Ash actually learns something from the last region instead of starting from zero, and May's entire character arc is built on discovering that battling doesn't have to be the only way to love Pokémon. The team chemistry here clicks in a way Johto never managed, Max's rivalry with Ash has teeth, Brock is finally doing something beyond healing, and the show trusts you to care about both gym badges and contest ribbons as equally valid goals. It's the clearest proof the franchise ever gave that Pokémon stories work best when the adventure itself matters more than who wins.

After competing in the Johto League, Ash sets out on a fresh journey to the Hoenn region with only Pikachu at his side. He does not stay alone for long: when Pikachu wrecks the bicycle of a 10-year-old girl named May, she starts traveling with him. May does not much care for Pokémon, but she wants to see the world. Ash soon reunites with his old friend Brock, and May's younger brother Max joins the group as well. Together they cross Hoenn, taking on Gym Leaders, entering Contests and running into other events on the road to the Hoenn League, in a long-running action adventure with plenty of comedy along the way.