The Sinnoh League begins, and Ash's first round opponent is Nando. Meanwhile, Barry learns of a mysterious competitor named Tobias who has a Darkrai.
Tropes:
- The Bus Came Back: Heracross makes a return to battle in this episode after having last taken on Spencer during the Battle Frontier.
- Double Knockout: Ash's Quilava vs. Nando's Armaldo.
- Look What I Can Do Now!: Ash's Heracross is revealed to have learned Sleep Talk and Focus Punch.
- Off Screen Moment Of Awesome: Quilava and Armaldo's fight due to the episode cutting to Team Rocket trying to sell merchandise when both Pokémon are sent out. By the time we cut back, both Pokémon are very weak and knock themselves out after an Aerial Ace/X-Scissor collision.
- Status Effects: Nando's Kricketune puts Ash's Heracross to sleep with Sing. Fortunately, Heracross knows Sleep Talk, so it makes no real difference.
