Ash, Misty, and Brock start their journey to the first Johto Gym in Violet City. On the way they meet Casey, a brand new trainer who has just received her first Pokemon, Chikorita, from Professor Elm a few days earlier. She insists on a battle with Ash. Ash is hesitant since he is far more experienced then her, but eventually agrees. Ash picks Charizard, and easily defeats all of Casey's pokemon. She becomes discouraged and runs away crying. She then encounters Team Rocket who convince her that Ash cheated, and that they will help her win the right way. She agrees and goes to find Ash.

Ash and friends stumble across a valley where a girl named Rochelle uses Donphan to harvest Amberite, a gemstone only found in this valley. Ash, Misty, and Brock follow her as she makes her rounds, and see exactly how she finds it. However, Team Rocket hears about the gemstone and decides to steal a Donphan so that they can find their own Amberite.