Ep 44. Better Eight Than Never

Ash and his friends are on their way to the Hoenn League when they encounter someone from Ash's past. It's his old rival Gary, who has become a Pokemon researcher. He has uncovered new findings about the Pokemon in the area, and is eager to share them with Ash. Meanwhile, Ash is on a mission to earn his eighth gym badge. He and his friends arrive in Sootopolis City, where they find out that the gym leader, Wallace, is also the champion of the Hoenn League. They're eager to battle him, but they need to defeat his gym first. Inside the gym, they're faced with puzzles and riddles that they need to solve in order to get to the gym leader. Despite the challenges, they manage to reach Wallace, who is a skilled Pokemon trainer. During the battle, Ash and Pikachu face off against Wallace's Wallace's Milotic. It's a battle of strength and strategy, and Ash and Pikachu are determined to win. But with Wallace's skills and Milotic's powerful attacks, it won't be an easy victory. Will Ash and his friends be able to defeat the gym leader and earn their eighth badge? Find out in Pokemon season 5 episode 44: Better Eight Than Never.