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When the Alola Region's guardian deity, Tapu Koko, appeared on the battlefield, audiences worldwide were stunned.
At the Palace Gate Stadium Champion Guest Seat—
"What the hell is going on? Why is Tapu Koko in Professor Kukui's Pokémon lineup?"
Chibana's expression froze.
One by one, the spectators began to question how someone could capture such a legendary Pokémon.
"Incredible, unbelievable! Could it be that you, Professor Kukui, managed to capture the Alola Region's Tapu Koko through sheer strength?"
Wallace turned to look at Professor Kukui with curiosity.
Professor Kukui quickly shook his head.
"No, that's impossible! The guardian deities of the Alola Islands, including Tapu Koko, are sacred and inviolable. They will never become a Trainer's Pokémon—not even mine. This would be looked down upon by the residents."
Professor Kukui smiled awkwardly.
"There's no way I could compete with Tapu Koko, the guardian of the archipelago," he said.
His words made many viewers reconsider.
---
Tapu Koko, known as the "King of Thunder," is one of the four guardian deities of the Alola Region. A Pokémon capable of creating terrifying Z-Power Crystals that could destroy asteroids…
Its strength rivals the super-legendary Pokémon that control time, space, and dimensions. It is undoubtedly several times stronger than legendary Pokémon like the Three Legendary Birds.
This raised the question: have the Three Legendary Birds been reduced to mere combat units compared to Tapu Koko?
---
"But since Tapu Koko cannot be captured, why is it appearing in Professor Kukui's battle lineup?" Diantha asked curiously.
Professor Kukui pondered for a moment before replying:
"Tapu Koko, the guardian of Melemele Island, has a very changeable personality. Although it is a protector, it doesn't often assist the islanders. Sometimes, it plays pranks or punishes them. However, it occasionally gifts humans it likes with mysterious items.
"For example, when Ash and Pikachu first arrived in the Alola Region, Tapu Koko gave them a Z-Ring and an Electric Z-Crystal, teaching them how to use Z-Moves in battle.
"Tapu Koko is incredibly fast and silent, making it difficult to detect. To my knowledge, the only person who can consistently sense its presence is Hala, the kahuna of Melemele Island.
"Tapu Koko rarely shows itself, even around me, unless it chooses to. It seems to have taken a particular interest in Ash and Pikachu, even going so far as to train them by teaching new moves and unlocking their potential."
Professor Kukui paused, and Diantha immediately followed up:
"So it's training Ash!"
She explained further:
"Some master Trainers enjoy mentoring promising individuals before battling them personally. They nurture the potential of Trainers and Pokémon they respect and then test their skills in a battle when they've reached their peak."
---
The audience quickly pieced everything together.
"So that's it! Tapu Koko wasn't captured by Professor Kukui—it wanted a training match with Ash."
"But if it's still battling alongside Kukui, what's the difference?"
"Professor Kukui is already at an Elite Four level. Adding Tapu Koko to his team makes him nearly unbeatable. Even Champion-level Trainers would struggle against such a lineup."
"Yes, exactly. The odds are heavily stacked against Ash."
"Unless Ash sends out his strongest Pokémon, like Charizard, Greninja, and Sceptile, he doesn't stand a chance. But if he's limited to Alola Region Pokémon…"
"It's game over. There's no way he can win!"
---
In the Alola Islands, Kukui's students also debated the match.
"Professor Kukui's lineup, with Tapu Koko included, is just too strong," said Mallow.
Mamane agreed. "Yeah, Ash can't possibly win."
But Lillie looked at Ash on the screen, conflicted.
"Even though I want Professor Kukui to represent Alola well, I can't help but root for Ash and Pikachu," she said shyly.
Her classmates were surprised by her support for Ash. But after some reflection, they nodded in agreement.
"You're right," said Kiawe. "Ash will be our future classmate. We should cheer for both him and Professor Kukui!"
---
Meanwhile, at Team Rocket Headquarters, the Executives were betting on the match.
"Do you think the brat can win this time?" Archer asked.
"He can't," Ariana said confidently. "This time, there's no way. Kukui's strength, combined with Tapu Koko, is unbeatable. Ash will lose for sure!"
But despite their confidence, doubts lingered. After all, Ash had turned the tables in impossible situations before. Would this battle be any different?
As the stage was set, the world watched with bated breath to see if Ash and Pikachu could overcome the insurmountable odds before them.
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