DP180 synopsis

DP180 - the 180th episode from the Diamond and Pearl series - is really more about Ash, Dawn and this Kenny guy, but there is also a cameo appearance of Jasmine; Flint appears once again, too. No Volkner this time, but still. Known under the unofficial title of Ash VS Kenny! Sailing for Respective Roads!! (original Japanese: サトシVSケンゴ!それぞれの船出!!), it first aired in Japan on June 10th, 2010.
Since most events in this episode are not really relevant to this website's purposes, I won't be writing a full synopsis like I did for the other three eps; I'll just focus on the parts with our Flint.

Synopsis

Ash has just acquired his last Sinnoh Badge and he's now ready to challenge the League; the group is now going to the docks in Sunyshore to take the ferry for the island where the Pokémon League is located. It's there that they meet Kenny and the Olivine Gym Leader Jasmine, who's on a journey to become stronger. They spend some time talking, but at some point Team Rocket attacks them and tries to kidnap Kenny's Floatzel; however, a certain Infernape comes to save the day...Flint's, of course. :D He's glad to see everyone again, and he's very relieved that Volkner is feeling better thanks to Ash's efforts. He then says that he's going to do his best at the upcoming championships, and mentions that Volkner would have loved to come with him but was too busy with his own challengers.

At this point, Jasmine introduces herself to Flint and challenges him for a quick training match. He agrees, and here we go. Jasmine's Steelix versus Flint's Infernape. The boys notice that Jasmine is in type disadvantage, but Ash knows that Steelix is her best Pokémon so he can understand her choice. The battle itself is very quick; Steelix hits Infernape with Iron Tail, Infernape endures the blow, and then proceeds to take down his opponent. After winning the match, Flint is almost a bit sorry for going down hard on her, but that's his style - putting himself in everything he does. Jasmine doesn't seem to mind having lost, and she's glad she got the chance to fight such a powerful Trainer.

After the battle, Flint, Jasmine, Kenny and the rest of the boys go to the Vista Lighthouse. The sun is setting, making for a very beautiful view. Jasmine asks Flint what's his signature technique, and his answer is that it's all about defense; observing the opponent's moves, enduring all hits and then going at full power. At least, that's how he fights when he's facing a weaker opponent; things are different for stronger foes such as Cynthia. Ash then asks him if he's going to challenge her too, and Flint's answer is yes.

The group then goes to the local Pokémon Center to spend the night; as Flint enters, he's swarmed by a group of kids that want to know everything about his secret to being so strong. Ash would like to know more about how he conquered the League, and Flint begins to narrate. He was about his same age back then, he says, and his opponent was so strong, but his willpower was stronger...Ash then says that this information is of no use for him; Flint replies that, actually, he can't really suggest him anything but to give his everything in every battle, and that he can overcome any opponent if he gives his best. Flint also says that he realized that, since that worked for him before, if he does his best at the upcoming championships he could even beat Cynthia.

The rest of the episode is about Ash battling Kenny and being defeated by the latter. The following day, Ash, Brock and Dawn sail for the Pokémon League as Jasmine and Flint bid them farewell and wish them good luck.