Chapter Summaries

Tetsuya and Prinplup defeated Daisuke’s Octillery in a Whirl Cup battle by enduring its attacks and finishing it with Brine and Water Gun. Afterward, Daisuke revealed he captained the S.S. Aqua, though Tetsuya questioned why the ship was not in Vermilion City as expected.

• Prinplup swallowed Octillery’s Bullet Seed while using Peck, surprising Daisuke.
• Prinplup used Agility and Bubble Beam to evade Octillery’s attacks, but it took a powerful Ice Beam after Octillery used Lock-On.
• Tetsuya had Prinplup exchange Water Gun attacks with Octillery until both Pokemon were weakened, then used Brine to exploit Octillery’s low stamina.
• Prinplup finished Octillery with Water Gun and won the battle.
• Tetsuya introduced himself to Daisuke, who said Lt. Surge had mentioned him and revealed that he captained the S.S. Aqua.
• Tetsuya noted that the S.S. Aqua should have been docked in Vermilion City, and Daisuke reacted indignantly.

Tetsuya secured permission to enter the Whirl Cup Main Competition with Alolan Vulpix as his second Pokémon, then attended the opening ceremony and learned the Sea Spirit Scepter had reacted to him. He began his first match against Xiaofu by sending out Alolan Vulpix.

• Daisuke told Tetsuya that the S.S. Aqua had been suspended for half a year and recalled serving alongside Lt. Surge during the war.
• Tetsuya realized he lacked a second eligible Water-type Pokémon, so Miss Joy arranged for him to register Alolan Vulpix under special rules.
• Shrine Maiden Maya opened the Whirl Cup and used the Sea Spirit Scepter to bless the arena, but the scepter trembled toward Tetsuya.
• Tetsuya drew the first match against Xiaofu and sent out Alolan Vulpix after the battle began.

Tetsuya’s Alolan Vulpix defeated Xiaofu’s Tentacool with Powder Snow and Moonblast, then faced Xiaofu’s Sharpedo. As Sharpedo charged in with Aqua Jet, Tetsuya had Alolan Vulpix leap away and began a counterattack.

• The crowd admired Tetsuya’s Alolan Vulpix, while Xiaofu underestimated its strength and sent out Tentacool.
• Tetsuya ordered Alolan Vulpix to use Powder Snow, which overpowered Tentacool’s Acid and slowed it down.
• Alolan Vulpix used Moonblast, and Tentacool’s attempt to return the attack with Mirror Coat failed as it lost consciousness.
• Xiaofu recalled Tentacool and sent out Sharpedo, which rushed toward Alolan Vulpix with Aqua Jet.
• Tetsuya told Alolan Vulpix to jump and use Icy Wind to freeze Sharpedo’s rear.

Tetsuya defeated Xiaofu in the tournament with Alolan Vulpix, then accepted Shrine Maiden Maya’s invitation to meet her teacher. The Old Shrine Maiden recognized a fluctuation from the Sea Spirit Scepter and began asking about Tetsuya’s origins in Viridian City.

• Tetsuya’s Alolan Vulpix froze Sharpedo and its Floating Board, then used Snow Warning and Aurora Veil to conceal its Moonblast attacks.
• Alolan Vulpix knocked Sharpedo out with Moonblast, giving Tetsuya the match after both of Xiaofu’s Pokemon were unable to battle.
• Tetsuya considered Alolan Vulpix’s wish for a satisfying battle before it evolved with an Ice Stone, then reunited with it after its recovery.
• Shrine Maiden Maya invited Tetsuya to meet her teacher, and he agreed and followed her through the Ancient Arena.
• The Old Shrine Maiden told Tetsuya she had sensed the Sea Spirit Scepter’s unusual fluctuation before and asked whether he was from Viridian City.

The Old Shrine Maiden explained the known human special abilities to Tetsuya and used the Sea Spirit Scepter to reveal his own power. Tetsuya recognized the vision as the Tree of Beginning and suspected he possessed Aura Power, leaving the shrine with a rough idea of his ability.

• The Old Shrine Maiden described Psychic powers, Aura Power, Aura, Aura Sphere, Dragon Power, and other recorded abilities to Tetsuya.
• The Old Shrine Maiden explained that Viridian residents could have unusual potential and told Tetsuya that he possessed a special ability, though it was not Aura.
• The Old Shrine Maiden used the Sea Spirit Scepter to show Tetsuya a vision, and the experience caused him intense pain before she healed him.
• Tetsuya described seeing green rock crystals and Pokemon, then recognized the scene as the Tree of Beginning from his past life.
• Tetsuya concluded that he likely had Aura Power and connected it to his Blaziken's exceptional Aura talent.

Tetsuya faced Masayuki in a two-on-two Whirl Cup battle, where Prinplup was outmatched by Poliwrath’s Water Absorb and greater strength. After Prinplup was knocked out, Tetsuya sent out Alolan Vulpix and began their evenly matched fight.

