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With Nemona as the "exemplary case," the other students who'd been considering challenging Teacher Azure quickly fled in groups.
Are you kidding me…?
Even Nemona—a first-year monster—had given her absolute all and only barely took down two of Teacher Azure's Pokémon. Victory remained impossibly distant. How could ordinary students, whose strength paled in comparison to hers, possibly justify stepping up after her?
Before today, many had felt invincible after collecting multiple Gym Badges. Some even dared to fantasize: Maybe I could challenge an Elite Four member!
But after Teacher Azure—the "Elite Four Teacher Azure"—casually demonstrated the true might expected of a champion-caliber trainer, they were left speechless.
And honestly… had Teacher Azure even gone all-out against Nemona?
It was hard to say.
Nemona, locked in intense combat, might've missed the subtleties—but the spectators saw everything clearly.
Subjective measures like raw power aside, the signs of deliberate restraint were obvious:
—Sylveon, who clearly still had fight left, was promptly recalled.
—Ogerpon, far better suited for Terasterallizing, wasn't given the Tera Orb at all.
Teacher Azure had practically thrown the match into the kiddie pool.
And yet—even with such blatant favoritism—Nemona only forced out four of his Pokémon. That psychologically brutal Indeedee never even saw the field.
Probably because Nemona, even in total collapse, never gave up—relentlessly scheming for a comeback. Teacher Azure likely judged Indeedee's mind games would flop against her indomitable spirit.
But not every rookie was Nemona!
Most would've crumbled under Teacher Azure's tactical cruelty—yet Nemona laughed through it all.
That pure, battle-loving mindset? She'd earned the title "Paldean Superman" fair and square.
No wonder she's terrifyingly strong!
I'm still too green… How dare I think I could challenge Elite Four Teacher Azure?
With these thoughts, the students silently dispersed. Only Aiden, Nemona, and Mewtwo remained outside the Sunshine Gym.
"Huh? Where did everyone go?"
After passionately reviewing the battle with Aiden, Nemona finally noticed the empty yard—perplexed.
She'd hoped to observe others' strategies, learn from their strengths, and study Aiden's Pokémon patterns further. But the crowd vanished the moment her match ended…
What a shame.
"Well, today's workload was already over-delivered. Time to close up shop."
Aiden, of course, understood their retreat—but wisely left it unspoken. He turned back to Nemona with a smile.
"Speaking of which—since you're back, why not visit the Sunshine Gym?"
"This year, you've been challenging other Gyms, so you might not know: our Gym's been thriving! Both popularity and Pokémon roster have multiplied many times over~"
"And… I'll hand you the Sunshine Gym Badge too. While your current strength might still need polishing for Champion Road, you've more than earned the badge."
His smile showed genuine satisfaction with his former apprentice's growth.
For Nemona, it was surely just a matter of time.
"Mm-hmm! Absolutely!"
Nemona nodded eagerly, beaming.
"Only now did I realize—I haven't been back to Cabo Poco in ages!"
"But honestly… roaming Paldea to challenge Gyms wasn't half as fun as being your Gym apprentice!"
She pouted, muttering a complaint:
"Other Leaders refused to go all-out against rookies! I told them I didn't mind—but they still made it way too easy! Only Leader Grusha showed any real fight…"
"…"
Aiden merely raised an eyebrow, wisely avoiding that topic.
After all—across all Paldea, only this battle maniac Nemona would be annoyed by Gym Leaders holding back!
Recalling past students who'd complained about the Sunshine Gym's difficulty…
Truly, mutual understanding between people is impossible!
While they spoke, Mewtwo—standing quietly behind Aiden—was subtly observing the lively girl chatting with her mentor.
From their battle, Mewtwo clearly sensed Nemona's massive gap over other challengers—likely the strongest it had seen in weeks.
But more than her strength, Mewtwo noted the intel casually revealed in their chat:
So… I'm not the only apprentice here…
And Nemona was Aiden's "senior" apprentice—befriending him long before I arrived.
After studying Nemona awhile, Mewtwo internally nodded.
