"Cacturne, use Earthquake!"
Cacturne's body sank as it mobilized its internal energy. Consequently, the ground began to shake violently. Some large rocks constantly fractured into small pieces. Furthermore, cracks began to appear across the field. Eichi's eyes lit up when he saw these fissures.
Heracross, who was currently underground, naturally took damage. However, it was not so foolish. The moment Cacturne used Earthquake, it used Protect to shield itself and withstand the attack. After the Earthquake ended, Heracross was already lurking right under Cacturne's feet, waiting for Eichi's command to launch an attack.
Following the Earthquake, Director Yanagi saw only Cacturne on the field and was slightly puzzled that Heracross hadn't been forced out. Eichi, meanwhile, smiled. It worked, just as I thought.
"Heracross, use Horn Attack!"
The moment he spoke, Cacturne suddenly felt something strike it from underneath.
Heracross immediately rammed Cacturne, launching it from the ground. The roots were still attached to Cacturne's feet. After being struck out by Heracross's Horn Attack, it crashed heavily onto the ground, leaving its head momentarily dazed.
Director Yanagi's expression changed. "How could Ingrain be so easily disrupted by Heracross's attack?"
"It was because of the recent Earthquake," Eichi explained with a smile.
Director Yanagi instantly understood. "I see! The Earthquake move created fissures in the earth, which loosened the roots. Naturally, that made it easier to pull them out. Well done, Eichi!"
Cacturne quickly scrambled to its feet, intending to use Ingrain again, but Eichi wouldn't allow it.
"Heracross, use Bullet Seed!"
Heracross flapped its wings, rushing toward Cacturne while rapidly firing seeds from its mouth.
"Cacturne, use Spiky Shield!"
Cacturne had no time to use Ingrain and was forced to use Spiky Shield to protect itself. Heracross quickly closed the distance. Once close, Eichi commanded, "Heracross, toss Cacturne into the air!"
Cacturne was now extremely vulnerable. However, Heracross's movements were too fast, giving it no time to react. Heracross grit its teeth and used its large horn to forcefully toss Cacturne into the air.
"Heracross, give it the final blow! Use Megahorn!"
Megahorn was Heracross's strongest move.
Heracross kicked off with its feet and flapped its wings, swiftly chasing after Cacturne. Energy from its body violently converged on its large horn. Even from a distance, the energy fluctuations overflowing from Heracross's head were visible.
Just as Cacturne struggled to move, Heracross's large horn struck it hard. Cacturne's weak point was conveniently at its base, so this was a critical, decisive blow. Cacturne let out a violent shriek, then fell to the ground, motionless.
After a few seconds, the middle-aged male teacher in the spectator seats cleared his throat and announced, "Cacturne is unable to battle! Heracross is the winner!"
Eichi recalled Heracross to its Pokéball, praising it. "Well done, Heracross." He then smiled at Director Yanagi. "Director Yanagi, I apologize, but I won."
Director Yanagi, standing opposite, was unsure what expression to wear. I lost. I was too careless. To lose to this 10-year-old kid, Eichi... Seeing Eichi's expression only fueled his irritation. However, as the Director, he managed his expression expertly.
He took out a Pokéball, recalled Cacturne, and smiled. "Well done, Eichi. Congratulations on passing the practical assessment." He continued, "However, don't get too arrogant. After all, as the Director, I couldn't exactly use my full power; people might say I was bullying you."
He lost, so he lost. Why bring up not using his full power? That excuse is ridiculous, Eichi thought scornfully. Nevertheless, Eichi politely replied, "Thank you, Director, for going easy on me." He continued, "Since I've passed both assessments, my request for leave should be fine now, correct?"
"Of course," Director Yanagi replied. "I keep my word. Since you passed the assessment, I will certainly approve your leave." He added, "Oh, and come with me to my office."
Director Yanagi then thanked the three teachers and dismissed them before taking Eichi to his office. Eichi was curious why the Director wanted him in the office, but he was sure it had something to do with his leave.
***
Eichi was already very familiar with the office, so he made himself comfortable, sitting directly on the sofa, pouring himself a cup of water, and drinking it. Upon entering the office, Director Yanagi sat down at his desk and began writing something.
With nothing else to do, Eichi began to analyze the recent battle. The entire fight played out in his mind like a movie. Director Yanagi's Cacturne utilized its strengths to the extreme. Knowing its weaknesses, it fully leveraged its advantages. This gave Eichi a lot of inspiration.
After Eichi finished his analysis, Director Yanagi also finished his task. He placed the written document into an envelope and called out to Eichi, "Eichi, come here for a moment."
Eichi snapped back to reality, walking over to Director Yanagi's desk. "What is it, Director Yanagi?"
Director Yanagi handed the envelope to Eichi and spoke earnestly, "This is a Letter of Introduction I wrote for Muramasa." He continued, "Once you arrive at your destination, just show him this envelope, and he will understand."
"By the way, studying with him certainly won't be free. Although the tuition isn't too expensive, I still need to ask: Do you have enough money on you?"
Eichi took the envelope and replied, "Definitely enough. You don't need to worry about that."
Director Yanagi nodded. "That reassures me. However, I must say one more thing: prioritize your personal safety."
"I understand," Eichi said. "Life is the most important thing!"
Just as Eichi thought he could leave, Director Yanagi asked, "When do you plan to leave?"
Eichi patiently answered, "I'll leave the day after tomorrow."
"That quickly!" Director Yanagi asked. "Are you fully prepared? What transportation do you plan to take?..."
Director Yanagi asked a series of questions. Why had I never noticed Director Yanagi was such a person before? Eichi wondered. Nevertheless, he answered each of Director Yanagi's questions one by one.
Finally, Eichi couldn't take it anymore. Without waiting for Director Yanagi to finish, he hurried out the door. Seeing Eichi rush out, Director Yanagi smiled helplessly. "That little guy. What's the rush?"