Summary
Mikuri, known as Wallace in the anime, debuted in the episode "Our Cup Runneth Over!" serving as a Contest Master in the Sinnoh region. After observing a practice battle between Ash and Dawn, he encouraged Ash to participate in the Wallace Cup with his Buizel. During the episode, he also demonstrated a practice appeal using his Milotic for the benefit of Ash and his friends. He returned in subsequent episodes, including "Staging a Heroes Welcome," "Pruning a Passel of Pals!," and "Strategy With a Smile!," where he served as a judge for the Wallace Cup. Following Dawn’s victory, he presented her with the Aqua Ribbon. The narrative establishes that, mirroring his role in the video games, Wallace previously held the position of Gym Leader in Sootopolis City before becoming the Hoenn Champion. In the episode "Battling the Generation Gap!," it was disclosed that the Pokémon stylist Lila designed his contest attire. In the Pokémon Adventures manga, Wallace functions as the Sootopolis Gym Leader, a Contest Master, and the guardian of the Cave of Origin. He mentors Ruby in a manner similar to how Winona mentored Sapphire. Although he initially aligned with Team Aqua, his strong sense of justice led him to be the first aligned Gym Leader to abandon the organization, persuading Winona to leave Team Magma as well. Volume 21 reveals that Wallace was the Hoenn League Champion who had entered the Hall of Fame. However, he renounced the title to follow the example of his mentor, Juan, by becoming a Gym Leader. According to Steven, an unspoken reason for this decision was his desire to remain close to Winona, the Fortree Gym Leader. Fans speculate that Wallace and Winona shared a romantic relationship in the past. While Winona’s current feelings remain unconfirmed, Wallace’s lingering affection is evident during their farewell scene in Volume 20 before they depart to confront Kyogre and Groudon. Following a premonition by Steven regarding his potential death in the battle between the two legendary Pokémon, Wallace reclaimed the title of Champion. Unlike other Hoenn Gym Leaders, Wallace is the only one who gives nicknames to his Pokémon and typically travels using an "Air Car," a vehicle capable of operating on both land and air.
