When Stephen woke up at noon, he suddenly rembered—wasn't the voice of that waitress yesterday Wicke?
He glanced at Lusamine, who was still sound asleep, got up, poured himself a glass of water, and drank it in one gulp.
Yesterday, besides cake, he had eaten quite a bit of seafood rice too.
Arriving at the hotel restaurant, Stephen saw Nessa and Sonia, the pair of best friends, already seated in a corner.
When Nessa spotted Stephen entering, her eyes lit up, and she waved for him to sit down. After he did, she said with a hint of resentnt:
"Doctor, I heard you invited Sonia to Alola for research?"
"The situation with the Ultra Beasts has been troubling Professor Kukui and the others. I think Sonia has great talent in this area."
Stephen had already prepared a legitimate reason. Naturally, he could also guess the source of the slight resentnt in Nessa's eyes. Without hesitation, he asked, "Do you want to co along too?"
"Can I? Then I'll go find Miss Oleana to transfer my registration right away!"
Nessa's face lit up with joy.
Nessa had long been considering leaving. Ever since Valerie had joined, Rose and Oleana had been subtly hinting that Nessa didn't need to continue as a Gym Leader and could focus entirely on her modeling career.
As a proud young woman, she couldn't tolerate such insulting suggestions from Rose.
Stephen chuckled to himself.
It had already been a month since he'd given the Fishman Karate manual to Nessa.
Although he didn't know how much her Pokémon had learned, Stephen figured that as long as she showed off her skills, it would dissuade Rose from trying to strip her of her Gym Leader position.
But clearly, Nessa had no intention of staying.
As for why... Stephen knew the reason but chose to keep quiet.
After all, who could say no to having such a beautiful Gym Leader in their league?
"Doctor, can I co too?"
Bea suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
Stephen blinked a few tis, wide-eyed.
With Nessa, Stephen speculated that Rose would most likely let her go. In the past, Rose might have tried to use Nessa's beauty to attract attention to Galar.
But now that Valerie, who was just as beautiful and even more talented, had arrived, Rose didn't care about Nessa anymore.
However, Bea was a different story—she was a treasure.
Especially after learning the Six Powers.
Just two days ago, Stephen had told Rose he was heading back to Alola. Now he was planning to take another genius with him.
Stephen couldn't help but worry that Rose might lose his temper this ti.
...
Two hours later, in the chairman's office of Rose Tower, Rose sat across from Stephen, separated by a coffee table. After hearing Stephen's proposal, Rose nodded.
When Rose agreed, not only Stephen but even Nessa and Bea, who were seated to Stephen's left and right, as well as Oleana, who was standing by Rose's side, were all utterly stunned.
Just yesterday, after Stephen had declined to settle in Galar, Rose had insisted on throwing him a grand birthday party, which had already left Oleana grumbling.
And today, Stephen was taking two of Galar's most popular Gym Leaders with him.
Honestly, if Rose weren't present, Oleana might have gone berserk.
Rose then spoke again:
"However, to formally establish a league, you'll need a Champion and at least eight Gym Leaders. Has Dr. Stephen made the necessary preparations?"
Stephen snapped out of his shock and suppressed his inner confusion as he replied, "A Champion... I plan to ask Professor Kukui to take the role temporarily. As for the Gym Leaders, so far, the candidates are..."
Stephen repeated the Gym Leader candidates he'd discussed with Lusamine during their night rest.
First were the four current Island Kahunas of Alola:
Hala of lele Island.
Olivia of Akala Island.
Nanu of Ula'ula Island.
Sofu of Poni Island.
Oh, Sofu is the grandfather of Hapu, the future Island Kahuna of Poni Island.
By the ti Ash visited Alola in the future, Sofu would have already passed away, but for now, he was still serving as the Island Kahuna.
When discussing this last night, Lusamine couldn't help but bite Stephen in the chest, saying:
"Talking about work at a ti like this? You're ruining the mood!"
Stephen continued, "I also plan to have Bea and Nessa serve as Gym Leaders. For the last two spots, I intend to leave them for Morgan and Will."
Since there was no need to keep this a secret, Stephen laid it all out.
"What about Kukui? I've heard that while he's a researcher, he's also a capable trainer, able to hold his own against Lance. But isn't it a bit inappropriate for him to serve as the inaugural Champion? Isn't there a better candidate right here?"
Rose smiled as he spoke.
Stephen shook his head and returned the smile. "I don't care much for the Champion title—it seems like more trouble than it's worth..."
Buzzz~
Just then, Stephen's phone rang.
The caller ID showed "Professor Kukui."
Rose gestured for him to answer.
"Hello~"
Stephen answered the call in front of Rose and the others. After all, Kukui wasn't likely to say anything scandalous.
If it had been Lusamine calling, he would've stepped outside to take it.
["Dr. Stephen, there's a small issue on my end. Mr. Nanu has declined the invitation to beco a Gym Leader,"] Kukui said with a hint of frustration.
This didn't surprise Stephen.
