Pokémon Horizons – The Search for Laqua, known in Japan as Pocket Monsters: Terastal Debut[a] and Pocket Monsters: Rayquaza Rising[b] is the twenty-seventh overall season of the Pokémon animated series and the second season of Pokemon Horizons: The Series[n 1], known in Japan as Pocket Monsters (ポケットモンスター, Poketto Monsutā), directed by Saori Den and produced by OLM. It premiered in Japan on TV Tokyo on April 12, 2024, and will be distributed by Netflix in the United States, with the first part scheduled to release on February 7, 2025.[1]
The season contains two story arcs. The first arc, "Terasutaru Debyū" (地上波デビュー, lit. Terastual Debut), which makes up the first 22 episodes, focuses on the three protagonists Liko, Roy, and Dot as they travel to Naranja Academy (Orange Academy) in the Paldea region from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet to learn about the Terastal phenomenon and battles Gym Leaders under Terastal Training.[2] Starting with the 23rd episode is the second arc, "Rekkūza Raijingu" (レックウザライジング, lit. Rayquaza Rising), which deals with the protagonists setting off with the Rising Volt Tacklers to search for the remaining Six Heroes from Lucius and eventually go on the path to Laqua.[3] Meanwhile, the organization Explorers continues to follow the group, seeking for Liko's pendant, which is a Terapagos.
Liko, along with Roy and Dot, enroll in a Terastal Training course at Orange Academy to learn about the Terastal phenomenon in Paldea. They meet Clavell and Omodaka, who introduce them to the curriculum involving Terastallization and battling Gym Leaders. During their tour, they encounter Nemo, who Liko and Roy have met before, and members of the Elite Four. In their first class, they learn about their Gym Leader assignments. Liko also reunites and battles with her classmate Ann. As they prepare to leave, they encounter members of the Explorers posing as two students and one teacher. Meanwhile, Friede sets out to pursue his own journey.
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"Liko and Nyarote, Put All Your Heart Into It" Transliteration: "Riko to Nyarōte, Kokoro o Komete" (Japanese: リコとニャローテ、心をこめて)
Directed by : Hiromichi Matano Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano
Liko, Roy, and Dot arrive in Cercle Town for Liko's Terastal battle against the local Gym Leader, Kaede. They encounter Sango, who challenges Liko to a Pokémon battle. However, Kaede suggests a cake-baking contest instead. After successfully baking a cake, Liko battles Kaede and loses. Despite the loss, Kaede praises Liko's synergy with Nyarote and lets her pass her assignment, explaining that winning isn't the only measure of success.
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"Shine! The Sparkle of Fire and Art" Transliteration: "Kagayake! Honō to Āto no Kirameki" (Japanese: 輝け！炎とアートのきらめき)
Roy, Liko, and Dot travel to Bowl Town for Roy's Terastal battle against Colza. Roy has a battle with Nemo, but loses due to the rain affecting his strategy. They participate in the town's art festival, creating art that reflects their bond with Pokémon. Roy eventually challenges Colza and wins. Impressed with Roy's skills, Colza rewards him with a stamp for completing
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"Dot and Gurumin" Transliteration: "Dotto to Gurumin" (Japanese: ドットとぐるみん)
Directed by : Yasuhiro Noda Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano & Yūji Asada
Dot and her friends arrive in Hakkō City for her Terastal test. To prepare for her battle against Nanjyamo, Dot has a practice battle with Roy. She struggles due to camera anxiety and loses. Dot feels more comfortable being in front of cameras while dressed as Gurumin and debates on whether she should face the public as Gurumin or her actual self. After regaining her confidence, she eventually decides to face her test as herself, impressing her friends and earning respect from Nanjyamo.
With her Terastal battle against Nanjyamo imminent, Dot reflects on battling true to herself and spends the night refining her plan. The next day, Dot and Nanjyamo have their battle, but unexpected events unfold, as the electricity in the city is abruptly shut off. Dot improvises by Terastallizing Kuwassu into a Water type, surprising Nanjyamo. Dot winds up losing the battle, but despite the loss, Nanjyamo allows Dot to pass her test.
