Hau'oli City, Pokémon School.
On his first day of teaching, Li Wei had never intended to cover anything from the textbooks.
He planned to use this lesson to ask questions first,
so he could get to know everyone.
After joining the school, Ash had become an endless font of curiosity.
Ash showed none of the self-awareness expected of the Pokémon League Champion of Unova's Vertress Conference and Kalos's Lumiose Conference.
He might not understand something, but he certainly asked about it.
"Then why did Tapu Koko take an interest in me?"
Even Professor Kukui had been pondering that question.
Li Wei offered his guess,
"It's not hard to figure out. Probably because Tapu Koko wanted your help."
Ash pointed at himself,
"Me? Help Tapu Koko?"
Pikachu pricked up those ears and listened.
Kiawe, Lillie, and the others also looked at Li Wei curiously.
Li Wei explained, "As an Island Guardian, Tapu Koko has many opponents to face. Some aren't opponents Tapu Koko can handle alone, so naturally, help is needed."
Tapu Koko had approached Li Wei for the same reason.
Only Tapu Koko probably hadn't expected
that trust to be misplaced.
After all, Li Wei had left before spending much time here.
Seen that way, Tapu Koko was actually quite innocent, and still willing to trust Ash.
In short, Z-Moves were moves born of a love for life. In Kiawe's eyes, they also required a love for the Alola Region.
Kiawe, who loved the Alola Region wholeheartedly, said solemnly, "I want to know why Tapu Koko chose you, but since that's how it is, you need to be ready for that responsibility!"
Ash raised his Z-Ring,
"I understand! I'll definitely treasure it! And I'll make good use of Z-Moves, too!"
A smile appeared on Kiawe's face,
"That's good!"
Li Wei