The soul penetrates Xiaozhi and destroys Gou Hao at the beginning

"We won! Hahahaha!" Mao couldn't help but stand up and cheer.

"That's amazing!" Lillie exclaimed happily.

“Very good,” Kachi said excitedly.

Gladgio, who watched the entire match from the stands, smiled indulgently, got up, and left the arena to prepare for the final.

Lana and Mamane also cheered and celebrated for Ash's victory.

Guzma silently walked to the center of the arena, helped the armored warrior who had fallen to the ground to his feet, and said,

"Come back, armored warrior, let's go."

After saying that, he put the armored warrior back into its Poké Ball and silently walked towards the player's tunnel.

"Guzma, I'll be waiting for you at the next League tournament," Dr. Kukui shouted.

Upon hearing this, Guzma paused for only a second before leaving the venue.

Boole and the Skull team members were already waiting for him outside the field.

Seeing the still expectant looks in his underlings' eyes, Guzma waved his hand and spoke calmly.

"The invincible Guzma is history now. Go back to where you came from."

After saying that, Guzma turned and left without a trace of regret.

To everyone's surprise, instead of being discouraged, the men became even more excited after hearing this.

“I am so touched, Brother Guzma.”

"You're really amazing."

"We'd also like to try out Guzma's match."

"Could you teach us some combat techniques?"

"Yeah, we'd like to play some decent matches too."

"I want, too!"

"I want, too!"

"And I!"

……

Hearing his subordinates' words, still filled with the same adoration they had for him, even the icy Guzma stopped in his tracks, turned to face them, and said in astonishment,

"You guys."

"Everyone seemed to get really excited after watching your fight just now."

We will continue to follow you, just as we always have.

It's time for Team Skull to take things a step further.

"Of course I will continue to follow you, okay, Guzma?" Bulmei smiled, her eyes fixed on Guzma, full of love and expectation.

Although Guzma didn't respond verbally, a smile played on his lips, and his leap into the air revealed his inner thoughts.

He left the competition venue with the members of the Skull Team.

When Ash learned of these things from his subordinates who were keeping an eye on Team Skull, he smiled slightly, believing that under Guzma's leadership, Team Skull could transform from those petty thugs who liked to cause trouble everywhere into an asset in maintaining long-term peace and stability in the Alola region.

This is something.

And now, in the venue,

"Now, the Alola League Manalo Conference only has the final match and exhibition match left in its schedule."

The final showdown will feature Ash, known for his passionate and energetic fighting style, against Gladion, a player known for his calm and daring approach.

"Who will be the champion of the Alola League Manaro Conference and the first Alola League champion?!" Shi Kuang exclaimed excitedly.

Amidst the deafening cheers and screams from the crowd, Ash waved to his enthusiastic fans as he exited through the player tunnel.

My friends and I were already waiting backstage.

"Congratulations on your victory and advancement, Ash!"

"Thank you everyone for cheering me on."

"That's great, it's the finals!" Mamane said enviously.

"Let's cheer for each other too, Ash," Kiawe said.

"Keep it up," Shui Lian said.

"You have to win," Mao said.

"I'm really looking forward to Ash and his brother giving us the best battle ever," Lillie said.

"Thank you everyone, I will definitely win."

After dinner, Dr. Kukui and Dr. Barnett accompanied Ash to the cable car station.

As the appointed time approached, a cable car slowly pulled up to the dock. Ash immediately went forward, waving and calling out to the arriving passengers.

"Mom, Professor Oak, over here."

That's right, it was Ash's mother, Hanako, and Professor Oak who came all the way from Pallet Town in the Kanto region to the top of Mt. Lanakira on Ula'ula Island in the Alola region to cheer Ash on for his upcoming finals.

"Alolan!" x2

"Alolan!" x3

After exchanging greetings, Hanako smiled and asked,

"Ash, Pikachu, congratulations on making it to the finals. How have you been lately?"

"Thank you, Mom. We're all doing well."

“Thank you so much for coming here,” said Dr. Kukui.

"Of course we're here to cheer Ash on!" Professor Oak said.

After exchanging pleasantries, Ash arranged rooms for Hanako and Professor Oak.

I also took some time to call Serena. After learning that she was doing well in the Hoenn region, I felt relieved. After all, we often exchanged messages and knew each other's situation.

From the first day Serena arrived in the Hoenn region, Ash had already instructed the head of the Hoenn Pokémon Inspection Bureau, Mr. Zwitch from Devon Corporation, Mr. Wallace, and others to look after Serena, so there was no need to worry about her safety.

Ash told Serena not to worry, that he would definitely bring the Alola League Championship trophy home, and that she should work hard in the Hoenn region.

Meanwhile, Gladion was giving Silvally and Lycanroc their final training.

Lillie came to see him, accompanied by James.

"You're still working hard, brother."

"James, Lillie."

"The finals are tomorrow, why aren't you resting yet?" Lillie said.

“This match is very important to me, and I want to give it my all and leave no regrets,” Gladgio said.

“Just like the master, he becomes completely absorbed in battle, forgetting to eat and sleep. Even on the day of the master and madam's wedding, the master trained until dawn and almost got late,” James said.

“Father, you’re really something,” Lillie laughed.

"I'm really looking forward to the battle between Mr. Ash and you, young master."

"Me too."

Silent all night.

The next morning, it was the fifth day of the Alola League Manalo Conference, the day the finals were about to begin.

As the morning sun pierces through the sea of ​​clouds on Mount Ranakira, this sacred mountain in the Alora region still carries the crispness of the night dew, while the Manarro Arena atop the mountain has already broken the tranquility of the forest.

This obsidian-based circular track resembles a giant crown embedded atop a snow-capped mountain, with tiered stands rising along the mountainside, reaching almost to the level of the swirling clouds at its highest point.