Recaps

Xiaoyun’s Victini battled Palmer’s Dragonite to a draw, shocking Barry and Kenny. After Palmer praised Xiaoyun and Victini, Barry asked about Heatran again, while Zoey cheered up a disheartened Kenny with a skewer.

• Xiaoyun asked Palmer why he was not using Heatran, and Barry learned for the first time that his father had one.
• Palmer boosted Dragonite with Dragon Dance and sent it against Victini with Thunder Punch, but Victini countered with Searing Shot.
• Dragonite pressed its attacks, and Xiaoyun directed Victini to use Protect and close-range Searing Shot before the Pokémon traded stronger blows.
• Victini used V-create against Dragonite’s Dragon Rush, and both Pokémon were sent flying, ending their clash in a draw.
• Palmer recalled Dragonite, praised Xiaoyun and Victini, and told Barry to train Empoleon until it could beat Dawn before asking about Heatran again.
• Kenny felt defeated after watching the battle, but Zoey gave him a grilled meat skewer that lifted his spirits.

Xiaoyun arrived on Lily of the Valley Island to begin his formal challenge for Sinnoh’s Elite Four and Champion positions, where Cynthia and the Elite Four welcomed him. As the opening match against Aaron began, Aaron asked Xiaoyun not to defeat him too decisively.

• Xiaoyun arrived at Lily of the Valley Island with his family and friends, and Cynthia and the Elite Four greeted him at the harbor.
• Cynthia hosted a welcoming banquet for Xiaoyun, where Qing'an loudly declared that his son had the makings of a Champion.
• The next day, the crowd gathered as Xiaoyun prepared to challenge for the Elite Four and Champion positions.
• Dawn’s friend Salvia arrived disguised as Dawn, then revealed herself and joined the group in the VIP lounge.
• Xiaoyun and Aaron entered the battlefield, and Aaron asked Xiaoyun to take it easy before the referee started the match.

Xiaoyun faced Aaron in the first round of the tournament, using Genesect to defeat Yanmega and overwhelm Vespiquen. The battle remained unresolved as Vespiquen and her Combee fell under Genesect’s rapid barrage.

• Aaron and Xiaoyun sent out Yanmega and Genesect, while Ash and the Pokémon School students watched the match live.
• Yanmega used Agility and Double Team to build speed, but Genesect used Lock-On and Techno Blast to break through its evasions.
• Aaron’s Yanmega attacked at close range, but Genesect’s second Lock-On-guided Zap Cannon struck it down and eliminated it.
• Aaron sent out Vespiquen, who commanded Combee to swarm Genesect and support her attacks with Bug Buzz and defensive formations.
• Genesect countered Vespiquen’s attacks with rapid Drive changes and successive Techno Blasts, leaving Vespiquen and the Combee unconscious or incapacitated.

Xiaoyun and Aaron continued their Pokémon battle, trading knockouts as Xiaoyun’s Pokémon relied on heavy attacks and tactical openings while Aaron’s team fought back. Volcarona and Beautifly ultimately knocked each other out, leaving the battle unresolved.

• Genesect knocked out Aaron’s Vespiquen with a barrage of shots, then Xiaoyun sent out Hisuian Zoroark against Scizor.
• Hisuian Zoroark used Bitter Malice to frostbite Scizor, then exploited a close-range opening to knock it out before using Memento to weaken Heracross.
• Aaron Mega Evolved Heracross, which defeated Xiaoyun’s Sylveon with a series of attacks.
• Volcarona overwhelmed Heracross’s Rock Blast with a massive Flame Ring and knocked it out.
• Beautifly used Gust, Silver Wind, Solar Beam, and Morning Sun to battle Volcarona, and the two Pokémon knocked each other out.

Xiaoyun defeated Aaron in the first Elite Four match with his Corrosion-ability Drapion, then began his second match against Bertha. His Serperior gained the upper hand against Bertha’s Golem with a powerful Leaf Storm, but the battle continued.

• Xiaoyun’s red Drapion poisoned Aaron’s Drapion with Corrosion, then defeated it with Cross Poison to win their match.
• Bertha was announced as Xiaoyun’s next opponent, and the spectators discussed her formidable, battle-hardened style.
• Bertha opened with Golem, while Xiaoyun sent out Serperior.
• Golem powered through Serperior’s Leaf Storm with Rollout, then used Earthquake to shake Serperior and break her draining vines.
• Serperior leaped clear of Earthquake and struck Golem with a Contrary-boosted Leaf Storm.

