# Pokémon: Master Quest

Pokémon: Master Quest is the fifth season of Pokémon known in Japan as Pocket Monsters: Episode Gold & Silver (ポケットモンスター金銀編, Poketto Monsutā Kin Gin Hen). It originally aired in Japan from August 9, 2001, to November 14, 2002, on TV Tokyo, in the United States from September 14, 2002, to October 25, 2003, on Kids' WB. It was the first season of Pokémon to be digitally animated as opposed to cel animation, starting with the episode "Here's Lookin' at You, Elekid".
The season follows the adventures of the ten-year-old Pokémon Trainer Ash Ketchum and his electric mouse partner Pikachu as they collect Gym Badges in the fictional Johto region so they can compete in the Johto League competition.
The episodes were directed by Masamitsu Hidaka and produced by the animation studio OLM.

## Episode list

| Jap. overall | Eng. overall | No. in season | English title Japanese title | Original release date | English air date |
| 212 | 210 | 1 | "Around the Whirlpool" (The Whirlpool Islands! A New Challenge!!) Transliteration: "Uzumaki Rettō! Aratanaru Chōsen!!" (Japanese: うずまきれっとう! あらたなるちょうせん!!) | August 9, 2001 (2001-08-09) | September 14, 2002 |
| In a scuffle with Team Rocket, Ash and friends are thrown from the ship taking them to the Whirl Islands. They crash into Blue Point Isle, where they meet up with Professor Elm, who explains about the upcoming Whirl Cup that takes place in the center of the Whirl Islands. ||||||
| 213 | 211 | 2 | "Fly Me to the Moon" (Poppo and the Enormous Poppo! Towards the As Yet Unseen Sky!!) Transliteration: "Poppo to Deka Poppo! Mada Minu Sora e!!" (Japanese: ポッポとデカポッポ! まだみぬそらへ!!) | August 16, 2001 (2001-08-16) | September 21, 2002 |
| On Pudgy Pidgey Isle, where all Pidgey have grown large and lazy, our heroes discover one Pidgey who dreams of flying higher than any Pokémon in history. ||||||
| 214 | 212 | 3 | "Takin' It on the Chinchou!" (Set Out to the Sea! Line of Chonchie!!) Transliteration: "Tabidate Umi e! Chonchī Gyōretsu!!" (Japanese: たびだてうみへ! チョンチーぎょうれつ!!) | August 23, 2001 (2001-08-23) | September 28, 2002 |
| In Blue Lagoon, Ash and friends are fortunate enough to pass a small mountain village just as an annual Chinchou migration is about to occur. ||||||
| 215 | 213 | 4 | "A Corsola Caper!" (Sunnygo the Amigo! Showdown on Yellow Rock Isle!!) Transliteration: "Sanīgo de Amīgo! Ō Gantō no Taiketsu!!" (Japanese: サニーゴでアミーゴ! おうがんとうのたいけつ!!) | August 30, 2001 (2001-08-30) | October 5, 2002 |
| Just as Ash and friends arrive on Yellow Rock Isle, they find themselves in the middle of the Corsola frenzy and Misty hopes to catch one of her own. ||||||
| 216 | 214 | 5 | "Mantine Overboard!" (Mantain and the Sunken Ship!! The Secret of the Mysterious Pokémon!) Transliteration: "Mantain to Chinbotsusen!! Nazo no Pokemon no Himitsu!" (Japanese: マンタインとちんぼつせん!! なぞのポケモンのひみつ!) | September 6, 2001 (2001-09-06) | October 12, 2002 |
| Ash and friends meet a Pokémon researcher named Luka who is desperate to explore a sunken ship, a ship that's fiercely protected by an aggressive Mantine and a number of Remoraid. ||||||
| 217 | 215 | 6 | "Octillery the Outcast" (Okutank and Teppouo! Whirlpool Cup Preliminaries!!) Transliteration: "Okutan to Teppouo! Uzumaki Kappu Yosen!!" (Japanese: オクタンとテッポウオ! うずまきカップよせん!!) | September 13, 2001 (2001-09-13) | October 19, 2002 |
| After reaching Scarlet City on Red Rock Isle, where the preliminary round of the Whirl Cup is held, Ash and Misty must help cheer up a young trainer called Marcellus, after his Octillery is feeling lonely and isolated from its companions following evolution. ||||||
