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{{undubbed|927}}
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{{EpicodePrevNext|
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prevcode=XY127 |
prevcode=XY127 |
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prevtitle=Analysis Versus Passion! |
nextcode=XY129 |
nextcode=XY129 |
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nexttitle=Kalos League Passion with a Certain Flare! |
series=XY series |
series=Pokémon the Series: XY |
colorscheme=XYZ}}
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altepcode=EP927 |
altepcode=EP927 |
colorscheme=XYZ |
colorscheme=XYZ |
title_en= |
title_en=A Riveting Rivalry! |
title_ja=ライバル決戦!サトシゲッコウガVSメガジュカイン!! |
title_ja=ライバル決戦!サトシゲッコウガVSメガジュカイン!! |
title_ja_trans=Decisive Rival Battle! Satoshi Gekkouga VS Mega Jukain!! |
title_ja_trans=Decisive Rival Battle! Satoshi Gekkouga VS Mega Jukain!! |
broadcast_jp=July 28, 2016 |
broadcast_jp=July 28, 2016 |
broadcast_us=<!--Do not assume an air date. If you have an air date you should also provide a title.--> |
broadcast_us=October 15, 2016 |
en_op=<!--[[Stand Tall]]--> |
en_op=[[Stand Tall]] |
ja_op={{so|XY&Z}} |
ja_op={{so|XY&Z}} |
ja_ed=[[Puni-chan's Song|プニちゃんのうた]] |
ja_ed=[[Puni-chan's Song|プニちゃんのうた]] |
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art=大橋藍人 |
art=大橋藍人 |
art2=志村泉 |
art2=志村泉 |
morecredits=no |<!--please don't change to "yes" until the corresponding staff page has been updated-->
morecredits=yes |
epstaffpage=XY121-XY130|
epstaffpage=XY121-XY130 |
footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|xyz|035}}
footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|xyz|035}}
* {{BMGf|216789|Preview thread on BMGf}} ''Closed''
* {{BMGf|216789|Preview thread on BMGf}} ''Closed''
* {{BMGf|217494|Original review thread on BMGf}}
* {{BMGf|217494|Original review thread on BMGf}}
<!--* {{BMGf||Dub review thread on BMGf}}-->
* {{BMGf|219190|Dub review thread on BMGf}}
}}
}}
(Japanese: '''ライバル決戦!サトシゲッコウガVSメガジュカイン!!''' ''Decisive Rival Battle! {{tt|Satoshi Gekkouga|Ash-Greninja}} VS Mega {{tt|Jukain|Sceptile}}!!'') is the 128th episode of the {{series|XY}}, and the 927th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on July 28, 2016<!-- and is scheduled to air in the United States on *day*-->.
'''A Riveting Rivalry!''' (Japanese: '''ライバル決戦!サトシゲッコウガVSメガジュカイン!!''' ''Decisive Rival Battle! {{tt|Satoshi Gekkouga|Ash-Greninja}} VS Mega {{tt|Jukain|Sceptile}}!!'') is the 128th episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]'', and the 927th episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It first aired in Japan on July 28, 2016 and in the United States on October 15, 2016.
{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


<!--==Blurb==
==Blurb==
Official Blurb from Pokémon.com goes here, with source link
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/19/episode-35-a-riveting-rivalry/-->
-->
<i>
It’s Ash’s Pikachu versus Sawyer’s Aegislash in the semifinals of the Kalos League! Sawyer presents a strategic challenge when Aegislash leaves the battlefield covered with fallen trees, but Ash and Pikachu figure out how to use that to their advantage, and Aegislash is defeated.
 
Then, something unusual happens: a double draw, as Ash’s Noivern and Sawyer’s Salamence knock each other out, and then it happens again with Ash’s Goodra and Sawyer’s Slurpuff! Sawyer’s Sceptile defeats Pikachu—and finally, Ash-Greninja and Mega Sceptile face off in an amazing battle of rivals. The battle is fast and fierce…until Ash-Greninja emerges victorious, and Ash moves on to face Alain in the finals!</i>


==Plot==
==Plot==
The battle between {{Ash}} and [[Sawyer]] continues as Sawyer's {{p|Aegislash}} stands before {{AP|Pikachu}} after it has cut down all the trees and cleared the battlefield with {{m|Sacred Sword}}, limiting Pikachu's options for evading attacks. Ash wonders what Sawyer could be planning by cutting the trees down, as well as {{an|Bonnie}} questioning it too as Ash's friends give their thoughts on the situation. Back on the battlefield, Sawyer praises Aegislash and Ash informs Pikachu that they need to be careful while battling Aegislash. [[Professor Sycamore]] is interested by Sawyer's battling technique, while Diantha wonders what he could be planning for Pikachu during the battle, commenting on how Sawyer has analyzed the battle so far. Alain watches the battle between the two from the stands.
The {{pkmn|battle}} between {{Ash}} and [[Sawyer]] continues as Sawyer's {{p|Aegislash}} stands before {{AP|Pikachu}} after it has cut down all the trees and cleared the battlefield with {{m|Sacred Sword}}, limiting Pikachu's options for evading attacks. Ash wonders what Sawyer could be planning by cutting the trees down, while {{Ashfr}} in the stands ponder the same question. Back on the battlefield, Sawyer praises Aegislash and Ash informs Pikachu that they need to be careful while battling Aegislash. {{an|Professor Sycamore}} is interested by Sawyer's battling technique, while [[Diantha]] wonders what he could be planning for Pikachu during the battle, commenting on how Sawyer has analyzed the battle so far. Alain watches the battle between the two from the stands.
 
