Chapter 98: Honorary Student!

Chapter 98: Honorary Student!

~Third POV~

[Alola Region, Melemele Island, Hau'oli City – Pokémon School]

Kukui asked, his expression caught between surprise and confusion, listening to Azure's request, "You're saying you want to participate in the Island Trials just so that you can get the Z-Crystals and Z-Ring?"

He'd never heard such an unusual request before. Initially, Kukui assumed Azure would want to tour Alola's islands or delve into its cultural traditions. But straight up asking for the Island Trials was completely out of left field.

Hearing Azure's request, Kukui immediately shook his head, explaining to him, "No, trainers from other regions can obtain Z-Rings and Z-Crystals too! Normally, the Island Kahuna and the Guardian Deity of each island will grant them to trainers who earn their recognition. In addition, outsiders can also take part in Alola's unique grand challenge, the Island Challenge. By participating, they could earn Z-Crystals from the Totem Pokémon that guard the trial sites."

Hearing this, Azure nodded thoughtfully. He didn't personally know any Island Kahunas yet, nor had he encountered any of the guardian deities – Tapu Koko and its kin.

Given that, his best situation seemed to be taking on the island challenge. Azure asked curiously of Kukui, "Would someone like me be allowed to participate in the Island Challenge?"

Professor Kukui hesitated for a moment, then added with a slightly awkward expression as he said, "Of course… but for outsiders to take part in the Island Challenge, they need in the Island Challenge, they need to get an Island Challenge Certificate first. Normally, the Kahuna issues the certificate to Alolans, but for outsiders, it's much more difficult to obtain one…"

Azure felt a slight sense of unease as he asked, "How difficult are we talking?"

Kukui nodded solemnly as he said, with his expression shifting to concern, "Well, outsiders must compete in the local tournament held here. The Iki Festival is holding the Full Power Tournament coming up in a few weeks. But the tournament consists of one-on-one matches, in which each trainer is allowed to use 2 Pokémon. But there is a level restriction in this tournament that Pokémon over Lv. 20 are banned to allow other Trainers to have a chance to participate..."

Azure, who had initially thought this would be an incredibly difficult task, was momentarily speechless. To get a Z-Ring, one must take on the Island Challenge.

To participate in the Island Challenge, one must first obtain an Island Challenge Amulet. And to obtain an Island Challenge Amulet, outsiders need to win the Iki Festival Tournament with Pokémon less than level 20, being single matches with 2 Pokémon.

Azure took in a deep breath as he thought mildly annoyed by the tasks at hand, 'Tsk. That's a lot of hoops to jump through.'

Fortunately for him, though, he had 3 Pokémon in mind for the job. However, he'll need to grind them up first to be able to participate in the Full Power Tournament matches against him.

Understanding the situation, Azure said, reaching into his spatial backpack and pulling out a package, "I see… I'll still try to enter. Oh, one more thing. This is from Samuel Oak. He asked me to deliver it to you."

Samuel blinked, collecting the package as he muttered in a confused tone, receiving the gift from his cousin, "From Professor Oak? He didn't mention anything about it in his last call. Welp! Let's see what's inside!"

Kukui and Azure both leaned in to see. But their expressions froze as Samson Oak opened the package to reveal that the inside was an entire box of instant noodles.

Though speechless, Samson ultimately accepted the box of Kanto-brand noodles as he made a mental note to send a box of Alolan coconuts back with Azure as a return gift. With Azure officially set to be an honorary guest at the Pokémon School, Kukui hurried home to clean off the mud from his earlier encounter with a herd of frightened Mudbray.

As for Azure, he was eager to get into training his Kanto Trio. He also had to prepare himself to be in class for a time, seeing that he could learn more about the Pokémon World given his free time, as today was the weekend, and Samson showed him his living quarters for the time being.

/////

[Alola Region, Days Later, Melemele Island, Hau'oli City – Pokémon School]

The school itself was a charming building, nestled amongst lush greenery. It had a relaxed, open-air feel, reflecting the laid-back atmosphere of the islands.

Samson Oak led Azure to a classroom where a small group of students were already gathered. Samson Oak announced, clapping his hands together, "Alright, everyone, gather 'round! We have a new student joining us today. This is Azure Sky. He's a Trainer from the Kanto region who'll be studying with us for the year. Azure, why don't you introduce yourself?"

Azure stepped forward, feeling a familiar nervousness creep up his spine. He was used to battling in front of large crowds, but introducing himself to a new group of people was a different kind of challenge. He began, his voice a little shaky, "Hi. My name is Azure Sky, and these are my partners, Pikachu and Eevee."

Pikachu gave a cheerful cry, "Pika!"

Eevee shyly peeked out from the backpack again. Azure continued as he said, "I'm from Kanto, and I'm really excited to be here in Alola and learn about Pokémon and the culture of this region."

He noticed the students were a diverse group. One boy, with fiery red hair and a determined expression, stood out. He radiated an almost palpable heat.

Another was a girl with long, flowing green hair and a warm smile that seemed to light up the room. A third was a girl with cool blue hair and a quiet demeanor.

And finally, there was a boy with round glasses and a mischievous grin who seemed to be tinkering with some kind of gadget. He seemed to have taken an interest in Azure's Pikachu, noticing how strong its electricity is.

