Recaps

Li Wei returned to the Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park and resumed overseeing its activities, then met Master division battler Gray, his wife Juvia, and their son Gray Jr. Gray Jr. played with Larvitar, and Li Wei invited the family to lunch, but they had already booked a meal at the restaurant.

• Li Wei returned home through Giratina's Distortion World, then took his Pokémon to the Theme Park's Wild Area.
• Li Wei found Dawn teaching a child at the Little Ranch and asked her to teach a Pokémon breeding class that afternoon.
• Li Wei walked through the Little Ranch with Larvitar while Victini and Shaymin played and his other Pokémon trained.
• A young boy recognized Larvitar and told Li Wei that he had played with Larvitar and Tyranitar during a trip.
• Li Wei recognized the boy's father, Gray, as a Master division battler, met his wife Juvia, and learned their son was named Gray Jr. and admired him.
• Li Wei invited Gray's family to stay for lunch, but Juvia said they had already booked a meal at the restaurant.

Dawn taught children at Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park’s Little Ranch, introducing them to Pokémon and explaining how to care for and understand them. The lesson continued with the children admiring Galarian Ponyta, while Dawn noted that she had not brought her Galarian Rapidash.

• Li Wei watched Dawn begin the Little Ranch class with Gray and Juvia as the children gathered to meet her and Piplup.
• Dawn introduced Eevee, explained that they had eight known evolved forms, and guided the children in gently petting them.
• Dawn brought the children to the plant nursery and described the needs and features of Turtwig, Bulbasaur, and Chikorita.
• The children admired several Galarian Ponyta, and Dawn told them she had not brought her Galarian Rapidash.

Dawn taught the children at Little Ranch how to approach Pokémon and make Berry treats, with Li Wei, Gray, and Juvia watching. After the lesson, Dawn reminded the children that the joy and respect they found in spending time with Pokémon would always be their most precious treasure.

• Dawn demonstrated how to gently approach and befriend a Galarian Ponyta, then helped the children interact with Pokémon at the ranch.
• Li Wei invited Gray, Juvia, and Gray Jr. to lunch, and Gray and Juvia discussed their family plans and Li Wei's possible wedding to Cynthia.
• Dawn taught the children about Berries and guided them in shaping treats for the Pokémon.
• The children fed their homemade treats to the Pokémon and celebrated as the Pokémon happily ate them.
• Dawn reminded the children that Pokémon were their most important partners, and she and Piplup received praise for the lesson.

Li Wei prepared for the Theme Park's hot spring center to open and discussed obtaining a Dynamax Band and Z-Ring for the Master League. Cynthia offered to apply for his Dynamax Band, while Li Wei called Professor Kukui about a Z-Ring.

• The Solar Tower and Wind Power Plant were completed, and construction of the Hot Spring Wellness Center progressed toward an October opening.
• Li Wei described the center's advanced water system and invited Red, Blue, Akin, and others to visit after the Master League.
• Cynthia returned from archaeological work in Celestic Town to prepare for the Master League, whose knockout rounds would take place in Galar in late October.
• Li Wei realized he lacked both a Dynamax Band and a Z-Ring, so Cynthia offered to request a Dynamax Band from Professor Magnolia and advised him to ask Professor Kukui for a Z-Ring.
• Li Wei called Professor Kukui.

Li Wei arranged to get a Dynamax Band and contacted Professor Kukui about obtaining a Z-Ring, learning that he needed Totem Pokémon to approve his Z-Crystals. He decided to travel to Alola with Cynthia, where he planned to challenge Totem Kommo-o and investigate Ultra Space.

• Cynthia applied for a Dynamax Band for Li Wei while Li Wei called Professor Kukui to ask for a Z-Ring.
• Professor Kukui offered to mail Li Wei a Z-Ring and explained that Totem Pokémon had to approve Z-Crystals.
• Li Wei planned a trip to Alola to earn Z-Crystals and investigate Ultra Space for information about Melmetal.
• Cynthia revealed that her Kommo-o was the offspring of Totem Kommo-o, which she had defeated to earn its approval, and offered to accompany Li Wei.
• Li Wei told his parents about the trip and promised Mizuki fresh Alolan fruit through Giratina's Distortion World.
• Li Wei suggested Mizuki and Dayou vacation in Alola over New Year's, and Mizuki agreed.

