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This episode is essential viewing because: Tracey leaves the group and stays with Professor Oak. Ash, Misty, Brock and Gary all head off to the Johto region. Professor Oak asks Ash to take the GS Ball to Kurt in Azalea Town.

We return to where we left off last time: Ash and Gary are standing outside Oak's lab - about to finally battle each other. Ash, predictably, sends out Pikachu and Gary sends out an Eevee. Brock is the referee to the match. After arguing with Gary for a moment Ash tells Pikachu to use quick attack. Eevee uses a Reflect and hardly feels the attack. Next, Pikachu tries a Thunderbolt but gets confused by Eevee's Double Team. Gary tells Eevee to use Take Down, but it misses when Pikachu uses it's Agility. Pikachu tries a Thunder attack but is finished off by Eevee's Skull Bash. Gary has won. Oak complements his Grandson, who walks off saying he's still got to improve.

Later, Ash and Pikachu are sitting near the ranch watching Tauros when Misty comes up. Misty tells Ash Gary has started a new journey and he jumps up in surprise. Meanwhile, Professor Oak is testing the G/S ball in his lab. Misty and Ash walk in. Ash asks Oak about Gary's journey and Misty asks about the G/S ball. Tracey says they've found nothing. Misty says it strange that Oak and Ivy both couldn't find anything and Brock goes into a corner when he hears 'that name.'

Ash asks Oak again, impatiently, where Gary has gone. The Professor explains that Gary has gone west, to the Johto League. It's a very difficult league where trainers collect badges from 8 gym leaders, like in Kanto League. Oak says Gary is planning on challenging as many trainers as he can, to gain experience so he can become a stronger trainer. Outside, Ash says to himself that he wants go out there too and battle the best. Pikachu jumps on his shoulder and, with a laugh, Ash says he knows they can do it.

Brock says if he goes along with Ash and Misty they will train right, fight right and eat right. He points to the west, and Misty has tell him of the correct direction. It is agreed, but before they can go there are a few more things to do. Oak gives Ash the G/S ball back and, in his house, explains to Ash and co. about Kurt, a Pokeball expert. Apparently, he invented Pokeballs. Oak asks Ash to go to Azeala Town where Kurt lives and drop it off. He continues that it wont take them out of their way, Ash should head to New Bark Town first, to register for the League. Brock promises to keep an eye on Ash. Misty says he will if there aren't any pretty girls in sight! Brock laughs nervously, saying he might be more interested in girls than geography.

Later in Ash's house his mum has packs his backpack and decides to have a farwell supper. Brock goes to fetch the ingredients. Meanwhile, Team Rocket are limping along the road to Pallet Town and meet Gary. They recite the motto but he just walks on past! They continue up the road. Back at Ash's house, after dinner, Oak hands Ash a brand new Pokedex, updated with all the Johto Pokemon and Tracy announces he'll be staying to assist the Professor. He thanks Ash for teaching him to go for his dreams.

Suddenly, two reporters barge in asking about Ash's new journey, while sampling the food. The 'camera' zooms in on Pikachu and captures him. The pair crash through the window and reveal themselves as Team Rocket. Mr. Mime uses a lightscreen to protect Mrs. Ketchum's garden. It turns out, the camera cage is shockproof, so Pikachu's attacks won't work. Tracy sends out Scyther and it cuts the camera to pieces with slash. Freed, Pikachu now uses a Thunderbolt and Marril sends Team Rocket blasting off with water gun. After that, everyone goes to bed for a well earned night's sleep. Next morning, Ash and Misty, along with Brock say goodbye to Tracy, Oak and Mrs. Ketchum. Then they set off on the road to Johto!

This episode guide has been written by AR.

Characters appearing in this episode

Ash

Misty

Tracey

Jessie

James

Meowth

Ash's Pikachu

Pokémon appearing in this episode

• Pikachu belonging to Ash
• Meowth

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