• The old shrine maiden explained Aura Users to Tetsuya and blessed him before his match.
• Tetsuya sent out Prinplup against Masayuki’s Poliwrath, whose Water Absorb nullified Prinplup’s Water Gun.
• Prinplup traded attacks with Poliwrath but was overwhelmed by its strength and Focus Punch, then lost its combat capability.
• Tetsuya recalled Prinplup and sent out Alolan Vulpix against Poliwrath.
• When Masayuki ordered Poliwrath to charge with Brick Break, Tetsuya commanded Alolan Vulpix to use Disable.

Tetsuya's Alolan Vulpix evolved into Alolan Ninetales during its battle with Masayuki's Poliwrath, then overwhelmed Poliwrath with powerful Ice-type attacks and won the match. The spectators marveled at Alolan Ninetales' strength and wondered about its pink move.

• Alolan Vulpix used Disable to make Poliwrath crash into the water, then used Icy Wind to clear Poliwrath's Bubble cover and freeze the floating board.
• Poliwrath approached underwater and tried to grab Alolan Vulpix, but slipped on the frozen board; it later used Mind's Eye to locate Alolan Vulpix through Hail and hit it with Hydro Pump.
• Poliwrath blocked Alolan Vulpix's Ice Beam, and Alolan Vulpix revealed an Ice Stone before striking it to trigger its evolution into Alolan Ninetales.
• Tetsuya ordered Alolan Ninetales to use Ice Shard, and it launched giant ice balls that exhausted and battered Poliwrath.
• Alolan Ninetales appeared beside Poliwrath on the water, used a pink move to knock it out, and won the match.

Tetsuya and Alolan Ninetales defeated Masayuki in the Whirl Cup, advancing to the Top 16 after Ninetales overwhelmed Slowbro with a boosted Blizzard. At the Pokemon Center, Tetsuya reflected on the team’s tournament results and encouraged Prinplup and Ninetales to lead the team at the Alliance Conference.

• The spectators identified Alolan Ninetales’s Dazzling Gleam as a powerful move, and Masayuki sent out his rare Psychic-type Slowbro after Poliwrath was defeated.
• Tetsuya ordered Ninetales to use White Mist, and Slowbro failed to locate it with Confusion before Masayuki had it attack with Surf.
• Ninetales emerged from the mist and unleashed a Nasty Plot-boosted Blizzard that froze Slowbro, giving Tetsuya the victory and a place in the Top 16.
• At the Kake City Pokemon Center, Tetsuya recalled Ninetales’s semifinal loss to Dewgong and praised Ninetales and Prinplup for their tournament performance.
• Prinplup, Dreepy, and Gible gathered around Ninetales as Tetsuya said he would rely on the two younger Pokemon at the Alliance Conference.

Tetsuya learned from Falkner that an exploration team had discovered unusual ruins near Route 38 and agreed to join the investigation after handling matters at Cianwood Gym. When cruise ships to Cianwood were full, he accepted a ride on the Anhara Family’s airship after meeting two fan twins who knew Kojiro.

• Tetsuya taught Gible to control the force of its bites after it injured his arm, then comforted it as its Pokémon companions gathered around.
• Falkner told Tetsuya that the exploration team had found ruins near Route 38, where detection instruments had exploded, and that Violet City and Olivine City would explore them jointly.
• Tetsuya agreed to travel to Cianwood Gym first and join the ruins investigation in about ten days to two weeks.
• Tetsuya found that cruise ships to Cianwood City were sold out and went to the Flight Station instead.
• Two twins from the Anhara Family recognized Tetsuya as a fan, and their attendant invited him aboard the family’s airship in Kojiro’s name.
• Tetsuya accepted the invitation as the twins asked to see Alolan Ninetales and Prinplup.

Tetsuya traveled by airship to Cianwood City after the Sasaki family asked him about Kojiro, who had vanished from their contact. He reunited with Asuka at the beach training ground and found him wrestling and training with Machoke.

• The Sasaki family asked Tetsuya about Kojiro, and he told them he had last spoken with him half a month earlier and believed Kojiro was on a confidential mission.
• Tetsuya suspected that Meowth's device might have helped Kojiro disappear from his family's notice.
• Tetsuya arrived in Cianwood City and headed to the beach training ground after hearing Asuka's shouts.
• Asuka evaded Machoke's attacks, but Machoke grabbed him and used Submission, sending him headfirst into the sand.
• Asuka praised and embraced Machoke before greeting Tetsuya, while Yuriko arrived and teased Asuka about his belly.

Tetsuya visited Cianwood Gym, where Asuka and Yuriko welcomed him and Yuriko promised him a coming-of-age gift. After discussing Tetsuya’s possible ruins exploration near Route 38, he and Asuka began a Gym battle before the apprentices, with Serperior facing Asuka’s Poliwrath.

