Ep. 163: Ash battles Barry while Team Rocket captures Pokémon and Monferno evolves into Infernape

163

Traveling toward the Sunyshore Gym, Ash meets Barry and Paul, both possessing eight badges for the Sinnoh League. Barry challenges Paul, who redirects the fight to Ash. Team Rocket attempts to capture the trainers and their Pokémon using pink bubbles and a mechanical device, successfully trapping Pikachu, Piplup, and Barry’s Empoleon. Ash’s Monferno is released but loses control due to its Blaze ability. Paul arrives with Electabuzz to prevent the machine from collapsing. Ash calms Monferno, triggering its evolution into Infernape. The newly evolved Pokémon rescues the captured trainers and Pokémon with impressive power. Paul declares they will battle again at the Sinnoh League, while Ash focuses on obtaining his final badge at the Sunyshore Gym.