Ash makes his next command, ordering Pikachu to use {{m|Iron Tail}}, but Sawyer quickly has Aegislash use {{m|King's Shield}} to protect itself from the attack. Pikachu's Iron Tail connects with the King's Shield, causing Pikachu's {{stat|Attack}} stat to harshly drop as a result, which reminds Ash that attacking Aegislash will be difficult. Clemont and Tierno note how King's Shield needs to be dealt with properly and not handled carelessly. Seeing an opportunity to attack, Sawyer commands Aegislash to use {{m|Sacred Sword}}, which Pikachu successfully dodges, only to be struck when he gets too close, slamming into the ground after the hit. Tierno wonders if Sawyer's plan is to limit Pikachu's speed, with the scattered logs forming unstable footing for Pikachu, whereas Aegislash is floating in the air, giving it the advantage. Sawyer continues to have Aegislash use Sacred Sword, which Pikachu is able to avoid several times until he backs himself into a corner and is hit. Ash attempts to use {{m|Thunderbolt}} instead, but that is soon blocked by King's Shield once again. During Aegislash's change to its {{DL|List of Pokémon with form differences|Aegislash|Shield Forme}}, Ash notices how it joins with its shield. He tells Pikachu that he has a risky idea, but he trusts Pikachu to be able to handle it. Sawyer quickly notices the change in Ash's expression, one he has seen numerous times. As Sawyer tells Aegislash not to let its guard down, Ash commands Pikachu to use Iron Tail, which he slams into the ground, forcing the logs all around into the air. Sawyer responds confidently by having Aegislash use {{m|Fury Cutter}}, but as Ash orders Pikachu to use the logs to close in, Aegislash is unable to land a hit as Pikachu darts between the midair logs. Aegislash dices up all the logs around it but still misses Pikachu. When Pikachu finally appears to be closing for an attack, Sawyer commands Aegislash to use King's Shield. Setting his plan into action, Ash orders Pikachu to throw one of the logs, which wedges into Aegislash's shield where it would normally join to complete its King's Shield. Already in the middle of its move, Aegislash becomes stuck when it attempts to form King's Shield, and Ash orders Pikachu to use Thunderbolt, which connects and knocks Aegislash out.


Ash makes his next command, ordering Pikachu to use {{m|Iron Tail}}, but Sawyer quickly has Aegislash use {{m|King's Shield}} to protect itself from the attack. Pikachu's Iron Tail connects with the King's Shield, causing Pikachu's Attack stat to drop as a result, which reminds Ash that attacking Aegislash will be difficult. Clemont and Tierno note on how King's Shield needs to be dealt with properly and not handled carelessly. Seeing an opportunity to attack, Sawyer commands Aegislash to use {{m|Sacred Sword}}, which Pikachu successfully dodges, only to be struck when he gets too close, slamming into the ground after the hit. Tierno wonders if Sawyer's plan is to limit Pikachu's speed, with the scattered logs forming unstable footing for Pikachu, whereas Aegislash is floating in the air, giving it the advantage. Sawyer continues to have Aegislash use Sacred Sword, which Pikachu is able to avoid several times until he backs himself into a corner and is hit. Ash attempts to use {{m|Thunderbolt}} instead, but that is soon blocked by King's Shield once again. During Aegislash's change to its {{DL|List of Pokémon with form differences|Aegislash|Shield Forme}}, Ash takes notice of how it joins with its shield. Ash tells Pikachu that he has a risky idea, but he trusts Pikachu to be able to handle it. This is quickly noticed by Sawyer as he has seen the same expression on Ash's face numerous times. As Sawyer tells Aegislash not to let its guard down, Ash commands Pikachu to use Iron Tail, which he slams into the ground, forcing the logs all around into the air. Sawyer responds confidently by having Aegislash use {{m|Fury Cutter}}, but as Ash orders Pikachu to use the logs to close in, Aegislash is unable to land a hit as Pikachu darts between the midair logs. When Pikachu finally appears to be closing for an attack, Sawyer commands Aegislash to use King's Shield. Setting his plan into action, Ash orders Pikachu to throw one of the logs, which wedges into Aegislash's shield where it would normally join to complete its King's Shield. Already in the middle of its move, Aegislash becomes stuck when it attempts to form King's Shield, and Ash orders Pikachu to use Thunderbolt, which connects and knocks Aegislash out.
With Sawyer's remaining Pokémon brought down to three, the battlefield is changed. While the field is being changed, Sawyer and Ash talk about how the latter was able to win the battle against Aegislash, and Sawyer notices that Ash has complete trust in his Pokémon and that's what makes them strong. The new battlefield is brought up and is revealed to be a desert field, and Ash and Sawyer send out their Pokémon for the next battle, {{AP|Noivern}} and {{p|Salamence}}, as Serena scans the latter with her [[Pokédex]]. The battle begins with Ash commanding {{m|Boomburst}}, which is dodged by Salamence numerous times before finally connecting. Noivern then uses {{m|Dragon Claw}} but Sawyer has Salamence use {{m|Dragon Rush}} to counter. As the two attacks collide and Noivern recoils, Ash checks on Noivern to make sure he's alright. In the meantime, Sawyer commands Salamence to use {{m|Incinerate}}. Noivern nimbly dodges each fireball flung his way, but after dodging the last, Salamence suddenly pops up in front of Noivern and uses {{m|Dragon Tail}} to send him flying. Clemont theorizes that Salamence deliberately used Incinerate to guide Noivern's movements. After checking that Noivern is alright, Ash has him dodge Salamence's resumed Incinerate attacks. As Salamence winds up for another fireball, Ash has him use Boomburst to intercept it. The attacks collide and create a smoke cloud, which Ash uses to his advantage by commanding Noivern to use {{m|Acrobatics}}. Remembering that Noivern can see even in the smoke, Sawyer has Salamence use {{m|Protect}}, narrowly blocking Noivern's oncoming attack. Ash and Sawyer command their Pokémon to use Dragon Rush and Acrobatics, and the two collide powerfully. After this collision, both Pokémon go down, resulting in a draw. Both Ash and Sawyer return their defeated Pokémon to their Poké Balls. Sawyer immediately sends out his fifth Pokémon, {{p|Slurpuff}}, and Ash sends out his {{AP|Goodra}} in response. Despite having the type advantage, Sawyer appears concerned now that he is up against the only of Ash's Pokémon that he has never battled before. But he pulls himself together and commands Slurpuff to do his best.


