After resolving Hoenn's lingering historical problems, Young Master Mao returned to teaching on campus.
That said, with finals approaching, fewer and fewer practical combat classes were being scheduled.
Apart from making sure the three youngsters attended their classes on time, Young Master Mao did little besides eat, sleep, and thrash Paul...
Poor Ash had no idea that before he had even reached Sinnoh, Young Master Mao had already forced his rival's growth along~
Considering Principal Monet and Principal Enzo's earnest hopes, Gary also began preparing for the competition.
Heaven knew how much this news about Gary frightened Roxanne.
Come on, man~ This was just a friendly exchange tournament. You really didn't need to prepare so seriously...
Even Steven, busy as he was, took time out from mining to ask how things were going.
What? He heard Gary was planning to crush his opponents in the interschool tournament?
Fortunately, when Steven saw that most of Young Master Mao's entrants were Pokémon newly raised in Hoenn, he finally relaxed.
True, this guy probably wouldn't ride Lugia or Rayquaza into battle just to stomp some beginners...
May 1, Monday, Labor Day!
The school had a half-day holiday today. Mostly, it was a holiday for the teachers, with the students getting a little benefit too~
Wally and Paul went off to train, while Kimarō stayed in his room, watching Pokémon Contest highlights as he kept Brendan company while he studied.
"That poor kid. Four subjects in total, and he failed two of them. He's in for a rough time." Young Master Mao sighed helplessly.
Were these children of destiny all bad at studying?
Like a certain someone who had spent years at the bottom of the class in Pallet Town~
In the backyard, Master Sha sat cross-legged on the ground with a calm expression,