Manalo Stadium.
As he watched the new Pokémon Ash sent out,
the announcer, Ji Qiu, was not surprised. Ash had submitted Naganadel's information before the match.
Naganadel had come looking for Ash two days earlier.
Before leaving the Alola Region, Naganadel had already heard that Ash would be competing.
So after the competition began, Naganadel had returned to the Alola Region with Solgaleo's help.
Naganadel wanted to help Ash win a match.
"Naganadel is an Ultra Beast, the evolved form of Poipole, with both Poison and Dragon typing."
The deep-purple Naganadel flapped its wings as it entered the field,
the venomous needle on its tail gleaming coldly.
Li Wei added, "Though Naganadel isn't as fast as Crobat, its Special Attack is exceptional, and it has broad offensive coverage."
"The key is how Ash handles the difference in speed."
"Let the battle continue!"
Gladion struck first.
Crobat became a streak of purple light, swooping downward,
then veered back up at an uncanny angle just before striking Naganadel, completing a probing attack.
"Naganadel, Dragon Pulse!"
But Naganadel's Dragon Elder struck only an afterimage.
"So fast!"
Crobat's speed really did pose a huge problem for Naganadel. Landing a hit in a conventional exchange was difficult.
Crobat traced zigzag paths through the air, launching swift harrying attacks from every angle.
Although Naganadel's defenses were decent,
the repeated attacks began to take their toll.
More importantly,
Naganadel could barely pin down Crobat's position.
"This isn't looking good..."
In the stands, Sophocles said quietly,
"Crobat has too much of a speed advantage. If Naganadel can't restrict its movement, it'll just get worn down."
Mallow watched Naganadel anxiously.
"What will Ash do?"
On the field, Ash quickly made his decision.
"If we can't catch up, we won't chase!"
"Naganadel, Dragon Dance!"
Naganadel stopped its futile attempts to