Arriving in Ecruteak, Ash immediately heads to the Gym to challenge it's leader for his next Johto League badge. Our heroes soon realize this isn't a normal gym....it bursts into flames as soon as they enter! Trying to douse the flames with their water Pokemon, they find out the blaze is fake. It's actually Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar instigating the illusion. Then the Gym Leader, Morty shows up and asks them what they are doing in the tower. After explaining Morty explains the history of the two towers. Ash asks for a gym battle, but when Togepi and Pikachu wander off, they must tend to Team Rocket.

After winning his Fog Badge at the Ecruteak Gym, Ash and friends learn of a tea ceremony happening in town and decide to check it out. Inside they find out it is run by five sisters. Misty befriends the youngest sister, Sakura. Sakura wants to start a Pokemon journey and asks if she can join Ash, Misty, and Brock. They agree, but her sisters don't. Her sisters propose a challenge, they have a set of battles, and if Ash, Misty, and Brock defeat them Sakura can go. They agree and the battles begin.