With Sawyer's remaining Pokémon brought down to three, the battlefield is changed. While the field is being changed, Sawyer and Ash talk about how the latter was able to win the battle against Aegislash, and Sawyer notices that Ash has complete trust in his Pokémon and that's what makes them strong. The new battlefield is brought up and is revealed to be a desert field, and Ash and Sawyer send out their Pokémon for the next battle, {{AP|Noivern}} and Salamence, as Serena scans the latter with her [[Pokédex]]. The battle begins with Ash commanding {{m|Boomburst}}, which is dodged by Salamance numerous times before finally connecting. Noivern then uses {{m|Dragon Claw}} but Sawyer has Salamence use {{m|Dragon Rush}} to counter. As the two attacks collide and Noivern recoils, Ash checks on Noivern to make sure he's alright. In the meantime, Sawyer commands Salamence to use {{m|Incinerate}}. Noivern nimbly dodges each fireball flung its way, but after dodging the last, Salamence suddenly pops up in front of Noivern and uses {{m|Dragon Tail}} to send him flying. Clemont theorizes that Salamence deliberately used Icinerate to guide Noivern's movements. After checking that Noivern is alright, Ash has him dodge Salamence's resumed Incinerate attacks. As Salamence winds up for another fireball, Ash has him use Boomburst to intercept it. The attacks collide and create a smoke cloud, which Ash uses to his advantage by commanding Noivern to use {{m|Acrobatics}}. Remembering that Noivern can see even in the smoke, Sawyer has Salamance use {{m|Protect}}, narrowly blocking Noivern's oncoming attack. Ash and Sawyer command their Pokémon to use Dragon Rush and Acrobatics, and the two collide powerfully. As the smoke clears, both Pokémon are revealed to have been knocked out. Both Ash and Sawyer return their defeated Pokémon to their Poké Balls. Sawyer immediately sends out his fifth Pokémon, {{p|Slurpuff}}, and Ash sends out his {{AP|Goodra}} in response. Sawyer remarks to himself that he's never battled Goodra before and tells Slurpuff to be ready for anything.
Sawyer starts off the battle by having Slurpuff use {{m|Flamethrower}}, which Goodra intercepts with an {{m|Ice Beam}}. Slurpuff immediately uses {{m|Dazzling Gleam}}, which is super effective on Goodra, but Goodra appears to shrug it off. Sawyer then orders {{m|Fairy Wind}} as a follow up, but Ash has Goodra use {{m|Bide}}. Anticipating the upcoming attack, Sawyer has Slurpuff use {{m|Cotton Guard}} to raise his {{stat|Defense}} before Ash orders Goodra to fire off Bide, and the attack appears to have minimal effect. Surprised, Ash orders Goodra to use Ice Beam, but Slurpuff intercepts it with Flamethrower, resulting in a large cloud of steam. Taking advantage of the cloud, Sawyer commands Slurpuff to use Fairy Wind, which catches Goodra off guard and sends it flying back. Sawyer proclaims that Slurpuff's sense of smell helped him locate Goodra through the steam, which Ash notes is just like what he did with Noivern. Slurpuff uses Flamethrower again and Ash commands Bide, and Sawyer hopes to hold the Flamethrower and push through Goodra's Bide to knock it out. After a prolonged battle of wills, however, Slurpuff's Flamethrower finally ends in a large burst. To his and Sawyer's surprise, Goodra emerges shaky but standing. As Ash orders Goodra to unleash Bide, Sawyer orders Fairy Wind, and as the attacks collide, a large cloud of dust engulfs the battlefield. When the dust clears, both Pokémon are revealed to have fainted, resulting in another draw.


Sawyer starts off the battle by having Slurpuff use {{m|Flamethrower}}, which is countered by Goodra's {{m|Ice Beam}}, creating a collision. When the smoke clears, Slurpuff uses {{m|Dazzling Gleam}}, which is super-effective on Goodra, but shows to have had little effect on it. Sawyer then orders {{m|Fairy Wind}} in an attempt to deal more super-effective damage, but Ash has Goodra use {{m|Bide}}. Anticipating the upcoming attack, Sawyer has Slurpuff use {{m|Cotton Guard}} to raise its Defense before Ash orders Goodra to fire off Bide, but having used Cotton Guard, the attack doesn't do much damage, so Ash orders Goodra to use Ice Beam, but is then countered by Slurpuff's Flamethrower, causing an explosion and creating a smoke cloud. Sawyer commands Fairy Wind, and by using its incredible sense of smell, Slurpuff is able to scout out Goodra's location through the smoke and hit it hard with Fairy Wind, sending it flying back. Sawyer comments on how Slurfuff's sense of smell can be used to locate its opponents through the smoke as Ash mentions that he must have used that technique after battling Noivern. Slurpuff uses Flamethrower again and Ash commands Bide, but Goodra shows to be in some pain after taking so much damage, causing Sawyer to order Slurpuff to keep it up with Flamethrower. As the attack explodes, Sawyer looks pleased, but it is short lived when Goodra is shown to have endured the hit and uses Bide, which is then countered by Fairy Wind, causing an explosion that knocks out both Pokémon from the battle.
Recalling their Pokémon, Sawyer then sends out his sixth and final Pokémon, {{TP|Sawyer|Sceptile}}. In the stands, Ash's friends worry about his prospects against Sceptile. Ash sends Pikachu in once again and immediately opens the battle with {{m|Quick Attack}}. In response, Sawyer has Sceptile use {{m|Leaf Storm}} to keep him at a distance. The Leaf Storm lifts Pikachu into the air, and Ash commands him to use Thunderbolt which reaches Sceptile through the Leaf Storm and cuts it off. Pikachu then attacks from the air with Iron Tail, but Sceptile intercepts it with {{m|Leaf Blade}} and manages to throw Pikachu back. Sawyer immediately orders Sceptile to use Frenzy Plant, which Pikachu tries to dodge, but it quickly surrounds him and lifts him into the air before arcing down to slam him into the ground, knocking him out.


Returning their Pokémon, Sawyer then sends out his sixth and final Pokémon, {{TP|Sawyer|Sceptile}}, who Bonnie and Clemont comment on as [[Trevor]] mentions that Ash only has Pikachu and Greninja left, with the former being weakened from his previous battles. Tierno adds that Sceptile has the ability to [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]], while {{an|Serena}} hopes that Ash is careful during the battle. Ash sends Pikachu into the battle again and starts off with {{m|Quick Attack}} but Sawyer has Sceptile use {{m|Leaf Storm}} while keeping its distance. Leaf Storm surrounds Pikachu but Ash commands him to use Thunderbolt through Leaf Storm, which makes contact. Pikachu attacks with Iron Tail, but Sawyer has Sceptile counter with {{m|Leaf Blade}}, sending Pikachu back before being commanded to use {{m|Frenzy Plant}}, which surrounds and takes hold of Pikachu when he attempts to dodge and slams him to the ground, knocking him out.
With Ash down to his final Pokémon, he sends out {{AP|Greninja}} to face Sceptile. Ash opens with {{m|Water Shuriken}}, but Sceptile cuts through them with {{m|Dragon Claw}}. Greninja then uses {{m|Double Team}} to approach, but Sceptile attacks with Frenzy Plant to weed out the copies. When only the real Greninja is left, Sawyer commands Sceptile to attack with Leaf Blade, but Greninja blocks Sceptile's strikes with its own {{m|Cut}}. As Sceptile and Greninja square off again, both Sawyer and Ash take a breath to contemplate the events that have led them to this battle. Sawyer remembers how he started off awed by Ash and could only chase his shadow, but now he hopes that by defeating Ash, he'll be able to reach greater heights. Ash, meanwhile, silently apologizes to Sawyer for becoming scared and panicking when he felt Sawyer had surpassed him; but after that, he was able to find himself again, and he promises to show Sawyer what he and his Pokémon can really do.


