Episode 52: Ash Versus the Champion!

As Ash, Iris, and Cilan leave Nimbasa City, they pass through a street festival and meet back up with Trip. Ash shows that he has won his fourth Gym Badge, but Trip shows that he has five Badges. He retells his story of what pushes him to be a Pokémon Master when they spot the Unova League's Champion Alder bothering an Officer Jenny, and hitting on her. After introductions, Ash challenges Alder to a match: Bouffalant vs. Pikachu. Bouffalant's strong defenses prevent Pikachu from winning, but a badly-targeted Afro Break from Bouffalant hits Alder, ending the match abruptly. The event causes Trip to lose faith in his idol, and he leaves. At a Pokémon Center, Alder hits on Nurse Joy, before he has lunch with Ash and his friends. ey.