Recaps

Cynthia spoke with her sister Roland, who asked her to help Li Wei treat a Feebas afraid of humans. Cynthia agreed to go to the Breeding Center and flew toward Jubilife City with Garchomp.

• Cynthia answered Roland's video call and learned she was studying Iron Island's ruins while Lucario trained with Riley.
• Roland explained that she had promised to help Li Wei, whose Feebas was afraid of humans and might need a Milotic's help.
• Cynthia told Roland to focus on Iron Island and promised to handle the Feebas herself.
• Cynthia asked Roland to come home for New Year's dinner, and Roland agreed before sending her the Breeding Center's address.
• Cynthia informed Professor Rowan about the possibly abused Feebas, then set off for Jubilife City on Garchomp.

Li Wei cared for the Pokémon at the Jubilife Breeding Center while Cynthia traveled there to see Feebas. After meeting Belle and asking her to keep the visit quiet, Cynthia reached the center and entered its reception area.

• Dragapult trained Drakloak in Breaking Swipe, and Drakloak made progress with the Dragon-type move.
• Li Wei spent time with the boarded Pokémon and considered how his family's grooming services could help the Breeding Center grow.
• Li Wei taught Jigglypuff to sing while Cynthia arrived near the center and disguised herself to avoid recognition.
• Cynthia met Belle, who confirmed that Feebas was difficult to treat and promised not to reveal Cynthia's visit.
• Cynthia reached the Breeding Center, noticed Gardevoir in the reception area, and went inside.

Champion Cynthia visited Li Wei at the Jubilife Breeding Center, where she came to help communicate with a reclusive Feebas. She released a Pokémon beside the Fish Pond, leaving the attempt to reach Feebas about to begin.

• Cynthia explored the breeding center and admired its services and wild Pokémon while her Garchomp and Lucario turned down the treatments.
• Cynthia found Li Wei playing with Jigglypuff and greeted him, while her Pokémon exchanged greetings with his.
• Cynthia explained that Roland had sent her to help because Milotic could not leave Iron Island.
• Li Wei told Cynthia that Feebas was hiding under an artificial rock formation and that his grandfather and Blue had advised finding a Feebas or Milotic to communicate with it.
• Cynthia nodded and tossed out a Poké Ball beside the Fish Pond.

Cynthia brought her Milotic to help Feebas, who was still frightened and hiding in the breeding center’s fish pool. After learning that Feebas was willing to stay but needed more time, Cynthia decided to remain at the center and continue helping it.

• Cynthia released Milotic into Feebas’s pool, and Feebas hid beneath the rocks in fear.
• Milotic gently spoke with Feebas and used Aqua Ring to ease its pain; Feebas said it did not want to leave the breeding center.
• Li Wei offered to move Feebas to a pond or dig a new one, but Feebas said it was fine staying in the pool.
• After talking with Feebas for nearly an hour, Milotic told Li Wei that Feebas would need more time.
• Cynthia decided to stay at the breeding center until Feebas recovered, and Li Wei confirmed that rooms were available.

Li Wei introduced his Pokémon to Cynthia at the Breeding Center, where she reunited with his team and met the staff. After seeing Li Wei’s grooming skills and learning about his popular cooking videos, Cynthia decided to book a care session for her Pokémon.

• Li Wei introduced Lucario, Arcanine, Metagross, and Drakloak to Cynthia and explained how he had met them.
• Cynthia released Spiritomb, Togekiss, and Glaceon, then chatted with Li Wei until the staff rushed over to request autographs and photos.
• Li Wei returned to grooming customers’ Pokémon while Cynthia explored the center with Shiyin and learned about his videos on the Eevee Network.
• Cynthia watched Li Wei groom Furfrou and, impressed by his care, decided to book grooming sessions for her Pokémon.

Cynthia booked grooming for all her Pokémon with Li Wei while he reached top-tier Pokéblock Crafting. That evening, Li Wei and Leon prepared a feast to welcome Cynthia, who kept her tournament outfit a secret.

