Ep 5. A Blustery Santalune Gym Battle!
- TV-Y7
- 21 min
Ash and co. have finally arrived at the Santalune City, where Ash is eager to challenge the local gym leader, Viola. As they enter the gym, they are greeted by Viola's younger sister, Alexa, who is also a journalist and a photographer. Viola, who is a skilled photographer herself, specializes in bug-type Pokémon and uses them in battles.
As the battle begins, Viola sends out her Surskit, while Ash chooses Pikachu. Despite a valiant effort by Pikachu, which manages to land a thunderbolt on Surskit, the water bug proves to be too fast for Pikachu to catch. Surskit manages to dodge most of Pikachu's moves and defeats him with a powerful bubble beam attack.
Ash then sends out Fletchling, which manages to put up a good fight against Surskit. However, Viola uses her knowledge of bug-type Pokémon to her advantage and commands Surskit to use its ice beam attack, which freezes Fletchling in an orb of ice. While Ash looks on in horror, Viola explains that ice beam is a bug-type move, which can be used by Surskit because of its dual type.
Ash then decides to use his new Pokémon, Froakie, which he had recently caught in a nearby forest. Froakie proves to be a formidable opponent, using its speed and agility to dodge most of Surskit's attacks. However, Viola has a surprise in store for Ash.
As the battle heats up, Viola reveals that she has been recording the battle with her camera and has analyzed Froakie's every move. She then uses this information to predict Froakie's next move and commands Surskit to counter it. However, Ash manages to turn the tables by improvising his battle strategy and utilizing Froakie's ability to create a smokescreen.
The battle reaches its climax as both sides unleash their most powerful attacks. Surskit uses its signal beam attack, while Froakie counters with its water pulse. The two attacks clash mid-air, creating a dazzling display of lights. In the end, Froakie emerges victorious, having managed to overpower Surskit with its water pulse.
As Viola congratulates Ash on his win, Alexa remarks that it was one of the best gym battles she had ever seen. Ash then receives his first gym badge and sets his sights on the next challenge. The episode ends with Ash and co. bidding farewell to Alexa and Viola, as they continue on their journey to become the very best.