On their travels, Ash & Co. meet up with another Pokémon Ranger. The Rangerr is undercover to stop Pokémon Hunter J from capturing other Pokémon. Ash & Co. discover that a Riolu is being hunted by J due to being able to use Aura before evolving. Ash & Riolu start to bond with their shared Aura, but J is insistent on getting it. Will she succeed?

Ash & Co. finally arrive in Pastoria City where they meet Crasher Wake, the gym leader. He mentions that there is a Croagunk Festival going on at the nearby Great Marsh. Brock is eager to enter with his Croagunk. Acting like a contest, the rounds show off Croagunk's unique skills. However, Team Rocket wish to enter and obtain the Croagunk...