Ash begins his journey in Johto, a region largely unexplored and populated with Pokémon entirely new to him and his friends.

In Pokémon battle, Ash soundly defeats an ambitious young trainer, who runs away dejectedly. Before Ash can comfort the novice, though, Team Rocket steps in, convincing the lad that Ash won by foul play, and recruiting the girl to their cause.

Ash and friends discover a forest where Pinsir invaders are causing heavy deforestation. Investigation reveals the root of the problem: Team Rocket is carelessly harvesting sap from a nearby wood, thereby upsetting the balance of nature.