Chapter Summaries

Sato used Dark Power to raise Zoroark, Sharpedo, Tyranitar, and Hydreigon to Intermediate Elite Four strength, then led them in a counterattack against the opposing team. After Tyranitar defeated Claydol, Sharpedo and Zoroark took down Armaldo and Rhyperior, leaving Cradily isolated.

• Cradily supported its teammates, so Sato made it the battle core while the opposing Pokémon unleashed attacks on Zoroark and Sharpedo.
• Tyranitar and Hydreigon disrupted the incoming attacks, and Sato amplified four Pokémon with Dark Power so Zoroark and Sharpedo could withstand them.
• Sato ordered Hydreigon to restrain Cradily while the others fought the remaining opponents; Tyranitar defeated Claydol.
• Tyranitar rushed toward Armaldo to claim the next knockout, but Sharpedo swept Armaldo away with Surf.
• Zoroark defeated Rhyperior with a point-blank Focus Blast, and Tyranitar nervously denied trying to steal the knockout.

After Sato and his Pokemon defeated the Underground Cave’s leaders, he captured them and ventured into the underground world. He brought Rhyperior back to its clan to demand treasures in exchange for its freedom, but the Rhyhorn charged to rescue their leader.

• Cradily finally collapsed after ten minutes of attacks, ending the battle, and Zoroark, Tyranitar, Sharpedo, and Hydreigon each broke through to a higher level.
• Sato praised his Pokemon, returned the exhausted fighters to their Poké Balls, and promised Gengar he would keep helping it grow.
• Sato captured Claydol and the other defeated leaders with Dark Balls, then left a frightened Baltoy behind as he continued deeper into the cave.
• Sato and Gengar entered a sunlit underground ecosystem where the wild Pokemon watched them from hiding.
• Sato brought Gardevoir and Rhyperior to the Rhyhorn territory, intending to trade their captured leader’s freedom for treasures.
• The Rhyhorn realized Sato had captured Rhyperior and charged at him, so Sato ordered Gardevoir to use Magical Leaf.

Sato defeated Rhyperior and its Rhyhorn wives, then had Gardevoir heal them while Gengar negotiated for their treasure. After freeing Rhyperior and recruiting Armaldo and Cradily in turn, Sato collected all three treasures and left the Pokémon free.

• Gardevoir knocked down Rhyperior and the Rhyhorn, then healed them with Heal Pulse, earning their reverence.
• Gengar persuaded Rhyperior to trade its freedom for the Earth Vein Blood Crystal, which Sato stored before crushing the Dark Ball.
• Sato released Armaldo, and Rhyperior helped persuade its old partner to hand over its treasure in exchange for freedom.
• Sato released Cradily and had Gardevoir heal it, after which Rhyperior and Armaldo convinced Cradily to send its treasure.
• Cradily sent a junior to deliver the final treasure, leaving Sato with all three treasures.

Sato learned that the Underground Cave’s dome crack trapped anyone who approached, but Gardevoir claimed it could still lead them out. After Claydol surrendered its treasure, Gardevoir used the Nightmare Orb near the crack and drew on Darkrai’s power.

• Sato used Gengar’s Mean Look to prevent Claydol from escaping, then offered to free it if it led him out of the cave.
• Claydol explained that no one had ever left the cave and that the crack in the dome was an illusion that pulled approaching creatures inside.
• Gardevoir calmly indicated that it knew a way out through the crack, and Sato trusted its judgment.
• Rhyperior urged Claydol to give up its treasure, and Claydol reluctantly handed one over to Sato.
• Gengar carried Sato and Gardevoir toward the crack, where Gardevoir channeled Darkrai’s energy through the Nightmare Orb.
• Darkrai opened its eyes in a distant part of the Elven world and wondered where Gardevoir had gone that required its power.

Sato and his Pokémon escaped a desert cavern that was transforming into an Independent World and gestating a godhead, then rested before beginning their return journey. At Origin Forest’s exit, Sato used the last moments of his month-long stay to gather Origin Energy before leaving just before the deadline.

• Gardevoir explained that Darkrai had helped drive Sato, Gardevoir, and Gengar out because the cavern was becoming an Independent World and its developing godhead was protected from outsiders.
• Sato camped by a spring, rested with his Pokémon, and prepared a customized lunch after they slept until noon.
• After lunch, Sato set his wristwatch to return mode and flew away on Honchkrow with Gengar hidden in his shadow.
• At Origin Forest’s entrance, Sato empowered Zoroark with Origin Energy while his other Pokémon gathered energy nearby.
• With five minutes left before the one-month limit expired, Sato recalled his Pokémon and waited at the exit until the final minute to leave.

