Recaps

At the Lily of the Valley Conference, Ash used Buizel and Staraptor against Shinji's Drapion, but both were knocked out by its attacks and Toxic Spikes. Ash's Torterra then defeated Drapion with a combination of Earthquake, Energy Ball, and Leaf Storm, leaving the battle ongoing.

• Ash had Buizel inflate its flotation sac to escape Drapion's pincers, but Drapion scattered Toxic Spikes and knocked Buizel out with Pin Missile.
• Ash sent out Staraptor, which dodged Drapion's Pin Missile before closing in with Aerial Ace and getting caught.
• Drapion used X-Scissor and slammed Staraptor into the ground, knocking it out and taking down two of Ash's Pokémon in a row.
• Ash sent out Torterra, which took damage from Toxic Spikes, then hit Drapion with Earthquake, Energy Ball, and Leaf Storm to knock it out.
• Shinji sent out his fourth Pokémon as Ash's battle continued.

Ash battled Shinji in the Lily of the Valley Conference, using Gliscor to counter Shinji's speedy Ninjask before both Pokémon were knocked out. As Ash sent out Infernape against Froslass, he began looking for a way to deal with Shinji's Toxic Spikes and the hail.

• Shinji sent out Ninjask, and Ash recalled Torterra before choosing Gliscor.
• Ninjask used Agility and repeated Fury Cutters to overwhelm Gliscor, but Ash helped Gliscor use a gust of wind to avoid landing on the Toxic Spikes.
• Gliscor sensed Ninjask's approach and struck it with Fire Fang as Ninjask landed its final Fury Cutter, leaving both Pokémon unable to battle.
• Shinji sent out Froslass, while Ash chose Infernape, which was poisoned by the Toxic Spikes.
• Froslass summoned hail and used Snow Cloak to blend into the storm, and Ash ordered Infernape to use Dig.

Ash defeated Shinji in the Lily of the Valley Conference after Infernape overcame Electivire in their final battle. The victory sent Ash from Pallet Town through to the next stage of the tournament.

• Infernape cleared Shinji's Toxic Spikes with Dig and Blast Burn, then defeated Froslass with Flare Blitz.
• Ash chose Infernape to face Shinji's final Pokémon, Electivire, and the two battled through powerful attacks despite Infernape's poisoning and dwindling stamina.
• Infernape unleashed Blaze, then charged through the collision of Flamethrower and Thunder to land Mach Punch on Electivire.
• Ash and Shinji ordered Thunder Punch and Flare Blitz at the same time, and Infernape remained standing as Electivire collapsed.
• The referee declared Infernape the winner and named Ash from Pallet Town the victor after all six of Shinji's Pokémon were unable to battle.

Ash defeated Shinji in the Lily of the Valley Conference semifinals, securing his first-ever place in a League semifinal. The four semifinalists were set, and Li Wei prepared to face Tobias the next day, with both trainers’ Darkrai poised to meet.

• Infernape defeated Electivire, and Ash celebrated his victory with his Pokémon while Shinji thanked Electivire and quietly praised Infernape.
• Shinji congratulated Ash and left the stage, while the tournament revealed that Ash would face the green-haired Passerby A and Li Wei would battle Tobias in the semifinals.
• Tobias resolved to defeat Li Wei, weighing the champion’s prize and Elite Four challenge against Li Wei’s strength and unpredictable roster.
• Trainers overwhelmingly favored Li Wei in the public poll, while Li Wei wondered what Tobias’s remaining Pokémon were and looked forward to their match.
• Li Wei contacted his Darkrai and arranged for it to arrive before nine the next morning, anticipating a battle between the two Darkrai.

Li Wei faced Tobias in the Lily of the Valley Conference semifinals, sending his own Darkrai out against Tobias’s Darkrai. The chapter ended as the referee started their battle.

• Li Wei submitted a lineup of Darkrai, Lucario, Metagross, Zeraora, Diancie, and Arcanine, while Yellow joined Cynthia in the elevated seats to watch.
• Ash defeated his semifinal opponent 6-0 and advanced to the finals; Blue and Red set off for the Sinnoh Region to watch him compete.
• Li Wei and Tobias entered the arena, where Li Wei’s openly displayed lineup put Tobias under pressure.
• Tobias led with Darkrai, and Li Wei answered by sending out the Darkrai from Alamos Town.
• The referee started the Darkrai-versus-Darkrai match, and Tobias’s Darkrai used Dark Void.

