Episode Number: 008 (JP) , 008 (US)
US Episode Name: The Path to the Pokémon League
Jap Episode Name: Road to the Pokémon League
ポケモンリーグへのみち
Events: None
Credit: --------------------
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Ash, Misty, and Brock are traveling to Vermillion City and beating every trainer they meet. Impressed by Ash’s skills one of the trainers recommends for him to challenge AJ. They go to AJ’s gym and they see AJ. AJ tells them that he will challenge gym leaders once he has won 100 times. He’s already won 98 times. Ash wants to battle him and AJ defeats Ash easily with his Sandshrew. Ash complains about his loss and AJ tells him to grow up. They are about to leave when they see AJ cracking a whip. Sandshew is going in and out of the water without being weakened. Ash notices little belts on AJ’s Pokémon. AJ tells Ash that those belts are “strength intensifiers.” They help make his Pokémon grow strong. Brock seems very interested in them. Pikachu tries one on but gets curled up in a ball. AJ releases him.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket is listening in. Team Rocket plans on hiding in a rubber ball, steal Pikachu, and escape before anyone notices. There plan almost work except they steal Sandshew instead. AJ soon realizes that Sandshew is missing. H tells his other Pokémon to go search for him.
James realizes that Pikachu is heavier than he thought. He doesn’t realize that he is actually holding Pikachu. Sandshew soon pops out and digs a hole back to AJ’s gym. He brings Meowth with him. AJ is glad to see that Sandshew is okay and Jessie and James soon meet up with them. AJ challenges Team Rocket to a battle and wins by using Sandshew’s Fissure attack. AJ gets his 100th win and heads down his own path. Ash, Misty, and Brock head down their own path to Vermillion City.
