Episode 140 is a definitive "must-watch" for fans of the series. It successfully balances quiet, world-building moments regarding Alolan traditions with explosive battles. It sets the stage for the final arc of the series, giving Ash the tools he needs to compete at the highest level.
By the time the credits roll, the audience is left with a sense of anticipation: Ash has his new ring, he has the power, and the Alola League is just on the horizon.
Rating: 9/10 – A perfect blend of lore and action.
Episode 140 Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon—Ultra Legends "Z-Move Showdown!" "Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!"
in Japanese), the Alola Pokémon League's award ceremony is disrupted by an invasion of three Guzzlords. Plot Summary The Invasion
: Just as Ash is crowned the first Alola League Champion, a massive Ultra Wormhole opens and a Guzzlord emerges to destroy the stadium. Soon after, two more Shiny Guzzlords appear. The Defense
: Ash and his friends, along with the Island Kahunas and the Masked Royal, team up to defend Alola. Ash guides the Kahunas to target Guzzlord's weak spot on its head. Naganadel's Return
: Ash’s former partner, Poipole, makes a surprise return, having evolved into The Climax : The episode features a record-breaking 13 Z-Moves
. Ash and the Masked Royal use a double "Gigavolt Havoc" to send the final Guzzlord back through the wormhole. The Reveal
: The force of the final Z-Move blast blows off the Masked Royal’s mask, finally revealing his true identity as Professor Kukui to Ash and Rotom. Key Episode Details Series Number Sun & Moon ) / 1,079 (overall). Major Milestone
: This episode contains the highest number of Z-Moves performed in a single episode of the anime.
: It marks the last time Ash's Pikachu uses the Z-Move "Gigavolt Havoc" and the first time two Shiny Pokémon of the same species appear together.
For a deep dive into reviews or specific episode discussions, resources like the Bulbapedia Episode Guide or community threads on Reddit's r/pokemon provide extensive breakdowns.
Pokémon Sun & Moon Episode 140, titled "Z-Move Showdown! Akuziking Attacks!" (Japanese: Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!!), is a pivotal turning point in the Ultra Legends series. Airing on September 22, 2019, it serves as the bridge between the conclusion of the Alola League and the highly anticipated exhibition match between Ash and Professor Kukui. The Ultra Beast Invasion
The celebration of Ash Ketchum’s historic first League Championship is violently interrupted by the sudden appearance of multiple Guzzlord. Three of these gluttonous Ultra Beasts—including two rare Shiny (white) versions—tear through Ultra Wormholes and descend upon the Manalo Stadium.
The episode quickly shifts from a sporting event to a desperate defense operation. While the Island Kahunas and various League participants like Kiawe, Gladion, and Hau coordinate to protect the spectators and evacuate the stadium, Ash and the Masked Royal take to the arena to confront the primary threat. Key Battles and Heroic Moments
The Kahunas' Stand: The Island Kahunas lead their Pokémon into battle to brace against the massive Ultra Beasts.
Team Rocket’s Change of Heart: In a rare display of nobility, Team Rocket abandons their plan to steal Pokémon when they witness a wild Guzzlord attacking a mother Bewear protecting its child. Using their Bewear-inspired robot, they block a devastating blow and help the Pokémon escape.
The Weak Point: Ash identifies that the Guzzlord’s weakness is its smaller secondary head. He and the Masked Royal focus their attacks there but initially struggle against the beast's immense power. The Return of an Old Friend
The tide of battle turns with the unexpected return of Ash's Poipole, which has now evolved into Naganadel. Naganadel arrives through a wormhole just in time to assist Pikachu. The reunion is short-lived as they immediately join forces for a spectacular finish. The Decisive Z-Move and Unmasking
The episode’s climax features a double Gigavolt Havoc Z-Move performed by Ash’s Pikachu and Naganadel alongside the Masked Royal's Pokémon. The combined force of the Z-Moves is enough to blast the Guzzlord back through the Ultra Wormhole, effectively ending the invasion.
However, the explosive force of the battle rips off the Masked Royal’s mask, revealing his true identity as Professor Kukui to Ash and the entire stadium. This revelation sets the stage for the final exhibition match of the series: a full 6-on-6 battle between a mentor and his champion student. Fan Reception
Viewers generally praised the episode for its "mini-Team Flare arc" feel, noting that it provided a rare high-stakes moment for the Alola region beyond the tournament. While some fans felt the pacing was slightly off due to the rapid arrival and departure of three Ultra Beasts, the return of Naganadel and the long-awaited unmasking of Kukui were highlighted as series-defining moments.
