As Ash and Volkner prepare to have their Gym Battle, all the electricity is suddenly cut off! Realizing that the problem must be at Sunyshore Tower, they look over just in time to see Sunyshore Tower blasting off like a rocket! Giving chase, Ash and Volkner jump on the rocket during takeoff, only to discover that Team Rocket is manning the controls, with plans to steal Sunyshore Tower and use it as their base!

Ash and Volkner will not stand for this, of course, and a fierce battle ensues. Although Seviper and Carnivine manage to get in a couple of attacks against Raichu and Pikachu, Grotle ultimately makes quick work of Team Rocket's plans, while simultaneously evolving into Torterra! Defeating Team Rocket and sending them blasting off once more, Volkner takes control of the tower rocket and brings it safely back to its station in Sunyshore City.

Ash's Gym Battle challenge will have to wait for a bit while repairs to the tower are made. In the meantime, Ash promises to train hard, and our heroes set off for the Lakeside Resort and the Grand Festival!