Sato stayed at Pokémon League Headquarters while preparing for an Exhibition Match against Cynthia, then reunited with Mark, George, Ryoko, Little Ming, Si'nan, and Sosuke at his villa. Mark recovered his motivation to battle Sato, but George insisted everyone wait until after their reunion dinner.

• Sato received an invitation to fight Cynthia in an Exhibition Match at the upcoming Alliance Tournament.
• Mark, George, Ryoko, Little Ming, Si'nan, and Sosuke arrived at Sato's villa to reunite with him.
• Sato learned that Ryoko had become the group’s advisor and deputy tactical instructor.
• Mark admitted that the other Elite Four Reserve members ostracized him, and Sato encouraged him by pointing out that luck was part of strength.
• Mark slapped his own face and challenged Sato to battle, but George stopped them and ordered them to eat first.

Sato gave Mark and George valuable Pokémon treasures suited to their partners after advising Mark to aim for chief of the Elite Four Reserve. With the Indigo Plateau Conference approaching and an Exhibition Match against Cynthia ahead, Sato waited in disguise at the airport for someone to arrive.

• Mark battled Sato’s Tyranitar with Togekiss but was completely overwhelmed by Stone Edge.
• Sato and George persuaded Mark to stay in the Elite Four Reserve and set his sights on becoming its chief.
• Sato gave Mark a Snake King's Gallbladder to improve Arbok’s talent and gave George a Psychic Crystal Ball for Gallade.
• After Mark and George returned to pursuing their goals, Sato began preparing for his Exhibition Match against Cynthia.
• Three days later, Sato arrived in disguise at Indigo Plateau Airport and waited for someone.

Sato welcomed Cynthia to Indigo Plateau, and the two prepared to face each other in an exhibition match. At the Conference opening, their battle began with Cynthia’s Garchomp pressing Sato’s Tyranitar, which answered with sound waves and a field of predicted Stone Edge attacks.

• Sato disguised himself at the airport, met Cynthia, and helped her escape a crowd of fans.
• Sato and Cynthia discussed their work and agreed to take their exhibition match seriously.
• Sato lit the Conference’s Sacred Flame, and Moltres-shaped fire flew above the stadium as the crowd cheered.
• Sato and Cynthia began their one-on-one match, sending out Tyranitar and Garchomp.
• Cynthia ordered Garchomp to charge through Tyranitar’s Parting Shot and Stone Edge attacks.

Sato and Tyranitar met Cynthia and Garchomp’s relentless offense with a series of head-on clashes, using Tyranitar’s enhanced sand control to withstand Garchomp’s attacks. Tyranitar’s fighting spirit surged as it stopped Garchomp’s Dragon Rush, and Sato sensed that its breakthrough was near.

• Cynthia’s Garchomp smashed through Tyranitar’s Stone Edge obstacles and struck it with Brick Break, while Sato ordered Tyranitar to meet the blow with Ice Punch.
• Garchomp followed with Iron Tail, but Tyranitar caught its tail using sand strengthened by the Memory Sand Crystal.
• Tyranitar countered with Blizzard, and Garchomp answered with Blast Burn, creating steam that let Garchomp break free and attack with Dragon Rush.
• Tyranitar formed a Sand Shield with its hardened, regenerating sand and stopped Garchomp’s Dragon Rush after being pushed back more than thirty meters.
• Tyranitar roared as its aura fluctuated, and Sato realized its breakthrough was close.

Tyranitar broke through to Elite Four level during its battle with Cynthia’s Garchomp, and the two Pokémon fought to a draw in Sato and Cynthia’s exhibition match. Afterward, President Damalanchi assigned Sato to accompany Cynthia to Sinnoh as support amid unrest from the Underground Forces.

• Tyranitar endured Garchomp’s attacks and broke through to Elite Four level.
• Tyranitar and Garchomp fought evenly in a series of head-on clashes, then both got back up after falling at the same time.
• Sato and Cynthia ordered Tyranitar and Garchomp to finish with Giga Impact, and both Pokémon fell unconscious in the resulting explosion.
• The referee declared the exhibition match a tie, and Sato thanked Cynthia backstage for helping Tyranitar break through.
• Cynthia declined Sato’s invitation to lunch because she had to return to Sinnoh, and President Damalanchi assigned Sato to accompany her as support against the Underground Forces.

