Island Kahuna Nanu

"You're looking for Nanu?"

Master Victor pondered for a moment and said, "It's not easy to find someone on Mount Lanakila, but I probably know where Nanu is."

Terrance was taken aback and looked at Master Victor. Did he know Ula'ula Island's kahuna?

"I can take you there," Master Victor said.

"Really?" Soliera was overjoyed but hesitated and asked, "It won't delay what you're doing, will it?"

She glanced at Terrance and Master Victor and was puzzled to see that they had even set up a tent here.

"It's no problem," Terrance shook his head. The Pokémon Egg wouldn't hatch anytime soon—there would be signs beforehand when it was about to hatch.

"Then… thank you very much," Soliera said gratefully.

…

In a cave somewhere on Mount Lanakila, an elderly man with grayish-brown hair wearing an old police uniform seemed to be searching for something.

Beside him was a Persian with pale gray fur and a chubby face, its two teeth exposed as it bared its fangs, trying to scare away the Sneasel blocking their path.

"Forget it, there's still no change here. Let's check the next place."

The elderly man spoke calmly. Persian gave Sneasel a disdainful glance, let out a fierce growl while slamming its sharp claws onto the ground, and then slowly retreated to the elderly man's side.

One man and one Pokémon walked out of the cave and looked up to see three people heading in their direction.

"Meow!" Persian was about to go investigate but was stopped by the elderly man.

"Victor? What's he doing here?"

Terrance's group also noticed the elderly man, and the first to recognize him was Master Victor. He chuckled and said, "Nanu, as expected, you're here again. You've been retired for so many years but still haven't given up on your research on Ultra Wormholes?"

"Ultra Wormhole?" Terrance was startled and carefully observed the man. So, he was Kahuna Nanu?

Terrance had already learned from Master Victor what an Ultra Wormhole was. He also understood the devastating ecological impact Ultra Beasts could have if they crossed over from Ultra Space through the unstable Ultra Wormholes that connected it to the Pokémon world. However, this still felt distant to Terrance. After all, he hadn't even fully understood the native Pokémon yet, let alone the overwhelming information about Ultra Beasts.

"Master Victor, what brings you here?"

"This young lady is looking for you, and I happened to guess you'd be here, so I brought her along. Looks like my guess was right." Victor laughed heartily.

Nanu's expression remained serious. Coupled with the old police uniform he was wearing, Terrance couldn't help but think—this was clearly a man with a story.

"Um… I'm Soliera, from Cerulean City in Kanto. I'd like to participate in the Island Challenge. Besides finding a Sparkling Stone, is there another way?" Soliera asked nervously.

She didn't know what a Sparkling Stone was or where to find one. If having a Sparkling Stone was the only way to participate in the Island Challenge, then she was out of options.

"Kanto?"

"No Sparkling Stone?" Nanu's expression didn't change as he looked at Soliera. "No, there's not."

"…" Soliera despaired.

"But since you were brought here by Master Victor, I'll give you a chance," Nanu said.

"If you can pass my test, I'll grant you an Island Challenge Amulet."

"Really?" Soliera, who had been in despair, suddenly perked up.

"Since you're a Trainer from Kanto, you've probably collected Gym Badges, right? Let's have a battle. If you win, you'll earn the right to participate in the Island Challenge."

"A battle? No problem," Soliera replied.

Terrance and Master Victor watched their exchange, both skeptical of Soliera's chances. After all, Nanu was an Island Kahuna—someone with exceptional strength. Ordinary Trainers stood no chance against him.

However, this seemed to be Soliera's only opportunity.

"And who's this?" Nanu had already noticed Terrance, who was standing beside Master Victor, and asked.

"Hello, I'm Terrance, from Fallarbor Town in Hoenn," Terrance said. "I'm currently studying under Master Victor."

A Breeder?

Nanu discreetly observed Terrance. If he was studying under Master Victor, he must be a talented rookie in the field of breeding.

"How about this, Terrance? You can act as the referee for their battle," Master Victor suggested.

"Sure," Terrance nodded.

On one side was Alola Region's Island Kahuna, a Trainer with the highest reputation in the region. On the other was a Trainer from the Kanto Region who had participated in the League Conference. Terrance was quite interested in their battle.

However, most of his interest lay in whether Nanu would use a Z-Move.

"The battle will be one-on-one." After consulting with both of them, the rule was set: the match would be decided by a single round.

"However, Z-Moves are said to consume a lot of stamina. For most Trainers, using once in a single battle is already the limit. Thinking about it this way, the chances of seeing a Z-Move are pretty low—unless Soliera can force kahuna to go all out."

Terrance thought to himself. Although he wasn't sure how strong the Kahunas of the Alola region were, being recognized with the honor of "Island Kahuna" meant their strength was definitely not to be underestimated.

The group arrived at an open area. Soliera and Nanu each took their positions on opposite sides, while Terrance stood in the center and announced the start of the battle.

Soon after, both of them sent out their Pokémon. Nanu straightforwardly sent in the Alolan Persian that had been standing beside him, while Soliera, after a moment of thought, sent out a Blastoise.

"Looks like it's been well-trained," Terrance remarked, observing the Blastoise.

"Blas~toise~!"

The battle began. Soliera made the first move, ordering Blastoise to use Hydro Pump. The massive jet of water roared toward Persian, who remained seemingly relaxed.

"Underestimating Blastoise, huh?" Soliera fumed at Persian's casual demeanor.

"Persian, use Slash!"

From Terrance's knowledge of Alolan Persian that he had just recently learned, he knew this Pokémon is violent and prefers underhanded tactics such as surprise attacks and night attacks. Seeing Nanu command Persian to openly confront the Hydro Pump surprised him.

Swish!

With a flash of sharp claws, Persian leaped into the air, slashing directly at the incoming Hydro Pump. Its speed was so fast that even Terrance was inwardly surprised—it could have easily dodged the Hydro Pump completely. However, the power of Persian's Slash was equally terrifying. Under the disbelieving gazes of Soliera and Blastoise, the Hydro Pump was split cleanly in two by the claw strike!

"The battle is over," Nanu's voice rang out.

Terrance kept his eyes on Persian's movements. Its speed was exceptional. After slashing the Hydro Pump, Persian used the divided water stream to conceal itself, circling around to Blastoise's position.

Night Slash!

In the split-second opening, Persian swiftly slashed at Blastoise. As Blastoise' face contorted in agony, a painful cry erupted from its mouth, and then Persian swiftly retreated, much like an assassin.

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