Hau'oli City, Pokémon School.
After wrapping up the Alola League's first official meeting,
Li Wei and Professor Kukui discussed the Master League, which was set to begin in May.
A map of Alola hung on the wall, marked with Pokémon League facilities currently under construction,
but alongside the excitement in Professor Kukui's eyes was a trace of anxiety he could barely conceal.
The Alola Region currently planned to establish Eight Gyms, with the points tournament to be held at those venues.
After all, both of them intended to enter the Master League.
Li Wei knew that Professor Kukui was the Masked Royal. They had discovered his identity long ago.
The Gym Leaders would also be chosen over the course of this year. Finding eight suitable Gym Leaders in the Alola Region was still possible.
It was already late March, leaving only a month before the Master League began.
Professor Kukui said calmly, "Li Wei, you've seen the spectacle of the Champion League, and you know where Alola stands."
"The Island Kahunas-Hala, Olivia, and Nanu-are undoubtedly strong and well loved.
"But if we placed them within the Pokémon League systems of Kanto, Hoenn, or Sinnoh,
"I'm afraid their strength wouldn't be enough to consistently shoulder the responsibilities of the Elite Four."
Professor Kukui wasn't belittling his own people. As the Masked Royal, he had every right to say this.
Professor Kukui could defeat the Island Kahunas, and do so with ease,
yet he couldn't make the top 32 in the Master League.
That was the difference between the Alola Region and the other regions.
Li Wei nodded. He understood Professor Kukui's concerns.
The Island Kahunas' duties leaned more toward preserving traditions and guiding trials than competing in professional battles at the highest level.
This also contributed to the lower overall standard