Every classroom in the Battle Major building had its own battle arena for practical training and move demonstrations.
After the two of them left, the other students grew curious and rushed out as well. Soon, only Miss Joylin remained in the classroom. She sighed helplessly but followed the students next door.
At the adjacent arena, the red-haired boy regained his arrogance and declared proudly, "I might not beat you in a physical fight, but when it comes to Pokémon battles, I'll definitely win! I'm the second-ranked trainer in the Cerulean City area!"
"I'll use my strongest Pokémon to teach you a lesson!"
"Remember my name! I'm Hirota! Go, Sneasel!"
Sneasel, the Sharp Claw Pokémon.
Types: Dark, Ice.
Abilities: Inner Focus, Keen Eye.
Hidden Ability: Pickpocket.
Sneasel's body was mostly black, with a red tail and silver-white claws. Small golden dots marked its forehead and chest, and its left ear was red.
Eichi said calmly, "In that case, I'll also use my strongest Pokémon to battle your Sneasel. Come out, Beedrill."
Beedrill appeared in a flash of white light, crossing its twin stingers and leaning forward, ready to strike at any moment.
Seeing it, Hirota froze for a second before bursting into laughter. "So that's what you were so confident about? A weak Bug-type like Beedrill? That's hilarious! I'm telling you, this battle's already mine!"
Eichi replied evenly, "Don't be so sure. You shouldn't underestimate my Beedrill."
Eichi's Beedrill was noticeably larger than average, and any knowledgeable trainer could tell its strength at a glance. Unfortunately, Hirota clearly lacked that insight.
Most of the onlookers didn't think Eichi had a chance, since to them, Beedrill was the very definition of a weak Pokémon.
Still, a few students noticed something different, especially Tetsu, who looked surprised. "That one's unusual."
Eichi activated the Eye of the Bug Emperor. Sneasel's aptitude was rated Excellent, and its rank was Experienced.
Not bad. No wonder he claimed to be Cerulean City's second-best. But for Eichi, that was still far from enough.
After mocking Beedrill, the battle officially began.
"Beedrill, use Focus Energy."
Beedrill remained in place, channeling its energy to raise its concentration. Seeing this, Hirota commanded his Pokémon to attack.
"Sneasel, use Metal Claw!"
Sneasel grinned wickedly. "Snea–sel!"
Its hands glowed white as it dashed at high speed toward Beedrill. Just as it was about to strike, Beedrill suddenly moved, disappearing in an instant and reappearing beside Sneasel, dodging the attack with ease.
Surprised it missed, Sneasel lashed out again with Metal Claw, but Beedrill kept evading gracefully.
Despite being a speed specialist, Sneasel couldn't land a single hit. Eventually, it gave up chasing and retreated to its starting position, slightly exhausted and in need of a short rest.
Seeing his Pokémon miss repeatedly, Hirota grew angry. "Sneasel, use Icy Wind!"
"Snea–sel!"
Sneasel puffed its cheeks and blew a cold wind at Beedrill. The chilling air struck, slowing Beedrill's movements.
Seeing this, Hirota grinned. "Keep using Icy Wind!"
Wave after wave of cold air battered Beedrill. Things looked bad for Eichi's Pokémon, and the spectators began to worry.
But Eichi didn't seem concerned at all.
"Beedrill, use Swords Dance."
Beedrill spun rapidly, performing a dazzling Swords Dance.
"Now? Isn't it too late for that?" Hirota taunted. "Sneasel, finish it off with Fury Swipes!"
"Snea–sel!" Sneasel let out another sinister grin and charged, claws flashing. But just as it closed in, Beedrill completed its Swords Dance.
"Beedrill, use Twinneedle and end this!"
Beedrill's eyes flared red as it lunged forward.
"You idiot!" Hirota shouted. "You're making Beedrill fight head-on against Sneasel? You must be out of your mind!"
From the audience, a worried girl asked, "Miss Joylin, can Eichi win?"
Miss Joylin smiled faintly. "I forgot to mention, Eichi ranked first overall in the entrance exams."
Everyone: "???"
The surrounding students turned in shock. Meanwhile, in the arena, both Pokémon unleashed their moves simultaneously. Just before impact, Sneasel's claws and Beedrill's stingers clashed—
But to Sneasel's horror, Beedrill's Twinneedle was faster.
"Smack!"
Sneasel was struck squarely and sent flying backward, crashing right into Hirota and knocking them both to the ground.
"Boss!" his three followers cried.
Hirota scrambled up, stunned. He shook Sneasel frantically. "Come on, get up! You can still fight! I know you can!"
As Eichi approached, he said calmly, "Stop shaking it. After taking Beedrill's Twinneedle, it won't be getting up anytime soon. You lost."
"You lost to the 'weakest Bug-type,' remember? For Cerulean City's so-called second-best, that's pathetic."
"Next time, watch your mouth, and show Miss Joylin some respect. Otherwise, you'll regret it."
"Oh, and one more thing," he added with a faint smile, "I'm this year's top-ranked freshman."
With that, he turned and walked back to the classroom.
Hirota froze for a moment, then burst into tears, recalled Sneasel, and ran off. His three lackeys hurried after him.
Miss Joylin watched them go, feeling a bit worried, but she quickly remembered her duties as a homeroom teacher.
"Everyone, let's head back to class," she said gently.
The students nodded quietly. Some whispered about what had just happened.
When they re-entered the classroom and saw Eichi sitting calmly inside, no one dared make a sound. The room grew still, broken only by the soft sound of footsteps.