Hau'oli City, Aina's Kitchen.
Li Wei had expected Ash and Pikachu to be able to defeat Lance.
After all, Lance hadn't sent out his ace Dragonite.
But the other spectators, along with Mallow, Kiawe, Lillie, and the others, saw things differently.
They knew Ash was strong, but they hadn't expected him to be this strong.
"Next, I'm going to find Tapu Koko and battle!"
Professor Kukui laughed. "Good luck, Ash!"
Lillie couldn't help turning to Lana beside her.
"I'm suddenly a little envious of Ash."
No matter how powerful an opponent Ash encountered, he remained optimistic and fearless.
Even if he faced the mighty Dragon Messenger Lance, or Tapu Koko, the guardian of Melemele Island.
"But Ash, Tapu Koko is really strong."
Mallow proudly put her hands on her hips. "Of course! Tapu Koko is an Island Guardian, after all!"
"I want Tapu Koko, who gave me my Z-Ring, to see that we're getting stronger!"
Lance smiled and patted Ash on the shoulder. "I'm sure Tapu Koko is watching."
Uh...
Was Lance actually using cheats?
Tapu Koko really was nearby at that moment.
However, Tapu Koko had no intention of appearing just yet. After all, Pikachu had just used Gigavolt Havoc.
Pikachu wasn't ready for an all-out showdown right now.
"I'll go get Dragonite treated first, then head back to Kanto."
"Come over to my house afterward. I'll have Hoopa take you."
"All right."
"Give this to Dragonite. It'll restore stamina quickly."
Li Wei took out a Rainbow Pokéblock shimmering with seven-colored light.
Lance's eyes lit up. "So that's the one! Dragonite is in for a treat."
Not only Lance, but Lillie, Kiawe, Lana, and the others saw it too.
"Mr. Li Wei, is that..."
Li Wei pressed his index finger to his lips.
"Shh. I'll explain later."
"Mm-hmm!"
They