Ep 34. The Path That Leads to Goodbye!

Ash, Pikachu, and their friends are on a journey towards the Lumiose City gym when they come across a Pokémon Nimbasa City Gym Leader named Elesa. Elesa informs Ash that there is a gym battle happening in Sunyshore City, and the winner will have the opportunity to battle her for the gym badge. Ash and his friends decide to take part in the tournament, but they soon realize that they are not the only ones interested in the competition.

As they make their way to Sunyshore City, Ash and his friends are constantly being watched by a mysterious figure. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is also making their way towards the city, hoping to steal Pikachu. Ash and his friends compete in the gym tournament, facing tough opponents along the way. However, it becomes clear that the tournament is merely a distraction for Team Rocket's ultimate plan.

As the group learns more about the tournament and the mysterious figure, they begin to question their own motives for continuing their journey. They start to wonder if it's worth risking their lives for Pokémon battles and badges and whether they should continue to pursue them. Amidst all of this, Ash learns of a startling revelation about the city's gym leader, forcing him to make a difficult decision about his own journey.

In the end, Ash and his friends must confront the mysterious figure and stop Team Rocket from completing their heinous plan. Along the way, they come to a greater understanding of the bonds they share with their Pokémon and with each other. As they bid farewell to Sunyshore City and the new friends they made along the way, they continue on their journey, unsure of where it will take them and what path it will ultimately lead them down.