Suddenly, Team Rocket’s Meowth balloon appears from behind a cliff. Jessie, James, and Meowth descend, dressed in tacky tourist shirts.
A silhouette of the Alolan islands with the text: “To be continued — Next Episode: The Guardian Deity’s Challenge! Tapu Koko’s Lightning Bolt!”
Professor Kukui watches from his lab window, smiling. “This is going to be fun.”
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.” Pokemon Sun Moon Episode 1
Kiawe laughs it off. “Sorry, cousin! Tauros doesn’t like strangers. You must be the kid from Kanto, yeah?”
Rowlet snores in response, but snuggles closer.
They launch a net cannon at Oranguru, who is still reading its newspaper. Without even looking up, Oranguru yawns, raises one hand, and uses . The net freezes mid-air, then reverses direction, tangling Team Rocket. Oranguru then flicks its finger, sending them blasting off into the ocean—not with an explosion, but with a calm, silent fade into the horizon. Suddenly, Team Rocket’s Meowth balloon appears from behind
That evening, Ash sits on the beach with Pikachu, watching the setting sun turn the ocean gold. A small Rowlet lands on his shoulder, tired and hungry. Ash offers it a berry. The Rowlet falls asleep mid-bite, tipping over.
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.
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. Tapu Koko’s Lightning Bolt
“It’s so hot!” Ash groans, wiping his forehead. “But that just means new Pokémon, new battles, and a new adventure!”
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.
Alola, New Island! The Alola Region's First Step!!
Ash and Pikachu’s jaws drop. Kiawe just shrugs. “Told ya. Doesn’t like being interrupted during reading time.”
Ash introduces himself. Before they can talk further, a pink, round Pokémon floats down from a nearby tree. It’s a , holding a newspaper and sipping from a coconut. It watches them with wise, judgmental eyes, then shakes its head and walks away.