The round opens with Ruby reaching Petalburg City with his Running Shoes. After using Mumu to pick some Berries, Ruby decides to find a place to stay for the night due to his father being in the vicinity. As he sneaks through the streets, Ruby is attacked by two Seedot, a Nuzleaf, and three Lotad.
After Mumu manages to beat the Nuzleaf, Ruby decides to investigate what it was that startled the Pokémon. He discovers another boy, keeled over in pain from being attacked by the Pokémon. The boy thanks Ruby for defeating them and compliments the strength of Mumu. Ruby immediately asks the boy to be friends with him from the compliment and introduces himself and his goal.
Ruby decides to help the boy capture a Pokémon, only to find out that someone is already coming to help him. Ruby's sixth sense immediately causes him to have an idea about who is coming to help the boy, and he goes to hide in the bushes. His suspicions are confirmed when his father, Norman, appears.