With Ash down to his final Pokémon, he sends out {{AP|Greninja}} to face Sceptile. Ash starts off by commanding {{m|Water Shuriken}} and Sceptile counters by using {{m|Dragon Claw}} to cut through. Greninja then uses {{m|Double Team}}, but the copies are destroyed by Sceptile's Frenzy Plant, which then reveals the real Greninja and Sawyer commands Sceptile to use Leaf Blade on it, but is countered with {{m|Cut}} by Greninja. Sawyer then begins to talk to Ash about how he has always followed in his footsteps and he will reach the top if he manages to defeat him in the battle between him and the real Ash; the person he admires. Ash then apologises to Sawyer that he rushed to catch up to him as Sawyer managed to surpass him in their last battle, and how it is thanks to it that he was able to know who he is. Ash tells Greninja that they will go with all their power and Greninja transforms into its Ash-Greninja form and Sawyer Mega Evolves his Sceptile into Mega Sceptile. Sceptile uses Frenzy Plant and Ash tells Greninja to dodge it, which it succeeds in and then uses Cut to tear its way through Frenzy Plant. Ash then commands {{m|Water Shuriken}} using the shuriken on its back but is countered by Dragon Claw from Sceptile. Greninja then attacks Sceptile using {{m|Aerial Ace}} but in turn is hit with Leaf Storm using the tip of Mega Sceptile's tail. Sceptile then uses Leaf Blade as Greninja uses Cut as the two attack one another's moves with their own. Sceptile attacks once more time with Leaf Storm, but this time Ash feels the pain of the damage Greninja takes from the attack and when the move causes a collision, Ash mentions that it's not over. Sawyer commands Sceptile to use Frenzy Plant again and Greninja charges down it, using Cut to cut through Frenzy Plant. In the crowd, [[Shauna]] comments on how Ash-Greninja is unable to get close to Mega Sceptile due to getting cornered at every point, Tierno wonders as to how Sawyer managed to make Frenzy Plant so powerful as Trevor points out that it's incredible. Bonnie begins to get worried as she fears Ash will lose the battle, but Serena assures her that Ash will win and that she shouldn't worry because he is with Greninja. Clemont then mentions how Ash is strong because of his Pokémon and that as long as he remains fighting with his Pokémon, he will become stronger. As Frenzy Plant approaches Ash-Greninja after being dodged by Ash and Greninja in sync, Ash orders it to use Cut as it tears right through the attack, and the synchronization between the two is noticed by Professor Sycamore as he and Diantha watch on. Greninja's giant shuriken grows bigger as Ash tells Greninja to get ready before commanding it to use Double Team creating dozens of copies. Ash makes his final command of the battle as he has Greninja use Water Shuriken, which grows significantly in size and knowing the battle is almost over, Sawyer commands Mega Sceptile to use Leaf Storm, which sends of the tip of its tail surrounded in leaves straight into the Water Shuriken, but it is no match for the power of the now bigger shuriken as Water Shuriken completely cuts through and makes contact with Mega Sceptile, knocking it out as it reverts to its normal form, and declaring Ash the winner of the battle.
Withdrawing from his contemplation, Ash yells to Greninja to go full power, and they synchronize themselves to transform into Ash-Greninja. Responding in kind, Sawyer takes up his [[Key Stone]] and [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolves]] Sceptile. Picking up their battle once more, Sceptile uses Frenzy Plant which Greninja leaps to dodge; the vines immediately reach to pluck Greninja from the air, but Greninja uses Cut to slice through it and land safely. Ash commands Greninja to throw a Water Shuriken, which Sceptile cuts through with Dragon Claw, but Greninja is already closing the distance and uses {{m|Aerial Ace}} to land a couple of super effective blows. As Sceptile reels, Sawyer orders a Leaf Storm which connects with Greninja and knocks it back. As Greninja lands, the two close again in a clash of blades, pitting Leaf Blade against Cut. With neither able to gain an advantage, they separate again and Sceptile launches a Leaf Storm that knocks Greninja into the air again. As Greninja falls, Sawyer orders Sceptile to press the attack with Frenzy Plant, but Greninja manages to orient itself and land securely atop the vines, racing along them and using Cut to slice its way out of pressure. However, the vines manage to keep Greninja from advancing on Sceptile. Ash's friends in the stands worry, while Professor Sycamore marvels at the Ash-Greninja transformation. Finally, Greninja jumps into the air, avoiding most of the vines, and uses Double Team. Ash warns Sawyer that he's giving him everything he and Greninja have, and as Greninja uses Water Shuriken, it grows to a massive size. Sawyer frantically orders Sceptile to counter with Leaf Storm, and the two attacks collide into a massive cloud of dust. As the dust clears, Sceptile is revealed unconscious on the ground, as Greninja lands beside Ash, victorious.


With Ash as the winner of the second Semi-Finals battle, he advances to the finals. Ash's friends cheer and congratulate him from the crowd as they are thrilled that Ash made it to the finals after defeating Sawyer, with Serena showing the most happiness. As Ash-Greninja and Ash are both exhausted from the battle, Ash-Greninja reverts back its normal form as Ash says that they managed to win. Team Rocket watch on as they are impressed by Ash's battle and wonder whether this means that he will become the champion this time. With Professor Sycamore and Diantha, the former claps as he comments on the marvelous and surprising battle, while Diantha hopes that there are many more trainers like Ash and Sawyer, as Professor Sycamore hopes so too. Having seen the result of the battle, Alain smiles as he walks away. Sawyer and Ash meet at the middle of the battle field as Sawyer tells Ash that he has received a lot of experience because of Ash and also mentions that Ash is the trainer he will always admire. Ash admits that they had a good battle and he was excited throughout. The two of them agree to battle again one day when they have both trained harder, had many more battles and become much stronger. The two shake hands after a well fought battle.
With Ash as the winner of the second semi-finals battle, he advances to the finals. His friends cheer and congratulate him from the crowd. Exhausted from the battle, Ash-Greninja reverts back to its normal form, while Ash, equally exhausted, congratulates it. {{TRT}} is impressed by Ash's battle and speculates that he might actually win the League this time. From their seats, Professor Sycamore applauds the excellent battle, while Diantha looks forward to both contestants' futures and hopes there will be many more Trainers like them. Meanwhile, Alain smiles and turns to leave the stadium from where he watched the battle. Back in the middle of the battlefield, Sawyer meets Ash and reaffirms his admiration of Ash. Ash responds that they had a good battle and he was excited throughout. The two of them agree to battle again one day when they have both trained harder, had many more battles, and become much stronger. The two shake hands after their well-fought battle.