| 218 | 216 | 7 | "Dueling Heroes" (Whirlpool Cup! A Big Battle in the Water Colosseum!!) Transliteration: "Uzumaki Kappu! Mizu no Koroshiamu de Daibatoru!!" (Japanese: うずまきカップ! みずのコロシアムでだいバトル!!) | September 20, 2001 (2001-09-20) | October 26, 2002 |
| Ash and Misty advance to the second round of the Whirl Cup finals. ||||||
| 219 | 217 | 8 | "The Perfect Match!" (Satoshi vs. Kasumi! The Final Battle in the Whirlpool Cup!!) Transliteration: "Satoshi Tai Kasumi! Uzumaki Kappu Saigo no Tatakai!!" (Japanese: サトシVSカスミ! うずまきカップさいごのたたかい!!) | September 27, 2001 (2001-09-27) | November 2, 2002 |
| Ash faces off against Misty in the Whirl Cup. Who will win? ||||||
| 220 | 218 | 9 | "Plant It Now... Diglett Later" (Protect the Digda Village! The Big Pitfall Strategy!?) Transliteration: "Diguda no Mura o Mamore! Otoshiana Daisakusen!?" (Japanese: ディグダのむらをまもれ! おとしあなだいさくせん!?) | October 4, 2001 (2001-10-04) | November 9, 2002 |
| A village of kind, elderly people requests that Ash and friends help them defend against a gang of marauders that invades every year, attempting to rustle their sizable herd of Diglett. ||||||
| 221 | 219 | 10 | "Hi Ho Silver... Away!" (The Legend of Silver Wings! Battle at Silver Rock Island!!) Transliteration: "Gin'iro no Hane no Densetsu! Gin Gantō no Tatakai!!" (Japanese: ぎんいろのはねのでんせつ! ぎんがんとうのたたかい!!) | October 11, 2001 (2001-10-11) | November 16, 2002 |
| Ash, Misty and Brock run into a local shopkeeper on Silver Rock Isle called Ariene who introduces them to one of her friends, a jewelry maker called Jenaro who tells them the legend of a mysterious Pokémon on Ogi Isle. ||||||
| 222 | 220 | 11 | "The Mystery Is History" (Mysterious Pokémon X!!) Transliteration: "Nazono Pokemon X!!" (Japanese: なぞのポケモンX!!) | October 18, 2001 (2001-10-18) | November 23, 2002 |
| On Ogi Isle, Ash, Misty, and Brock run into their old friend Ritchie and his Pikachu, Sparky. They also meet a young boy whose Lanturn has made friends with a baby Lugia. ||||||
| 223 | 221 | 12 | "A Parent Trapped!" (The Captive Lugia) Transliteration: "Torawareno Rugia" (Japanese: とらわれのルギア) | October 25, 2001 (2001-10-25) | November 30, 2002 |
| Professor Nanba of Team Rocket uses Silver as bait to capture its mother Lugia. Ash, Brock, Misty, and Ritchie are held captive in Team Rocket's underwater base. ||||||
| 224 | 222 | 13 | "A Promise is a Promise" (The Promise with Lugia!) Transliteration: "Rugia to no Yakusoku!" (Japanese: ルギアとのやくそく!) | November 1, 2001 (2001-11-01) | December 7, 2002 |
| Ash and his friends try to fight their way out of the underwater Team Rocket base as they attempt to free both the baby Lugia and its mother. Team Rocket is working on a device that makes Pokémon angry and brings out power through rage which may prove to be dangerous for Ash and his friends. ||||||
| 225 | 223 | 14 | "Throwing in the Noctowl" (Fly Flight Hoho! Head for Asagi!!) Transliteration: "Tobe Hōhō-gō! Asagi o Mezashi!!" (Japanese: とべホーホーごう! アサギをめざし!!) | November 8, 2001 (2001-11-08) | December 14, 2002 |
| After missing the ferry, Ash and his friends meet an elderly man called Wings Alexander who pilots a plane that will bring Ash back to Olivine City but the plane's current state of disrepair along with dangerous storms may stop Ash from fulfilling his promise of getting to Olivine City in time for his gym battle. ||||||
| 226 | 224 | 15 | "Nerves of Steelix!" (Asagi Gym! Vs. Haganeil!!) Transliteration: "Asagi Jimu! Tai Haganēru!!" (Japanese: アサギジム! VSハガネール!!) | November 15, 2001 (2001-11-15) | December 21, 2002 |
