Eichi and the group arrived at an unoccupied counter. A beautiful and pleasant female staff member smiled and greeted, "Director Yanagi."
Director Yanagi nodded, took a form from his pocket, and handed it to her. "I'm accompanying these three to claim their Freshmen Tournament prizes."
The female staff member took the form, glanced at it, and asked with a smile, "Alright. What would you like to exchange for?"
Director Yanagi then turned to Eichi and the others and said, "The Credit System points will be deposited into your student cards in two days. Now, Konan can choose first."
The third-place prize was two competitively priced Technical Machines. The female staff member handed a thick book to Konan. Director Yanagi explained, "Everything listed in this book is available at the Logistics Department. Competitively priced refers to Move TMs costing within 300,000p. You may choose any two."
Konan nodded and began flipping through the book to make her selection. While Konan was choosing, Director Yanagi had the female staff member provide two more copies to Eichi and Sato.
The three of them began their selection, and before long, Konan and Sato had made their choices and informed the female staff member.
She operated the computer in front of her for a moment, and then a door behind her opened. A Machoke emerged, carrying two boxes. The staff member took the boxes and, after opening and confirming the contents, she handed the two boxes to Sato and Konan, respectively.
With Konan and Sato finished, only Eichi remained, still contemplating what to choose. The first-place prize was a choice between an evolutionary stone and a Technical Machine, but since an evolutionary stone was useless to him, he leaned toward the Technical Machine. However, Eichi thought back over the Moves his Beedrill and Scyther could learn, realizing there was no Technical Machine he urgently needed.
Recalling Scyther's battle with Electabuzz yesterday, and then remembering that the Logistics Department claimed to have everything, Eichi suddenly asked Director Yanagi, "Director Yanagi, can I exchange all of my prizes for a Metal Coat?" He paused, adding, "If that's not possible, could I use my Credit System points in addition to the prize?"
Director Yanagi pondered for a moment. "Logically, no, it's not possible. But... alright. I will make an exception for you today. If we convert all your prizes, it's just enough to exchange for one Metal Coat."
Eichi was overjoyed. "Thank you, Director Yanagi."
"It's no trouble," Director Yanagi replied.
He then instructed the female staff member to process the Metal Coat exchange. After a short while, another Machoke walked out carrying a box. It handed the box to Eichi, who opened it.
Inside was a silver-black metal vial, which contained a metallic liquid. Applying this metallic liquid to Scyther or Onix allows them to evolve into Scizor and Steelix, respectively. Other Steel-type Pokémon can also use it to greatly boost the power of their Steel-type Moves.
Eichi nodded with satisfaction, and seeing that all three had completed their exchanges, Director Yanagi said, "In that case, let's go. Oh, Konan, you may head back first. I have something to discuss with Eichi and Sato."
Konan smiled. "Alright, I'm leaving. Bye."
"Bye," Director Yanagi replied.
Eichi and Sato waved goodbye to Konan.
Once she was gone, the Director said, "Sato, you have one more prize: one-on-one Move coaching. Our school will arrange for one of the best teachers to tutor you. Your issues were exposed during yesterday's match; your mastery of Moves needs improvement."
"Thank you, Director," Sato replied earnestly.
After speaking with Sato, Director Yanagi turned to Eichi. "Eichi, your Champion prize includes a three-month supply of custom Pokémon food and Pokéblocks, specially formulated by a Senior Breeder. We have three Senior Breeders at the school: one is the Director of the Breeding Department, one is Professor Kant, and the third is currently stationed outside and rarely returns.
Professor Kant is most skilled at breeding Bug-type, Water-type, Fire-type, and Ground-type Pokémon. As you should know, every Senior Breeder has their most proficient types; mastering all types is impossible." He continued, "In a few days, your homeroom teacher will take you to Professor Kant's office so he can check on your Pokémon's condition."
Eichi's expression looked a bit strange as he asked, "Professor Kant?"
"Yes," Director Yanagi confirmed.
Noticing Eichi's expression, Director Yanagi asked, "Do you know Professor Kant?"
"I think I might," Eichi said, and then described Professor Kant's appearance.
"It is indeed Professor Kant," Director Yanagi confirmed. "How did you meet him?"
Eichi then recounted his encounter with Professor Kant.
Director Yanagi was surprised after listening. "Professor Kant praised you for having Breeder talent? You also studied breeding knowledge?"
"I don't have any Breeder talent," Eichi said modestly. "That was just Professor Kant being kind. I only studied a little bit of breeding knowledge."
...I'll believe you when I see it, Director Yanagi thought privately. I've been at the academy for so long, and I know his character. He's not a liar, and he never deliberately exaggerates; he states things as they are. If he says you have Breeder talent, you have Breeder talent. Eichi, you've given me another surprise! These were Director Yanagi's inner thoughts, but on the surface, he maintained a composed appearance.
Sato realized what was happening after hearing Director Yanagi's words: Eichi had actually studied breeding knowledge on his own and was praised by Senior Breeder Professor Kant. Sato felt complicated. This was the first time he had truly felt the gap between himself and others. He clenched his fist, silently swearing that he couldn't lose. It seems I'm still not working hard enough.
Since Director Yanagi had other matters to attend to, he dismissed Eichi and Sato.
After saying goodbye to Sato, Eichi returned to his dormitory. Sitting at his desk, he planned to summarize the results of the tournament.
The tournament itself was a complete sweep, with Scyther winning straight through the matches, and besides Ursaring being somewhat troublesome, the other opponents were not very strong. The battle against Sato yesterday was also easy for Beedrill. Beedrill's level was higher than Charizard's.
After reaching the Elite Rank, the difference from the Experienced Rank is significant, and strength receives a noticeable boost. If Beedrill and Charizard had been at the same Level, Eichi might have felt some pressure. However, Beedrill's Level dominance completely suppressed Charizard, which had no chance of winning.
The Freshmen Tournament wasn't without its gains, but the harvest was relatively small. Nevertheless, Eichi could look forward to the Inter-Academy Exchange Match in six months.