Recaps

After the tournament, Chen Shi cared for his Pokémon at the Villa and learned that Florges had grown stronger by absorbing energy from Xerneas's horn fragment. Togekiss wanted a comparable resource but refused Florges's offer to share, and Chen Shi promised to find suitable resources for them both.

• Yuko caught up with Chen Shi and told him she would cheer for him, and he promised to keep winning.
• Chen Shi fed and massaged his Pokémon, while Swampert waited impatiently for his turn and then fell asleep during the massage.
• Florges gained a level after absorbing energy from Xerneas's horn fragment, bringing her to level 61.
• Togekiss asked Chen Shi for a resource of her own, and he promised to find one suited to her.
• Florges offered her horn fragment to Togekiss, but Togekiss refused to take a resource from a companion, so Florges put the sachet back on.

Pheobe drew Cynthia as her opponent in the round of thirty-two and, convinced she had no chance, surrendered before their match began. Steven drew the Fire-type specialist Flint, while Chen Shi was paired with Reggie, Paul’s older brother.

• Pheobe saw that Cynthia was her opponent and despaired at the gap between their Pokémon’s strength.
• Cynthia promised to give the battle her all, and Chen Shi laughed at Pheobe’s distressed reaction.
• Steven learned he would face Flint, and Chen Shi warned him that Flint specialized in Fire-types.
• Chen Shi saw that his own opponent was Reggie and decided he would teach him a lesson.
• As Cynthia and Pheobe entered the arena, Pheobe raised her hand and surrendered without battling.

Pheobe conceded to Cynthia in the Pokémon World Championships, then joined Chen Shi, Cynthia, and Steven in the lounge to watch the remaining matches. Steven took the stage with his Shiny Metagross and faced Flint’s Infernape.

• Pheobe conceded to Cynthia, making Cynthia the winner of their match.
• Pheobe told Chen Shi and Cynthia that she was relaxed and had entered the tournament for fun.
• Chen Shi and the others watched Lance defeat his opponent with Charizard and Diantha dominate with Goodra.
• Steven left the lounge to compete and summoned his mid-stage Senior Elite King Shiny Metagross.
• Flint sent out his early-stage Senior Elite King Infernape, and Steven welcomed the matchup.

Flint’s Infernape pushed Steven’s Metagross with remarkable resilience and a devastating Heat Wave, but both Pokémon were left unable to battle after Flint sent out Rapidash. Steven won the match, while Flint’s tournament run ended.

• Flint sent Infernape charging at Metagross with Mach Punch, but Steven countered with Zen Headbutt and then dodged Flame Charge before striking with Psychic.
• Infernape endured a powerful Psychic and dodged Metagross’s next attack, earning applause before Flint ordered a full-power Heat Wave.
• Infernape’s Heat Wave left him unconscious and Metagross badly injured, and Flint recalled Infernape and sent out Rapidash.
• Rapidash used a masterful Fire Blast to take Metagross down with him, but Steven won because both of Flint’s Pokémon were unable to battle.

Chen Shi faced Reggie after Reggie insulted him and Dragapult, and the two began their Pokémon World Championships match. Reggie opened with Staraptor as Dragapult used Dragon Dance, disrupting Reggie's plan to control the battle with Tailwind.

• Steven told Chen Shi that Flint had surprised him with the strength of Infernape and Rapidash, and said Metagross would recover in time for his next match.
• Chen Shi said his upcoming opponent, Reggie, had a bad character, though he could not explain why.
• Chen Shi encountered Reggie, who mocked him for being a breeder and insulted Dragapult; Dragapult emerged from its Poké Ball in anger.
• Chen Shi entered the arena to loud cheers and sent out Dragapult, while Reggie chose Staraptor.
• Reggie ordered Staraptor to use Tailwind, but Chen Shi had Dragapult use Dragon Dance, throwing Reggie's plan off course.

Chen Shi defeated Reggie’s Staraptor and Swalot with Dragapult, while Reggie’s poor treatment of his Pokémon angered the crowd. Chen Shi left the arena after the referee declared him the winner.