• Asuka praised Tetsuya’s rapid progress, and Yuriko teased him about dating before promising him a coming-of-age gift.
• Asuka introduced Tetsuya to the Cianwood Gym apprentices as their Martial Uncle, and they greeted him in unison.
• Tetsuya summoned Gible to help finish the enormous meal Yuriko prepared, leaving Gible painfully overfull.
• Asuka warned Tetsuya to take care while exploring ruins near Route 38, especially if Unown were present, and they planned an entry ceremony for the afternoon.
• Asuka set the Gym battle as a one-on-one match capped at Quasi-Elite Four Level and sent out Poliwrath.
• Tetsuya chose Serperior to face Poliwrath, and the battle began before the gathered apprentices.

Tetsuya and Serperior defeated Asuka and Poliwrath in a battle that showcased their tactical use of Grass Knot, Grassy Terrain, U-turn, and Leech Seed. Asuka conceded, and Yuriko returned with an old acquaintance who was asked to help Poliwrath recover.

• Brawly refereed as Tetsuya and Asuka began their battle, with Serperior using Grass Knot against Poliwrath.
• Poliwrath broke through Serperior's first Grass Knot and landed Ice Punches, but both Pokémon recovered under Grassy Terrain.
• Asuka ordered Poliwrath to use Body Slam, and Tetsuya used U-turn to evade the attack and send Poliwrath crashing into the ground.
• Serperior trapped Poliwrath in a vine cage and drained its stamina with Leech Seed until Asuka conceded.
• Brawly declared Tetsuya the winner, and Yuriko arrived with an old acquaintance whom Asuka asked to help Poliwrath recover.

Tetsuya met Old Man Shuckle, who tested his Breeder knowledge and offered to make him a special present. Yuriko and Asuka also revealed their plan to ask the League to establish a Johto Safari Zone, leaving Tetsuya wondering who would direct it.

• Yuriko introduced Tetsuya to Old Man Shuckle, who treated Asuka's exhausted Poliwrath with Shuckle-made Berry Juice.
• Yuriko hinted that Tetsuya's present depended on his performance, and Old Man Shuckle quizzed him on Berry and Pokemon knowledge.
• Tetsuya answered all ten questions correctly, impressing Old Man Shuckle, who offered to teach him medicine-making before Asuka objected.
• Old Man Shuckle brought out eight Shuckle, including a Shiny one, and began preparing Tetsuya's present.
• Yuriko told Tetsuya that she and Asuka planned to ask the League to establish a Johto Safari Zone near them, and Tetsuya asked who would become its director.

Yuriko and Old Man Shuckle gave Tetsuya a lavish collection of potions to help his Pokémon grow, then Yuriko took him shopping before he departed. Tetsuya arrived in Olivine City as Yuriko worried that he hid his loneliness behind his cheerful manner.

• Yuriko explained that Baoba would establish Johto's Safari Zone while his son continued running the Kanto park, with Koga's agreement and a possible return to the Johto League.
• Old Man Shuckle prepared and presented Tetsuya with Affection Secret Potions and ten sets of ability-boosting potions, which Tetsuya accepted after thanking Yuriko.
• Yuriko sent Asuka to train the apprentices, then took Tetsuya around Olivine City and bought him clothes despite his protests.
• Yuriko and Asuka watched Tetsuya's ship depart, and Yuriko said she worried that he was less positive than he appeared.
• Tetsuya reached Olivine City at sunset and greeted the city beneath the lighthouse beam.

Tetsuya returned to Olivine City and met Daisuke and Amphy at a crowded sailors’ restaurant, where Daisuke revealed he planned to resign after the S.S. Aqua infiltration. Kojiro, Musashi, and Meowth then arrived, followed by an old man who claimed he had finally found Tetsuya by his scent.

• Tetsuya followed sailors to Olivine Restaurant and ordered two enormous set meals.
• Daisuke told Tetsuya that several members of Team Rocket, Team Magma, Team Aqua, and other Dark Organizations had infiltrated the S.S. Aqua, and said he planned to resign and become a Gym instructor under Lt. Surge.
• Amphy arrived, greeted Tetsuya, and asked how Ampharos was doing; Tetsuya assured her that Ampharos had grown much stronger.
• Musashi, Meowth, Kojiro, and an elderly man entered the restaurant after arguing about Suicune.
• Kojiro recognized Tetsuya and brought Musashi and Meowth over, while the elderly man rushed up and identified Tetsuya by his scent.

Tetsuya reunited with Kojiro and met Master Fan, Musashi, Meowth, and Amphy over dinner. When an unnatural roar of thunder sounded outside, Amphy and Daisuke went to investigate, and Tetsuya joined them, leaving Kojiro to head for the Pokemon Center.

