Chapter 19: The Grand Trial! Kaito VS Hala!
"Won't be long now!" Ash said as he poured in some of the Pokémon food that Pikachu, Buizel, and the two Rockruff were expecting. The four Pokémon watched as the Kanto Trainer completed pouring the bowl of Pokémon food, while picking up the one that fell on the counter.
Kaito on the other hand, was looking over some books that Prof. Kukui had allowed him to look over. The Alola boy had visited Ash again as he wanted to spend some time with his Kanto friend, especially since it was just yesterday when they completed their first trial together.
"There! Yeah! Here's breakfast, guys!" Ash called out. He walked over to the four Pokémon, ready to place the bowl down. But as he was doing so, the energetic Rockruff nuzzled his rocky collar onto Ash's leg, causing the Kanto Trainer to grin and wince a little from his affection.
Pikachu, Buizel, and Kaito's Rockruff on the other hand, all crowded around Ash as the Kanto Trainer warned the four of him spilling if he wasn't careful enough.
"Hey, careful! I don't wanna spill it, 'kay?" Ash asked as he slowly placed the bowl down for the four Pokémon to enjoy. Kaito looked up from his book he was reading as he watched in amusement to see his Pokémon, along with Pikachu and Rockruff were crowding around the Kanto Trainer.
"Eat it up!" Ash said as he finally placed the bowl down. The four Pokémon made their grateful cries before they all took a bite out of the Pokémon food they were sharing together.
Ecstatic with how the food tasted, the four Pokémon were about to eat again, only for their heads to bump into each other! At their small impact, the four all fell back together as they blinked before they looked at each other, all in confusion.
"This is what happens when you four all try to rush and eat at the same time..." Kaito said playfully before he stood next to the Kanto Trainer.
Just as Kaito spoke those words, a growling noise came from Ash's stomach, causing the Kanto Trainer to grin bashfully while earning an unamused look from the Alola boy.
"I just jinxed it, didn't I? When I first mentioned eating..." Kaito said, causing the Kanto Trainer to give a slow nod to his Alola friend.
"Well... I was hungry too, since I haven't eaten yet... Want to eat, Kai?" Ash said bashfully before he walked to the table to have his breakfast. He offered a bread to the Alola boy, who blinked before he accepted it with thanks.
"Thanks..." Kaito said simply before he took his breakfast to enjoy. As the boys and their Pokémon friends were eating their breakfast, Prof. Kukui was reading the newspaper and spotted something quite interesting for him to see.
"Hey! Yesterday's adventures made the paper!" Prof. Kukui exclaimed, causing Rotom to float over, as it was also eager to know what the papers said about yesterday.
"May I see it, too?" Rotom buzzed before the Professor allowed the Pokédex see what was on the papers.
"The surprising actions of two young boys named Ash Ketchum and Kaito Shirogane in cooperation with Kahuna Hala were an eye-opening sight. They obtained the help of the Totem Pokémon Gumshoos and its allies by battling it in their trial, and successfully drove off the Rattata and Raticate, who had been causing trouble all over the city! It is further noted that both Ash and Kaito will receive a commendation certificate from Officer Jenny." Rotom read carefully.
"That's awesome!" Ash exclaimed, feeling excited about what's coming to him and the Alola boy. But just as he expressed his excitement, the doorbell rung, causing everyone to perk up to the call as Kaito blinked in realization.
"That must be Officer Jenny right now." Kaito said as the Kanto Trainer took first place in getting the door.
"I'll get it!" Ash called out before he opened the door, with Kaito and Pikachu following him! The door opened to show Officer Jenny standing with a Gumshoos at her side!
"Alola! Good to see you two!" Officer Jenny said with a salute, surprising the boys as they greeted her back.
"Hi, Officer Jenny. You too, Gumshoos." Ash said as Kaito followed along.
"Alola to you too, Officer Jenny. Alola, Gumshoos." Kaito said simply, as he felt Buizel climb up to his shoulder while Rockruff gave his left leg a small nuzzle before it turned and greeted the two visitors.
"Well, well? A partner? I give it the Heart Stamp of approval." Prof. Kukui said, sounding amused.
"Thanks to all your hard work, I was able to find a very capable partner. Thank you so much!" Officer Jenny explained gratefully before she made the salute again. Gumshoos followed along with his salute, amazing the two boys.
"Wow... Good for you, Gumshoos! That's really cool!" Ash exclaimed in amazement.
"So you went from a Totem Pokémon's ally to be an officer's partner. That's great." Kaito said, while Rotom buzzed in.
"It's obvious Gumshoos is a patient and tenacious Stakeout Pokémon! I estimate compatibility with Officer Jenny to be 99.7%." Rotom buzzed, causing Gumshoos to grin bashfully while the Alola boy to ask with a frown.
"So what happened with the remaining 0.3%, then?" Kaito asked himself as Buizel raised an eyebrow in confusion. Even Rockruff cocked his head in confusion with what Rotom said about Gumshoos' compatibility with the officer.
"Ash, Kaito. I understand that the two of you will be participating in the Grand Trial today." Officer Jenny said, earning a nod from Ash while Kaito just blinked in realization before he scratched the back of his head with uncertainty.
"Right!"
"I'm not so sure about that... Maybe?"
"Wonderful! I'd like to drive the two of you to Iki Town in my patrol car. May I?" Officer Jenny asked, making Ash enthusiastic while leaving Kaito surprised with the big offer.
"That'd be great! I'd love to do that!" Ash exclaimed, while Kaito answered sheepishly.
"That's fine..." Kaito said simply while Buizel and Rockruff just nodded together in response.
"Thanks very much. You drove a long way just to give Ash and Kaito a ride..." Prof. Kukui said in reminder, causing the officer to blink and widen her eyes in realization for what she came here for.
"Thanks for reminding me! Here are Ash and Kaito's commendation certificates!" Officer Jenny said before she took out two certificates that seemed to belong to the boys now. As soon as she took it out, she began to read what it says on one of them.
"As representative of Melemele Island, I present these certificates from all of its citizens thanking you for your heroic work. Here!" Officer Jenny read before she handed the two certificates to Ash and Kaito, allowing them both to accept their certificates.
"Thanks a lot, Officer Jenny!" Ash thanked happily as Kaito smiled.
"Thanks for this, Officer Jenny." Kaito said gratefully.
Pikachu, Rockruff, and Buizel all expressed their happy expressions to the boys as they were glad to see their human partners and themselves being recognized as the heroes that drove the troublemakers away yesterday.
Now the boys had one more thing coming to them: taking on the Grand Trial by challenging Hala to a battle!
But there's still one thing eating onto Kaito's mind.
