As the free-for-all battle commenced, the Grand Trial Festival's energy surged.
Among the challengers, Aiden spotted several familiar faces:
Hau—Hala's grandson, Moon's future rival;
Kiawe—supposedly residing on Akala Island, an exceptionally skilled Trainer whose Pokémon was none other than a Turtonator.
Amidst the chaotic atmosphere battle, its presence resembled Godzilla—efficiently eliminating challenger after challenger until only he remained standing.
[So impressive! That dark-skinned guy's Pokémon radiates such power!]
[I know this one! That turtle's Turtonator—a clever Pokémon that attaches gunpowder to its shell as traps!]
[Fun fact: Turtonator's typing is Fire/Dragon, while Charizard is Fire/Flying——]
[Damn! TIL]
The festive atmosphere infected Aiden's stream viewers—they too immersed themselves in the spectacle.
"So amazing…"
Beside him, Moon's eyes widened. She'd clearly witnessed it: that fire turtle had secretly—during combat lulls—deposited explosive ordnance as traps to disrupt opponents.
Beyond its troublesome explosive shell, the psychological impact of instantly detonating excrement underfoot was non-negotiable.
Such battle tactics exist?!
Moon's gaze drifted unconsciously toward Aiden—calmly observing nearby—and she mused:
Truly powerful Trainers never confine themselves to conventional battle forms. Every move carries a distinct personal flair.
To grow into an elite Trainer capable of completing the Island Challenge… should she learn more from Teacher Azure? Discover her own tactical identity sooner?
As Moon pondered—Lillie beside her suddenly spoke:
"He's Kiawe. His family owns a farm. He completed the Island Challenge this year."
"Also—a powerful Trainer who has mastered Z-Moves."
"—He knows Z-Moves too?!"
Moon blinked—eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I'd love to see it!"
Aiden prepared to respond—but his peripheral vision caught a bare-chested, mask-wearing muscular man striding toward the plaza. He chuckled softly:
"Seems we'll see it soon."
Not just Aiden—many spectators quickly noticed this eccentric figure's arrival.
"Look—it's the Masked Royal!!!"
"I knew it—the Grand Trial's star remains this mysterious powerhouse who never removes his mask——"
"Masked Royal—make Lord Tapu Koko enjoy tonight's festivities!"
The surrounding cheers revealed this "Masked Royal's" immense popularity in Alola.
Compared to the rarely active Island Kahuna, his Royal Dome three-on-one dominance radiated far stronger heroic charisma.
But—
Has no one ever recognized the Masked Royal's true identity?
Aiden curiously scanned the crowd.
From Moon's peculiar expression—she likely viewed this man as some exhibitionist weirdo.
But framed as a wrestler? This attire was perfectly normal.
As for Lillie—who'd spent three years with Professor Kukui——
Aiden read complex emotions in her eyes… even a hint of embarrassment?
Indeed—Lillie recognizes Professor Kukui too, but out of consideration for his dignity, she's been pretending not to know all along.
Lillie—you're so gentle!
"You came as expected, Masked Royal!"
The sole remaining challenger Kiawe clearly anticipated his arrival—expression instantly igniting with excitement.
"This time—I will defeat you!!!"
"Then come. Heroes never refuse challenges."
The Masked Royal smiled—as if treating Kiawe like a child. Casually, he tossed a Poké Ball.
"Go—Incineroar!"
A crimson flash—and a red-black furred Incineroar materialized, its mane flowing like flames in the wind.
Perhaps infected by the festive atmosphere, Aiden noticed its flame belt blazing fiercely—signaling peak fighting spirit.
"ROAR——!"
A thunderous roar erupted. Every spectator except Aiden instinctively flinched—hands flying to ears.
Even the battle-hungry Kiawe and Turtonator wilted slightly under this tiger's roar.
Only Aiden remained focused—studying it with keen interest.
"As expected, it's the Intimidate ability. And the Masked Royal—no, Professor Kukui—is truly a man with wrestler dreams. Even his Pokémon developed such robust musculature—clearly immensely powerful."
Compared to the Incineroar he'd once rented as "instructor," this one radiated vastly superior strength and presence.
Worthy of Professor Kukui's ace—a formidable Pokémon that challenged the Kanto League!
Aiden's excitement was natural—but contrasted with others' reactions, it seemed odd.
Thus chat began speculating:
[Why isn't Teacher Azure intimidated?! Does he have Clear Body?!]
[Not counterpoint—clearly Teacher Azure got more excited after Intimidate! Truly a man destined to become Battle King——]
[Teacher Azure: What haven't I seen? Mere Incineroar—pales before divine pressure!]
Amidst anticipation—the two challengers commenced battle.
Initially, Aiden expected a back-and-forth clash from Kiawe's stance.
But the result became utterly one-sided.
Incineroar dominated. The experienced Masked Royal used its flames to ignite half the battlefield—erasing Turtonator's carefully laid traps in one sweep.
Turtonator's attacks, too slow to land, could only resort to defensive counters.
Yet round after round—Incineroar consumed its shell explosives with controlled flames.
Any observer could see: continued attrition meant certain defeat for Kiawe.
Thus—realizing this, Kiawe immediately shifted strategy.
"Then let's settle this with our strongest move—Turtonator!"
Kiawe's face broke into a bold grin. He raised his right hand—revealing the silver-white Z-Ring on his wrist.
Instantly—the gem embedded within blazed brilliantly, bathing half the plaza in radiance.
"It's here—the Z-Move!"
"Will Kiawe finally unleash his signature Fire Z-Move?!"
Spectators erupted in cheers.
Aiden—and beside him Moon and Lillie—fixed their attention on him.
