This article is about an episode of the Pokémon animated series that has not been dubbed into English. As such, its coverage may contain romanized Japanese names, rather than dub names.
Curtain Up, Unova League! (Japanese: 開幕イッシュリーグ・ヒガキ大会！サトシ対シューティー！！The Isshu League Higaki Conference Gets Underway! Satoshi VS Shooty!!) is the 103rd episode of the Best Wishes series, and the 760th episode of the Pokémon anime. It first aired in Japan on November 22, 2012 and is scheduled to air in the United States on March 9, 2013.
Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
Template:Incomplete synopsis
The historical beginning of the Unova League creates an adrenaline-pumping impact on both our heroes and the other competitors. The qualifying rounds begin, with Stephan, Trip, Bianca and all other rivals coming up with new strategies and oaths to beat their respective opponents. Ash is set to battle his long-term rival, Trip. They exchange looks of determination and confidence, as a prelude to their upcoming battle. Trip sends out Serperior, while Ash, after a moments thinking, commands Pikachu to face him.
Ash starts with a Quick Attack, which is dodged by Serperior. Then, he makes a second attack using Iron Tail, which is countered by Serperior's Dragon Tail. The impact sends Pikachu out of the arena, and he crashes onto the boundary wall. An exhausted Pikachu tries to use Electro Ball, and it too is dodged. Ash is concerned and cornered. An Energy Ball nearly deflates Pikachu, as Serperior grabs him with his tail. Ash calls out for a Thunderbolt, but Serperior merely passes the electricity underground by burying his tail and using it as a lightning rod. Pikachu is half-conscious, and he seems to be at a dead end.
Ash yells to him, and all the memories of his previous battles come on his mind. Ash quickly hatches a new plan. As Pikachu's tail was outside of Serperior's grip, he commands an Iron Tail which allows him to break free. Once more, the attack is repeated, but Serperior's Dragon Tail once again causes Pikachu to flinch. Ash, to Trip's sheer astonishment, orders Pikachu to gather electricity on his tail and he uses a unique Electro Ball and Iron Tail combo. Serperior counters with Dragon Tail, and a large explosion occurs.
When the smoke clears, Pikachu collapses onto the ground, but manages to stand up within a few seconds with faltering steps. Serperior, however, is unconscious, and Trip has been defeated. Their rivalry ends, and friendship blooms its first bud.
Stephan defeats Raul, and advances to the second round. Bianca also makes it through. With nail-biting suspense and effervescent excitement, Ash waits for his next battle,with Stephan as his opponent.
