The matches had ended for the day. Everything had gone by very quickly because the third-year's strength was simply too poor. They had been completely swept. The leaders of Silver Academy looked grim, feeling that Indigo Academy had gone a bit too far.
Both Sato and Eichi were in a bad mood as well. This felt rather humiliating. Conversely, on the Indigo Academy side, the smiles were impossible to hide. Archie shook his head, a trace of disdain flickering in his eyes.
Since the day's matches were over, everyone began to leave the Battle Hall in succession. Eichi turned to Tetsu beside him and said, "Let's go. It's time to eat."
"Mhm," Tetsu replied.
Sato also stood up and headed toward the main gates. Because there was only one exit, students from both academies inevitably ended up walking together. Eichi and his group found themselves walking right behind the first-year students from Indigo Academy.
The group in front was chatting and laughing loudly. Their words reached the ears of Eichi and his friends with perfect clarity.
A purple-haired boy wearing glasses spoke to his classmates with a sneer, "Did you see that idiot's face when Akemi defeated him? He looked completely shell-shocked. Haha!"
"I almost died laughing. It was hilarious," another added.
Upon hearing this, Shinta's expression changed instantly, becoming terrifyingly dark.
A chubby boy in the front agreed, "Seriously. I thought Silver Academy was supposed to be impressive, but they're actually this weak."
"To think the teachers actually told us to be careful during the matches."
"I think the teachers are just being overly cautious. It's totally unnecessary," a third student remarked.
A girl joined in, "Exactly! I saw several seniors pull off a three-Pokémon sweep. It was so cool. I want to do the same in the match the day after tomorrow."
Others chimed in immediately.
"I'm going to do it too!"
"Me too! Count me in. It'll be a great story to brag about when we get back to the academy."
Eichi and the others experienced a sharp change in expression. These students were speaking very loudly, as if intentionally making sure Eichi's group heard them.
"What do they mean by that?" Tetsu said hatefully. "What do they take us for? Do they think we're all like those third-year losers?"
He wasn't the only one; everyone looked upset. Ishida started to step forward to argue with them. Eichi reached out an arm to block him, frowning.
"What are you trying to do?" Eichi asked.
"What else?" Ishida replied sharply. "I'm going to go reason with them."
"What's the point of talking to them?" Eichi scolded.
"Are we just supposed to do nothing? Just let them keep talking like that?" Ishida demanded.
"Let them talk," Eichi said. "Don't forget, they are guests. If you want to shut their mouths, fine. Defeat them in the match the day after tomorrow. They'll shut up on their own then."
This left everyone silent. They were all suppressing a surge of anger.
"We aren't like the third-years," Eichi continued. "Right now, our win rate against Indigo Academy is fifty-fifty. So, everyone must give it their all in the match the day after tomorrow."
After returning, Eichi was also fuming. He felt Indigo Academy had crossed a line.
That evening, he suddenly received a notification to gather at Director Yanagi's office for a meeting. When Eichi stepped out, Tetsu was coming out as well.
"Eichi, did you get the notification too?" was the first thing Tetsu asked.
Eichi nodded. "Mhm. Let's head there together."
When they arrived at the office door, over a dozen people were already standing there. They were all first and second-year students. Everyone looked confused, wondering why Director Yanagi had called them all together.
Ten minutes later, Teacher Joylin walked over. "Is everyone here? Follow me."
Everyone followed her quietly into a conference room. It wasn't very large, but it could comfortably hold several dozen people. Director Yanagi and the others were already inside. Not just Director Yanagi, but almost all the department heads were present—six grade directors, Director Yanagi as the Head of Instruction, and even the Vice Principal.
The leaders' expressions were unpleasant, making the atmosphere in the room feel heavy. Once Eichi and the others entered, Teacher Joylin told everyone to find a seat.
When everyone was settled, Director Yanagi stood up and walked to the center to speak. "Hello, everyone. I am Director Yanagi."
"I'm sure you're all wondering why we called you here tonight." He paused for two seconds before continuing, "I believe everyone saw the matches this morning."
"Originally, this exchange tournament between our two academies was based on the principle of 'friendship first, competition second.' However, looking at Indigo Academy's behavior, they have completely violated that principle."
"Several leaders in our battle department are very unhappy. We feel this is a provocation and an insult to Silver Academy."
"Therefore, the academy leadership has decided that you should not hold anything back in the matches tomorrow and the day after."
"Treat Indigo Academy exactly how they treated us," Director Yanagi said, his expression becoming exceptionally stern.
He then continued, "The second matter is that because the match rules have changed, our rewards will also change."
"We have discussed it and decided that for this exchange tournament, there will not only be rewards for defeating opponents in battle, but also a reward if the entire grade is victorious."
As soon as he finished, the room erupted in whispers. Several students' eyes lit up, and their breathing quickened.
"Eichi! Eichi! Two sets of rewards!" Tetsu said excitedly, grabbing Eichi and shaking him repeatedly.
"I know, I heard. Can you please stop shaking me?" Eichi replied.
Director Yanagi saw that everyone's passion had been ignited. He exchanged a glance with the Vice Principal and nodded in satisfaction.
Eichi had to admire the academy's decision. It successfully mobilized everyone's enthusiasm. Although Director Yanagi didn't specify what the rewards were, they certainly wouldn't be less than what was originally planned. Eichi had to admit he was also tempted. No matter what, he had to win this time.
After the meeting ended, everyone headed back. On the way out, Eichi happened to run into Yuli.
"Senior Yuli," Eichi took the initiative to greet her.
"Junior Eichi," she replied. "Good luck in your match the day after tomorrow. Try to get both rewards."
"Good luck with your match tomorrow, Senior," Eichi smiled.
"Give Indigo Academy a harsh lesson, Senior!" Tetsu interjected.
"I will," Yuli said with a laugh. "After all, I want those two rewards too."