Ms. Anli rubbed her eyes, confirming that she really did seem to have seen correctly.
Of course, Ms. Anli wasn't foolish enough to point it out. After all, Tong Hua was a student in her class. If he won the championship, she would even get a bonus!
Besides, if she actually said it aloud, wouldn't that embarrass the principal?
At that thought, Ms. Anli gave a light cough and casually looked away. "The principal is right. I could tell from the start that Tong Hua was a very gifted student."
"We're here!"
Tong Hua hurriedly dropped the paddle and leaped ashore in one long stride.
Having solid ground under his feet really did feel better. As for rowing... it was still a little too exhausting-
But Tong Hua himself knew perfectly well that the speed they had been rowing at was absolutely, positively not normal.
"Hattrem~"
Glancing at Hattrem, who had returned to his hood, Tong Hua had already guessed what had happened.
"You must have used magic to speed up the boat. Thanks for all your hard work."
Tong Hua spoke softly, reaching into his hood to stroke the little Pokémon.
"Hattrem~" Hattrem smugly nuzzled his fingers, tacitly admitting it.
Riolu and Grovyle came ashore as well, both Pokémon looking at Tong Hua with excitement. They were still in the dark, truly believing their own strength had produced that burst of speed!
Tong Hua smiled at them without explaining further. What mattered most now was completing the final stretch.
As before, after coming ashore, they had to cross a broad, flat stretch of road. They were already past the halfway point, and the upcoming section would start taking them back.
"W-we're here-"
Just after Tong Hua and his companions became the first to leave the shore, Mu Mu,