Chapter 91: Bargain Supermarket Ruins

After boarding the boat and departing from Melemele Island, we arrived at Ula'ula Island in about half an hour.

We disembarked at the harbor of Malie City, a port exuding Eastern charm.

Under Kukui’s guidance, we left the harbor and quickly entered the city on foot; compared to the tropical Hawaiian-style architecture of Hauoli City, Malie City had an entirely different aesthetic.

Much of the architecture here originated from the Kanto region, especially the tall tower at the center adorned with crimson dango lanterns and daruma monkey decorations, which drew the eye immediately.

Luo Mu remembered that this place was apparently a non-official gym called the “Kanto Gym,” and he had a faint memory of it because there was a trainer with a card-dealing hairstyle wearing red and white there.

After passing through this area, the architecture soon reverted to the original Alolan style. Kukui led Luo Mu forward without pause, heading clearly in one direction.

After walking down several quiet paths separated by wooden fences, a single-story building came into view.

Luo Mu squinted and carefully read the sign on the building, aloud: “Ula’ula Police Station?”

He felt he had some vague recollection of the place, but couldn’t quite remember it now.

Kukui nodded slightly, about to introduce the place to Luo Mu, when suddenly a sharp-looking female officer wearing a police cap stepped out from inside the building—her greenish hair made her instantly recognizable to both men.

One of the wonders of the Pokémon world: Officer Jenny, who looked nearly identical to another!

Seeing Officer Jenny, Kukui’s eyes lit up, and he hurried forward: “Officer Jenny!”

Officer Jenny had been smiling as she chatted with her partner, a Heatmor in its Alolan form, but at the sound of Kukui’s voice, she looked up in confusion, paused for a moment upon seeing him, then exclaimed in delight: “Is that you, Kukui!?”

“You haven’t come back in two years—it’s been so long!”

“Long time no see—and Alola!” Kukui seemed very familiar with Officer Jenny, his tone warm and lively.

After greeting each other, Officer Jenny turned to Luo Mu, who stood behind Kukui, and asked curiously: “Who is this?”

“A friend of mine. His name is Luo Mu, from the Paldea region.” Kukui hesitated, then chose to conceal his near-disaster, introduced them both, and immediately asked: “Officer Jenny, is Senior Modan in the station?”

“Yes, he’s here. Why are you looking for him?”

“It’s urgent.”

“Alright, I’ll go on patrol then. We’ll catch up later.”

Officer Jenny waved cheerfully and rode off on her patrol motorcycle, carrying Heatmor with her.

“When I was traveling across the islands, she gave me a lot of help,” Kukui said, lowering his hand and explaining to Luo Mu.

Luo Mu nodded but said nothing.

Kukui said: “Let’s go. I’ll take you to meet the Island King of Ula’ula. Normally, you need his permission before meeting Tapu Moumou .”

“I’ve completed the Island Challenge. Getting permission should be simple.”

Kukui confidently waved his arm.

Honestly, Luo Mu thought it was doubtful—if the Island King really was the Modan he remembered.

Inside the Ula’ula Police Station, a lethargic-looking man sat with his legs propped up on the desk, legs crossed, turning his official police uniform, meant to project authority, into something thoroughly disreputable.

This man was Modan, the Island King of Ula’ula—in other words, the island’s recognized administrator, acknowledged by Tapu Moumou .

Around him gathered a large group of Alolan Meowth, lazily sprawled across various spots in the station, making Luo Mu’s fingers itch to test the texture of an Alolan Meowth.

Modan leaned back, resting his hands behind his head, and asked: “So, you want to go to the Harvest Ruins to meet Tapu Moumou ?”

Kukui nodded: “Yes.”

Modan yawned, glanced at Luo Mu sitting beside Kukui, and raised an eyebrow: “You probably don’t need Tapu Moumou —this young man is the one who wants to see Tapu Moumou , right?”

Finally called out, Luo Mu suppressed his eagerness and replied: “I’m the one who needs to meet Tapu Moumou .”

Modan sat up straight, studied Luo Mu carefully, and confirmed: “Old man here can tell—you’re a Trainer, right?”

A flicker of surprise passed across Luo Mu’s face.

“Come on, I’m the Island King and a cop—I’ve got some eyesight.” Modan interpreted Luo Mu’s reaction as tacit agreement, grinned, and stroked his chin thoughtfully: “I can’t grant your request.”

“Why!?”

Kukui looked anxious, confused.

“Calm down, Kukui.” Modan made a downward gesture, waited for Kukui to quiet down, then explained: “If you’re a Trainer, you must pass my test before meeting Tapu Moumou . After all, I’m the Island King.”

Luo Mu wasn’t surprised; he nodded slightly: “So you mean I have to battle you, Mr. Modan? I accept.”

“Luo Mu—”

Kukui stared at Luo Mu in surprise; in his memory, Luo Mu usually avoided battles whenever possible, and this sudden willingness to accept a challenge was new.

But Modan shook his head again: “I won’t fight you.”

Luo Mu: “?”

Were they being teased?

Modan slumped back in his chair like a lazy fish, grinning: “Old man’s got good eyes. I’ve got zero chance of beating you in battle—why would I go through the pain?”

“Here’s an idea.” Modan’s eyes rolled, then he snapped his fingers as if struck by inspiration: “Lately, there’ve been rumors about that place, and people keep getting scared enough to call the police. If you solve that problem, not only will I let you meet Tapu Moumou , I’ll personally give you a gift. How’s that?”

Luo Mu raised an eyebrow: “Alright, tell me the details.”

Modan chuckled, rubbing his hands: “The place is called the Bargain Supermarket Ruins. It’s not far from the village of Tapu Moumou , which was destroyed. Kukui should know where it is—he can take you there.”

“Your task? Find out whether there are Ghosts inside the Bargain Supermarket Ruins.”

After leaving the Ula’ula Police Station, Kukui asked, puzzled: “Luo Mu, are we really going to do this task? Even without permission, I could just take you straight to the Harvest Ruins to meet Tapu Moumou .”

“It’s fine. It’s just one task, not much trouble. It’s getting dark—we might as well go in and investigate.”

Luo Mu had originally planned to sneak into the Harvest Ruins, but after Modan mentioned the Bargain Supermarket Ruins, a memory surfaced, making him accept the task.

Ghosts… and the Bargain Supermarket Ruins… perhaps something related to Mimikyu is inside.

(End of Chapter)