Jessie is enamored by the Dratini, hoping to catch one for herself.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket, further upstream, is relaxing when Dratini passes by. Since then, the Dragon Fang has been handed down through generations, and today is the day that they must perform a purification ritual. As they follow Clair and her Dratini upstream, Kaburagi reveals the local history: an unidentified Dragon Pokémon had terrorized local residents until it was defeated by the first Blackthorn Gym Leader, who took one of its fangs as a sign of victory. Ash then runs into her elderly assistant, Kaburagi, who informs them that Clair is the Blackthorn Gym Leader, and must perform a ritual with the Dragon Fang. However, when Dratini begins swimming away, Clair and Gyarados leave in pursuit. She then introduces herself as Clair and explains that her Gyarados was simply trying to protect her Dratini. A mysterious woman appears, threatening them if they try to harm the Dratini. However, when they try to get a closer look, a Gyarados appears and keeps them at bay using a Hydro Pump. Having nearly arrived at Blackthorn City, Ash and his friends find a Dratini curled up and sleeping underneath a tree.

Cheerfully Ash and friends march the last few miles into the city. After dispatching with these hapless villains, Ash secures Clair's promise to face him in her gym. Ash's attempt to challenge her to a duel-and Brock's attempts at getting her phone number-are both cut short when Team Rocket arrives, intent on stealing the Gym Leader's Dratini right out from under her. Before he has the opportunity, he chances into a Dratini and learns that its eager trainer, Clair, is in fact the Blackthorn Gym leader.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearlįinally reaching the outskirts of Blackthorn City, Ash pushes to quickly seek out the gym where he hopes to earn his final Johto badge.

Deep pocket monster