Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice [183]
The main tasks in Galar were essentially completed.
Although Rose wanted to release Eternatus immediately and let Leon capture it, he also knew that, with Leon's current strength, it would be impossible for him to control Eternatus, even in its normal form.
Let's not forget that Eternatus still has its Gigantamax form.
Rose decided it would be better to let Leon train for another two years.
After all, Eternatus was hidden in the underground factory in Hammerlocke, and no one could steal it.
Moreover, Rose wasn't worried about Stephen going back on his word. You could say Stephen was messy when it came to emotions, but he was someone who always kept his promises.
After saying goodbye to Rose over the phone, Stephen boarded a private jet adorned with the Aether Foundation's logo and flew back to Alola.
Soon after, Rose announced that Bea, the interim Gym Leader of Galar; Nessa, Hulbury's Gym Leader; and Peony, the former Champion of the Galar League, would all transfer to Alola.
The position of Hulbury Gym Leader would be taken over by Valerie.
As for the position of Stow-on-Side Gym Leader, which was originally planned to be handed over to Bea, this role would now be filled by Reggie.
This series of announcements shocked the entire world.
On the official social media account of the Galar League, the comments section exploded:
["What the heck, has Chairman Rose gone insane? Dr. Stephen already decided to settle in Alola, yet he keeps giving him gifts and people!"]
["I thought throwing that massive birthday party for Dr. Stephen a few days ago was already the peak of flattery. I never expected him to go even further. Whose subordinate is this guy?"]
["Does Dr. Stephen have some kind of dirt on Chairman Rose? Like compromising photos or something? Even the former Champion was handed over!"]
["Could it be that Chairman Rose time-traveled? And Dr. Stephen is his father?"]
["Forget that, why did Dr. Stephen choose Alola over Galar? Anyone else would've picked Galar, right?"]
["I suspect Galar acted too late, and Alola already claimed Dr. Stephen first."]
A user named [Best Pool Player] left a comment:
["Maybe Alola got to Dr. Stephen's virginity first."]
Thirty seconds later, the user was blocked.
In New Bark Town, a boy wearing a backward cap with an Aipom perched on his head stared at the message on his computer screen that read, ["You've been blocked."]
Fuming, he cursed, "Damn it! Has the world become a place where people can't speak the truth anymore?"
After venting for a while, the boy continued surfing the web.
He noticed that the official account of the Alola League had also posted a new update.
But instead of focusing on the news that Nessa, Bea, and Peony had joined Alola, his attention was drawn to an announcement from Alola's Manalo TV station:
["Miss Mary from Goldenrod City in Johto will serve as the new news anchor for Manalo TV."]
The post included a picture of Mary, a girl wearing round glasses. While she wasn't as stunning as Lusamine or Cynthia, she had a cute, demure charm.
The boy's eyes lit up. He immediately found Mary's social media account and followed her.
...
Galar and Alola weren't far apart.
Two hours later, the Hau'oli Airport on Melemele Island in Alola began to buzz with excitement.
Lusamine, the President of the Aether Foundation and CEO of Rainbow Company, as well as the newly announced Chairwoman of the Alola Pokémon League, was the first to emerge from the terminal, greeted by a wave of cheers.
After some time to recover, Lusamine walked with more composure than she had in the morning.
Nessa, Bea, and Peony, the future Gym Leaders of Alola, followed closely behind, each receiving their share of applause.
But it wasn't until that man appeared that the crowd truly erupted into chaos.
The atmosphere resembled the frenzy of Michael Jackson's concerts from Stephen's previous life.
Professor Kukui had personally come to pick them up.
Because of the large group, he had arranged for a luxurious bus.
"This is Sonia from Galar. She has a lot of potential in Pokémon research. I hope she can join you and Professor Burnet in your Ultra Wormhole research team," Stephen introduced as he gestured toward Sonia.
Kukui couldn't help but glance at the Pikachu in Sonia's arms, which was wearing headphones and playing a game with its tiny paws. Smiling warmly, he extended his hand.
"Welcome to the team, Miss Sonia! Let's work together to make Alola even better."
Sonia blushed slightly and replied, "Oh, I'm just a rookie in Pokémon research. Please take care of me, Professor."
While shaking hands, she shot a grateful glance at Stephen.