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"A Prickly Nyarote?! The Mysterious Flower Pillar" Transliteration: "Togetoge Nyarōte!? Fushigi na Hanabashira" (Japanese: トゲトゲニャローテ！？不思議な花ばしら)
Directed by : Ayumi Moriyama Storyboarded by : Kazuaki Mōri
Dot, Liko, and Roy head to a river to observe wild Pokémon for a report. Liko struggles to connect with Nyarote, who becomes upset and runs off. Dot notices Nyarote's mood and suggests investigating a local phenomenon called the "pillar of petals" to cheer them up. As Liko searches for Nyarote, she falls into a ravine. After helping out a group of Nonokurage and witnessing the "pillar of petals," Liko and her Pokémon are rescued. Despite forgetting to capture the moment on camera, Liko decides to illustrate it for her report, grateful for the bond strengthened with Nyarote through the experience.
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"Kaiden, High Wind Warning!" Transliteration: "Kaiden, Kyōfū Chūihō!" (Japanese: カイデン、強風注意報！)
Directed by : Fumihiro Ueno Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano
Liko, Roy, and Dot observe wild Pokémon for reports. Roy tries to help Kaiden overcome its fear of flying. At night, Roy encounters Lime and her Hakadog. Later on, Roy and a Capsaiji become trapped on a small cliff. Roy and Capsaiji are rescued with Kaiden's help, leading Kaiden to evolve into Taikaiden in the process. Liko and Dot fail to record the evolution, leaving Roy disappointed. They continue their journey, unaware of a ghostly Pokémon in a nearby forest.
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"Mibrim and the Unworldly" Transliteration: "Miburimu to Konoyo Narazaru Mono" (Japanese: ミブリムとこの世ならざるもの)
Liko, Roy, and Dot venture into a forest in search of a mysterious Pokémon known as "the unworldly", which Roy had learned about earlier. They meet three classmates from Orange Academy who have also encountered the Pokémon. The trio identifies it as Konoyozaru. Together, they face challenges, resolve misunderstandings with an angry group of Mankey, Okorizaru, and Konoyozaru, and restore peace. While quelling three Konoyozaru, Liko's Mibrim evolves into Tebrim. The group departs the forest and decides to return to Orange Academy.
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"The Eternal Blessing" Transliteration: "Towa no Megumi" (Japanese: 永遠のめぐみ)
Directed by : Yūichi Abe Storyboarded by : Noriaki Saitō
Friede, studying Lucius's memoirs and Diana's diary, receives updates on repairs to the Brave Asagi from Orio. Friede decides to research Terapagos in the meantime. Meanwhile, Liko, Roy, and Dot head to Orange Academy; Ann joins them after passing her test. Friede visits Exceed to learn about the Eternal Blessing, where he meets his former boss Crave and colleague Yanga. Despite setbacks, Friede confronts the guards to find an empty display case for the Rakurium. Meanwhile, Amethio plans to seize Terapagos for Gibeon, remaining skeptical of Spinel's movements.
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"Confrontation! The Big Four of Paldea" Transliteration: "Taiketsu! Parudea Shiten'ou" (Japanese: 対決！パルデア四天王)
Directed by : Yoshihiko Iwata Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano
After completing their Terastal Training tests, Liko, Roy, Dot, and their fellow students return to Orange Academy. Director Clavell announces friendly battles against members of the Paldea Elite Four. Initially worried, Dot learns they will battle in Tag Battles with their Gym Leader partners. Dot and Nanjyamo face Poppy first. Despite early setbacks, they rally and use teamwork to defeat Poppy. Roy and Colza face Hassaku next, but lose. Liko and Kaede are paired together and prepare for their upcoming battle against Chili.
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"Liko VS Rika! Beyond the Battle" Transliteration: "Riko VS Chiri! Batoru no Saki ni" (Japanese: リコVSチリ！バトルの先に)
Directed by : Makoto Nakata Storyboarded by : Makoto Nakata
At Orange Academy, Liko and Kaede face off against Chili from the Paldea Elite Four in a tag battle. As the duel unfolds, both sides employ strategic moves and teamwork, showcasing their bonds with their Pokémon. Meanwhile, Dot wanders into the academy's library and meets Botan and a disguised Agate, who gives Dot cryptic warnings. Liko and Kaede end up losing to Chili. Later, Dot reunites with Liko and Roy and shows them the Scarlet Book, which contains a drawing resembling Terapagos.
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"A Terapagos I Don't Know" Transliteration: "Watashi no Shiranai Terapagosu" (Japanese: わたしの知らないテラパゴス)
Directed by : Hiromichi Matano Storyboarded by : Yūji Asada
Friede, Clavell, Omodaka, and the kids have a meeting to discuss Terapagos. They examine sketches and discuss sightings in Paldea and the Great Crater. Omodaka mentions a sighting of a Pokémon that resembles Terapagos in Area Zero, as written in the Scarlet Book. Dot shows a sketch suggesting a third form of Terapagos. They discuss Terapagos' interest in Laqua and plan to explore Area Zero with Omodaka. Later, Raifort joins them and leads them to ancient ruins, where she tells them the history of Paldea. Friede connects Laqua to Rakurium. At Orange Academy, the students are assigned to battle more Gym Leaders.