"The Grand Trial... Should I really try it or not, now that I've participated in one Trial with Ash? I've made the final decision last night, but still..." Kaito thought carefully, his smile fading away before he tried to think of what he wished to do next.
(Pokémon Opening: Sun and Moon English Subbed)
Ash - "I'm Ash of Pallet Town. My dream is to become a Pokémon Master. This is my partner, Pikachu! Let's all search for Pokémon with full force!"
(The Japanese opening title shows on the screen)
There's no use in just standing around all the time
(Both Kaito and Ash pant under the hot sun with Pikachu and Buizel)
(Lana, Mallow, Lillie, Kiawe, and Sophocles all run over to help them)
I want to try and set out on a head-turning adventure
(Mallow, Lana, Kiawe, Sophocles, and Lillie appear in different sections)
(Bounsweet, Popplio, Turtonator, and Togedemaru appear with their trainers)
With the sun, the moon, Pokémon, and Pikachu
(The friends all slide down the school slide)
(They slide before crashing into each other by Alolan Exeggutor)
(Yeah, yeah, yeah!)
(They all recover and make repeated steps together)
It never stops being surprising and refreshing
(Kaito, Ash, and Prof. Kukui runs for the school)
(Litten shrieks before shooting Ember at Ash's face, much to his startle)
I'm here! I'm there! I'm over there! I can't stay put!
(Kaito pops up, until Shiho and Seita pulls at his two arms)
(Buizel lands on his head as the two grin at each other)
C'mon, there's still so, so much more to see
(Kaito and Ash leads their friends and Pokémon across the island)
(Yeah, yeah, yeah!)
(Samson Oak dances a little, until Komala bashes him away)
In intense battles, I choose you!
(In intense battles, I choose you!)
(Ash, Kaito, Lana, Mallow, Sophocles, and Kiawe all appear with their Pokémon partners)
(A Pokémon Egg floats in front of Lillie)
And it's time to catch 'em all!
(And it's time to catch 'em all!)
(Kaito throws a Pokéball at a Rockruff, catching it with success)
(Ash throws a Pokéball at a Grubbin, catching it with success)
(Their classmate watch their success together)
(Go!)
(Ash sends Pikachu out for battle)
Burn brighter, sun!
Take off with your pulse burning! (Okay!)
(Pikachu defeats Mimikyu with Iron Tail)
(Pikachu then defeats Yungoos, Alolan Rattata, and Salandit with Thunderbolt)
(Solgaleo appears besides the little Electric Type)
Your courage is overflowing, moon!
You will light up the dreams!
(Kaito sinks underwater into the abyss, unconscious)
(Then, a bright light flashes, showing a silhouette that looks just like Kaito)
Come on, feel the maximum energy with your all
(Ash and Pikachu perform Gigavolt Havoc)
(Kaito and Buizel perform Hydro Vortex)
Shout it out, "Alola!"
(Both boys run to say their Alolan greeting in the school)
(Opening End)
In Iki Town, Officer Jenny was about to make her leave to her police duties. She drove the boys and Prof. Kukui to where Kahuna Hala lived in. As soon as they arrived, Hala took the boys to where they would make a pre-battle ceremony to Tapu Koko before their Grand Trial battle would begin.
Prof. Kukui and Rotom waited as they remained to see the officer off.
"But if you leave, you'll miss the Grand Trial! Two Grand Trials, to be exact!" Rotom buzzed in protest, causing the officer to give a sheepish smile.
"Since I'm on duty, I'm afraid I must. I know Melemele Island is peaceful, but police work still keeps me busy." Officer Jenny explained, causing the Alola Professor to understand with a nod.
"I think we can safely credit you for that peace, officer. Take good care." Prof. Kukui said, as he wished the officer luck.
"You too!" Officer Jenny called out as she rode off and out of town, with Gumshoos at her side. As soon as she was gone, Rotom turned to where the boys had gone with the Kahuna, feeling concerned about what's happening to them.
"When will Ash, Kaito, and the Kahuna be back?" Rotom buzzed, causing the Alola Professor to respond with a smile.
"Ha... Oh, it'll be over before you know it." Prof. Kukui reassured as he looked to the forest to where the three disappeared off to.
The boys had gone with the Melemele Kahuna to the Ruins of Conflict by passing the Mahalo Trail to speak with the Melemele Guardian in their mind. Inside the ruins, the three had their eyes closed as they spoke to the Guardian, with Buizel, Pikachu, Rockruff, and Hariyama watched.
"Today we will perform the Grand Trial battle with our young challengers, Ash and Kaito. I now ask Tapu Koko, guardian of conflict to bestow upon us the power of Alola... of all the islands." Hala said calmly.
"Please, Tapu Koko. This will be my Grand Trial with Kahuna Hala, so I want you to watch it!" Ash said, feeling hopeful that the Guardian would respond.
"Tapu Koko... I hesitate many times and I hesitate even with speaking to you now, but please... I ask that you watch my battle with Kahuna Hala, so you can see what my true resolve would be as it goes on." Kaito said calmly, as he felt hopeful, too.
Time went on as wind can be heard from outside. But as more time went on, the more uncomfortable both Ash and Kaito went. The Kahuna didn't seem unfazed by the amount of time passed by, but it was starting to strain the two boys.
With the way they were sitting, they were feeling a lot less comfortable than they were when they sat for the first time. The two grunted and winced with the numbness their feet were taking, until Hala noticed how uncomfortable they looked.
"Hm? Ah ha ha ha! You can move now, boys." Hala laughed, amused with how the two were reacting from their numb feet. At being given permission to move, the boys sighed in relief before the Kanto Trainer raised a question to the Melemele Kahuna.
"So... Tell me, Kahuna Hala, do you think Tapu Koko heard us?" Ash asked, causing Kaito to turn as the Kahuna spoke.
"I would say there's a good possibility Tapu Koko heard us. But as Island Guardians go, Tapu Koko follows its own path." Hala said, causing Kaito to blink. Before he could speak, there was a loud cry that was very familiar.
"Tapu KOKO!"
The boys and the Kahuna tensed in surprise. Even the four Pokémon reacted with the call as they recognized who said that.
"That was... Tapu Koko just now." Kaito said before he closed his eyes for a moment. Ash followed, until the boys felt something in their minds. Once they realized what it was, they opened their eyes and smiled at each other.
"You felt it just now, right?" Kaito asked briefly, earning a nod from the Kanto Trainer.
"Yeah... I did." Ash responded simply. Pikachu, Buizel, and Rockruff looked at each other in confusion before they looked back at their Trainers. What were they talking about just now? Were they talking about the Melemele Island Guardian?
Later...
Arriving back near Hala's house from the Ruins of Conflict, the three met up with Prof. Kukui and Rotom as the Alola Professor turned to the two boys with a reminder about their Grand Trial battle today.
