Recaps

Xia You and his companions helped the International Police stop Team Plasma’s base from exploding, though the people in charge had already escaped. After thanking Looker and leaving the base, Xia You prepared to continue his journey, telling Shelly and Courtney to save some freshness for their next meeting.

• Xia You, Shelly, and Courtney watched escaped Pokémon wreak havoc in the laboratory while an agent worked to disable the base’s countdown.
• The agent found a backdoor program and stopped the countdown before the base exploded.
• Looker searched the base and contacted his superiors, while Xia You decided not to pursue the fleeing leaders and said goodbye to him.
• Xia You left the base with Shelly and Courtney and told them he needed to reunite with his companions in town.
• Courtney tugged at Xia You’s sleeve and Shelly watched him quietly, so Xia You ruffled their hair and said they should keep a little freshness for their next meeting.

Xia You, Cheryl, Dawn, and Makomo arrived in Virbank City and visited Pokéstar Studios, where they watched a crew film a staged Pokémon battle. Their visit took an unexpected turn when someone announced that the famous actress Diantha was filming there.

• Xia You, Cheryl, Dawn, and Makomo arrived in Virbank City after more than a day of travel and checked into the Pokémon Center.
• Xia You and the others went to Pokéstar Studios instead of shopping or challenging the Gym.
• Dawn, Cheryl, and Makomo explored the studio grounds and watched actors and crew working among elaborate sets.
• Xia You explained to Dawn why movie battles used special effects and staged moves instead of real Pokémon attacks.
• A visitor announced that Diantha was filming at Pokéstar Studios, drawing the crowd's attention.

Xia You encountered Diantha filming Princess 2 at Pokéstar Studios and brought Dawn, Cheryl, and Makomo inside with help from his old acquaintance Joel. Diantha recognized Xia You in her Rest Room, leaving them poised to reunite after years apart.

• Xia You recalled that Diantha had given him Ralts, now Gardevoir, as his Starter Pokémon, and told his friends that he believed Cynthia was slightly stronger than Diantha.
• Xia You led the group to the studio’s back entrance and reunited with Joel, who used his work credentials to let them inside.
• Xia You explained that he had once worked for Diantha’s film crew and had known her and Joel since his time in Kalos.
• Crew members welcomed Xia You and praised his four consecutive championships before Joel described Diantha’s current film, Princess 2.
• After filming paused, Joel brought the group to the Rest Room, where Diantha recognized Xia You and he greeted her.

Xia You reunited with Diantha on a Pokéstar Studios set, where they introduced their companions and recalled their history. After Diantha rebuffed Wutang’s dinner invitation, she invited Xia You and the others to dinner, while Wutang’s lingering interest remained unresolved.

• Xia You introduced Dawn, Cheryl, and Professor Makomo to Diantha, who praised his achievements and reunited with his Gardevoir.
• Diantha and Xia You explained that she had entrusted her Gardevoir’s younger sister to him when he began his journey.
• Wutang asked Diantha to dinner to discuss studio projects, but she declined and said she would spend time with her friends.
• Joel explained that Wutang was a powerful studio executive and one of Diantha’s persistent suitors, while Makomo warned that rejecting him outright could cause trouble.
• Xia You and his companions shared travel stories and tea with Diantha, who invited them to dinner before returning to filming.
• Diantha’s Gardevoir stayed with Xia You’s Gardevoir as Xia You and the others left to watch the filming, and a waiting figure approached them.

Xia You and his companions clashed with Wutang, who tried to assert his status and recruit the women, but failed to learn Xia You’s name. After Diantha finished filming and left with them for dinner, she asked Xia You to speak with her privately, leaving the chapter on her undisclosed request.

