What the Pokémon Anime's First Time Skip Means for the Franchise — & Ash's Future Return

 Pokémon Horizons  The latest announcement from Pokémon Horizons has left fans in shock. After weeks of speculation about a potential time skip in the anime, it has now been officially confirmed. A time skip will occur between the current Rayquaza Rising arc and the upcoming Pokémon Horizons: Mega Voltage arc. While this transition clearly ties into the upcoming game Pokémon Legends: Z-A, many fans are speculating that the time skip could bring even more changes and surprises to the beloved series.

The latest news surrounding Pokémon Horizons has sent shockwaves through the fanbase. The upcoming arc is set to feature a heavy focus on Mega Evolution, and it looks like Professor Friede may be absent from the series moving forward. Roy, one of the main protagonists, has already undergone the most significant change, seemingly stepping up to take on a larger role within the trio. The announcement of a time skip has also left many fans wondering what it could mean for the series. With a time skip never before used in the franchise, some speculate it might pave the way for the return of a fan-favorite character, potentially even an older Ash Ketchum making a meaningful cameo in the new series.

The Pokémon Anime Is Getting Its Very First Time Skip

Pokémon's Latest Announcement Has Broken the Internet

Pokémon Horizons’ time skip marks a first for the franchise, a bold move that breaks with the longstanding tradition of keeping characters like Ash Ketchum eternally 10 years old, despite his lengthy journey across regions and years in real time. The showrunners have finally decided to take a different approach, and fans are buzzing about what this creative decision could bring.

Accompanying the teaser for the Rayquaza Rising finale was the shocking announcement that a significant time skip will occur after the current arc concludes, leading into Pokémon Horizons: Mega Voltage. This shift is groundbreaking for the series, as the Pokémon Company has typically avoided aging its characters. But with the new anime, they’re clearly willing to experiment with new concepts and storytelling techniques. This time skip might even give more focus to Liko, Roy, and Dot, allowing them to become the central figures in the series, rather than just supporting characters.

While Liko, Roy, and Dot are compelling in their own right, each bringing unique personality traits and goals to the table, they have one major weakness—they are among the weakest battlers in the franchise. This rookie status has been a barrier for some viewers to fully invest in the characters. But one constant has been Professor Friede, the ever-present protector of the younger Trainers. His leadership and the help of Captain Pikachu have kept the group safe, allowing them to avoid catastrophic failure. Some fans speculate that the time skip might be necessary as the team faces growing challenges without Friede's protection, and Roy, in particular, may need to step up and lead in his place.

Ultimately, Pokémon Horizons has shocked fans with its latest announcement, and the time skip could mark a turning point for the series—bringing new dynamics, exciting possibilities, and perhaps even the return of some familiar faces.

The Most Recent Announcement Teases a Popular Pokémon Character Could Be Missing

Professor Friede Could Have Gotten the Satoru Gojo Treatment

Interestingly, Professor Friede’s presence in Pokémon Horizons: Mega Voltage has yet to be confirmed, and there are hints suggesting he may be intentionally absent. The main promotional poster for the upcoming season features The Brave Olivine in pristine condition, indicating that the older members of the group, including Friede, may no longer be as active. This is a surprising development, especially considering Friede's popularity as one of the franchise's standout characters, rivaling even Ash Ketchum in fan support.

Friede has consistently ranked highly in popularity polls, thanks to his fascinating background. Before joining the adventure with Captain Pikachu, he was a renowned Pokémon Professor. Despite stepping away from his role as a professor, he remains a formidable Pokémon battler and a key figure in the Rising Volt Tacklers' journey, often being the one to protect the younger members and help them progress as far as Paldea. However, the reliance on Friede as a protector has led some to question if the story might suffer from his absence.

This absence could be the driving force behind the time skip. Without Friede around to save them, the rookie Trainers will be forced to step up and face challenges on their own. This could be a pivotal moment for characters like Liko, Roy, and Dot, giving them the opportunity to finally shine and grow stronger on their own. The Rising Volt Tacklers will likely need to evolve as a team to fill the gap left by Friede’s departure, leading to a more engaging and dynamic narrative.

While some fans have speculated that Friede might betray the team, this would be a drastic shift in his character. Friede has repeatedly put himself in danger to protect the others, and a sudden betrayal would feel completely out of line with his established personality. Most promotional material suggests that Friede remains a beloved figure, implying that he might have sacrificed himself or been trapped while saving his teammates. Meanwhile, his trusty partner, Captain Pikachu, is expected to play an important role in the new season, though with a different Trainer by their side.