"All right, Ash. Kaito. One thing before your Grand Trial begins. Do you know the correct poses to use the Normal Type Z-Move?" Prof. Kukui asked, causing Ash to grin while Kaito looked at the Professor with a blank look.
"I sure do! We've practiced till it's second nature! Right, Pikachu?" Ash exclaimed brightly.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu responded affirmatively. Even Rotom agreed as he floated to the Kanto Trainer.
"Yes! He's correct. Even Kaito mastered the Normal Type Z-Move." Rotom buzzed, causing Kaito to agree.
"Right... Although, I don't know which Z-Move I should use. The Normal Type Z-Move or the Water Type Z-Move? I have two Z-Crystals right now, but I can only use one in battle. So, that leaves me in a bit of a bind here." Kaito explained before he showed his two Z-Crystals.
"In that case, as the battle goes on, let your mind decide what to do when you're in a tough situation. You might have the chance to discover which Z-Crystal would be best during your battle against Hala." Prof. Kukui suggested calmly.
"Yes... I think that would be best, too." Kaito said in agreement, causing the Alola Professor to nod back before he turned to his two students.
"Anyways, well done. Way to Lock-On and master your Z-Moves, you two!" Prof. Kukui said, as Ash grinned, feeling excited about having the chance to use it again.
"And I can't wait to use it!" Ash exclaimed, causing Kaito to nod slowly before the Professor spoke again.
"When you use a Z-Move, both you and your Pokémon expend a large amount of energy. So with the way you two, Pikachu, Rowlet, Buizel, and Rockruff are now, your Z-Moves should be quite a bit tiring." Prof. Kukui said in reminder.
"So that means we'll have to find the perfect time to use it. It's either when we're in an advantage or when we desperately need to use it to protect ourselves. I know what Buizel and I had to do during our Z-Moves together. Right, Bui?" Kaito explained.
"Bu bui..." Buizel said in agreement, as he remembered their battles against Golisopod, Tapu Koko, and the Alolan Muk when they were in trouble.
"Exactly, Kaito. We're ready to go, Hala!" Prof. Kukui called out as Hala nodded back in understanding.
"As are we, Professor." Hala responded calmly. Before things could get really started, the Alola boy went ahead of Ash and confronted the Melemele Kahuna with a serious look.
"Kahuna Hala, if I could, I was hoping if I could battle you first in the Grand Trial." Kaito said, catching Ash and Pikachu by surprise. Even Prof. Kukui and Rotom were a little startled by this sudden request as Hala raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?" was all Hala could ask as the Alola boy spoke again.
"You offered me to think about what I should do about the Grand Trial yesterday, right? That the decision to do it would be my own. So... after I parted ways with you and Ash, I thought about this a long time. And then, with my Pokémon together, we reached our final decision." Kaito explained seriously.
"And what would that decision may be?" Hala asked, feeling intrigued by the Alola boy's words.
As the Kahuna asked the question, the Alola boy thought back of the decision he made yesterday night.
Flashback
(Gates to Infinity: Dreams and Hopes OST)
Kaito laid on his bed, his outdoor outfit still on him as the Alola boy thought of what the Melemele Kahuna said to him earlier when he accomplished his first Trial with Ash against Totem Gumshoos and his allies.
Buizel and Rockruff were watching their human friend as they waited for him to make a response or even say something. They haven't heard from him when he first laid on his bed after their adventures with the Totem Pokémon.
"Buizel... Rockruff... What should I do?" Kaito asked finally, perking up his two Pokémon's attentions. They jumped onto the bed, both looking at him in both confusion and concern.
"After what Kahuna Hala told me... I still haven't realized what I wanted to do now. There's the Sea Gauntlet mystery I have to solve, and even our Electric savior from before..." Kaito stated, allowing his two Pokémon to understand his feelings.
"Taking on the Island Challenge sounds kinda fun and challenging, but... it might put you two to jeopardy if we were to make a wrong step. Or maybe... something worse could happen to the two of you..." Kaito explained softly, as Buizel gave a smile of understanding.
"Bu bui..." Buizel said in a comforting tone. He nuzzled his human brother's cheek with his nose before lying down next to him.
"Bu bui. Bui bui." Buizel said softly as Rockruff followed along. The Puppy Pokémon gave a small growl, before nudging his rocky collar onto Kaito's neck, causing the Alola boy to wince a little as Rockruff gave a confident bark to his human friend.
"Rock... Rockruff ruff..." Rockruff said, causing Kaito to raise an eyebrow before he looked back at Buizel. The Sea Weasel Pokémon smiled back, as he agreed with what the Puppy Pokémon was trying to say to the Alola boy.
"Bui bui. Bui bu..." Buizel added softly, causing Kaito to sigh before a weak smile replaced the frown he had before.
"Are you two... sure about this? You guys are really... willing to go along with this... with me?" Kaito asked, his tone sounding surprised. The moment he asked that question, both Buizel and Rockruff nodded firmly, as they already decided to stick with their Trainer until the end.
"I see... Thanks, you two. You two... are the best, you know that?" Kaito asked softly, his tone starting to crack a little as he embraced his two Pokémon close to him. His two Pokémon nuzzled their human brother back, both content with the decisions they've made altogether.
(OST End)
(Flashback End)
As he remembered their final decision last night, Kaito bit his lips and opened his eyes again to meet the Kahuna eye-to-eye.
"Even if I hesitate on what I truly want to do with my life next... I've decided to partake in the Island Challenge. Once I've completed the entire challenge, then maybe... I can find our my true resolve and my true desires..." Kaito said seriously, his hesitation fading away.
At the answer, Hala smiled at that as he chuckled.
"Hm... Ha ha ha ha! Now that is a good answer, young Kaito! Shall we begin, then?" Hala asked, earning a nod from the Alola boy.
With that being said and done, Kaito and Hala faced against each other in the stage where the Grand Trial battle would begin. Ash watched on the sidelines with Pikachu and Rotom while Prof. Kukui stood between the two battlers as the referee of the match.
"Attention, competitors! The Grand Trial between Kahuna Hala and the challenger Kaito Shirogane is now prepared to get underway!" Prof. Kukui announced, allowing both Trainers to speak their words to each other before they begin their match.
"It's truly an honor to battle you!" Both Kaito and Hala spoke to each other as their match began.
"You can do it, Kai! I know you can!"
"Pika Pika!" Both Ash and Pikachu cheered for the Alola boy as the battlers were ready to send their first Pokémon out.
"Rockruff, come on! Show them what you've got!" Kaito shouted out as he sent his Puppy Pokémon out to battle! The Rock Type appeared onto the stage with a determined growl, as he was ready for this battle.
