Five days later,
Inside the newly completed Pokémon League Gym in Hau'oli City, which had yet to officially open.
Professor Kukui stood at the edge of the battlefield, his eyes full of anticipation.
On the other side of the battlefield,
Li Wei and Doduo were quietly exchanging opinions.
Before them stood eight well-known Trainers from the Alola Region whom Professor Kukui had selected in his preliminary screening.
They were candidates for the Gym Leader positions.
Among them, two well-known Trainers native to Alola were particularly eye-catching.
"She's pretty good. I remember she likes teaching beginners."
"I know that one too. Kahili, the golfing prodigy. Her family's loaded."
She was a blue-haired woman wearing a baseball cap, with a golf bag on her back.
Kahili had set out on a journey to grow stronger, then returned to the Alola Region after receiving Professor Kukui's invitation.
Li Wei raised an eyebrow.
"Interested in her?"
"Oh, come on. It's just because she specializes in Flying-type Pokémon."
"Ohhh, mutual appreciation between Flying-type specialists."
"Do you want me to hit you?!"
Lance started rolling up his sleeves as he spoke.
Across from them, the prospective Gym Trainers watched the two Champions suddenly start chasing each other around, their faces darkening with exasperation.
￣□￣｜｜
The farce ended fairly quickly.
Professor Kukui stepped forward and held out his hand.
"Mr. Lance, thank you so much for coming."
Lance shook Professor Kukui's hand and laughed heartily.
"Professor, just call me Lance. No need to be so formal."
Li Wei smiled at Professor Kukui and patted Lance on the shoulder.
"Leave it to him."
"Lance knows more than I do about how to recognize a good mentor."
Lance glanced at Li Wei.
"Finally, something decent out of your mouth. If your cooking weren't so good that it made up