After school the next day, Eichi and Tetsu went to the cafeteria for lunch. But when they reached the stairwell, they saw a crowd gathered there, people pressing together while murmuring all sorts of things.
Curious, Tetsu squeezed his way in while Eichi waited outside. From the bits of conversation he overheard, it seemed to be related to the Freshmen Tournament.
After a while, Tetsu returned, and Eichi said, "Let's go, tell me on the way."
Tetsu nodded.
As they walked, Tetsu began explaining, "They were looking at the poster for the Freshmen Tournament. It starts on October 9 and ends on October 14.
It'll be held in the gymnasium. Only the top ten contestants will get prizes. Everyone else who participates will receive 50 credits as encouragement."
Eichi got straight to the point. "What are the rewards for the top ten?"
Tetsu thought for a moment and said, "Sixth to tenth place only get credit rewards, 500 credits each.
Fourth and fifth place get 800 credits plus one Evolution Stone each.
Third place: 1,500 credits, two TMs of reasonable value, and two days of free access to the Energy Room.
Second place: 2,000 credits, two Evolution Stones, and one-on-one Move Training support.
First place: 3,000 credits, your choice of a TM or an Evolution Stone, and a set of custom Pokéblocks and food prepared by a professional Senior Breeder."
When he finished, Eichi asked, "What's this Energy Room?"
Tetsu replied, "I heard it's a special facility designed to suit certain Pokémon types, filled with high concentrations of elemental energy. It helps Pokémon level up quickly.
But you can only use it occasionally, not too often. Otherwise, it might affect a Pokémon's long-term growth."
Eichi nodded. "I see. Alright, let's eat."
Then the two of them went to have lunch.
***
That afternoon was P.E. class, or rather, physical training class, meant to strengthen the students' endurance and physique.
When they arrived at the athletic field, Eichi noticed it looked very similar to the one from his previous life's school.
The field was oval-shaped, about 400 meters around, a standard track.
Led by Eichi, the class arrived at the meeting point where someone was already waiting.
As they approached, they saw a tall young man wearing a black tank top. He looked ordinary, probably around twenty years old.
When he saw the students approaching, he called out loudly, "Are you Silver Academy Class 2-1?"
Eichi stepped forward. "Yes, I'm the class rep, Eichi."
The man introduced himself. "I'm your P.E. teacher, Rondo.
We'll start class now. I'll take attendance first."
After checking the names one by one and confirming everyone was present, he said, "Alright, let's begin.
Run ten laps around the track for warm-up. The class rep will lead. Don't think about slacking off, I'll have my Pokémon supervise you from behind.
Go!"
Eichi started running at a steady pace with the others following behind. Rondo released a Noctowl to fly behind them. With the Noctowl watching, no one dared to slack off and ran properly.
After five laps, Rondo suddenly shouted, "Class rep, speed up! What are you all doing, jogging?"
Eichi had no choice but to increase the pace. After two laps, some students began to fall behind.
The Noctowl flapped its wings and struck them with Wing Attack. Frightened, they forced themselves to catch up. In this way, they completed ten laps.
When it was over, more than half the class collapsed on the ground, gasping for air.
A few still stood, including Eichi and Tetsu. But to Eichi's surprise, Kelly and Hirota were barely sweating.
Since losing to Eichi last time, Hirota had stopped acting arrogantly or picking fights. He had become much more low-key.
For Eichi, ten laps were nothing. He exercised daily, and his usual warm-up covered more distance at a higher speed.
Then Rondo strode over, clearly displeased.
He shouted, "Get up! You're exhausted after just this much? Your pace was the slowest on the entire field!
If you're this weak, I can't imagine how poor your stamina is. You're supposed to be Battle Program students, but even the Research Program kids would outrun you.
You're the worst batch I've ever taught!"
Eichi: …
That sounded way too familiar. This kind of speech really was universal among teachers.
After being scolded, everyone quickly stood up straight, not daring to slack off again. Rondo asked, "You rested enough?"
The class mumbled, "Yes…"
"Good," Rondo barked. "Then run ten more laps! Class rep, increase the speed again.
If I see anyone fall behind, they'll run ten extra laps alone!"
The students groaned in unison.
"What are you whining for? Move it!" Rondo roared.
Reluctantly, everyone started running again. The Noctowl continued flying behind them as before.
This time, Eichi ran freely at his regular training pace, leaving everyone else far behind.
The class stretched into a long line. The sight caught the attention of students from other classes, who looked on sympathetically.
They knew what it meant to have Rondo as a teacher. He had made them suffer the same way.
Eichi finished his ten laps and sat down to rest, while the others struggled to complete theirs.
Rondo looked surprised that Eichi had already finished. Walking over, he said, "You're Eichi, right? Your stamina's impressive."
Eichi, breathing lightly, replied, "It's alright. I train regularly."
Rondo nodded. "Good."
Then he turned to the back and yelled, "You there, speed up! No slacking! Noctowl, give them a reminder!"
***
No one knew how long it took, but eventually the entire class finished.
Aside from Eichi, everyone else lay sprawled on the ground, unable to move.
Tetsu collapsed beside him, groaning, "Eichi, you're not human. How are you so relaxed? I'm dying here."
Eichi said, "I work out every day. This much is nothing."
Tetsu: …
You're gonna end up friendless like this.
***
In the director's office, Director Yanagikawa was chatting with Teacher Takemoto.
After serving him a cup of tea, Yanagikawa asked, "How was your class with Class 1?"
Takemoto took a calm sip before answering, "Not bad. One student left quite an impression on me. I think his name was Eichi."
"Eichi… Oh, you mean the kid you mentioned before, the one aiming to become a Bug-type Elite Four member?"
Takemoto suddenly realized, "Ah, so it's him."