Chapter 772: Kapho·Tapu Tapu Mingming

【Heaven-Shattering, Earth-Cracking Rock Fall】

When Stony Wolf raised a boulder as massive as an island.

To All All Baimu and Super Steelix, who looked up from below, the name of this Z-move seemed partially explained.

"Z-moves really are different."

He sighed.

In the games, Z-moves max out at 220 power, usually only 200—less than even Explosion.

But in the anime, their power far exceeds basic moves.

Because the animation team poured their heart into it, Z-moves gained expressive flair that matched their flashy, cool, and dramatic names.

The performance of Rock Z only deepened All All Baimu's anticipation for the power he'd unleash once he obtained his own Z-Ring and Z-Crystal.

But for now…

"It's your turn."

All All Baimu stared at the colossal boulder, hurled downward by Stony Wolf like a mountain crashing down, deaf to the terrifying hum beside him—like a high-energy reactor at critical mass.

He raised his hand: "Shatter it!"

Thud!

The earth trembled and sank.

A silver dragon, riding an endless tide of sand and stone, roared through the air!

"Roar!!"

From the heavens came a thunderous roar—the Super Steelix, piercing the boulder, blazed with a dazzling, crystal-like mercury-white glow.

In an instant.

It became a beam of untouchable silver light, encircled by orbiting rings like planetary bands, forming a scene of breathtaking beauty and awe.

Then.

Boom—!!

【Heavy Impact】!

The sky-blocking boulder shattered inch by inch with a heart-stopping boom.

The silver light effortlessly pierced the entire massive rock, reducing it to fragments like a meteor obliterated by a missile!

Gragio first showed an expression bordering on shock.

Above the sky.

Nightfall Stony Wolf suddenly saw a streak of silver light—its trusted, unbreakable boulder shattered effortlessly.

Before it could process anything, the silver light filled its entire vision.

"Aaaah—"

Stony Wolf's cry cut off abruptly.

Boom!!

As countless fragments rained down like hail, a vast cloud of dust swallowed the once-clear sky above the beach.

All All Baimu expected to be crushed.

Instead, the shards turned to fine sand mid-fall and drifted away with the wind.

Z-moves are truly amazing.

Thud!

The metal beast plummeted from the smoke at high speed; its terrifying weight shook the ground—by comparison, Nightfall Stony Wolf's fall seemed ordinary.

On the beach.

Gragio lifted his battle-disabled Stony Wolf.

His silence was deafening.

As the son of a wealthy family, Gragio had never lacked exposure; before certain events, his family often traveled the world to watch top-tier Trainer battles.

He knew exactly what true strength looked like.

Therefore,

When Super Steelix pierced through his prized 【Heaven-Shattering, Earth-Cracking Rock Fall】 like a meteor,

Gragio realized the Trainer across from him was a giant he must look up to.

To face Rock Z head-on so effortlessly…

He gazed at Super Steelix, its surface gleaming with pure silver-metallic luster, untainted by dust, and wondered: if he possessed such power, could he protect everything he cherished?

He believed he could.

"Stony Wolf, thank you."

He whispered his thanks and recalled Stony Wolf into its Poké Ball.

The battle was over.

Ending in his crushing defeat.

But Gragio was not disheartened; instead, a long-absent thrill welled up inside him.

This unknown Trainer might be even stronger than the Island King—if he could learn from him—

The thought had barely formed.

Gragio's heart was doused in cold water, instantly calming.

He had a secret he could never reveal.

No one knew he possessed a third Pokémon besides Moonlight Eevee and Stony Wolf—and crucially, it was the only one of its kind in the world.

Gragio knew he had just met this Trainer and didn't even know the powerful Trainer's name.

He couldn't risk it.

On the other side.

All All Baimu lavished praise on Steelix, now returned to its normal form.

Just as he'd suspected, Steelix excelled at impact moves more than Bisharp.

Its lifelong digging had forged an unparalleled collision ability—even a boulder dubbed "Heaven-Shattering, Earth-Cracking" shattered like a cookie stepped on, reduced to countless fragments.

This was without triggering its ability 【Sand Force】.