Xiaoyun’s Contrary Serperior defeated Granny Bertha’s Golem before falling to Gliscor, and Spiritomb then defeated Gliscor with a mix of status moves and sneak attacks. Granny Bertha’s Golurk knocked Spiritomb out, leaving Xiaoyun to continue the battle with another Pokémon.

• Serperior used successive Leaf Storms to defeat Golem, then Gliscor evaded its next attack and knocked Serperior out with X-Scissor.
• Xiaoyun persuaded his reluctant Spiritomb to battle by promising not to call on it for two years if it won.
• Spiritomb burned and confused Gliscor, then landed Hex to defeat it.
• Granny Bertha sent out Golurk, which overwhelmed Spiritomb with Shadow Punch and Heavy Slam, knocking it out.

Xiaoyun defeated Granny Bertha’s Golurk with Torterra, then used the exclusive Z-Move Ultimate All-Encompassing Giant Wood Seal to knock out her Torterra, though both Pokémon collapsed. Bertha sent out Rhyperior, which defeated Xiaoyun’s Tyrantrum, before Bloodmoon Bear entered the battle and halted Rhyperior’s charge with its Blood Moon beam.

• Xiaoyun’s Torterra defeated Bertha’s Golurk after countering Shadow Force with Earthquake and finishing it with Wood Hammer.
• Bertha’s Torterra and Xiaoyun’s Torterra fought a prolonged battle until Xiaoyun’s exclusive Z-Move shattered Protect and knocked Bertha’s Torterra out, leaving both unable to battle.
• Bertha sent out Rhyperior, which defeated Xiaoyun’s Tyrantrum with Rock Wrecker and Hammer Arm.
• Xiaoyun sent out Bloodmoon Bear, which shattered Rhyperior’s Rock Slide with Hyper Voice and struck it with Earth Power.
• Bertha ordered Rhyperior to charge through Earth Power, but Bloodmoon Bear’s Blood Moon beam stopped it and knocked it down.

Xiaoyun’s Bond Bloodmoon Bear defeated Granny Bertha’s Hippowdon in a clash between Blood Moon Slash and Continental Crush, earning him his second victory in the Elite Four Challenge. Bertha congratulated Xiaoyun and urged him to keep challenging higher peaks.

• Granny Bertha sent out Hippowdon, whose Sand Stream filled the battlefield with a fierce sandstorm.
• Xiaoyun awakened Bloodmoon Bear’s Bond Phenomenon, transforming it into the powerful Bond Bloodmoon Bear.
• Bloodmoon Bear countered Hippowdon’s attacks with Hyper Voice, Earthquake, its blood moon blade, and Hammer Arm.
• Granny Bertha used Groundium Z to unleash Continental Crush, and Xiaoyun ordered Bloodmoon Bear to answer with Blood Moon Slash.
• Bloodmoon Bear’s slash defeated Hippowdon, securing Xiaoyun’s second Elite Four Challenge victory.
• Granny Bertha congratulated Xiaoyun, praised his strength and bond, and left to cheers from the stands.

After defeating two Elite Four members, Xiaoyun prepared to face Flint while his friends and rivals reacted to his victories. The chapter ended with Paul and Ash deciding to train harder after watching Xiaoyun battle.

• Flint argued with Aaron and hesitated about facing Xiaoyun, while Volkner and Lucian challenged his confidence.
• Xiaoyun returned to the lounge, where Dawn, Qing'an, Salvia, Barry, and the others congratulated him and discussed Flint's strength.
• Paul watched Xiaoyun defeat Granny Bertha and resolved to train Electivire, hoping to earn an Elite Four position if Xiaoyun became Champion.
• Ash and the Pokémon School students watched Xiaoyun's battle, and Ash vowed to grow stronger before their next match.

Xiaoyun faced Flint in the Sinnoh League Elite Four Challenge, where Flint’s Sunny Day-boosted Mega Houndoom overwhelmed Dragonite and claimed the first knockout. Xiaoyun sent Dragonite back and prepared to choose his next Pokémon.

• Flint opened with Houndoom and used Sunny Day as Xiaoyun sent out Dragonite.
• Flint Mega Evolved Houndoom, and Xiaoyun had Dragonite use Dragon Dance.
• Mega Houndoom struck Dragonite with Burn Up and Dark Pulse, then clashed with Dragonite’s Dragon Rush through Inferno.
• Dragonite was unable to battle, giving Flint the first knockout of the match.
• Xiaoyun recalled Dragonite and told Flint it was his turn.

