Manalo Stadium.
This stadium, built through the hard work of so many people,
was about to make its debut.
To prepare, Li Wei was testing the venue's safety with Lucario and Zeraora.
Although registration would not begin until evening,
Ash and the others, who had arrived at Manalo Stadium early that morning, headed straight for the battlefield.
Like Ash and his friends,
Hala and Hau had come as well.
It was Kiawe and Sophocles's first time meeting Hau,
and both enthusiastically introduced themselves.
As for Hau being a fan of Li Wei...
That was hardly surprising.
Li Wei had fans all over the world, after all.
Ash looked at Hau excitedly.
"Are you entering the Pokémon League tournament too?"
"Of course!"
Hau clenched his fists in excitement.
At the same time, Ash noticed the Z-Ring on Hau's wrist, along with his Grass Z-Crystal.
"A Z-Ring and a Z-Crystal!"
Hau put his hands on his hips and declared proudly, "That's right! I passed Grandpa's Grand Trial!"
Ever since he was little, Hau had trained hard with the goal of defeating his grandfather, the Island Kahuna Hala.
Hala also held Hau to a higher standard, so his Grand Trial was no easy thing to pass.
Passing Hala's Grand Trial proved that Hau had earned his recognition.
However, Hala did not want Hau getting too full of himself.
"Your Island Challenge has only just begun. You've only taken the first step!"
"I know."
"Oh, and that's not the only surprise."
Hau sent out his Decidueye.
The last time Hau had seen Decidueye,
it had still been a Dartrix.
"Dartrix evolved!"
As for Rowlet...
Since it had swallowed an Everstone,
it would not evolve at all.
"Rowlet, wake up!"
Ash shook his backpack.
Even after tumbling to the ground, Rowlet remained sound asleep.
But