Navi is officially a Rising Volt Tacklers crewmate, but her first day is anything but smooth sailing. An argument with Ult leads to a dangerous wild Pokémon encounter
Navi Joins the Rising Volt Tacklers Network
The episode 144 of Pokémon Horizons starts with Navi celebrating her official installation into the Rising Volt Tacklers network, receiving the custom crew communication application on her smartphone device. This modern digital tool serves as undeniable proof of her membership, bringing immense joy to the young girl who has long dreamed of exploring the world as a certified companion. Liko and Roy warmly congratulate her, welcoming their new companion with genuine open arms and enthusiastic smiles. However, the celebratory mood hits a sudden roadblock when Ult expresses his blunt disapproval, flatly stating that he has not accepted her as a true member. Navi fires back instantly, claiming she only needs Captain Pikachu’s seal of approval, igniting an immediate rivalry between the two young crewmates.
Exploring the Brave Asagi Airship Living Quarters
Shortly after the minor dispute, Orio escorts Navi to her brand-new living quarters, revealing that the crew completely cleaned out Friede’s old unused room for her. Navi bounces around the living space with pure excitement, chanting happily alongside her partner Metamon (Ditto) while Ult watches from the doorway with an annoyed scowl. Seeking to build team chemistry, the senior crew members decide it is time for Navi to learn the daily operations of the Brave Asagi airship. Murdock introduces her to the busy kitchen environment, offering sweets and promising to prepare her favorite dish, omurice, for dinner. Molly then conducts a routine medical assessment on Metamon, gently reminding Navi that maintaining a partner's peak physical health is an absolute priority for a Pokémon Trainer.
A Chaotic Deck Cleaning Duty on the Ship
Following the checkup, Orio takes Navi deep into the mechanical engine room, demonstrating how the ship burns heavy coal to produce massive propulsion energy. Inspired by the hardworking nature of the crew, Navi eagerly requests a meaningful job to help out around the airship. Liko and Roy hand her a cleaning cloth, and the group begins scrubbing the deck together in a fun, unified rhythm. The peaceful chores take a chaotic turn when Metamon playfully shifts its shape, turning the sweeping process into a confusing game. Ult tries to intervene, but the mischievous transforming Pokémon mocks him, causing a noisy commotion that disrupts the entire deck cleaning process.
The Marketplace Errand Mission in Town
Hoping to ease the tension between the bickering youngsters, Murdock asks if someone can head down into the local village for kitchen supplies. Molly quickly adds a request for medicinal items like Potions, prompting Navi to jump forward and volunteer for the neighborhood market run. Liko carefully suggests that she should not travel alone, leading Friede to assign Ult as her official guide for the trip. Ult groans loudly, complaining about the boring assignment, while Navi insists she is fully capable of leading the expedition herself. The two continue arguing all the way down the ramp, leaving Liko and the others hoping the outdoor mission builds a mutual bond.
Lost in an Unfamiliar Village Marketplace
Upon arriving in the bustling village marketplace, Navi becomes completely distracted by rows of vibrant, juicy berries, ignoring Ult’s direct instructions. A kind local merchant offers her a fresh sample, which Navi happily gobbles up while completely forgetting their original shopping list. Ult panics over the exact ingredient quantities, recklessly ordering fifty units of everything until Navi steps in with the correct numbers. Angered by her correction, Ult snaps at her, prompting Navi to storm off toward the pharmacy with Metamon following closely behind. Navi walks confidently down the winding streets, but quickly realizes she has completely lost her bearings in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
A Dangerous Wild Ratta (Raticate) Encounter
Stranded in a quiet alleyway, Navi searches her pockets for her phone, only to realize she left her Rising Volt Tacklers app device back in her bedroom. Meanwhile, Ult finishes gathering the market goods and realizes Navi has vanished, forcing him to track her down through the village. Deep in the wilderness bordering the town, Metamon accidentally touches the sensory whiskers of an aggressive wild Ratta, triggering an immediate confrontation. The territorial rodent attacks with blinding speed, corners Navi against a dirt ledge, and prepares to unleash a vicious Bite. Ult arrives just in time, stepping between the wild beast and the trembling girl to shield her from the incoming strike.
Metamon (Ditto) Initiates a Pokémon Battle
Instead of fighting the battle for her, Ult demands that Navi stand firm and command Metamon as a true Pokémon Trainer. Navi nervously steps forward, ordering Metamon to utilize its signature Transform ability to match the opponent's species. Metamon shifts into a smaller replica of Ratta, but its miniature stature leaves it vulnerable to a heavy physical counterattack. Ult shouts tactical advice from the sidelines, telling her to study the opponent's movement patterns to find a tactical opening. Navi refocuses, commanding a well-timed dodge that allows her partner to land a solid physical Bite strike against the enemy.
A Clever Tactical Transformation Victory
The wild Ratta recovers quickly, forcing Metamon to shift forms again into a massive Kairyu (Dragonite) to execute a powerful Twister move. The wild rodent avoids the localized wind vortex, scaling a nearby tree branch to launch a dangerous diving strike. With Metamon falling from the sky and losing its transformation, Ult reminds Navi to focus entirely on her partner's feelings. Trusting her companion implicitly, Navi commands Metamon to transform into the solid stone block it usually sleeps on. The wild Ratta hits the hardened surface at maximum speed, shattering its front teeth and fleeing into the dense brush.
A Comedic Return to the Brave Asagi
The episode ends with Navi and Ult returning safely to the Brave Asagi, where Navi proudly announces their grand victory against a wild Pokémon to the crew. Ult tries to maintain his tough senior persona, but realizes with absolute horror that they left all the market groceries behind in town. The two immediately dissolve back into a loud comedic argument, proving that while they respect each other, their rivalry remains fully alive.
Pokémon Horizons Episode 144 is a fantastic, character-driven entry that balances lighthearted slice-of-life moments with genuine growth. Watching Navi step up as a trainer and find creative ways to use Metamon's unique Transform abilities was incredibly satisfying. Ult acting as a tough but caring mentor added great depth to his character, making their dynamic a highlight of the current arc. The pacing felt brisk, and the animation during the sudden alleyway battle was surprisingly sharp and impactful for a casual encounter.
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