==Major events==
==Major events==
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* [[Jessie]]
* [[Jessie]]
* [[James]]
* [[James]]
* [[Professor Sycamore]]
* {{an|Professor Sycamore}}
* [[Sawyer]]
* [[Alain]]
* [[Alain]]
* {{an|Tierno}}
* {{an|Tierno}}
* {{an|Trevor}}
* {{an|Trevor}}
* {{an|Shauna}}
* {{an|Shauna}}
* [[Sawyer]]
* [[Malva]]
* [[Diantha]]
* [[Diantha]]
* [[Malva]]
* Announcer
* Announcer
* Referee
* Referee


===Pokémon===
===Pokémon===
<!--[[File:WTP XY128.png|thumb|200px|Who's That Pokémon?]]-->
[[File:WTP XY128.png|thumb|200px|Who's That Pokémon?]]
<!--[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Pokémon}} ''(US and international)''<br>-->
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Salamence}} ''(US and international)''<br>
[[Pokémon Quiz]]: [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{p|Sceptile}} ''(Japan)''
[[Pokémon Quiz]]: [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{p|Sceptile}} ''(Japan)''
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Dedenne}} ({{OP|Clemont|Dedenne}})
* {{p|Dedenne}} ({{OP|Clemont|Dedenne}})
* {{p|Greninja}} ({{OP|Ash|Greninja}}; Ash-Greninja)
* {{p|Greninja}} ({{OP|Ash|Greninja}}; [[Bond Phenomenon|Ash-Greninja]])
* {{p|Goodra}} ({{OP|Ash|Goodra}})
* {{p|Goodra}} ({{OP|Ash|Goodra}})
* {{p|Noivern}} ({{OP|Ash|Noivern}})
* {{p|Noivern}} ({{OP|Ash|Noivern}})
* {{p|Chespin}} ({{OP|Clemont|Chespin}})
* {{p|Chespin}} ({{OP|Clemont|Chespin}})
* {{p|Sceptile}} ({{OP|Sawyer|Sceptile}}; [[Mega Evolution|Mega Sceptile]])
* {{p|Sceptile}} ({{OP|Sawyer|Sceptile}}; {{me|Sceptile}})
* {{p|Salamence}} ([[Sawyer]]'s)
* {{p|Salamence}} ([[Sawyer]]'s)
* {{p|Slurpuff}} ([[Sawyer]]'s)
* {{p|Slurpuff}} ([[Sawyer]]'s)
Line 105: Line 108:


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
[[File:Title Card XY Ash V2.png|200px|thumb|The title card segment focuses on Ash for this episode]]
[[File:XY Title Card Ash V2.png|200px|thumb|The title card segment focuses on Ash for this episode]]
* [[Poké TV]]: "Pokemon Unbelievable" focusing on some of {{Ash}}'s, {{an|Clemont}}'s, and {{an|Serena}}'s Pokémon, along with [[Sawyer]]'s [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{TP|Sawyer|Sceptile}}.
* [[Poké TV]]: "Pokemon Unbelievable" focusing on some of {{Ash}}'s, {{an|Clemont}}'s, and {{an|Serena}}'s Pokémon, along with [[Sawyer]]'s [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{TP|Sawyer|Sceptile}}.
* Serena, {{an|Bonnie}}, [[Clemont's Chespin]], and [[Mairin]] narrate the preview for the [[XY129|next episode]].
* Serena, {{an|Bonnie}}, [[Clemont's Chespin]], and [[Mairin]] narrate the preview for the [[XY129|next episode]].
* This episode marks the first time Ash has ever gotten into the finals of a [[Pokémon League Conference]].
* This episode marks the first time Ash has ever gotten into the finals of a [[Pokémon League Conference]].
* ''{{so|XY&Z}}'' is used as an insert song during Ash's battle against Sawyer, when Mega Sceptile and {{DL|Ash's Greninja|Ash-Greninja}} are battling each other.
* {{so|XY&Z}} is used as an insert song during Ash's {{pkmn|battle}} against [[Sawyer]], when [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{TP|Sawyer|Sceptile}} and {{DL|Ash's Greninja|Ash-Greninja}} are battling each other.
* This episode marks the first time {{AP|Goodra}} is [[Fainting|knocked out]] during a battle since its capture.
* This episode marks the first time {{AP|Goodra}} is [[Fainting|knocked out]] during a battle since its capture.
* This is the first time that ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]'' [[Who's That Pokémon?]] segment features a Pokémon that has already been featured. In this case, {{p|Salamence}} was featured in ''[[XY046|The Clumsy Crier Quiets the Chaos!]]''.


===Errors===
===Errors===
* After {{AP|Pikachu}} makes contact with {{p|Aegislash}}'s {{m|King's Shield}}, the animation of Pikachu's {{stat|Attack|Attack stat}} dropping moved up instead of down, making it appear that the stat was being raised instead of dropping.
* After {{AP|Pikachu}} makes contact with {{p|Aegislash}}'s {{m|King's Shield}}, the animation of Pikachu's {{stat|Attack|Attack stat}} dropping moves up instead of down, making it appear that the stat is being raised instead of dropping.
* When Sawyer calls for Aegislash to continue using {{m|Sacred Sword}}, Aegislash was shown being in {{DL|List of Pokémon with form differences|Aegislash|Shield Forme}} instead of Blade Forme before attacking.
* When Sawyer calls for Aegislash to continue using {{m|Sacred Sword}}, Aegislash is shown being in {{DL|List of Pokémon with form differences|Aegislash|Shield Forme}} instead of Blade Forme before attacking.
* When Pikachu returns to Ash after defeating Aegislash, his bruises from the battle disappear.
* When Salamence's {{m|Dragon Rush}} and {{AP|Noivern}}'s {{m|Acrobatics}} collide at the end of their battle and create a smoke cloud, Pikachu is mostly missing the brown patch on his tail.
* When Salamance's Dragon Rush and Noivern's Acrobatics collide at the end of their battle and create a smoke cloud, Pikachu is missing the brown patch on his tail.
* When Goodra is using {{m|Bide}} for the second time, its red glow is not visible.
* When Ash commands Greninja to use {{m|Cut}} to counter Sceptile's {{m|Leaf Blade}}, the scoreboard displays Ash's {{AP|Noivern}} and Sawyer's {{p|Salamence}} as the two who are currently battling. Due to this, the scoreboard displays Pikachu as being still able to battle despite being knocked out previously, and Ash's Goodra and Greninja aren't on the scoreboard, despite having been used and defeated, and currently in battle, respectively.
* After Greninja uses {{m|Double Team}}, the inside of one of the Greninja doubles' ear is cream instead of blue.
* When Mega Sceptile uses {{m|Frenzy Plant}} on Ash-Greninja, Greninja's giant shuriken is colored dark blue like the stars on its legs instead of light blue for a few frames as it falls.
* When Ash commands Greninja to use {{m|Cut}} to counter Sceptile's {{m|Leaf Blade}}, the scoreboard displays Ash's Noivern and Sawyer's Salamence as the two who are currently battling. Due to this, the scoreboard displays Pikachu as being still able to battle despite being knocked out previously, and Ash's Goodra and Greninja aren't on the scoreboard, despite having been used and defeated, and currently in battle, respectively.
* Before Ash has Greninja use Cut against Mega Sceptile's Frenzy Plant, Ash's Pikachu is shown standing next to Ash, but is also shown on the right-hand side where Ash placed him after being defeated previously.
** Additionally, Sawyer's {{p|Slurpuff}} and Sceptile are absent from the scoreboard too.
* When Greninja uses Cut, it is missing the star shape on its leg.
* When Ash commands Ash-Greninja to use Cut on Mega Sceptile's {{m|Frenzy Plant}} after dodging it, there is a tree in the background, despite them being on a desert battlefield at this point of the battle.
* When Mega Sceptile uses Frenzy Plant on Ash-Greninja, Greninja's giant shuriken is colored dark blue like the stars on its legs instead of light blue for a few frames as it falls.
* Before Ash has Greninja use Cut against Mega Sceptile's Frenzy Plant, Pikachu is shown standing next to Ash, but is also shown on the right-hand side where Ash placed him after being defeated previously.
* When Ash is declared the winner of the battle, on the scoreboard, Talonflame and {{p|Slaking}}'s poses are different from before.
 
