Team Rocket's Second-in-Command!

The Alola region, nestled in the tropics, boasted abundant natural resources and world-class tourism appeal.

Every year, Alola attracted countless tourists looking to relax and explore. In recent years, with Alola officially joining the Pokémon League and benefiting from favorable policies and tariff exemptions, the region's prosperity had only grown.

Luo Yuan and Sabrina, dressed like typical tourists, arrived at the bustling port of Melemele Island. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"It looks so lively," Sabrina remarked, taking in the vibrant scene around the harbor.

For those unfamiliar with Alola, the region's distinct culture and unique Pokémon forms were often its most striking features. Few realized that Alola's economic development was also impressive, with cutting-edge technology widely utilized.

"Compared to Alola, the Sevii Islands are downright pitiful," Luo Yuan mused, recalling Lorelei's tireless efforts to revitalize her homeland.

Although the Sevii Islands were also a potential vacation spot, they faced stiff competition from the Orange Archipelago, and their natural appeal couldn't match Alola's exotic charm. Despite Lorelei's hard work, the Sevii Islands' economy remained stagnant.

---

As Luo Yuan and Sabrina made their way out of the port, they spotted their welcoming party waiting.

Luo Yuan knew exactly who it was—even from a distance, the towering 10-meter Alolan Exeggutor holding a sign with their names on it was hard to miss.

---

"Alola! Welcome to the Alola region!"

The greeter waved enthusiastically as Luo Yuan and Sabrina approached.

The person standing before them bore an uncanny resemblance to Professor Oak, save for their darker skin and distinctive hairstyle. It was none other than Samson Oak, the Alolan counterpart to the famous professor.

"Alola," Luo Yuan replied, blending in with the local customs.

"Hello, Professor Oak. I'm Luo Yuan, here as Johto's representative. This is my girlfriend, Sabrina," he introduced them with a polite nod.

"I've heard about you from Oak's grandson! And let me tell you, what happened in Hoenn recently sure caused quite a stir—Togepi!" Samson chuckled.

Luo Yuan's exploits during the Hoenn incident and his title as the youngest Elite Four member had earned him global recognition—even Samson Oak in Alola had heard of him.

"....."

While being recognized was flattering, Luo Yuan and Sabrina couldn't quite follow Samson's Pokémon pun, leaving an awkward silence in its wake.

Samson, however, seemed unfazed by their lack of reaction, as though he was used to it.

Eventually, Luo Yuan broke the silence. "Professor Oak, where's Professor Kukui?"

Although Samson Oak served as the principal of Alola's Pokémon School, Kukui was the region's League representative. As Johto's envoy, Luo Yuan had expected Kukui—or someone from the Alola League—would meet him.

Instead, it was Samson Oak.

Understanding his confusion, Samson explained, "Kukui wanted to meet you, but something came up, so I came in his place."

"I see."

"To be honest, Alola's League is still in its infancy, and we're short-staffed. I was the only one available," Samson added with a sheepish smile.

"I've heard about that."

Luo Yuan, preparing Rocket's incursion into Alola, had naturally researched the region's current state.

In truth, Alola's League was barely functional.

There were no Gym Leaders, no Champion, and even the Elite Four positions had been hastily repurposed from the traditional Island Kahunas. It was as barebones as a League could get.

This lack of structure was one reason Giovanni had selected Alola as Rocket's next target.

"Enough about that. Let me take you to my place first. Kukui should be back soon. By the way..." Samson turned to Luo Yuan. "Do you have a place to stay? If not, you're welcome to use the Pokémon School's facilities."

"That won't be necessary. I've already booked a room at the Alola Resort," Luo Yuan replied.

Luo Yuan never skimped on accommodations when traveling.

Hearing this, Samson's eyebrows raised slightly. Thinking about the exorbitant nightly rates at the Alola Resort, he couldn't help but mutter, "You folks from Johto must be loaded."

Even as a Pokémon School principal, a single night at the resort would be a serious blow to Samson's wallet. Yet Luo Yuan seemed prepared to stay for an extended period.

"Not at all," Luo Yuan said humbly.

Back in Johto, Lance, who had received Luo Yuan's expense report, would have begged to differ.

---

After a Tauros taxi ride, accompanied by a swaying Alolan Exeggutor, they arrived at the Pokémon School. Inside Samson Oak's office, Luo Yuan finally met Kukui.

The professor looked a bit worse for wear, his clothes dirtied and his expression haggard.

"Kukui, what happened to you?" Samson asked, startled by his disheveled appearance.

Kukui coughed awkwardly. "There was a herd of startled Mudbray running through Iki Town. I went to handle it, and it took quite an effort to calm them down. This is the result."

He was clearly embarrassed. Meeting a Johto Elite Four while looking like this wasn't exactly the impression he'd hoped to make for Alola.

Still, there was nothing to be done. Kukui turned to Luo Yuan and Sabrina.

"Alola! Welcome to Alola!"

"Alola!" Luo Yuan and Sabrina returned the greeting.

While exchanging pleasantries, Luo Yuan took the opportunity to size Kukui up.

As the head of Alola's League and the Champion Witness, Kukui was among the region's top trainers. Rocket's plans to dominate Alola would inevitably involve dealing with him.

Unaware of Luo Yuan's thoughts, Kukui scratched his head apologetically.

"I had planned to give you a tour of my lab today, but in this state, it'll have to wait until tomorrow. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all. Sabrina and I will be in Alola for some time, so there's no rush," Luo Yuan replied casually.

"By the way, when Lance contacted me about your visit, he mentioned you'd be coming to Alola for an exchange program but didn't provide many details. What exactly would you like to see? I can plan accordingly."

---

T/N: sotgee im out of the country like i said, uhh powerstones wont be available until im back home

...

If you're reading this, then you've wandered all the way to the end. I'm impressed. Stories are like wine—meant to be savored, not rushed. So if you took your time? Thank you.

Of course, the real thanks goes to WiseTL—the one who turned tangled words into something beautiful. I just got asked to wrap things up with a ribbon. Hopefully this counts!

If you enjoyed the journey and want to support the person who made it possible, you can find them here:

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Go on. Be generous. They've earned it.

Until next time—read well, rest often, and maybe come visit me at the Hostess of Fertility sometime.

– Syr ✨