"Let's begin," Teacher Takemoto said. "As we all know, most Bug-type Pokémon are social creatures that live in large groups. While other Pokémon species may form groups of dozens, a Bug-type colony usually has at least a hundred members, and some can number in the thousands.
Bug-type Pokémon are generally very weak as individuals. When faced with an external threat, the entire colony will swarm to attack the intruder.
They are extremely vengeful, often fighting to the death. The most famous example is Beedrill.
When you're traveling, it's best not to provoke them. If you accidentally do, the best thing to do is run.
Even an Elite Four member would have a hard time dealing with a swarm of Beedrill."
Teacher Takemoto paused, then continued. "Bug-type Pokémon have very short lifespans. They are born weak and must constantly consume their own potential energy to evolve, or they'll become prey for other Pokémon.
After evolving into their final forms as quickly as possible, they focus on reproducing.
Once their offspring hatch, their mission in life is complete, and their lifespan comes to an end."
Because Bug-type Pokémon evolve into their final forms at low levels, they're often the best choice for beginner Trainers.
They make great transitional partners, but later on, most Trainers find that after evolution, their progress slows drastically.
Some even stop improving altogether. At that point, most people release them or keep them at home.
That's why they're often abandoned. Among all known Bug-type Pokémon, only Pinsir, Scyther, and Heracross have truly strong potential.
Unlike most of their kind, these three possess high potential and can remain powerful even in the future.
However, compared to other Bug-types, they are extremely rare, and even rarer when compared across all types.
So despite being Bug-types, in the eyes of Trainers, they're seen as a completely different class."
A student raised a hand. "Then why not just catch one with great talent?"
Teacher Takemoto didn't get angry. He explained calmly, "Researchers at the Pokémon League have discovered that every Pokémon species has different potential.
Some have high potential, others low. Among all types, Bug-type Pokémon have the lowest species potential overall.
As you all know, we classify Pokémon by talent grades, just like humans, some are dull, some are average, and some are geniuses.
Everyone here at Silver Academy is a genius.
We divide Pokémon talent into six levels: Ordinary, Good, Excellent, Outstanding, and Champion.
Bug-type Pokémon are generally Ordinary. Only a few are Good, and Excellent ones are even rarer.
As for Outstanding, I've only seen one in all my decades of study.
That alone tells you everything about the status and potential of Bug-type Pokémon.
Among all known powerful Bug-type Trainers, only a few have reached true strength.
But they've already reached their limits and can no longer advance.
Let alone a Bug-type Trainer at the level of the Elite Four, or even a Champion.
Those of us who study Bug-types believe it's almost impossible for an Elite Four or Champion who specializes in Bug-types to exist.
Perhaps that is the tragedy of the Bug-type."
At first, Teacher Takemoto spoke calmly, but toward the end, he seemed to be muttering to himself.
The class listened quietly, many feeling a little sorry for Bug-types. Only three species truly had great potential.
Still, most students only felt mild sympathy.
Teacher Takemoto sighed, and then a voice broke the silence.
"Teacher Takemoto, I disagree with your statement."
He turned to see Eichi standing up. "Oh? Which part do you disagree with?"
Everyone turned to look at Eichi. Calmly, he stood and said, "Teacher, I agree that Bug-type Pokémon are weak in potential. But I disagree that a Bug-type Elite Four or Champion is impossible.
Just because it hasn't happened doesn't mean it never will."
Teacher Takemoto nodded approvingly. "Not bad. It's rare to see such conviction. But you don't understand how difficult it is to reach the Elite Four level, much less become a Champion, especially for a Bug-type Trainer."
He paused, then asked, "What's your name, student?"
"Eichi Yoshino."
Teacher Takemoto blinked. Eichi… Yoshino? That sounds familiar. Where have I heard that before?
***
Soon, class ended.
The last class that afternoon was Miss Joylin's. In addition to being the homeroom teacher, she also taught Water-type Studies.
Near the end of class, Miss Joylin said, "I have an announcement to make, it's about the Freshmen Tournament.
Some of you may already know about it, but I'll explain again.
The Freshmen Tournament is held every year, one month from now. The goal is to inspire competition among students and help you improve both your battle commands and your Pokémon's combat experience.
The top ten contestants will receive generous rewards. These prizes are quite valuable for all of you here."
She paused and continued, "However, not everyone can participate. Each class only has ten spots.
That means only ten students from our class will enter the Freshmen Tournament."
A student quickly raised a hand. "Teacher, does that mean the ten students ranked highest when we joined are automatically chosen?"
Miss Joylin smiled patiently. "Of course not. To decide who will participate, the academy has decided that each class's top ten from the entrance battle assessment will start off with the spots.
If anyone believes they're stronger than one of those ten, they can challenge them. If the challenger wins, they take the spot. Each student can be challenged no more than twice. In the end, the ten who remain will represent our class."
Tetsu suddenly stood up. "When will the selection begin?"
Miss Joylin's tone stayed gentle. "I was just about to say, the selection will be held next Sunday. Battles will be one-on-one Pokémon matches, and the venue will be the battle field next door.
Everyone, train hard over the next two weeks and fight for a chance to enter the Freshmen Tournament."
Right then, the bell rang. Miss Joylin closed her textbook. "Alright, that's all for today. Class dismissed."
She picked up her books and walked toward the door, but then turned back. "Oh, I almost forgot, the credit system officially starts today. If you're unsure about it, check the school rules handbook for details."