<gallery>
XY128 error.png|Aegislash's form error
XY128 error 2.png|Pikachu's miscolored tail
XY128 error 3.png|Greninja's miscolored shuriken
</gallery>


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
* An instrumental version of [[Stand Tall]] is used as background music.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
<!--{{Epilang|color=A1D175|bordercolor=6FB82B
{{Epilang|color=A1D175|bordercolor=6FB82B
|}}-->
|cs={{tt|Senzační soupeři!|Sensational rivals!}}
|da={{tt|En fængslende rivalisering!|A captivating rivalry!}}
|nl={{tt|Een epische strijd!|An epic battle!}}
|fi={{tt|Kilpailuhenkeä kerrakseen!|Plenty of rivalry spirit!}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Une rivalité fascinante !|A fascinating rivalry!}}
|de={{tt|Eine fesselnde Rivalität!|A captivating rivalry!}}
|it={{tt|Una rivalità avvincente!|A riveting rivalry!}}
|ko={{tt|라이벌 결전! 지우개굴닌자 VS 메가나무킹!!|Rival Showdown! Ash-Greninja VS Mega Sceptile!!}}
|no={{tt|Fascinerende rivalisering!|Fascinating rivalry!}}
|pl={{tt|Fascynująca rywalizacja!|A fascinating rivalry!}}
|pt_br={{tt|Uma Firme Rivalidade!|A Firm Rivalry!}}
|pt_eu={{tt|Uma rivalidade fascinante!|A fascinating rivalry!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡Una rivalidad fascinante!|A fascinating rivalry!}}
|es_eu={{tt|¡Una rivalidad fascinante!|A fascinating rivalry!}}
|sv={{tt|En fängslande rivalitet!|A captivating rivalry!}}
|th={{tt|ศึกคู่แข่ง! ซาโตชิเก็คโคงะ ปะทะ เมก้าจูไคน์!!|Decisive Rival Battle! Satoshi Gekkouga VS Mega Jukain!!}}
|ru={{tt|Крепкое соперничество!|A strong rivalry!}}
|tr={{tt|Sürükleyici bir rekabet!|An enthusiastic competition!}}
|}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
<!-- fill in the title links with dub titles only -->
{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=XY127 |
prevcode=XY127 |
<!--prevtitle= |-->
prevtitle=Analysis Versus Passion! |
nextcode=XY129 |
nextcode=XY129 |
<!--nexttitle= |-->
nexttitle=Kalos League Passion with a Certain Flare! |
series=XY series |
series=Pokémon the Series: XY |
colorscheme=XYZ}}
colorscheme=XYZ}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
[[Category:XY series episodes|128]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash|927]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Sawyer|927]]
[[Category:Pokémon League episodes|927]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a Champion appears|927]]
[[Category:Episodes featuring Elite Four members|927]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Akemi Omode|927]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Jōji Shimura|927]]
[[Category:Episodes by one-time directors|927]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Aito Ōhashi|927]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Izumi Shimura|927]]
[[Category:Episodes by multiple animation directors|927]]


[[de:Rival Kessen! Satoshi Gekkouga VS Mega Jukain!!]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:0927}}
[[Category:Pokémon the Series: XY episodes|128]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Sawyer]]
[[Category:Pokémon League episodes]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a Champion appears]]
[[Category:Episodes featuring Elite Four members]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Akemi Omode]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Jōji Shimura]]
[[Category:Episodes by one-time directors]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Aito Ōhashi]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Izumi Shimura]]
[[Category:Episodes by multiple animation directors]]
 
[[de:Eine fesselnde Rivalität!]]
[[es:EP931]]
[[fr:XY128]]
[[fr:XY128]]
[[it:XY127]]
[[it:XY127]]
[[ja:XY編第128話]]
[[ja:XY編第128話]]
[[zh:XY127]]
[[zh:宝可梦 XY 第127集]]

Latest revision as of 05:19, 3 September 2024

XY127 : Analysis Versus Passion!
Pokémon the Series: XY
XY129 : Kalos League Passion with a Certain Flare!
A Riveting Rivalry!
XY128.png
XY128   EP927
ライバル決戦!サトシゲッコウガVSメガジュカイン!!
Decisive Rival Battle! Satoshi Gekkouga VS Mega Jukain!!
First broadcast
Japan July 28, 2016
United States October 15, 2016
English themes
Opening Stand Tall
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening XY&Z
Ending プニちゃんのうた
Credits
Animation Team Kato
Screenplay 面出明美 Akemi Omode
Storyboard 志村錠児 Jōji Shimura
Assistant director 浅利藤彰 Fujiaki Asari
Animation directors 大橋藍人 Aito Ōhashi
志村泉 Izumi Shimura
Additional credits

A Riveting Rivalry! (Japanese: ライバル決戦!サトシゲッコウガVSメガジュカイン!! Decisive Rival Battle! Satoshi Gekkouga VS Mega Jukain!!) is the 128th episode of Pokémon the Series: XY, and the 927th episode of the Pokémon animated series. It first aired in Japan on July 28, 2016 and in the United States on October 15, 2016.