| Ash's long-waited battle against Jasmine, the Olivine City's Gym Leader, finally begins as he and his party find themselves facing Jasmine's most powerful Pokémon, Steelix. ||||||
| 227 | 225 | 16 | "Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!" (Farewell, Fushigidane! Adventure at Dr. Okido's!!) Transliteration: "Sayonara Fushigidane! Ōkido-tei no Bōken" (Japanese: さよならフシギダネ! オーキドていのぼうけん!!) | November 22, 2001 (2001-11-22) | September 23, 2002 |
| Bulbasaur leaves for Professor Oak's lab to solve a conflict between all kinds of Pokémon. Will Ash be forced to leave his Bulbasaur at Professor Oak's lab forever? ||||||
| 228 | 226 | 17 | "Espeon, Not Included" (Eifie and Sakura! Enju City Once Again!!) Transliteration: "Ēfi to Sakura! Enju Shitei Futatabi!!" (Japanese: エーフィとサクラ! エンジュシティふたたび!!) | November 29, 2001 (2001-11-29) | September 24, 2002 |
| Returning to Ecruteak City, Ash, Misty and Brock encounter Sakura and her Kimono Girl sisters again, and learn that Sakura's Eevee became an Espeon. ||||||
| 229 | 227 | 18 | "For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll!" (Suikun and Minaki! The Legend of Houou!!) Transliteration: "Suikun to Minaki! Hōō no Densetsu!!" (Japanese: スイクンとミナキ! ホウオウのでんせつ!!) | December 6, 2001 (2001-12-06) | September 25, 2002 |
| When Ash tells Eusine, a specialist in legendary Pokémon, that he saw a Suicune, a Pokémon Eusine is trying to catch, Eusine demands a battle. Meanwhile, Team Rocket steals and then breaks a sacred bell, causing all the Pokémon in the area to attack the forest, Ecruteak City and all the people in it. ||||||
| 230 | 228 | 19 | "Extreme Pokémon!" (Run Quickly Along the Pokémon Ride!!) Transliteration: "Pokemon Raido de Tsuppashire!!" (Japanese: ポケモンライドでつっぱしれ!!) | December 13, 2001 (2001-12-13) | January 4, 2003 |
| Ash and his Bayleef compete in a Pokémon racing competition against Gary and his Arcanine. ||||||
| 231 | 229 | 20 | "An EGG-sighting Adventure!" (Famous Detective Junsar! The Mystery of the Disappeared Egg!!) Transliteration: "Meitantei Junsā! Kieta Tamago no Nazo!!" (Japanese: めいたんていジュンサー! きえたタマゴのなぞ!!) | December 20, 2001 (2001-12-20) | January 11, 2003 |
| Ash wins an egg as a prize for the race, and wonders what it will hatch into. The Egg eventually gets stolen, and Ash is on the case on who took it! ||||||
| 232 | 230 | 21 | "Hatching a Plan" (Egg, Hatch) Transliteration: "Tamago, Kaeru" (Japanese: タマゴ、かえる) | December 27, 2001 (2001-12-27) | January 18, 2003 |
| Ash's egg hatches into a Phanpy but runs away after Pikachu accidentally shocks it while in a battle with Team Rocket. ||||||
| 233 | 231 | 22 | "Dues and Don'ts" (Rocket-dan and Delibird!) Transliteration: "Roketto-dan to Deribādo!" (Japanese: ロケットだんとデリバード!) | January 10, 2002 (2002-01-10) | January 25, 2003 |
| Jessie, James and Meowth find out that their contracts have expired, so they are no longer part of Team Rocket. An old woman who's recruiting for Team Rocket lends them her Delibird to pass the recruitment test...attacking Ash and his friends! They lose the battle, but are reinstated into Team Rocket, and the Delibird is assigned to follow the three so they can pay off their bills little by little. Meanwhile a Team Rocket member craves revenge on Jessie. ||||||
| 234 | 232 | 23 | "Just Waiting On a Friend" (The Kyukon in the Fog!) Transliteration: "Kiri no Naka no Kyūkon!" (Japanese: きりのなかのキュウコン!) | January 17, 2002 (2002-01-17) | September 26, 2002 |