Xiaoyun sent out Suicune, which defeated Flint’s Houndoom and Rapidash before Flint switched to Drifblim and used evasive Ghost-type tactics to drain Suicune’s stamina. Xiaoyun ordered Suicune to unleash Absolute Freezing Air, and the chapter ended as the freezing attack engulfed the arena and Drifblim.

• Xiaoyun summoned Suicune, which used Rain Dance to end Sunny Day and overwhelmed Flint’s Houndoom with water and ice attacks.
• Flint sent out Rapidash, but Suicune froze the rain-soaked ground and defeated it with Sheer Cold after it slipped.
• Flint brought out Drifblim and used Tailwind, Double Team, Curse, and Hex to avoid Suicune’s attacks and wear it down.
• Xiaoyun ordered Suicune to use Absolute Freezing Air, freezing the rain and seemingly catching Drifblim in the icy blast.

Xiaoyun and Flint traded Pokémon in a heated battle, with Floatzel defeating Flareon and Magmortar before Flint sent out his ace Infernape. Flint’s Infernape overwhelmed Xiaoyun’s Infernape, but Xiaoyun’s Pokémon rose from the crater in a powerful Bond Infernape form.

• Flint’s Drifblim defeated Suicune with Hex from behind its Substitute, but Xiaoyun’s Sirfetch’d used Scrappy to defeat Drifblim with Meteor Assault.
• Flint’s Flareon defeated Sirfetch’d, then Floatzel used Torrent and its water armor to defeat Flareon and Magmortar.
• Flint sent out his ace Infernape, and Xiaoyun answered with his own Infernape for a head-to-head battle.
• Flint’s Infernape struck Xiaoyun’s Infernape into a crater with a powerful Fire Punch and rushed in to finish it.
• Xiaoyun’s Infernape punched Flint’s Infernape from underground, then emerged transformed into Bond Infernape.

Xiaoyun and his Infernape defeated Flint’s Infernape after it entered Bond Phenomenon, leaving Flint eager for a rematch. Xiaoyun’s Elite Four Challenge reached its third victory.

• Xiaoyun’s Infernape entered Bond Phenomenon and overpowered Flint’s Infernape in close combat with a fire staff.
• Flint’s Infernape unleashed the Z-Move All-Out Pummeling, but Xiaoyun’s Infernape countered with Sea-Calming Staff Strike and defeated it.
• Flint accepted his loss, congratulated Xiaoyun, and asked how he had achieved Bond Phenomenon, but Xiaoyun kept it secret.
• Flint promised to win next time, and Xiaoyun secured his third victory in the Elite Four Challenge.

Kenny watched Xiaoyun defeat Flint and struggled with envy and admiration as he compared their journeys. On Lily of the Valley Island, Lucian prepared for his upcoming battle with Xiaoyun, while Paul responded to Xiaoyun’s victories by ordering more training.

• Kenny watched Xiaoyun defeat Flint and admitted he wanted his own moment in the spotlight, though he considered focusing on Pokémon Contests instead.
• Flint complained about his loss, and Lucian explained that Xiaoyun’s Infernape had overwhelmed him with a blow beyond an ordinary Z-Move.
• Lucian said Xiaoyun’s aggressive style might be less effective against his Psychic-type tactics, earning Granny Bertha’s approval and Flint and Aaron’s scorn.
• Paul switched off the television and ordered extra training, telling Electivire that he could not waste time while Xiaoyun advanced to his fourth Elite Four challenge.

On the night before his fourth Elite Four battle, Xiaoyun reassured Dawn that she could pursue her dream of becoming a Top Coordinator while staying by his side. The next day, Xiaoyun defeated Lucian’s Espeon with Greninja, and Lucian sent out Alakazam for the second round.

• Dawn worried that Xiaoyun’s life as Champion would separate them, and he promised to support her Coordinator ambitions and travel with her.
• Lina and the others interrupted Xiaoyun and Dawn on the balcony, then teased them as they went downstairs hand in hand.
• At the Sinnoh League stadium, Xiaoyun began his fourth challenge against Psychic-type Elite Four member Lucian, who led with Espeon against Greninja.
• Espeon paralyzed Greninja with Thunder Wave, but Greninja used Mud Shot to change types and evade the ensuing Shadow Ball barrage.
• Greninja used Substitute and a point-blank Water Shuriken barrage to knock out Espeon, giving Xiaoyun the opening victory.
• Lucian acknowledged his lack of information about Greninja and sent out Alakazam for the next round.

Lucian defeated Xiaoyun’s Greninja with Alakazam, then used Mr. Mime’s barriers and Mega Medicham to counter Hydreigon and Absol. Xiaoyun sent out Kingambit, whose Supreme Overlord Ability empowered it after three teammates had fallen, leaving the battle poised for another clash.

