Japanese Title: Hiwada Gym! Forest Battlefield!!
Original Airdate: April 20th, 2000
US Airdate: March 17th, 2001
When Ash reaches the Azalea Gym, he has just the Pokémon to challenge the Gym Leader's Bug Pokémon, Cyndaquil. Unfortunately, Cyndaquil still has trouble warming up its flame, which immediately presents a problem.Tropes
- Beatnik: Team Rocket delivers their motto in a beat poetry style.
- Moment Killer: Ash is all fired up for his gym battle, but Chikorita wants to cuddle.Ash: I choose you, Chikorita!
Chikorita: (snuggles Ash)
Ash: (gently) That's very nice, but let's hug later. - Spectacular Spinning: Bugsy's Scyther spins around like a top while using Swords Dance in order to fan away Fire-type attacks. Ash gets around this by having Cyndaquil jump and use Flamethrower directly from above while spinning itself.
- Why Did It Have to Be Snakes?: The Azelia Town gym specializes in bug-type Pokémon. As usual, Misty hates it.
- Young and in Charge: Bugsy appears to be younger than Ash, but he's evidently certified as a Johto League Gym Leader.
