The powerful gusts from takeoff sent sand scattering in all directions as Dragonite soared skyward, carrying Kai on its back. Within moments, they had reached the top of the rock wall.
What lay before them was a vast expanse of layered plateaus, each covered in lush green vegetation that Kai couldn't quite identify. At the very center of this terrain was a small, tranquil pond.
As Dragonite slowly descended, Kukui arrived as well, soaring in on his Braviary.
"Bwooo!"
The moment Kai set foot on solid ground again, Dragonite let out a low, hearty cry. Its gaze was fixed on a spot near the pond—a section of the wall where a Pokémon lay, lazily napping.
One look at this Pokémon's appearance was enough to associate it with a bull. Its large, black body was covered in a sturdy red shell adorned with two thick horns. Instead of arms, it had two hooved limbs, and at the end of its tail hung a golden bell.
It was none other than Tapu Bulu, the guardian deity of Ula'ula Island!
Unlike the elusive Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, and Tapu Fini, who were known for their unpredictable movements, Tapu Bulu was infamous for its laziness, often choosing to nap in the same place for long periods. This made it the easiest of the four Tapu to locate.
Kukui stepped up beside Kai and whispered, "That's Tapu Bulu, the guardian deity. It doesn't like being disturbed while resting, so we'll have to wait until it wakes up. Only then might it acknowledge us."
"Back when I trained here, I had to wait three whole days and nights for it to wake up!"
Kukui sighed, reminiscing about his grueling past trials. The sheer effort he had put into his training felt bittersweet now.
Just as he was about to strike up a conversation, Kai suddenly pointed at Tapu Bulu, his expression completely neutral. "Oh. It's awake."
Kukui: "!!!"
Sure enough, Tapu Bulu stirred, its eyes half-opening. Seizing this rare opportunity, Kai wasted no time and began walking toward the guardian deity.
Meanwhile, Dragonite gave Kukui a reassuring pat on the back, as if comforting him through his moment of existential crisis.
Dragonite: (Hang in there, buddy)
"Moo?"
Tapu Bulu's half-lidded eyes focused on Kai. Its gaze was striking—entirely blue, with a distinct orange line cutting vertically through the center of each iris, exuding an otherworldly, fairy-like aura.
Unlike its indifferent attitude toward Ash in the anime, Tapu Bulu's expression as it observed Kai carried a weight of seriousness beneath its naturally lazy demeanor.
Kai knew that when dealing with Pokémon, there was no need for unnecessary tricks, mind games, or elaborate schemes. The best approach was always direct and sincere.
He gave a respectful bow and spoke clearly. "Honorable guardian deity Tapu Bulu, I have come to request your guidance. I wish for my Pokémon to learn the moves Grassy Terrain and Rototiller under your instruction."
At his words, Tapu Bulu slowly shifted from its resting position, rising into the air. Despite being classified as the Land Spirit Pokémon, all four Tapu had the ability to freely float through the skies like legendary beings.
Its steady gaze lingered on Kai, as if carefully evaluating him. Tapu Bulu had an innate ability to distinguish between the natives of Alola and outsiders. It could tell that Kai had not spent his life basking in the light of the Guardian Deities' presence.
Unlike Tapu Lele, who appeared playful and open-minded but was actually the most traditional and conservative of the four guardian deities, Tapu Bulu did not discriminate against Kai for being an outsider. To Tapu Bulu, all humans were just children—whether it was the island kahuna it had chosen, whose personality mirrored its own, or that scrappy young trainer standing behind Kai, who seemed vaguely familiar.
Among these "children," Kai was at least polite. Since Tapu Bulu had just about finished its nap, it figured it might as well stretch its limbs a little.
Then, its gaze landed on the Z-Ring on Kai's right wrist.
That settled it.
In the blink of an eye, Tapu Bulu charged forward, closing the distance between them in an instant.
---
Dragonite's pupils shrank, and its expression turned sharp. Just as it was about to leap in front of Kai to shield him, Kai raised a hand, stopping it.
As it turned out, Tapu Bulu had no intention of attacking. Now mere inches from Kai, it lifted a cracked, hoof-like hand and pointed at his Z-Ring, then pointed back at itself.
"Moo-moo~ mooo."
Just like the sensation Kai had felt with Moltres, he couldn't understand Tapu Bulu's words—but in some strange, inexplicable way, the meaning still appeared in his mind with perfect clarity.
Tapu Bulu would teach Grassy Terrain and Rototiller.
However, Kai had to prove himself first—by demonstrating a move powerful enough to impress it.
Having issued this challenge, Tapu Bulu nonchalantly found a new spot and flopped down, clearly giving Kai time to prepare.
Not far from where Tapu Bulu had settled, Kai and Kukui sat together, discussing their strategy.
The surrounding environment was rather pleasant, with a field of blooming flowers in the distance. Tapu Bulu showed no signs of territorial aggression, making it a suitable place for training.
Kai released all of his Pokémon from their Poké Balls, letting them stretch and enjoy the fresh air.
Growlithe and the Eldegoss scampered off toward the flower field, playing happily under the watchful eye of Serperior, ensuring Kai had nothing to worry about.
Meanwhile, Mudbray, seemingly emboldened by the thick, lush grass near Tapu Bulu, boldly trotted closer and began munching away.
As for Dragonite? It was completely content, pulling Kai into a big, happy hug, while Mimikyu sat snugly in Kai's arms.
Kukui tapped his chin, thinking aloud. "So, we need to show Tapu Bulu a move that moves it emotionally, huh?"
After a moment of contemplation, his eyes lit up in realization. "This is actually a common challenge Tapu Bulu presents to trainers who own a Z-Ring."
He turned to Kai. "Do you know how a Z-Move is unleashed?"
Kai considered for a moment before nodding. "As I recall, Z-Moves draw upon the power of nature, acting as a high-risk, high-reward trump card. It takes a heavy toll on both the Pokémon and the trainer… Right?"
"Exactly."
Kukui nodded approvingly. While Z-Moves were immensely powerful, an opponent aware of their use could find ways to evade or defend against them. Mastering when and how to use them was a crucial test of a trainer's skill.
"But… you forgot something."
(⌐■_■)
The way Kukui suddenly brought it up made Kai freeze mid-pat while stroking Mimikyu's disguise. A bad feeling—no, an inevitable truth—surfaced in his mind.
"To use a Z-Move, the trainer and Pokémon must perform the 'Full-Force Pose' together."
"And for Mimikyu's Z-Move, Let's Snuggle Forever, not only do you need an exceptionally high bond with it, but you also have to perform a very specific Full-Force Pose."
Kukui's expression turned unreadable as he raised both hands, pressing his thumbs and index fingers together.
And then, in the most deadpan manner possible…
…he formed a heart shape.
---
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