Chapter 584: Lily's Organization of Gains

Union Calendar Year 798, November 30th.

It's still winter over in Paldea; Alola is probably in summer?

Either way, it's quite hot.

Regardless of the season, today marked the final day of Luo Mu's scheduled seven-day tropical island vacation in the Alola region.

Over the past two days, he had basically toured several of Alola's famous sites and purchased quite a few souvenirs to take back and distribute among the Pokémon on his farm.

After sleeping in until he woke naturally this morning, he began organizing the gains he had acquired since arriving in the Alola region.

First were the multi-colored diamond-shaped crystals lined up in a row on the table.

In addition to the Mimikyu Z, Grass Z, and Ground Z he had obtained during his previous trip to the Alola region, this seven-day journey had yielded quite a few more Z-Crystals of other types.

These included the Normal-type Z-Crystal gifted by Seeing Seeing Kapu-Tapu Lele, and the Water-type and Fairy-type Z-Crystals gifted by Seeing Seeing Kapu-Tapu Fini.

Luo Mu's gaze shifted again to outside the villa window, landing on the shiny Zygarde Core currently lying on the swing, basking in the sun.

There was also the Dragon-type Z-Crystal given by that Guardian of Order, which last night he had barely resisted using as bait for fishing.

And finally—

Luo Mu's eyes fell upon the tabletop, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly.

That fellow Seeing Seeing Kapu-Tapu Koko must have truly become addicted to battling; coming once in the morning, once at night, and occasionally even once at noon.

Losing every battle, yet fighting again after every defeat.

It had directly exploded into this huge pile of Z-Crystals for him; it was practically a God of Wealth in disguise.

Counting them carefully, aside from the missing Poison-type Z-Crystal, Z-Crystals for the other seventeen types were all here, plus an extra Decidueye Z-Crystal and a duplicate Water-type Z-Crystal.

He had no idea where Seeing Seeing Kapu-Tapu Koko had gotten so many Z-Crystals; its little hands weren't very clean, and it might have stolen them or openly snatched them from the Island Kahunas or Totem Pokémon.

It was simply outrageous.

As for the Decidueye Z, it seemed useless on his end; Luo Mu had originally intended to contact Kukui to see if he had any connections to help him trade it with other trainers for a Primarina Z, preparing it in advance for his Popplio, which was still far from evolving.

However, Seeing Seeing Kapu-Tapu Fini had stated that it had a method to transform that extra Water Z into a Primarina Z.

Coincidentally, Luo Mu then remembered that his eldest disciple, Hearing Hearing Nimo, had a Decidueye in her team, which she had caught while at the Blueberry Academy.

After she finished challenging the Battle Frontier, he could consider giving it to her as a reward, so Luo Mu abandoned the idea of seeking out Kukui.

However, just because he wasn't looking for Kukui didn't mean Kukui wouldn't come looking for him.

After Luo Mu placed the colorful Z-Crystals into a small box he had bought at the market on Melemele Island earlier, and then stuffed it into his satchel.

His cracked-screen phone lying on the table suddenly vibrated; it appeared someone was calling.

After answering the call labeled "Kukui," Luo Mu listened to the series of excited words from Kukui on the other end of the receiver, then said with a strange expression, "If you're coming, then come; I'm in the very last wooden villa here on Akala Island."

Hearing only the words "Okay, coming right now" from the receiver before Kukui hung up, Luo Mu couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"It's just a few research papers; is there any need to be this excited?"

Although he was already packing his luggage, Luo Mu still instructed his Oranguru to prepare items for receiving guests shortly.

Not long after he finished organizing everything and categorizing it all into his spacious bag with ample capacity.

Kukui's figure appeared outside the house.

He was once again gripping a Braviary's foot with one hand, having forcibly flown all the way from Melemele Island to this Akala Island.

One could only say his arm strength was astonishing, and that he healed from his wounds only to forget the pain.

He seemed to have completely forgotten the incident half a year ago when he had nearly met with disaster at sea.

The moment Kukui landed, the Zygarde Core that was basking on the swing immediately turned invisible, while Kukui nodded to the Oranguru who had come to open the door before impatiently entering the house.

"Alola, Luo Mu."

Just as Kukui was about to say something, Luo Mu instructed the Oranguru, "Butler, prepare milk tea!"

Immediately after, Luo Mu smiled and beckoned Kukui to sit down, while the Oranguru used telekinesis to carry over two cups of milk tea emitting a chill, gently placing them before the two of them.

