Rather than challenging just one of the Striaton Gym Leaders, Ash chooses to challenge each of the three Leaders to a Gym battle, with best two out of three counting as a victory.
The Team Rocket trio receive a mission from Giovanni to capture the "Future Energy" in the Dreamyard.
Ash defeats Chili, loses to Cress, and starts his battle with Cilan.
Ash and Iris arrive in Striaton City and meet Cilan, a Pokémon Connoisseur and one of the local Gym Leaders, as well as his brothers and fellow Striaton Gym Leaders, Chili and Cress.
Ash's Tepig and Oshawott are both revealed to know Tackle.