When introducing her, Stephen hadn't mentioned titles like "granddaughter of Professor Magnolia" or "childhood friend of Leon," which made Sonia feel much more comfortable. She hated being introduced that way.
Once everyone had taken their seats, Professor Kukui began describing his vision for the future of the Alola League.
Like Galar, Kukui believed that Alola didn't need to set up an Elite Four right away.
The difference was that Galar skipped the Elite Four due to a lack of sufficiently strong trainers, while Alola simply didn't have enough people.
In Kukui's vision, Stephen would serve as the Champion, while his two companions, Morgan and Will, were more than qualified to become Elite Four members.
Peony, the former Champion of Galar, was overqualified.
That left one spot open. However, the bigger problem was that they wouldn't have enough Gym Leaders to fill the required eight positions.
As a result, Kukui suggested following Galar's example:
Stephen is the Champion, with Will, Morgan, Peony, Bea, Nessa, Hala, Olivia, and Sofu serving as Gym Leaders.
"I'll be the Champion? I was expecting you to take the role, Professor Kukui," Stephen said with a slight raise of his eyebrow.
To be honest, Stephen didn't care much about the title of Champion. It wasn't like it gave him a +10 speed boost or anything.
"Oh no, no, no! That would be way too much for me!" Kukui waved his hands dramatically.
Karen chimed in, "If you're not the Champion, Stephen, then I'm not interested in being a Gym Leader either."
Will added, "Exactly! I wouldn't want to work under someone I'm not familiar with, even if it's just nominally."
Bea and Nessa also voiced their agreement.
Seeing how supportive his companions were, Stephen nodded and agreed to take the position.
"Lusamine, I'll need you to remind me about next week's event at Rainbow Company for the launch of the second-generation Pokédex," Stephen said.
Lusamine nodded.
"Alright, let's eat first! I've reserved the best chef at the Hau'oli Resort on Akala Island," Kukui said with a laugh.
Burnet rolled her eyes. "Stop bragging. The chef heard Dr. Stephen was coming and offered to cook for him voluntarily."
...
At the luxurious restaurant on Akala Island:
"Professor, over here!"
Samson Oak, the cousin of Professor Oak, waved enthusiastically.
"Principal Oak, it's been a while."
Stephen walked over to shake his hand, then introduced Peony and his family, encouraging both sides to chat.
In the private room, the other three future Gym Leaders—Hala, Sofu, and Olivia—had already arrived.
Stephen also saw some familiar faces, like Hala's grandson Hau.
This gathering brought together all the key decision-makers of Alola: the Champion, eight Gym Leaders, the Pokémon Professor, and the League Chairwoman.
However, looking at Sofu's age and health, it seemed unlikely that he'd last more than two years, just like in the original timeline. He would likely need to be replaced eventually.
Hala was also getting old, so a replacement would be needed for him as well.
What the future held for the Alola League remained uncertain.
After a few rounds of food and drink, the group began discussing the future of the Alola League.
Professor Kukui enthusiastically proposed visiting various regions to invite Champions from other leagues to Alola for a friendly tournament.
After all, this was a historic moment: the official establishment of the Alola League and Stephen's coronation as Champion. It had to be celebrated properly.
Stephen froze for a moment. Bringing together the champions from all regions?
Isn't this a miniature version of the future World Championships?
Stephen wasn't particularly interested in such things.
He handed everything over to Kukui to handle.
...
After dinner.
Stephen and his group returned to the long-unvisited Aether Foundation with Lusamine.
Under Lusamine's gaze—which, despite her attempts to mask it, inevitably revealed a trace of grievance—Stephen took Karen and Mary to rest.
Yes, just rested. Don't overthink it.
...
The next morning.
In the research department located on the second basement floor of the Aether Foundation, Stephen took out a few Poké Balls and tossed them.
Upon closer inspection, it was clear these weren't ordinary Poké Balls—they were the dark Poké Balls previously used by Shadow to control the legendary Pokémon!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
In the next second, as expected, black flashes of light streaked across midair.
Latias, Latios, and the Three Legendary Birds appeared, their bodies radiating dark energy and exuding an overwhelming aura of rage.
"Lugia. Bewear."
Faced with these Dark Pokémon still under control, Stephen calmly uttered two names.
