Ash meets Greninja again in episode JN108, “Catching the Aura of Fate!” from Pokémon Journeys: The Series. It is the 108th episode of Journeys and the 1,193rd episode of the animated series overall. Readers often confuse it with a different episode, “A Meeting of Two Journeys!”, which is XY106 and is not the reunion.
The episode: JN108, “Catching the Aura of Fate!”
The episode is listed on Bulbapedia as “JN108 – Catching the Aura of Fate!” According to that entry, its Japanese title is Lucario and Gekkouga! The Wave Guidance of Destiny!!. The Japanese first broadcast was April 29, 2022, and the US broadcast date was February 24, 2023. Those are the dates recorded in that guide; regional catalogs may list the episode under different season groupings, so searching for the English title or the code JN108 is more reliable than searching by season number.
Why “A Meeting of Two Journeys!” is the wrong answer
Many searches land on “A Meeting of Two Journeys!” because the title suggests a reunion. It is a different episode. Apple TV’s US catalog groups it as season 19, episode 13, and Bulbapedia lists it as XY106. Its synopsis centers on the battle between Ash and Sawyer, and on Greninja’s fights against Sceptile and Alain’s Charizard. It does not contain the Ash and Greninja reunion.
| Detail | JN108, “Catching the Aura of Fate!” | XY106, “A Meeting of Two Journeys!” |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Pokémon Journeys: The Series | Pokémon XY series |
| Episode code | JN108 | XY106 |
| Overall episode number | 1,193 (per Bulbapedia) | Not stated in the sources reviewed |
| Apple TV US grouping | Not stated in the sources reviewed | Season 19, episode 13 (Apple TV US catalog) |
| Ash and Greninja reunion | Yes | No |
| Main plot focus | Ash, Goh, Greninja and Lucario in Kalos | Ash vs. Sawyer; Greninja vs. Sceptile; Alain’s Charizard |
| Japanese first broadcast | April 29, 2022 (per Bulbapedia) | Not stated in the sources reviewed |
| US broadcast date | February 24, 2023 (per Bulbapedia) | Not stated in the sources reviewed |
What happens in JN108
Ash travels to Kalos with Goh after Goh’s Froakie evolves into Frogadier. Ash wants Greninja to help Lucario understand an Aura-based bond similar to the one Ash shared with Greninja. Ash and Greninja find each other, work together against giant roots, and Greninja helps Lucario improve its Aura.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- POKÉMON PLUSH: Choose to cuddle Greninja, the Ninja Pokémon
- SPECIAL MATERIAL: Snuggly 12-inch Pokémon plush is made with super soft material
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Greninja looks like it jumped out of the Pokémon Animated Series
- TEAM BUILDING: Collect other 12-inch Pokémon plush and build your own unique team
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
The reunion is brief. Greninja then leaves to keep protecting Kalos, so it does not rejoin Ash’s active team in this episode. Ash is clearly glad to see his former partner, and the two cooperate before parting again.
Background: why Greninja was away from Ash
Greninja’s departure comes from the end of the Kalos crisis. In “Facing the Needs of the Many!” (XY139, per Bulbapedia), Ash releases Greninja so it can help detect and destroy dangerous roots. JN108 picks up from that point. Bulbapedia’s “Ash’s Greninja” entry summarizes the same sequence: Greninja returns in JN108 and then departs again.
Rank #2
- Authentic Ash-Greninja Design: From its super-long tongue to its fancy toes, Ash-Greninja is a cut above with long-legged and detailed plush showing off all the features in a Pokemon Center Original design
- High-Quality Details: Features detailed tongue and eyes that capture the unique characteristics of this mysterious Greninja transformation
- Care Instructions: Hand-wash only and dry flat in shade to maintain the plush quality and appearance
- Item Dimensions: Measures 10 x 5 x 13 inches (25.4 x 12.7 x 33 cm) providing a substantial collectible size
- Pokemon Center Original: Officially licensed Pokemon Center Original product ensuring authentic quality and design
How to find the episode
- Search for the exact title “Catching the Aura of Fate!” or the code JN108.
- Check the series as well as the title, because “A Meeting of Two Journeys!” shares the word “Journeys” and appears in similar listings.
- If a listing shows XY106 instead, you are looking at the wrong episode.
Sources and dates
The episode code, title, plot summary, overall episode number and broadcast dates come from Bulbapedia’s episode entry for JN108. The US catalog grouping of XY106 comes from Apple TV’s listing for “A Meeting of Two Journeys!” Bulbapedia’s entries for XY106 and XY139 and its series overview were used for the episode codes, plots and the Greninja departure. Dates are as recorded in those sources and may be updated in later listings.
The sources reviewed do not establish which streaming service or physical release currently carries JN108 in any given country, so this article does not recommend a viewing platform.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Stands about 7 inches tall
Rank #4
- POKÉMON PLUSH: Choose to cuddle Venusaur, the Seed Pokémon
- SPECIAL MATERIAL: Snuggly 12-inch Pokémon plush is made with super soft material
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Venusaur looks like it jumped out of the Pokémon Animated Series
- TEAM BUILDING: Collect other 12-inch Pokémon plush and build your own unique team
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
Rank #3
- Greninja is a powerful Pokémon that could turn the tides of battle in an instant! However, this small and cute Poké Plush version shows its softer side. It'll look great in your decor or Pokémon collection.
- A Water- and Dark-type fully evolved first partner Pokémon from Kalos
- Soft fabric and embroidered details
- Item Dimensions: 7.1 x 11 x 10.3 inches (18 x 27.9 x 26.1 cm)
- Pokémon Center Original