• Tetsuya recognized Master Fan as the author of Ho-Oh Is My Life, and Master Fan eagerly sought to question him about the Goldenrod City incident.
• Tetsuya shared a meal with Kojiro, Musashi, Meowth, Amphy, Master Fan, and Shuijing, and offered Meowth high-grade canned cat food in exchange for future help.
• Tetsuya told Kojiro that the Anhara Family had asked about him, then reassured him that he had not revealed anything about his whereabouts.
• Meowth told Tetsuya that it had stopped evolving after learning to speak human language, and Tetsuya considered possible reasons for this.
• A tremendous, unnatural roar of thunder sounded, prompting Amphy, Daisuke, and the sailors to prepare to investigate the storm.
• Tetsuya gave Kojiro his room key and followed Amphy and Daisuke outside, while Meowth urged him not to go.

Tetsuya rushed to Olivine City’s harbor during a severe Pokémon attack and found Amphy battling an unknown Electric-type creature. Looker’s Boss identified it as the Ultra Beast Xurkitree and revealed it had appeared because a Faller was nearby, prompting Tetsuya to suspect the International Police had used Anabel as bait.

• Tetsuya and Daisuke joined the response to a storm-driven Pokémon attack on Olivine City’s harbor.
• After Officer Jenny said Amphy had gone toward a secluded area, Tetsuya used Blaziken to locate her and detected a powerful Electric-type presence.
• Tetsuya found Amphy and her Steelix battling an unfamiliar creature that resisted Steelix’s attacks by using Ingrain.
• Looker’s Boss arrived, identified the creature as Xurkitree, and explained that it was an Ultra Beast from another dimension.
• Looker’s Boss said Xurkitree had appeared because a Faller was in the area, and Tetsuya suspected the International Police had used Anabel as bait.

Tetsuya, Amphy, and Looker's Boss fought to contain an Ultra Beast, Xurkitree, during a storm near Olivine City. Anabel arrived and helped defeat and capture it, but Amphy then confronted Looker's Boss over the danger his mission had brought to the city.

• Tetsuya questioned Looker's Boss about Xurkitree's rampage, and Looker's Boss explained that the storm had strengthened it while weakening its usual counters.
• Amphy's Steelix and Looker's Boss's Krookodile fought Xurkitree while Tetsuya held back Pidgeot and Blaziken.
• Anabel arrived with Alakazam and a Krookodile, and their attacks combined with Steelix's Earth Power to defeat Xurkitree.
• Anabel captured Xurkitree in a Beast Ball and explained that it had likely tracked her while she was on a nearby mission.
• Amphy learned that Looker's Boss was a former International Police officer and ordered him to accompany her to the police station for identity verification.
• Anabel defended Looker's Boss, explaining that he remained on the International Police roster and had not intended to endanger Olivine City, leaving the group at an impasse.

After helping defend Olivine City, Tetsuya met with Amphy to discuss mysterious ruins north of the city, which they planned to investigate the next day. Amphy agreed to battle him first, while Tetsuya aimed to earn his final Johto Gym badge.

• Looker's Boss agreed to go with Anabel and the others to confirm his identity, while Olivine City's defenders finished repelling the Ocean Pokemon attack.
• Amphy introduced Tetsuya, Looker's Boss, and Anabel to Officer Jenny Hong, then sent Tetsuya back to the Pokemon Center and arranged to meet him at the Gym the next day.
• Tetsuya found Musashi, Kojiro, and Meowth enjoying his VIP room; after he startled them, the trio fled through the tenth-floor window.
• At the Olivine Gym, Amphy told Tetsuya that investigators had narrowed the ruins' location to four villages and towns north of Olivine City.
• Tetsuya agreed to investigate the village on Route 38 with Amphy and Falkner, then challenged Amphy to a battle for his final Johto Gym badge.

Tetsuya’s Dreepy defeated Amphy’s Magnemite in the first battle by triggering Cursed Body and exploiting Magnemite’s reliance on Thunder Shock. Amphy’s Ferroseed then quickly knocked Dreepy out, leaving Tetsuya to send out Prinplup for the deciding match.

• Amphy sent out Magnemite, while Tetsuya introduced Dreepy and explained that he had caught it in Blackthorn City’s Dragon’s Den.
• Dreepy used Astonish to interrupt Magnemite’s Thunder Wave, then vanished to avoid Screech and struck Magnemite with its tail.
• Dreepy deliberately took Thunder Shocks until Cursed Body activated and disabled Magnemite’s Thunder Shock, then wore it down with Quick Attack.
• Magnemite’s repeated Thunder Shocks triggered Cursed Body again, and Dreepy defeated it with more Quick Attacks.
• Amphy sent out Ferroseed, whose Pin Missile struck Dreepy five times and left it unable to battle.
• Tetsuya recalled Dreepy and sent out Prinplup for the second battle.