"Young Master, Guest, please enjoy at your leisure."

Having done all this, the Oranguru retreated a few steps.

Meanwhile, Kukui looked at it in surprise, murmuring in a low voice, "Telepathy..."

"This should be your first time seeing an Oranguru; let me introduce it, it is my proud Pokémon butler."

After introducing the Oranguru to Kukui, Luo Mu pushed the cup of milk tea belonging to Kukui slightly in his direction.

"Don't rush; have a sip of milk tea first. There are also some Malasadas and Combee Donuts here; would you like me to reheat them for you?"

Gulp.

Kukui swallowed hard; if Luo Mu hadn't mentioned it, it would have been fine, but now that he did, not only was his throat dry, but his stomach, which had rushed out without breakfast, was also faintly rumbling.

Rubbing his exposed wheat-colored abdominal muscles, Kukui hesitated for a moment before nodding and saying, "In that case, I shall accept your kind offer."

Eating breakfast at a friend's house shouldn't count as impolite, right?

At Luo Mu's request to eat first and discuss business later, Kukui only brought up the reason for his frantic rush after finishing a hearty meal.

He pulled out a magazine that had become somewhat crumpled from being tucked against his chest, pointing to a prominent spot on the cover which featured a vivid illustration of a Minccino climbing in the forest and bore the title "Pokémon and Nature," and asked, "The second author listed after Professor Oak... is that you?"

"It's already time for release, huh."

Luo Mu took the magazine from Kukui's hand and did not deny it, instead flipping to the corresponding page number according to the table of contents with a sighing tone.

This magazine featured a paper published by Professor Oak, based on his observations of Arcanine, Ursaluna, and Bloodmoon Ursaluna, focusing on how extinct Pokémon from the past adapt to the modern environment.

The other few magazines in Kukui's hands featured papers on the evolution of the "newly discovered" Ursaluna, the evolved form of Ursaring, as well as the Arcanine that once thrived in ancient Hisui in the Sinnoh region, and so on.

"To actually be able to collaborate with that Professor Oak, and also Professor Rowan, you are simply too amazing!"

Even though he was technically a Pokémon Professor himself, Kukui's current demeanor was just like that of a star-struck child.

His eyes seemed to be shining, wanting to ask Luo Mu whether he had encountered any difficulties while collaborating with Professor Oak on research, and what Professor Oak was like in private, and so on.

Luo Mu, who had hardly participated in the research progress at all, naturally couldn't handle this, and could only tell him that he had merely provided the subjects for the research; although he was listed as the second author, it was merely a nominal title in reality.

Kukui was not an unreasonable person; since Luo Mu had said so, he stopped pressing the matter and instead began discussing other topics.

"Guzma is locked up in the police station; Miss Miss Junsha said he'd have to serve at least a month."

"Those Team Skull members he led tried to storm the station to free him, and they got arrested too; I'm afraid they won't be released for another ten days or half a month."

"Tapu Koko probably hasn't appeared again, but if needed, I can ask the Island Kahuna to intervene and request Tapu Koko's departure."

"And the children at the Pokémon School..."

Kukui chattered on at length, yet Luo Mu showed not a shred of impatience, responding occasionally, even refilling his milk tea twice.

As their chat drew to a close, Kukui hesitated before asking, "Kachi told me you're heading back to Paldea soon?"

Luo Mu gave a slight nod. "Yes, my flight is tonight."

"I see."

With a sigh of emotion, Kukui grinned and extended his hand to Luo Mu.

"Then, next time you come to Alola for vacation, let's climb Mount Lanakila together again; this time, I'll show you the Alola Pokémon League standing amidst the wind and snow!"

"I'll look forward to that day."

Luo Mu nodded solemnly.

In his view, that day would not be far off.

Given Ash's pace of traveling through a region in just over three months, he would soon witness that day himself.

After Kukui departed, the next visitors were Gladion and his butler, James.

Infernape had said that early this morning, after finishing his morning training, Gladion had set out to return to his mansion on Melemele Island.

His swift return wasn't the most surprising part; bringing James, his butler, along was also within Luo Mu's expectations.

What truly surprised Luo Mu, however, was the young girl following behind the two, her exquisite face displaying visible nervousness.

She wore a large white sun hat and a spotless white dress; her golden hair and emerald eyes, shining brilliantly under the lamplight, closely resembled her brother's.

