Ep 16. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snorunt!

Ash and friends are still traveling through the Hoenn region, this time in search of the seventh gym badge. They find themselves in a town covered in snow and ice, where they meet a young girl named Natalie who has a pet Snorunt. Natalie is determined to participate in the annual Snow Festival, where trainers show off their strength and snow sculptures. However, her Snorunt is too shy to participate.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket is also in town, trying to capture Pokémon as usual. They stumble upon a group of wild Snorunt who are also participating in the Snow Festival. Jessie immediately wants to catch one for herself, but the Snorunt prove to be too slippery for her team to handle.

Ash and his friends offer to help Natalie and her Snorunt prepare for the festival, hoping to inspire it to participate. They offer practical training, like practicing battle moves in the snow, and artistic training, helping Natalie build an impressive snow sculpture. Through their efforts, they also learn more about Snorunt's unique abilities and qualities.

As the day of the Snow Festival arrives, it becomes clear that it's not just a friendly competition between trainers and wild Pokémon. Team Rocket has plans to cause chaos and steal as many Pokémon as they can. Their plan involves creating a fake snowstorm that will trap everyone inside the festival arena, allowing them to easily capture Pokémon while disguised as festival participants.

Ash and his friends catch wind of the plan and try to stop Team Rocket alongside Natalie and the wild Snorunt. However, the fake snowstorm proves to be powerful, throwing everyone off balance and disorienting them. Natalie's Snorunt, still uncertain and afraid, runs off in the confusion.

Ash and Pikachu search for the Snorunt together, eventually discovering it buried under a pile of snow. They realize that the Snorunt has been affected by the fake snowstorm in a negative way, and can no longer control its unique Ice-type abilities. As a result, the storm created by Team Rocket's machine has become a real, dangerous snowstorm.

With no time to spare, Ash and his friends concoct a plan to stop the storm and protect the town. They join forces with the wild Snorunt, who have their own reasons for wanting to stop Team Rocket. Using their combined abilities and cleverness, they create a giant, Snowdon-shaped snowball that is big enough to smash Team Rocket's machine.

The plan works perfectly, and the snowstorm is stopped. Natalie's Snorunt, having seen the bravery of its fellow Ice-type Pokémon, overcomes its shyness and joins them in battling Team Rocket. Together, they manage to defeat the cunning trio and save the day.

With the festival arena saved, the trainers and Pokémon enjoy the rest of the Snow Festival in peace. Natalie and her Snorunt participate in the festival with renewed confidence, winning the admiration of their fellow trainers and spectators. Ash and his friends continue on their journey, happy to have made new friends and helped a Pokémon find its courage.