201
Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
201

Blurb

It’s Ash’s Pikachu versus Sawyer’s Aegislash in the semifinals of the Kalos League! Sawyer presents a strategic challenge when Aegislash leaves the battlefield covered with fallen trees, but Ash and Pikachu figure out how to use that to their advantage, and Aegislash is defeated.

Then, something unusual happens: a double draw, as Ash’s Noivern and Sawyer’s Salamence knock each other out, and then it happens again with Ash’s Goodra and Sawyer’s Slurpuff! Sawyer’s Sceptile defeats Pikachu—and finally, Ash-Greninja and Mega Sceptile face off in an amazing battle of rivals. The battle is fast and fierce…until Ash-Greninja emerges victorious, and Ash moves on to face Alain in the finals!

Plot

The battle between Ash and Sawyer continues as Sawyer's Aegislash stands before Pikachu after it has cut down all the trees and cleared the battlefield with Sacred Sword, limiting Pikachu's options for evading attacks. Ash wonders what Sawyer could be planning by cutting the trees down, while his friends in the stands ponder the same question. Back on the battlefield, Sawyer praises Aegislash and Ash informs Pikachu that they need to be careful while battling Aegislash. Professor Sycamore is interested by Sawyer's battling technique, while Diantha wonders what he could be planning for Pikachu during the battle, commenting on how Sawyer has analyzed the battle so far. Alain watches the battle between the two from the stands.

Ash makes his next command, ordering Pikachu to use Iron Tail, but Sawyer quickly has Aegislash use King's Shield to protect itself from the attack. Pikachu's Iron Tail connects with the King's Shield, causing Pikachu's Attack stat to harshly drop as a result, which reminds Ash that attacking Aegislash will be difficult. Clemont and Tierno note how King's Shield needs to be dealt with properly and not handled carelessly. Seeing an opportunity to attack, Sawyer commands Aegislash to use Sacred Sword, which Pikachu successfully dodges, only to be struck when he gets too close, slamming into the ground after the hit. Tierno wonders if Sawyer's plan is to limit Pikachu's speed, with the scattered logs forming unstable footing for Pikachu, whereas Aegislash is floating in the air, giving it the advantage. Sawyer continues to have Aegislash use Sacred Sword, which Pikachu is able to avoid several times until he backs himself into a corner and is hit. Ash attempts to use Thunderbolt instead, but that is soon blocked by King's Shield once again. During Aegislash's change to its Shield Forme, Ash notices how it joins with its shield. He tells Pikachu that he has a risky idea, but he trusts Pikachu to be able to handle it. Sawyer quickly notices the change in Ash's expression, one he has seen numerous times. As Sawyer tells Aegislash not to let its guard down, Ash commands Pikachu to use Iron Tail, which he slams into the ground, forcing the logs all around into the air. Sawyer responds confidently by having Aegislash use Fury Cutter, but as Ash orders Pikachu to use the logs to close in, Aegislash is unable to land a hit as Pikachu darts between the midair logs. Aegislash dices up all the logs around it but still misses Pikachu. When Pikachu finally appears to be closing for an attack, Sawyer commands Aegislash to use King's Shield. Setting his plan into action, Ash orders Pikachu to throw one of the logs, which wedges into Aegislash's shield where it would normally join to complete its King's Shield. Already in the middle of its move, Aegislash becomes stuck when it attempts to form King's Shield, and Ash orders Pikachu to use Thunderbolt, which connects and knocks Aegislash out.

With Sawyer's remaining Pokémon brought down to three, the battlefield is changed. While the field is being changed, Sawyer and Ash talk about how the latter was able to win the battle against Aegislash, and Sawyer notices that Ash has complete trust in his Pokémon and that's what makes them strong. The new battlefield is brought up and is revealed to be a desert field, and Ash and Sawyer send out their Pokémon for the next battle, Noivern and Salamence, as Serena scans the latter with her Pokédex. The battle begins with Ash commanding Boomburst, which is dodged by Salamence numerous times before finally connecting. Noivern then uses Dragon Claw but Sawyer has Salamence use Dragon Rush to counter. As the two attacks collide and Noivern recoils, Ash checks on Noivern to make sure he's alright. In the meantime, Sawyer commands Salamence to use Incinerate. Noivern nimbly dodges each fireball flung his way, but after dodging the last, Salamence suddenly pops up in front of Noivern and uses Dragon Tail to send him flying. Clemont theorizes that Salamence deliberately used Incinerate to guide Noivern's movements. After checking that Noivern is alright, Ash has him dodge Salamence's resumed Incinerate attacks. As Salamence winds up for another fireball, Ash has him use Boomburst to intercept it. The attacks collide and create a smoke cloud, which Ash uses to his advantage by commanding Noivern to use Acrobatics. Remembering that Noivern can see even in the smoke, Sawyer has Salamence use Protect, narrowly blocking Noivern's oncoming attack. Ash and Sawyer command their Pokémon to use Dragon Rush and Acrobatics, and the two collide powerfully. After this collision, both Pokémon go down, resulting in a draw. Both Ash and Sawyer return their defeated Pokémon to their Poké Balls. Sawyer immediately sends out his fifth Pokémon, Slurpuff, and Ash sends out his Goodra in response. Despite having the type advantage, Sawyer appears concerned now that he is up against the only of Ash's Pokémon that he has never battled before. But he pulls himself together and commands Slurpuff to do his best.

Sawyer starts off the battle by having Slurpuff use Flamethrower, which Goodra intercepts with an Ice Beam. Slurpuff immediately uses Dazzling Gleam, which is super effective on Goodra, but Goodra appears to shrug it off. Sawyer then orders Fairy Wind as a follow up, but Ash has Goodra use Bide. Anticipating the upcoming attack, Sawyer has Slurpuff use Cotton Guard to raise his Defense before Ash orders Goodra to fire off Bide, and the attack appears to have minimal effect. Surprised, Ash orders Goodra to use Ice Beam, but Slurpuff intercepts it with Flamethrower, resulting in a large cloud of steam. Taking advantage of the cloud, Sawyer commands Slurpuff to use Fairy Wind, which catches Goodra off guard and sends it flying back. Sawyer proclaims that Slurpuff's sense of smell helped him locate Goodra through the steam, which Ash notes is just like what he did with Noivern. Slurpuff uses Flamethrower again and Ash commands Bide, and Sawyer hopes to hold the Flamethrower and push through Goodra's Bide to knock it out. After a prolonged battle of wills, however, Slurpuff's Flamethrower finally ends in a large burst. To his and Sawyer's surprise, Goodra emerges shaky but standing. As Ash orders Goodra to unleash Bide, Sawyer orders Fairy Wind, and as the attacks collide, a large cloud of dust engulfs the battlefield. When the dust clears, both Pokémon are revealed to have fainted, resulting in another draw.