In the original ga, when Kukui wanted to invite Nanu to join the first Alola Elite Four, Nanu also refused, and Acerola was chosen instead.
The ani also repeatedly showed Nanu's dislike of trouble.
His refusal was entirely within Stephen's expectations.
["But that leaves us short one person,"] Kukui added with a sigh.
Stephen rubbed his temples.
anwhile, Oleana's expression darkened. She silently vowed to herself that if Stephen dared to poach any more talent from Galar, she would fight him, whether Rose was present or not.
"If you're short one person, I can recomnd soone," Rose suddenly said.
At these words, Oleana, Bea, and Nessa all looked at him like he'd lost his mind.
Wait, no—before, they could understand why Rose was sucking up to Stephen; he wanted him to stay in Galar.
But now that Stephen had made it clear he was settling in Alola, why was Rose still acting like this?
Nessa even began to suspect that Rose might have a crush on Stephen.
She used to think Rose treated Leon like a son, but now, compared to how he treated Stephen...
Rose then asked Oleana to fetch so paper and a pen. After writing down an address and phone number, he handed the note to Stephen.
"You can try inviting this person."
When Oleana saw the address and phone number, her face changed dramatically. "Chairman, this is—!?"
Rose made a dismissive gesture, signaling Oleana to remain quiet.
"Favors are the hardest debts to repay. Chairman Rose, if there's sothing you need to do, just say it," Stephen said, hesitating to take the note.
He didn't know who Rose was recomnding, but judging by Oleana's expression, it was no ordinary person.
Although Stephen didn't consider himself a saint, he believed in repaying kindness and holding grudges. He didn't want to owe Rose anything.
"I want to acquire a new Pokémon for Leon, but given his strength, he might not be able to handle it," Rose said, stroking his chin and smiling faintly.
"So if anything happens..."
"You want to lend a hand?"
Stephen had already guessed what Rose wanted to say.
Or rather, he had guessed what Rose wanted him to do.
"With the extraordinary Bewear and Zamazenta you have, plus Zacian, which will most likely give you so face, with your assistance, I think this matter is almost a guarantee," Rose said, interlocking his fingers.
"Can I count on you for this?"
"Hmm... of course," Stephen replied.
The two shook hands, reaching an agreent.
As a transmigrator, Stephen had already deduced what Rose wanted him to help with—
Assisting Leon in capturing Eternatus.
In the ga, Leon had this opportunity.
He defeated Eternatus in its normal form, but when it Dynamaxed into its Eternamax form, it was beyond Leon's capability.
Then, the ga's protagonist—essentially the players—took it down. That was acceptable since the ga's protagonist is always the chosen one.
But in the ani, Eternatus being subdued by Goh was just... ridiculous.
...
"Doctor, Chairman Rose treats you so well," Bea remarked after they left Rose Tower.
To be honest, she had ntally prepared herself to be scolded for being ungrateful.
But it turned out to be so simple...
"Maybe he sees my identity as sowhat special," Stephen replied.
Rose asking Stephen to assist Leon wasn't just because of his strength.
Another major reason was Stephen's relationship with the Sword and Shield duo.
Not to ntion Zacian's attitude towards Eternatus.
Once Zacian learned that the poisonous dragon had broken its seal, it would hunt it down!
Its hatred for Eternatus was even more intense than Tobirama Senju's for the Uchiha Clan.
Rose also hoped that Stephen could diate with Zacian, so things wouldn't spiral out of control.
Back at the fountain square, Stephen reunited with Karen, Lusamine and the others.
After hearing about what had just happened at Rose Tower, as expected, everyone was stunned.
"It's so over the top," Will said while sticking out his tongue.
Karen pouted, "I bet Rose has ulterior motives towards Stephen."
anwhile, Lusamine, who had just secretly taken her morning pill from Wicke while no one noticed, had a very complicated expression.
She was stunned by Rose's persistence with Stephen.
Inwardly, she began worrying about how long she could hold onto Stephen.
What if, one day, she grew old and lost her charm... what would she do then?
"Mother, are you okay?" Lillie, noticing Lusamine's strange expression, asked with concern.
Shaking her head, Lusamine forced a smile. "It's nothing... I'm fine."
Since Lillie was still under six years old, she didn't think much of it. But as the group departed for the location Rose had provided, Lillie suddenly asked, "Mom, why are you walking with your legs so far apart? Aren't you afraid of falling?"
Lusamine almost stumbled and thought to herself, Do you think I want to walk like this?!
...
Back at Rose Tower, from his office window, Rose watched Stephen and his group leave.
"Is it necessary to pay such a high price, Chairman?" Oleana couldn't help but ask.
"Since the other party has already decided to leave, we can't force them to stay. Instead, it's better to use this opportunity to do them a favor. At the very least, it could help Leon acquire a top-tier legendary Pokémon," Rose replied.
Although his expression remained calm, his gaze involuntarily lingered on Lusamine's slightly awkward gait before shifting to Nessa with a look of frustration.
Not only is she not good at being a Gym Leader, but she doesn't even know how to seduce a man properly!