Li Wei and Cynthia traveled through Giratina’s Distortion World to Melemele Island, where they planned to visit Professor Kukui and complete a Totem Pokémon’s trial. After arriving quickly, they headed toward Kukui’s laboratory, while Arcanine raced ahead without knowing the way.

• Li Wei and Cynthia packed for a short trip to Alola, and Giratina opened a passage through a mirror.
• Li Wei and Cynthia discussed buying two neighboring villas in Alola for their family and friends.
• Giratina carried Li Wei, Cynthia, and their Pokémon to Melemele Island in less than an hour.
• Li Wei called Professor Kukui, who directed them to his laboratory near the beach in Hau'oli City's eastern suburbs.
• Li Wei flew toward Kukui's laboratory on Corviknight with Cynthia, while Arcanine ran far ahead.

Li Wei and Cynthia visited Professor Kukui’s laboratory in Hau'oli City, where they introduced their Pokémon and met the staff. They planned to visit Mr. Hala next, while Cynthia considered spending winters in Alola.

• Arcanine, Lucario, and Zeraora raced past the Kukui Laboratory, leaving Professor Kukui confused until Li Wei and Cynthia arrived.
• Li Wei and Cynthia greeted Professor Kukui and showed him their Pokémon, including Larvitar and Alolan Vulpix.
• Professor Kukui welcomed the group into the laboratory, where a researcher took a photo with Cynthia.
• Li Wei and Cynthia admired Alola’s atmosphere and discussed how the laboratory suited the region.
• Professor Kukui said he had not contacted Mr. Hala yet, and Li Wei suggested they visit him directly.

Li Wei and Cynthia visited Professor Kukui in Alola, where he revealed that he was the Masked Royal and asked them to keep his identity secret. Li Wei then explained that he had come to challenge Alola’s Dominant Pokémon and collect Z-Crystals, and Kukui promised to support him.

• Cynthia wondered why Kukui’s Incineroar seemed familiar, while Li Wei and Lucario already knew it had battled Cynthia when Kukui was disguised as the Masked Royal.
• Kukui showed Li Wei and Cynthia the Masked Royal’s mask and revealed his secret identity.
• Li Wei and Cynthia agreed to keep Kukui’s identity secret, and Kukui explained that he entered the Master League in disguise for fun.
• Kukui welcomed the visitors and discussed Li Wei’s recent involvement in the Kalos crisis and other Legendary Pokémon incidents.
• Li Wei said he wanted to challenge Alola’s Dominant Pokémon, earn a Z-Ring, and collect Z-Crystals, and Kukui offered his full support.

Li Wei learned about Totem Pokémon and the Alolan Island Challenge from Professor Kukui, who agreed to guide him and Cynthia. Tapu Koko appeared and seemed to choose Li Wei, directing them toward Verdant Cavern to prove his strength and earn a Z-Ring and Z-Crystal.

• Li Wei explained to Professor Kukui that he wanted to challenge Totem Pokémon and obtain Z-Crystals, and learned about Totem Pokémon and the Island Challenge.
• Professor Kukui explained that Li Wei needed an Island Kahuna's recognition or an Island Guardian's favor to obtain a Z-Ring, and offered to guide him and Cynthia.
• Cynthia encouraged Li Wei and recalled earning an Ice Z-Crystal by gaining the recognition of a Totem Alolan Ninetales.
• Tapu Koko streaked across the sky toward Verdant Cavern, and Professor Kukui said the guardian might be guiding Li Wei toward a chance to earn a Z-Ring and his first Z-Crystal.
• Li Wei accepted Tapu Koko's challenge, and he and Cynthia followed Professor Kukui toward Verdant Cavern.

Li Wei and Cynthia followed Professor Kukui to Verdant Cavern, where Tapu Koko challenged Li Wei’s Zeraora to a trial battle. Zeraora landed a powerful Plasma Fists strike, and Tapu Koko responded with a look of approval.

• Professor Kukui explained that Tapu Koko guarded Melemele Island and was known to seek battles with strong opponents.
• Li Wei sent out Zeraora, prompting Tapu Koko to appear and lay down Electric Terrain as a battle challenge.
• Zeraora dodged Tapu Koko’s Wild Charge, blocked Nature’s Madness with Protect, and traded Thunderbolts with the guardian.
• Li Wei ordered Zeraora to use Plasma Fists, and Zeraora pushed through Tapu Koko’s Thunderbolt with Volt Absorb to strike it.
• Tapu Koko was blasted back and looked approvingly at Zeraora and Li Wei.