Two aces that belonged to Stephen and Joker, who had been battling fiercely on Kanto just last week, leaped out of their Poké Balls.
The first, Lugia, slammed the Dark Three Legendary Birds into the ground with a Sky Attack.
The second, Bewear, grabbed the dragon siblings Latias and Latios, one in each paw.
"Calm down. I'm trying to figure out how to return you to normal."
...
Meanwhile, Kukui was already on a plane, beginning his journey to visit other regions.
Although Stephen had said a simple phone call would suffice, Kukui felt that personally visiting the leaders of other regions would show more sincerity.
Kukui's first stop was Galar, as it was relatively close to Alola.
"A large-scale friendship match to celebrate Dr. Stephen becoming champion and the establishment of the Alola League? Sounds interesting."
In the chairman's office of Rose Tower, Rose stroked his chin thoughtfully after listening to Kukui's explanation. A few seconds later, he smiled with growing interest.
"No problem. But I have a small condition."
"Oh? Please, Chairman Rose, go ahead."
Rose's grin grew even wider. "I want you to arrange a match between Leon and Lance."
Kukui: …
For some reason, Kukui suddenly felt that Rose wasn't being entirely well-intentioned.
The question of who was stronger, Leon or Lance, had indeed been a topic of curiosity among the public in recent years.
Kukui personally believed they were evenly matched—at least, that was his conclusion before the Kanto's Victory Road battle.
But given that Lance had lost his childhood ace Dragonite during the battle, how was he supposed to stand a chance against Leon now?!
Rose, you just want to use Lance as Leon's stepping stone, don't you?!
Still, as long as Rose agreed, that was good enough for now.
...
While Kukui was running around the world, Stephen was in the Aether Foundation's underground lab studying the Dark Pokémon.
...
One week later.
The first release and signing event for the second-generation Pokédex took place in the plaza in front of Rainbow Corporation on Ula'ula Island, Alola.
"Lana, hurry up!"
A green-haired, twin-tailed girl about Ash's age waved at a blue-haired girl with some freckles on her face.
"I'm coming, I'm coming, Mallow. Don't run so fast!"
The blue-haired girl panted slightly as she caught up.
"Kiawe said he'd help us hold a spot, but who knows how reliable he is. Seriously."
Mallow pouted in frustration.
"Dr. Stephen!!! Dr. Stephen!!! Dr. Stephen!!!"
Amid waves of cheers, the two girls immediately knew the main event had begun.
Stephen smiled and waved in greeting. He waited for the noise to die down a bit before sitting down to start the signing event.
"Dr. Stephen, thank you for choosing to return to Alola."
"It's nothing. I like it here."
"Dr. Stephen, between Miss Morgan, Lorelei, and Nessa, who do you like more?"
"Can't they all be my wings?"
"Dr. Stephen, are you heartbroken by Joker's choice? If the day comes when Team Rocket and the League are at war with no room for compromise, would you kill your brother?"
"…Let's talk about that when the time comes."
Stephen signed one autograph after another for fans who came to purchase the second-generation Pokédex. Occasionally, he answered some of their strange questions, as long as they weren't too outrageous.
After all, these people were spending money to support him—who was he to give them attitude?
"Ddr. Stephen, my friend is a huge fan of yours. Could you write 'For the lovely Lana' on this?"
A lively girl's voice rang out.
Then, a shy voice followed: "Oh no, Mallow, why are you—"
"Sure, no prob—hmm?"
Stephen was about to write but froze when he heard how the two girls addressed each other. He looked up.
Oh, wow. Familiar faces again.
Seeing Stephen looking at them, Lana shyly hid behind her best friend.
Mallow, on the other hand, boldly asked, "Dr. Stephen, is there something on our faces?"
"No… You're just very cute, so I couldn't help but take a second look."
Stephen chuckled and resumed signing.
However, he did glance at Lana a couple more times—not because of Lana herself, but because of her mother.
Stephen still remembered that in his previous life, among all the Pokémon fan material from Alola, Lana's mom was second only to Lusamine in terms of popularity.
Even as a regular office worker back then, Stephen had been baffled. A character who didn't even have a name in the main storyline had so much fan art?!
He couldn't understand it, but he was impressed.