Kukui battle that follows this episode, or are you interested in a breakdown of Ash's final Alolan team? Pokemon Sun and Moon Anime Episode 140 Review
Episode 140 of Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, titled "Z-Move Showdown!" (Japanese: Guzzlord Invades! The Z-Move Showdown!!), marks a pivotal moment in the Alola region’s history. Occurring right after Ash Ketchum is crowned the first-ever Alola Pokémon League Champion, the episode transitions from a celebratory atmosphere to a high-stakes crisis as multiple Ultra Beasts attack the stadium. The Chaos at Manalo Stadium
The award ceremony is abruptly interrupted when an Ultra Wormhole opens above the arena, releasing a Guzzlord. The panic escalates as two more of these ravenous Ultra Beasts—including rare "Shiny" white versions—appear at different locations across Manalo Island.
The First Threat: A standard Guzzlord disrupts the stadium, forcing the Island Kahunas and Professor Kukui to jump into action.
The Second Threat: A white Guzzlord appears near the shopping mall, where it is confronted by Gladion, Kiawe, and Hau.
The Third Threat: A massive white Guzzlord lands in the sea near the docks, soaking Ash and the Masked Royal as they move to intercept it. Key Battles and Heroic Moments
Unlike a traditional gym battle, this episode showcases a collective effort from Alola's strongest trainers.
Ash and the Masked Royal: Putting aside the champion's trophy, Ash teams up with Professor Kukui (as the Masked Royal) to drive the largest Guzzlord back through its wormhole.
The Z-Move Synergy: A central highlight of the episode is the coordinated use of Z-Moves. Gladion’s Lycanroc uses Devastating Drake, which merges with the attacks of other trainers to create a blast powerful enough to repel the invaders.
Team Rocket and Bewear: Even the series' antagonists play a role. Team Rocket attempts to flee but finds themselves caught in the crossfire. In a surprisingly emotional turn, Mama Bewear protects her cub, Stufful, while taking hits from a Guzzlord, prompting Team Rocket to protect her in return. Aftermath and Legacy
The episode serves as the final cleanup of the Ultra Beast arc, effectively concluding their threat before the series' grand finale. While some fans felt the sudden invasion was a comedic distraction from the League results, it provided a thematic "final exam" for the Island Challenge, proving that Ash and his peers were ready to protect the region as true masters. Pokemon Sun and Moon Anime Episode 140 Review
Episode 140: A Heartwarming Reunion - A Story of Love and Bonds
Pokémon Sun Moon Episode 140, titled "A Heartwarming Reunion - A Story of Love and Bonds," marks a pivotal moment in the series. The episode centers around Ash and his friends reuniting with a familiar face, bringing forth a mix of emotions and character development.
The Reunion
The episode begins with Ash, Pikachu, and their friends on their way to Ten Carat Hill, where they unexpectedly run into Mallow's long-lost mother, Nui. This reunion is bittersweet, as Mallow struggles to come to terms with his feelings about his mother's past actions. The encounter allows for significant character growth, particularly for Mallow, as he grapples with forgiveness and understanding.
Character Development
Throughout the episode, we see Mallow's emotional vulnerability as he confronts his mother about her past mistakes. This pivotal scene enables Mallow to express his feelings and work towards closure. The episode showcases the power of bonds and love within the Pokémon community, emphasizing the complexity of relationships and personal growth.
Themes and Emotional Resonance
The episode explores several themes, including:
Conclusion
Pokémon Sun Moon Episode 140 is a heartwarming and emotional episode that explores the bonds and relationships within the Pokémon community. The reunion between Mallow and his mother serves as a catalyst for character growth, highlighting the importance of love, forgiveness, and understanding. This episode is a beautiful addition to the series, showcasing the complexity and depth of the Pokémon universe.
Pokémon Sun & Moon Episode 140, titled " Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move!!
," the narrative shifts from the celebratory conclusion of the Manalo Conference to a high-stakes crisis. This episode serves as a critical bridge between Ash’s historic league victory and his final exhibition match against Professor Kukui, focusing on themes of unity, regional protection, and the return of long-lost allies. The Guzzlord Invasion and Regional Unity Pokemon Sun Moon Episode 140
The core conflict involves three Guzzlord invading the Alola region through Ultra Wormholes. This threat forces Alola’s diverse cast—ranging from the island Kahunas and the Tapu guardians to the league participants—to synchronize their efforts.