"Rockruff, huh? That's an interesting choice... Crabrawler, come out!" Hala shouted out as he sent the boxing crab-like Pokémon out to battle. Kaito recognized this Pokémon as he blinked while Ash gazed at it in confusion.
"A Crabrawler? Rotom?" Ash asked, turning to his Rotom-dex.
"My greatest pleasure! Crabrawler. The Boxing Pokémon. A Fighting Type. Crabrawler is always aiming to be number one. Crabrawler will guard its weak spots with its claws in battle and throw punches looking for an opening." Rotom buzzed before it stated its worry for Kaito.
"Unfortunately, this will put Rockruff into a disadvantage since Rockruff is a Rock Type Pokémon! A Fighting Type like Crabrawler is sure to do a lot of damage to a Rock Type like Rockruff!" Rotom buzzed, causing Ash to frown.
"Hey, this is Kai we're talking about! I'm sure he's got a plan if he sent Rockruff out to battle." Ash said confidently.
As he spoke, no one noticed the presence of someone watching the Grand Trial battle not far from where they were as the figure peeked from a tree, revealing itself to be none other than Tapu Koko!
As the Melemele Guardian watched to see Kaito's battle begin, it felt a presence coming from below it near the bushes. Glancing down, it looked down to see that it was... the Thunderclap Wanderer.
The Electric Type was apparently interested at seeing Kaito in battle as it peeked from the bushes to see how the battle would go on.
Hala: Crabrawler + Hariyama VS Kaito: Rockruff + Buizel
"Crabrawler, use Bubblebeam!" Hala called out.
The Boxing Pokémon wasted no time shooting bubbles to knock Rockruff away as Kaito made an attempt to counter.
"Don't let that get to you! Rockruff, dodge! Then, use Howl!" Kaito shouted out.
Jumping to one side to evade the Bubblebeam, Rockruff began to growl before he howled loudly in the air. A small aura surrounded the Puppy Pokémon for a moment before it disappeared, causing Prof. Kukui to recognize the move.
"He's using Howl to raise Rockruff's attack power. That's clever, but is it going to be enough?" Prof. Kukui asked as Hala smirked before he continued his assault.
"In that case, use Bubblebeam one more time!" Hala shouted out.
Another Water Type attack was shot at the Puppy Pokémon until Kaito called for a second dodge.
"Dodge it again! Then, use Howl once more!" Kaito called out.
Just like with the first attack, the Puppy Pokémon evaded the super effective attack before he howled once more, causing the aura around the Rock Type to get a little brighter before it disappeared again.
"They're intending to finish this round quickly. Crabrawler, grab Rockruff!" Hala shouted out. Before Kaito could react, Crabrawler launched itself onto Rockruff and got ahold of the Rock Type's tail!
"What the...!?" Kaito started to stutter in shock until the Fighting Type user called out the next attack!
"And now, Crabrawler! Use Brutal Swing!" Hala yelled, causing the Boxing Pokémon to swing Rockruff hard and brutally! The Rock Type howled in shock and fright as he was being spun into the air by the opponent he was weak against to!
With the speed of the Brutal Swing being done, Crabrawler threw the Rock Type into the air, catching both Kaito and Buizel by surprise!
"Now, Crabrawler! Use Power-Up-Punch!" Hala yelled. Recognizing the move the Kahuna spoke just now, the Alola boy called for a countermove to intercept the super effective attack that would damage Rockruff badly.
"No way... Rockruff, use Crunch to counter!" Kaito shouted out loud. Regaining his focus back onto the battle, Rockruff dove down to meet with the Power-Up-Punch attack before he crunched onto it with his Dark Type move!
The Boxing Pokémon winced in pain before it reacted in surprise to see his move get countered by Crunch! Hala tensed in surprise as Kaito made another call.
"Now, let's see how you like being spun and thrown! Rockruff, throw Crabrawler high into the air!" Kaito shouted out. With the order and the strength of his jaws, the Puppy Pokémon let out a growl before he jerked his head around while keeping the Boxing Pokémon's captured claw in his mouth!
The Boxing Pokémon wailed in surprise before he was sent thrown high into the air!
"No, Crabrawler!" Hala gasped in surprise as Kaito called for the next attack.
"It's vulnerable now! Rockruff, this is it! Rock Slide, let's go!" Kaito called out, causing Rockruff to howl loudly again. At his howl, boulders appeared to take Crabrawler out, much to the Fighting Type's displeasure.
Taking multiple hits by the boulders, Crabrawler tumbled onto the ground as it grunted in pain from the serious damage it had taken from the Rock Type attack!
"All right! Rockruff's doing great already!" Ash exclaimed as Pikachu cheered for the Puppy Pokémon. Buizel joined the cheering as he encouraged the Puppy Pokémon to keep fighting hard, causing Rockruff to feel confident about this round.
"I don't believe it! That Rock Slide had done a lot of damage even with the type disadvantage!" Rotom buzzed in amazement as Hala called Crabrawler to keep fighting.
"Stand up, Crabrawler! Use Bubblebeam once more!" Hala called out loud. Slowly recovering from the heavy damage it had taken from the Rock Slide attack, Crabrawler shot the Water Type attack as Rockruff braced himself for it.
"Dodge that, Rockruff! Then, use Sand-Attack!" Kaito shouted out.
Like before, the Water Type attack was dodged before Rockruff kicked the sand at Crabrawler, causing the Boxing Pokémon to flinch and flail as it couldn't see due to its eyes getting a little blinded from the small sand.
"No, Crabrawler! Calm down! Don't just use your eyes! Use your ears to hear where your opponent will be coming from!" Hala called out in warning.
"Crunch, Rockruff!" Kaito yelled, causing Rockruff to dash forward and aim to make another direct hit with the Dark Type move. But then, Crabrawler used its hearing to see where Rockruff was coming from, allowing Hala to make a counterattack!
"You hear it! Power-Up-Punch!" Hala shouted out.
Crabrawler blindly punched with his Fighting Type move, only for Kaito to counter back with the same technique!
"A blind move... Rockruff, use Crunch on the Power-Up-Punch like before!" Kaito shouted out, surprising the Fighting Type user as he watched Rockruff crunch onto the claw like before!
"They're using that same unique move again!" Hala pointed out in surprise as Prof. Kukui watched in amazement.
"That's something you don't see everyday. Using a Dark Type move to counter a Fighting Type move... To think Kaito would be able to pull off a stunt like that. Interesting." Prof. Kukui spoke in amusement.
"Now, Rockruff! Throw Crabrawler into the air and use Rock Slide!" Kaito shouted out.
