Greninja is one of the most significant Pokemon from Ash's adventures, as the only character to form a unique and extraordinary bond with his trainer. The Dark/Water-type plays a vital role in the Pokemon X and Y storyline, as he is repeatedly put to the test in the battle to reach his full power potential.
Froakie had always prioritized training above all and chose Ash as the perfect partner, but when his unique skills are needed in Kalos, Greninja sadly leaves Ash's side in a tearful farewell. Pokemon Journeys, however, sees Greninja's return, but fans are wondering if he is here to stay?
The Rare Ash-Greninja
Along with Pikachu and Charizard, many fans consider Greninja to be one of Ash's closest and strongest Pokemon companions, and the Bond Phenomenon is a confirmation of this assumption. Viewers first witnessed this transformation in "A Festival of Decisions!", whereby Pokemon and trainer became one, increasing Greninja's power level to that of a Mega Evolution. During this transformation, the Dark/Water-type adopts physical characteristics from Ash, inheriting black side fins and red stripes to mimick his trainer's style, along with a handy Water Shurikens to boot.
For such a truly unique character to drop out of the Pokemon canon seems strange and unusual, however, Greninja will finally return to Ash's side.
Greninja in Pokemon Journeys
It has been five years since the Flare arc ended, where the fan-favorite Greninja decided to remain in Kalos to help Squishy and Z-2 to irradicate the negative energy-induced root system that was taking over the Region. Besides his appearance in the Pikachu Detective movie, not much has been seen of the popular Pokemon since.
Excited fans are anxious for this powerful Pokemon's return in episode 108 of Pokemon Journeys, titled "Lucario and Greninja! The Wave Guidance of Destiny!" It looks like Greninja and Lucario are somehow connected, possibly both helping Ash do his best to become part of the Masters' Eight. Ash's Pokemon subsequently battle, and it seems that Lucario has bitten off more than he can chew.
Greninja and Lucario
Although some kind of match-up between Greninja and Lucario is confirmed, the reason for the duel is all speculative. It is possible that Lucario felt threatened by Greninja's presence, and challenged the Water Pokemon out of jealousy, in an attempt to prove his worth to Ash. It seems inevitable that Lucario will be defeated, however, the fight is all about pride for the Fighting/Steel type, and a battle for affection might just be worth it.
Another fan theory suggests that Lucario and Greninja's battle is part of a training exercise, in an attempt to help Lucario enhance his Aura Sphere. Greninja has a unique affinity for auras, which is why he was needed in Kalos - as the only Pokemon able to adequately pinpoint the negative energy. Ash will need to pull an Ace out of his sleeve to impress at the World Coronation Series, and an OP Lucario might just do the job.
Is Greninja Here To Stay?
As of 2020, Greninja officially became the Most Popular Pokemon after a tally of 140559 votes was collected from fans around the world. This popular character portrays more humanistic qualities than most other Pokemon, and earns himself the title of Ash's partner and equal, gaining as much as, if not more, respect than the infamous Pikachu in the process. Although the reason for their separation was indisputable, removing Greninja from the Pokemon canon may have been a mistake on the creator's part, as many fans miss watching their favorite Pokemon in action.
Greninja is the only Pokemon currently able to lock into the Bond Phenomenon, making the Ash-Greninja one of the rarest and most celebrated Pokemon in history. Olympia encouraged fans' with her prediction that Frogadier will reach a power level like never seen before, and it is possible that viewers have not yet witnessed Greninja's full potential. The addition of the Bond Phenomenon allowed for another level of Pokemon greatness and emphasizes the major theme in the series - friendship. Greninja's permanent reunion would make many fans very happy, however, it has not yet been confirmed for Pokemon Journeys.
Pokemon Journeys episode 108, "Lucario and Greninja! The Wave Guidance of Destiny!" will air on 29 April 2022.