The Power of Z-Moves: The episode emphasizes the cultural and tactical importance of Z-Moves. The Kahunas and Tapus use their combined Z-Power to repel one Guzzlord, while Ash and his companions utilize their own Z-Moves to combat another.
Identity Revealed: During the chaos, Professor Kukui and Ash team up to face the third Guzzlord. This battle leads to the public exposure of Kukui's secret identity as the Masked Royal when his mask is accidentally blown away. The Return of Naganadel
A major emotional beat in the episode is the unexpected return of Ash's former companion, , now evolved into
Strengthening Ash's Team: Naganadel's return completes Ash's Alolan roster—Pikachu, (Dusk Form),
—setting the stage for what many fans consider his strongest regional team to date. Thematically Reconnecting: The return of
reinforces the series' focus on lasting bonds that transcend dimensions, a recurring motif throughout the Sun & Moon arc. Narrative Significance
Critics and viewers have noted that this segment functions as a "mini-Team Flare arc," effectively raising the stakes before the final showdown. It provides a moment of "resourcefulness" where characters must apply what they learned during the league to a real-world emergency. Furthermore, it resolves the Team Rocket subplot involving "Mama Bewear," showing their genuine care for the Pokémon that essentially adopted them.
By the end of the episode, the Guzzlord threat is neutralized, and the stage is perfectly set for the series' emotional climax: the full 6v6 exhibition match between Ash and Professor Kukui.
Pokémon Sun & Moon Episode 140: Guzzlord Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!! Episode 140 of the Pokémon Sun & Moon anime, titled " Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!!
" (Japanese title: Akuziking Shinnyu! Ikkatsu Z-Waza!!), originally aired in Japan on September 22, 2019. This high-stakes episode follows the monumental moment of Ash Ketchum being declared the first-ever champion of the Alola Pokémon League. A Sudden Invasion
The celebration of Ash's victory is cut short when a massive Guzzlord (known as Akuziking in Japan) suddenly appears through an Ultra Wormhole, disrupting the award ceremony and causing chaos at Manalo Stadium. The threat quickly escalates as two more Guzzlords—both Shiny—emerge from additional wormholes, forcing the heroes and Alolan authorities into immediate action. The Heroes Unite
The episode features a massive collaborative effort to protect the crowd and defeat the Ultra Beasts:
The Kahunas and Guardian Deities: The Island Kahunas, alongside the Tapu guardians of Alola, team up to take on the standard-colored Guzzlord, eventually forcing it back through the wormhole using their combined Z-Moves.
Ash's Classmates and Rivals: Gladion, Hau, and Ash’s classmates work together to fend off the first Shiny Guzzlord.
The Secret Revealed: In the midst of the battle, Professor Kukui’s secret identity as the Masked Royal is finally exposed to Ash and the others. Key Highlights and Returns
Naganadel’s Return: Ash’s Poipole makes a surprise return, having evolved into Naganadel. It joins the battle to assist Ash and the Masked Royal (Kukui) in defeating the second Shiny Guzzlord with a powerful Z-Move.
Ash's Full Team: With Naganadel’s return, Ash officially has a full party of six Pokémon for his final Alolan challenges: Pikachu, Rowlet, Lycanroc (Dusk Form), Torracat, Melmetal, and Naganadel.
Team Rocket's Role: Team Rocket attempts to fight the invasion using their Bewear-inspired robot, but it is ultimately the real Mama Bewear who arrives to save them and her cub from the Guzzlords' rampage.
This episode serves as the final precursor to the much-anticipated exhibition match between Ash and Professor Kukui in Episode 141. Kukui exhibition match?
Title: A Bittersweet Goodbye: Reviewing Pokémon Sun & Moon Episode 140 – “Farewell, Satoshi Gekkouga!”
Introduction
We knew this day was coming. For anyone watching the Pokémon Sun & Moon series, the return of Ash-Greninja (Gekkouga) in the previous episode was a massive nostalgia bomb. But Episode 140, titled “Farewell, Satoshi Gekkouga!” (Japanese: サトシゲッコウガ、さらば！), delivers exactly what the title promises: an emotional, action-packed, and surprisingly mature send-off for one of Ash’s most powerful Pokémon.