The Puppy Pokémon used his strong jaws to throw his opponent into the air again before howling once more! The boulders came through once again as the Boxing Pokémon took some serious damages from the Rock Type attack like before.
"No! Crabrawler!" Hala called out as he watched his Boxing Pokémon fall to the ground hard. As the dust cleared away, Crabrawler was seen unconscious, groaning from all the damages it had taken from the Rock Type opponent.
"Crabrawler is unable to battle!" Prof. Kukui declared, as Rockruff was declared as the winner for this round.
Hala: 1 Pokémon
"Kai did it! That's one Pokémon down!" Ash exclaimed as Pikachu cheered for his Rock Type friend.
"Unreal! The chances of a Rock Type defeating a Fighting Type was very unlikely! And yet, it actually occurred!" Rotom buzzed in amazement as he expressed his disbelief and amazement at the same time.
Hala on the other hand, returned his defeated Boxing Pokémon back to its Pokéball, praising it for the effort it pulled off during the match.
"You battled valiantly. Take a good rest." Hala said before he turned back to Kaito. The Alola boy was smiling for the first victory he gained, thanks to the Puppy Pokémon. Both he and Buizel were praising Rockruff for the good fight it had done with Crabrawler.
"You were great, Rockruff. Even with the type disadvantage, you pulled through! Now we have one more opponent to beat!" Kaito said, as he knew who his last opponent would be during the Grand Trial battle right now.
Both Buizel and Rockruff turned to Hala, who called out to his star of his battling team.
"All right, Hariyama. The next battle is yours!" Hala called out, causing the Arm Thrust Pokémon to climb onto the battling stage and face the Alola boy and his two Pokémon.
"I knew it was going to be Hariyama. This is our biggest challenge for this Grand Trial!" Kaito pointed out as Rockruff growled, ready for some more. Rotom scanned the evolved Fighting Type to gather data on it as he explained it to Ash.
"Hariyama, the Arm Thrust Pokémon. A Fighting Type. Hariyama's impressive bulk is actually all muscle. When its muscles are flexed, they are hard as a rock. It is said that one hit from a Hariyama can send a ten-ton truck flying!" Rotom buzzed.
"TEN-TON TRUCK!?" Ash exclaimed in disbelief as Kaito listened from glancing at his Kanto friend and the Rotom-dex.
"Exactly! In other words, a truck that weighs more than 1000 Pikachu!" Rotom buzzed as he used the Mouse Pokémon as an example on how a truck would weigh for Hariyama to knock away.
"More than 1000 Pikachu, huh? Then this is going to be very tough. Rockruff, you still want to go?" Kaito asked, earning a determined bark from the Puppy Pokémon. He ran to the battle to face Hariyama, who looked a little amused by his opponent's looks.
"Let's try to make this quick. Rockruff, use Howl!" Kaito called out, causing the Puppy Pokémon to howl and raise his attack power even more! Once that was done, the assault began with Kaito making the first blow.
"And now! Rockruff, use Rock Slide!" Kaito shouted out. At the order, another howl occurred for Rockruff to use. Multiple boulders began to appear, falling to where the Arm Thrust Pokémon stood in wait!
"Hm! Hariyama, use Arm Thrust!" Hala called out. Using his heavy palms, the evolved Fighting Type repelled all the boulders, catching the Puppy Pokémon by surprise! Even Ash, Kaito, Pikachu, and Buizel were surprised by this.
"No way... Rock Slide didn't do anything!" Kaito grunted as he was surprised with how well Hariyama repelled the attacks.
"In that case, Rockruff! Use Crunch!" Kaito yelled. Dashing to where his giant opponent was, the Rock Type charged to crunch onto Hariyama, only for Hala to counter with a different attack!
"Counter that, Hariyama! Use Knock Off!" Hala called out. Unfazed with the way its opponent was attempting to strike, the evolved Fighting Type wasted no time knocking Rockruff away with the Dark Type move, sending the Puppy Pokémon away hard!
"No, Rockruff!"
"Bui bui!"
The Alola boy and Buizel both expressed their concerns when they watched the Crunch attack get countered by another Dark Type move!
"Even Crunch didn't do a thing..." Kaito grunted as Hala struck back with the powerful attacks.
"Now, Hariyama! It's time to use Arm Thrust again!" Hala shouted out. Rockruff widened his eyes as he watched Hariyama slowly approach him with a Fighting Type move, causing Kaito to desperately attempt a countermove.
"Don't let that hit you, Rockruff! Use Rock Slide again!" Kaito yelled back. Hearing his Trainer's words, Rockruff jumped back again before he howled to call more boulders to attack! The Rock Type move began to fall towards Hariyama again, only for Hala to counter once more.
"Deflect them, Hariyama... with Arm Thrust!" Hala called out loud.
As ordered to, the Arm Thrust Pokémon stopped the boulders from reaching him before he sent the deflected boulders to hit Rockruff! The little Rock Type whined in pain before he tumbled onto the ground as he was hit by one of the deflected boulders.
"What!? Rockruff!" Kaito gasped as Ash gasped, too.
"Hariyama just used that Arm Thrust to send that Rock Slide move back!" Ash exclaimed in shock as Prof. Kukui kept watch with a serious expression.
"This isn't looking good for Kaito or Rockruff. Howl and Sand-Attack wouldn't work since they don't do the damage onto Hariyama physically. And with Rock Slide and Crunch being repelled back, Kaito doesn't have any more options left!" Prof. Kukui thought seriously.
"Once more, Hariyama! Arm Thrust!" Hala called out.
The Arm Thrust Pokémon wasted no time bashing Rockruff multiple times with its palms! Rockruff yelped in pain as he was hit back to back by the super effective attack, much to Kaito's shock as he tried to counterattack with an order.
"Rockruff, get out of there, quick!" Kaito pleaded, only for his plead to be futile. The multiple hits Rockruff was taking by the Arm Thrust attack was too much for the Puppy Pokémon to handle as one more strike from the Arm Thrust knocked Rockruff away!
Kaito and Buizel both gasped as they watched their Rock Type friend tumble onto the ground and fall in defeat.
"NO!" Kaito gasped in horror as Prof. Kukui frowned before he declared Hariyama as the winner of this round.
"Rockruff is unable to battle!" Prof. Kukui called out.
Kaito: 1 Pokémon
Running over, the Alola boy held his defeated Puppy Pokémon in his arms while Buizel climbed up to his shoulder to check on Rockruff in worry.
"Rockruff, no... Are you okay?" Kaito asked softly. Rockruff whimpered and gazed at Kaito and Buizel weakly before it gave a weak bark and a weak smile. Sighing in relief, the Alola boy took out Rockruff's Pokéball, wanting to give Rockruff the chance to rest.