• Reggie ordered Staraptor to use Tailwind, giving Dragapult time to boost its power with Dragon Dance.
• Dragapult struck Staraptor with Dragon Pulse and Dragon Darts, then finished it with another Dragon Pulse.
• Reggie cursed at Staraptor after its defeat, provoking the spectators and earning disgust from Chen Shi and the observers in the lounge.
• Dragapult dodged Swalot’s Ice Punch with Shadow Force, then defeated Swalot with Dragon Rush.
• The referee declared Chen Shi the winner, and Chen Shi recalled Dragapult and walked away without looking at Reggie.

After his match, Chen Shi joined Steven, Cynthia, and Pheobe for a walk through Silver Town. Pheobe nudged Chen Shi and Cynthia into holding hands, and their fingers intertwined as their companions watched.

• Chen Shi recalled Dragapult after the Pokémon defeated Reggie in their match.
• Steven, Cynthia, and Pheobe invited Chen Shi to explore Silver Town, and Steven went to retrieve Metagross.
• The four hid their identities with hats and masks after Cynthia's fans mobbed them.
• Pheobe hooked a finger around Chen Shi's, prompting him to reach for Cynthia's hand.
• Cynthia accepted Chen Shi's hand, and they gradually intertwined their fingers as Steven, Pheobe, and their Pokémon watched.

As the sunset settled over a secluded spot, Chen Shi and Cynthia reminisced about how they met and confessed their feelings through a halting exchange. Cynthia accepted Chen Shi’s unspoken confession, leaving them together in the sunset.

• Pheobe asked Steven whether Chen Shi and Cynthia were officially together, and Steven suggested they leave the pair alone.
• Chen Shi and Cynthia wandered to a quiet place as evening fell.
• Cynthia asked how long they had known each other, and Chen Shi recalled meeting her at the Celestic Town Historical Research Institute.
• Chen Shi began to confess his feelings, but Cynthia teased him about her age and her grandmother before pointing out that they were still holding hands.
• Cynthia told Chen Shi that she felt the same, then rested her head on his shoulder.

Chen Shi returned to the Villa with Cynthia, learned the tournament’s later rounds would use larger team formats, and fed his hungry Pokémon. Togekiss secured a promise of ice cream, while Chen Shi worried about Mew’s absence and the World Tree’s possible danger.

• Chen Shi and Cynthia returned to the Villa, where Steven and Pheobe teased them and told them the next matches would be three-on-three, with six-on-six semifinals.
• Cynthia cautioned Chen Shi and Steven not to let their Pokémon get badly injured before later battles.
• Chen Shi realized he had forgotten to prepare food for his Pokémon, apologized, and gave them Pokéblocks.
• Togekiss used Chen Shi’s guilt to obtain a promise of another box of ice cream once they got home.
• Chen Shi wondered where Mew had gone and whether the World Tree was in danger, but decided the crisis might not be imminent.

Chen Shi was paired against Siebold in the Pokémon World Championships’ final sixteen and learned that Siebold valued battling with his Pokémon more than winning. The two began their match, with Siebold sending out his powerful Blastoise as Chen Shi scanned its data.

• Chen Shi and his companions saw merchandise for the remaining contestants on their way to the Silver Conference Hall.
• The host announced the final sixteen matchups, pairing Chen Shi with Siebold.
• Steven warned Chen Shi that Siebold’s Blastoise was strong, and Chen Shi said he never underestimated anyone.
• Chen Shi met Siebold, who explained that he enjoyed battling with his partners more than focusing on the result.
• The match began, and Siebold sent out his level 62 Blastoise while Chen Shi checked its data.

Chen Shi and Siebold began their three-on-three battle, with Swampert and Blastoise trading powerful attacks and combination moves. Swampert struck Blastoise with a second Waterfall Hammer and then launched Earthquake as the battle continued.

