas explained his request.
Principal Samson readily agreed and called Ilima over to lead Silas's family into the school first.
Compared to the previous days, the school was much livelier today, especially when they arrived at the plaza in front of the teaching building.
The vast open space had been transformed into a rugby field, with students filling the surroundings.
It was Serena's first time at the Pokémon School, and she was extremely curious.
So many Pokémon she had never seen before—some cute, some cool—made her eyes spin.
Eventually, Serena's gaze was drawn to one particular Pokémon.
Pointing toward it, she tugged on Silas's sleeve. "Big brother, what Pokémon is that?"
Following the direction of her finger, Silas saw a Pokémon in the crowd that stood out conspicuously.
It had mismatched forelegs and hind legs, a beast-like body, and a fish-like tail—it looked like a Pokémon that had been artificially created.
On its head was a strange device used to restrain its power, obscuring its true appearance.
'Type: Null… so it's already been created?' Silas thought to himself.
The existence of Type: Null didn't surprise him.
After all, long ago the League had already created artificial Pokémon such as Porygon.
Even in the distant ancient past, humans had been creating Pokémon.
It was said that about five hundred years ago, a genius scientist used unknown means to create a mechanical lifeform.
As time passed, that artificial Pokémon eventually disappeared.
What truly caught Silas's attention, however, was not Type: Null itself, but the young man standing beside it.
Dressed in black, with yellow hair and a cold expression, he had a girl in a white dress following closely behind him.
When their gazes met, both saw a reflection of themselves in the other.
Heh~ a hardcore sis-con!
Placing his hand on Serena's head, Silas explained, "That's an artificial Pokémon created by the Aether Foundation. Its name is Type: Null."
"Huh?" Serena exclaimed, blinking hard in curiosity.
An artificial Pokémon! That was super rare!
"That person seems to be Gladion. I didn't expect him to have captured an artificial Pokémon," Ilima added, then led them over to make introductions.
"Alola~ Gladion, long time no see."
"Alola," Gladion replied coolly, his attention settling on Silas.
Meanwhile, the girl hiding behind him glanced nervously at Morpeko, Minccino, and Phione perched on Silas's head and shoulders, softly greeting them.
"Alola...!?"
"Alola! You can call me Serena. This is my big brother Silas, this is my mom Grace, this one is Minccino, and this one is…"
Having learned Alola's unique greeting style, Serena enthusiastically introduced everyone.
The three little Pokémon—Minccino, Morpeko, and Phione waved their tiny hands.
"Ah!" The girl in the white dress shuddered and quickly avoided eye contact, hiding behind Gladion again.
Gladion gently reassured her and apologized. "I'm very sorry. Lillie is afraid of being touched by Pokémon."
"That's not true," the girl peeked out, puffing her cheeks as she retorted weakly. "I… I just wasn't prepared."
"Min?"
Minccino approached and blinked at Lillie.
In the next instant, Lillie froze completely, as if turned to stone.
It wasn't until Serena picked Minccino up that she finally recovered.
Lowering her voice in frustration, she said, "I guess… I still can't overcome it."
"Don't be discouraged, Lillie. I'll always be with you, and Null will protect you too," Gladion said softly.
Beside him, the silent Type: Null echoed, "Null~"
After taking Minccino back from Serena's arms, Serena walked over to Lillie.
The two cute girls hid off to the side, whispering to each other. From time to time, they stole glances at Silas and Gladion, covering their mouths as they giggled, the earlier awkwardness completely dissipating.
Sitting atop Silas's head and teasing Phione with its fluffy tail, Minccino suddenly felt that familiar gaze again.
This time, it tugged at Silas's hair. "Min! Min!"
Signaling Minccino to loosen its grip—if it kept pulling like that, he'd go bald sooner or later—Silas then asked about it.
"You're saying that ever since we arrived on Melemele Island, you've felt like we're being watched?"
"Min Min Min!"
(Yes, Silas. At first I thought it was just my imagination, but even after three days, the feeling of being watched hasn't gone away.)
"Hmm," Silas scratched his chin and reassured it. "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, everything will be fine."
While they were talking, noisy sounds came from the school entrance.
Looking over, they saw two Island Kahunas, one male, one female—walking at the front.
On the left, leading the Melemele Emerald Team, was the Island Kahuna of Melemele Island, Mr. Hala, who specialized in Fighting-type Pokémon.
On the right, leading the Akala Crimson Team, was the Island Queen from Akala Island, Lady Olivia, who excelled in Rock-type Pokémon.
Behind them, the two Passimian glared fiercely at each other.
If looks could kill, they would have died hundreds of times over already.
The two Island Kahunas exchanged glances and smiled helplessly.
Being an Island Kahuna was far from an easy job.
Every day, they had endless work mediating conflicts between humans and humans, humans and Pokémon, and Pokémon and Pokémon.
Today was just another ordinary day in their routine duties.
As the two Passimian teams entered the field, no instructions were needed—they automatically took their positions.
Every Passimian's eyes burned with fierce determination. For the sake of their tribe's survival and prosperity, they would give everything to achieve final victory.
As the referee waved the two flags, the rugby match with territory as the stake—officially began!
"It's starting, it's starting! Lillie, look!" Serena shouted excitedly, her cheeks flushed red.
Passimian were Pokémon extremely skilled in throwing and teamwork, making their matches highly entertaining.
The competition was intense, and Silas along with the surrounding students and spectators—was completely absorbed.
Minccino watched curiously as well, but at a certain moment, its large ears trembled uncontrollably.
Startled, it hurriedly tugged at Silas's hair once more.
(End of Chapter)