A Step Too Slow, and It Hit Me Right in the Face? (Double Chapter, Please Vote!)

On the playground of Alola Pokémon School.

Lillie, Kiawe, Sophocles, Lana, and Mallow, the five new students, stood in a row.

"Let's start with a simple introduction," Doctor Kukui said.

Of the five, Lana and Mallow already knew Jing He. The two had exchanged contact information with him back during the fishing competition in Lilycove City, Sinnoh.

The energetic Mallow was just about to introduce herself first when the dark-skinned Kiawe rushed to the front, fists clenched, looking like he was ablaze with fire.

"Jing He-sensei! I'm Kiawe from Akala Island, and I want to battle you!"

Kiawe's gaze burned with determination, utterly fearless.

Behind him, Sophocles and Mallow both covered their foreheads.

"This guy, again..."

Jing He looked at Kiawe with interest.

First he had seen an Alolan Professor Oak, and now he was seeing an Alolan Volkner?

The Alola Region really was a magical place.

"Sure." Jing He nodded.

"Huh?" ×4

The other four cried out in surprise.

Even Doctor Kukui looked at Jing He in astonishment.

Jing He smiled. "How should I put it... as a teacher, well, it's been a long time since a student challenged me."

He beckoned to Kiawe.

"Come on."

With his current strength, he could teach not just ordinary Trainers, but even Gym Leaders.

On a whim, there was no harm in having a battle.

Kiawe failed to notice the strange look on Doctor Kukui's face. He immediately took out a Poké Ball and threw it with great momentum.

"I'm counting on you, Turtonator!"

Turtonator, the Blast Turtle Pokémon, was a Fire-type and Dragon-type Pokémon. It resembled a turtle, but both its shell and the plates atop its head formed six-pointed stars. Red and yellow intermingled across its body, making it look as though it were burning.

A Fire-type and Dragon-type Pokémon...