• Chen Shi sent out Swampert, and Siebold sent out Blastoise to begin the battle.
• Swampert's Waterfall struck Blastoise, but Blastoise used Withdraw to reduce the damage and then traded blows with Swampert using Aqua Tail.
• Swampert blocked Blastoise's Aura Sphere with Water Pulse and hit Protect with Waterfall Hammer, sending Blastoise flying and cracking the barrier.
• Chen Shi ordered Swampert to use Waterfall Hammer again, and Blastoise countered with Rapid Aqua Tail; the clash injured both Pokémon and left Swampert panting.
• Chen Shi commanded Swampert to finish Blastoise with Earthquake, and Swampert split the arena open as Ground-type energy surged toward Blastoise.

Chen Shi defeated Siebold after Florges overwhelmed Clawitzer, and Siebold surrendered the match. Chen Shi then took Swampert to the Pokémon Center, where Nurse Joy confirmed he was exhausted but would recover by the next day.

• Siebold sent out Clawitzer after Blastoise was knocked out, and Chen Shi switched Swampert for Florges.
• Florges dodged Clawitzer’s Dark Pulse, then took Dragon Pulse to land a Seed Bomb on Clawitzer.
• Florges hit Clawitzer with Energy Ball, and Siebold surrendered to prevent further injuries.
• Siebold surrendered the next round, and the referee declared Chen Shi the winner.
• Chen Shi brought Swampert to Nurse Joy, who treated him and said he would recover after resting until the next day.

Steven defeated Lt. Surge in the Pokémon World Championships, winning after Metagross overcame Ampharos and Aggron beat Jolteon despite severe injuries. Cynthia’s match against Caitlin was still to come.

• Chen Shi told Steven that Lt. Surge specialized in Electric-type Pokémon and warned Cynthia about Caitlin’s powerful psychic abilities.
• Lance and Lorelei defeated their opponents and advanced to the quarterfinals.
• Steven sent out Metagross, which defeated Lt. Surge’s Ampharos with Zen Headbutt, Ice Punch, and Psychic.
• Lt. Surge sent out Raichu, which damaged Metagross before Steven continued the match.
• Steven sent out Aggron against Lt. Surge’s Jolteon, and Aggron won despite suffering severe injuries.

Cynthia and Caitlin began their three-on-three match, with Cynthia's Garchomp badly injuring Caitlin's Gothitelle. Chen Shi recognized that Caitlin's psychic powers were nearing a dangerous loss of control, so Steven contacted the organizers to request a pause.

• Cynthia and Caitlin entered the arena and sent out Garchomp and Gothitelle, which Caitlin's psychic power strengthened to match Garchomp's level.
• Garchomp and Gothitelle exchanged Dragon Pulse and Psyshock, then Garchomp blocked Gothitelle's Psychic attack with Protect.
• Cynthia ordered Garchomp to seize Gothitelle and use Crunch, inflicting severe damage and causing Caitlin's psychic power to falter.
• Chen Shi warned Steven that Caitlin's psychic powers were about to go out of control, and Steven called the organizers to explain the danger.

Cynthia defeated Caitlin after Agatha’s Gengar suppressed Caitlin’s psychic powers, and the day’s remaining battles determined the eight Pokémon World Championships quarterfinalists. As Chen Shi and his companions left to celebrate, two children called out to him.

• Caitlin’s Gothitelle collapsed, and Agatha’s Gengar appeared and knocked Caitlin unconscious.
• Darach conceded on Caitlin’s behalf, giving Cynthia the victory, and Chen Shi explained that Gengar likely belonged to Agatha and might be Champion Level.
• Chen Shi, Cynthia, Steven, and Pheobe watched Leon, Wallace, and Diantha win their matches.
• The final eight were revealed as Chen Shi, Steven, Cynthia, Lance, Lorelei, Wallace, Leon, and Diantha.
• Chen Shi and his companions left to celebrate, and two children ran up to him, calling him “Martial Uncle” and “Big Brother Chen Shi.”

Chen Shi reunited with Ash and Gary before Professor Oak arrived to support him at the Pokémon World Championships. Over dinner in Silver Town, Oak explained that the tournament would help the League assess the next generation, and Chen Shi prepared for his semifinal-qualifying match the next day.