"Come on... You did great. Rest in your Pokéball..." Kaito started to say until he received a shaking head from his defeated Puppy Pokémon.
"Ruff... Ruff..." Rockruff said weakly before he pushed the Pokéball away with his tail. Blinking in surprise, the Alola boy came to an understanding as he knew what Rockruff wanted.
"Let me guess... You want to see how our battle goes, right? You want to see us win?" Kaito asked softly, earning an affirmative whine from the Puppy Pokémon. Buizel gazed at his Rock Type friend in concern before he glared to where Hariyama stood, waiting.
"Bui... Bu bui!" Buizel growled before he turned to his human brother, calling to Kaito to be sent out! Hearing Buizel's determination to fight and avenge his fallen friend, the Alola boy looked back at Hala, who was patient for the young challenger to send out his next Pokémon.
Hariyama was also patient as he looked back down at Rockruff. Biting his lips, the Alola boy's face shadowed a bit before he spoke seriously to his Water Type partner.
"Buizel... let's make this count. Show them what you've got." Kaito said seriously.
"Bui!" That was all Buizel needed to hear as he ran to the battlefield to face Hariyama, who would be one of his toughest opponents.
"Buizel is up next. You can do it, Kai! Buizel!"
"Pi Pikachu!" Knowing that Kaito only had Buizel left to depend on during the battle, both the Kanto Trainer and Pikachu cheered for their friends so they would be more encouraged to win their first Grand Trial together.
(Pokémon: Fight Back! OST)
"Here we go... Buizel, use Rain Dance!" Kaito shouted out loud. Buizel immediately began as he raised his orange paws high into the air, attempting to call the rain clouds. As soon as he called for it, dark clouds formed above the battle stage.
Ash and Pikachu watched in surprise as rain clouds formed, making the battle stage and the surroundings look a little gloomier! Hala and Hariyama both just watched as Prof. Kukui gave a glance to see Kaito acting dead serious... which was something he hasn't seen for a while.
"The fall Rockruff had taken... Kaito's about to use Retaliate to avenge his fallen comrade with Buizel at his side. But can he pull off a great victory? Even with this Rain Dance, this is Hala we're talking about." Prof. Kukui thought carefully.
"And now, time to kick things up! Buizel, Aqua Jet!" Kaito yelled, allowing his Sea Weasel Pokémon to surround himself with water. Using Aqua Jet, Buizel charged to strike Hariyama. And thanks to the rain, Buizel's Swift Swim ability made him more faster!
The Aqua Jet made a hit at Hariyama, causing the Fighting Type to be stunned by the initial hit, before it was hit by the back again! The multiple Aqua Jet attacks continues to strike Hariyama, causing Hala to try and counter the back-to-back hits.
"Don't relent, Hariyama! Use Fake Out!" Hala shouted out. As Hariyama took another hit from the Aqua Jet, the Arm Thrust Pokémon managed to grab Buizel's twin tails, catching the Sea Weasel Pokémon by surprise as he lost focus of his Aqua Jet attack!
"What!?" Kaito gasped as Hala made the next strike.
"Now, use Knock Off!" Hala called out loud.
Using the strength of its arms, Hariyama slammed Buizel hard onto the ground with the Dark Type attack! Buizel yelled in pain before he tumbled onto the ground.
"Buizel!" Kaito gasped as he watched his partner get knocked down. But his worries soon washed away when he noticed Buizel slowly recovering from the hard hits he had taken from the strong Knock Off attack.
"I can't believe what I just saw. Using Fake Out in such an unexpected manner!" Rotom buzzed in shock.
"You're right... From Fake Out to Knock Off... That was an amazing combination." Prof. Kukui admitted as Ash watched carefully. Pikachu did the same, as did Rockruff, despite of the injuries he gained from his defeat against Hariyama.
"In that case, let's strike back! Buizel, Ice Beam!" Kaito shouted out.
Responding to his human brother's calls, the Sea Weasel Pokémon shot his newly learned Ice Type attack from yesterday!
"Hariyama, counter with Arm Thrust!" Hala called out, causing Hariyama to use its Fighting Type attack to prevent the Ice Beam from freezing him! The successful counter left both Kaito and Buizel in surprise as they watched the Ice Type move become useless.
"Ice Beam had no effect...!?" Kaito exclaimed as Hala began his assault by ordering the same move.
"Continue with Arm Thrust, Hariyama!" Hala called out.
The Arm Thrust Pokémon did its work by slamming its large hands to inflict damage onto Buizel multiple times, causing Buizel to yell in pain for each hit he took!
"Buizel, no! Stay strong!" Kaito yelled, as he tried to encourage his Water Type to endure the multiple hits he was taking.
Gritting his teeth, Buizel managed to balance himself in the air and evade the next strike, startling Hariyama and Hala together as the Alola boy called out his next attack.
"Okay, good! Aqua Jet one more time! And this time, with Agility!" Kaito shouted out.
Hearing his human brother call out a combination move, Buizel surrounded himself with water again before he charged towards Hariyama, increasing his already quickened speed with the Psychic Type move!
Hariyama watched in shock as he took multiple hits from the Aqua Jet attacks once more, surprising Hala as he watched to see his evolved Fighting Type take multiple hits like before, only to see that the hits are even faster than before!
"Hariyama, stay calm! Try to see where Buizel would be!" Hala called out loud.
While taking the hits, the Arm Thrust Pokémon heard Hala's words clearly, as the Fighting Type carefully used his eyes to see where his swift opponent might be coming to him next. Kaito remained calm, understanding that it wouldn't be easy for Hariyama to catch Buizel now.
"Okay... If I keep this up at this rate, I can finish the battle... by using Hydro Vortex! Hariyama shouldn't be able to catch Buizel easily thanks to Agility and due to Buizel's... Huh?" Kaito thought until he felt the rain starting to pour on him less.
Widening his eyes in realization, Kaito looked up to see the rain clouds clearing away as he widened his eyes in shock.
"Oh no! The rain! It stopped!" Kaito exclaimed as he watched to see Buizel slowing down a little, due to Swift Swim no longer active because of the rain not pouring down. Hala took this moment to strike back as he made the call.
"Now, Hariyama! Knock Off!" Hala shouted out.
Catching Buizel in its eyes, Hariyama struck back, slamming Buizel high into the air with his Dark Type move!
"No! Buizel!" Kaito gasped as he watched his best friend fall to the ground, before the Water Type struggled to get up from the blunt force he had taken just now!
(End OST)
"Now's the time, Hariyama! Use Belly Drum!" Hala called out, alerting the Alola boy of the new move the Melemele Kahuna was calling out.
"Belly Drum? That doesn't sound good for us..." Kaito grunted as he watched Hariyama slam his belly with his large hands, causing both Kaito and Buizel to watch as the Alola Professor also recognized the move that Hariyama was performing.