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"The Signature Pokémon is Dodogezan!?" Transliteration: "Kanban Pokemon wa Dodogezan!?" (Japanese: 看板ポケモンはドドゲザン！？)
Dot, Roy, and Liko arrive in Chanpuru Town for Dot's Terastal Training test against Aoki. They stumble upon the Anything Eatery, a restaurant that struggles to attract customers. Dot and the others help transform the restaurant's fortunes with the new Kowtow Cleave Udon dish, featuring Dodogezan's homemade udon.
Liko, Roy, and Dot find Gym Leader Aoki at the Treasure Eatery, where Dot’s Terastal Training test begins. Despite Dot’s efforts, her Kuwassu evolves into Welkamo but is ultimately defeated by Aoki's Mukuhawk. Aoki praises Dot for her strategic use of Pokémon and Terastallization, declaring her test a success.
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"The First Snow! Ho Ho Ga!!" Transliteration: "Hajimete no Yuki! Hohhoggee!!" (Japanese: はじめての雪！ホッホッゲー！！)
Directed by : Yoshihiko Iwata Storyboarded by : Satoru Iriyoshi
Liko, Roy, and Dot start their journey to Fridge Town and reach Mt. Nappé. After encountering wild Pokémon in the area, they find a cabin to stay in for the night. During their search for brushwood, Hogator falls from the cliff and gets separated from Roy. It is only their song that helps them hear each other and brings Roy and his Pokémon back together.
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"Let Your Soul Resonate! A Challenge to Rime" Transliteration: "Hibike Tamashii! Raimu e no Chousen" (Japanese: 響け魂！ライムへの挑戦)
Directed by : Yoshihiko Iwata Storyboarded by : Satoru Iriyoshi
Roy and his friends arrive in Fridge Town for his Terastal Training battle. They find Gym Leader Lime, who is also a rapper. In his official battle with Lime, Hogator initially succeeds but struggles against Lime's Strinder, which ultimately defeats Hogator. Lime criticizes Roy's partnership with his Pokémon, declaring him a failure.
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"Me and Hogator's Song" Transliteration: "Hogēta to Boku no Uta" (Japanese: ホゲータとぼくの歌)
Yūji Asada
Michihiro Tsuchiya
Masaaki Iwane & Izumi Shimura
August 23, 2024 (2024-08-23)
TBA
Nemona suggests an awesome training session to complete before Lime's second live event in the evening, involving even Liko and Dot. When they stop to rest, the group starts to ponder the questions Lime asked Roy during the battle. Roy remembers his parents—sailors who taught him to sing before they had to depart on a long voyage. After that, he sang to befriend Pokémon on his island. Realizing that, Roy trains to sing with Hogator and wins against Lime in a battle against Strinder, thus passing his implementation test.
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"Battle of Ice! The Cold-Eyed Grusha" Transliteration: "Koori no Tatakai! Tsumetai Hitomi no Guruusha" (Japanese: 氷の戦い！冷たい瞳のグルーシャ)
Liko, Roy, and Dot arrive at Mount Napper Gym for Liko's Terastal Training test. Liko's test against Gym Leader Grusha proves challenging, as her Pokémon struggle against both of Grusha's Pokémon. Liko loses the battle after Nyarote is hit by a super-effective Ice Beam. Grusha, known for his harshness towards others, declares the test a failure and refuses a rematch, leaving Liko disappointed but accepting his judgment.
Liko, Roy, and Dot head to Mount Napper, but Liko gets separated and encounters Amethio, who is seeking Terapagos. While they battle, Spinel intervenes and uses the Eternal Blessing on his Blacky, causing it to become enraged. Terapagos then destroys Spinel's Rakurium crystal, prompting Spinel to flee and trap Liko and Amethio in a cave. Meanwhile, Roy and Dot, who are anxious about Liko, face resistance from Sango and Onyx.
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"Liko and Amethio" Transliteration: "Riko to Amejio" (Japanese: リコとアメジオ)
While Liko and Amethio are trapped in the cave, Amethio reveals that his motivations for seeking Terapagos and Rayquaza are tied to fulfilling his grandfather Gibeon’s dream. Roy and Dot battle against Sango and Onyx, but Grusha intervenes, allowing Roy and Dot to reunite with Liko. Meanwhile, Gibeon expels Amethio from the Explorers for helping Liko and allowing Terapagos to escape.