Recalling their Pokémon, Sawyer then sends out his sixth and final Pokémon, Sceptile. In the stands, Ash's friends worry about his prospects against Sceptile. Ash sends Pikachu in once again and immediately opens the battle with Quick Attack. In response, Sawyer has Sceptile use Leaf Storm to keep him at a distance. The Leaf Storm lifts Pikachu into the air, and Ash commands him to use Thunderbolt which reaches Sceptile through the Leaf Storm and cuts it off. Pikachu then attacks from the air with Iron Tail, but Sceptile intercepts it with Leaf Blade and manages to throw Pikachu back. Sawyer immediately orders Sceptile to use Frenzy Plant, which Pikachu tries to dodge, but it quickly surrounds him and lifts him into the air before arcing down to slam him into the ground, knocking him out.

With Ash down to his final Pokémon, he sends out Greninja to face Sceptile. Ash opens with Water Shuriken, but Sceptile cuts through them with Dragon Claw. Greninja then uses Double Team to approach, but Sceptile attacks with Frenzy Plant to weed out the copies. When only the real Greninja is left, Sawyer commands Sceptile to attack with Leaf Blade, but Greninja blocks Sceptile's strikes with its own Cut. As Sceptile and Greninja square off again, both Sawyer and Ash take a breath to contemplate the events that have led them to this battle. Sawyer remembers how he started off awed by Ash and could only chase his shadow, but now he hopes that by defeating Ash, he'll be able to reach greater heights. Ash, meanwhile, silently apologizes to Sawyer for becoming scared and panicking when he felt Sawyer had surpassed him; but after that, he was able to find himself again, and he promises to show Sawyer what he and his Pokémon can really do.

Withdrawing from his contemplation, Ash yells to Greninja to go full power, and they synchronize themselves to transform into Ash-Greninja. Responding in kind, Sawyer takes up his Key Stone and Mega Evolves Sceptile. Picking up their battle once more, Sceptile uses Frenzy Plant which Greninja leaps to dodge; the vines immediately reach to pluck Greninja from the air, but Greninja uses Cut to slice through it and land safely. Ash commands Greninja to throw a Water Shuriken, which Sceptile cuts through with Dragon Claw, but Greninja is already closing the distance and uses Aerial Ace to land a couple of super effective blows. As Sceptile reels, Sawyer orders a Leaf Storm which connects with Greninja and knocks it back. As Greninja lands, the two close again in a clash of blades, pitting Leaf Blade against Cut. With neither able to gain an advantage, they separate again and Sceptile launches a Leaf Storm that knocks Greninja into the air again. As Greninja falls, Sawyer orders Sceptile to press the attack with Frenzy Plant, but Greninja manages to orient itself and land securely atop the vines, racing along them and using Cut to slice its way out of pressure. However, the vines manage to keep Greninja from advancing on Sceptile. Ash's friends in the stands worry, while Professor Sycamore marvels at the Ash-Greninja transformation. Finally, Greninja jumps into the air, avoiding most of the vines, and uses Double Team. Ash warns Sawyer that he's giving him everything he and Greninja have, and as Greninja uses Water Shuriken, it grows to a massive size. Sawyer frantically orders Sceptile to counter with Leaf Storm, and the two attacks collide into a massive cloud of dust. As the dust clears, Sceptile is revealed unconscious on the ground, as Greninja lands beside Ash, victorious.

With Ash as the winner of the second semi-finals battle, he advances to the finals. His friends cheer and congratulate him from the crowd. Exhausted from the battle, Ash-Greninja reverts back to its normal form, while Ash, equally exhausted, congratulates it. Team Rocket is impressed by Ash's battle and speculates that he might actually win the League this time. From their seats, Professor Sycamore applauds the excellent battle, while Diantha looks forward to both contestants' futures and hopes there will be many more Trainers like them. Meanwhile, Alain smiles and turns to leave the stadium from where he watched the battle. Back in the middle of the battlefield, Sawyer meets Ash and reaffirms his admiration of Ash. Ash responds that they had a good battle and he was excited throughout. The two of them agree to battle again one day when they have both trained harder, had many more battles, and become much stronger. The two shake hands after their well-fought battle.

Major events

For a list of all major events in the animated series, please see the history page.

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Pokémon Quiz

Pokémon

Who's That Pokémon?

Who's That Pokémon?: Salamence (US and international)
Pokémon Quiz: Mega Sceptile (Japan)

Trivia

The title card segment focuses on Ash for this episode

Errors

  • After Pikachu makes contact with Aegislash's King's Shield, the animation of Pikachu's Attack stat dropping moves up instead of down, making it appear that the stat is being raised instead of dropping.
  • When Sawyer calls for Aegislash to continue using Sacred Sword, Aegislash is shown being in Shield Forme instead of Blade Forme before attacking.
  • When Salamence's Dragon Rush and Noivern's Acrobatics collide at the end of their battle and create a smoke cloud, Pikachu is mostly missing the brown patch on his tail.
  • When Goodra is using Bide for the second time, its red glow is not visible.
  • After Greninja uses Double Team, the inside of one of the Greninja doubles' ear is cream instead of blue.
  • When Ash commands Greninja to use Cut to counter Sceptile's Leaf Blade, the scoreboard displays Ash's Noivern and Sawyer's Salamence as the two who are currently battling. Due to this, the scoreboard displays Pikachu as being still able to battle despite being knocked out previously, and Ash's Goodra and Greninja aren't on the scoreboard, despite having been used and defeated, and currently in battle, respectively.
    • Additionally, Sawyer's Slurpuff and Sceptile are absent from the scoreboard too.
  • When Greninja uses Cut, it is missing the star shape on its leg.
  • When Ash commands Ash-Greninja to use Cut on Mega Sceptile's Frenzy Plant after dodging it, there is a tree in the background, despite them being on a desert battlefield at this point of the battle.
  • When Mega Sceptile uses Frenzy Plant on Ash-Greninja, Greninja's giant shuriken is colored dark blue like the stars on its legs instead of light blue for a few frames as it falls.
  • Before Ash has Greninja use Cut against Mega Sceptile's Frenzy Plant, Pikachu is shown standing next to Ash, but is also shown on the right-hand side where Ash placed him after being defeated previously.
  • When Ash is declared the winner of the battle, on the scoreboard, Talonflame and Slaking's poses are different from before.

Dub edits

  • An instrumental version of Stand Tall is used as background music.

In other languages



XY127 : Analysis Versus Passion!
Pokémon the Series: XY
XY129 : Kalos League Passion with a Certain Flare!
Project Anime logo.png This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of Pokémon animation.