If its slow startup could be compensated, defeating Registeel, whom he'd previously drawn with due to prolonged stalemate, would be no problem.

He raised his hand slightly: "Focus on two strengths: Sand Wall and Heavy Impact—control and offense. You'll be fine."

"Roar~"

Steelix obediently lowered its head so its Trainer could stroke its skull.

Sometimes simplicity and focus yield extraordinary strength—like Ash's Pikachu, learning new moves every year.

Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, and Quick Attack—those three staples were never forgotten.

After calming Steelix, still eager for battle, All All Baimu gave Bisharp a glance and walked toward the other side.

But before he could speak, Gragio spoke first:

"Your strength is admirable. Thank you for accepting this battle."

His impeccable etiquette, unlike his over-the-top attire, made All All Baimu realize the man opposite him was a wealthy heir with deep family tradition.

A smile appeared on his face: "No need for formalities—I'm glad to have battled you after dinner."

"I'm humbled. I will challenge you again. Please allow me to take my partner to the Pokémon Center for healing."

Gragio bowed slightly in respect, yet showed no interest in further conversation—two sentences and he was ready to leave.

All All Baimu quickly called out to the impatient fellow: "Wait! I have a few small questions—I hope you can answer them."

"... Please."

As Gragio wondered what he'd ask, he saw All All Baimu's gaze fixed on his Z-Ring and realized: "This device is called a Z-Ring; the crystal embedded in it is a Z-Crystal—a unique power exclusive to the Alola region."

All All Baimu feigned ignorance: "So the power Stony Wolf just used came from this?"

"Yes. When Pokémon and Trainer achieve perfect harmony, they channel natural energy through a Z-Ring with a Z-Crystal and specific Swords Dance steps!"

The overly dramatic boy danced a short routine, utterly unashamed, and declared seriously: "This one I hold is called Rock Z—it unleashes the Rock-type Z-move 【Heaven-Shattering, Earth-Cracking Rock Fall】!"

All All Baimu nodded, understanding the vivid description, then added: "I've actually seen this before—last year at the Hoenn Festival, an Eevee Trainer used one."

"An Eevee Trainer."

Gragio frowned, then relaxed: "Z-Rings and Z-Crystals aren't rare in Alola—anyone who completes the Island Challenge and passes the Island King's trial can obtain one."

Hearing this, All All Baimu asked:

"Can outsiders participate too?"

All previous questions had been setup for this final one.

The Island Challenge is a special ritual for Alolan children of eligible age; in the games, protagonists who move to Alola can join; in simulations, pharmacists who relocate to Alola can join too.

But both are teenagers barely over ten.

Could a grown adult tourist like him?

All All Baimu feared Island King Hala might reject him due to age or other factors—he'd likely have to ask Lugee to help him contact Modan.

Hala once served in the International Police; Lugee might have connections.

Ash?

Ash was just a tourist too, but his Z-Ring was given by Kapho·Tapu Tapu Mingming—Hala couldn't deny it.

Under All All Baimu's expectant gaze, Gragio shook his head.

"I'm sorry, I don't know the basic requirements for the Island Challenge. Island King Hala of Melemele Island lives in Lili Town—you might ask him directly."

"Alright, thank you."

All All Baimu felt a faint disappointment; he had expected the outsider who had moved to Alola to offer him at least some hint.

Unfortunately, none came.

Gragio departed after answering his questions.

Although the Pokémon inside their Poké Balls were in stable condition, he still wanted to heal them as soon as possible.

——

Inside the wooden cabin.

All All Baimu silently planned his next steps.

There was more than one way to obtain a Z-Ring: from an Island King, from an Island Guardian, or even from someone else—like Team Rocket—by "taking" it.

He certainly hoped to acquire the Z-Ring through normal means and smoothly complete the Island Challenge.

Thus, the last option was essentially ruled out.

Island Guardian?

The Kaphos, like Mew, were legendary Pokémon known for their unpredictable moods and inscrutable thoughts.

All All Baimu didn't dare hope for anything from it—just not to be bothered by it…

Let's hope so.

He remembered that Kapho-Mimikyu was famously warlike; if he revealed the strength of Bisharp and Metagross, it would almost certainly attract Kapho-Mimikyu, the symbol of 【War】.