Li Wei dominated the Lily of the Valley Conference semifinal against Tobias, whose legendary Pokémon and other fighters were knocked out in quick succession. The battle continued with Tobias sending out Metagross against Li Wei’s Lucario.

• Li Wei’s Darkrai knocked out Tobias’s Darkrai with one Brick Break, shocking the stadium and Tobias.
• Tobias sent out Latios, but Li Wei switched to Zeraora, which defeated Latios with Plasma Fists.
• Tobias’s Tyranitar began a sandstorm, but Li Wei recalled Zeraora and sent out Diancie, whose Dazzling Gleam knocked Tyranitar out.
• Tobias sent out Metagross and ordered Meteor Mash; Li Wei switched Diancie for Lucario, which disrupted the attack and prepared an Aura Sphere.

Li Wei swept Tobias six to zero in the Lily of the Valley Conference semifinals, defeating his final Pokémon, Zapdos, with Mega Metagross. He advanced to the final against Ash, who prepared to face Li Wei with a secret weapon.

• Lucario knocked out Tobias's Metagross with Aura Sphere, and Arcanine defeated Salamence with Flare Blitz after weakening it with Intimidate.
• Li Wei Mega Evolved Metagross, which broke through Zapdos's Thunder with Heavy Slam and secured a six-zero victory over Tobias.
• Li Wei told Tobias that his strength suited the Master League or Pokémon World Championships, then left as Tobias reflected on the defeat.
• Brock warned Ash that the final would be difficult, but Ash said he was ready and mentioned his secret weapon.
• Li Wei told his companions he had not decided which Pokémon to use against Ash but would not hold back, while the six-zero rout drew attention on social media.

Li Wei declined Cynthia’s suggestion to challenge the Sinnoh Elite Four and looked forward to facing Ash in the Lily of the Valley Conference finals. Ash gathered his strongest team, including Lucario, and began training for their battle.

• Li Wei told Cynthia he was excited to battle Ash and had no interest in joining the Sinnoh Elite Four.
• Professor Oak learned that Ash had reached the finals, then received Ash’s call to transfer Pokémon.
• Ash decided to use Pikachu, Charizard, Sceptile, Infernape, Garchomp, and Lucario in the finals.
• Lucario agreed to help Ash and battle Li Wei, and Steven sent Lucario’s Poké Ball to Ash.
• Ash brought his assembled team to the Pokémon Center battlefield and began training.

Ash assembled his strongest lineup, including Sir Aaron’s Lucario, and asked Shinji to strategize for the Lily of the Valley Conference final against Li Wei. The packed stadium welcomed both finalists, and the battle was about to begin.

• Ash showed Shinji his lineup, and Shinji judged that Lucario gave Ash a chance to challenge even Tobias.
• Red, Blue, Cynthia, Yellow, and Korrina attended the finals, while other familiar figures watched from elsewhere or followed the match remotely.
• Delia traveled to Sinnoh to support Ash, and Li Wei encouraged Dawn to cheer for her friend.
• Chairman Samaranch and Mayor Luca prepared to address the crowd after the final, as Li Wei and Ash took their command platforms.

Red and Blue watched the Lily of the Valley Conference finals, while Giovanni, Leon, and Li Wei’s old friends followed the broadcast from afar. Li Wei and Ash began their championship battle, which opened with Ash sending out Lucario.

• Red felt the crowd’s cheers rekindle his excitement for battling and said he did not want to wait until next year to enter the Master League.
• Giovanni watched the finals from Team Rocket’s new Rainbow Tower headquarters and smiled when Red and Blue appeared on screen.
• Leon watched the match with Mustard and Honey on the Isle of Armor, determined to reclaim the title of strongest Champion and win the next Master League.
• The commentator introduced Li Wei and Ash, prompting the crowd to react to their reported encounters with Legendary Pokémon; Ash confirmed that he had ridden Suicune.
• Li Wei challenged Ash to show how much he had grown, and Ash answered that he would give everything he and his Pokémon had learned together.
• The referee started the match, and Ash sent out Lucario from Cameran Palace.