• Wutang confronted Xia You and tried to establish his status as an administrator, but Xia You mocked his assumptions about Pokéstar Studios and emphasized his close relationship with Diantha.
• Wutang offered Cheryl, Dawn, and Makomo opportunities to enter the film industry, and all three rejected him before he left angrily without learning Xia You’s name.
• Xia You and the others watched Diantha perform a tense confrontation scene, after which the director released her from the day’s filming early.
• Diantha met Xia You and his companions, and security used a decoy to draw fans away while they left Pokéstar Studios discreetly.
• In the car, Diantha asked Xia You for help and sent Cheryl, Dawn, and Makomo ahead so they could talk privately.

Diantha asked Xia You to help her create dating rumors so unwanted suitors would leave her alone, and he agreed despite worrying about his relationship with Cheryl. After a staged photo of them dining together went viral, Diantha and Xia You left for her residence under the watch of paparazzi.

• Diantha told Xia You that persistent advances from people tied to her career had exhausted her and asked him to pose as her rumored boyfriend.
• Xia You clarified that Cheryl was his girlfriend and Makomo was only traveling with them, then agreed to help Diantha.
• Diantha arranged for her assistant to photograph her dining with Xia You, and the image began trending while Cheryl, Dawn, and Makomo were cropped out.
• Diantha explained the rumor campaign to the three women and invited them to her villa to help make the story more convincing.
• After her assistant took Cheryl, Makomo, and Dawn to the villa, Diantha disguised herself, took Xia You's arm, and left the restaurant as paparazzi watched.

Diantha used Xia You to fuel rumors of a romance and discourage Wutang from interfering in her private life. Xia You then went to Virbank Gym, where he learned that he had to defeat Roxie's two bandmates before he could challenge her.

• Diantha and Xia You returned to her villa as reporters watched, and she predicted the resulting rumors would reach Wutang.
• Diantha ignored repeated calls before answering Wutang and telling him she had a friend over, while Xia You and the others stayed at her villa overnight.
• The next morning, Xia You shook off the reporters and reunited with Cheryl, Makomo, and Dawn before splitting up so Dawn could attend the Pokémon Contest and he could visit Virbank Gym.
• Xia You watched Gym Leader Roxie defeat a challenger’s Krookodile with her fast Koffing, then stepped onto the Battle Field to challenge her.
• Roxie left the field, and her bald bandmate explained that Xia You had to defeat the other two band members before he could battle her.

Xia You’s Infernape overwhelmed the two challengers guarding the Virbank Gym leader, Cook and R, clearing the way to Roxie. Roxie eagerly accepted the final battle, and the chapter ended as she prepared to face Xia You and Infernape.

• Cook sent out Grimer for a one-on-one battle, and Xia You chose Infernape.
• Infernape burned Grimer with successive Flamethrowers and quickly defeated it.
• R took Cook’s place and sent out Venipede, but Infernape’s fire attacks overwhelmed it in a few exchanges.
• Roxie returned to the Battle Field and challenged Xia You to an explosive Gym battle.

Xia You battled Roxie in a three-on-three Gym match, sending Snivy against her Koffing. Snivy turned Koffing’s Gyro Ball against it with Vine Whip, but Roxie used Smokescreen to make Snivy lose track of its opponent.

• Roxie announced the three-on-three battle rules and sent out Koffing, while Xia You recalled Infernape and chose Snivy.
• Koffing attacked with Sludge Bomb, but Snivy knocked the bombs away with Vine Whip, and both Pokémon traded attacks.
• Koffing used Will-O-Wisp to burn Snivy’s Magical Leaf, then circled and attacked while Snivy defended itself.
• Koffing launched Gyro Ball, but Snivy struck it repeatedly with Vine Whip and redirected its spinning body.
• Roxie ordered Koffing to use Smokescreen, and the smoke obscured Koffing as Snivy’s vines struck empty air.

Xia You's Snivy sent Roxie's Koffing spinning out of bounds, but Roxie's Scolipede then decisively defeated Snivy. Xia You recalled Snivy and sent out Snorlax as a chilling mist spread across the Battle Field.

