Ep 35. Rocking the Virbank Gym! Part 1

Ash, Iris, and Cilan arrive in Virbank City ready to challenge the local gym leader. However, upon arriving at the gym, they find it closed, with a sign indicating that the gym leader is currently away on a tour. Undeterred, the trio sets out to explore the city and learn more about the local music scene.

As they wander around, they come across a group of street musicians playing music that catches their attention. It turns out that these musicians are part of a local band called the "Musical Connoisseurs," who are preparing for a battle of the bands competition that will take place soon. Ash, Iris, and Cilan are introduced to the group's leader, a young woman named Roxie, who turns out to be the Virbank City gym leader and an accomplished musician in her own right.

Roxie is impressed by Ash and his friends' enthusiasm for music, and invites them to a rehearsal for the competition. There, they see firsthand just how talented the Musical Connoisseurs really are, and Ash is inspired to try his hand at playing music himself. Roxie even lends him one of her guitars, and Ash starts to learn how to play with the help of the Musical Connoisseurs.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket is also in Virbank City, hatching yet another scheme to capture Pikachu. They plan to infiltrate the Musical Connoisseurs' rehearsal and use the distraction of the music to steal Pikachu away. However, their plan is thwarted by Ash and his friends, who manage to uncover Team Rocket's plot.

When Roxie learns of Team Rocket's intentions, she decides to help Ash and his friends in their quest to stop the villains. Together, they stage a musical battle against Team Rocket, with Ash and the Musical Connoisseurs playing music while battling Team Rocket's Pokemon. In the end, Ash and his friends come out on top, and Team Rocket is sent blasting off once again.

With Team Rocket defeated (for now), Ash and his friends turn their attention back to their original goal: challenging Roxie for the Virbank City gym badge. However, Roxie reveals that the gym will remain closed until the competition is over, leaving Ash and his friends with no choice but to continue exploring the city and immersing themselves in its musical culture.

As the episode ends, Ash reflects on just how much he's learned about music and the power it can have to bring people together. He also vows to continue practicing with Roxie's guitar so that he can one day be a great musician like her.