Leaving Pokémon Tech

Jessie and James, who flunked their entrance exam into Pokémon Tech, show up with Meowth to cause trouble, but are ridiculed by Giselle and her classmates, then brutally kicked out of campus with several Poké Ball attacks.

Ash, Giselle, and Joe realize that academic and practical experience are equally important. Joe decides to quit the school and start fresh at home. Giselle promises to become the best rival she can be. Ash and friends leave looking for new adventures.

Pokémon Tech Institute exit gate.

Season 1 - Episode 9

"The School of Hard Knocks"

The Pool

Enter Giselle, the top student in the beginners class; as pretty as she is smart and condescending. She scolds Joe for not being prepared to battle a Cerulean trainer. She takes over the fight, and her Graveler easily defeats Misty's Starmie.

After belittling Ash at the pool deck, her Cubone gives Pikachu a beating with textbook moves; but thinking outside the box, Pikachu uses speed, bites, and scratches to beat the ground Pokémon. Giselle is in disbelief that a Pikachu would win without electricity attacks.

Pokémon Tech swimming pool.

Season 1 - Episode 9

"The School of Hard Knocks"

    

Giselle's Graveler and Cubone.

The Simulation Room

Joe, the kid that was being bullied, invites everyone for a tour of the school. He explains that his classmates were helping him study because his scores are bad, and being tough is their way to help him improve.

In the simulation room, Joe shows them how he can always beat any Cerulean City water Pokémon, even though he is at the bottom of his class. Misty takes offense and challenges Joe. Despite what the simulations say, his Weepinbell is no match for her Starmie.

Pokémon Tech Simulation Room.

Season 1 - Episode 9

"The School of Hard Knocks"

    

Misty's Starmie defeats Joe's Weepinbell.

Pokémon Technical Institute

Pokémon Tech is a boarding school that guarantees entry to the Pokémon League upon graduation, without the need to earn badges. Ash and Misty challenge the bullies, but they dismiss them, and leave.

The mist in the forest was being artificially created by the school for a "Fog Battle Techniques" class, but once dissipated, Ash and friends can see the impressive facilities. 

Pokémon Technical Institute Boarding School.

Season 1 - Episode 9

"The School of Hard Knocks"

Lost

Thinking they are heading to Vermilion City, the group enters a foggy area of the woods. Between the low visibility and the endless bickering between Ash and Misty, they are deviating further from Vermilion.

While looking for firewood, Ash comes across a group of youngsters that seem to be hazing a kid. They claim to be students from the Pokémon Technical Institute helping a classmate with some quiz questions under high-pressure conditions.

Lost in the foggy woods.

Season 1 - Episode 9

"The School of Hard Knocks"