Red stands at the edge of a calm, sunlit beach near Fuchsia City, gazing at the shimmering ocean waves. He's joined by Koga, who's sporting a relaxed beach outfit, bright shorts and nothing else. For once, the stoic gym leader is seen with a carefree attitude, far from his usual ninja-like persona.
Red is nervous coming out in his swimsuit "So… we're really doing this?"
Koga nods "The ocean teaches patience, rhythm, and control. Besides, I could use a break from all the battling."
They wade into the cool waters, and Red, though initially uncertain, soon finds himself having fun learning how to surf on the gentle waves. Koga, surprisingly, is a natural. He expertly rides the surf with ease, demonstrating his balance and focus. His usually serious demeanor relaxes for the first time, and he even cracks a smile.
Koga explains the importance of maintaining balance on the board and matching the rhythm of the waves. Red struggles at first but eventually starts to get the hang of it, standing up for brief moments before falling into the water with a splash. Each time, Koga offers encouraging words, pushing him to try again. "It's not about speed, Red. It's about timing. Once you've learned to ride the wave, the rest will come naturally. In battle, it's the same. Sometimes, patience is key, waiting for the right moment to strike."
"I'm starting to get it… this feels a lot like battling, actually." Red thinks to himself as he paddles back to shore "The wave is the trainer, and I'm the Pokémon… I listen as it directs me…"
As they continue to surf, Koga opens up more about his past and his goals. The two sit on the beach afterward, taking a break from the waves. "I've been training for years… but even with all that, the path to the Elite Four feels far away. I wonder if I'll ever make it. It's a tough road, Red, and only the strongest will get through."
"I think you've got what it takes. You're already one of the best trainers I know." Red gave a reassuring smile "I've got a goal too, when I started I just adventured for fun, but now, I'm planning to destroy Team Rocket!"
Koga laughs "Don't get swept up in your work, Red. There's still much to do before either of us achieve our dreams. But for today… let's just ride the waves."
A laid-back montage shows the two trainers surfing, chatting, and relaxing by the beach. Koga even shows Red how to use Surf to move across the water with his Pokémon, letting him feel the exhilarating freedom of gliding over the ocean.
We also get a glimpse of Red's growth as a trainer, not just in his battles, but in his approach to patience and understanding. For once, the episode takes a break from the intense action of the Pokémon world and focuses on a lighter, more personal side of Red's journey.
As the sun sets, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, Koga turns to Red. They both share a moment of quiet understanding, knowing that both have a long road ahead. The two walk back toward the city, the sound of the waves in the background. Red discovers as he changes back into his regular outfit that Koga snuck a disc in his bag, an instructional video for teaching Red's Pokémon how to use Toxic.