Li Wei and Ash began their Lily of the Valley Conference finals match with a fierce Lucario duel that Li Wei won. Li Wei then sent out Sirfetch’d, who defeated Ash’s Sceptile with a single Meteor Assault.

• Li Wei and Ash sent out their Champion Tier Lucario, whose auras resonated before they began battling.
• The two Lucario fought for nine minutes using matching moves and instinct, until Li Wei’s Lucario exploited an opening and defeated Ash’s Lucario.
• Ash recalled Lucario and sent out Sceptile, while Li Wei switched to Sirfetch’d.
• Sirfetch’d struck Sceptile with Leaf Blade as they crossed paths, then charged through Sceptile’s Leaf Storm with Meteor Assault and knocked him out.

Li Wei’s Dragapult defeated Ash’s Garchomp, giving Li Wei a 3-0 lead in the final. Ash’s team was left facing a steep disadvantage as the battle continued.

• Ash sent out Garchomp after Sceptile’s quick defeat, while Li Wei answered with Dragapult.
• Ash used Sand Tomb to restrict the field, but Dragapult’s Phantom Force struck Garchomp from behind.
• Garchomp launched Draco Meteor, and Dragapult countered with Dragon Rush while weaving through the falling meteors.
• Ash used Dig to bring Garchomp behind Dragapult, but Dragapult blocked Dragon Claw with Breaking Swipe.
• Dragapult surrounded Garchomp with Will-O-Wisp and then struck it with Dragon Rush, knocking it out and putting Li Wei ahead 3-0.

Ash sent Infernape against Li Wei’s Zeraora and, despite awakening its special blaze and launching a powerful Flare Blitz, lost the Pokémon to Zeraora’s Wild Charge. Ash thanked the unconscious Infernape and vowed to keep fighting.

• After Garchomp was knocked out and the score reached 3-0, Ash sent out Infernape to face Li Wei’s Zeraora.
• Zeraora dodged Infernape’s attacks, countered with Close Combat and Plasma Fists, and sent it crashing into the wall.
• As the crowd cheered, Infernape struggled back to its feet and its special blaze erupted into a brilliant golden flame.
• Ash and Infernape attacked in perfect harmony with Flare Blitz, but Zeraora met it with Wild Charge and remained standing after the collision.
• The referee declared Infernape unable to battle, and Ash thanked it before returning it to its Poké Ball.
• Li Wei told Ash he had felt his desire to win, and Ash said he would not give up.

At the Lily of the Valley Conference finals, Li Wei sent out Milotic against Ash’s Charizard and used its Mirror Coat and Water-type moves to gain the advantage. Charizard crashed to the field after Hydro Pump, while Milotic began recovering with Aqua Ring.

• After Infernape was defeated, Ash sent out Charizard, and Li Wei answered with Milotic.
• Milotic used Mirror Coat to absorb Charizard’s Air Slash and reflect it back at double power, badly injuring Charizard.
• Ash ordered Charizard to use Thunder Punch, and Charizard forced its way through Milotic’s Icy Wind to land a hit.
• Milotic struck Charizard with Hydro Pump, sending it crashing to the field, then used Aqua Ring to restore its stamina.

Li Wei defeated Ash 6-0 in the Lily of the Valley Stadium final, ending the match with Sky Shaymin’s victory over Pikachu. Ash accepted the loss with renewed determination to keep working toward his own Pokémon League championship.

• Charizard melted the frost from Icy Wind and fought on, but Li Wei’s final Hydro Pump knocked him out and gave Li Wei a 5-0 lead.
• Ash sent out Pikachu, and Li Wei chose Shaymin to face him.
• Pikachu and Shaymin traded attacks until Li Wei used a Gracidea Flower to transform Shaymin into Sky Forme.
• Sky Shaymin dodged Pikachu’s Thunderbolt, blocked Volt Tackle with Substitute, and knocked Pikachu out with Seed Flare.
• The referee declared Li Wei the winner, and Ash vowed to keep working hard as the stadium applauded both Trainers.

Li Wei won the Lily of the Valley Conference, while Ash vowed to train for the next tournament. At the stadium, President Samaranch retired and handed leadership of the Sinnoh League to President Luca.

