n the previous episode, Ash learned that he would be battling Nando first. The two trainers exchange their wishes of good luck. Later, the gang is sitting together, thinking about Ash’s strategy. Brock tells him that Nando often uses Bug and Grass-type Pokémon, and so Fire, Flying, and Ice-type Pokémon would be effective. Dawn also reminds Ash that Nando used a Lopunny in the Grand Festival.
Just then, Paul walks past them. Ash stops him and tells him that he’s going to give it his all so that he can face Paul in the finals, but Paul says that Ash is pathetic.