Even the scene of Mega Steelix smashing through the Rock Z had likely been seen by it—right now, it might be peering down from the skylight.

Heh.

His imagination had suddenly run wild.

All All Baimu chuckled inwardly and looked up at the skylight.

A strange orange-haired creature with arms resembling bird heads instantly came into view.

Their gazes met.

What the—!?

All All Baimu leapt up instantly; outside the skylight, Kapho-Mimikyu withdrew its gaze and floated away. By the time he reached outside, the Guardian had vanished.

"Did you see that?"

He turned to ask Bisharp and Metagross, who had been waiting outside.

They exchanged a glance, both faces blank with question marks.

See what?

See what?

All All Baimu asked the other Pokémon, all of whom replied they hadn't seen anything—as if the whole thing had been his imagination.

But how could that be?

He gazed at the endless tropical forest behind the cabin, his emotions complicated.

Logically, Kapho-Mimikyu should be quietly observing Ash—why would it divert attention to him?

Then again, had Ash found Little Star?

All All Baimu's thoughts drifted, then snapped back.

He realized he could consult one person about the Z-Ring and the Island Challenge—Professor Kukui!

He was sure the professor would gladly answer his questions.

"I'm going out! I might head into town to buy some things—anyone want to come along?"

All All Baimu called out several times inside and outside the cabin.

Since he was just going to chat with Professor Kukui, he didn't plan to bring all his Pokémon along.

After all, since he was in Alola, there was no need to keep them cooped up in Poké Balls all day—everyone should get some proper exercise.

A few minutes later.

"Shasou—"

Salamence excitedly raised its head and roared, flapping its six broad wings as it carried its beloved Trainer into the sky.

That annoying motorcycle was finally abandoned!

Perfect!

It had always thought that smelly two-wheeled machine couldn't compare to it—and yet its Trainer kept choosing it.

Salamence had nearly forgotten the last time it had flown its Trainer through the air.

Good thing it had finally waited for this day.

Alola forever!

Salamence roared with excitement, drawing frequent glances from passing Pokémon.

All All Baimu wore a look of helplessness.

Sometimes it wasn't that he didn't want to ride—it was just that conditions didn't allow it. If he could choose Salamence, he'd choose it every time; he'd ridden it just a few days ago when resting in Meteor Village.

Who knew this thing would get jealous of a motorcycle?

Truly incomprehensible.

"Fly over there!"

He patted Salamence's thick neck, guiding it toward Professor Kukui's laboratory.

It was still early.

Professor Kukui and Ash probably hadn't gone to the Pokémon School yet—

Wrong?

Salamence flew over Professor Kukui's lab; All All Baimu scanned the empty beach and quiet cabin, then ordered it to land and knocked on the door.

"Is anyone home?"

No answer.

Off to school or work?

So early!

All All Baimu returned to Salamence's back, thought for a moment, and decided to head to the Pokémon School anyway—it was bound to be necessary sooner or later.

"Let's go! To school!"

"Shasou!"

Salamence flapped its wings and in an instant carried its Trainer over a strange cluster of buildings.

Pokémon School.

The main setting of the Sun & Moon anime, where most of the plot unfolded.

This was the first time the Pokémon anime series shifted from a road-trip format to a fixed-location format blending episodic stories with a main storyline.

Due to the drastic art change and the odd finale of XY, Sun & Moon received significantly less attention.

But All All Baimu loved it.

The further childlike design made Ash and Pikachu's various expressions feel less jarring, and the battle budgets were surprisingly generous.

Besides, Lillie, Mallow, and Lana were truly adorable!

"Shasou!"

Salamence landed slowly outside the school grounds.

Though landing inside wouldn't have been a major issue, it was better not to—just walk in normally.

Just as All All Baimu was about to enter, a large tree-like figure suddenly emerged from the bushes beside him.

He said: "What brings you here, Bounsweet?"

The odd tone, the bizarre Pokémon joke, and his dark face mimicking Bounsweet's appearance.

All All Baimu's mouth twitched involuntarily.

Of course it's you!

The man known as having a thousand Pokémon faces—thanks to Professor Oak!