Spoiler Warning: This post contains major plot details for Episode 140 of Pokémon Sun & Moon.
The Plot: Why is Greninja Back?
The episode picks up directly from the cliffhanger. Greninja, now serving as the guardian of the giant Tree of Life in the Kalos region (from the XYZ series), has detected a new threat: a strange, dark energy is affecting the Alola region’s plant life and Pokémon.
Professor Kukui, Burnet, and Ash realize this is connected to the Ultra Beasts’ lingering energy combined with a cellular Zygarde malfunction. Greninja, sensing Ash’s distress from across the ocean, uses its unique bond with Ash to appear in Alola with a specific mission—not to stay, but to protect.
The Battle: Greninja + Lycanroc vs. The Horde
The middle of the episode features a stellar battle. A swarm of corrupted wild Pokémon (a mix of Alolan Exeggutor, Trevenant, and a rampaging Ultra Beast) attack the outskirts of Melemele Island.
They stop the threat, but the energy drain on Greninja is immense.
The Emotional Core: The Goodbye
This isn’t a simple “see you later.” The episode understands that Greninja has a higher calling. Zygarde (Squishy and Z2) appears to explain that the Tree of Life is weakening, and only Greninja’s presence can keep the Kalos ecosystem balanced.
What makes this farewell hit harder than previous releases (like Butterfree or Goodra) is the maturity of the conversation. Ash doesn’t cry or throw a tantrum. Instead, he nods, smiles, and thanks Greninja for “teaching him how to be a real partner.”
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Final Verdict
Rating: 9/10
Pokémon Sun & Moon Episode 140 is a love letter to fans who have followed Ash since Kalos. It respects Greninja’s sacrifice without dragging the tone into melodrama. While the Alola cast is sidelined, the focus on Ash’s growth as a trainer—knowing when to let go—is the real victory here.
If you cried during Bye Bye Butterfree, keep tissues handy. This one hits differently because it’s not about failure. It’s about purpose.
Watch or Skip? Watch. Even if you skipped Sun & Moon, watch Episode 139 and 140 back-to-back for one of the best “returning Pokémon” arcs in the franchise’s history.
What did you think of Greninja’s final farewell? Did you want it to stay in Alola? Let me know in the comments below!
You're looking for a solid feature for the Pokémon Sun and Moon episode 140 summary!
Here's a concise and engaging feature:
Episode 140: "The Path to the Full-Fledged Master!" Episode 140 is a definitive "must-watch" for fans
Synopsis: Ash and Pikachu are on a mission to help Lillie and her Pokémon, Snowshoe Sableye and Shiny Cosmog. Team Rocket, however, has other plans and tries to take control of Lillie's Cosmog.
Key Highlights:
This episode focuses on Lillie's character development and her path to becoming a Pokémon Master. The episode provides an engaging storyline with action-packed sequences and heartfelt moments.
Would you like more information on Pokémon Sun and Moon or its episodes?
Episode 140 of Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon (titled " Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!! " or " Z-Move Showdown!
" in English) is a chaotic, action-packed transition from the Alola League finals to the final exhibition match. Plot Overview
The episode picks up during Ash’s victory ceremony, which is abruptly interrupted by an invasion of multiple Guzzlords (known as Akuziking in Japanese) emerging from Ultra Wormholes.
The Triple Threat: Unlike the single beasts usually encountered, three Guzzlords appear—two of which are Shiny (white and gold).
The Defense: The Alola League participants, Island Kahunas, and the masked Professor Kukui (the Royal Mask) band together to evacuate the stadium and defend the region.
Surprise Returns: The highlight of the episode is the unexpected return of Ash’s Naganadel (formerly Poipole), which returns through a wormhole to assist Ash in battle. Key Highlights & Review Points
Action vs. Pacing: While the spectacle of everyone using Z-Moves together is visually impressive, some fans felt the pacing was slightly off. The Guzzlords are dispatched relatively quickly given their legendary "world-eating" status, making them feel more like obstacles than true threats.
Secret Busted: Professor Kukui’s secret identity as the Royal Mask is finally revealed to the public when his mask is destroyed during the chaos. This sets the stage for the upcoming "Full Battle" between him and Ash.
Emotional Beats: The episode features a surprising moment where Bewear and Team Rocket face off against one of the Guzzlords, adding a layer of protective comedy/drama.