• Ash and Gary arrived with Professor Oak to watch Chen Shi compete, and Steven, Cynthia, and Pheobe learned that Oak was Chen Shi’s teacher.
• Professor Oak said he had come to support Chen Shi and revealed that important figures from several regions had gathered for the championships.
• At dinner, Professor Oak explained that the League would use the tournament to assess young Trainers as future Elite Four and Champion candidates.
• Professor Oak named the publicly known League officials and Elite Four members attending, while Steven noted that Hoenn had three quarterfinalists.
• Ash and Gary promised to cheer Chen Shi on in his match, and Professor Oak urged him to do what he wanted without fear.

Chen Shi faced Lorelei in the first quarterfinal and revealed Mega Evolution by transforming his Charizard into Mega Charizard X. The stadium watched in shock as Charizard’s strength rose to the mid-stage Senior Elite King level.

• Chen Shi drew Lorelei as his quarterfinal opponent, while Cynthia, Steven, Wallace, Lance, and Diantha were paired in the other matches.
• Lorelei sent out her mid-stage Senior Elite King Cloyster, and Chen Shi chose his peak Gym-level Charizard.
• Chen Shi revealed his Key Stone and Mega Evolved Charizard before the stunned spectators.
• Charizard emerged as Mega Charizard X, whose aura had reached the mid-stage Senior Elite King level.

Chen Shi’s newly transformed Charizard overwhelmed Lorelei’s team, defeating Cloyster and helping Dragapult finish Lapras and Jynx. Chen Shi won the match as the stadium erupted in celebration, while Lorelei watched him leave after suffering her first defeat.

• Chen Shi ordered Charizard to attack Cloyster, and it broke through Icicle Spear and Hydro Pump before defeating Cloyster with Fire Blast.
• Lorelei sent out Lapras, which used Perish Song, but Charizard severely injured it before Chen Shi recalled Charizard and sent out Dragapult.
• Dragapult defeated Jynx with Shadow Force and Shadow Balls, then finished off Lapras.
• The referee declared Chen Shi the winner after all three of Lorelei’s Pokémon were unable to battle.
• Chen Shi left the Battle Arena as the crowd cheered, and Lorelei watched him with dejection, reluctance, and admiration.

Chen Shi was approached by Suzuki Jingming, who invited him to meet with the Suzuki family, but Chen Shi suspected they wanted to learn about Mega Evolution. Professor Oak revealed that the Suzuki family was only a front for the League, warned them not to pressure Chen Shi, and left him safe to continue with the professor.

• Suzuki Jingming invited Chen Shi to discuss medicinal herb business on behalf of Mr. Suzuki, and Chen Shi cited the Chen family's work with Devon Corporation and the Stone family as a reason to refuse.
• Ash and Gary ran over to praise Chen Shi after his battle, and Professor Oak arrived behind them.
• Professor Oak's presence frightened Suzuki Jingming, who claimed the Suzuki family only wanted to establish friendly ties with Chen Shi.
• Professor Oak ordered Suzuki Jingming to tell those behind him that Samuel Oak was still alive and that they should offer something worthwhile if they wanted anything.
• Professor Oak told Chen Shi that the League had sent the Suzuki family as a front to sound him out, and Chen Shi thanked him for intervening.

Chen Shi explained the conditions, effects, and limits of Mega Evolution to Steven, Cynthia, Pheobe, Ash, and Gary. Steven learned which of his Pokémon could Mega Evolve and what changes to expect from Mega Metagross.

• Professor Oak asked Chen Shi to look after Ash and Gary while he handled other matters, and Chen Shi took them to the lounge.
• Steven excitedly questioned Chen Shi about Mega Evolution, and Chen Shi explained that it required a Key Stone, a matching Mega Stone, and a strong bond between Trainer and Pokémon.
• Chen Shi described Mega Evolution’s temporary boost to a Pokémon’s abilities and explained that Charizard became Fire- and Dragon-type with Tough Claws.
• Chen Shi told Pheobe that only Gengar could Mega Evolve and confirmed that Cynthia’s Garchomp and Lucario could do so.
• Chen Shi revealed that Steven had Mega Stones for Aggron, Mawile, Metagross, and Scizor, and explained that Mega Metagross gained Tough Claws without changing type.