• Snivy used Vine Whip to redirect Koffing's Gyro Ball and send Koffing out of bounds.
• Roxie recalled Koffing and sent out Scolipede against Snivy.
• Xia You let Snivy continue battling despite its disadvantage, and Scolipede poisoned and knocked it out.
• Xia You recalled Snivy and sent out Snorlax, whose arrival brought a cloud of freezing mist onto the field.

Xia You revealed a huge, snow-white Snorlax whose speed and strength stunned Roxie and the spectators. The battle continued as Snorlax dodged Scolipede’s Megahorn and struck its chin with Ice Punch, leaving Scolipede lifted off the ground.

• Xia You sent out his enormous white Snorlax, whose icy appearance surprised Roxie and the spectators.
• Roxie ordered Scolipede to attack with Poison Jab, but Snorlax dodged at incredible speed and hit it with Ice Punch, sending it flying.
• Roxie rallied Scolipede with her music, and Scolipede charged again using Megahorn.
• Snorlax dodged Megahorn and struck Scolipede’s chin with another Ice Punch, knocking its body into the air.

Xia You’s Snowman Snorlax overwhelmed Roxie’s Scolipede, freezing it solid with a single Ice Punch. Roxie recognized Xia You as the strongest opponent she had faced as a Pokémon Trainer.

• Roxie changed tactics and had Scolipede fill the field with poisonous gas, but Snowman Snorlax froze and dispersed it with a blast of cold mist.
• Roxie ordered Scolipede to charge and use Poison Jab on Snorlax’s leg joints.
• Snowman Snorlax met Poison Jab with Ice Punch and froze Scolipede into a solid ice sculpture.
• Roxie called for Scolipede to break free, but it remained trapped in the ice as the crowd and DJ marveled at Snorlax’s power.
• Roxie realized Xia You’s lineup was exceptionally strong and regarded him as her toughest opponent yet.

Xia You’s Snowman Snorlax overwhelmed Roxie’s Scolipede, but Roxie rallied and sent out her ace Garbodor for the final showdown. Garbodor’s Gunk Shot challenged Snorlax’s Icy Wind, leaving the battle unresolved.

• Snowman Snorlax froze Roxie’s Scolipede with one Ice Punch, and Roxie recalled it as the spectators reacted in shock.
• Roxie regained her focus and sent out her final Pokémon, Garbodor, declaring it her last stronghold.
• Xia You kept Snowman Snorlax in the battle as Roxie ordered Garbodor to use Gunk Shot.
• Snowman Snorlax countered with Icy Wind, but some garbage and corrosive venom pushed through and splattered onto the ground.

At Pokéstar Studios, Diantha rejected Wutang’s attempt to interfere in her private life and refused to explain her association with Xia You. Wutang was left humiliated and furious as the crew whispered about the rumors linking Diantha and Xia You.

• Wutang arrived at Diantha’s film set and waited until her morning shoot ended.
• Wutang urged Diantha to explain the rumors and photo of her with Xia You, but she said she owed the media no explanation.
• Wutang criticized Xia You and his female companions, but Diantha calmly said she would choose her own friends and private life.
• Diantha told Wutang he had no right to interfere, leaving him stunned and unable to respond.
• The crew noticed Wutang’s anger and whispered that Diantha and Xia You looked good together, further humiliating him.

After Wutang threatened Diantha over her association with Xia You, he arranged a smear campaign using secretly taken photos from her villa. The posts initially stirred outrage, but commenters recognized Xia You and began treating the rumored relationship as a celebrity power couple.

• Wutang threatened to ruin Diantha’s reputation, but she stayed calm and decided to celebrate with a high-calorie lunch.
• Wutang returned to his office, smashed a souvenir, and convinced himself that Diantha and the unknown man had slept together.
• Wutang ordered his contacts to push sensational stories and photos about Diantha and the man across media outlets and social platforms.
• The rumors surged through trending searches and initially angered Diantha’s fans.
• Commenters identified the man as Xia You, a celebrated Conference winner, and public opinion shifted toward approving of his connection with Diantha.

