Eichi hadn't told any of his classmates about requesting the leave of absence; there wasn't much to say about it.
He continued with his usual routine: attending classes, training his Pokémon, and making Pokéblocks.
A week passed in this busy manner. On this day, Eichi was attending class as usual. It was a Dragon-type Pokémon course. Eichi had long since self-studied everything the teacher was teaching. His claim to Director Yanagi that he had self-studied all the courses for the semester was no joke. He had not only completed this semester's courses but also the next semester's.
Recently, he'd been reading second-year textbooks. In class, the teachers didn't mind him much anymore. After all, all the teachers knew Eichi was a top student, consistently ranking first in every exam.
Time flew by quickly. Eichi was engrossed in his reading when the class ended. He suddenly heard someone call his name and looked up to see Miss Lin.
Miss Lin was standing at the classroom door, waving to him. "Eichi, come out for a moment."
Eichi sensed from her expression that something important was about to happen. "Of course," he said, putting down his book and walking out. The surrounding classmates were unconcerned; this happened frequently. Miss Lin often looked for Eichi at the classroom door right after the dismissal bell rang.
As usual, Miss Lin and Eichi walked toward the stairwell, where there were few people, then she spoke with a serious expression, "Eichi, I know all about you requesting a leave of absence. But you didn't even mention this to me. I only found out today. Am I still your homeroom teacher?"
Seeing that Miss Lin was a little upset, Eichi realized he had forgotten about such an important matter and quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, Miss Lin. It was my mistake not to tell you. I won't do it again."
Having said her piece and seeing Eichi apologize, Miss Lin wasn't as angry anymore.
She started to address the main issue, sounding surprised. "I was very shocked when I first heard you were requesting two months off. I thought something had happened to your family, but I didn't realize it was just to go out and study. I genuinely don't know why your relationship with Director Yanagi is so good. In all my time at Silver Academy, this is the first time I've seen anyone approved for a long leave for a non-urgent reason. In past years, there have been students who tried to do this, and their grades weren't bad either. However, Director Yanagi didn't approve any of their requests. Only yours was approved."
Eichi felt a little embarrassed hearing this. "Perhaps I'm just special."
Miss Lin nodded in strong agreement. "It might actually be true."
Eichi was speechless.
"Alright, back to business," Miss Lin said. "The format for the assessment has been decided. It's the same as the entrance exam: a theoretical assessment and a practical battle. The time has also been set: this Sunday morning, in our classroom in the teaching building. Go back and review thoroughly. The theoretical part should be fine, but you need to be careful with the practical battle. I hear Director Yanagi is finding a very powerful opponent for you."
"That's fine," Eichi said confidently. "I'm not afraid. The stronger my opponent is, the better."
"It's good that you're confident," Miss Lin said. "Good luck when the time comes. Your teacher supports you."
"Thank you, Miss Lin," Eichi replied.
Unfortunately, their conversation was overheard by Tetsu, who was hiding behind the corner. Tetsu had been eavesdropping on Miss Lin and Eichi's discussion. Eichi is requesting a leave of absence to go study? Why didn't I know about this? This guy, Eichi, is being so inconsiderate, not telling me something like this.
***
After class was dismissed at noon, Eichi and Tetsu went to the cafeteria to eat together.
While eating, Tetsu suddenly spoke up. "Eichi, I overheard your conversation with Miss Lin today. You're requesting a leave of absence to go out, and you didn't even tell me. Are we even friends?"
Eichi put down his utensils. "I didn't think it was a big deal, so I didn't mention it. Besides, I might not even pass the assessment. It would be awkward if I didn't pass, so I just didn't tell you."
"Is that really the case?" Tetsu said, sounding unsure. "Well, forget that. Where are you taking leave to go?"
"In the forest between Violet City and Azalea Town, there's a person who runs a Dojo there," Eichi explained. "The master of the Dojo has a very powerful Scizor, and I want to learn some training methods from him."
Tetsu was surprised. "Your Scizor is already so strong, and you're still not satisfied? How are the rest of us, who are weaker than you, supposed to feel? Also, why do you need to go out? Some teachers in our Academy also have Scizor. Why don't you go to them?"
Eichi explained, "I already asked those teachers. I know some of their training methods, and they're not much better than mine. Moreover, they don't specialize in Scizor. Only Mr. Muramasa, whose ace is a Scizor, has reached an incredible level in training the species."
"You've never even met this Muramasa," Tetsu said. "Is he as powerful as you say? What if he's not as strong as the Scizor at our school? Wouldn't that be awkward?"
"I considered that problem," Eichi said. "I asked Director Yanagi, and he knows Muramasa. He said Muramasa is the strongest trainer using Scizor he has ever met. So, there's no need to worry. Mr. Muramasa should be very strong."
"You saying that puts so much pressure on me," Tetsu said. "You're already this strong, yet you're working so hard. No, I need to put in more effort too."
Eichi smiled and didn't reply, continuing to eat.
Tetsu continued to ask, "Miss Lin said your assessment is this Sunday. Are you confident?"
"Confident, you ask?" Eichi replied. "If I say I can definitely pass, would you think I'm too arrogant?"
"Don't I know you?" Tetsu said. "Given your personality, you wouldn't say that without absolute certainty."
Eichi took a bite. "You really do know me!" He continued, "By the way, once I pass the assessment, I won't wait too long before leaving."
Tetsu suddenly said, "Tell me when you leave. My family is coming to visit me. They can send you off."
Eichi didn't refuse. "Alright."
Behind them, Sato was also eating. He had overheard Eichi and Tetsu's conversation. When he heard that Eichi was requesting leave to go out and study, he perked up his ears and listened closely. However, Eichi noticed him, and after the two finished eating, he even went over and greeted him.
After Eichi left, Sato finished his meal and immediately headed out. His direction wasn't back to the Dormitory Zone, but toward the Training Room.