Preparation for the Finale: The ending of the episode serves as a direct bridge to the highly anticipated 6v6 exhibition match between Ash and Professor Kukui, which is widely considered one of the best battles in the entire series.
Watch the climactic battle scenes and the return of a fan-favorite Pokémon:
This guide covers Episode 140 of the Pokémon Sun & Moon series, titled "Z-Move Showdown! Battle of the Behemoths!!" (Japanese title: Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move!!). This episode is a major climax in the Alola League arc, following Ash's victory. Episode Overview Original Air Date: September 22, 2019 (Japan). English Title: " Z-Move Showdown!
Key Event: The Alola League award ceremony is interrupted by the arrival of multiple Ultra Beasts. Major Plot Highlights
The Guzzlord Invasion: Just as the Alola League concludes, three Guzzlord (one being a Shiny variant) emerge from Ultra Wormholes and begin attacking the stadium.
The Masked Royal's Identity: During the chaos, Professor Kukui’s secret identity as the Masked Royal is finally revealed to Ash and the public when his mask is damaged/blown off.
Unexpected Return: Ash's Poipole returns from Ultra Space, having evolved into Naganadel. It joins the fight to help protect Alola.
Collaborative Defense: The island’s kahunas, the Guardian Deities, and the Alola League participants (including Gladion, Kiawe, and Lana) coordinate their Z-Moves to repel the threat. Key Battles and Moves
Kukui’s Team: Professor Kukui reveals he owns a Lucario and uses an Electrium Z.
Combined Z-Move Attack: The episode culminates in a massive, coordinated strike involving multiple Z-Moves (including Ash and Kukui's "Gigavolt Havoc") to send the Guzzlord back through the wormholes. Why This Episode Matters
This episode serves as the bridge between the Alola League victory and the highly anticipated 6v6 exhibition match between Ash and Professor Kukui. It also provides closure for Poipole’s character arc and resolves the long-running gag regarding Kukui's secret identity.
It seems you might be looking for a wallpaper or perhaps a summary of Pokémon Sun & Moon
Episode 140. While "paper" usually refers to physical paper, in this context, it is most often used as shorthand for "wallpapers" or digital backgrounds. Most Likely: Wallpapers for Episode 140 Episode 140, titled " Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!!
," is a high-action episode featuring the return of Naganadel and the invasion of Guzzlords.
Visual Highlights: You can find screenshots and thematic wallpapers featuring Ash, Professor Kukui (revealed as Masked Royal
), and the dramatic Ultra Beast battle on platforms like Tumblr and Pinterest
Key Characters: Look for images featuring Ash's Naganadel, Guzzlord, or the Masked Royal . Alternative: Episode Summary (The "Paper" Plot)
If you are looking for the "paper" (story/details) of what happened:
The Plot: The Alola League award ceremony is interrupted by three Guzzlords. Ash and his friends, along with the Kahunas and Professor Kukui, team up to defend the stadium. Big Reveal: During the battle, Professor Kukui's secret identity as the Masked Royal is finally exposed to Ash and the public. Return: Ash's Poipole returns, having evolved into , to help finish the fight.
Was there a specific type of wallpaper (like mobile vs. desktop) you wanted, or were you looking for a discussion paper or script for this episode?
Episode 140: Z-Move Showdown! Episode 140 of the Pokémon Sun & Moon anime, titled " Z-Move Showdown!
" (Japanese: Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!!), is a pivotal climax to the Alola League arc. It aired as part of the Ultra Legends season and features the chaotic aftermath of Ash Ketchum’s victory in the Manalo Conference. Key Plot Highlights
The Guzzlord Invasion: The victory ceremony for Ash, the first-ever Alola League Champion, is interrupted by the sudden arrival of three Guzzlord through Ultra Wormholes.
Return of Naganadel: Ash’s former companion, Poipole, makes a surprise return as an evolved Naganadel to assist in the fight against the Ultra Beasts.
A Unified Defense: The Alolan heroes, including the Trial Captains, Gladion, and the Island Kahunas, team up to fend off the Guzzlords. The Kahunas and Tapu Koko face one, while Ash’s classmates and rivals tackle another.
Team Rocket's Heroism: In a rare turn of events, Team Rocket steps in to protect Bewear and Stufful from a Guzzlord’s assault, showcasing their deep bond with the Pokémon that frequently "rescues" them.
