Eichi hung up the phone. He now understood why Big Sister Amelie had called him.
As it turned out, next Wednesday was the day of the Junior Breeder assessment, and Amelie wanted to check how his studies were progressing. Returning to Tetsu's side, his friend asked curiously, "Eichi, who called you? What's going on?"
"It's nothing," Eichi said with a smile. "Come on, let's go eat."
"Mhm," Tetsu replied.
After finishing his meal, Eichi returned to his dormitory. With the Junior Breeder assessment scheduled for next week, he definitely intended to go. However, he had already taken a leave of absence once before, and he wasn't sure if Director Yanagi would agree to it again.
That afternoon, after the final period, Eichi skipped dinner. He knew that Professor Kant should still be in his office at this time.
Arriving at the office door, he gave it a knock. After a short wait, Professor Kant's voice came from inside: "Come in."
Eichi opened the door just as Professor Kant was emerging from the laboratory.
Seeing Eichi enter, the Professor's expression shifted instantly from cold indifference to a stunned stare, then finally to pure delight. Eichi smiled and offered a greeting, "Professor Kant, long time no see. I'm back."
Professor Kant composed himself, trying to sound normal as he said, "You're back. So, how was it? Is everything okay out there? You didn't let your breeding studies fall behind, did you?"
Feeling a surge of warmth at the Professor's concern, Eichi replied, "It was great. I learned a few things. As for the breeding knowledge, don't worry—I definitely haven't fallen behind."
"That's good, that's good," Professor Kant said repeatedly. "Right, have a seat first."
"Alright," Eichi said, taking a seat on the sofa.
Professor Kant cleared some books off the desk and sat down across from him. "So, you must have a reason for coming to see me. Go ahead."
Eichi nodded. "Professor Kant, are you aware that the Junior Breeder assessment is next week?"
"I know," Professor Kant replied. "Why? Do you want to go?"
Eichi nodded.
"That makes sense," Professor Kant said, pausing to think. "With your skills, passing the exam and getting a Junior Breeder certificate shouldn't be a problem."
He stopped for a moment before continuing, "Assessment centers are usually located in every city. Our academy wanted to be a testing site, but the League didn't agree. Apparently, it's because our school is too remote and isolated. In our academy, a group of fourth-year students usually reaches the Junior Breeder level, so for every assessment, the academy arranges for over a dozen teachers to escort them to the exam. I used to go the last few times, but I've been so busy these past couple of years that I turned it down."
Only after hearing Professor Kant's explanation did Eichi understand the situation. Then, the Professor added, "If you want to go to the assessment, it's no problem. I'll go talk to Director Yanagi tomorrow. He'll definitely agree to let you go."
"Thank you, Professor Kant," Eichi said happily.
Professor Kant waved his hand. "Hey, why are you thanking me? This is just what I should do."
Eichi smiled and nodded. Professor Kant gave one final piece of advice, "Spend the next few days reviewing well, then go out there and bring back that Junior Breeder certificate."
Over the next few days, Eichi spent significantly more time on his breeding studies.
Professor Kant had told him that the Junior Breeder assessment consisted of four exams: a written test, a practical application test, Pokémon food preparation, and Pokéblock production.
In truth, Professor Kant had already told him that with Eichi's current level, passing the Junior Breeder assessment would be no problem at all. However, Eichi did not let this cause him to slack off in his studies.
Inside the Combat Department teaching building, Director Yanagi's office welcomed an unexpected visitor.
Professor Kant sat on the sofa while Director Yanagi poured him a glass of plain water. "Quite a rare guest! What brings our Professor Kant here so suddenly? If you had business, you could have just sent an email."
Professor Kant adjusted his glasses and took the water. "I felt it would be better to discuss this matter with you in person."
Director Yanagi looked intrigued. "Oh? Tell me about it."
Professor Kant cleared his throat and said, "It's like this. You're aware that Eichi has been studying breeding with me, right? Next week, I plan to take Eichi along with the fourth-year students to participate in the Junior Breeder assessment. I hope you'll agree to it."
Having said his piece, he looked at Director Yanagi expectantly.
Director Yanagi looked completely bewildered. "You're saying Eichi is studying breeding knowledge with you? How did I not know about this? Why wasn't I told?"
Professor Kant acted surprised. "Ah. You didn't know? I thought you were already aware."
"What do you mean 'I was already aware'?" Director Yanagi asked.
"It's fine," Professor Kant said. "You know now, don't you?"
Director Yanagi was momentarily speechless. Suddenly, his eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, what did you just say? You're going to take him to the Junior Breeder assessment?"
"That's right," Professor Kant answered honestly.
Director Yanagi rubbed his forehead. "Wait a second, let me wrap my head around this. So, Eichi is currently studying breeding under you, and now you want to take him to the Junior Breeder assessment?"
"Correct," Professor Kant confirmed.
"He's already capable of taking the Junior Breeder assessment?" Director Yanagi asked, sounding skeptical.
"Eichi's talent is exceptional," Professor Kant stated. "His strength has already fully reached the level of a Junior Breeder. I can guarantee that by the time Eichi graduates, our Silver Academy will have gained another Senior Breeder. So, Director Yanagi, please agree to let Eichi take the exam."
Director Yanagi was thoroughly stunned. After a period of silence, he spoke, "I agree. I'll write out a leave of absence slip when the time comes."
Professor Kant stood up. "Then I'll leave it to you, Director Yanagi."
"No problem," Director Yanagi replied.
After Professor Kant left, Director Yanagi took a sip of water to calm his nerves. He muttered to himself, "This Eichi really is something else."
Back in Class 1-A, Eichi had just received a call from Professor Kant. Director Yanagi had agreed to let him take the Junior Breeder assessment.
Returning to the class to prepare for the next period, he sat down. Tetsu turned around and asked, "Eichi, since you're back, I should return this Class Monitor position to its rightful owner. You have no idea how hard this class is to manage."
Eichi shook his head with a smile. "No, you should keep being the monitor."
"Why?" Tetsu asked, looking confused. "You're back now."
"I have to go out again in a few days," Eichi explained. "I'll still need your help then."