The gang meets Professor Elm once again and learn of the Whirl Cup, a competition that revolves primarily around water-type Pokémon. Misty and Ash vow to enter after witnessing an unknown Pokémon during a shipwreck.
Tropes
- The Bus Came Back: Professor Elm, who hasn't been seen since the beginning of Ash's Johto journies.
- Continuity Nod: The presence of whirlpools in the seas on the way to the Whirl Cup harken to the Whirlpool mechanic in the Johto games.
- Early-Bird Cameo: Of Lugia in the TV series. Subverted if you go by the one seen in Pokémon The Movie: 2000.
- Paper-Thin Disguise: The twerps fall for this again courtesy Team Rocket.
- Story Arc: This begins a four-episode arc about Misty seeking to catch a Corsola.