• Lucian’s Alakazam defeated Greninja with a point-blank Thunder Punch after evading and countering Xiaoyun’s attacks.
• Xiaoyun’s Hydreigon unleashed repeated triple attacks, but Lucian’s Mr. Mime blocked them with barriers and defeated Hydreigon with Dazzling Gleam.
• Xiaoyun’s Absol broke through Mr. Mime’s Light Screen with Taunt and Night Slash, prompting Lucian to recall Mr. Mime.
• Lucian Mega Evolved Medicham, which defeated Absol with High Jump Kick and Force Palm before it could Mega Evolve.
• Xiaoyun sent out Kingambit, whose Supreme Overlord Ability activated after three of his Pokémon had fallen.

Xiaoyun defeated Lucian’s final Pokémon with Deoxys, completing a clean sweep of the Sinnoh Elite Four. The host announced that Xiaoyun would challenge Cynthia for the Champion title in three days.

• Medicham’s High Jump Kick failed to overpower Kingambit, and Xiaoyun’s combined Night Slash and Kowtow Cleave knocked Medicham out of Mega Evolution.
• Gallade used Teleport and Sacred Sword to battle Kingambit, but both Pokémon fell after Kingambit unleashed its new One Mist Silver move.
• Mega Metagross defeated Lucian’s Mr. Mime with Planetary Devastation, leaving Bronzong as Lucian’s final Pokémon.
• Xiaoyun summoned Deoxys at Lucian’s request, and Deoxys shifted through its forms to withstand Bronzong’s attacks and defeat it with Psycho Boost.
• The referee declared Xiaoyun the winner, and the host announced his Champion challenge against Cynthia in three days.

Xiaoyun questioned whether he could shoulder the responsibility of becoming Champion, and Cynthia encouraged him to challenge her at his strongest. The championship battle began before a packed stadium, where Milotic reflected Luxray’s Thunder back at it with Mirror Coat.

• Xiaoyun and Cynthia discussed the Champion’s responsibilities, and Cynthia told him she believed he was qualified to take over.
• Cynthia asked Xiaoyun not to hold back in their battle and requested that he approve her leave to visit the ruins in Celestic Town if he became Champion.
• Xiaoyun’s family and friends wished him luck before he entered the stadium for the six-on-six championship battle against Cynthia.
• Cynthia sent out Milotic, and Xiaoyun chose Luxray, whose Intimidate lowered Milotic’s Attack.
• Xiaoyun ordered Luxray to use Thunder, but Milotic used Mirror Coat and returned the strike at twice its power.

Xiaoyun’s Luxray lost to Cynthia’s Milotic after Cynthia countered its powerful Thundering Might and finished it with Hydro Vortex. Xiaoyun sent out Garchomp, whose Dragon Dance surprised Cynthia and gave him a promising start to the next battle.

• Luxray used Thundering Might, but Cynthia’s Milotic combined Surf and Twister to form a waterspout that dispersed the lightning and protected it.
• Cynthia’s Milotic defeated Luxray with Hydro Vortex, leaving Xiaoyun’s first Pokémon unable to battle.
• Barry started to tease Xiaoyun, but Dawn warned him to stop, and Barry quickly pretended he had wanted Xiaoyun to win.
• Xiaoyun sent out Garchomp, and Cynthia recognized it as the Pokémon from the Lily of the Valley Conference.
• Xiaoyun ordered Garchomp to use Dragon Dance, startling Cynthia because her own Garchomp did not know the move.

Xiaoyun and Cynthia’s battle continued with Garchomp and Roserade knocking each other out, followed by a dramatic double knockout between Mismagius and Cynthia’s Spiritomb. The battle remained unresolved as both Trainers prepared to choose their next Pokémon.

• Cynthia switched Milotic for Roserade, whose attacks poisoned Garchomp and trapped it in venomous quicksand.
• Garchomp used Dragon Rush with Sand Tomb to form a giant sand dragon, and its clash with Roserade’s Energy Ball left both Pokémon unable to battle.
• Cynthia sent out her composed Spiritomb, and Xiaoyun chose Mismagius, which tried and failed to put Spiritomb to sleep.
• Mismagius and Spiritomb traded Ghost-type attacks until Spiritomb struck Mismagius at close range and angered it.
• Mismagius unleashed Dark Void, engulfing both Pokémon; the referee declared them both unable to battle.

Xiaoyun sent Aerodactyl against Cynthia’s Togekiss, and Aerodactyl provoked it into abandoning its composure. Aerodactyl’s Bond Form and Energy Cannon defeated Togekiss, leaving Cynthia stunned as she prepared to choose her next Pokémon.

• Cynthia sent out Togekiss as her fourth Pokémon, and Xiaoyun chose Aerodactyl to face it.
• Aerodactyl insulted Togekiss until the normally gentle Pokémon lost its temper and attacked without waiting for Cynthia’s command.
• Togekiss unleashed a barrage of moves, and one Aura Sphere struck Aerodactyl.
• Cynthia ordered Togekiss to use Sky Attack, but Xiaoyun activated Aerodactyl’s Bond Form and commanded Energy Cannon.
• Togekiss and Aerodactyl collided in a massive explosion, and Togekiss fell, unable to battle.
• Cynthia was stunned by the loss and felt she had barely taken part in the round.

Xiaoyun’s Lucario defeated Cynthia’s Lucario with the Aura-powered Fist of Heaven after showcasing its exceptional Aura control and Bond Phenomenon. Cynthia sent Milotic back into battle, leaving Xiaoyun to face her final Pokémon.

• Xiaoyun recalled his tired Aerodactyl and sent out Lucario to face Cynthia’s Lucario.
• Xiaoyun’s Lucario used Aura to defend, countered Cynthia’s attacks with precise technique, and struck with Aura Fist.
• Xiaoyun activated Bond Phenomenon, transforming Lucario into Bond Lucario.
• Xiaoyun ordered Fist of Heaven, and Bond Lucario knocked out Cynthia’s Lucario with a strike of concentrated Aura.
• Cynthia sent Milotic back onto the field, recovered to about eighty percent of its strength.

Lucario defeated Cynthia’s Milotic, leaving Cynthia with only Garchomp against Xiaoyun’s two remaining Pokémon. Garchomp and Sceptile resumed their rivalry from three years earlier, revealed their new final forms, and began a high-speed battle whose outcome remained undecided.

• Lucario overcame Milotic’s Recover strategy with a Big Ball Aura Sphere and won its second consecutive battle, while Xiaoyun still had two Pokémon and Cynthia had one.
• Cynthia sent out Garchomp, and Xiaoyun answered with Sceptile, renewing their rivalry from the decisive battle three years earlier.
• Sceptile dodged Garchomp’s attacks and shattered its Dragon Rush with Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki, surprising Cynthia with its growth.
• Cynthia Mega Evolved Garchomp into its speed-focused Z Form, and Xiaoyun activated Sceptile’s Bond Phenomenon.
• Mega Garchomp and Bond Sceptile clashed at extreme speed, leaving the spectators unable to follow their movements.

Hanyu Yun defeated Cynthia's Garchomp with Sceptile's Divine Departure and became Sinnoh's new Champion. After receiving his medal and trophy, he discovered Cynthia and the Elite Four were eager to leave their duties to him.

• Sceptile used Divine Departure to defeat Cynthia's Garchomp, and the announcer declared Hanyu Yun the new Sinnoh Champion.
• Cynthia handed Hanyu Yun her Champion's cape, and they shook hands for a historic photograph as the crowd celebrated.
• Hanyu Yun's family and friends celebrated his victory, while Paul decided to train harder and Kenny felt overwhelmed by the gap between them.
• Daniel presented Hanyu Yun with the Champion's medal and trophy, and Hanyu Yun vowed to protect Sinnoh and lead its Trainers toward a brighter future.
• At the celebratory banquet, Cynthia and the Elite Four asked Hanyu Yun to approve their leave, then Cynthia slipped away and left him to manage the requests.

Champion Xiaoyun struggled under the Sinnoh League’s paperwork until he forced the Elite Four to return to work, then relied on Paul’s efficiency to ease his burden. Paul assigned Xiaoyun to attend the Grand Festival finals, where he planned to support Dawn, and Xiaoyun escaped Paul’s offer to spar until he returned.

• Xiaoyun complained that the Champion’s workload had overwhelmed him while Lucian, Flint, and Aaron were away from their posts.
• Xiaoyun threatened to resign in a group chat, prompting Lucian, Flint, and Aaron to return and resume their duties.
• Cynthia recruited Paul to replace Bertha, and Paul became the new Ground-type Elite Four member after defeating her Hippowdon.
• Paul efficiently prepared paperwork for Xiaoyun to approve and assigned him to oversee the Grand Festival finals because Dawn had reached them.
• Xiaoyun accepted the assignment to cheer for Dawn and fled when Paul agreed to spar with him after his return.