Satoshi's mother wins a complimentary trip to the Alola region's Melemele Island, prompting the Pokémon trainer and his buddy Pikachu to join her there. The Alola region is home to numerous new Pokémon, some of which possess a familiar appearance. Satoshi and Pikachu can barely restrain their excitement at the prospect of exploring the island, causing them to become lost following a frantic pursuit of a Pokémon. As luck would have it, they chance upon the Pokémon School where students study the fascinating creatures. There, Satoshi learns of Z-Moves — the powerful and closely coordinated attack moves originating from the Alola region — when he and Kaki, a straight-talking student, end up clashing with the villainous Team Skull's thugs. Later on, Satoshi and Pikachu encounter Melemele Island's guardian deity Pokémon — Kapu Kokeko — who bequeaths upon them a Z-Ring, a valuable tool in executing the Z-Moves. Their victory in the previous battle and possession of the Z-Ring encourages the duo to remain in the Alola Region to learn more about the powerful new attacks. Satoshi enrolls in the Pokémon School alongside his new classmates, including Lillie, who loves Pokémon but is unable to touch them. The group's schedules are packed with attending classes, battling bothersome Team Rocket, taking on the Island Challenge, and mastering the Z-Moves. Satoshi and Pikachu are primed for an exhilarating expedition ahead.