• Cynthia asked Shiyin to book grooming for all her Pokémon with Li Wei, who agreed to care for them.
• Shiyin told Cynthia that Li Wei would be filming a Mapo Tofu video and taking the Senior Breeder assessment, making those times unavailable.
• Li Wei received enough proficiency to advance his Pokéblock Crafting to top-tier and gained a 50% chance of making perfect-grade Pokéblocks.
• Li Wei and Leon prepared dinner for Cynthia, while Metagross pounded beef balls and Cynthia reassured it.
• Li Wen asked Cynthia about her new outfit, and she said his design suggestions had helped but that she would keep the outfit secret until the tournament.
• Cynthia joined Li Wei's family for the feast.

At the Jubilife Breeding Center, Cynthia discovered that Li Wei’s Pokéblocks were perfect quality and arranged to order them. Dragapult offered to help deliver them as Cynthia listed the places she regularly visited.

• Cynthia and the others ate Li Wei’s meal, while their Pokémon eagerly devoured his food and Pokéblocks.
• Cynthia examined a flawless Pecha Berry Pokéblock and learned that Li Wei had made it, despite being only nineteen and producing perfect batches about half the time.
• Leon explained that Li Wei’s Pokéblocks had become the Breeding Center’s biggest source of income, with some portions selling for 19,800.
• Cynthia asked Li Wei to supply her with Pokéblocks, and he said he would need to deliver them weekly to preserve their quality.
• Cynthia named the cities and island she often visited, and Dragapult offered to help with deliveries.

Cynthia visited the recovering Arcanine and spent a relaxing vacation at Li Wei’s home, where watching the Pokémon enjoy themselves made her wish she could retire. She remained resolved to keep serving as Sinnoh Champion, then watched Li Wei groom Garchomp.

• Cynthia visited Arcanine with Li Wei, and Arcanine showed that he was gradually opening up to her.
• The next morning, Cynthia watched the Pokémon play in Li Wei’s courtyard and enjoyed a quiet breakfast, wishing she could retire from her Champion duties.
• Cynthia considered whether Li Wei could eventually replace her as Champion, but decided he did not seem interested and she would not force him to take on her responsibilities.
• Cynthia asked Li Wei to make Poffins for her Pokémon, and he agreed to prepare some after filming his Mapo Tofu video.
• Li Wei began Garchomp’s sunny Fine-Salt Sand Bath and grooming session, which Garchomp happily accepted in exchange for perfect-quality Pokéblocks.

Li Wei and Cynthia read about the newly announced Master League, an invitation-only competition for Gym Leaders and higher-ranked Trainers. Green offered Li Wei a wild-card spot, but Li Wei hesitated because the tournament’s travel schedule would interfere with his breeding work.

• Cynthia praised Li Wei’s improved Pokémon Breeding skills while he groomed Garchomp.
• Lance announced the Master League in the Chat Group and explained its invitation rules, rotating venues, and two competition stages.
• Akin said he would crush Leon when Leon came to Johto, and Lorelei warned him not to underestimate Leon.
• Green offered Li Wei a wild-card place, but Li Wei said he would think about it because he still had breeding work.
• Cynthia interrupted Li Wei as he considered whether to enter the competition.

Li Wei filmed a Mapo Tofu episode while discussing the Master League with Cynthia, then helped her choose between his Pokémon foods and Poffins. After Professor Oak promoted the episode, Li Wei’s follower count passed one hundred thousand, and Cynthia’s visit helped restore business at the Jubilife Breeding Center.

• Li Wei showed Cynthia his group chat with Red, Blue, and Akin, then saw the Master League document Lucian had sent her.
• Li Wei filmed a Mapo Tofu recipe while Cynthia watched, and Dayou, Incineroar, and Lucario joined the tasting segment.
• Li Wei made Poffins for Cynthia, who judged them inferior to his Pokéblocks and Pokémon Food, and they agreed to stick with those foods for now.
• The next day, Li Wei saw that Professor Oak’s Backyard had commented on the Mapo Tofu video, helping his account pass one hundred thousand followers.
• Cynthia’s popularity brought attention to the Jubilife Breeding Center and helped resolve the damage caused by Coronet Day Care’s price cuts.

Baru launched a steep discount at Coronet Day Care in Jubilife City to crush his competitors, but customers kept demanding things his store could not provide. As customers left for the Jubilife Breeding Center, Baru was left trying to discover why the Champion had become such a draw.