"Belly Drum maximizes a Pokémon's attack, but at the cost of its own stamina. Kahuna Hala's showing no mercy. Full-throttle all the time. One thing's for sure, some things will never change, and Hala won't either!" Prof. Kukui said in amusement.
With the Belly Drum complete, the Melemele Kahuna was ready to make the final blow for the battle.
"Here we go! Do it!" Hala called out as he crossed his arms. As he did so, his Z-Ring with the Fighting Type Z-Crystal began to glow!
"Is that... a Z-Move!?" Ash exclaimed as he watched Hala began the Fighting Type Z-Move with Hariyama.
"Correct! I am the Kahuna! I make the wills of myself, Melemele, and Tapu Koko as one! I... am... the Kahuna!" Hala boomed as he made punching movements with his two fists as he was surrounded with Z-Power, before he began to pass it on to Hariyama.
"This is the moment when our strengths combine into one!" Hala roared as the Z-Power was passed onto the evolved Fighting Type, catching the Alola Professor's attention as he watched to see the move begin in process!
"Here it comes!" Prof. Kukui pointed out as Kaito gritted his teeth in realization.
"This isn't going to be pretty if it hits. Brace yourself, Buizel! Try to dodge it with Agility and Aqua Jet together!" Kaito shouted out.
Nodding in response, Buizel surrounded himself with water once again. And with Agility's boost, the Sea Weasel Pokémon was soon making his way to counter the Arm Thrust Pokémon's Z-Move, as Hala called out the Z-Move attack!
"All-Out Pummeling, let's go!" Hala roared as Hariyama yelled in exertion. Using the power of the Z-Move, the Arm Thrust Pokémon sent many fists of his arms to smash Buizel away, despite of the Sea Weasel Pokémon's attempt to dodge them all with his speed!
"Keep going, Buizel! Counter back!" Kaito yelled out loud.
Buizel cried out in response as he tried to evade every strike. But one mistake from his movement caused one of the Z-Move's attacks smash Buizel away!
"BUI!" Buizel screamed as he was sent flying into the air before he fell, tumbling onto the ground from the impact from All-Out Pummeling.
"NO! Buizel!" Kaito yelled in horror. As he witnessed his Water Type get knocked away by the powerful attack, the Alola boy's fears rose up again as he recalled the last time when his Water Type partner was pummeled to the ground like now.
The memory was fuzzy but Kaito still remembered it... The time when he was losing a battle. The Alola boy did win, but he had to witness Buizel getting pummeled by his opponent in the process. And with what Hariyama did just now, that same memory was coming back to him.
"N-No... Not this again. This scene..." Kaito began to gasp hard, feeling as though he could hardly breathe.
"Why this again...? Why this...?" was all Kaito could think of as he glared to where Hariyama stood, before he watched Buizel slowly rise up to his feet, before he fell on one knee again in pain.
"Buizel's okay!" Ash exclaimed in relief as Pikachu watched in amazement and relief. Hearing Ash call out that Buizel was fine, the Alola boy regained his normal breathing rhythm for a moment before he began to think again.
"Buizel may have endured it, but one more hit... No. I can't let this happen! Not now!" Kaito thought as he pushed the fuzzy memory and the negative thoughts away as he focused back onto the battle with a serious expression.
"Huh... I thought for a moment that young Kaito looked like he was in despair for a moment... Did he think of a way to strike back?" Hala thought as he witnessed Kaito starting to breathe a bit harder than before.
"Buizel, I know you can still battle! Please, get up! We can still win this!" Kaito pleaded, encouraging his Water Type partner to stand. And the Sea Weasel Pokémon did so, hearing his human brother call out to him as Buizel panted in exhaustion.
"Let's try this again! Use Aqua Jet once more! Confuse Hariyama with your speed by circling around!" Kaito called out.
Using the remaining strength he had, the Sea Weasel Pokémon surrounded himself with water once more before he circled around Hariyama, startling the Arm Thrust Pokémon as he once again struggled to see where his young opponent was.
"Now! Ice Beam! Freeze Hariyama in place!" Kaito shouted out.
Finishing Aqua Jet and remaining in the air, the Sea Weasel Pokémon shot Ice Beam onto where Hariyama stood! The Arm Thrust Pokémon widened its eyes in surprise to see its feet getting frozen to the ground by the Ice Type attack!
"No! Hariyama!" Hala gasped as he realized where this was going.
"Alright! Now Hariyama can't move!"
"Pika!" Ash exclaimed as Pikachu cheered for the comeback Buizel was pulling off, due to Hariyama having its feet frozen.
"Well, what do you know! Using Aqua Jet to confuse Hariyama for a moment and then freezing its movement with Ice Beam... That was a clever combination move!" Prof. Kukui said, as he was amazed with how Kaito had pulled a comeback off.
As soon as he said that, the Alola boy was ready as he crossed his arms like how Hala did!
"You showed us your Z-Move, Kahuna Hala! Now it's our turn to show ours! Ready, Bui!?" Kaito called as Buizel followed his human brother's movement. The Waterium-Z on the Sea Gauntlet began to glow, causing the Gauntlet to glow in response!
"Bu bui!" Buizel cried out as he felt the power surging inside him, thanks to the Alola boy giving his Z-Power to him!
"I can feel it... It's stronger than before! My feelings are starting to become with Buizel's! With our feelings and strengths together, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way!" Kaito said confidently, a smile rising up on his face.
"Bui!" Buizel cried out affirmatively as he and the Alola boy made their pose together to create the Water Type Z-Move!
"Ah! They're shining so brightly, it's blinding!" Rotom buzzed in amazement as Ash and Pikachu watched in awe.
"Go, Kai! Buizel!"
"Pika Pika!" The two encouraged their friends to fight again as the two partners shared their feelings together into this one attack.
"No more holding back! No more hesitating! Hydro Vortex, NOW!" Kaito yelled as Buizel let out a loud battle cry. Dashing forward, the speed Buizel created a giant whirlpool vortex that trapped Hariyama inside.
Then, once the opponent was trapped, the Sea Weasel Pokémon quickly made work of his Z-Move by slamming onto Hariyama multiple times, dealing some serious hits. Hariyama wasn't able to defend due to him taking the hits as he was knocked high into the air!
Everyone watched to see the evolved Fighting Type fly into the air before he smashed onto the ground and off the battle stage.
Prof. Kukui hurried over to see how the Arm Thrust Pokémon was faring, until he noticed to see Hariyama unconscious from the serious blow he had taken from the Water Type Z-Move, as he announced the results.
