#jn038

So the episode premise is around how the boys learn about the Nibi City/Pewter City having a showcase of the largest Tatetops in the world and wanting to see it. While they’re hyping about it, Koharu apparently has to do some research project for a School class. And since the boys just got excited about the Fossil Excavation, Sakuragi suggest going with the boys.

Clearly she’s not thrilled with the idea, but the boys are soo... cue the dragging scene lol. Honestly, this dynamic is fun, because it shows that, while boys are very excited about whatever comes their way, Koharu is way more calm and collective, and doesn’t go hyping about simple fossils. It helps balance out the dynamics in my opinion, and makes all three more interesting to me!

Seriously, it’s like she didn’t have a say in this, and the boys decided it for her. Bet she felt a bit frustrated, but she eventually goes along.

But I’m not here to narrate the whole episode. I’m here to talk about how Koharu’s dragged into this Excavation out of a whim, but comes out with a seemingly new love towards ancient story filled rocks.

Like, the first scene we see of her at the Museum is where she sees Kabutops for the first time, and her reaction is a mild shock! While the boys are incredibly over the top with their hype levels lol

She looks so out of the group here, like she’s not IN it just yet. Thou, she does then point the group to the Excavation Site itself, and that’s where she starts showing some real nice signs I love to see.

Like, when the Curator starts explaining that the rock Satoshi is holding is a fossil of a Pokémon’s footprint, Koharu looks seemingly impressed. She was the one to doubt if it is a fossil, so no wonder she then gets curious about it. But here’s my favourite part.

After the Curator shows them a fossil and asks them what it is, Koharu’s the one to identifiy it as a claw. Then Curator starts explaining the Claw Fossil to be from Anopth, and narrates about the Pokémon’s ability to use the claw efficiently etc. Truly enchanting!

Now notice this! Koharu has different expression from the boys! And you know what that expression is? Curiousity! The boys are all “wow“ here, while Koharu oozes the kind of face where she’s heard something truly interesting.

AND THEN, after the Curator has explained about the fossils in detail, about how they’re able to tell history of Pokémon from the past, the same scene has a difference!

SHE IS VISIBLY BLUSHING!!!

It’s at this point on that Koharu is now fully invested in this research project idea, and goes with it. She shows no regrets, no out-of-place feels, but genuine interest. And she actually does end up finding some fossil!

This is also possibly the first time Koharu is seen with Satoshi without any akwardness. The talks between the two are very friend-like, kind, and real sweet to see. Satoshi helps Koharu bring the fossil to the Curator as well.

Considering how Koharu’s first interactions with Satoshi were extreme akwardness, this is a nice change of pace. It shows that Koharu accepts Satoshi now. She’s also really curious to see if the fossil she found is a new discovery, as Satoshi wasn’t able to tell if it was Shellder or not.

Turns out it wasn’t, but proved to be good for Koharu’s Research Project, as she now has enough material to write it. She’s a really good school girl huh. Also, another casual talk between the two here, and also showcases how the friendship of Gou and Koharu is deep friendship that is accompanied with frustration. Like, the time’s up, and when Koharu tries telling Gou that it’s time to go, Gou instead runs towards a shiny object. I understand Koharu’s frustration, she’s dealth with him since early childhood. We know this from JN001!

Flashfoward to Gou’s discovery of the Secret Ambe (Old Amber in localizations), Koharu is definitely interested in seeing how the fossil restoration machine works, in the same way the boys are.

Another flashfoward, I think the scene with Gou, Koharu, Goloog and Ptera is another important scene for her.

Like, she came looking for Gou after the Ptera was restored from a pre-emptive fossil birth that Rocket Gang caused, and after she and Satoshi found out about Rockets. She came to look for Gou for help with Rockets, but instead she now witnesses her first time seeing her life-long friend befriend a wild, seemingly extremely dangerous Pokémon. She’s even worried for Goloog.

Also Gou is so protective of Koharu, Satoshi was protective of her before as well, gosh these boys are so caring of their friend ♥

After Ptera is down, Gou goes closer to it, only for Ptera to screech at him. This scares Koharu, telling Gou it’s too dangerous. But of course, Gou doesn’t listen, instead shows his understanding for Ptera, and how it’s scared of the unknown world. Beautiful scene, but not the point of this post!

This is the scene shown right after Ptera has calmed down from Gou’s talk to it, touching it gently with its hand. Koharu is impressed! Up til this point, she had never seen how Gou bonds with his Pokémon. She now knows what it’s like to build a bond with wild Pokémon, and how amazing Gou can be with them. Why Gou seemingly loves Pokémon.

She’s still in awe in this scene, but then!

She smiles while blushing! Truly a precious sight. I bet she felt extreme happiness in seeing this scene, and I am telling you, next time we have Koharu episode, she’s finally getting ready to step into the world of Pokémon Trainers.

She admits in enjoying the trip a ton! That is so awesome for her character, as it shows how much her love for Pokémon is growing back. And you know what? She showed a lot of interest in fossils and the history of Pokémon specifically, so I wouldn’t be surprised at all if she chooses to go down the path of a Professor researching Pokémon History. A bit different path to her dad, who studies the bonds. She’s very much impressed with her dad’s work nowdays, finding him cool, and now she’s done her own research project regarding fossils. I bet her documentation is filled with love! Also would make me want her to meet Shigeru.

I alos just really love how this scene seems to show Gou talking to Koharu about the trip and just, look how Koharu is smiling at his way. Ah, these two are so great I swear.

Since she’s now confirmed to be getting an Eevee as well, I actually find it fitting, as Eevee is THE evolution Pokémon. The perfect Pokémon a researcher could love to have, as it is a very intriquing Pokémon with so many paths of evolution. How did it come to be blessed with such diversity, etc etc etc. I wouldn’t be surprised if their bonding has to do with Koharu being interested in it a species as well. But, ofc, I think their main bonding theme will be through some sort of meeting. Maybe Gou gets an Eevee of his own beforehand, who knows. I look forward to finding out!