Ep. 27: Ash and Gladion prepare for a clash between their Lycanroc and Rockruff amidst Team Rocket interference.

27

Gladion, a trainer in black with a fiery-eyed Lycanroc and Z-ring, arrives on Melemele Island. Ash desires a battle but is stunned when Lillie reveals Gladion is her brother. Initially cold and refusing the challenge, Gladion agrees after learning Ash received his Z-ring from Tapu Koko and fought the Island Guardian. That night, Umbreon delivers a note confirming the match between Ash’s Rockruff and Gladion’s Lycanroc. Team Rocket, having witnessed Gladion defeat Team Skull grunts, intervenes and captures Pikachu and Lycanroc. Consequently, Ash and Gladion must cooperate to rescue their Pokémon from the villains.