| Ash, Brock and Misty rest in a house occupied by a girl called Lokoko. The original master of the house went missing long before. Brock falls for Lokoko, but Ash and Misty discover she has no reflection in the mirror! The two soon discover that Lokoko is really an illusion created by a Ninetales. ||||||
| 235 | 233 | 24 | "A Tyrogue Full of Trouble" (Balkie and the Karate King Nobuhiko!) Transliteration: "Barukī to Karateō Nobuhiko!" (Japanese: バルキーとからておうノブヒコ!) | January 24, 2002 (2002-01-24) | February 1, 2003 |
| The three friends discover a Tyrogue who is cold to humans, but on the inside, is sensitive and cares for weak Pokémon. ||||||
| 236 | 234 | 25 | "Xatu the Future" (Natio's Big Prediction!) Transliteration: "Neitio no Daiyogen!" (Japanese: ネイティオのだいよげん!) | January 31, 2002 (2002-01-31) | February 8, 2003 |
| A girl called Calista uses her Xatu's ability to see the future as an advantage and uses this to predict the weather. The Xatu are not always correct, and convince her into thinking there is going to be a flood. ||||||
| 237 | 235 | 26 | "Talkin' 'Bout an Evolution" (Wataru and the Red Gyarados!) Transliteration: "Wataru to Akai Gyaradosu!" (Japanese: ワタルとあかいギャラドス!) | February 7, 2002 (2002-02-07) | February 15, 2003 |
| Ash, Misty and Brock are walking along, when suddenly, they spot a mysterious Pokémon, a red Gyarados. They discover it is one of many Magikarp that has been forced to evolve by Team Rocket. With the help of Lance of the Elite Four, Ash and friends attempt to rescue Gyarados. ||||||
| 238 | 236 | 27 | "Rage of Innocence" (Red Gyarados's Anger!) Transliteration: "Akai Gyaradosu no Ikari!" (Japanese: あかいギャラドスのいかり!) | February 14, 2002 (2002-02-14) | February 22, 2003 |
| Lance attempts to rescue the red Gyarados by catching it. Can Lance catch it before it destroys Mahogany Town? ||||||
| 239 | 237 | 28 | "As Cold as Pryce" (Inomoo and Yanagi of the Winter!) Transliteration: "Inomū to Fuyu no Yanagi!" (Japanese: イノムーとふゆのヤナギ!) | February 21, 2002 (2002-02-21) | March 1, 2003 |
| Pryce, with Ash's help, attempts to locate his lost Piloswine. ||||||
| 240 | 238 | 29 | "Nice Pryce, Baby!" (Chouji Gym! Ice Battle!) Transliteration: "Chōji Jimu! Kōri no Tatakai!" (Japanese: チョウジジム! こおりのたたかい!) | February 28, 2002 (2002-02-28) | March 8, 2003 |
| Ash challenges Pryce of Mahogany Town to a battle. ||||||
| 241 | 239 | 30 | "Whichever Way the Wind Blows" (Kireihana and Ruffresia! Peace in Meadow!) Transliteration: "Kireihana to Rafureshia! Sōgen no Heiwa!" (Japanese: キレイハナとラフレシア! そうげんのへいわ!) | March 7, 2002 (2002-03-07) | March 22, 2003 |
| Ash and the gang get involved upon discovering that a group of Bellossom are feuding with a group of Vileplume. ||||||
| 242 | 240 | 31 | "Some Like It Hot" (Magcargot! Getting the Hot Heart!!) Transliteration: "Magukarugo! Atsui Kokoro de Getto da ze!!" (Japanese: マグカルゴ! あついこころでゲットだぜ!!) | March 14, 2002 (2002-03-14) | March 29, 2003 |
| Ash and friends encounter a Magcargo that refuses to let them pass. A boy named Egan attempts to capture a Magcargo for himself. ||||||
| 243 | 241 | 32 | "Hocus Pokémon" (A Huge Transformation with Pokémon Magic!?) Transliteration: "Pokemon Mahō de Daihenshin!?" (Japanese: ポケモンまほうでだいへんしん!?) | March 21, 2002 (2002-03-21) | April 5, 2003 |
| A Pokémon magician named Lily attempts to create a magic spell, but as well as needing Pikachu, is missing one ingredient; a tear from an Aipom. Team Rocket steals Lily's spell book and try to get Aipom to shed a tear without force. After beating Team Rocket, however, the spell fails and Ash gets turned into a Pikachu. ||||||
