It was noon.
Pedestrians bustled along the streets of Hau'oli City.
Fortunately, Li Wei was heading to the outskirts of Hau'oli City, where there weren't many people around.
That gave Arcanine, Lucario, and Zeraora the freedom to run wild.
"How did this suddenly turn into a race?!"
Li Wei honestly didn't know what to say.
And Zeraora seemed to be taking it seriously...
Because Zeraora had already started running on all fours...
"Kimi!"
"Shaymin~"
"Melo~"
Alongside them, Shaymin, Victini, and Meloetta were egging them on, enjoying the spectacle and eager for more chaos.
Sirfetch'd and Diancie, meanwhile, sat obediently on Metagross's back.
Ahead stood a building full of tropical charm that blended perfectly with nature-the Kukui Laboratory.
The laboratory doors opened automatically, and a tanned man wearing light brown glasses and a lab coat that did little to hide his powerful physique came out to greet them warmly.
A proud, imposing Incineroar followed at his side.
This was Professor Kukui's ace-Incineroar.
Li Wei had battled Professor Kukui before.
Of course, Professor Kukui had been fighting under his Masked Royal identity.
The eventual winner-
Had been Dragapult, who was hiding in Li Wei's shadow.
Arcanine, Lucario, and Zeraora had been running too fast...
And had shot straight past their destination.
This left Professor Kukui standing bewildered in the wind after opening the laboratory doors.
"A sandstorm on Melemele Island?! That shouldn't happen!"
Only when Li Wei and Cynthia jumped down from Corviknight's back did Professor Kukui realize what had happened.
"Ahem. Arcanine and the others were running a little too fast."
Professor Kukui, with his lab coat draped over him, burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha! That's a good one!"
Watching Lucario and the others slam on the brakes, Professor Kukui couldn't help smiling.
"Alola, Li Wei, Cynthia."
"Alola, Professor Kukui."
"Quack,