Episode 1 - Pokemon Sun Moon

Professor Kukui watches from his lab window, smiling. “This is going to be fun.”

“Okay, I’m in!”

A silhouette of the Alolan islands with the text: “To be continued — Next Episode: The Guardian Deity’s Challenge! Tapu Koko’s Lightning Bolt!”

“You can’t just charge in shouting ‘Thunderbolt,’” Kukui says. “You’ve got to feel the flow of the island.” Pokemon Sun Moon Episode 1

Suddenly, Team Rocket’s Meowth balloon appears from behind a cliff. Jessie, James, and Meowth descend, dressed in tacky tourist shirts.

Kiawe explains that Oranguru is known as the “wise sage of the forest” and rarely gets involved in human affairs. “Unless you’re doing something stupid,” Kiawe jokes. “Then it’ll just stare at you until you feel dumb.”

The episode opens on the shores of Melemele Island. The camera pans over crystal-clear water, tropical Pokémon (Wingull, Pyukumuku, and a sleeping Slowpoke) before cutting to a boat docking at Hau’oli City harbor. Professor Kukui watches from his lab window, smiling

Kukui invites Ash to attend the to learn Z-Moves and the ways of Alola. Ash hesitates—school? He’s a trainer, not a student! But when he sees a group of students (Lillie, Mallow, Lana, Sophocles, and Kiawe) practicing a Z-Move pose in unison, Pikachu’s ears perk up. A brilliant flash of energy erupts from their practice. Ash’s eyes light up.

Before he can take three steps, a boy with spiky, messy black hair and a mischievous grin crashes into him—literally. The boy, , was riding a wild Tauros that got spooked by a curious Rowlet. Ash and Kiawe tumble into a fruit stand, sending tropical berries flying everywhere.

“The sun is hot, the seas are warm, and the twerp is here!” James: “To steal Alolan Pokémon is our new norm!” Meowth: “And this time, we’re startin’ with that snobby Oranguru!” “You’ve got to feel the flow of the island

Professor Kukui, a tall, shirtless man with a lab coat draped over his shoulders, meets Ash on the beach. He explains that in Alola, Pokémon battles are different—they have Z-Moves , which require a strong bond and a special pose.

Ash and Pikachu’s jaws drop. Kiawe just shrugs. “Told ya. Doesn’t like being interrupted during reading time.”

Ash laughs. “You’ve got energy, little guy. Want to come with us?”

Ash Ketchum and Pikachu step off the boat, both sweating and fanning themselves. Unlike the cool breezes of Kanto or the sharp air of Kalos, Alola’s humidity hits them like a wave. Pikachu’s cheeks spark with irritation.

Kiawe laughs it off. “Sorry, cousin! Tauros doesn’t like strangers. You must be the kid from Kanto, yeah?”