Sato arrived in Sinnoh with Cynthia to assist with the Mt. Coronet cleanup operation, and he reviewed the plan with her on the way to the base. After Cynthia took command, Mick showed Sato around and grew curious about his abilities, setting up a possible test at the training ground.

• Cynthia introduced Sato to Lieutenant Mick as an independent investigator from Johto who would assist with the operation.
• Cynthia shared the cleanup plan with Sato in the vehicle, and he suggested an adjustment that she accepted.
• At the base, Cynthia took command and told Sato that he would be called when needed for battle.
• Mick showed Sato around the base and repeatedly praised Cynthia's care for the soldiers.
• Sato asked to visit the training ground to train a few of his Pokémon, and Mick decided the soldiers should test his skill.

Sato addressed Mick’s battle-hardened soldiers and offered a Potential Stimulation Stock Solution as the prize for a Pokémon battle. Hu Zheng chose a same-level match, and Sato’s Froakie defeated his Staraptor while catching it safely before it hit the ground.

• Mick introduced Sato to the assembled soldiers and announced that he would provide battle guidance using only his weaker Pokémon.
• Hu Zheng stepped forward and said his strongest Pokémon had reached Elite Peak, and Sato offered him a choice between a same-level battle and a Cross-Rank Challenge, with the same prize for winning.
• Hu Zheng chose the same-level match and sent out Staraptor against Sato’s Froakie.
• Froakie used Double Team to evade Staraptor’s Aerial Ace, then struck it with Ice Punches before it could counterattack.
• Froakie knocked Staraptor from the air and used Water Pulse to catch it before it hit the ground.

Sato had Froakie face a series of Sinnoh soldiers, and it finally lost after twenty-one consecutive battles. He rewarded the winning soldier and, after dinner, Cynthia told Sato she had removed Lieutenant Mick from the operation and would personally compensate him.

• Froakie defeated Hu Zheng's Staraptor and Sang Guang's Toxicroak, then continued winning against the soldiers who challenged it.
• A soldier named Eli defeated the exhausted Froakie with Luxray's Discharge, but refused to accept the Potential Stimulation Stock Solution as his reward.
• Sato insisted Eli take the reward and offered a second Potential Stimulation Stock Solution in his own name for the soldier who contributed most.
• Sato returned Froakie to the Medical Area for treatment and added Mick to his notebook.
• After dinner, Cynthia told Sato she had removed Lieutenant Mick from the operation and would personally compensate him for his losses.

Sato learned that Sinnoh’s operation would target the Pokémon Hunter Association, Team Galactic, and Team Thunder while secretly investigating Heatran rather than Regigigas. After Cynthia repeatedly misread his intentions, Sato revealed he had only come to ask her to battle with him, leaving her stunned.

• Cynthia told Sato that the three Underground Forces were investigating strange electromagnetic waves near Mt. Coronet, and Sinnoh’s forces planned to block their escape routes.
• Cynthia privately revealed that Heatran, not Regigigas, was the source of the electromagnetic waves and warned Sato to keep the information secret.
• Sato spent his time at the base sparring with soldiers, while Froakie and Absol eagerly trained in battle.
• Sato approached Cynthia in the cafeteria, but she repeatedly mistook his request to talk for a personal confession and led him to a secluded cliff.
• Sato asked Cynthia to battle with him, and Cynthia stared at him in disbelief.

Cynthia led the Sinnoh Alliance’s operation to capture the Underground Forces in Mt. Coronet, assigning Sato to Third Action Squad. Sato and his squad reached their defensive position and set up the encirclement, where they waited for the enemy to appear.

• Cynthia organized the combat personnel into action squads and assigned Sato to support Captain Isaac Lance’s Third Action Squad east of the camp.
• Before departure, Cynthia privately urged Sato to protect himself, and Sato wished her the same.
• Lance led Third Action Squad out on Dodrio while Sato followed on Hydreigon, whose presence startled the squad’s mounts.
• At their assigned position, Lance spread the squad into a three-kilometer encirclement line and used a Vespiquen linked to the soldiers’ Combee to monitor the situation.
• With the net in place, Sato prepared to deal with the powerful Underground Forces among the trapped enemies.

Heatran followed its younger sister’s instructions and let the Underground Forces fight until it escaped, leaving the three factions to break through the Sinnoh Alliance’s encirclement separately. Sato intercepted the Hunter Association’s concentrated breakout and confronted its commander, Hunter Q, as their Pokémon began to battle.

