On the way to Fennel Valley, Ash's Aipom scampers away and runs into a Weavile with an attitude. Aipom's up for a battle, but Weavile deals it a harsh defeat! Luckily, Ash and his friends meet a passing wilderness guardian named Kerrigan, who lets Aipom rest at his home. Kerrigan explains that the Weavile belonged to a local group of Weavile and Sneasel, but now it's alone and challenges any Trainer's Pokémon it sees. Ash resolves to help Kerrigan find the stray Weavile before anyone else is hurt.

Team Rocket wants to find Weavile, but once they do, it's not interested in joining their gang. Ash and his friends can't seem to get through to the Weavile, either. Then a Sneasel shows up on the scene, and the truth comes out! The stray Weavile was leader of the Weavile and Sneasel group, until another Weavile came and beat it in a battle for leadership. However, the new leader turned out to be a bully, and so Sneasel left the group as well.

That's when the Weavile leader shows up to bring Sneasel back. Ash challenges the stray Weavile to stand up for itself and help Sneasel, and both Weavile decide to battle. The stray Weavile comes out the winner and becomes leader once again. The losing Pokémon won't be left out in the cold this time, because Sneasel asks both Weavile to cooperate with each other—and they agree! Now the forest will once again be at peace, and our heroes can continue their journey to Ash's rematch with Brandon!