| 244 | 242 | 33 | "As Clear as Crystal" (Thunder and the Crystal! Secret of the Lake!) Transliteration: "Sandā to Kurisutaru! Mizuumi no Himitsu!" (Japanese: サンダーとクリスタル! みずうみのひみつ!) | March 28, 2002 (2002-03-28) | April 12, 2003 |
| Ash is restored to his human form, but Pikachu doesn't look so hot. They discover he is ill, and so a passing trainer takes them to a lake to heal electric Pokémon. They find out that a crystal is healing them, and so when Team Rocket snags it, it summons an enraged Zapdos! ||||||
| 245 | 243 | 34 | "Same Old Song and Dance" (Pupurin Twins vs. Purin! Singing Pokémon Concert!) Transliteration: "Futago no Pupurin Tai Purin! Utau Pokemon Konsāto!" (Japanese: ふたごのププリンVSプリン! うたうポケモンコンサート!) | April 11, 2002 (2002-04-11) | April 19, 2003 |
| A trainer called Brittany and her twin Igglybuff perform at a concert causing Jigglypuff to become jealous. ||||||
| 246 | 244 | 35 | "Enlighten Up!" (Yadon's Comprehension! Satoshi's Comprehension!) Transliteration: "Yadon no Satori! Satoshi no Satori!" (Japanese: ヤドンのさとり! サトシのさとり!) | April 18, 2002 (2002-04-18) | April 26, 2003 |
| Ash, Misty, Brock and Team Rocket train in a Slowpoke Temple. ||||||
| 247 | 245 | 36 | "Will the Real Oak Please Stand Up?" (Fake Okido!? Pokémon Senryu Confrontation!!) Transliteration: "Nise Ōkido!? Pokemon Senryū Taiketsu!!" (Japanese: にせオーキド!? ポケモンせんりゅうたいけつ!!) | April 25, 2002 (2002-04-25) | September 27, 2002 |
| James disguises himself as Professor Oak to receive fame. ||||||
| 248 | 246 | 37 | "Wish Upon a Star Shape" (Py, Pippy and the Shooting Star!) Transliteration: "Pī to Pippi to Nagareboshi!" (Japanese: ピィとピッピとながれぼし!) | May 2, 2002 (2002-05-02) | May 3, 2003 |
| Phanpy attempts to reunite Cleffa with its family. However, a pair of paranormal investigators called the PMC want to claim the Cleffa as proof of Pokémon's alien origins. ||||||
| 249 | 247 | 38 | "Outrageous Fortunes" (Nyorozo's Evolution!) Transliteration: "Nyorozo no Shinka!" (Japanese: ニョロゾのしんか!) | May 9, 2002 (2002-05-09) | May 10, 2003 |
| Before being recalled, Poliwhirl puts the King's Rock Ash won on its head. The next time Misty uses Poliwhirl in battle, the power of the King's Rock causes it to evolve into Politoed! ||||||
| 250 | 248 | 39 | "One Trick Phony!" (Battle Park! Vs. Kamex, Lizardon, Fushigibana!) Transliteration: "Batoru Pāku! Tai Kamekkusu, Rizādon, Fushigibana!" (Japanese: バトルパーク! VSカメックス・リザードン・フシギバナ!) | May 16, 2002 (2002-05-16) | May 17, 2003 |
| Ash trains at a Battle Park against Blastoise, Charizard, and Venusaur, not knowing the trainers he's facing are Team Rocket in disguise. ||||||
| 251 | 249 | 40 | "I Politoed Ya So!" (Nyorotono's Cheerleading!) Transliteration: "Nyorotono no Chiarīdeingu!" (Japanese: ニョロトノのチアリーディング!) | May 23, 2002 (2002-05-23) | May 24, 2003 |
| Tammy, a cheerleader with winning ambitions on her mind gets her Politoed companion Bean mixed up with Misty's clapping, cheerful Politoed. ||||||
| 252 | — | 41 | The Ice Cave! Transliteration: "Kōri no Dōkutsu!" (Japanese: こおりのどうくつ!) | May 30, 2002 (2002-05-30) | N/A |
| On their way through Ice Path, Brock gets a cold and cannot proceed. ||||||
| 253 | 250 | 42 | "Beauty Is Skin Deep" (Ibuki and Miniryu!) Transliteration: "Ibuki to Miniryū!" (Japanese: イブキとミニリュウ!) | June 6, 2002 (2002-06-06) | May 31, 2003 |
| Clair, the Blackthorn City Gym Leader, is forced to go to a ritual involving the Dragon Fang, but also has to protect a Dratini. ||||||