• Baru dressed up his franchise and raised employee commissions for a 30% discount promotion intended to drive out competing Pokémon Day Cares.
• A father and son left after Baru could not provide the Gible the boy wanted.
• A woman with a Purugly stormed out after Baru refused to sell a Glameow for 100,000.
• A young couple chose the Jubilife Breeding Center after Coronet Day Care could not show them its breeding facilities.
• A girl left after learning Coronet Day Care had never cared for the Champion's Pokémon, and Baru ordered his staff to find out what was happening.

A video of Li Wei grooming Cynthia’s Pokémon went viral, bringing a flood of fans to the Jubilife Breeding Center and filling its bookings for months. Cynthia agreed to an autograph session to ease the crowd, leaving Dayou and Li Wei to organize the event as the chapter ended with a side-quest completion notification.

• Li Wei’s grooming video spread online, drawing fans to the Breeding Center and extending his bookings six months ahead.
• Cynthia learned that fans had gathered to see her and worried she was causing trouble, but Li Wei and the staff reassured her that the attention was helping the business.
• Cynthia proposed meeting the fans, and Dayou offered to organize an autograph session with Li Wei’s help.
• Dayou arranged security Pokémon and asked Rimei to help manage the crowd.
• The autograph session began in the cafeteria, where Dayou used a megaphone to keep fans from pushing as Cynthia greeted them.

Li Wei completed the third-stage content goals and received rewards, while Cynthia’s autograph session brought new customers and progress toward the Breeding Center quest. Two days later, Cynthia left to prepare for her Master League opener against Lance, leaving Milotic at the center until February 9.

• Li Wei claimed three Pokémon Item Draw Tickets, Chili Pepper Fish Head, and intermediate ancient language after completing the third-stage goals, then received the fourth-stage quest.
• Li Wei noticed the Breeding Center’s quest progress had jumped to 454 as Cynthia’s viral Garchomp treatment video attracted attention and customers.
• Dayou managed Cynthia’s autograph session, and Wen Hui, Elder Uncle, and Cynthia discussed membership cards, an app, and a contact at a beauty salon.
• Elder Uncle decided to move his shop to the Breeding Center, while Li Wei prepared for the Senior Breeder Exam.
• Cynthia ended her vacation two days later, left Milotic at the Breeding Center, and flew away on Garchomp to prepare for her February 10 match against Lance.

Li Wei used his lottery prizes to strengthen Drakloak and promised Salac and Micle Berries to his other Pokémon, then prepared for the Master League and his Senior Breeder exam. The chapter ended as he arrived at the exam site and was called to the computer room for the written test.

• Li Wei won three Salac Berries, a Dusk Stone, and three Micle Berries, then had Drakloak eat the stone and promised to make Pokéblocks for Lucario, Arcanine, and Metagross.
• Li Wei discussed Cynthia’s departure and the Master League matches with the Chat Group, and told Blue that Feebas was improving.
• Li Wei went to the Pokémon Center for the Senior Breeder exam, where Nurse Joy recognized him and asked for his autograph.
• Nurse Joy explained that the exam began with a written test and continued with a battle using a randomly assigned Pokémon.
• A staff member called Li Wei and the other candidates to the computer room as the written exam was about to begin.

Li Wei passed the Senior Breeder exam’s written round with 91 points and began the Pokémon battle assessment. His Flareon defeated A-Zhi’s Roserade, leaving the battle ongoing.

• Li Wei answered questions on Pokémon ecology, regional forms, and breeding plans, then scored 91 on the written exam while the other three candidates failed to pass.
• Nurse Joy led Li Wei to the second round, where he drew a Flareon and a Staraptor and quickly learned their abilities and moves with his Appraisal Eye.
• Li Wei chose a battle room and faced examiner A-Zhi in a two-on-two assessment.
• A-Zhi sent out Roserade, which scattered Toxic Spikes, while Li Wei used Flareon’s Flame Wheel and Copycat to attack.
• Flareon stopped Roserade’s Synthesis with Flame Charge and knocked it unable to battle, puzzling A-Zhi with its unusual power.

Li Wei passed the Senior Breeder exam by using Flareon and Staraptor to defeat A-Zhi’s Skuntank, then received an Appraisal upgrade and won a Key Stone in a lottery. He left Jubilife Pokémon Center with a new goal of passing the Top Breeder exam and a rare Pokémon detected in the city.