Gladion's younger sister, Lillie.

Luo Mu had only exchanged a few words with her at the Pokémon School, never expecting Gladion to bring her along.

Upon seeing Luo Mu, Lillie instinctively showed surprise, but immediately, her upbringing in proper etiquette compelled her to hold her hat brim and bow slightly, saying, "Please forgive my unannounced visit; my name is Lillie, and I am Young Lady Gladion's younger sister."

"Hello, Lillie."

After politely nodding to Lillie, Luo Mu cast a questioning glance at Gladion.

It was as if he were asking, "Why did you bring her here?"

Of course, Luo Mu was neither unwelcoming nor displeased by Lillie's presence.

Even before transmigrating, he had liked this character very much, once calling her "wife" and referring to Gladion as his "brother-in-law."

But now, that felt a bit too criminal.

What truly puzzled him was that just a few days ago, Gladion had insisted on keeping things from Lillie to protect her safety.

So why had he brought her along today?

Gladion nearly failed to maintain his cool, icy demeanor; awkwardly scratching his chin, he leaned close to Luo Mu's ear and whispered, "I forgot today was a holiday at the Pokémon School; while plotting with James, Lillie overheard us."

Luo Mu: "..."

James, meeting Luo Mu's gaze, also displayed a regretful, awkward smile.

At that moment, Lillie's somewhat faint voice spoke up: "Um... is it true that you've seen my father?"

For Lillie, today was an exceptionally special day.

Originally bored while reading in the study, she discovered that her long-unseen elder brother had finally returned home.

When she excitedly rose and hurried toward the living room, she overheard the conversation between Gladion and James downstairs from the staircase.

Father, Mo En, Wang Guan Snowfield, take good care of Lillie at home...

Rarely angered, she had thrown a fit then, demanding to know why her brother intended to leave her behind while going with Mother to search for Father.

She, too, had been longing for Father day and night!

After Gladion and James helplessly confessed, amidst the back-and-forth, the hot-blooded Lillie realized she had abruptly shown up uninvited.

Even more startling, the person who knew where Father Mo En was located turned out to be the powerful Trainer who had driven away those Team Skull thugs just a few days prior!

Now, meeting Luo Mu's gaze, she felt somewhat guilty, believing her behavior had been extremely rude.

Luo Mu didn't mind at all; he asked Infernape to fetch his photo album, flipped to a certain page, and handed it to Lillie.

"It really is Father."

Lillie touched the image of the weathered middle-aged man standing beside Luo Mu in the photograph, her eyes turning slightly red.

Even though he appeared much older and she hadn't seen him since she could remember, Lillie was certain that this was definitely her missing father.

Luo Mu spoke, "I have spoken with your mother; what is certain is that your father, Mo En, is indeed currently in the Wang Guan Snowfield of the Galar region."

"However, if you truly intend to go, I'm afraid you must prepare yourself mentally."

Gladion chimed in, "Yes, the Wang Guan Snowfield is extremely dangerous, not to mention that you still..."

"No, Elder Brother, I have truly made up my mind; only you can persuade Mother."

Lillie knew Gladion was referring to her fear of touching Pokémon, but that matter and this one were entirely different issues.

She wanted to find Father personally; even if she feared touching Pokémon, she would strive to overcome it!

"..."

Gladion could only remain silent.

He knew he was completely unable to refuse any of his sister's requests.

James's persuasion proved ineffective; indeed, Lillie's visit was precisely to see the photograph with her own eyes and solidify her resolve.

She even attempted to approach the passing Wo-Chien, but before Wo-Chien could extend its small hand to her, Lillie jumped back a step like a startled bird, colliding squarely with Infernape, who had come to refill the milk tea, leaving her completely petrified on the spot.

Having resolve and being able to act on it immediately seemed to be two different things.

Seeing that Lillie seemed determined to accompany her mother and brother in searching for their father, Luo Mu had no intention of interfering with her decision.

After all, this might be an opportunity, perhaps allowing her to resolve her inner knot ahead of schedule.

But the premise for everything is that within these few days, Gladion must perfectly demonstrate the special training he received here.

After leaving behind a pile of gifts brought by James, Gladion formally bid farewell to Luo Mu.

Preparations on his mother Lusamine's side were nearly complete; with no time to lose, his family would depart tomorrow for the Crown Tundra.

Find Mo En, and then bring him back to Alola.

(End of Chapter)