Poni Island, the battlefield.
After a long wait, Ash finally saw Hapu receive Tapu Fini's trial and become the Island Kahuna.
Having witnessed her become the Island Kahuna, Ash could finally challenge her.
This would be Ash's final Island Challenge trial. Despite already knowing what Hapu would use, he defied common sense and chose Pikachu.
If Kiawe-or any normal person-had been choosing, they would certainly have picked Greninja, Torterra, or Sceptile.
But Ash never did things like a normal person...
As for Ash's Type-Disadvantage Master medal...
Li Wei wholeheartedly approved!
Against Mudsdale,
Pikachu's level advantage was actually small, and Electric-type moves like Thunderbolt, Electroweb, and even Volt Tackle had no effect whatsoever.
So the battle looked very unfavorable for a while.
But when Pikachu fell into the water, it reminded Ash of playing in the sea that afternoon.
It also reminded him of his battle against Onix.
Since the battlefield was by the sea,
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
Following Ash's instructions, Pikachu darted between the pillars, successfully luring Mudsdale to the edge.
"Stop right there!"
"Here's our chance! Bulldoze!"
At that moment, Li Wei knew Ash had won.
Hapu had clearly never seen Ash use Pikachu against a Ground-type...
Bulldoze sent the seawater before them surging up, giving Mudsdale a saltwater bath. Most importantly, Mudsdale was soaked all over.
"Now's the Time, Pikachu! Electroweb!"
Pikachu flung an electric net from its tail, enveloping Mudsdale as arcs of electricity leaped across it.
Mudsdale, which should not have taken any damage, struggled endlessly inside the Electroweb.
"What's going on?"
Hapu was stunned.
"A surprising discovery! Once Mudsdale is drenched in seawater, it enters a Soak state, Rotom!"
It was precisely because of this Soak state that the Ground-type Mudsdale could take damage from Electric-type moves.
"Pikachu!"
"Pika!"
As Ash and Pikachu danced in