• Li Wei cured Flareon’s poisoning and used Flame Charge before Baton Passing to Staraptor, which defeated Skuntank with two Brave Birds.
• A-Zhi congratulated Li Wei on passing the Senior Breeder exam, and Nurse Joy gave him his license.
• Li Wei received Appraisal (Intermediate), which let him assess Pokémon’s moods and health, and learned his next mission was to pass the Top Breeder exam.
• Li Wei used three lottery tickets and won Black Glasses, a Good Rod, and a Key Stone, which he could pair with his Diancie Mega Stone if he obtained a Diancie.
• A system alert detected a rare Pokémon in Li Wei’s current city.

Li Wei detected a Mythical Pokémon fleeing toward Jubilife City’s northern outskirts and went to investigate with his Pokémon. He discovered Pokémon Hunters pursuing it and accepted a quest to help Officer Jenny arrest them.

• Li Wei received Dragapult, Metagross, Lucario, Arcanine, and other Pokémon from Dayou before traveling north to search for the Mythical Pokémon.
• Li Wei released his Pokémon in the northern outskirts, and Lucario detected people chasing a Pokémon nearby.
• A Pokémon Hunter’s Ursaring hit Drakloak with Hyper Beam, but Drakloak was unharmed because it was a Ghost-type.
• Li Wei called the police, and Lucario sensed eight people and fourteen Pokémon among the hunters.
• Li Wei accepted the side quest to bring the Pokémon Hunters to justice and headed with Lucario to help Drakloak.

Li Wei ambushed Hunter D’s Pokémon Hunters on the coast, rescued the injured Shaymin, and fought back against the group. As Hunter D tried to use his petrifying launcher and escape, Li Wei’s team prepared to destroy it.

• Li Wei, Lucario, Metagross, and Arcanine attacked the Hunters’ ship while Lucario rushed to rescue Shaymin.
• Lucario swiftly defeated the hunters and Pokémon pursuing Shaymin, then carried the injured Shaymin to safety.
• Hunter D ordered Hoothoot to clear the smoke and threatened to take Li Wei hostage as police sirens approached.
• Li Wei’s Pokémon fought Hunter D’s team, and his allies dodged the launcher’s petrifying beam.
• Li Wei ordered Metagross to destroy Hunter D’s launcher, and Metagross enlisted Dragapult’s help.

Li Wei and his Pokémon defeated Hunter D and his group, and the police arrested all eight Pokémon Hunters. After treating the injured Shaymin, Li Wei agreed to take it home for further care, with both Officer Jennys accompanying him.

• Metagross, Dragapult, and the others stopped Hunter D's escape, destroyed his Armored Launcher, and knocked him unconscious.
• Li Wei contacted the police, then restored Shaymin's stamina and treated its burns and leg injury.
• The Jubilife City and Floaroma Town police arrived and took all eight Pokémon Hunters into custody.
• Officer Jenny explained that Zoro had told the police to protect Li Wei, and the officers recognized Shaymin from Floaroma Town's flower fields.
• Li Wei agreed to take Shaymin home for treatment, and both Officer Jennys and Arcanine joined him.

Li Wei returned to his Breeding Center with Shaymin after helping Officer Jenny capture Pokémon Hunter Hunter D, and he gained Affinity (intermediate), which made Shaymin warm to him and give him a Miracle Seed. Officer Jenny protected Shaymin’s presence from being filmed as Li Wei’s family and customers reacted to his arrival, while Zoro arranged personnel transfers.

• Li Wei told Zoro that he had helped capture Hunter D and brought Shaymin back for treatment, and the two Officer Jennys relaxed after hearing he was safe.
• Li Wei gained Affinity (intermediate), a new ability that made Pokémon and people more inclined to approach him.
• Shaymin warmed to Li Wei, gave him a vitality-filled Miracle Seed, and accepted his offer to make it Pokéblocks.
• Li Wei returned to the Breeding Center in a police car, where Dayou and Leon loudly questioned him and startled Shaymin.
• Officer Jenny asked the customers not to film Shaymin and told Wen Hui that Li Wei had assisted in capturing a Pokémon Hunter, while Zoro arranged personnel transfers.

Zoro organized a police response to the Pokémon Hunters after their attempt to capture Shaymin, while Li Wei’s household agreed to keep Shaymin’s presence secret. Li Wei then asked Elder Uncle to design a wearable setting for a Key Stone, which Elder Uncle recognized as a rare item taken from a Pokémon Hunter.

