The Labyrinth of Water: Ami Targeted

Stung by the vice-principal's worry that tutoring wastes her study time, Ami sinks into the belief that book smarts are all she has to offer. She meets Michiru at the pool and loses a race on purpose, giving offense, then apologizes and flees. Later granted a rematch, Ami swims her hardest, and though it ends in a draw, Michiru is satisfied. Alone in the water afterward, Ami is targeted by the Daimon Doburin.

Overhearing the vice-principal, Usagi feels guilty for leaning on Ami's help and later blocks her from a study session, insisting she focus on herself, which only deepens Ami's gloom. Haruka points out that Ami merely wanted friendship and lacks confidence, and Michiru comes to respect her effort in their second race. When a Daimon Egg hatches at the pool, Luna and Artemis warn the arriving Usagi to transform. Sailor Moon reaches Ami just as her pure heart crystal is drawn out and she is bound in a pool tube, and a rose from Tuxedo Mask drives the Daimon back once it finds no talisman. Watching in secret, Haruka and Michiru are relieved that Ami carries no treasure, and Ami admits her spirits have lifted.

The manga never had Uranus and Neptune suspect Ami of holding a talisman. Unlike most victims struck in the chest, Ami is hit in the back, and her heart takes several minutes to emerge. Doburin debuts in this episode. The CWi dub aired it as "Damp Spirits" on June 21, 2000, following the Japanese broadcast on May 21, 1994.