Ep 34. Kuchinashi's Grand Trial! Lugarugan Awakens!!

Ash and his friends arrive at the Ula'ula Island where Ash will take the Grand Trial to become a Ultra Guardian. They meet Lillie's younger brother, Gladion and learn more about the trial they will participate in. Ash is excited about the prospect of battling against the Island Kahuna Nanu. While they make their way to the Ula'ula Meadow, they are startled by a howl. They spot a group of Lugarugan running through the meadow with Kuchinashi, a young trainer, following them. Kuchinashi explains that she has been trying to tame a Lugarugan and wants to take the Grand Trial to be recognized as a great Lugarugan trainer.

Ash and his friends offer to help Kuchinashi in her goal. They learn that Lugarugan can transform between a Midday Form and a Midnight Form which have different abilities and strengths. Kuchinashi tells them that she wants to evolve her Rockruff into a Lugarugan too. Ash and Pikachu step forward to battle Kuchinashi in order to prepare her for the Grand Trial. Kuchinashi chooses her Midday Lugarugan and the trainer battle begins.

While Ash and Pikachu are strong, Kuchinashi manages to outsmart them with her clever strategies. She uses Lugarugan's ability 'No Guard' which makes all moves hit the opponent and her Lugarugan's unique moves like 'Accelerock' and 'Stone Edge' to pound Ash and Pikachu. Ash and Pikachu try to counter with their own moves, but they are not able to see through Kuchinashi's tactics effectively. Eventually, Kuchinashi manages to defeat Ash and Pikachu.

However, instead of feeling defeated, Ash and Pikachu are excited and inspired by Kuchinashi's battle style. They talk about how the battle was different from others they've had before and how Kuchinashi is unique. They realize that she has a special bond with her Lugarugan and is able to understand its abilities and strengths, something that they lacked.

Kuchinashi asks them to help her train and evolve her Rockruff. Over the next few days, they help her battle and practice. Kuchinashi is grateful for their help and starts to see real progress in her training. In the meantime, Ash and his friends explore Ula'ula Island, trying to learn more about its history and culture. They also learn that the Grand Trial takes place at the top of a mountain that is believed to be sacred.

Finally, the day of the Grand Trial arrives. Ash, Pikachu, and their friends accompany Kuchinashi to the top of the mountain where they meet Kahuna Nanu. They see that the mountain is actually an active volcano and the Grand Trial is set on a platform that is suspended above the crater. Kahuna Nanu welcomes them and announces that Kuchinashi will need to defeat his Midnight Form Lugarugan in order to become a recognized Lugarugan trainer.

The battle begins with Kuchinashi choosing her Rockruff. The pitting of a small, adorable Rockruff against the fearsome Midnight Lugarugan seems bleak, but Kuchinashi believes in her Pokemon. She uses similar tactics to what she used against Ash and Pikachu, but they start to fail as the stronger and more experienced Lugarugan takes control of the battle.

Just when it seems like the battle is lost for Kuchinashi, Rockruff starts to evolve into Lugarugan. The transformation surprises everyone and Lugarugan emerges from the smoke, confident and powerful. Kuchinashi's evolution method is unique, and while Kahuna Nanu is surprised and impressed, he still wants to see if Kuchinashi is capable of handling a Midday Form Lugarugan as well.

Kuchinashi is more than ready and chooses her newly-evolved Lugarugan. The battle that ensues is close, but ultimately, Kuchinashi and her Lugarugan come out on top. Kahuna Nanu is impressed and tells Kuchinashi that she has demonstrated true mastery of Lugarugan. He hands her a special Z-Crystal as recognition of her success and tells her that she is now eligible to participate in the Ultra Guardians.

With the Grand Trial complete, it is time for Ash and his friends to continue on their journey. They part with Kuchinashi, their newest friend, and wish her well on her journey as an Ultra Guardian.