Chen Shi explained the basics and risks of Mega Evolution, then watched Cynthia defeat Leon in a close battle. After Cynthia returned from treating her Pokémon, she teased Chen Shi by telling him to call her “Severe Indecisiveness.”

• Chen Shi refused to tell Cynthia whether Garchomp and Lucario had changed, then explained how trainers could learn to use Mega Evolution safely.
• Chen Shi warned Steven that Mega Evolution could attract jealousy, and Steven left to report the discovery to his family.
• Cynthia’s Milotic lost to Leon’s Inteleon, and her Lucario and Leon’s Cinderace then knocked each other out.
• Cynthia’s Garchomp defeated Leon’s Charizard and Inteleon, while Leon accepted his loss with relief and applause.
• Chen Shi offered Cynthia water when she returned, and she told him to call her “Severe Indecisiveness.”

Chen Shi learned that Mu Jin Stone planned to come to the conference, while his grandfather had already publicly shown his support. Professor Oak then brought Chen Shi before prominent League officials and researchers to answer questions about Mega Evolution, where Agatha unexpectedly offered to make him her student.

• Steven told Chen Shi that Mu Jin Stone would arrive in person the next day and that Chen Shi’s grandfather had flown over Mauville City with two champion-level Pokémon to support him.
• Professor Oak took Chen Shi to a meeting with leading officials and researchers, including Professor Rowan, who wanted to learn how Charizard had evolved again.
• Chen Shi greeted Miyazaki Ryuno and recognized several Elite Four members, Champions, and Charles Goodshow among the attendees.
• Agatha offered to take Chen Shi as her student, leaving him caught between refusing her and offending Professor Oak, so he pretended he could not speak.

Chen Shi revealed that Charizard’s new evolution was Mega Evolution and explained its basic requirements to the League leaders. Professor Oak demanded costly rewards in exchange for detailed information, and Charles Goodshow postponed the decision after sending Chen Shi away.

• Professor Oak and Miyazaki Ryuno objected when Agatha tried to involve Chen Shi in her grudge, and Agatha stopped pressing him.
• Chen Shi told the gathered leaders that the evolution was called Mega Evolution and required Key Stones, Mega Stones, and a strong bond between Trainer and Pokémon.
• Miyazaki Ryuno asked Chen Shi to announce Mega Evolution and publish a paper, offering the League’s help in exchange for his requests.
• Professor Oak demanded access to Vault No. 1, three selections from Vault No. 2, and a professorship for Chen Shi, prompting a middle-aged man to object.
• Charles Goodshow asked Professor Oak whether the League should pay the price, then told Chen Shi to leave while the leaders considered the terms.

Chen Shi reflected on the support behind his success as he returned to the lounge and told his friends that Mega Evolution would be announced after the Pokémon World Championships. He gave Pheobe a Key Stone and Gengarite, then joined everyone to watch Lance face Diantha.

• Chen Shi met Steven outside the lounge, and Steven said he had narrowly defeated Wallace.
• Chen Shi reassured Cynthia that Professor Oak was negotiating benefits for him and told Steven he could freely collect Mega Stones and Key Stones.
• Chen Shi gave Pheobe a Key Stone and Gengarite as thanks to the Mt. Pyre lineage for Giratina's scale.
• Chen Shi and the others began watching the day's final match between Lance and Diantha, whom Chen Shi expected to lose.

After Diantha lost to Lance, Chen Shi learned that Lance’s Dragonite was near Elite Four strength. Chen Shi escaped reporters and discovered that the League had offered him access to two vaults in exchange for a paper on Mega Evolution.

• Chen Shi and Cynthia left the lounge holding hands, and Professor Oak returned and teased them before inviting Chen Shi to lunch.
• Chen Shi, Cynthia, Steven, and Professor Oak encountered reporters waiting outside the Silver Conference Hall, and Chen Shi escaped them on Dragapult.
• At the hotel, Chen Shi teased Professor Oak until he revealed that the League had agreed to let Chen Shi choose one item from Vault No. 1 and three from Vault No. 2.
• Professor Oak told Chen Shi that he had to publish a paper on Mega Evolution within two weeks after the Pokémon World Championships, while the Doctor title remained out of reach.