Ash isn't the only one leaving. Every member of the Pokémon School class reveals their own ambitious plans for the future:

The Pokémon Sun & Moon anime series remains one of the most distinct eras in the franchise's history. It traded the traditional, linear gym-badge quest for a slice-of-life school setting, a bold new art style, and a deeply emotional focus on family and community. This narrative experiment reached its emotional peak in the English dub of Episode 146, titled As the grand finale of the Sun & Moon (Ultra Legends) saga, this episode serves as a beautiful, bittersweet farewell to the Alola region, wrapping up character arcs while setting the stage for Ash Ketchum’s next adventure.

However, Episode 146 shifts gears from the high-octane battle action of the League to the emotional reality of farewells. Ash’s time in Alola was never just about battling; it was about immersing himself in the local culture, learning about Z-Moves, and forging deep bonds with his classmates at the Pokemon School. The Farewell Party and Epic Goodbyes

Unlike other seasons, Ash didn't just have "travel companions"; he had a family. Seeing Kukui struggle to keep his composure makes the departure feel more "real."

Following his historic victory as the first-ever Alola League Champion and his exhilarating exhibition match against Professor Kukui, Ash faces a difficult realization: his time in Alola is drawing to a close. The finale focuses entirely on transitions. Instead of battling evil teams or rival trainers, the narrative centers on the emotional weight of saying goodbye to the people and Pokémon who became a second family. Key Narrative Beats:

Episode 146 will always be remembered by the Pokemon community as a triumph of storytelling. It broke the traditional formula of the anime by giving Ash a definitive regional championship victory and treating the subsequent departure with the grace, love, and emotional depth that a true "home away from home" deserves.

Many fans consider this the most emotional finale in the franchise due to the "family" dynamic established at the Pokémon School. The bond between Ash and the Professors is highlighted as a series high point. Lillie’s Goodbye:

(smiling softly) “You taught us that being strong means relying on each other.”

The finale's strength lies in how it weaves together the individual farewells of all the main characters, providing a sense of closure for each of their personal journeys. The episode opens with Ash and his classmates—Kiawe, Lana, Mallow, Sophocles, and Lillie—discussing their plans for the upcoming break from the Pokémon School. Kiawe reveals his intention to train under the Kahuna Olivia, while the others share their own ambitions.

After the celebration of the Alola League, the group faces several major life changes: