Chapter Summaries

Alder chaired a meeting at Indigo Plateau to finalize preparations for the Indigo Plateau Conference and review Alliance affairs. Lance added Tetsuya Tamaki to the Talent Reserve System, and Lorelei began reporting on tremors at the Seafoam Islands.

• Alder reviewed the conference preparations and gave departments instructions on security, registration, venues, volunteers, and catering.
• Lance reported Kanto Alliance investigation figures and announced sixteen trainers selected for the new Talent Reserve System, including Tetsuya Tamaki.
• When representatives questioned Tetsuya’s inclusion, Lance said he had personally recommended him and consulted Professor Oak.
• Lorelei began her report by raising the recent tremors at the Seafoam Islands.

The League’s leaders discussed the Seafoam Islands incident and concluded that Team Rocket would return to target Articuno, so they assigned Lorelei and Bruno to investigate with sixteen promising Trainers. Tetsuya accepted the League’s guard mission and received instructions to gather the next morning, though the message came from an unknown number.

• Lorelei reported that Team Rocket was behind the Seafoam Islands incident, and Blaine said he had encountered the group retreating after their failed attempt against Articuno.
• President Alder assigned Lorelei and Bruno to stop Team Rocket before the conference, and Lance arranged for sixteen promising Trainers to join them.
• The Gym Leaders reported that several regional incidents had been resolved, while Giovanni was absent because he had gone to catch a peculiar Pokemon.
• Lance asked Lorelei about her relationship with Articuno, but she teased him and left without answering.
• Tetsuya accepted the League’s nonmandatory guard mission and received a meeting location for seven the next morning from an unknown number.

Tetsuya and the others traveled with Lorelei and Bruno to the Seafoam Islands, where Team Rocket was suspected of pursuing an experiment involving the Legendary Birds. The League team landed amid the islands’ inexplicable snow and prepared to investigate.

• Lorelei told Bruno that Team Rocket wanted the Legendary Birds’ genes, though the League did not know the details of its experiment.
• Tetsuya, Yezang, and Lorelei Yazi discussed the mission and their achievements during the airship journey, while Tetsuya and Bruno restrained Yezang after he mocked them.
• Lorelei and Bruno discussed the League’s response and the people guarding Vermilion City in case trouble arose.
• Tetsuya and the others saw the snow-covered peaks and Seafoam Islands as their airship approached.
• The League airship contacted Ground Base, landed in the snow, and the group exited wearing Explorer Suits.

Lorelei and Bruno investigated the Pokemon guarding Articuno beneath Seafoam Islands, and Lorelei prepared to enter the ice caves after learning Articuno was deeper inside than expected. She also learned Team Rocket had fled to the Sevrii Islands after leaving Pokemon corpses and traces of equipment on Time Island, Five Island.

• Shiraki Maya reported that probes had mapped three defensive lines of Pokemon beneath Seafoam Islands and suggested Articuno was near the core area.
• Lorelei realized Articuno's usual living area was deeper than the location on the map and ordered ice cave equipment and supplies prepared for herself and Bruno.
• Lorelei revealed that most of her Main Team had been caught in the underground ice layer, reassuring Bruno that she could get past the Pokemon guarding Articuno.
• Shiraki Maya reported that Team Rocket was hiding on the Sevrii Islands and that residents had been evacuated without casualties.
• Shiraki Maya told Lorelei that Pokemon corpses and signs of transported equipment had been found on Time Island, Five Island, but Team Rocket had already withdrawn.

Lorelei and Bruno entered the Seafoam Islands cave to check on the injured Articuno, while Tetsuya was left in charge of the young Trainers waiting outside. Articuno allowed Lorelei to approach, and Bruno suspected it would soon accept her as its Trainer, threatening Lance’s chances of becoming Champion.

• Lorelei decided to investigate Team Rocket’s bases later and took the prepared medicine before heading to Articuno’s cave with Bruno.
• Lorelei and Bruno appointed Tetsuya temporary captain and left him with the young Trainers while they went inside.
• Tetsuya met the other young Trainers, and they discussed their families, Fossil Revitalization Technology, and Breeder knowledge while the girls gossiped about his relationships.
• Bruno found the cave’s icy pillars weakened and waited outside while Lorelei’s Jynx communicated with the Jynx guarding Articuno.
• After hearing Articuno’s faint cry, Lorelei entered the cave, and Bruno suspected Articuno had already begun to accept her and that Lance would lose his chance to become Champion.

Tetsuya led the independent Genius Squad toward Fifth Island to investigate Team Rocket’s warehouse. After reaching Time Island, the squad began scouting the supposedly empty island for hidden enemies.

• Tetsuya told Shiraki Maya that the Genius Squad would act independently and head to Fifth Island, and Shiraki reported their departure to Alliance High Command.
• At Indigo Plateau, the League leaders accepted that the young trainers had left to pursue adventure and resumed their meeting.
• Tetsuya arranged a speedboat, and the squad traveled from Seafoam Islands to Time Island using the boat and five Water-type Pokémon.
• After arriving at dusk, Yezang became seasick, while the squad rested briefly and sent their Pokémon in different directions to scout.

Tetsuya’s team discovered that Team Rocket members still occupied the warehouse on Time Island, then prepared a coordinated large-scale attack. The chapter ended as the Water-type Pokémon launched a synchronized Surf toward the warehouse.

• Tetsuya’s team used their Pokémon’s different abilities to search the island and found Team Rocket members guarding the warehouse.
• Drake’s Gengar and Yuto Shun’s Alakazam gathered information about the warehouse’s rooms, personnel, and cameras.
• Tetsuya decided to attack openly, ordering Alakazam to create an illusion and Gengar to disrupt the guards’ senses.
• Tetsuya’s team arranged their Water-, Electric-, and Fire-type Pokémon for a broad assault, while Joy Caicai and the other support members prepared to aid them.
• Tetsuya gave the command, and the Water-type Pokémon began their synchronized Surf.

Tetsuya and the others flooded a Team Rocket warehouse, forcing its occupants to evacuate before setting off an explosion. The blast destroyed the warehouse while leaving the group watching safely nearby.

• Two Team Rocket guards outside the warehouse chatted until the incoming flood shattered Alakazam's illusion and triggered an emergency alarm.
• The Team Rocket leader ordered everyone to evacuate through separate routes as rising water and electric currents disrupted their escape.
• Tetsuya's group captured the guards and their Pokémon, then waited while Alakazam monitored the warehouse occupants.
• Tetsuya explained that he planned to set off fireworks only after everyone had escaped, and the Team Rocket leader carried Researcher Mari to safety.
• Tetsuya ordered six Fire-type Pokémon to use Flamethrower, detonating the warehouse as the group watched the explosion.

Tetsuya and the others defeated Team Rocket on Fifth Island, captured its members, and returned to the Alliance’s custody. After the League recalled the group to the Seafoam Islands, their mission continued.

• Tetsuya’s team used layered defenses to withstand the explosion, then subdued the surviving Team Rocket members, who surrendered or fainted.
• Tetsuya called Shiraki Maya, who arranged for logistics to collect the twenty-two captives, while Bruno Zongshu explained why the young Trainers had little real combat experience.
• Tetsuya reflected on the differences between noble-born and commoner Trainers and President Alder’s reforms to broaden the Trainer profession.
• Shirai Takenori arrived aboard Alliance Escort Ship D78, loaded the Team Rocket members into cages, and flew away after Tetsuya described the destroyed warehouse as fireworks.
• The Seafoam Islands mission team received a message ordering them to return immediately.

Tetsuya and the others rushed to Seafoam Islands, where Bruno and the League forces were battling Team Rocket. As Tetsuya's group joined the fight, One-Eyed Dragon ordered hidden reinforcements toward the battlefield, and Shiraki Maya tasked Tetsuya with guarding the outer entrance.

• Tetsuya and the other Trainers flew toward Seafoam Islands on their Pokemon while he and Yezang hid their speedboat before catching up.
• Bruno's Machamp battered Team Rocket's Pokemon as Shiraki Maya's Special Forces suppressed the remaining attackers, while One-Eyed Dragon tried to keep Bruno occupied.
• Tetsuya, Bruno Zongshu, and Officer Jenny Airi arrived and attacked Team Rocket, with Airi's Arcanine knocking Electrode into the enemy ranks and triggering explosions.
• The rest of the group arrived amid another blast, and One-Eyed Dragon ordered Team Rocket's concealed reinforcements to move in.
• After the League learned that Team Rocket was advancing, Shiraki Maya instructed Tetsuya and the others to guard the outer entrance.

League Trainers and their Pokémon fought Team Rocket’s reinforcements at Seafoam Islands while Bruno overwhelmed One-Eyed Dragon’s forces. The chapter ended as Instrument Number Three released a yellow wave into the ground, with its effects still unknown.

• An intelligence report revealed that Team Rocket had sent fifteen groups to reinforce the valley, and Joy Caicai stayed behind to provide support.
• Bruno Zongshu, Officer Jenny Airi, Tetsuya, and the other League Trainers engaged successive Team Rocket squads as Rock- and Ground-type Pokémon blocked the valley’s entrances.
• Bruno’s Machamp easily countered One-Eyed Dragon’s attacks, prompting One-Eyed Dragon to order his researchers to activate Instrument Number Three.
• Bruno ordered Machamp to release, and it defeated the Team Rocket Pokémon around it before One-Eyed Dragon sent in five more Elite Four Level Pokémon.
• Machamp rapidly incapacitated Starmie, Weezing, Persian, Weavile, and Houndoom, while Instrument Number Three sent an earthy yellow wave into the ground.

Team Rocket’s underground device triggered a disturbance that seemed to anger Articuno, whose worsening storm battered Seafoam Islands and forced both sides to seek shelter. Tetsuya survived the hail in a shelter made by Gigalith while the League waited for Lorelei to deal with the Legendary Pokémon.

• Bruno and Shiraki Maya waited as Team Rocket’s underground device took effect, and Machamp sensed a reaction beneath them.
• Darkness, stronger snowfall, and violent changes at sea spread across Seafoam Islands, so Bruno ordered the League forces to withdraw from the area.
• Tetsuya defeated Murkrow and Crawdaunt with Pidgeot and Blaziken, then used Gigalith’s Rock Tomb to shelter from the hail.
• The League’s protective barrier held inside the valley, but its members could not contact Lorelei because the signal was blocked.
• Team Rocket’s battered forces scrambled to dig shelters as the hail intensified, and crisp birdsong sounded through the storm.

Lorelei and Articuno fought Athena’s Team Rocket forces in Seafoam Islands, where a strange instrument used a red stone slab to neutralize Ice attacks. An earthy yellow energy wave disrupted the device, letting Athena escape while Lorelei gave chase; Articuno stayed behind with the captured Team Rocket members and examined the instrument.

• Athena and Lorelei exchanged attacks across the instrument’s divide between icy and heated cave terrain, while its energy prevented Lorelei’s Ice moves from reaching Team Rocket.
• Weavile tried to destroy the instrument but was overwhelmed, and Lorelei identified the red stone slab as the source of the force injuring Articuno.
• Lorelei learned Team Rocket expected to finish activating the instrument in five minutes, while Articuno’s lingering injuries limited its strength.
• An earthy yellow energy wave interrupted the standoff, allowing Lorelei’s combined Blizzard to slow the heat and prompting Athena to seize the red slab and flee on Honchkrow.
• Lorelei pursued Athena and told Articuno not to kill the abandoned Team Rocket members; Articuno and the cave’s Pokemon defeated them.
• Articuno inspected the inactive instrument as blue-white energy ripples suppressed the earthy yellow energy around it.

Lorelei and Bruno assessed the aftermath of Team Rocket’s failed operation on Seafoam Islands, while Tetsuya and his companions discussed the mission and their plans for the Indigo Plateau Conference. Bruno met the young trainers and challenged the four who planned to compete to a friendly wager.

• Lorelei tracked Athena through the ice caverns but found no exit, then joined Bruno at the temporary base to examine the device that had suppressed Articuno’s Ice-type energy.
• Bruno and Lorelei learned that Athena had abandoned her agents, and Shiraki Maya reported that the Seafoam Islands cleanup was complete apart from a Team Rocket warehouse destroyed by Tetsuya’s group.
• Lorelei headed for Celadon City, while Bruno went to speak with Tetsuya and the other young trainers outside the valley.
• Yezang bragged about surviving the hail, and Tetsuya reminded him that he still needed three Gym badges before the Indigo Plateau Conference.
• Bruno asked the group about their companions and Conference plans, learned that Tetsuya, Yezang, Kimiya, and Luping would compete, and encouraged Harakaido Kabei and Yamashiro Kimiya to prioritize their research.
• Bruno proposed treating whichever of the four competitors ranked highest to a Rage Candy Bar.

Tetsuya and the others accepted Bruno’s offer to visit a Move Tutor who could teach their Starter Pokemon powerful Ultimate Moves, and spent the night on Silph Hiroki’s private island. The next morning, Bruno led the group on an exhausting swim toward Ends of the Earth House, warning them that a cliff climb awaited them too.

• Tetsuya agreed to compete for a ranking and welcomed Bruno’s reward, while the group teased one another and grew more comfortable together.
• Silph Hiroki offered the group a stay on his private island, and Bruno offered them a chance to have their Starter Pokemon learn Ultimate Moves without the initial trial.
• Bruno explained the power and STAB of Ultimate Moves, then warned that many Pokemon would still fail to master them without the tutor’s training trial.
• The group traveled to Silph Hiroki’s island, ate together, and discussed training methods for improving Pokemon’s resistance to type advantages.
• The next morning, Bruno announced he would take them to the Move Tutor, then led the group into the sea for a long swim toward Ends of the Earth House.
• Tetsuya warned the exhausted swimmers that they would also have to climb a cliff after reaching the destination.

