Hu Bin gladly accepted the praise!
Before leaving, Hu Jiaxing told Hu Bin, "Binbin, remember to go see Hala for training later. I've already told him that you earned Tapu Koko's approval and received a Sparkling Stone. He'll help you turn it into a Z-Ring. Your uncle won't be here for another couple of days to help train you!"
Hu Bin readily agreed. "Got it, Dad. I'll go see Old Man Hala in a bit!"
Hu Jiaxing and Zhao Lifang waved goodbye to Hu Bin, then rode Charizard and Altaria to work at the school.
The lively house suddenly grew quiet. After Hu Bin and Vulpix cleared the table, they headed out for the home of the Island Kahuna, Hala!
According to the address Hu Jiaxing had given him, Hala's home was in the mountain village up ahead, halfway up the slope. Hu Bin and Vulpix would have to walk there themselves, but that little distance was nothing to them. They had won a marathon, after all!
The Alola Region was a wonderful place for Pokémon. They could be seen practically everywhere on the islands, and resources were plentiful. Wild Pokémon lived quite comfortably here!
Quite a few Pokémon greeted Hu Bin along the way. He and Vulpix responded warmly, even taking out some Pokéblocks to share with them.
They also met a few Pokémon Trainers and had some friendly battles! Naturally, Hu Bin and Vulpix won every match, earning a fair bit of pocket money. Just like that, they had enough to cover groceries for today and tomorrow!
When they reached the village, Old Man Hala had already been waiting at the entrance for quite some time!
Seeing Hala's naturally imposing presence, Hu Bin still felt a little intimidated. Although Hala had been a kindly old man in the