"Melemele Kahuna Hala's Hariyama is unable to battle! Which means, the winner of the Melemele Island Grand Trial... is the challenger, Kaito Shirogane!" Prof. Kukui called out, causing Kaito to blink in surprise with the results.
Winner: Kaito
"We... won?" was all Kaito could ask in disbelief before he heard Buizel calling out to him.
"Bu bui!" Buizel cheered as he jumped into his human brother's arms, nuzzling his cheek as he did so.
"Rock! Rockruff!" Rockruff barked happily as he joined in with the celebration of their victory together.
The Alola boy felt his two Pokémon nuzzling into him before a smile slowly rose up to his face as the Alola boy smiled softly, as he felt like he was about to break down with emotions.
"We... We did it. We won, you two... We won our first Grand Trial together!" Kaito exclaimed as he embraced his two Pokémon, causing the two to strengthen their bond with their Trainer even more.
Back at the forest where the Thunderclap Wanderer was hiding, the Electric Type smiled in satisfaction before it took its leave, with Tapu Koko watching it leave the area to another part of the forest.
"Kai did it! That was an awesome Z-Move he did!"
"Pikachu!" The Kanto Trainer couldn't help but express his amazement to see his Alola friend winning the Grand Trial match with his Water Type Z-Move. Even Pikachu was most impressed with how his Water Type friend battled against his powerful opponent.
"Kaito's victorious! Hurray!" Rotom cheered as well, as it spun in the air in joy.
As Ash and Pikachu ran over to congratulate their Alola friend for his Grand Trial victory with Rotom, Hala returned Hariyama back into its Pokéball, congratulating it for its best efforts it displayed during the match.
"Thank you, Hariyama. You were very brave indeed." Hala said, before he looked to see the Alola boy bonding with his Pokémon as he gave a chuckle before he walked over to his victorious challenger.
"Kahuna Hala..." Kaito said as he noticed the Fighting Type user coming to him with an impressed smile.
"Hm! The results come as no surprise to me. I thoroughly enjoyed our splendid battle, young Kaito. You and Rockruff and Buizel gave it everything you had." Hala said proudly, causing Kaito to smile as he held his two Pokémon close to him as they smiled at their human brother.
"Thanks very much, Kahuna Hala... I enjoyed our battle too..." Kaito said sheepishly.
"And for the Z-Move? You used it a very clever time for you and your Buizel to use when we were in a bind. When I witnessed on how much power and how strong your bond was with your Pokémon, I marveled at the feeling of your youthful, yet experienced aura." Hala said proudly.
"It's an honor hearing you say that to us, Kahuna. I wouldn't know what to do if my Pokémon weren't here with me." Kaito said, causing his two Pokémon to cry out affirmatively as they felt the same for their human brother.
"So, as the Melemele Island Kahuna, I hereby proclaim that Kaito Shirogane has passed the Grand Trial!" Hala declared, causing Kaito to smile while Ash and Pikachu congratulated their Alola friends for their victory again.
"Congrats, Kai! That was a great battle you pulled off back there!"
"Pikachu!" The Kanto Trainer placed a hand on the Alola boy's shoulder while Pikachu praised both Buizel and Rockruff for their victory, to which they accepted gratefully from the Electric Type.
"Congratulations, Kaito. You pulled that victory off brilliantly like a Take Down taking any obstacles down!" Prof. Kukui said, causing his student to smile back at him.
"Thanks, Prof. Kukui." Kaito said, before he turned to see Hala taking out something from his coat as he revealed it to the Alola boy.
"And as for your accomplishment of being victorious of the Grand Trial, I'd like you to take this." Hala said as he revealed a new Z-Crystal, looking like the same Z-Crystal he used during his battle against the Alola boy.
"Is that...?" Kaito started to ask, until Hala responded with an answer.
"Yes. This is the Fightinium-Z. With this Z-Crystal, you'll be able to perform the Fighting Type Z-Move." Hala said, allowing Kaito to accept it and take it into his hand.
"Wow... Thank you very much, Kahuna Hala..." Kaito said before he took the Z-Crystal, before raising it up high in the air, allowing Buizel and Rockruff to see their new Z-Crystal.
"The Fightinium-Z belongs to us now! Our new Z-Crystal is in our hands!" Kaito called out, causing both Buizel and Rockruff to cheer for their new achievement.
Before anyone else could respond to the small celebration Kaito was enjoying with his two Pokémon, a new person joined in, crying out his amazement.
"Hoo-ee! That was so cool!" A boy called out. Everyone turned to see a boy running over, sounding amazed and excited to see how the Grand Trial battle went.
"Hey, hey! You and me! Can we have a Pokémon battle?" The boy asked brightly, catching both Ash and Kaito by surprise.
"Huh?" was all Kaito could say as Ash questioned the newcomer.
"Um... And who are you?" Ash asked as Hala chuckled.
"Da ha ha ha! Where's the fire, boy? And what kind of a Pokémon battle would that be where you don't even give a name first, eh?" Hala asked, causing the boy to place the hands on the back of his head and grin sheepishly.
"Fair enough! Then I'm Hau! It's nice to meet you! You're Kaito, right?" Hau asked brightly, causing the Alola boy to blink in surprise with his two Pokémon, as they were surprised with the sudden entrance of the newcomer.
"Uh, yeah... Nice to meet you, too." Kaito said reluctantly.
To be continued...
Kaito's Team:
Buizel (M): (Ice Beam, Agility, Rain Dance, Aqua Jet)
Rockruff (M): (Crunch, Sand Attack, Rock Slide, Howl)
Next chapters:
Chapter 20: The Malasada and Fun Lover, Hau!
Chapter 21: Akala Island! A Mysterious Girl!?
Chapter 22: Queen of the Waves! A Water Match!
Chapter 23: A Full-Powered Pokémon Festival!
Chapter 24: The Tournament Gets Big! Go, Z-Move!
Next chapter preview:
Hau: Hey, hey! You and me! Let's have a Pokémon battle! It's going to be fun, right?
Hala: Ha! Where's the fire, boy? And what kind of a Pokémon battle would that be where you don't even give a name first, eh?
Kaito: Those two look exactly alike, due to their personality... Who are you? And what's with the sudden challenge?
Hau: Oh! My name is Hau! Your Pokémon looked really cool in that battle against Tutu's Hariyama!
Ash: Tutu? Wait... Kahuna, do you know him? I can tell that I already like him with his bright spirit!
Hala: Ah, yes! Kaito! Ash! Let me introduce you two to my grandson, Hau! I'm sure you two will like him quickly!
Events that occurred:
- Kaito challenges Hala to the Grand Trial Battle and wins
- Kaito receives the Fightinium-Z from Hala
- Kaito encounters Hau, grandson of Hala, who challenges him to a battle