Stephen ended up signing over a hundred Pokédexes in one go.
Then, a familiar voice called out:
"Please write 'For the future world's greatest Pokémon Trainer, Gary Oak' on this!"
Huh?
Stephen froze again.
Looking up, he saw a face full of smug face.
"...Gary, this Pokédex is only available for purchase by people from Galar and Alola. You…"
Stephen initially thought Gary had traveled to Alola just to buy the Pokédex. But then he remembered—didn't he send Professor Oak a few units directly?
"Big Brother Stephen, look—I'm an Alolan now."
Gary grinned, flashing his ID card.
[Address: Alola Region, Melemele Island, Hau'oli City, Pokémon School.]
Stephen: ???
At this moment, Professor Oak's cousin Samson Oak chimed in to explain:
"Samuel suggested moving Gary to Alola to keep him safe. Kanto's not exactly secure right now."
Through Samson's explanation, Stephen learned that a lot had happened in the week he had spent holed up in the research lab.
Many Kanto residents felt unsafe, and families with the means to do so had started relocating to other regions.
After all, everyone knows that the main area of operation for Team Rocket is Kanto!
Thinking back to the battle on the Indigo Plateau, Team Rocket, especially Joker, displayed overwhelming power. Most of the general public felt it would be better to stay far away from them.
Among the popular relocation destinations, Alola stood out. Even though the strength of the Alola League was still uncertain, the mere fact that Stephen was present there was enough to reassure people.
The second choice was Galar because the Sword and Shield duo served as the region's guardians.
Professor Oak, after some consideration, also felt that Kanto wasn't very safe and wanted to send his grandchildren away. However, Blue stated that if Team Rocket caused trouble, it would be even better—he'd take them all down himself! So, he didn't leave.
As for Gary, after some thought, he decided to go. Not because he was scared, but because he believed he could learn a lot from Stephen. There was also a considerable amount of admiration for Stephen involved in his decision.
Delia wanted to move together with Red and Ash, but her financial situation didn't allow for it. Moreover, even though Red was silent, he probably had the same mindset as Blue, thinking about dealing with Team Rocket someday.
And Ash? There was no need to even mention him. He was the typical "lost before, failed before, but never afraid." A guy who dared to have Pikachu use Thunderbolt on Arceus wouldn't be afraid of Team Rocket, would he?
"Gary, you could try focusing on training just one type of Pokémon. This would significantly reduce your learning costs and make it much easier to develop strategies for your team in the future," Stephen thoughtfully suggested to Gary.
Gary's journey as a trainer had shown that, at least in the early stages, he performed much better than Ash. However, his performances in major tournaments were often less than ideal—or just unlucky.
In the Indigo League, he ran into a stronger opponent early on and was eliminated in the Top 32, while Ash, despite having weaker overall strength at the time, managed to get favorable draws and made it to the Top 16. In the Silver Conference, Gary narrowly lost to a more experienced Ash.
This defeat shattered his resolve, and he decided to become a researcher instead.
To be honest, Gary didn't achieve much as a researcher. Most of his contributions seemed to involve acting as a ranger—fighting against criminal organizations and protecting wild Pokémon.
He fought Team Rocket in the spin-offs, battled Hunter J in Sinnoh, and participated in the Dream Project, which felt like a joke, in the Sword and Shield arc.
Although he didn't possess the monstrous talent of his older brother Blue, Stephen still felt it was a waste for Gary to leave the trainer's path. He decided to give him some advice to keep the rivalry with Ash alive.
...
Meanwhile, Kukui continued his tireless travels to the next region. This time, his destination was Paldea, which was relatively close.
The current Champion of the Paldea League was Geeta, who also served as the League Chairwoman.
After listening to Kukui's description, Geeta nodded peacefully with a smile and said, "The philosophy of 'friendship first, competition second' aligns perfectly with the teaching principles of our Naranja Academy. I agree."
"Really? That's wonderful—"
"But, Professor Kukui, I have a small condition," Geeta interrupted before Kukui could finish thanking her.
"Uh… please go ahead," Kukui replied, already feeling a sense of foreboding.
"I would like to have a match with the Indigo League's new Champion," Geeta said with a cheerful smile.
Kukui: ...
PS: Lance is getting cooked.