Chapter 83: Geeta's Proposal

After seeing off the students, each wearing a more or less thoughtful expression, Luo Mu let out a sigh of relief.

Glancing at the time, he noted it was exactly the scheduled end of class; avoiding overtime was a victory in itself!

Clap, clap, clap, clap.

Kukui, wearing an expression of admiration, walked toward Luo Mu while applauding and remarked emotionally, "Luo Mu, you truly considered those students; many truths one only understands after stumbling into pitfalls, you taught them in advance during class."

"It was a brilliant lesson; even I benefited greatly from it."

Intuition told Kukui that perhaps one day in the future, he too would find occasion to apply Luo Mu's teaching philosophy.

Luo Mu smiled and said, "Since I'm being paid a salary, naturally I must teach some solid substance; I need to instill this experience into them while they are still young."

Kukui nodded: "Speaking of which, the Orange Academy possesses one of the world's few massive libraries, correct? May I visit it?"

"Of course you may."

The voice came from behind Kukui and Luo Mu.

Kukui looked curiously at the newcomer, while the corners of Luo Mu's eyes twitched several times.

Good heavens, is Grandma Ju Zi actually serious about this?

The arrival was none other than Geeta, the human embodiment of the Glimmflower, serving simultaneously as Chairwoman of the Paldea Pokémon League, Top Champion, and Director of the Orange Academy.

Luo Mu scratched his head and complained, "Chairwoman, are you really this impatient?"

Geeta's smile was exceedingly composed: "To recruit excellent Trainers, even amidst busy official duties, I will carve out time to come for the development of Paldea."

Kukui looked between the two, somewhat bewildered: "Uh... Luo Mu, who is this beautiful Young Lady?"

Without waiting for Luo Mu to speak, Geeta pressed her right hand—which seemed as though it wore gloves twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty-five days a year—against her chest and introduced herself: "Greetings, Kukui from the Alola region; I am Geeta, Chairwoman of the Paldea Pokémon League, Top Champion, and Director of this Orange Academy."

"!!!!"

Kukui's eyes widened; those titles were no small matter, and he turned his head toward Luo Mu seeking confirmation.

Luo Mu nodded helplessly and said, "You may consider Chairwoman Geeta to be currently the strongest and highest leader of the Paldea region."

Geeta covered her mouth and laughed: "Luo Mu, there is no need to flatter me so; you have already passed the Champion Exam overseen by me, defeating both the Paldea Elite Four and myself in a full-power six-on-six battle, thereby earning the title of Champion-class Trainer."

A Champion!!

The shock on Kukui's face intensified; although he had vaguely sensed that Luo Mu, as a Trainer, was certainly no ordinary figure, he had not expected him to be a Champion who surpassed those powerful Elite Four members.

Luo Mu muttered under his breath, "You clearly didn't use your full power..."

Geeta's hearing was excellent; even Luo Mu's quiet complaint was heard clearly by her, and she wore an expression of pure innocence: "Hehehe, I was using my full power the entire time, you know? After all, I make no compromises regarding Pokémon battles."

"Is that your reason for placing the Glimmflower at the end of your team?"

Kukui looked at Luo Mu, then at Geeta, feeling that rather than a superior-subordinate relationship, the two resembled ordinary friends who would bicker and quarrel.

Indeed, just like Alola, the people of the Paldea region were harmonious and friendly, and their leaders were kind and amiable.

After a round of pleasantries, realizing she had gone off-topic, Geeta cleared her throat lightly and addressed Kukui: "Let us return to the main point; I shall not beat around the bush. Kukui, I have a proposal and wish to ask your opinion; may I speak a few words?"

Summoning the composure that had kept him calm even under the spotlights of the Royal Dome, Kukui nodded and said, "Chairwoman Geeta, please speak."

"I heard about your background from Luo Mu; the Alola region, if I recall correctly, is a very beautiful and affluent tropical area, is it not?"

The way Geeta narrowed her eyes was as charming yet dangerous as a Glimmflower, leaving the young Kukui momentarily stunned.

Luo Mu, who understood Geeta's purpose all too well, remained outwardly calm while complaining inwardly: "She looks exactly like a Glimmflower luring prey; what a terrifying woman."

For some reason, a hint of tension surged in Kukui's heart, and he nodded woodenly.

Seeing this, Geeta fully unfurled her "petals" to lure Kukui: "As a Trainer, have you ever considered staying in a certain place to further your studies?"

"For instance, here in the Paldea region there is abundant nature and powerful wild Pokémon residing; the strength of Trainers is guaranteed, just like your companion Luo Mu here. Although we may not produce talents as numerous as the Galar region, where battles are treated as a trend, compared to their high-pressure environment, I feel Paldea is more suitable for you to settle and refine yourself."

"In short, Kukui, would you like to join the Paldea League to become even stronger, allowing your talent as a Trainer to bloom with even more brilliant radiance?"

By the end of her speech, Geeta's tone was filled with temptation, even stirring Kukui's thoughts as he recalled his defeat, nearly compelling him to open his mouth and accept Geeta's recruitment.

Standing aside with arms crossed, Luo Mu remained silent; the choice lay with Kukui, and he had no intention of interfering.

After a long silence, just as Geeta revealed a smile of certain victory, Kukui spoke in a deep voice: "I am very grateful for your invitation, Chairwoman Geeta... however, please allow me to decline."

Geeta's expression froze for a moment.

"For the current me, compared to the path of a Trainer, there is a more important ideal I must realize. I wish to build my homeland into something even more wonderful, to spread the fun of Pokémon battles throughout the Alola region... I also wish to establish a Pokémon League belonging solely to Alola for the Alola region!"

"Therefore, I apologize, but I cannot accept your invitation."

Kukui's gaze was filled with determination, his voice ringing strong and forceful, clearly showing he had long since made up his mind in his heart.

Geeta fell silent for a moment, then shook her head helplessly: "It seems I am indeed not suited for recruiting talent."

"Very well, Kukui; your sincere response leaves me without any flaw to refute; your love for your region is no less than mine. Even if I were in your position receiving an invitation from another League, I would likely make the same answer as you."

"I sincerely wish you success in realizing your dream."

With these words, a look of relief appeared on Geeta's face, and she immediately intended to turn and leave.

"Please wait a moment." Kukui suddenly reached out, calling out to stop Geeta, and hesitated before saying, "Although speaking these words now may be somewhat shameless, Chairwoman Geeta, could you engage me in a Pokémon battle?"

"To be honest, after failing to challenge the Elite Four in the Kanto region, I traveled alone for a very long time; before returning to the Alola region, I wish to verify what I have gained."

Geeta halted her steps and smiled: "Regrettably, because I rushed out in haste, I did not bring any Pokémon suitable for battle."

"I understand..." Kukui lowered his head in disappointment.

"However..." Geeta drew out her tone, her gaze filled with amusement turning toward Luo Mu, making Luo Mu feel a chill of dread crawl up his spine, "Although I cannot conduct a battle, there is still a Champion-class Trainer here who defeated me; Kukui, why don't you have a Pokémon battle with Luo Mu, with me serving as the referee?"