Samson Oak gestured towards each of them in turn. He said in a happy tone, "Azure, these are your classmates: Kiawe, Mallow, Lana, and Sophocles. I'm sure you'll all become great friends."

Mallow said, her voice bright and welcoming as she introduced herself, "Nice to meet you, Azure. Alola! I'm Mallow, and I love cooking with Pokémon ingredients. You must try my special malasadas sometime!"

Kiawe nodded curtly. He spoke with a formality that was somehow endearing, "Welcome to Alola. I am Kiawe, and I strive to be the best fire-type trainer."

Lana gave a small, shy smile. Her voice was soft, but her eyes held a spark of adventure. Lana said softly, "Hi, Azure. I'm Lana. I love fishing and exploring underwater with my Pokémon."

Sophocles grinned, pushing his glasses up his nose. He introduced himself in an excited tone, "Hey there! I'm Sophocles, and I'm all about inventing cool gadgets with Pokémon. I'm sure we can build something amazing together!"

Azure smiled back, feeling a little more at ease. He replied to all of them calmly, "It's great to meet you all, too. I'm looking forward to learning from you and exploring Alola."

Samson Oak beamed. He then explained Azure as he paid close attention to Samson Oak's words, "Alright, that's settled! Now, Azure, since you're joining us mid-term, you might be a little behind in some subjects. I've assigned each of these students to help you catch up in different areas. Mallow will help with Pokémon nutrition and cooking, Kiawe will assist with battle strategies, Lana will guide you on Pokémon habitats and ocean exploration, and Sophocles will teach you about Pokémon technology and invention."

Azure was grateful for the assistance. He knew he had a lot to learn, and having the guidance of his classmates would be invaluable. Samson Oak continued, his eyes twinkling, "But that's not all. Professor Oak also mentioned that you were interested in training a new team of Pokémon while you're here. How about you show up for the class if you would please?"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out three Poké Balls. Azure said, gesturing to the Pikachu on his shoulder and Eevee in his backpack, "Now, some of you may know that I journeyed through Kanto with my partner, Pikachu, and Eevee. But what some of you don't know is that I have been raising these three Pokémon."

*Pop*

He threw the Poke Balls into the air, releasing three familiar Pokémon into the classroom. Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle landed on the floor, looking around the classroom with curious eyes.

A gasp went through the students as they saw the three Kanto starters. Charmander puffed out his chest, Bulbasaur stood firmly on the floor, and Squirtle splashed water onto the ground with its tail as Azure said, "I've been raising Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. I think it would be a disservice to be a Pokémon trainer if I hadn't raised the first three Pokémon."

Azure looked at each of the students in the classroom as he continued, "I hope with this experience, we can all learn and grow together as Pokémon trainers."

He knew that raising these Pokémon would be a challenge, especially since he would have to balance his studies with his training. But he was determined to succeed.

He looked at his new classmates, Pikachu still perched on his shoulder and Eevee now completely out of his backpack, sniffing the air with curiosity. A new chapter was beginning, filled with challenges and opportunities.

He knew that this year in Alola would be a defining moment in his journey as a Pokémon Trainer. Over the next few weeks, Azure dove headfirst into his studies and his training.

Mallow patiently taught him about the unique ingredients found in Alola and how to prepare nourishing meals for his Pokémon. Kiawe challenged him to intense battles, pushing him to think strategically and utilize the terrain to his advantage in battles.

Lana took him on expeditions to explore the vibrant coral reefs and hidden coves, teaching him about the diverse Pokémon that called the ocean home. Sophocles introduced him to the world of Pokémon technology, showing him how to create gadgets that could aid in both training and research.

Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur were proving to be a handful, but Azure was patient and persistent. Charmander, as expected, was headstrong and fiery, often getting into trouble with its reckless behavior.

Squirtle was mischievous and playful, always squirting water at unsuspecting classmates. Bulbasaur was calm, mature, and collected, but it also had a stubborn, surly, and eager-to-battle demeanor.

Azure spent hours training them, learning their strengths and weaknesses. He discovered that Charmander thrived in sunny conditions, its flames burning brighter and hotter.

Squirtle was a natural swimmer, able to move effortlessly through the water. Bulbasaur excelled in grassy areas, drawing energy from the plants around it.

As he trained his new team, Azure also found himself learning from his classmates. He was impressed by Kiawe's dedication and discipline, Mallow's creativity and resourcefulness, Lana's knowledge of the ocean, and Sophocles's ingenuity.

He realized that each of them had unique talents and perspectives that he could learn from. One afternoon, after a particularly challenging training session, Azure sat on the beach with his Pokémon, watching the sun set over the ocean.

Pikachu chirped as it nuzzled against his cheek, while Eevee curled up in his lap, yawning softly. Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur were exhausted but content, lying on the sand beside him.

He thought about his journey so far, about winning the Indigo League and saving Kanto. He had accomplished so much, but he knew that there was still so much more to learn.

He looked at his new team, small and inexperienced but full of potential. He smiled, feeling a surge of determination. He was no longer the Champion of Kanto and Johto.

He was just Azure Sky, a student in Alola, eager to learn and grow alongside his new friends and Pokémon. He was ready to embrace the challenges ahead and discover the true meaning of being a Pokémon Trainer.

The journey had just begun, and he couldn't wait to see where it would lead. He knew he had a lot of training to do and new Z-Rings and Z-Crystals to find to help his Pokémon in battle.