Li Wei received Tapu Koko’s recognition and an Electrium Z after battling the guardian deity, then traveled to Iki Town to ask Mr. Hala for a Z-Ring. Mr. Hala began the required trial battle against Li Wei, which was still underway at the chapter’s end.

• Tapu Koko ended its battle with Zeraora, gave Li Wei an Electrium Z, and blessed his wrist, recognizing him.
• Li Wei told Tapu Koko he would put its power to good use, and Tapu Koko vanished into the sky.
• Li Wei, Cynthia, and Professor Kukui traveled to Iki Town and met Mr. Hala, who agreed that Li Wei must prove himself in a battle to earn a Z-Ring.
• Mr. Hala sent out Hariyama, and Li Wei chose Lucario for their trial battle.
• Hariyama used Arm Thrust, but Lucario read its rhythm and countered with Force Palm before Mr. Hala ordered Belly Drum and Li Wei called for Aura Sphere.

Li Wei defeated Hala’s Hariyama and earned official recognition as an Alola Z-Power user, receiving a Z-Ring and several Z-Crystals. Hala gave Li Wei a map of the Totem Pokémon locations, and Li Wei and Cynthia set out for their next challenge.

• Li Wei’s Lucario defeated Hala’s Hariyama after dodging its attack and overwhelming it with Power-Up Punch and Bone Rush.
• Hala approved Li Wei, gave him a Z-Ring, and watched him fit Tapu Koko’s Electrium Z into it.
• Hala gave Li Wei a Fightinium Z and let Cynthia choose a Z-Crystal; she picked a Normalium Z.
• Hala showed Li Wei and Cynthia a map marking the Totem Pokémon, including Gumshoos in Verdant Cavern as the nearest one.
• Li Wei handed the map to Rotom to record and set out with Cynthia to challenge the Totem Pokémon.

Li Wei and Cynthia began exploring Melemele Island and decided to buy two villas so they and their Pokémon could make a home in Alola. Professor Kukui suggested a place in the island’s northeastern corner near Kala'e Bay.

• Li Wei and Cynthia discussed Alola’s totem legends while their Pokémon explored the island, with Sirfetch'd stopping Larvitar from eating wild plants.
• An older woman mistook Li Wei and Cynthia for honeymooners, and Li Wei said they would return to Alola for their honeymoon after they married.
• Li Wei and Cynthia remembered that Melemele Island’s former Totem Trevenant, Old Grandpa, had died after living for over a thousand years.
• After enjoying the coastline and discussing their plans to spend future winters in Alola, Li Wei and Cynthia decided to buy two villas and asked their Pokémon what they wanted in a home.
• Li Wei called Professor Kukui, who recommended a location near Kala'e Bay in northeastern Melemele Island.

Li Wei and Cynthia toured seaside villas at Kala'e Bay with Professor Kukui and decided to buy two neighboring homes. Li Wei teased Kukui about his romantic future, leaving the professor thinking about confessing his feelings to Professor Burnet.

• Professor Kukui showed Li Wei and Cynthia a map of villas for sale on Kala'e Bay and offered to take them there.
• Li Wei joked that Professor Kukui would find love within two years, and Kukui blushed as he thought of Professor Burnet.
• Li Wei, Cynthia, and Professor Kukui toured several villas and admired their ocean views, gardens, and Pokémon-friendly features.
• Li Wei and Cynthia chose the two adjoining villas they had toured and agreed to buy both.

Li Wei and Cynthia bought two luxury seaside villas at Kala'e Bay, then hosted a thank-you dinner for Professor Kukui and Mr. Hala. The chapter ended with their Pokémon lining up in perfect order for Li Wei's special curry, leaving Hariyama at the very back.

• Cynthia and Li Wei chose two villas at Kala'e Bay, and Cynthia paid for both in full.
• Li Wei and Cynthia received the keys and invited Professor Kukui to join them in preparing a thank-you dinner for Mr. Hala.
• Professor Kukui contacted Mr. Hala, who welcomed Li Wei and Cynthia and mentioned that his grandson Hau was eager to meet them.
• Li Wei cooked a lavish dinner at Mr. Hala's home while Cynthia helped prepare ingredients.
• Li Wei served his Pokémon special curry, and they lined up in order, letting the smaller Pokémon go first and leaving Hariyama at the back.

