Episode 96 of the TV anime Pokémon Horizons (officially abbreviated as AniPoke, airing Fridays at 6:55 PM on TV Tokyo), titled Clash! The Dragon Rampage Gang, aired on May 16. The episode introduced a new character named Snake from the Kune-kune Dan(JP: クネクネ団), voiced by Kazuma Miki—the son of Shinichiro Miki, who is well-known for voicing James (JP: コジロウ, Kojiro) of Team Rocket in the Pokémon series. This unexpected connection quickly generated buzz onli

In this episode, Liko and her team head toward Blackthorn City (Fusube City in Japanese), home to a family of dragon-type Pokémon users, after hearing rumors of a sighting of the Black Rayquaza. Along their journey, they are confronted by a masked trio riding Cyclizar who identify themselves as the Dragon Riders. Tensions rise further when the opposing Kune-kune Dan appears and engages in battle with Liko and her companions.

Among the Kune-kune Gang, Snake aims to capture numerous Dratini. To stop him, Liko’s group challenges him to a Pokémon battle. Snake sends out Arbok and Seviper—Pokémon fans will recognize these as Jessie’s (JP: ムサシ, Musashi) partner Pokémon from Team Rocket—adding yet another layer of nostalgia and excitement.

The voice behind Snake is newcomer Kazuma Miki, who is making his anime debut. Fans were quick to notice a striking similarity in his voice to that of his father, Shinichiro Miki, who has portrayed James for years. This father-son appearance in the same series marks a memorable moment for longtime viewers.

Online reactions have been enthusiastic and surprised:

“Snake’s voice actor is Kazuma Miki!”
“Wait, is he Shinichiro Miki’s son?”
“I thought that voice sounded like MikiShin! What a surprise!”
“I assumed MikiShin would voice the Kune-kune Dan leader to match Megumi Hayashibara as the Dragon Riders’ leader, but then it turns out Snake is played by his son?!”

Episode 96 Story

Rumors have begun to circulate about a sighting of the Black Rayquaza near Blackthorn City, a place known as the home of a family of dragon-type Pokémon users. Hearing the news, Liko and her companions set out to investigate.

However, what awaits them is an unexpected encounter—a masked trio riding Cyclizar suddenly appears before them! They call themselves the Dragon Riders, and they seem to know something about Rayquaza. But before any questions can be asked, the group unexpectedly challenges Liko and her team to a battle!

What is the truth behind the Black Rayquaza? And what are the intentions of these enigmatic Dragon Riders?

About Mega Voltage Arc

The story continues one year after the decisive battle at Laqua. Roy, still journeying with Captain Pikachu, hears reports of unusual Pokémon behavior and investigates. During his search, he encounters Ult and his Sableye. Deep in the forest, they witness a Slaking rampaging under the influence of Laquium—the mysterious substance thought to have vanished. Meanwhile, Liko is now a student at Indigo Academy.

The new arc follows Liko and her partner Meowscarada at school, while Roy continues his adventure with Fuecoco. The two reunited protagonists embark on a new journey alongside Captain Pikachu. With Dot and their newest companion Ult joining the group, the story centers on "recovering something important."

Staff

Chief Director: Daiki Tomiyasu
Director: Saori Den
Series Composition: Dai Sato
Character Design: Rei Yamazaki
Sub-Character Design: Kyoko Ito
Sound Director: Masafumi Mima
Music: Conisch
Animation Production: OLM

Cast

Liko: Minori Suzuki
Floragato: Megumi Hayashibara
Roy: Yuka Terasaki
Crocalor: Daiki Yamashita
Friede: Taku Yashiro
Orio: Ayane Sakura
Murdock: Kenta Miyake
Molly: Kei Shindou
Landau: Juku Ikkyuu
Dot / Gurumin: Yoshino Aoyama
Welcamo: Daisuke Namikawa
Amethio: Shun Horie
Zir: Kousuke Tanabe
Conia: Arisa Shida
Captain Pikachu: Ikue Ohtani

Source : ORICON NEWS