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"System Invasion! Crisis at Orange Academy!!" Transliteration: "Shisutemu Shin'nyū! Orenji Akademī no Kiki!!" (Japanese: システム侵入！オレンジアカデミーの危機！！)
Kenya Kodama Storyboarded by : Shōji Nishida
Naruki Nagakawa
Masashi Ōtsuka, Mari Kobayashi, Reina Ono & Yukie Sasaki
The Terastal Training students return to Orange Academy to participate in a battle tournament. Dot and Botan uncover a hacking plot organized by the Explorers' Agate, who successfully steals computer data on Terapagos. Liko defeats Onyx in a battle, impressing Grusha, who then passes her after having failed her earlier. Liko permanently receives a Tera Orb. Later, Liko and Roy discover that they are set to face each other in the tournament.
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"Shine Terastal! Liko VS Roy!!" Transliteration: "Kagayake Terasutaru! Riko VS Roi!!" (Japanese: 輝けテラスタル！リコVSロイ！！)
Directed by : Yūichi Abe Storyboarded by : Mio Hidenin
In the final match of the battle tournament between Liko and Roy, her Nyarote and his Hogator engage in a back-and-forth fight. Hogator evolves into Achigator mid-battle. The final clash sees Achigator overpowering Nyarote, leading to Roy's victory. Afterward, Liko and her friends reflect on their journey and prepare for new adventures. At the Explorers' base, Spinel continues to study the stolen Terapagos data, opting to keep it a secret from the other members of the Explorers.
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"To a New Sky! Brave Asagi!!" Transliteration: "Aratanaru Sora e! Bureibu Asagi-gō!!" (Japanese: 新たなる空へ！ブレイブアサギ号！！)
Directed by : Fumihiro Ueno Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano
Liko, Roy, and Dot discuss visiting Kitakami with Raifort to meet Briar, who is studying Terapagos. They reunite with the Rising Volteccers and explore the Brave Asagi's upgrades. Friede returns Lucius's belt, and the trio faces Oliva, Galarian Fire, and Laplace in battle. Afterwards, the group decides to head to Kitakami. Meanwhile, Amethio meets with his subordinates, who insist on staying with him. In Kitakami, a photographer named Sazare witnesses a mysterious shadow.
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"I'm a Pokémon and You're Me!?" Transliteration: "Boku ga Pokemon de, Kimi ga Boku!?" (Japanese: ぼくがポケモンで、キミがぼく！？)
The Rising Volteccers arrive in Kitakami to meet Briar but find Suiryoku Town deserted due to a harvest festival. At the festival, Roy and Achigator accidentally switch bodies using a mysterious device, trying to keep their situation a secret from the others. The group navigates the festival and helps others along the way. After restoring their bodies, Seille reveals that Briar is her teacher and is currently at the Illuminating Pool, which is where the group decides to head next.
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"Kanuchan's Hammer Wasn't Made in a Day" Transliteration: "Kanuchan no Hanmā wa 1-nichi ni Shite Narazu" (Japanese: カヌチャンのハンマーは１日にしてならず)
Yūji Asada
Kimiko Ueno
Masaaki Iwane & Izumi Shimura
October 25, 2024 (2024-10-25)
TBA
On their way to meet Briar, Liko, Roy, Dot, and Friede encounter an Otoshidori, which drops metallic objects to startle them. Dot's Kanuchan becomes focused on improving her hammer by moulding a piece of metal, but loses it to the Otoshidori. After chasing it and retrieving the metal, Kanuchan evolves into Nakanuchan during a battle against two Otoshidori. Nakanuchan and Welkamo manage to defeat the Pokémon.
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"Encounter at the Illuminating Pool" Transliteration: "Terasu Ike no Deai" (Japanese: てらす池の出会い)
Directed by : Yoshihisa Matsumoto Storyboarded by : Shōji Nishida
Dai Satō
Masumi Hattori
November 1, 2024 (2024-11-01)
TBA
Liko, Roy, Dot, and Friede meet Briar at the Illuminating Pool after calming an aggressive Milokaross. Briar shares her research on the Terastal phenomenon, Terapagos, and her ancestor Heather's discoveries about Area Zero. She shows them the Scarlet Book and theorizes a link between the Terapagos and the Six Heroes, though she lacks details on the Rakurium. The group leaves without answers on Lucius or Terapagos’ past. Meanwhile, Dot defeats Sazare in a battle and earns a photograph of Basagiri, with Sazare preparing to share her knowledge about the Pokémon.