Though only golden Ultra Aura was visible, the surrounding rampaging energy was unmistakable.
Indeed—the Z-Move principle involves resonating with nature to absorb Alola's unique Ultra Aura as temporary power?
Aiden mused—glancing at his own Z-Power Ring.
If this weren't Arceus—ahem, system—crafted… it'd likely be mere decoration in Paldea, right?
Back to battle.
The surging golden Ultra Aura gradually condensed—concentrating on Kiawe's wrist and Turtonator's entire body.
Kiawe began an energetic dance—culminating in a powerful uppercut thrust skyward.
"Go—Turtonator!"
"Z-Inferno—Inferno Overdrive!!!"
Instantly—Ultra Aura surged anew—illuminating the previously dim night sky.
Turtonator's maw rapidly coalesced a blazing fireball. Upon expulsion—it explosively expanded, halfway across the field already surpassing Incineroar's massive frame.
"Perfect!"
The Masked Royal exclaimed—then smiled.
The atmosphere had heated sufficiently. Not countering Kiawe's Z-Move with his own felt almost impolite.
But unfortunately——a far more important opponent awaited him today. He couldn't waste his Z-Move here.
Sorry, Kiawe!
"Incineroar—Protect!"
As flames approached—the Masked Royal suddenly commanded.
Before him, Incineroar instantly reacted—performing chest-expansion motions while erecting a transparent barrier.
[??? Why play it safe?! Where's the passionate battle I wanted!]
[Can Protect even block Z-Moves?!——This power level feels terrifying!]
[I recall reading—Protect doesn't fully block Z-Moves/G-Max moves but significantly reduces damage——]
[Honestly—it's the smartest choice. It's a Fire-type Z anyway. Even the residual impact won't harm Incineroar much.]
Aiden agreed—caution was wise here.
After all——Kiawe's move would leave both him and Turtonator briefly weakened. The perfect counterattack window.
Though this approach felt less like Masked Royal's style… more like his own tactics?
Beyond battling—it'd educate Z-Move-unfamiliar tourists about its strengths and weaknesses. A fine teaching moment.
Could Professor Kukui have done this intentionally?
For a moment—Aiden couldn't be sure.
Soon—the straightforward "Inferno Overdrive" completely engulfed Incineroar.
Spectators held their breath—awaiting the outcome.
After approximately ten seconds—Kiawe, first to spot the red-black silhouette emerging from flames, sighed—releasing a relieved smile before plopping onto the ground.
"Predictable—I still can't match the Masked Royal——"
"No. I've witnessed your growth."
Professor Kukui shook his head—stepping into the battlefield. Before Incineroar and Turtonator's gazes—he approached Kiawe, smiling as he extended a hand.
"This Z-Move… already carries your father's flair."
"In two years—you might surpass me. Keep striving!"
"Yes! Next year—I'll challenge you again, Masked Royal!"
Kiawe beamed—unbothered by the loss. He slapped his palm against the offered hand.
The battle concluded.
Such passionate spectacle naturally ignited many spectators.
But Moon felt puzzled.
"Teacher Azure—why did he—"
"Because Z-Moves drain tremendous stamina—a heavy burden for both Trainer and Pokémon. Hence Kiawe conceded immediately after his move."
Though brief acquaintance—Aiden already anticipated her thought process—answering preemptively.
Indeed—this was Z-Moves' greatest flaw: unsustainability.
Dynamaxing lasted equally briefly—but provided comprehensive stat boosts and allowed 2-3 powerful G-Max moves.
Z-Moves' concentrated explosive power was formidable—but the side effects were equally obvious.
Unless one possessed the True Super Rookie's absurd constitution—one Z-Move per short timeframe was the limit.
Even Eevium Z's relatively mild drain left Aiden slightly "kidney-deficient"—especially after overexertion.
"I see!"
Moon nodded—curiosity thoroughly satisfied. She beamed.
Despite the unsustainability—Z-Moves were cool!
Landing one hit to decide victory? Side effects be damned!
One battle concluded—Kiawe exited regretfully.
Per protocol—the final victor Masked Royal should directly challenge Island Kahuna Hala—propelling the festival to its climax.
Yet neither he nor Hala looked at each other. Instead—both turned toward the spectator section.
"The next battle…"
Masked Royal stood center-stage—smiling as he pointed toward Aiden's direction.
"Will be against a most honored guest."
"Gym Leader from Paldea. The last Type Master Tournament champion. PokéTV superstar. And——"
"Rising elite Trainer—'Azure Wings,' Teacher Azure!"
This announcement made many spectators belatedly turn toward the front corner—spotting that unmistakably familiar figure.
"Holy—Teacher Azure!"
"Teacher Azure—I'm your fan!!!"
The already lively festival ignited further with Aiden's appearance.
Masked Royal's action startled Moon beside Aiden—only realizing after the announcement. She gazed at Aiden with starry-eyed admiration.
"Yes! I'll finally witness Teacher Azure's battle firsthand!"
Aiden merely smiled—waving at her and Lillie.
"I'll be right back."
"To let Tapu Koko feel everyone's burning passion… seems I'll need to exert myself a bit."
Aiden rose—walking straight toward the opposite side of the battlefield under live and online spectators' gazes.
"Good luck, Teacher Azure~"
"G-g-good luck!"
Not just Moon—Lillie's cheering voice seemed to echo from behind too.
Aiden nodded with a smile—then halted, facing forward.
Locking eyes with the Masked Royal's fiery gaze behind the mask—both corners of their mouths curved into identical smirks.
"For a passionate battle—the Pokémon I'll send out is——"
"Go—Lucario!"
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