Yes—her strength and personality were flawless. No wonder Aiden chose her.
According to online knowledge, multiple apprentices per Gym was standard. The Sunshine Gym—run solely by Aiden—was the true anomaly.
Managing a Gym and maintaining elite trainer growth alone was far harder than it seemed. Hiring apprentices to handle daily duties was common—and mutually beneficial, offering rookies invaluable mentorship.
Nemona's current prowess surely owed much to Aiden's early guidance.
But… I'm no worse.
What Nemona can do, I'll do better!
I'll prove I'm the one truly suited for the Sunshine Gym!
?
Suddenly sensing a burning gaze, Nemona tilted her head—and locked eyes with the oddly fired-up Mewtwo. A question mark floated in her mind.
This new member, Mewtwo… does it really want to battle me?
She'd already lost to Teacher Azure. With plans to stay in Cabo Poco for intensive training…
Why not spar with it sometime?
It'd be my first battle against a Pokémon who's also a trainer!
…
"Wow! The Sunshine Gym's this lively now?!"
The moment she stepped inside, Nemona spotted several Pokémon happily slacking off.
Since Aiden used his personal team today, the rental Pokémon enjoyed an unexpected day of leisure—finally free to loaf during work hours.
"Jha?!"
Noticing a stranger, Sableye—who'd been philosophizing on the floor—jolted upright with a gasp.
The clone Pokémon, lined up on the couch watching TV and waiting for dinner, all popped their heads up to stare at the energetic girl beside Aiden.
"Hellooo~!"
Socially fearless, Nemona bounded over, greeting everyone—then scooped up the group's "big bro," Squirtle.
"Ah! This is Squirtle, Kanto's Starter! Such a cute kid—I never expected to find it here!"
"Squirtle?!"
Suddenly hoisted, Squirtle blinked—then, spotting Mewtwo's dangerous glare from behind Aiden, began thrashing wildly.
"Aww, don't be shy!"
Nemona, superhuman strength (in fact, her stamina was subpar), couldn't hold onto Squirtle. It wriggled free and dragged the other clones into Mewtwo's room, fleeing the "danger zone."
Nemona turned hopeful eyes to Aiden.
"Teacher Aiden~ Let these cuties play with me!"
"My team's all evolved now—but baby forms are the cutest!"
Aiden gave a strange look and shook his head.
"I can't promise that. These Pokémon are actually Mewtwo's—they're its responsibility. You'll need to ask the right… Pokémon."
"Uh…"
Nemona instantly turned to Mewtwo, who wore a stern expression.
"So it's true? The rumors were real!"
?
Now Mewtwo was the one questioning.
Before it could react, Nemona grabbed its right hand, blinking rapidly with starry-eyed admiration.
"Incredible! My first Pokémon trainer! No wonder Teacher Aiden trusts you—the school forums are buzzing about you!"
"Hey hey, Mewtwo… classmate? Since we both love battles, we'll definitely be great friends!"
"…"
Too close!
Mewtwo was caught off guard—instinctively wanting to repel her telekinetically, but stopping itself.
She was human. Even a light nudge could injure her…
—and lower its standing with Aiden.
This is a trap.
Without telekinesis, it'd have to speak. But Nemona seemed like the type who never listened and did exactly as she pleased…
Sighing internally, Mewtwo's face fell into resigned exasperation.
Confirmed: She's my least compatible human type.
"Since Aiden acknowledges you, just call me Mewtwo."
"As for 'friends'… We just met. Isn't this too soon?"
"Huh? But we're both Teacher Aiden's students! Becoming friends is natural!"
"…"
Now Mewtwo was speechless.
She'd invoked Aiden—how could it refuse?
This personality is my absolute weakness.
"If you don't answer, I'll take it as a yes!"
Nemona flashed a victory grin, threw up a peace sign, and declared with renewed vigor:
"Now that we're friends… to celebrate, we must have a battle!"
"So—let's battle!"
THWACK—
Aiden slapped a hand over his face, pained.
I knew it.
