Ash Ketchum, age 10, leaves his home in Pallet Town to fulfil his greatest dream, which is to become a Pokémon Master, and receives his first Pokémon -- a strong-willed Pikachu.

Ash, carrying his badly wounded Pikachu, rushes into Viridian City, which is on alert for Pokémon thieves like Jessie, James, and Meowth of Team Rocket; Ash tries in vain to fight off Team Rocket's Pokémon, but his Pikachu and others join the fray.

Ash captures his first Pokémon, a Caterpie; Ash battles for and wins a Pidgeotto; Ash's Caterpie surprises everybody in his first battle against Team Rocket.

A young samurai challenges Ash to a battle; a swarm of angry Beedrill interrupt the battle causing Ash to flee and leave Metapod behind.

While in Pewter City Ash challenges Brock to a battle; Team Rocket falls into a trap they built themselves.

A scientist leads Ash and his friends deep into Mount Moon to find the storied Moon Stone, which is said to increase the power of Pokémon.