The soul penetrates Xiaozhi and destroys Gou Hao at the beginning

I doubt you even need these regional champions to step in; just sending one of the Four Heavenly Kings would be enough to crush you.

Finally, even if you do win the championship in this competition,

Whether or not the second Alola League tournament will be held seems to be beyond the decision of the tournament champion.

"What do you think, Guzma?" Ash said with a similarly teasing expression.

"you!"

Guzma was rendered speechless by Ash's retort, and could only angrily flick his sleeve and turn away.

"Why is Guzma so persistent in targeting Dr. Kukui and refusing to give up?" Lillie wondered.

Hara, already deeply disappointed in Guzma, sighed and then began to recount their past as master and disciple.

"Guzma, like Kukui, was actually one of my disciples in the past."

However, Guzma was very resistant to all my teachings at that time.

Finally, one day, he stormed off in anger.

He said he didn't want either Z-Moves or the Z-Ring; he wanted to become stronger in his own way.

The right path, a great test, thanks to the nature of the Alora region.

Guzma considered all of this nonsense; it was utterly useless. He said what he hated most was Kukui's righteous facade.

"Sigh, it's all my fault for using the wrong parenting methods. I failed to correct that guy's thinking back then."

"This is not Mr. Hala's fault. If, if I could have persuaded him at the time..." Dr. Kukui lowered his head, covered his forehead with his hand, and said with a solemn and self-reproachful expression.

"Don't worry, I won't let Guzma ruin this hard-won league tournament."

"Those who attempt to stop the tide of history, like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, will inevitably be submerged in the vast ocean of the times," Xiao Zhi said.

"Thank you, Ash." Professor Kukui looked up and sincerely expressed his gratitude.

"Why say all this? If you really want to thank me, then just do your best to make this league tournament a success," Ash said with a smile.

"No problem, I will definitely make this inaugural Alola League tournament, which everyone in the Alola region is looking forward to, a success." Dr. Kukui clenched his fists and said confidently.

Then, Dr. Kukui got busy. The Alola League Manalo Conference was officially starting tomorrow, and the opening ceremony would be held early tomorrow morning. Dr. Kukui was very busy right now.

After Officer Jenny took all the arrested Skull Team members back to the police station,

Ash and his friends then continued exploring the pedestrian street.

In the evening, everyone went to the Pokémon Center to register for the competition.

As night fell, the temperature at the summit of Mount Ranakira gradually decreased, but the heat at the top remained undiminished.

The fluorescent stones on the arena's dome lit up, transforming into an artificial starry sky that complemented the real Milky Way overhead.

Lanterns were lit up at the stalls along the pedestrian street, their warm yellow glow illuminating the smiles on people's faces. The aroma of grilled meat, the sweet scent of berry wine, and the salty smell of the sea breeze mingled together, creating an atmosphere unique to the Alora region.

The contestants gathered in twos and threes on the pedestrian street. Some were exchanging tactics, some were buying props for tomorrow's competition, and others were enjoying the food and scenery of the celebration.

Ash leaned against the railing, gazing at the brightly lit arena in the distance. Pikachu and Eevee, the two little creatures, perched obediently on his shoulders, their tails gently brushing against his arms.

"The first champion of the Alola League, and the chance to battle the Royal Masked Man..." Ash's eyes gleamed as he clenched his fist. "I must give it my all tomorrow!"

"Pikachu!"

"Buy, buey!"

A mountain breeze carried the sound of distant waves, blending with the laughter of the crowd and the calls of Pokémon.

The Manaro Arena atop Mount Ranakira, like a jewel surrounded by starlight, witnesses the grandest celebration in the Alola region about to begin, and awaits the birth of the first champion.

At dinner time, all the contestants gathered at the battlefield.

The rules for the Alola League Manalo Conference qualifiers will be announced here soon.

Moreover, because of the ample budget, Xiaozhi generously arranged for a banquet to be set up right here at the battlefield, with as many as forty or fifty tables, to entertain the contestants and their families free of charge.

Xiao Zhi also noticed that many familiar faces had appeared here.

Principal Oak, who is known for his witty Pokémon jokes, is also planning to participate this time.

And then there's Ilima, who was surrounded by countless female fans and couldn't move an inch.

Hau had been touring the arena with Ash and his friends the whole time; needless to say...

And of course, there's Gladio.

Everyone came here for the championship!

Dr. Kukui, holding the microphone, shouted from the stage,

"Tonight is the eve of the inaugural Alola League tournament, so please drink to your heart's content and enjoy yourselves!"

Please enjoy the matches tomorrow!

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they all gathered in front of the stage. Dr. Kukui once again took the microphone and went on stage to speak.

"The memorable first Alola League Manalo Conference is about to announce the rules for the qualifying rounds."

Next, let's welcome our special guest, the Royal Masked Man, to announce the rules of the preliminary rounds.

As soon as Dr. Kukui finished speaking, all the lights in the room suddenly went out, and the surrounding area went dark.

Ash thought Professor Kukui was going to change into a royal masked mantle to read out the rules when no one was looking.

Unexpectedly, the large screen above the stage lit up, playing a pre-recorded video of the royal masked man.

In the video, the masked royal man spoke,

"Sorry to keep you all waiting. The preliminary rounds of the selection phase will be conducted using a rule that is very characteristic of the Alola region: Royal Battles!"

All players will compete against each other, and only the last 16 players will advance to the final elimination rounds.

This video has ended!

The lights came on again, and Dr. Kukui quickly took over the conversation.

"As the masked royal said, the qualifying rules for this year's Alola League Manaro Conference are royal battles."

The opening ceremony and the qualifying matches will both take place tomorrow morning.

Please go home and get some rest tonight, and tomorrow you can have a great battle with your Pokémon on this battlefield!

As soon as Dr. Kukui finished speaking, a murmur of discussion arose from the crowd below the stage.

However, no one had any objection to the rule; they just didn't expect it to be adopted this way.