• Zoro briefed Jubilife officers on Hunter D’s arrest, ordered Li Wei’s identity kept vague, and arranged increased patrols and outside investigative support.
• Jubilife’s Officer Jenny gave Wen Hui and the others a cover story crediting Li Wei with helping arrest Hunter D, and she and Floaroma Town’s Officer Jenny left with muffins.
• Li Wei introduced Shaymin to his family and coworkers, and Shaymin hid from Dayou because of his intimidating presence.
• Li Wei told everyone to keep Shaymin’s stay secret, then asked Elder Uncle to design a pendant, ring, bracelet, or collar pin for a Key Stone.
• Elder Uncle recognized the Key Stone and asked Li Wei what kind of design he wanted.

The Master League began with Cynthia facing Lance in the opening six-on-six Single Battle. Lance revealed a Salamence against Cynthia’s Togekiss, leaving both Pokémon on the field as the battle got underway.

• Spectators packed Lily of the Valley Stadium as Li Wei and his companions watched the Master League broadcast.
• Li Wei backed Cynthia in a group chat, while Clair backed Lance and Lance joked that betting was not recommended.
• Lance and Cynthia entered the stadium in new battle outfits to loud cheers from the crowd.
• The referee started the match under standard six-on-six Single Battle rules, with Mega Evolution and Z-Moves allowed.
• Lance sent out Salamence, whose Intimidate Ability lowered Togekiss’s Attack, while Cynthia had expected his Red Gyarados.

Cynthia countered Lance’s Dragon-focused team with clever switches, then used Glaceon’s Icium Z to defeat his Mega Salamence with Subzero Slammer. After both trainers traded more knockouts, they sent out their final Pokémon, Dragonite and Garchomp.

• Cynthia used Togekiss’s Air Slash to flinch and critically hit Lance’s Salamence, then paralyzed it with Thunder Wave.
• Cynthia switched Glaceon in against Lance’s Dragonite and repeatedly countered his Pokémon as the battle continued.
• Lance Mega Evolved Salamence, but Cynthia used Glaceon’s Subzero Slammer to knock it out.
• Milotic froze Hydreigon with Ice Beam before Flygon defeated the exhausted Milotic with Solar Beam.
• Cynthia’s Spiritomb and Lance’s Haxorus knocked each other out inside Trick Room, leaving both trainers with one Pokémon.
• Lance sent out Dragonite, and Cynthia sent out Garchomp.

Cynthia defeated Lance, who learned that Li Wei’s perfect-quality Pokéblocks had helped her Pokémon and set off for Jubilife City after hearing Pokémon Hunters had appeared there. Cynthia joined him, while Li Wei explained the situation to their group chat and cared for the injured Shaymin.

• Garchomp defeated Dragonite with Dragon Rush, giving Cynthia the victory over Lance.
• Cynthia told Lance that Li Wei’s Pokéblocks and special dishes had helped her Pokémon improve, and she agreed to visit Li Wei with him.
• Cynthia gave Lance perfect-quality Oran Berry Cubes for Dragonite, prompting him to head straight for Jubilife City with Cynthia following.
• Li Wei chatted with Red, Green, and others while holding the sleeping Shaymin, and Lance revealed he was traveling to Jubilife City because Pokémon Hunters had appeared there.
• Li Wei explained what had happened earlier and shared a photo of the injured Shaymin, which he was temporarily caring for.

Li Wei received warnings about Pokémon Hunters while Shaymin rested on his lap, and Lance and Cynthia arrived in Jubilife City to help investigate the threat. After reviewing Section Chief Zoro’s findings, they planned to conceal their increased security and publicly announce an arrest before visiting Li Wei and Shaymin.

• Yellow, Whitney, Blue, and Falkner discussed Shaymin’s injuries and warned Li Wei that Pokémon Hunters could be dangerous.
• Lance and Cynthia arrived at the Jubilife City police station, where Section Chief Zoro was reviewing reports on Pokémon Hunter activity.
• Zoro explained that he suspected Shaymin’s capture had been commissioned and that finding the buyer could stop the threat.
• Lance advised Zoro against openly establishing an outpost near the Breeding Center and recommended disguising the added officers.
• Lance agreed with Zoro’s plan to hold a press conference the next day and announced that they would visit Li Wei and Shaymin.