Japanese Title: Sword & Shield IV - The Ultimate Sword and Shield
Original Airdate: November 13, 2020
US Airdate: March 5, 2021
Some catching up at the site of an ultimate battle.
The battle to contain the now free Eternatus continues, but Chairman Rose and Oleana are standing in Ash's and Goh's way.
- Big Brother Instinct: When Leon catches Eternatus with his Poké Ball, he knows full well that it is not over and he holds both Ash and Goh back for their safety. He is proven correct when Eternatus explodes out of his Poké Ball. Leon is badly injured but still tries to get up and continue protecting the pair of ten year olds. Keep in mind he's only interacted with the boys about twice beforehand.
- Leon's Charizard also steps in front to protect Cinderace, Lucario, and Pikachu without orders from Leon.
- Gameplay and Story Integration: When they reach their final evolutions, both Lucario and Cinderace instantly learn their respective evolution moves, Aura Sphere and Pyro Ball. For Lucario, it replaces Vacuum Wave. For Cinderace, it replaces Ember.
- Handshake Substitute: Two pairs of fistbumps occur when Ash and Goh meet up again and realize Riolu and Raboot have evolved.
- No Man Should Have This Power: Ash and Goh give Eternatus' Poké Ball to the authorities to keep it from being used for what Rose nearly did.
- Took a Level in Badass: Riolu and Raboot evolve into Lucario and Cinderace, respectively.
- Wham Episode: During their battles, Ash's Riolu and Goh's Raboot finally evolve into their final forms, Lucario and Cinderace. After defeating Eternatus, it becomes Goh's first ever Legendary catch, though he hands it over to the authorities for protection.
