Many of the extracurricular activities at Ash's school were longstanding traditions, but he had never expected to be able to take part in one during the summer after graduation. This event was aimed at final-year students, though first- and second-years could also join, especially those hoping to enter a Pokémon Department.
This time, the school had invited a Pokémon Trainer to provide hands-on instruction. Unlike the usual simple lectures, there would be proper practice battles, advice on raising Pokémon, field observations... Most importantly, in keeping with the school's traditions, meals were included and the whole thing was free. An event like this elsewhere would cost at least three thousand. It was an incredible opportunity.
Even with Ash always available to give him expert guidance, Ash was still brimming with enthusiasm.
Ash never missed the school's extracurricular activities. He showed up at every one.
The other students were discussing it excitedly too. Soon, the entire class was restless. Quiet whispers grew into ordinary conversations, then people started shouting across the room. Their voices grew louder and louder, and the classroom became increasingly noisy.
Their homeroom teacher quietly walked in and folded their arms. "Quiet."
"I could hear you all from the office. You're about to graduate. Can't you keep it down?"
The room instantly fell silent. You could have heard a pin drop.
Everyone looked guilty.
"Is this about the summer event? You've all read the announcement, then? Does anyone have any questions? Opportunities like this are rare, so make the most of it, especially those of you applying to Pokémon Departments. I looked into it, you know. Events like this cost thousands elsewhere."
No one asked anything. Students in this class generally approached the teacher privately with questions, unlike the neighboring class, where they fired off strange questions one after