"I'm not going there to win the championship; I just want to gain a bit of experience," Eichi explained. "I feel like I'm not making much progress by just staying at the academy."
He paused for a moment before suddenly asking, "Director, has anyone spoken to you about the atmosphere of our academy?"
Director Yanagi blanked for a second at the sudden question, and the room went cold. After a few seconds, he sighed and said, "I know. Genkaku and the other student mentioned this to me after they returned from their visit to the Indigo Academy."
"The strength of the atmosphere at our Silver Academy is indeed not as powerful as that of the Indigo Academy."
"If it weren't for you few, we wouldn't have won the inter-school exchange competition last time."
"However, that doesn't prove Silver Academy is stronger than Indigo Academy."
"You, Sato, Konan, and Kelly are all from the Kanto region. If anything, it proves Indigo Academy is stronger, which is something we have to admit."
"That's why our academy has started making changes over the last two years, including sending students to participate in the Indigo League to stimulate the students' desire to become stronger."
Eichi listened quietly as Director Yanagi spoke. Perhaps because the Director had encountered many difficulties lately, he poured everything out at once. Eichi did not interrupt, letting him finish in one breath. A few minutes later, Director Yanagi had vented all his frustrations and felt much better. He suddenly wondered why he was telling all of this to Eichi.
After finishing, Director Yanagi stood up and took a sip of tea to calm his emotions.
Eichi then spoke, "Director, since you know the situation, you should understand that my growth won't be as fast if I stay here. So, I hope you will approve my request."
Director Yanagi remained silent. He suddenly thought that if Eichi were to participate in the League Conference, the higher his rank, the better the effect would be for Silver Academy.
Thinking of this, Director Yanagi asked, "Then have you decided which League Conference to join?"
Eichi was silent for a moment before saying, "I haven't decided yet."
Director Yanagi's eyes lit up. "How about this? Why don't you go participate in the Indigo League?"
"Why are you asking me to join the Indigo League?" Eichi asked, puzzled.
Director Yanagi looked at Eichi with a serious expression. "Don't ask why. Let me tell you the conditions."
"As long as you participate in the Indigo League, the higher your rank, the more rewards I will give you."
Eichi narrowed his eyes. "Oh? There are rewards? Director, what kind of rewards are we talking about?"
"That depends on what rewards you want," the Director replied.
Without hesitation, Eichi said, "I want Stat Boosters."
Pfft!
The water Director Yanagi had just sipped sprayed out instantly. He hurriedly grabbed some paper to dry the wet desktop.
As he wiped, he said, "You really have a giant appetite. Do you know how precious Stat Boosters are?"
"I know," Eichi replied nonchalantly. "It's because I know that I'm asking for them."
Director Yanagi hadn't expected Eichi to ask for that. Seeing the faint, knowing smile on Eichi's face, he realized that with Eichi's intelligence, the boy had likely figured out why he wanted him to join the Indigo League.
"Hmm."
Director Yanagi rubbed his chin, weighing the pros and cons. Since the last time they distributed a few Stat Boosters as rewards and exchanged a batch for other students, there were still a few left. It should be fine.
With a pained expression, Director Yanagi agreed. "Fine, I promise you."
"However, you only get rewards if you reach the Top 16."
"Reach the Top 16, and you get three Stat Boosters. The Top 8 gets five. The Top 4 gets seven."
"If you manage to become the Champion, I will directly give you ten Stat Boosters plus other rewards."
"Of course, the chances of you winning the championship are too low. Our academy will be sending other people as well."
"I know," Eichi said. "But you said it yourself, so don't you dare back out when the time comes."
Director Yanagi said firmly, "I keep my word. When have I ever lied to you?"
"That's true," Eichi nodded. After finishing that topic, Director Yanagi asked, "When do you plan to leave?"
Eichi shook his head. "I haven't decided yet. When I'm ready to go, I'll go."
Several black lines appeared on Director Yanagi's face. What are you playing at? You haven't even decided when to leave, yet you come here to ask for leave? What do you think this place is?
He said helplessly, "Fine. I'll just grant you leave starting from today until the next semester. Is that alright?"
Eichi felt a bit embarrassed. "Thank you, Director Yanagi. Rest assured, I will definitely reach the Top 16 in the Indigo League."
"I hope you're as good as your word," Director Yanagi said, feeling a bit exhausted.
Since his goal was achieved, Eichi didn't disturb the Director further and made an excuse to leave.
Walking along the path, Eichi hadn't lied to Director Yanagi about not knowing when he would leave. He planned to set out once Professor Kant finished the Pokéblocks. He didn't know how long that would take, but he hoped it wouldn't be too long.
Unknowingly, he reached the front of the teaching building. He saw a crowd gathered around a wall where a large sheet of paper was posted. It listed the rankings for the first-year final exams.
Eichi suddenly remembered that today was the day the results were posted. At the start of the last semester, Miss Lin had mentioned that the results of the midterm and final exams for the whole grade would be ranked. Miss Lin had already told Eichi his scores and rank beforehand, so he knew he was in first place.
Since he was bored, he walked over. There were too many people in front, so there was no need to squeeze in. His eyesight was excellent, so he could see every word on the board even from the back.
First Place: Eichi
Sure enough, he was first. Eichi continued looking down the list.
Second Place: Sato
Third Place: Konan
Fourth Place: Kelly
Eighth Place: Ami
Ninth Place: Kosei
Sato and Konan were neck and neck; Sato was always right behind in every ranking. Among the Top 10, only six of the top combat students were listed. Tetsu, Matsumoto, Ishida, and Shinta were all ranked around the 20s. Evidently, their theory scores were a bit lacking.
At that moment, a student in front of Eichi said, "Eichi is first again."
"Eichi is truly amazing, first place once more."
One of the girls said, "It's always Eichi, Sato, and Konan sweeping the top three."
A boy said enviously, "When will I ever be able to get into the top three of the grade?"
A boy next to him laughed. "Just go home and sleep. With your grades? You're dreaming."
The student replied unhappily, "Can't I at least think about it?"
Listening to their discussion from behind, Eichi smiled and walked away.