Wutang’s smear campaign against Xia You and Diantha failed, and the Pokémon League intervened to protect Xia You’s reputation. John ordered his staff to keep Wutang in check and turn the rumored romance into positive publicity while Xia You continued his Unova Gym challenge.

• Wutang saw that the public was responding positively to the rumors about Xia You and Diantha, then ordered a new smear campaign portraying Xia You as a philandering fraud.
• Wutang’s new attacks disappeared online, and he could not discover who had blocked them.
• John learned that Wutang had funded the attacks and ordered his staff to monitor him and prepare consequences if he continued.
• John told his subordinate to protect Xia You’s reputation, keep the matter from Xia You, and encourage the public to treat the rumors as a romantic story.

Xia You defeated Roxie at Virbank Gym and earned his fifth Badge, while Roxie vowed to develop Poison-type rock that could counter his Snorlax. Meanwhile, Diantha worried that Wutang’s smear campaign might hurt Xia You, but the online narrative abruptly shifted in his favor.

• Xia You's Snowman Snorlax defeated Roxie's Garbodor, and Roxie awarded him the Toxic Smoke Badge.
• Roxie asked Xia You's name so she could remember him and seek a rematch, but he left her wondering who he was.
• Xia You learned that Dawn had placed second in the Performance Evaluation, then declined Cheryl's invitation to watch the Contest because reporters might recognize him.
• Diantha learned Wutang had spread smear articles about her and Xia You, but the articles disappeared as online discussion turned favorable toward them.

Diantha discovered that Pokémon League Headquarters had intervened to stop Wutang’s smear campaign against Xia You, leaving her relieved but aware that Xia You had entered a wider world of power and influence. Meanwhile, Xia You ignored Xiaoyu’s video calls, and Cynthia answered one only to be accused of failing to keep an eye on him.

• Diantha learned that Vice President John had ordered the Pokémon League to defend Xia You’s reputation and suppress the malicious coverage.
• Diantha realized the League regarded Xia You as a valuable symbol, felt both reassured and distant from him, and sent him a message asking about his Gym battle.
• Xia You chatted briefly with Diantha, then hesitated and failed to answer Xiaoyu’s repeated video calls.
• Cynthia answered Xiaoyu’s call, and Xiaoyu angrily accused her of being a poor big sister for failing to keep an eye on Xia You.

Cynthia learned that Xia You and Diantha had become the subject of widespread romance rumors after meeting in Unova, and she was shocked that she had failed to notice. Caitlin reacted with admiration rather than jealousy, while Cynthia decided to confront Diantha and find out what had happened.

• Xiaoyu angrily told Cynthia that rumors and photos linked Xia You with Diantha, and demanded that Cynthia verify the story.
• Cynthia searched the news and found reports, photos, and videos suggesting Xia You and Diantha had dined together and left Diantha's villa separately the next morning.
• Cynthia wondered how Xia You and Diantha had become so close and worried that the rumors had already convinced the public they were a couple.
• Caitlin admired Xia You for attracting Diantha and said the rumors made their match seem interesting rather than upsetting.
• Cynthia decided to find Diantha and ask her directly how she and Xia You had become involved.

Cynthia decided to confront Diantha over Xia You, while Xia You discovered the enormous online reaction to their staged romance and explained the situation to Xiaoyu and the others. After Dawn won another Contest Medal, she worried about the future consequences, and the group wondered whether they would visit Diantha again.

• Cynthia set out to find Diantha, and Caitlin joined her to prevent a conflict and meet Diantha.
• Xia You saw that rumors about him and Diantha dominated the online trends, with most commenters expressing curiosity and support.
• Xia You wrote Xiaoyu, Xiaojuan, and Xiaotao a detailed explanation and apology, then asked Erika and Sabrina to explain on his behalf if needed.
• Xia You received no reply from Xiaoyu but decided the matter was settled.
• Dawn won her Contest final and earned another Contest Medal.
• Dawn asked whether the rumors could harm Xia You and Diantha in the future, and Cheryl asked whether the group would leave or visit Diantha.