Nemona's brain had a unique circuitry: every conversation inevitably led to "battle."
He'd seen this pattern enough.
But as her "teacher," he had to intervene when needed.
"Let's battle!"
"Aren't battles fun? As the current Gym apprentice, Mewtwo must think so too!"
"Friends confirm their bond through battle, right?!"
"No, Nemona."
Just as Nemona's "relentless battle spam" seemed about to succeed—and Mewtwo looked ready to nod—Aiden cut in.
"Your Pokémon just fought a grueling match. They have no stamina left. Pushing them now would make them cry."
"…"
His words doused Nemona's fire like ice water. Her energy visibly deflated.
"You're right… I almost forgot…"
But seconds later, her green-highlighted bangs snapped upright. She rebounded instantly.
"But hey—plenty of time to battle Mewtwo-chan later! No need to rush today!"
"So… let me play with those cute kids for a bit? You'll allow it, right? Right, Mewtwo-chan~?"
Before Mewtwo could protest, Nemona was behind it—gently but firmly pushing the flustered Pokémon toward the room where Squirtle's group had fled.
Aiden could only shake his head.
Indeed—only the brave enjoy the world.
Even Mewtwo, usually reserved, was overwhelmed by Nemona's social blitzkrieg.
…And had seemingly become part of the world she enjoyed.
Social Terrorist—truly terrifying!
Even Mewtwo is subdued!
Deciding not to intrude on their "bonding," Aiden instead summoned his Pokémon from their Poké Balls.
First, Indeedee.
Then the rest of his team.
"Hmm?"
Indeedee, appearing, instinctively checked the time—then hurried into the kitchen.
"We have a guest tonight—make extra delicious food~"
Aiden reminded her, then followed into the kitchen.
Tight on time… Better help out. And confirm tonight's menu.
…It's not that I'm itching to cook again!
…
After dinner, exhausted from the day's battles, everyone—Aiden, his Pokémon, and Nemona—fell asleep early.
Midnight arrived.
Cabo Poco lay silent.
On the nearby beach, a damp shadow emerged.
"Why couldn't you just stay in Johto? Now I had to swim halfway across the ocean… What a nuisance…"
"If I have to swim back, maybe this world should just end."
Dripping wet, Marshadow shook itself—then summoned a sinister black flame, spreading it over its body.
As a Ghost-type blessed by Ho-Oh, even the dreaded Will-O-Wisp couldn't harm it.
Instead, the flame was perfect for quick drying.
"If Ho-Oh knew I used its gift like this… it'd be furious…"
The thought flickered—then vanished as warmth soothed its body.
So comfy…
No, Ho-Oh's merciful. It won't mind such trivialities.
Besides—more important matters await!
Eyes sharpening, Marshadow recalled its purpose.
Ho-Oh, a deity entrusted with a supreme duty by the Creator, occasionally visited the human world—seeking those with worthy hearts and strength.
Those granted the Rainbow Wing became known as Rainbow Heroes.
But the process wasn't as simple as legends claimed.
Ho-Oh's judgment… was sometimes questionable. Thus, its emissaries conducted trials. Only with unanimous approval could one meet Ho-Oh.
Beyond the Three Beasts (Suicune, Entei, Raikou) occasionally seen by humans, Marshadow—the hidden examiner—held final authority.
Technically, the current candidate should be that middle-aged man, Giovanni. Aiden's Rainbow Wing was his gift.
But after over a decade of "supervision," Marshadow found Giovanni… unsettling. He'd nearly spotted Marshadow several times—and showed zero interest in being a hero. Instead, he schemed to exploit Ho-Oh's blessing.
Better to pass the Wing to someone else. Safer that way.
As for this new candidate—who'd forced Marshadow to swim oceans…
If he fails my trial… I'll haunt him for a month!
Humans fear the unknown. Even knowing it's a Ghost Pokémon, without seeing my true form… he'll be terrified! A fitting punishment!
Marshadow grinned, oddly excited.
Tracking the Rainbow Wing's energy, it slipped into the shadows—stealthily advancing toward the Sunshine Gym.
