Seeing Eichi ask a question, Azuma glanced at Shingo and lowered his voice. "The Young Master usually studies in the nearby town and only returns on weekends. Even then, he rarely comes back."
"I see," Eichi replied.
"By the way," Azuma continued, "the Young Master is a computer genius. He loves playing with his computer more than anything. He carries it everywhere—even during battles, he uses it. When he asks us to battle him, we always go easy on him on purpose. Because of that, he thinks no one in the Dojo is his match."
Eichi nodded to show he understood. This matched what appeared in the anime; Shingo believed he could defeat any opponent simply by using his computer to find their weaknesses. He hadn't expected Shingo to be like this already, and Eichi had no desire to have much contact with the Young Master.
As usual, Eichi went out to train. It was another day of Waterfall training, with only two days left before a full week would pass. He pushed himself to make the most of the time. Compared to the first day, Scizor had improved significantly; it could now charge through two-thirds of the Waterfall. Muramasa had clearly underestimated Eichi's Scizor. Perhaps Scizor would actually be able to break through the Waterfall by the time they left.
Beedrill, of course, was even further along. It was just a hair's breadth away from breaking through. Furthermore, Beedrill was extremely interested in the Perception training and would practice it in a corner whenever it had free time.
When Eichi returned to the Dojo at noon, he found an uninvited guest. As he entered, he saw a boy on the porch in front of the open space. He looked to be about twelve or thirteen years old and wore glasses. He sat there typing away at a computer, looking exactly like a carbon copy of Shingo.
Eichi walked over and saw Azuma resting. "Azuma," he called out.
Azuma turned around. "Eichi, you're back."
Eichi pointed at the boy with glasses. "Who is that? A guest?"
"That's the Young Master's senior from school in town, Heiji," Azuma whispered. "I heard the Young Master learned most of his habits from him."
"I can tell," Eichi replied meaningfully. However, he was only curious for a moment and quickly pushed the matter to the back of his mind.
In the afternoon, Eichi trained in the forest as usual, watching Scizor and Beedrill spar. Suddenly, Mr. Muramasa walked out from the trees.
"Teacher Muramasa, why are you here?" Eichi asked.
Muramasa didn't speak at first, simply watching the two Pokémon. "Is this your Beedrill? Very impressive."
"You flatter me, Teacher," Eichi said.
"Come with me," Muramasa said. "I have something to discuss with you."
Eichi nodded. "Scizor, Beedrill, stop for now." He recalled both Pokémon into their Poké Balls and followed Muramasa.
Curious about what the old master wanted, Eichi asked as they walked, "Teacher Muramasa, is there something you need me to do?"
"I want you to handle something for me," Muramasa said without slowing down.
"What is it?"
"Are you aware of the person who arrived today?" Muramasa asked.
"Yes. Azuma said he is Shingo's senior from school."
"Indeed," Muramasa replied. "He is currently challenging my disciples. I want you to defeat him."
"Teacher, you have so many disciples," Eichi said, surprised. "How could a thirteen-year-old boy be a match for them?"
"It's not that," Muramasa explained. "The strength of Azuma and the others varies. While Azuma and a few others could win, they are much older. Winning would just be seen as the big bullying the small. However, those of his age are simply no match for him. That is why I need you."
Eichi thought about it for a moment and realized the situation. "I understand," he said firmly. "Leave it to me."
Muramasa nodded. As they reached the entrance, they could already hear the sounds of Pokémon battling inside.
"Go on," Muramasa said.
"Teacher, aren't you coming in?" Eichi asked, confused.
Muramasa shook his head and remained silent. Seeing this, Eichi didn't ask further and stepped inside.
The attention of everyone in the room was fixed on the battle between two Pokémon; no one noticed Eichi's return. Two Pokémon were fighting in the middle of the clearing. Eichi activated his Eye of the Bug Emperor.
Information on the two Pokémon instantly appeared before his eyes:
Hitmonchan
Talent Grade: GoodTrainer Rank: Experienced
Xatu
Talent Grade: ExcellentTrainer Rank: Experienced
Based on the commands being shouted, Eichi identified the owners. The Xatu belonged to Shingo's senior, Heiji, while the Hitmonchan belonged to one of the Dojo disciples. Eichi had a slight impression of him; he was usually very active during meals, had short brown hair, and was named Kishiwa. He was about thirteen, the same age as Heiji, but the battle was clearly going poorly for him.
Heiji sat across the field, constantly tapping on his computer. Before issuing every command, he would glance at his screen. The scene was remarkably similar to Shingo in the anime, though Heiji seemed considerably stronger. Unlike Shingo—who might have lost immediately if his seniors hadn't let him win—Heiji actually had the skills to back up his data. Eichi wondered where Shingo was; he was nowhere to be seen even though his senior was challenging the Dojo.
A scream of pain pulled Eichi back to reality.
"Based on my analysis, I have identified Hitmonchan's weakness," Heiji said coldly. "The victory is mine. Xatu, use Hypnosis on Hitmonchan!"
Xatu's eyes glowed with an orange-red light. The moment Hitmonchan looked into them, it fell into a deep sleep.
Kishiwa panicked. "Hitmonchan, wake up!"
An arrogant, victorious smile spread across Heiji's face as he gave the final order. "Xatu, give it the finishing blow with Psychic!"
Xatu cried out as its eyes glowed orange-red again, releasing a powerful wave of telekinetic energy from its head. The sleeping Hitmonchan cried out in pain and instantly lost its ability to battle.
"Hitmonchan!" Kishiwa cried. Seeing no response, he knew he had lost. He dejectedly recalled his Pokémon into its Poké Ball. The other disciples looked on with frustration and unwillingness, but Heiji was triumphant.
"Is there anyone else who wants to fight me?" Heiji asked smugly. "I have data on all of your Pokémon. It is impossible for you to defeat me."