"But... will he agree to this?" Oleana asked, voicing another concern.
"He has always been dissatisfied with the Galar League under my jurisdiction. Now that Dr. Stephen is the hero who saved the league, he shouldn't have any reason to refuse," Rose said before falling silent as if recalling so unforgettable past.
...
Crown Tundra, Freezington.
"Never thought I'd return here again," Sonia said with a sigh, holding the Pikachu.
But the ones who should be sighing even more were Bewear and Zamazenta.
"This should be the place, right?" Stephen said, taking out the paper Rose had given him and knocking on the door of a small detached house.
"Coming! Who is it?" a woman's voice called from inside.
Judging by the voice, she seed to be about Lusamine's age.
"Hello, we were introduced by Chairman Rose..." Bea instinctively began to respond.
However, before she could finish, a man's angry roar interrupted from inside:
"What? Rose? Not interested!"
Everyone outside exchanged puzzled looks.
What was going on?
Were the people Rose introduced actually on bad terms with him?
Then, the woman's voice ca again, filled with complaint:
"Seriously, it's been so many years. You brothers should just make up already!"
Brothers?!
Hearing this word, Nessa and Sonia, both locals of Galar, turned pale.
They had a good idea of who was inside the house.
The door opened a mont later, revealing a woman with slightly wavy, light blonde hair. Her looks weren't as stunning as Lusamine's, but she could still be described as a beautiful woman.
"You must be the guests recomnded by Chairman Rose? Please, co in—"
Before she could finish, a young girl about eight years old, around the sa age as Red and Blue, ran out from behind her.
"Kyahhhh!" the girl scread and ran off.
The woman was startled as well. "Oh my! Aren't you Dr. Stephen? Please, please co in!"
"Hmm?"
At that mont, a tall man, nearly two ters in height, with a dark expression, walked out of the house.
"Dr. Stephen... that na sounds familiar," he muttered.
Bea was startled. "Chairman Rose? Why are you here?"
But the next second, Bea realized the man before her wasn't Rose.
Although their facial features were identical, the man's nearly two-ter-tall, muscular build, even in mountaineering gear, was a stark contrast to Rose's 1.7-ter fra and out-of-shape body.
"Peony, the forr Galar Champion," Sonia whispered to Bea.
It wasn't surprising that Bea didn't recognize him.
After all, Peony's ti as Champion was so long ago that Bea might not have even learned to talk back then.
Moreover, Peony's tenure as Champion was very brief.
Nowadays, many new trainers in Galar don't even know who he is.
Stephen was stunned for a second, then took two bottles of wine from Karen's hands and handed them to the other party. "Nice to et you. Peony, the forr Champion. Just a little token of appreciation."
On the other side, Peony's wife patted him on the back and explained Stephen's identity to him.
"Although you were invited by Rose since you're a hero who saved the world, you're welco to sit down."
Peony's reply earned him a hard stomp on the foot from his wife.
Taking the wine from her husband, Peony's wife chuckled lightly and said, "Everyone, please sit down. I'll go make you so tea. That child earlier was our eldest daughter, Peonia. She admires Dr. Stephen a lot and was just too excited to see you."
Eldest daughter? That ans there's also a younger daughter?
Peony's wife smiled and said, "Our youngest daughter, Penny, is very shy. She wouldn't dare co out with strangers around."
Stephen raised an eyebrow slightly. So Penny hasn't enrolled in Naranja Academy yet?
But that wasn't the purpose of this visit.
Stephen got straight to the point: "Mr. Peony, we're here this ti to..."
...
The process of inviting Peony to join Alola went relatively smoothly.
At first, Peony wanted to refuse.
Although he didn't know much about the newly established Alola League, after Rose beca the chairman of the Galar League, Peony disliked his brother's managent style. For that reason, he had even given up being Champion.
And for soone who had already quit being Champion, asking him to move to a foreign land and beco a Gym Leader seed unrealistic.
However, Peony's eldest daughter, Peonia, played a significant role during the negotiations.
She directly stated that she wanted to go to Alola's lele Island to attend the Pokémon School established by Professor Oak.
And Peony was an unabashed doting father.
To stay close to his daughter, he reluctantly signed the contract.
It's worth ntioning that just as Stephen and his group were about to leave, Peony's wife ca downstairs and said that Penny had decided to go to Paldea to study.
As for why she didn't join them in Alola, the reason given was: "She wanted to stay far away from her dad."
At that mont, Peony looked like he wanted to die.
...
After leaving Peony's house, Stephen called Kukui, who was far away in Alola, to share the news.
Kukui was nearly knocked out by this unexpected windfall.
The forr Champion of Galar joining their ranks?
Whoa, who would have thought Alola could enjoy the sa treatnt as Kanto, with Champion-level trainers becoming Gym Leaders!
Who else could they possibly get?!
...
anwhile, as Stephen prepared to return to Alola, on the other side of the ocean, in the Johto region...
In a secret base on Mt. Mortar, west of Mahogany Town, a furious roar echoed, scaring the masked children in the base into trembling.
"Damn brat!!!"
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