• Li Wei defeated Ash to become the Lily of the Valley Conference champion, and Ash resolved to work harder for next year's League tournament.
• Cynthia presented Li Wei with the trophy, and Li Wei declined to challenge the Elite Four because he did not want to take a position on the team.
• President Samaranch delivered a farewell address and announced that he was passing responsibility to the next League president.
• President Luca took office after exchanging a solemn handshake with President Samaranch.
• President Luca gave his inaugural address, pledging to strengthen the League, encourage innovation and exchange, and safeguard peace.

After the Lily of the Valley Conference, Ash received advice from Blue about his next journey while Li Wei celebrated winning the Sinnoh League and received quest rewards. The chapter ended with Li Wei confirming that his Pokémon Theme Park would hold a Christmas Party.

• The Lily of the Valley Conference ended, and discussion focused on Li Wei's strength and the upcoming Master League.
• Blue encouraged Ash to learn from his losses and aim to win a championship, then Ash said he would probably travel to Unova next.
• Li Wei received a Master Ball, a Zap Plate, and three Pokémon Item Prize Tickets for completing his quest.
• Blue praised Ash's performance in the finals and suggested he catch Ghost- and Dark-type Pokémon in Unova.
• Li Wei told Blue that he had decided to hold a Christmas Party at the Pokémon Theme Park.

After teaching at Celadon University, Li Wei returned to the Pokémon Theme Park and planned a large hot spring wellness center and Aerial Cable Car routes. He began seeking safe, reliable ways to heat the artificial hot springs and generate power, and called Matori to consult Giovanni.

• Li Wei gave the Zap Plate to Zeraora and stored the Master Ball in his system backpack.
• Li Wei taught at Celadon University for a week, then returned to the Pokémon Theme Park to plan its next expansion.
• Li Wei decided to build a hot spring wellness center for Trainers and Pokémon and consider adding Aerial Cable Car routes.
• Li Wei rejected using Fire-type Pokémon to heat the springs and consulted Steven, Volkner, and Old Lady Jade about power and heating options.
• Li Wei decided not to ask Clemont about the project and called Matori to seek Giovanni's advice.

Li Wei planned a hot spring wellness center at Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park and asked Matori about Team Rocket’s industrial-grade heat pump system. He left the heating decision open while Matori reported his call to Giovanni.

• Li Wei called Matori to ask whether Team Rocket had an efficient heating system for his planned wellness center.
• Matori offered Team Rocket’s industrial-grade heat pump system at market price, and Li Wei said he would compare options before deciding.
• Li Wei described the wellness center as a place to relax and ease physical tension, not to generate electricity.
• Li Wei’s agreement with the Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh Leagues covered Pokémon breeding, research, camps, staffing, and shared profits.
• Matori called Giovanni and reported that Li Wei planned to build a hot spring wellness center at Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park.

Li Wei gathered plans for the Theme Park’s hot spring wellness center and welcomed Volkner and Flint to assess its electrical needs. Volkner proposed building a Solar Tower and smart microgrid hub, then began outlining his plan to a baffled Flint.

• Matori told Giovanni that Li Wei wanted to build an artificial hot spring, and Giovanni approved offering Team Rainbow Rocket’s construction services and any supplies Li Wei needed.
• Old Lady Jade proposed low-noise wind turbines for the wellness center, while Steven offered Devon’s water filtration system and Sparkling Stone fragments.
• Volkner and Flint arrived at the Theme Park to help Li Wei plan its electrical infrastructure, including power for an aerial cable car and a ground train.
• Volkner identified the Electric-type Pokémon facility as a suitable location for a Solar Tower and smart microgrid hub, then explained his plans to Flint.
• Flint admitted that he could not understand Volkner’s explanation.

Li Wei finalized plans to expand Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park and welcomed Professor Rowan’s research team. Professor Rowan gave him an Eon Flute, which could summon Latios or Latias and enable them to Mega Evolve, leaving Li Wei eager to use it to find the pair.

