Kukui went through a series of exaggerated movements, ending with a particularly ridiculous pose.
The result?
Dead silence.
One was Kukui himself.
The other was Kai.
In stark contrast, Dragonite and Mimikyu practically lit up with excitement.
Their eyes gleamed as they watched Kukui's antics, completely fascinated—
Even more so by the idea that Kai could perform the moves with them.
Kai felt a cold sweat break out on his back.
Don't look at me like that!
Those sparkling, expectant eyes were far too much to handle.
If he admitted that he found the pose utterly humiliating, Dragonite and Mimikyu would definitely look heartbroken…
Ever since receiving his Z-Ring, Kai had dreaded the inevitable moment when he would have to perform the full-force Z-Move dance.
But he never imagined…
That moment would arrive so soon.
Faced with two options—
1)Crush Dragonite and Mimikyu's spirits.
2)Crush his own dignity.
Kai hesitated for one second—
Then mournfully chose the latter.
No choice.
His Pokémon were just too adorable—how could he possibly refuse them?
The Z-Pose practice session lasted less than ten minutes.
As for the bond requirement to activate Mimikyu's exclusive Z-Move—
Kai was confident that wasn't an issue at all.
The only setback came when Dragonite learned that Mimikyu's Z-Move could only be used by Mimikyu.
Meaning…
It couldn't participate.
Dragonite immediately plopped onto the ground, its large body shaking with disappointment—
Tears welled up in its eyes, threatening to spill over.
Dragonite: (ಥ‸ಥ)
It took some gentle coaxing from Kai to get it to settle down.
Eventually, Dragonite reluctantly agreed to follow along with the Z-Move gestures from behind.
Well, to be fair—
Dragonite was still less than a year old.
A little pouting was perfectly normal.
With everything prepared, Kai approached Tapu Bulu, ready to inform it that he was good to go.
But before he could even speak, he noticed—
Tapu Bulu had already awakened.
And not only that—
It was engaged in conversation with Mudbray, who had its eyes half-closed in deep thought.
Tapu Bulu had chosen its resting spot with care.
Rather than lying on the harsh, rocky terrain, it had settled on a patch of fertile grassland, where the soil was rich and soft.
Somehow, Mudbray had struck up a connection with Tapu Bulu.
It pawed at the ground, its sturdy hooves easily turning over the loose soil.
As a golden-brown glow shimmered across its body, the earth beneath it became even softer—
The increased air pockets allowed plant roots to breathe more easily, and thanks to the effects of Rototiller, the soil became infused with nutrients, making it even more fertile for plant growth.
After completing the move, Mudbray lifted its head toward Tapu Bulu—
As if seeking its opinion.
Tapu Bulu clapped its hooves together, producing a resounding applause.
Then, its entire body flipped upside-down, floating in midair.
Lowering its thick, powerful horns, it plunged them deep into the earth—
And unleashed Rototiller as well.
A brilliant, golden light pulsed through the soil.
Enriched by Tapu Bulu's power, the earth beneath them now radiated a quiet vitality—
Brimming with life.
---
Kai and Kukui leaned in for a closer look—
The soil beneath Tapu Bulu's Rototiller had transformed into an astonishing shade, as dark and lustrous as black pearls.
Kukui remained calm.
Kai, however, couldn't hold back his shock.
"Black soil?!"
Tapu Bulu had actually managed to convert ordinary dirt into the legendary black soil—
A type of land once hailed as the 'Black Treasure' and the most fertile soil in the world!
Kukui scratched his head, completely unfazed.
"Oh yeah, forgot to mention—since Tapu Bulu's favorite pastime (other than sleeping) is using Rototiller all over Alola, this type of soil isn't that rare around here."
Kai was speechless.
No wonder Alola's natural resources were so abundant—
Turns out, Tapu Bulu was the reason!
Damn it.
He really, really wanted to steal Tapu Bulu and bring it back to his farm.
"Moo-moo! Moo! Moomoomoo!"
Tapu Bulu animatedly gestured and explained something to Mudbray.
Unfortunately, since it wasn't speaking to Kai, he had no idea what it was saying.
Regardless, the result was clear—
Mudbray, deep in thought, used Rototiller on the soil again.
This time, although the enriched earth wasn't quite as astonishing as Tapu Bulu's,
It was noticeably better than its first attempt.
Even Tapu Bulu nodded in satisfaction.
Watching the interaction, Kai stroked his chin and murmured,
"Yep, Mudbray and Tapu Bulu really do get along well."
Kukui, having not heard him clearly, tilted his head.
"You say something?"
Kai shook his head.
"Nothing."
At that moment, Tapu Bulu finally turned its gaze toward them.
It tilted its head.
"Moo?"
This time, Kai understood the meaning behind its call—
Are you ready?
Kai nodded slightly.
"We're ready."
Both Dragonite and Mimikyu stood at attention, their eyes burning with determination.
Tapu Bulu studied them for a few seconds—
Then soared into the air, its back facing the blazing sun.
Its once languid expression was now filled with gravity and resolve.
Raising both arms, it struck a bodybuilder pose and let out a booming bellow—
"Come at me!"
Kukui wisely took a few steps back.
Mimikyu leaped down from Kai's shoulder.
Even though Dragonite couldn't participate in the battle, it still maintained its fighting stance, standing steadfastly behind Kai.
The commotion was enough to alert those in the distant flower fields.
Led by Serperior, Growlithe, a group of Eldegoss, and a small, round silhouette hurried toward the battlefield.
As soon as it confirmed that Kai and Mimikyu were ready, Tapu Bulu lifted its head and let out a resounding cry.
The golden bell on its tail jingled sharply, echoing through the air.
In an instant, a vibrant green ripple spread outward from Tapu Bulu's position.
Within seconds, everything within sight flourished with wild growth.
A radiant emerald glow washed over the landscape—
Even Kai and Kukui's hair turned slightly green from the reflection.
Seeing this, Kukui shouted a warning.
"This is Tapu Bulu's Ability—Grassy Surge! It creates a Grassy Terrain, boosting the power of Grass-type moves significantly!"
But Kai didn't respond.
Because—
Tapu Bulu had already launched itself forward like an arrow.
For such a solidly built Pokémon, its speed was nothing to scoff at.
The golden bell on its tail shimmered with a bright green glow—
As it swung downward in a devastating strike toward Mimikyu.
A Grass-type move—Wood Hammer!
Kai made no attempt to dodge.
Nor did he intend to use any tricks.
Instead, he swept his arm forward and commanded—
"Swords Dance!"
Right now, he had only one goal—
Defeat Tapu Bulu with sheer power.
And in doing so, earn the right to learn both Grassy Terrain and Rototiller!
---
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