Chapter 83: Yici

After seeing off the students, whose faces all bore varying degrees of thoughtful expression, Luo Mu let out a sigh.

He checked the time—class ended precisely on schedule; no overtime meant victory!

Clap, clap, clap, clap.

Kukui, his expression admiring, clapped as he walked toward Luo Mu and said with feeling, “Luo Mu, you truly care about your students. You’ve told them lessons many only learn after stumbling into pitfalls.”

“It was an excellent lesson—I learned a great deal myself.”

Kukui’s instinct told him that perhaps one day in the future, he too would find use for Luo Mu’s teaching philosophy.

Luo Mu smiled and said, “I get paid, so I teach real value—I need to instill this experience while they’re still young.”

Kukui nodded. “By the way, doesn’t Orange Academy have one of the few massive libraries in the world? May I visit it?”

“Of course.”

The voice came from behind Kukui and Luo Mu.

Kukui turned curiously toward the speaker, while Luo Mu’s eye twitched several times.

Damn, Yici is serious?

The newcomer was Yici—the President of the Paldea League, Chief Champion, and Chairperson of Orange Academy, the living embodiment of Solgaleo.

Luo Mu rubbed his head and grumbled, “Mr. President, are you really this eager?”

Yici’s smile remained calm. “To recruit outstanding Trainers, even with heavy official duties, I make time for Paldea’s development.”

Kukui glanced between the two, confused. “Uh… Luo Mu, who is this beautiful lady?”

Before Luo Mu could speak, Yici pressed her right hand—always gloved as if worn year-round—against her chest and introduced herself: “Hello, Kukui from Alola. I am Yici, President and Chief Champion of the Paldea League, and Chairperson of this Orange Academy.”

“!!!!”

Kukui’s eyes widened—these titles were monumental. He turned to Luo Mu for confirmation.

Luo Mu sighed and nodded. “You can consider President Yici the strongest and highest authority in Paldea right now.”

Yici covered her mouth and laughed. “Luo Mu, no need to flatter me—you’ve already passed my Champion exam, defeating all four Paldea Elite Four and me in a full six-on-six battle to earn the Champion Trainer title.”

Champion!!

Kukui’s shock deepened. Though he’d sensed Luo Mu wasn’t an ordinary Trainer, he never imagined he’d surpassed the mighty Elite Four.

Luo Mu muttered under his breath: “You didn’t even use your full strength...”

Yici’s hearing was sharp—even his whisper reached her clearly. She wore an innocent expression. “Hehe, I was using my full strength the whole time. I never compromise in Pokémon battles.”

“So that’s why you put Solgaleo at the end of your team?”

Kukui looked between Luo Mu and Yici, sensing they weren’t superior and subordinate—they were more like friends who bickered casually.

Clearly, Paldea, like Alola, was a land of harmony and kindness, where leaders were warm and approachable.

After some small talk, Yici, realizing she’d strayed off-topic, cleared her throat and addressed Kukui: “Let’s return to the matter at hand. I won’t beat around the bush. Kukui, I have a proposal I’d like to hear your thoughts on. May I speak?”

Kukui summoned the composure he’d shown under the spotlight of the Royal Arena and nodded. “President Yici, please go ahead.”

“I’ve heard about your background from Luo Mu. Alola, if I recall, is a beautiful, prosperous tropical region?”

Yici’s narrowed eyes were as captivating and dangerous as Solgaleo’s—Kukui, young and inexperienced, was momentarily stunned.

Luo Mu, fully aware of Yici’s intent, kept his face calm but thought bitterly: “She’s like Solgaleo luring prey—what a terrifying woman.”

For some reason, Kukui felt a flicker of tension and nodded stiffly.

Seeing this, Yici fully unfurled her “petals,” luring Kukui in: “As a Trainer, have you ever considered staying somewhere to deepen your training?”

“Paldea offers abundant nature and powerful wild Pokémon. Your strength, like Luo Mu’s beside you, is guaranteed. It may not produce Trainers as rapidly as Galar, where battling is a trend, but compared to Galar’s high-pressure environment, I believe Paldea suits you better for self-refinement.”

“In short, Kukui—would you like to join the Paldea League and grow stronger, letting your potential as a Trainer shine even brighter?”

At the end of her words, Yici’s tone dripped with allure, stirring memories of Kukui’s defeat and nearly making him accept her offer.

Luo Mu stood arms crossed, silent. The choice was Kukui’s—he wouldn’t interfere.

After a long silence, just as Yici smiled with certainty, Kukui spoke firmly: “Thank you for your invitation, President Yici… but I must decline.”

Yici froze.

“For me now, there’s a greater ideal than becoming a Trainer. I want to build a better home in Alola. I want to spread the joy of Pokémon battles across Alola… and I want to establish an Alola-exclusive Pokémon League!”

“So I’m sorry—I cannot accept your offer.”

Kukui’s gaze was resolute, his voice strong—he had long since made up his mind.

Yici fell silent, then sighed. “I guess I’m just not cut out for recruiting talent.”

“Alright, Kukui. Your honest answer leaves me no room to argue. Your love for your region equals mine. If I were invited by another League, I’d give the same reply.”

“I sincerely wish you success in realizing your dream.”

With that, Yici’s face softened into a relieved smile, and she turned to leave.

“Wait,” Kukui suddenly called out, reaching out hesitantly. “I know this sounds presumptuous, but President Yici—could you have a Pokémon battle with me?”

“To be honest, after failing to challenge the Galar Elite Four, I traveled alone for a long time. Before returning to Alola, I want to test what I’ve gained.”

Yici stopped and smiled. “I’m sorry—I rushed out and didn’t bring any Pokémon for battle.”

“I see…” Kukui lowered his head in disappointment.

“But…” Yici drew out the word, her smiling gaze fixed on Luo Mu. Luo Mu felt a chill crawl up his spine. “While I can’t battle, here’s a Champion Trainer who defeated me. Kukui—why not battle Luo Mu instead? I’ll referee.”