Li Wei and Cynthia thanked Mr. Hala and Professor Kukui with dinner, and Li Wei encouraged Kukui to pursue Professor Burnet. After returning to their new villa, they and their Pokémon unpacked, cleaned, and checked the house, leaving them ready to challenge a Dominant Pokémon the next day.

• Li Wei and Cynthia visited Mr. Hala’s home in Iki Town and shared a dinner Li Wei had cooked to thank him and Professor Kukui.
• Li Wei advised Professor Kukui to talk to Professor Burnet about her interests, and Kukui excitedly said Li Wei would get a seat at the head table if they married.
• Hau told Li Wei that he planned to begin his journey next year and hoped to defeat his grandfather, Mr. Hala.
• Li Wei and Cynthia returned to their villa, where Pokédex Rotom greeted them and showed them the delivered supplies.
• Li Wei organized the Pokémon to unpack and clean the villa while Lucario checked for security problems, and the group finished after two hours.
• Li Wei and Cynthia decided to shower and sleep before challenging a Dominant Pokémon the next day.

Li Wei and Cynthia reached Verdant Cavern to challenge Totem Gumshoos for a Z-Crystal. Arcanine overwhelmed Gumshoos and its summoned allies, but the Totem Pokémon continued the fight with Thrash.

• Li Wei and Cynthia left Hau'oli City after telling the locals they had come to take on the Island Challenge and battle Totem Pokémon.
• At Verdant Cavern, Li Wei had Arcanine use Howl to draw out the five-meter-tall Totem Gumshoos.
• Li Wei challenged Totem Gumshoos for a Z-Crystal and sent Arcanine into battle while Cynthia watched.
• Totem Gumshoos called nearby Gumshoos and Yungoos to swarm Arcanine as it attacked with Super Fang.
• Arcanine countered with Flare Blitz, knocking out the summoned Pokémon and forcing Totem Gumshoos back.
• Totem Gumshoos charged Arcanine with Thrash, refusing to give up.

Li Wei’s Arcanine defeated Totem Gumshoos with Precipice Blade, but the attack left Gumshoos and several Yungoos injured. After helping them recover, Li Wei promised to challenge Totem Raticate, and Gumshoos gave him a Z-Crystal as approaching tremors signaled something nearby.

• Li Wei’s Arcanine overpowered Totem Gumshoos with Extreme Speed and restored its stamina with Morning Sun.
• Li Wei revealed Arcanine’s Precipice Blade and used it to knock Totem Gumshoos out, damaging the ground and catching nearby Yungoos in the blast.
• Li Wei revived and treated Gumshoos and the injured Yungoos, while Shaymin helped Gumshoos recover.
• Li Wei reassured the Yungoos that he would challenge Totem Raticate, then Gumshoos gave him a Z-Crystal and offered Cynthia another Normalium Z, which she declined.
• Tremors approached from a distance.

Li Wei and Cynthia drove Totem Raticate and its Alolan Rattata away from Verdant Cavern, gaining two Darkinium Z-Crystals. After leaving Totem Gumshoos behind, they went to lunch before planning to visit Totem Dugtrio, but a girl's scream interrupted them.

• While Li Wei treated Totem Gumshoos, Totem Raticate arrived with dozens of Alolan Rattata to attack its rival.
• Cynthia summoned Garchomp, whose Dragon Rush scattered the Rattata and left Totem Raticate too frightened to fight.
• Cynthia demanded two Darkinium Z-Crystals, and Totem Raticate handed them over before fleeing with its followers.
• Li Wei gave one Darkinium Z-Crystal to Cynthia and left Verdant Cavern with her, while Totem Gumshoos stayed behind with the Yungoos.
• Li Wei and Cynthia planned to eat lunch before visiting Totem Dugtrio, but a girl's scream sounded ahead of them.

Ilima invited Li Wei and Cynthia to visit the Trainer School, where they met the students and arrived at Principal Samson Oak’s office. Lillie was excited to see Li Wei, and Samson Oak greeted the visitors in an eccentric pose.

• Li Wei and Cynthia enjoyed Tropius fruit salad in Hau'oli City, and Li Wei offered to make it for Cynthia at home.
• Ilima approached Li Wei and Cynthia, praised their achievements, and invited them to visit the Trainer School.
• Li Wei and Cynthia accepted Ilima’s invitation and followed him to the school.
• Professor Kukui noticed the visitors, and Lillie excitedly recognized Li Wei while her classmates watched.
• Ilima introduced Li Wei and Cynthia to Principal Samson Oak, who welcomed them while posing like a Mantyke.

