Aboard the boat, Tad explains that he is trying to get into the “Pokémon League”. He states that he battled Rudy after Ash did, and overheard Rudy commend Ash for using pure power to win. After Misty comments that Ash does not have any skill, Tad challenges Ash to a battle, claiming that he likes to challenge people who know what to do. Misty, however, jokes about this by pretending not to see Ash while Tad describes him. They then set a course toward Cleopatra Island, which they presume to be deserted. However, Team Rocket is already on the island, doing some repairs to one of their machines. Meowth spots Ash and his friends approaching the island through his binoculars and alerts Jessie and James, all hoping to steal Pikachu.
(Source: Bulbapedia)