Tetsuya and the others climbed a cliff to reach Mrs. Boolin, who assessed their bonds with their Starter Pokemon and taught Tetsuya and Blaziken the principles of Blast Burn. Tetsuya left by Pidgeot for Indigo Plateau, eager to reach his destination.

• Bruno gave the exhausted group Energy Bars, and they climbed the cliff, with Tetsuya reaching the top before Zongshu.
• Machamp carried Bruno and Blissey up the cliff, and Bruno led the group to Mrs. Boolin's house.
• Mrs. Boolin assessed the Trainers and their Pokemon, praising Tetsuya and Blaziken's talent and trust and sensing their strong bond.
• Mrs. Boolin taught Tetsuya and Blaziken how to develop Blast Burn by compressing and unleashing fire's power.
• Tetsuya realized he was running late, recalled Blaziken, and flew toward Indigo Plateau on Pidgeot.

Tetsuya reached Indigo Plateau, was fined for flying into a restricted zone, and completed his pre-registration and check-in at the Athlete's Village. He settled into his room with his Pokémon and planned to resume training the next day.

• Tetsuya traveled to Indigo Plateau with Pidgeot and Blaziken, then flew toward the town despite the no-fly rules.
• Officer Jenny stopped Tetsuya and Pidgeot, fined them 20,000 Alliance Coins, and let them go after scolding them.
• Tetsuya checked in at the Athlete's Village with his Eight Badges and Pokédex, receiving the key to room B34.
• Tetsuya passed silver-haired Trainer Toru Suzuki, and both wondered whether they would get a chance to battle.
• Tetsuya settled into his room as his six Pokémon explored, then outlined their training plans before they all fell asleep.

Tetsuya arranged intensified training for his Pokémon and brought Servine to challenge a battle arena. Servine faced Lang’s Seadra and used Attract and Leech Seed, while Seadra countered with Whirlpool.

• Tetsuya began planning harder training, assigning Blaziken to practice compressing and releasing Ember and setting training plans for the rest of his team.
• Tetsuya suggested that Servine challenge an arena, and Servine eagerly agreed.
• Tetsuya took Servine to the battle building, where they chose Lang’s Seadra as their opponent.
• After Seadra’s rest interval, Mercenary’s Servine battled Lang’s Seadra in an arena with a central pool.
• Tetsuya commanded Attract, but Lang had Seadra dive to avoid it.
• Tetsuya followed with Leech Seed to spread vines across the water, and Lang ordered Seadra to use Whirlpool.

Tetsuya’s Servine defeated Lang’s Seadra and claimed the arena championship after a hard-fought battle. As Tetsuya and Lang went to recover and discuss the match, President Alder arrived and said he had something to tell Tetsuya.

• Servine used Double Team and Vine Whip to draw Seadra out of the pool, then borrowed its momentum to slam it onto the ground.
• Servine’s Energy Ball clashed with Seadra’s Hydro Pump, and Tetsuya used the opening to land Leech Seed on Seadra.
• Lang used Twister to shake off Leech Seed, but Servine charged Solar Beam and blasted Seadra through the storm.
• Tetsuya admitted this was his first year as a Trainer, then had Servine finish Seadra with Magical Leaf while Lang was distracted.
• The referee declared Tetsuya the arena champion, and Tetsuya and Lang went to Joy to recover their Pokémon.
• President Alder approached Tetsuya and said he had something to tell him.

President Alder selected Tetsuya to carry the Sacred Flame from Viridian City to the Indigo Plateau Conference opening ceremony. After an exhausting string of victories with Servine, Tetsuya entered one last battle, where Servine began to evolve.

• President Alder told Tetsuya that he had been chosen as Viridian City's Sacred Flame Runner for the Conference's second-to-last relay leg, and Tetsuya accepted.
• Lang left to train after wishing Tetsuya luck, while Tetsuya returned to the arena to battle more Conference contestants with Servine.
• Tetsuya and Servine built a winning streak that reached seventeen victories, repeatedly recovering with help from Miss Joy and Chansey.
• Tetsuya continued battling despite their fatigue, and Qing's Scyther landed two powerful Bug-type attacks on Servine.
• As Scyther rushed in to finish Servine, a White Light of evolution appeared around Servine, forcing Scyther to stop.