But near the entrance—it froze.
"Gao?!"
By the "Sunshine Gym" sign, a metallic creature sleeping in a plush bed suddenly lifted its head—alert, as if sensing Marshadow's presence.
"???"
Marshadow halted, breath held, studying the oddly designed Pokémon.
It detected me?
Impossible.
Only two things could spot Marshadow in shadows:
1) Another Ghost-type attuned to dimensional rifts.
But this didn't feel Ghost-type…
2) Strength surpassing its own.
No way.
Marshadow was Ho-Oh's most trusted emissary. Millennia of "slacking off" still left it stronger than any of the Three Beasts.
Was this tech-looking Pokémon… a Legendary?
And coincidentally linked to the new Hero?
Marshadow spiraled into self-doubt.
But… just as it pondered revealing itself, Miraidon—the guard—suddenly relaxed, flopped back onto its mat, and closed its eyes.
"…"
False alarm.
Marshadow exhaled in relief.
Of course! A door-guard Pokémon couldn't possibly rival Legendaries!
Cautiously, it slinked past Miraidon—testing, probing—until finally slipping inside.
The moment it crossed the threshold, Miraidon's eyes snapped open again.
"Gao?"
Did something just pass by?
Like that time in Area Zero with the professors…
…When that Flutter Mane sneaked into the lab?
But ordinary Ghost-types were harmless pranksters. Even "Ancient Species" were just mildly combative.
And… not my problem.
If the sky falls, Aiden will catch it. I'm just a lazy bum.
Miraidon dismissed the thought and drifted back to sleep.
Meanwhile, Marshadow—past its first trial—noticed more oddities.
"Poni…"
On the living room rug lay a sleeping Pokémon. Even unconsciously, its aura radiated power—making Marshadow tense.
The door guard's alertness might've been coincidence…
But this one's aura? Undeniably strong. Nearly Marshadow's equal—only "professionally mismatched" to miss its presence.
Is the Pokémon quality in this place… too high?
Unease prickled Marshadow, but duty called. It pressed on.
Past these two, other Pokémon seemed ordinary—many with mediocre qualifications. But they slept curled together, clearly content.
Marshadow noted this, slightly raising its opinion of the Hero candidate.
Making Pokémon happy… not bad for a human.
But character was only one criterion. Strength was mandatory.
Advancing, it spotted a young dragon in the corner.
Recognizing it instantly as Shelgon—a late-bloomer destined to evolve into the battle-hungry Salamence—Marshadow paused.
Not for its potential… but for the draconic energy within.
Immature, yet powerful—and strangely familiar…
Like that "Master of the Skies," Rayquaza—Ho-Oh's equal.
But Shelgon was just Shelgon. No connection to Rayquaza.
Must be my imagination…
Did the door guard rattle me? Am I over-sensitive?
Passing Shelgon, Marshadow entered the living quarters.
First: an empty training area. Only a sleeping Lucario on the floor.
Collapsed after training to save time?
Marshadow's expression twisted.
Why are all this Gym's Pokémon so… abnormal?
Did I pick the wrong Hero candidate?
Only a freak could raise such monsters!
Curious now, it approached the final room—the Rainbow Wing's location.
But the moment it relaxed…
"BOOM—!"
A sonic blast erupted behind it—a Aura Sphere exploding overhead, tearing up the floor.
"???"
Marshadow spun—only to see Lucario, now alert, staring directly at its hiding spot.
If I weren't Ghost-type—if I couldn't vanish into dimensional rifts—that attack would've hit me!
But Lucario was an Aura Guardian. All things had Aura… so detecting Marshadow made sense…
…RIGHT?!
Dimensional rifts were outside reality—bordering Arceus's Reverse World!
Technically, Giratina's domain!
My body isn't even HERE—how did its Aura find me?!
Even Instinct isn't THIS broken!
"Luca…?"
Lucario, confused, stared at the crater it'd made.
I attacked in my sleep?
My body sensed danger before my brain woke…
But… nothing's here?
If Aiden sees this… he won't scold me, but I'll feel awful!