• Heatran used Metal Sound to lure the Underground Forces, then disappeared while the three factions fought among themselves.
• The Underground Forces realized Heatran and Regigigas were gone and chose separate routes to break through the Alliance ambush.
• Vespiquen alerted Lance that the Hunter Association was making a concentrated breakout, and Sato flew ahead on Hydreigon.
• Sato found two fallen soldiers, tracked the Hunter Association, and attacked its force with Draco Meteor.
• Hunter Q’s Nosepass shielded the group with Rock Tomb, but Sato used Krookodile’s Sand Tomb to undermine the fortress.
• Sato and Hunter Q recognized each other and began fighting with their Pokémon.

Sato battled Hunter Q and her Elite Four-level Pokémon while holding the Hunter Association in place with Gengar’s barrier. Reinforcements led by Cynthia arrived, and Sato trapped Hunter Q and kept Infernape occupied so Zoroark could pursue a breakthrough.

• Hunter Q sent out Roserade and Yanmega, and Sato deployed Tyranitar, Zoroark, and Gengar to fight and contain the Hunter Association.
• Tyranitar and Zoroark injured Yanmega, forcing Hunter Q to send out Infernape.
• Hunter Q tried to escape when Gengar’s barrier vanished, but Cynthia arrived with reinforcements.
• Sato used Rock Tomb to trap Hunter Q and Sand Tomb to keep Infernape away from her.
• Zoroark battered Infernape with Aerial Ace while Cynthia recognized that Sato was using the battle to give Zoroark a chance to break through.

After Zoroark failed to break through despite defeating Infernape, Sato searched for another chance to train it and agreed to battle Cynthia instead. Their fight began with Zoroark’s upgraded illusion technique, leaving Garchomp facing a field full of convincing doubles as both sides prepared their next attacks.

• Zoroark defeated Infernape but failed to reach Elite Four level, then vented its frustration by battling the Hunter Association’s Pokémon as the remaining hunters surrendered.
• Sato reassured Zoroark, which returned to its Poké Ball to recover while he searched the Alliance Intranet for a new training opportunity.
• Sato found that dangerous Electric-type and Fire-type Pokémon had overrun Namiki Thermal Power Station, but Cynthia offered to battle him instead of letting him go to Binhai City.
• Cynthia sent out Garchomp and opened their battle with Brick Break, while Zoroark dodged and used Dark Burst as a distraction.
• Zoroark used its upgraded illusion technique to create lifelike doubles that mimicked its cries and launched Dark Pulses, while Cynthia ordered Garchomp to use Sandstorm and Sato prepared a Dark Burst Ball.

Sato's Zoroark battled Cynthia's Garchomp and broke through to Elite Four Beginner after standing back up from a devastating clash. Cynthia congratulated Sato, while the battle reignited her determination to pursue her career.

• Sato's Zoroark used Illusion and Dark Burst Compressed Balls, but Cynthia's Garchomp countered with Sandstorm and tracked down the real Zoroark.
• Zoroark dodged Garchomp's attacks and used Foul Play against it, making Garchomp strike itself with Dragon Claw.
• Cynthia ordered Garchomp to use Dragon Rush, and Zoroark met it with a Dark Burst Compressed Ball that left both Pokémon badly hurt.
• Zoroark stood back up after appearing unconscious and its aura rose from Pseudo-Elite Four Peak to Elite Four Beginner before it collapsed again.
• Sato caught Zoroark and thanked Cynthia, whose ambition to become Champion rekindled.

Sato and Cynthia ended their training battles and traveled to Namewood Power Plant, where Fire- and Electric-type Pokemon guarded the entrances. Their investigation uncovered a lava river beneath the plant and suggested that magma migration might explain the Fire-types’ arrival, but they still did not know why the Electric-types had joined them.

• Sato and Cynthia ended their battle between Milotic and Sharpedo when neither Pokemon could defeat the other.
• Cynthia told Sato she had arranged for them to investigate Namewood Power Plant after the Mt. Coronet operation ended.
• Sato and Cynthia withdrew from the camp, completed the handover in Eterna City, and flew to Namewood Power Plant.
• Sato and Cynthia disguised themselves and found Magmar and Electabuzz guarding the plant’s main entrance while other entrances had been destroyed.
• Sato sent Krookodile underground, and it found a lava river beneath the plant; Cynthia connected it to a nearby dead volcano and possible geomagnetic migration.
• Sato and Cynthia concluded that they needed to enter the plant to learn why the Electric-type Pokemon had welcomed the Fire-types.