| 254 | 251 | 43 | "Fangs for Nothin'" (Fusube Gym's Dragon Fang!) Transliteration: "Fusube Jimu no Ryū no Kiba!" (Japanese: フスベジムのりゅうのきば!) | June 13, 2002 (2002-06-13) | June 7, 2003 |
| Ash and Clair begin their gym battle, while Team Rocket makes off with the Dragon Fang, tricking a Dragonite into believing they are protecting it. As such, Ash's fight with Clair is cancelled as they temporarily join forces and then set off to stop Team Rocket. ||||||
| 255 | 252 | 44 | "Great Bowls of Fire!" (Kairyu! Use Imperial Rage!) Transliteration: "Kairyū! Gekirin Hatsudō!" (Japanese: カイリュー! げきりんはつどう!) | June 20, 2002 (2002-06-20) | June 14, 2003 |
| When James accidentally lights a forest on fire using the Dragon Holy Land's Prayer Flame, his actions cause Dragonite, the Holy Land's Guardian to snap and go mad with rage. As a result, it becomes so consumed with rage that it begins to attack everything that gets in its way while also endangering the Pokémon that live in the Holy Land as well. With help from Liza and her Charizard, Charla, as well as Ash's own Charizard, Ash, Brock, Misty and Clair must find a way to stop Dragonite's rampage once and for all or risk having the Holy Land being completely destroyed for good. ||||||
| 256 | 253 | 45 | "Better Eight Than Never" (Fusube Gym! The Final Badge!!) Transliteration: "Fusube Jimu! Saigo no Bajji!!" (Japanese: フスベジム! さいごのバッジ!!) | June 27, 2002 (2002-06-27) | June 21, 2003 |
| In his second rematch, Ash pits Snorlax, Pikachu and Charizard against Clair's Dragon-type Pokémon. Will Ash be victorious and finally get the right to qualify for the Johto League? ||||||
| 257 | 254 | 46 | "Why? Wynaut!" (Sohnano!? Gym Badges and Sonans!!) Transliteration: "Sōnano!? Jimu Bajji to Sōnansu!!" (Japanese: ソーナノ!? ジムバッジとソーナンス!!) | July 4, 2002 (2002-07-04) | June 28, 2003 |
| Ash's badges are stolen by Team Rocket, which are then stolen by a wild Wynaut. ||||||
| 258 | 255 | 47 | "Just Add Water" (Ryugu Gym! Battle in the Water!) Transliteration: "Ryūgū Jimu! Mizu no Nakade Batoru da ze!" (Japanese: リュウグウジム! みずのなかでバトルだぜ!) | July 11, 2002 (2002-07-11) | July 12, 2003 |
| Ash, Misty, and Brock visit an unregistered Pokémon gym called the Coastline Gym. The gym specializes in water Pokémon, and both Ash and Misty want a battle with the leader, Dorian. ||||||
| 259 | 256 | 48 | "Lapras of Luxury" (Laplace's Song!) Transliteration: "Rapurasu no Uta!" (Japanese: ラプラスのうた!) | July 18, 2002 (2002-07-18) | July 26, 2003 |
| When Professor Elm asks Ash and his friends to pick up a Pokémon egg from a marine research center and deliver it to him, Ash runs into a Lapras herd, with one of the family members being the same Lapras he caught in the Orange Islands. When Team Rocket try to capture the whole herd, it is up to the reunited duo to stop them. ||||||
| 260 | 257 | 49 | "Hatch Me If You Can" (Protecting the Egg! The Life Born in a Storm!) Transliteration: "Tamago o Mamore! Arashi no Naka de Umareta Inochi!" (Japanese: タマゴをまもれ! あらしのなかでうまれたいのち!) | July 25, 2002 (2002-07-25) | August 9, 2003 |
| The egg Professor Elm gave Ash hatches into a Pokémon named Larvitar. ||||||
| 261 | 258 | 50 | "Entei at Your Own Risk" (Entei and Friends of the Hot Spring!) Transliteration: "Entei to Onsen no Nakama-tachi!" (Japanese: エンテイとおんせんのなかまたち!) | August 1, 2002 (2002-08-01) | August 16, 2003 |
| A trainer named Nelson scouts out a hot spring for wild Pokémon in an attempt to capture the legendary Pokémon, Entei. ||||||
