Once More With Reeling! (S09E45)
In Terracotta Town, May and Max are preparing to catch a boat back to Hoenn, but the town's vibrant festival catches their attention, featuring an exciting Pokémon Contest. Ash sees this as a great opportunity to compete, even if it’s unofficial, and both he and May decide to enter. Ash selects Pikachu and Sceptile, while May chooses Eevee and Combusken. Nurse Joy takes on the role of MC, channeling her inner Lillian. May kicks off the contest, dazzling the audience as Eevee employs Dig and Shadow Ball to create a stunning fireworks effect. Not to be outdone, Ash follows with Pikachu, who showcases Quick Attack, Thunderbolt, and Iron Tail, generating electrifying rings in the arena. At the end of the first round, May leads, with Ash closely behind, both advancing to face off in the finals.