• Li Wei arranged next year’s Theme Park expansion, including an artificial hot spring, a cable car, and a small train, with Team Rainbow Rocket, Devon Corporation, Volkner, and NBJ Architectural Design Company contributing.
• Li Wei decided to expand the Theme Park from 5.2 to 15.4 square kilometers while leaving Misty Mountain undeveloped for nature walks and hiking.
• Professor Rowan and his colleagues arrived at the Theme Park, where Li Wei showed them the renovated Breeding Center and his new home.
• Professor Rowan gave Li Wei an Eon Flute as a housewarming present, and Li Wei was thrilled to learn it could summon Latios or Latias and trigger Mega Evolution.
• Professor Oak, Red, and Blue arrived with the Pallet Town delegation.

Li Wei welcomed friends and guests to the Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park, where he planned to use the Eon Flute and build an artificial hot spring. Brock decided to keep traveling with Ash toward Unova, while Dawn stayed behind to continue her Coordinator training.

• Professor Rowan gave Li Wei an Eon Flute that could summon Latias and Latios, and Li Wei believed he could persuade the Pokémon to stay at the Theme Park.
• Professor Oak, Delia, Red, Green, and the others arrived and gave Li Wei local Kanto specialties, while Blue celebrated her success selling signed cards.
• Akin and Silver arrived at the Theme Park, and Li Wei told them he planned to build a wellness center with an artificial hot spring in cooperation with Team Rainbow Rocket.
• Dawn and Croagunk stopped Brock from pestering visitors, and Brock told Li Wei he would keep traveling with Ash to see him win a Pokémon League Conference championship.
• Brock planned to pursue his goals of becoming a Pokémon Breeder and doctor, while Dawn stayed behind because Unova had no Pokémon Contests and she needed to continue her Coordinator training.

Li Wei celebrated Christmas at the Jubilife City Pokémon Theme Park with friends, professors, and Pokémon after becoming the youngest Master Breeder in history. Darkrai joined the peaceful gathering, while its presence at the park also helped the Pokémon League locate Cresselia when needed.

• Li Wei, Brock, and their Pokémon prepared Christmas dinner beneath the Theme Park's decorated tree while the guests chatted and played.
• Professor Oak and Professor Rowan praised Li Wei's Pokéblock and Poffin skills, and the chapter revealed that he had become the youngest Master Breeder after receiving a direct pass and facing no challenges during public review.
• Li Wei received three Pokémon Item Prize Tickets and the Top Tier Arrangement skill, which helped him recall music and prepare songs for Meloetta and the Pokémon Girl Group.
• Red and Blue agreed to save their battles against Steven, Cynthia, and others for the Master League, while Ash invited Darkrai to join the festivities.
• The chapter explained that Cresselia's permanent residence at the Theme Park made it easier for the Pokémon League to find her when the Sinnoh League needed help with nightmare energy, and Yellow greeted Darkrai as a close friend.

On December 24, Trainers and Pokémon gathered at the Jubilife Pokémon Theme Park to celebrate the year and look ahead to new challenges. Red vowed to enter the next Master League, while Ash pledged to win the Unova League Conference.

• Ash explored the Theme Park with Pikachu, while Red and Blue discussed Red entering the next Master League and aiming for the championship.
• Cynthia, Diantha, and Lorelei talked about finding ice cream, unaware that Red and Blue were discussing Pokémon battles nearby.
• Ash said he wanted to enter the Master League, and Blue told him to focus on winning the Unova League first before inviting him to train at Professor Oak's Laboratory.
• Steven called Mew, Queen Arianna, Housekeeper Granny, and Lucario at Cameran Palace, where they were celebrating their own banquet.
• Li Wei's family and guests toasted the year's growth and bonds, and Ash vowed to win the Unova League Conference championship next year.

Dawn said goodbye to Ash and Brock as they left Sinnoh, then found comfort in dessert and a new goal. Meanwhile, Giovanni sent the Team Rocket Trio to Unova to begin Operation Tempest and investigate Team Plasma.

• At Jubilife Airport, Dawn, Ash, and Brock thanked one another for their seven months of traveling together and exchanged farewells.
• Ash and Dawn shared a high five, and Cynthia invited Dawn to join her at Unova’s Junior Cup next year before Ash and Brock boarded their flight.
• Giovanni ordered the Team Rocket Trio to begin Operation Tempest in Unova, while Matori tasked them with gathering intelligence on Team Plasma.
• Li Wei took Dawn, Cynthia, and Korrina to a dessert shop, and Dawn felt better after eating.
• Li Wei encouraged Dawn to train toward becoming a Contest Master.