The Masked Identity Exposed: During the chaos, Professor Kukui’s secret identity as the Masked Royal is finally revealed to Ash and the public when his mask is blown away after a combined attack.
Episode 140 of the Pokémon Sun & Moon anime, titled Z-Move Showdown! (Japanese: Akuziking Invasion! The Great Z-Move Battle!!
), originally aired in Japan on September 22, 2019. It is a pivotal turning point following Ash's victory in the Alola League, featuring a massive crisis that reveals long-held secrets. Key Plot Developments The Guzzlord Invasion: Just as Ash is crowned the first Champion of Alola, three
(including two shiny variants) emerge from Ultra Wormholes to attack the stadium. A Grand Reunion: Ash’s former companion, , returns through a wormhole, having evolved into . It joins the battle to assist Ash and Pikachu. The Big Reveal:
During a high-stakes double Z-Move (Gigavolt Havoc), the force of the blast rips the mask off the Masked Royal , finally revealing his true identity as Professor Kukui to Ash and the entire stadium. Team Efforts:
The Island Kahunas, Ultra Guardians, and even Team Rocket (using a Bewear robot) work together to evacuate the audience and fight off the Ultra Beasts. Significant Battles & Moves Double Z-Move: Ash and Professor Kukui perform a synchronized Gigavolt Havoc Conclusion Pokémon Sun Moon Episode 140 is a
using Pikachu and Naganadel to successfully blast the final Guzzlord back into its wormhole. Kahuna Coordination:
The Kahunas use their own signature Z-Moves to handle the other Guzzlord threats simultaneously. Naganadel's Debut:
Ash's newly evolved Naganadel showcases its strength, specifically using Thunderbolt to stall the Guzzlord. Critical Reception & Significance Narrative Stakes:
Many fans likened this segment to a "mini-Team Flare arc," praising its high energy and the inclusion of regional legends and multiple major characters in one conflict. Character Milestone: Reviewers from sites like Bulbapedia and community discussions on
noted the humor in Ash’s shock at the Masked Royal’s identity and the emotional impact of Naganadel's return.
While some felt the pacing was slightly off due to the rapid-fire action, it was generally viewed as a perfect setup for the final exhibition match between Ash and Kukui. Are you interested in a detailed breakdown of the final battle between Ash and Professor Kukui that follows this episode?
Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon—Ultra Legends Episode 140 "Z-Move Showdown!" in English or "Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!!"
in Japanese) is a high-octane turning point that shifts from Ash's historic championship win to an all-out Ultra Beast invasion. The Great Guzzlord Invasion
Just as Ash is crowned the first-ever Alola Pokémon League Champion, the ceremony is crashed by
, an gluttonous Ultra Beast. The threat escalates when two more Shiny Guzzlords
emerge from Ultra Wormholes, forcing the Alolan heroes into three distinct fronts to defend the stadium: The Kahunas and Tapus:
Island kahunas and the region's guardian deities face the standard Guzzlord. The Pokémon School Class:
Ash’s classmates, alongside Gladion and Hau, team up to battle one of the Shiny variants. Ash and the Masked Royal:
The champion and his mentor take on the final Shiny Guzzlord. Major Reveals and Milestones
This episode is renowned for two massive status-quo changes in the series: Naganadel’s Surprise Return:
Ash’s former companion, Poipole, returns from Ultra Space having evolved into
. It arrives just in time to assist Ash and the Masked Royal in the battle. The Masked Royal Unmasked:
During a combined Z-Move assault, the sheer force of the energy wave rips away the Masked Royal’s mask, revealing his true identity as Professor Kukui to Ash and the entire stadium. Episode Records & Trivia Z-Move Record:
This episode holds the record for the most Z-Moves performed in a single episode, with a total of Shiny Milestone:
It marks the first time two Shiny Pokémon of the same species appear in a single episode. Team Rocket Growth:
In a rare display of heroism, Team Rocket uses their giant Bewear robot to protect the Alola region from the invasion, highlighting their deep bond with the local Bewear.
You can catch this climax of the Alola League on streaming platforms like Prime Video full 6-on-6 battle between Ash and Professor Kukui that follows this episode?
The 140th episode of the Pokémon Sun & Moon anime, titled " Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!!