| 262 | 259 | 51 | "A Crowning Achievement" (Yadoking! King's Symbol!) Transliteration: "Yadokingu! Ōja no Shirushi!" (Japanese: ヤドキング! おうじゃのしるし!) | August 8, 2002 (2002-08-08) | August 23, 2003 |
| A Slowpoke named Arthur attempts to evolve into a Slowking. Note: This the last episode of the Pokémon anime to be animated with cel animation. ||||||
| 263 | 260 | 52 | "Here's Lookin' at You, Elekid" (Nanako and Elekid!) Transliteration: "Nanako to Erekiddo!" (Japanese: ナナコとエレキッド!) | August 15, 2002 (2002-08-15) | August 30, 2003 |
| Casey meets up with Ash, and has her sights on Elekid, the pre-evolved form of Electabuzz. Note: This is the first episode of the Pokémon anime to be animated with digital ink and paint. ||||||
| 264 | 261 | 53 | "You're a Star, Larvitar!" (Do Your Best, Yogiras!) Transliteration: "Yōgirasu Ganbaru!" (Japanese: ヨーギラスがんばる!) | August 22, 2002 (2002-08-22) | September 6, 2003 |
| Ash relies on Larvitar to help free the Pokémon that Team Rocket has stolen. ||||||
| 265 | 262 | 54 | "Address Unown!" (Unknown of the Country of Mystery) Transliteration: "Fushigi no Kuni no Annōn" (Japanese: ふしぎのくにのアンノーン) | August 29, 2002 (2002-08-29) | September 13, 2003 |
| Unown accidentally teleports Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu and Togepi (the latter two, humorously, grow to giant sizes) into Larvitar's mind, and they discover that as an egg, Larvitar and its mother were attacked by poachers. ||||||
| 266 | 263 | 55 | "Mother of All Battles" (Bangiras and Yogiras!) Transliteration: "Bangirasu to Yōgirasu!" (Japanese: バンギラスとヨーギラス!) | September 5, 2002 (2002-09-05) | September 15, 2003 |
| The same poachers that once captured Larvitar catch its mother. ||||||
| 267 | 264 | 56 | "Pop Goes the Sneasel" (Nyula and the Sacred Flame!) Transliteration: "Nyūra to Seinaru Honō!" (Japanese: ニューラとせいなるほのお!) | September 12, 2002 (2002-09-12) | September 16, 2003 |
| Ash meets a trainer named Harrison from Littleroot Town in the Hoenn region. The two help out to battle a Sneasel, a Machop and a Machoke, who are interfering with the opening ceremony for the Johto League Silver Conference. ||||||
| 268 | 265 | 57 | "A Claim to Flame!" (Silver League Begins! Shigeru Returns!) Transliteration: "Shirogane Rīgu Kaimaku! Shigeru Futatabi!" (Japanese: シロガネリーグかいまく! シゲルふたたび!) | September 19, 2002 (2002-09-19) | September 17, 2003 |
| The Johto League Silver Conference begins as Ash meets up with his longtime rival, Gary. ||||||
| 269 | 266 | 58 | "Love, Pokémon Style" (League Preliminaries! Battle of the Magmarashi Flame!!) Transliteration: "Yosen Rīgu! Magumarashi Honō no Batoru!!" (Japanese: よせんリーグ! マグマラシほのおのバトル!!) | September 26, 2002 (2002-09-26) | September 18, 2003 |
| Continuing the Johto League, Ash fights Macey, a trainer with a few tricks up her sleeve. After a 3-on-3 battle, in the end Ash wins over Macey, and moves on to Round 2! ||||||
| 270 | 267 | 59 | "Tie One On!" (Meganium vs. Fushigidane! Spirit of the Grass Types!) Transliteration: "Meganiumu Tai Fushigidane! Kusa Taipu no Iji!" (Japanese: メガニウムVSフシギダネ! くさタイプのいじ!) | October 3, 2002 (2002-10-03) | September 19, 2003 |
| Continuing the Johto League, Ash faces off against Jackson, whose battle ends up in a draw. Ash ends up receiving more points and so heads onto the Championship Round, where he finds out he is facing his long-time rival; Gary Oak! ||||||
| 271 | 268 | 60 | "The Ties That Bind" (League Finals! Full Battle 6 vs. 6!!) Transliteration: "Kesshō Rīgu! Furu Batoru Roku Tai Roku!!" (Japanese: けっしょうリーグ! フルバトル6VS6!!) | October 10, 2002 (2002-10-10) | September 20, 2003 |
