Interlude XVII - The Needs of the Few

In a flashback, a young Erika is scolded by her parents for throwing a tantrum over visiting her grandmother, learning the harsh lesson of suppressing her desires and conforming when she has to. In the present, Leader Erika meets with Chief Takahashi and Interpol Agent Looker, who is leading the investigation into the secret casino lab. Looker suspects more Renegades are operating in Kanto and makes it clear he will spare no expense to find them, effectively undermining Erika's authority. Realizing Looker has Lance's approval and is a dangerous "True Believer," Erika contacts Giovanni to warn him they have a problem.

Later, back at her gym, Erika observes the burgeoning #WhatComesNext movement spearheaded by Blue Oak. Her Second, Diana, informs her that Blue intends to move on to continue spreading his movement to other Gyms. Realizing Blue's departure might diminish her own gym's status and influence, Erika manipulates Blue into Challenging her for a badge before he leaves. The battle is a 5-on-5 Mastery Challenge. Erika's ferrothorn nearly falls to Blue's breloom before they agree to consider it a draw for that round; Blue sacrifices his breloom. They battle back and forth, showcasing advanced tactics, until it comes down to Erika's vileplume and Blue's golbat. Both pokemon knock each other out. Erika calls the match a draw, but Blue surprises everyone by reviving his arcanine (Soul), who manages to stand and roar, securing Blue's victory and earning him the Rainbow Badge.