After sending off the students, their faces thoughtful, Lucas breathed a sigh of relief.
He checked the time—class ended right on schedule. No overtime, success!
Clap, clap, clap, clap!
Kukui approached, clapping in admiration. "Lucas, you really care about your students. Many lessons that can only be learned through hardship, you teach them in advance."
"That was a great class—even I learned a lot."
Kukui felt he might use Lucas' teaching philosophy himself someday.
Lucas chuckled, "I'm getting paid, so I have to teach something worthwhile while they're still young."
Kukui nodded, "By the way, Naranja Academy has one of the world's largest libraries, right? Can I tour it too?"
"Of course."
A voice came from behind them.
Kukui looked curiously at the newcomer, while Lucas' eye twitched.
Geeta is serious about this!
Lucas scratched his head and muttered, "Chairwoman, you're really in a hurry, huh?"
Geeta smiled serenely, "To recruit talented trainers, I'll make time for Paldea's future, no matter how busy I am."
Kukui looked at both of them, confused. "Uh, Lucas, who is this beautiful lady?"
Before Lucas could answer, Geeta placed her gloved right hand on her chest and introduced herself, "Hello, Kukui from Alola. I am Geeta, Chairwoman of the Paldea Pokémon League, Top Champion, and Chairwoman of this Naranja Academy."
"!!!!"
Kukui's eyes widened—those titles were no joke. He looked to Lucas for confirmation.
Lucas nodded. "You can think of Chairwoman Geeta as the strongest and highest authority in Paldea."
Geeta covered her mouth and laughed, "No need to flatter me, Lucas. You passed my championship test, beating all four Paldea Elite Four and me in a full six-on-six battle. You're a Champion-level Trainer yourself."
Champion!!
Kukui was even more shocked. He had suspected Lucas was no ordinary trainer but didn't expect him to be a Champion.
Lucas muttered, "You weren't even using your full strength..."
Geeta had good hearing and caught it, feigning innocence, "Hehe, I always go all out in battles! I never hold back in Pokémon battles."
"Is that why you keep Glimmora at the end of your lineup?"
Kukui looked back and forth between them, feeling that they were more like bickering friends than superior and subordinate.
As expected, Paldea was as harmonious and friendly as Alola, with kind and approachable leaders.
After some small talk, Geeta cleared her throat, realizing she'd gone off topic. She addressed Kukui. "Back to business—I'll be direct. Kukui, I have a proposal. May I say a few words?"
Kukui, steady even in the spotlight of the Battle Royal Dome, nodded. "Go ahead, Chairwoman Geeta."
"I heard about you from Lucas. Alola is a beautiful and prosperous tropical region, isn't it?"
Geeta's narrowed eyes were as enchanting and dangerous as Glimmora in bloom. Kukui was momentarily entranced.
Lucas, knowing her intentions, thought to himself, "She's like a Glimmora luring prey—what a scary woman."
For some reason, Kukui felt a little nervous and nodded stiffly.
Seeing this, Geeta unfurled her petals and lured her prey, "As a trainer, have you ever thought of staying somewhere to further your studies?"
"For example, here in Paldea, with its rich nature and powerful wild Pokémon. Trainers here, like Lucas, have real strength. While we may not have the high-pressure, talent-filled environment of Galar, I think Paldea is a better place to grow."
"In short, Kukui, would you like to join the Paldea League and let your talents as a trainer truly shine?"
Her words were full of temptation, and Kukui, reminded of his recent defeat, was almost swayed.
Lucas stood by, arms crossed, silent. The choice was Kukui's alone.
After a long pause, just as Geeta smiled in victory, Kukui said firmly, "Thank you for your invitation, Chairwoman Geeta... but I must decline."
Geeta was stunned.
"For me, right now, there's something more important than being a trainer. I want to make my homeland better, spread the love of Pokémon battles in Alola, and establish a Pokémon League just for Alola!"
"So, I'm sorry, but I can't accept."
Kukui's eyes were resolute, his voice strong—his resolve long since set.
Geeta was silent for a moment, then shook her head helplessly, "I really am no good at recruiting talent."
"Well, Kukui, your honest answer leaves me nothing to refute. You love your home as much as I do. If I were invited by another League, I'd make the same choice."
"I sincerely wish you the best in achieving your dreams."
With that, Geeta smiled and prepared to leave.
"Please wait," Kukui suddenly called. "Though it may be shameless to ask now... Chairwoman Geeta, could you have a Pokémon battle with me?"
"To be honest, after failing against Kanto's Elite Four, I traveled alone for a long time. Before returning to Alola, I want to test what I've gained."
Geeta stopped and smiled, "I'm afraid I can't—I rushed out and didn't bring any Pokémon for battling."
"I understand..." Kukui lowered his head in disappointment.
"But..." Geeta's tone brightened as she looked at Lucas, who felt a chill run down his spine. "Though I can't battle, there's a Champion-level trainer here who defeated me. Kukui, would you like to battle Lucas, with me as the referee?"