Li Wei and Cynthia visited the Alola Trainer School, where Principal Samson Oak welcomed them and showed them around. They met Ash’s future classmates, who eagerly greeted their idols, and Lillie shyly praised Li Wei’s Pokémon breeding work.

• Samson Oak greeted Li Wei, Luca, and Cynthia with his distinctive Pokémon imitations and offered to show them around the school.
• Li Wei and Cynthia accepted Samson Oak’s offer and visited several upper-year classes before heading to meet the newly enrolled students.
• Professor Kukui quieted the excited class as Mallow rushed forward to invite Li Wei and Cynthia to her family’s restaurant and share her cooking.
• Lillie nervously approached Li Wei with a well-read copy of Pokémon Breeder Monthly and told him she followed his breeding advice.

Li Wei and Cynthia met Ash’s future classmates at the Trainer School, where Lillie revealed that she still could not touch Pokémon despite loving them. The students warmed to the visitors, and Lillie resolved to overcome her fear.

• Li Wei and Cynthia arrived at the lower-grade classroom with Principal Oak and met Lillie, Mallow, Sophocles, Kiawe, and Lana.
• Lillie thanked Li Wei for his help with raising Pokémon, then recoiled when Victini tried to approach her; Li Wei explained that she feared touching Pokémon, not Victini.
• Kukui, Mallow, and Lana discussed Lillie’s difficulty touching Pokémon, while Li Wei recognized that she would have to overcome it herself.
• Kiawe praised Li Wei and Cynthia’s battles, Sophocles asked about Li Wei’s Devon Group watch, and Lana shared her dream of fishing up Kyogre.
• Li Wei and Cynthia encouraged the students, and Lillie promised she would work hard to overcome her fear.

Li Wei and Cynthia encountered a newly emerged Totem Lycanroc (Midnight Form) on the way to the Ruins of Life, and Diancie defeated it in battle. Lycanroc cleared the mountain path and left a Rock-type Z-Crystal as Li Wei prepared to continue onward.

• Li Wei and Cynthia left the Trainer School and planned to visit Mallow's Aina Restaurant the following evening.
• Li Wei and Cynthia defeated Totem Dugtrio on Ten Carat Hill, earning Ground-type and Steel-type Z-Crystals.
• While climbing toward the Ruins of Life late at night, Li Wei and Cynthia encountered Totem Lycanroc (Midnight Form) and its Rockruff pack.
• Li Wei sent Diancie to battle Lycanroc, and Diancie weakened it with Diamond Storm, Earth Power, Moonblast, and Power Gem.
• Totem Lycanroc moved aside and left a Rock-type Z-Crystal, which Li Wei collected before praising Diancie.

Li Wei and Cynthia explored the Ruins of Life and discovered that its ancient people had worshipped Necrozma as a sun god. Intrigued by the revelation, Cynthia agreed to visit Aether Paradise with Li Wei.

• Li Wei and Cynthia reached the Ruins of Life, where local Pokémon gathered for Pokéblocks while Cynthia examined the ancient stonework.
• Cynthia studied the carvings and inscriptions, and she and Li Wei interpreted a spiral symbol as representing cycles.
• Li Wei connected the temple’s sun-centered mural and carvings to the ancient people’s reverence for Pokémon power and the sun.
• Using the power of overcoming, Li Wei sensed that the ancient people had witnessed Ultra Necrozma and worshipped it as a bringer of light and life.
• Li Wei told Cynthia that Necrozma came from Ultra Space, and Cynthia agreed to visit Aether Paradise to learn more.

Li Wei and Cynthia arrived on Akala Island and visited Island Kahuna Olivia at her Konikoni City jewelry shop. Olivia welcomed them and recognized Li Wei as the Trainer approved by Tapu Koko.

• Li Wei and Cynthia flew to Akala Island, planning to challenge Totem Lurantis and Alolan Marowak before visiting Mallow's family restaurant.
• Cynthia suggested visiting Olivia, and she and Li Wei joked about introducing Olivia to Brock.
• Li Wei and Cynthia reached Konikoni City and found Aina Restaurant right beside Olivia's Stone.
• Olivia greeted Cynthia warmly at her jewelry shop, then welcomed Li Wei and mentioned hearing about Tapu Koko's approval of him.