Am I a bad Pokémon for wrecking the Gym?
Resolution struck:
If I'm asleep… it wasn't me!
It turned over and pretended to sleep instantly.
"…"
Marshadow's mood? Numb despair.
Every Pokémon here is insane!
But as a Ghost-type, Aura Sphere couldn't touch it.
Safe. Aiden's room is just steps away!
It dashed down the hall—only for a door to swing open.
A pinkish-purple Pokémon blocked its path.
"…"
Mewtwo, using telekinesis, clearly sensed the intruder in the shadows.
Midnight was just its nightlife's start. It'd planned to hack the school forum to read about "those students" Nemona mentioned—until the explosion drew it out.
"Show yourself. I know you're there."
"A mere ghost needs no disguise before Psychic power."
Though not Ghost-type, Psychic defied logic—especially Mewtwo's, with its blood ties to Mew, the Legendary.
This intruder might fool others… but not Mewtwo.
And when Marshadow saw Mewtwo's face—it froze.
It resembles the World Tree's guardian…
Mew, right?
Guardian of the World Tree near Rota City—close to Johto's border.
Both born of Arceus, Mew and Ho-Oh were equals—tasked with guarding the Tree.
But… could Mew breed?
This Pokémon's resemblance to Mew was undeniable.
This trip to Paldea just started—and I'm already shocked repeatedly…
First, the door guard—maybe it saw me all along and let me in.
Then, an unknown powerhouse.
Even "ordinary" Shelgon and Lucario showed anomalies.
And now… this.
This generation's Rainbow Hero… is their approach a little too wild?
Marshadow sighed internally.
I just slacked off a few years because Giovanni didn't want to be Hero… and this is my punishment?
For millennia, I've never been spotted—100% infiltration success—yet here I am, capsizing in Paldea's gutter.
But exposed, it dropped the act.
If Mewtwo attacked, the entire Gym would swarm it. Even Marshadow would struggle against so many "illegal" monsters.
So—it emerged from the shadows, revealing its black head.
?
Mewtwo blinked—three question marks hovering overhead.
It'd assumed a wild Ghost-type prankster…
But this Pokémon? Unidentified.
As a "quiz king" who'd memorized every Pokédex entry backward, only two explanations existed:
1) This Pokémon was undiscovered by humans.
2) Humans couldn't access its data.
Either way—it was special.
Wait…
An unknown Pokémon?
If I present it to Aiden… he'll praise me!
Maybe even ruffle my head or pat my shoulder!
Motivated, Mewtwo prepared Hypnosis—to capture it peacefully.
But before it moved—
Creak…
The bedroom door opened.
"What's going on? Why's it so loud outside?"
Aiden, yawning and half-asleep, stepped out.
Marshadow was short—and only its head showed—so Aiden didn't spot it until seconds later, following Mewtwo's gaze downward.
Then—he froze.
"Ma… Marshadow?!"
Shock flashed—then transformed into pure, delighted surprise as he fully woke.
??????
For Marshadow, this was the ultimate shock.
For millennia, it'd upheld the "Shadow Trial" in absolute secrecy. Only a handful of trusted Rainbow Heroes knew of its existence.
Yet this first-time-met candidate… recognized it instantly and spoke its name.
What is happening?!
Marshadow's resentment toward Giovanni peaked:
Damn you, Giovanni!
Keep Ho-Oh's blessing with reverence!
If you didn't want to be the Hero, why not just slack off together?!
Now we've got this clearly abnormal candidate—who's probably strong too—
…and my slacking days are OVER!
As Marshadow groaned internally, it met Aiden's gaze.
Ordinary humans seeing a Ghost-type should react with fear.
At minimum, a Hero candidate should show reverence for Ho-Oh's emissary.
But Aiden's eyes held neither.
Instead—blatant, scorching desire.
Marshadow's expression turned horrified.
Don't tell me…
He accepted Ho-Oh's trial… not for Ho-Oh…
…but for ME?!
NO! YOU CAN'T!
This is sacrilege against Ho-Oh!
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