" (Japanese: Akuziking Shūrai! Kedatō Z-Waza Dai Kessen!!), aired on September 22, 2019. It serves as a climactic transition between the Alola League finals and the final exhibition match. Episode Summary
The episode begins during the award ceremony following Ash's victory in the Alola League. The celebration is interrupted when several Guzzlord (an Ultra Beast) emerge from Ultra Wormholes to attack the Manalo Stadium.
The Threat: Three Guzzlord appear in total: one standard and two shiny (white) versions. The Counterattack:
The Island Kahunas and the Guardian Deities (Tapus) work together to fend off the standard Guzzlord.
Ash's classmates, Gladion, and Hau team up to battle one of the shiny Guzzlord.
Ash and the Masked Royal (Professor Kukui) confront the third Guzzlord.
Key Returns: Ash's Poipole, which had previously left to return to its home world, makes a surprise return as an evolved Naganadel to assist in the fight. Major Reveals and Pacing
Identity Reveal: During the battle against the third Guzzlord, a powerful shockwave or impact causes the Masked Royal's mask to fall off, revealing his true identity as Professor Kukui to everyone in attendance, including Ash.
The Decisive Move: Ash and Kukui perform a double Gigavolt Havoc Z-Move using Pikachu and Naganadel to finally drive the last Guzzlord back through the Ultra Wormhole. Technical Details
Japanese Title: Akuziking Shūrai! Kedatō Z-Waza Dai Kessen!! English Title: Z-Move Showdown! (International dub)
Next Episode: The end of this episode sets up the highly anticipated 6v6 exhibition match between Ash and Professor Kukui in Episode 141.
When the Pokemon Sun & Moon anime series first aired, fans were skeptical. The shift from the action-packed, linear journey of Kalos to the slice-of-life, art-style-shifted world of Alola was jarring. However, over 140 episodes, the series evolved into one of the most heartfelt and character-driven entries in the franchise’s history.
Pokemon Sun Moon Episode 140, titled "Ray of Hope! Get the Legendary Z-Crystals!!" (originally airing in Japan as part of the "Alola League" climax), marks a pivotal turning point. It is the calm before the final storm, the episode where Ash Ketchum fully embraces his role as Alola’s hero, and where the friendship between Satoshi (Ash) and his classmates reaches its emotional zenith.
But is Episode 140 the finale? No. It is, however, the narrative bridge between the Alola League victory and the final celestial battle against the Ultra Beasts. Here is everything you need to know.
Before diving into Episode 140, it’s crucial to understand the stakes. The episode airs as the second-to-last installment of the Sun & Moon series (the show runs 146 episodes total). By this point, the heroes have just defeated the Ultra Beasts and saved the Aether Foundation. However, the shadow of the Alola Pokémon League lingers—specifically, the rivalry between Ash Ketchum (Satoshi) and his greatest in-region rival, Gladion.
Episode 140 is the climactic final battle of the Manalo Conference finals. Ash, riding high on the bond with his newly evolved Lycanroc (Dusk Form) , faces off against Gladion’s fearsome Lycanroc (Midnight Form) and his legendary Silvally.
If you search for "Pokemon Sun Moon Episode 140" on fan forums, you’ll notice a recurring comment: "This is the best 'quiet' episode in Pokemon history."
Here is why:
1. Subverting the Shonen Formula Most anime would have the league champion immediately jump into a giant brawl with Necrozma. Instead, Episode 140 slows down. The "battles" with the Tapus are emotional trials. Kiawe has to accept his sister’s independence. Mallow has to accept the death of her mother (a theme revisited from the iconic Episode 108). Lana has to accept that being strong doesn't mean being loud.
2. The Art Direction Studio OLM pulled out all the stops. The Ultra Aura bleeding into the sky is rendered in watercolor. The Tapu deities glow with a refractive, glass-like texture that was rarely used in earlier Sun & Moon episodes. The scene where all four Z-Crystals orbit Ash before fusing into the Alola All-Star Z-Crystal is a visual masterpiece.
3. Pacing for the Finale Pokemon Sun Moon Episode 140 ends on a cliffhanger: Necrozma descends, turning day into night. Professor Kukui yells, "We need the light of all Alola!" The episode does not solve the problem; it assembles the Avengers. This sets up Episodes 141–143 (the Necrozma arc) perfectly.
Episode 140 was helmed by veteran director Tetsuo Yajima (known for Pokémon: The Power of Us). The animation budget is visibly higher than standard episodes: