When two of May’s Poké Balls turn up missing, she’s quick to place the blame on Team Rocket, but the dastardly trio—conveniently hiding out nearby—quick assert their innocence. Shortly thereafter, our heroes meet a man who explains that the true culprit must in fact be his Linoone, which since evolving from a Zigzagoon has avoided its trainer and instead gathered random items from far and wide—sometimes even taking things belonging to others. As our heroes search for the missing Poké Balls, Ash shares some of his own training experiences with Linoone’s trainer, in hopes of restoring the fond relationship that once existed between the man and his Pokémon. Meanwhile, Team Rocket drools over the prospect of gaining a Pokémon already well practiced in theft.