- "Welcome to the Tenla Region, and the World of Pokemon."—Professor Xavier Ironwood, giving the standard greeting
The saga kicks off with the regional professor of Tenla, Xavier Ironwood, speaking to an audience and delivering a "World of Pokemon" speech reminiscent of the games. It also marks the coming of age for our avatars, Novak and Antia, who receive their Starter Pokemon slowly after. The scene then changes to Ash thinking about what happened in the Pokemon Story: Sinnoh Journey. Once Professor Oak drops by, he lets Ash know about the Tenla Region, and he's off to the races. He's not the only coming along. Team Rocket are still up to no good, and Professor Oak gives the shocking announcement that Gary is coming too. After Team Rocket tries to kidnap Pikachu, another shocker comes in the form of Misty coming to her old friend's aid.
The adventure begins.
- The Bus Came Back: Misty is back to travel with Ash for a whole region again. Oak pretty much says the same will happen with Gary.
- Canon Welding: Misty is wearing the clothes of her game incarnation in Pokemon Heart Gold And Soul Silver according to Word of God.
- Primary-Color Champion: Ash's new outfit predominantly features red and blue with a little black for good measure.
- Took a Level in Badass: Misty's Azurill evolved into an Azumarill. In her words: "Just imagine, first it's a cute, little ball of blueness, then it's one of my go-to Pokemon for Gym Battles."