| Ash's skills as a Pokémon Trainer are put to the ultimate test as he finds himself going up against his longtime rival, Gary. He stays up all night researching strategies and trying to learn more about Gary's Pokémon. Gary has a lot of strong Pokémon, and he trains many different types, so Ash has to pick his team carefully. ||||||
| 272 | 269 | 61 | "Can't Beat the Heat!" (Rival Confrontation! Kamex vs. Lizardon!!) Transliteration: "Raibaru Taiketsu! Kamekkusu Tai Rizādon!!" (Japanese: ライバルたいけつ! カメックスVSリザードン!!) | October 17, 2002 (2002-10-17) | September 27, 2003 |
| The full battle between Ash and Gary ends in a huge victory for Ash. He then discovers his next battle is against his new-met rival; Harrison! ||||||
| 273 | 270 | 62 | "Playing with Fire!" (Bursyamo Returns! Battle Against Hazuki!!) Transliteration: "Bashāmo Futatabi! Hazuki to no Tatakai!!" (Japanese: バシャーモふたたび! ハヅキとのたたかい!!) | October 24, 2002 (2002-10-24) | October 4, 2003 |
| After his big victory over Gary, Ash faces against Harrison in the Silver Conference quarter finals. It's an exciting and thrilling battle that ends up with the pitting of their strongest Pokémon - Blaziken for Harrison, and Charizard for Ash. ||||||
| 274 | 271 | 63 | "Johto Photo Finish" (To the End of the Destiny Battle! Respective Way!!) Transliteration: "Furu Batoru no Hate ni! Sorezore no Michi!!" (Japanese: フルバトルのはてに! それぞれのみち!!) | October 31, 2002 (2002-10-31) | October 11, 2003 |
| The quarter-finals battle between Ash and Harrison ends in the latter's victory. After losing in the semi-finals, he tells Ash all about Hoenn and the amazing Pokémon there. As the Johto League Silver Conference comes to a close and the gang prepares to leave for Vermillion City, Gary makes a surprising announcement—he's giving up battling and will instead become a Pokémon Researcher like his grandfather Professor Oak. ||||||
| 275 | 272 | 64 | "Gotta Catch Ya Later!" (Goodbye... And Then, Setting Off!) Transliteration: "Sayonara... Soshite, Tabidachi!" (Japanese: サヨナラ…そして、たびだち!) | November 7, 2002 (2002-11-07) | October 18, 2003 |
| After receiving messages to return home, Brock and Misty separate with Ash. On hearing Harrison's suggestion, Ash tearfully decides to head to the Hoenn region. ||||||
| 276 | 273 | 65 | "Hoenn Alone!" (Parting with Pikachu...!) Transliteration: "Pikachū to no Wakare...!" (Japanese: ピカチュウとのわかれ!) | November 14, 2002 (2002-11-14) | October 25, 2003 |
| Ash sets off for his journey to the Hoenn region, but a failed Team Rocket scheme to capture Pikachu ends up causing the electric-mouse Pokemon to fall gravely ill. ||||||

## Music

The Japanese opening songs are "Aim to be a Pokémon Master" (めざせポケモンマスター 2001, Mezase Pokémon Masutā 2001) by Whiteberry for 29 episodes, and "Ready Go!" by Naomi Tamura for 36 episodes. The ending songs are "Face Forward Team Rocket!" (前向きロケット団!, Maemuki Roketto-dan!) by Team Rocket trio for 29 episodes, and "Pocket-ering Monster-ing" (ポケッターリ・モンスターリ, Pokettāri Monsutāri) by Kana for 36 episodes. The English opening song is "Believe in Me" by David Rolfe. A shortened version of the English opening song was used for the end credits.

## Home media releases

In the United States, two three-disc DVD sets were released by Viz Video and Ventura Distribution, which each contained 32 episodes each (10/11 episodes per DVD). These DVDs are now out of print.
Viz Media and Warner Home Video released Pokémon: Master Quest – The Complete Collection on DVD in the United States on October 11, 2016.