Xia You and his companions returned to Pokéstar Studios to say goodbye to Diantha, where Wutang saw them but left without confronting them. They waited in the Rest Room while Diantha finished filming, and she arrived with a smile.

• Xia You, Dawn, Cheryl, and Makomo went to Pokéstar Studios to tell Diantha goodbye in person.
• Wutang spotted Xia You and the women but crushed his cigar and left without speaking to them.
• A security guard recognized Xia You and let the group into the soundstage, where they watched Diantha perform.
• After filming a scene, Diantha sent her assistant to take the group to the Rest Room until she finished two more scenes.
• Diantha entered the Rest Room smiling after Xia You and the women had waited for her.

After saying goodbye to Diantha, Xia You and his companions began traveling from Virbank City toward Driftveil City. On the Rugged Mountain Trail, Dawn defeated a boastful young Trainer, then the group spotted a small green Pokémon fleeing through the forest.

• Diantha wished Xia You and his companions a smooth journey, and they agreed to keep in touch as friends.
• The next morning, Xia You, Dawn, Cheryl, and Makomo left Virbank City and started crossing the Rugged Mountain Trail toward Driftveil City.
• Xiao Long challenged Dawn, but her Piplup defeated his Pidove and Lillipup in a one-sided battle.
• Dawn noticed a dark blur among the trees, and Xia You's Rotom Pokédex reported seeing a little green Pokémon heading in the direction of their route.

Xia You learned from Looker that Team Plasma had a high-tech frigate near Driftveil City and agreed to deal with it. He recruited Shelly and Courtney to find the vessel, then resumed traveling toward a town with Dawn, Cheryl, and Makomo.

• Xia You answered Looker's call and learned that Team Plasma had a frigate near Driftveil City that the International Police wanted captured if possible.
• Xia You told Looker the Plasma Frigate could fly, making it difficult to seize, and agreed to destroy it if necessary.
• Looker teased Xia You about winning over Diantha before ending the call.
• Xia You called Shelly and Courtney and asked them to locate the frigate and assess whether they could take it.
• Xia You returned to Dawn, Cheryl, and Makomo, then urged them to hurry toward a town before nightfall.

Xia You and his companions reached a Pokémon Center, where they ran into Alder and learned about the upcoming Junior Cup in Lacunosa Town. Dawn considered entering, while Xia You predicted Ash would become her main rival; meanwhile, Cynthia and Caitlin sailed toward Virbank City, hoping to meet Xia You and Diantha.

• Xia You and his companions arrived at a town between Virbank City and Driftveil City and checked into its Pokémon Center.
• Xia You recognized Alder in the dining room and learned that Alder had come to Unova on official business as the Junior Cup’s finale guest.
• Alder invited Xia You and Dawn to consider entering the Junior Cup, but Xia You declined and predicted that Ash would compete against Dawn.
• Dawn declared that she would not lose to Ash, while Xia You wondered which guests would join Alder for the exhibition match.
• Cynthia and Caitlin approached Virbank City by ship, hoping Xia You was still nearby and wondering what Diantha was like in private.

Cynthia and Caitlin visited Diantha at Pokéstar Studios to probe the rumors linking her to Xia You, but Diantha skillfully evaded Cynthia’s questions. Cynthia decided to seek Xia You along the route toward Driftveil City, and Caitlin eagerly agreed to go with her.

• Cynthia told Caitlin she would approach Diantha casually rather than confront her directly.
• Cynthia and Caitlin visited Diantha at Pokéstar Studios, where Diantha welcomed them and brushed off the rumors about her.
• Cynthia tried to learn how Diantha and Xia You had met and whether they were together, but Diantha gave vague answers and redirected the conversation.
• After leaving the studio, Cynthia suspected Diantha was hiding a relationship with Xia You, while Caitlin observed that their visit had revealed nothing.
• Cynthia decided to follow Xia You’s likely route toward Driftveil City, and Caitlin urged her to leave immediately.