The next day.
Manalo Stadium.
Manalo Stadium buzzed with voices. Every seat was filled, and cheers rose and fell like ocean waves.
"It's the twerp's final!" Jessie and the others, who were selling Manalo donuts, were keeping a close eye on Ash's match.
"The boss is sure to get a battle, meow."
Meowth deeply understood what Litten had been through,
and admired Litten's resilience.
That was why Meowth called Litten the boss.
At the commentary desk, the play-by-play announcer, Ji Qiu, excitedly introduced the two special guests beside him.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we're honored to have two distinguished guest commentators with us today!"
"The Sinnoh League Champion and renowned mythology scholar-Miss Cynthia,
and the owner of the Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park, chef and master Pokémon breeder-Mr. Li Wei!"
Cynthia nodded gracefully in greeting. "Alola. I'm delighted to watch this match with you all."
Li Wei smiled and waved at the camera.
"Alola. Same here."
"That's way too halfhearted!"
Professor Kukui nearly flipped the table.
But the audience was already used to it. Whatever Cynthia or Li Wei said amounted to the same thing anyway.
Ji Qiu turned to Li Wei.
"Mr. Li Wei, you teach at the Pokémon School, and Ash is your student. Will you be rooting for him more?"
Li Wei nodded. "Yes, but Gladion also has limitless potential. I'm looking forward to their battle."
In the stands,
Professor Oak, Aunt Delia, and Crystal, who had come all the way from Pallet Town, were all smiling.
"The Alola League is quite lively, too!"
"Yes, they've done a fine job."
"Ash, Pikachu, do your best!"
Kukui sat beside Professor Burnet,
while Kiawe, Lillie, Lana, Mallow, and Sophocles watched the battlefield nervously.
"Do your best, Older Brother! You too, Ash!"
Pallet Town, Professor Oak's Laboratory.
Blue lounged on the sofa