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"Pursuit! The Search for Basagiri!!" Transliteration: "Tsuiseki! Basagiri o Sagase!!" (Japanese: 追跡！バサギリを探せ！！)
Directed by : Hiromichi Matano Storyboarded by : Satoru Iriyoshi
The Rising Volteccers, led by Sazare, search for Lucius' Basagiri on Tengu Mountain despite not knowing Basagiri's exact location. The group becomes separated and faces many obstacles and wild Pokémon. Liko encounters a tree with Basagiri's axe marks on it, which gives her an idea of how to track it. Dot and Sazare identify a plant and a set of rocks resembling a Dugtrio from one of Sazare's photos of Basagiri and set off for that specific location. The group finally approaches Basagiri's location, but it runs off again, with Terapagos sensing its presence.
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"Basagiri the Lone Warrior" Transliteration: "Kokō no Senshi Basagiri" (Japanese: 孤高の戦士バサギリ)
Liko, Roy, Dot, Friede, and Sazare search for Basagiri on Tengu Mountain. After Laplace begins battling Basagiri, they learn that the two Pokémon share a past and were only greeting each other. Following a fight in a bamboo grove, they gain Basagiri's trust. It leads them to an Ancient Poké Ball and shows a vision of Lucius freeing it and inviting it on his adventure. Lucius mentions someone named Rystal, which sparks the group's curiosity. Basagiri joins them. After Sazare departs, Liko and the others return to the Brave Asagi, where they are visited by her grandmother’s Ikirinko.
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"The Three Explorers" Transliteration: "San-nin no Ekkusupurōrāzu" (Japanese: ３人のエクスプローラーズ)
Directed by : Tsurugi Harada Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano
After Liko's grandmother, Diana, returns, she challenges Liko to a battle. Liko, with her Nyarote, ends up winning the battle. Following that, Diana explains that Lucius was the founder of the Explorers and that she had searched for information on the origins of the organization. Eventually, the group returns to the Illuminating Pool, where Lucius's wife, Rystal, appears from the dead. It is then revealed that both Diana and Liko are a descendant of Lucius, much to Liko's shock.
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"The Entrusted Future, the Shine of This World" Transliteration: "Takusareta Mirai, Kono Sekai no Kagayaki" (Japanese: 託された未来、この世界の輝き)
Directed by : Makoto Nakata Storyboarded by : Makoto Nakata & Saori Den
"Sohnano? It is So!" Transliteration: "Sō nano? Sō da yo!" (Japanese: ソーナノ？ソーダヨ！)
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December 6, 2024 (2024-12-06)
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"Randou Returns to His Hometown" Transliteration: "Randō, Kokyō e Kaeru" (Japanese: ランドウ、故郷へ帰る)
TBA
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December 13, 2024 (2024-12-13)
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"A Fierce Fight Against Entei! The Noble Roar of Flame!!" Transliteration: "Gekitō Entei! Honō no Otakebi!!" (Japanese: 激闘エンテイ！炎のおたけび！！)
TBA
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December 20, 2024 (2024-12-20)
TBA
Release
On November 20, 2024, The Pokémon Company reported that a second season of Pokémon Horizons, under the title of Pokémon Horizons: Season 2 – The Search for Laqua was scheduled for release on the streaming service Netflix. The first part of the season is set to be released on February 7, 2025.[31] In the United Kingdom, The Search for Laqua is set to debut in January 2025 on BBC iPlayer[32], while in Canada, the season is expected to premiere on Cartoon Network and Télétoon on February 8, 2025.[33]
Music
The opening themes are "Will" (意思, Ishi) by Ive for 22 episodes and "Only One Story" (たったひとつの物語, Just One Story) by Zerobaseone.[34][35][36] The ending themes are "Let Me Battle" (バトルさせてください, Batoru Sasetekudasai) by 9Lana for 22 episodes and "Sparkle!" (ピッカーン！, Pikkān!) by Giga, TeddyLoid and Sakurazaka46 featuring Rina Matsuda and Hikaru Morita.[37][38]
^ abcThe English episode numbers are based on their first streaming in the United States on Netflix. Other English-speaking nations largely follow either this order or the Japanese order. Episodes released on Netflix in the U.S. are released quarterly while those on TV networks outside of the U.S. are aired weekly.
^Horizons is considered a new Pokémon animated series in the West and most countries.
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