Japanese Title: Catch the Legend!? Find the Guardian of Water - Suicune!!!?
Original Airdate: January 29, 2021
US Airdate: September 10, 2021
Canada Airdate: July 10, 2021
In the Johto region, a storm mixes up a lake's waters, causing it to become muddy and brown. However, the Legendary Pokémon Suicune appears and uses its powers to make the water crystal clear again. The news of Suicune being sighted quickly reach the ears of Professor Cerise in Kanto, and he relays the information further to Ash and Goh. Chrysa and Ren, however, point out that multiple sightings of Suicune have been made around the same lake, which is unusual, as it tends to move along after purifying a body of water. As such, Professor Cerise dispatches his research fellows to the site to investigate.
- Badass in Distress: Suicune is a Legendary Pokémon that ends up being captured in a net by poachers while still injured and helpless, much to Goh's dismay.
- Batman Gambit: The poachers know about Suicune's ability to purify water, so they intentionally pollute the lake it's close to in order to draw it out.
- Because You Were Nice to Me: Suicune decides to remain Goh's Pokémon after Goh helps it heal from its wounds and poison, along with helping the Pokémon it was protecting by gathering food for them and protecting them from the poachers, including Suicune itself.
- Call-Back: Raichu’s ability to get Peach berries comes in handy to help Suicune.
- Continuity Nod: Ash immediately realizes the intention of the poachers, having confronted characters like Hunters J and D before.
- Crazy-Prepared: As the Pokémon Hunters mostly use Poison types, Goh catches the Psychic type Drowzee, who has a type advantage to use against them. However, the lead Hunter owns the Dark type Houndoom, which is strong against Psychic types.
- Damsel out of Distress: Once it has gained enough strength, Suicune breaks free from the poachers' net and helps Goh to defeat the poachers.
- I Choose to Stay: At the end when Goh puts its ball down to release it, Suicune touches the Poké Ball with its nose, allowing it to be sent back in and remain his Pokémon. Also overlaps with But Now I Must Go, as it also continues to roam the Earth while remaining with Goh in spirit.
- Jerkass: The Pokémon Hunters, especially the one who kicks and stomps on Suicune's injured and bandaged leg after it was captured in a net.
- The Unreveal: It is never explained why the poachers wanted Suicune.
- Tranquil Fury: Although its voice is faintly audible, especially in the original Japanese dub, Lucario growls at the poachers that try to capture Suicune when they go where Goh headed to cure the Legendary to get their hands on it, frustrated that they got away and furious for how low they are willing to stoop to capture Suicune (trick it to clean the lake they polluted with their Poison-type Pokémon to tire it out, injuring its paw and badly poisoning the poor beast with repeated Sludge Bombs). However, Ash easily calms it down by patting it on the head and getting its attention.
- Wham Episode: Goh manages to catch Suicune of Johto's Legendary Beast Trio, though it's meant to protect it from the poachers. While Goh intended to release it after, Suicune decides to stick around, though it tends to disappear.
- Worf Had the Flu: Considering the fact that the poachers poisoned the lake to lure Suicune, it is highly implied that they defeated the Legendary Pokémon through ambushing it, which weakened it enough for Goh to catch it.
- Would Hurt a Child: Every Pokémon Hunter.
