[Pokémon: Mawile][Gender: Female][Ability: Intimidate][Moves: Screech, Astonish, Taunt, Iron Head, Play Rough, Bite][Condition: Weakened][Mood: Unhappy][Joy Value: -10][Friendship: 0 (You haven't met yet)][Description: What a terrible day — Mawile.]
As Kawaki's gaze fell on the Mawile in front of him, a full set of data appeared in his mind.
"A Mawile, huh…"
Mawile had a doll-like yellow body, but what drew the most attention was the massive jaw growing from the back of its head—lined with sharp, jagged teeth.
From what Kawaki knew, Mawile was a cunning and somewhat terrifying Pokémon. It used its gentle appearance to lull opponents into letting their guard down, then struck suddenly with that giant jaw—capable of biting through even steel.
But this particular Mawile didn't seem aggressive at all.
It stood silently, expressionless, just quietly looking up at him.
"Begin the assessment!" announced Elder Gile.
At his signal, the candidates sprang into action.
Gile's eyes remained fixed on Kawaki, curious to see what the boy would do.
Kawaki crouched down, avoiding an overbearing posture.
He looked at Mawile eye-to-eye and said gently, "Hi, Mawile. I'm Kawaki. I'm going to check you over and help you feel better, alright?"
Mawile hesitated… then gave a small nod.
Gile watched with approval.
Establishing trust with unfamiliar Pokémon to gain their cooperation—this was an essential skill for any breeder.
And Kawaki had done it intuitively.
Gile glanced at the other candidates. Most of them had jumped straight into examining their Pokémon.
Technically not wrong, but a real breeder would prioritize rapport.
Kawaki, unaware of Gile's inner thoughts, began his examination.
Mawile cooperatively extended her arms and turned around, letting him inspect her closely.
It was a basic-level test—not too difficult.
Soon, Kawaki noticed a faint burn mark on her back.
Clearly, she'd been hit by a Fire-type move—most likely Ember. It wasn't a large injury, but it had left a lingering burn status.
Beyond that, Mawile seemed healthy… wait—something was off.
Kawaki's eyes shifted to the giant jaw on her back. A few of the teeth looked... wrong.
Normally, Mawile's teeth were pristine—white and sharp.
But on this one, some were discolored and decayed. Kawaki touched one gently—it was loose.
"She's calcium deficient."
The cause was obvious: malnutrition.
That couldn't be fixed immediately, but the burn could.
After confirming there were no other issues, Kawaki stood and reported to Gile:
"…There's a burn mark on Mawile's back, likely caused by Ember. It also triggered a burn status condition. Additionally, several teeth on her rear jaw show signs of decay and loosening, indicating a calcium deficiency and poor nutrition. She'll need supplements going forward."
Gile nodded as he listened.
Even the bonus details—well observed.
He looked at Kawaki with even more approval.
"Did you learn all this from books?" Gile asked.
Kawaki blinked, a bit puzzled, but answered, "I read a lot about Pokémon in my spare time."
"I see." Gile smiled. "Well, go ahead and treat her."
Kawaki nodded, went to the herbs and berries table, and quickly found a Rawst Berry—ideal for burns.
He fed it to Mawile, and the injury healed before their eyes.
"Maaw~" Mawile let out a soft, grateful sound.
"Congratulations—you've passed," Gile said.
He had come today specifically to evaluate Kawaki.
Perfect scores in both written and practical exams—without a doubt, Kawaki was qualified as a Junior Breeder.
But more than that, he was a rare talent.
As they walked back to the front hall where Layla Jenny was waiting, Gile was practically glowing with excitement.
Seeing his expression, Layla asked, "Mr. Gile, how did Kawaki do?"
"Perfect scores! Both written and practical!" Gile's eyes sparkled. "Kawaki, would you consider becoming my apprentice? I'll teach you everything I know. With hard work, you could become one of the best breeders in the world!"
Kawaki hadn't even responded before Layla froze in shock.
He was really this good?!
A prodigy…
She recalled how the Jenny family member who left to become a breeder had also been a genius.
Kawaki shook his head. "Thank you, Mr. Gile, but I'm currently running a daycare. There are many Pokémon waiting for me—I can't leave them behind."
"Daycare?" Gile blinked.
"Kawaki inherited his mother's legacy," Layla explained. "He's reopened the old daycare."
Realization dawned on Gile.
So the boy had come for the exam just to get his breeder license for that.
What a waste!
That kind of talent, used only to run a daycare… it felt like burying a diamond in the dirt.
Still, Kawaki had made his choice.
After expressing their gratitude, Kawaki and Layla left the League building.
Gile stood watching them disappear, frustrated.
He had just seen the rise of a new star in the breeder world—and that star didn't want to rise.
No.
He wouldn't give up yet.
He'd visit that daycare himself—and try again.
On the ride back, Layla drove her police motorcycle, Kawaki seated behind her.
"You really did inherit your mother's talent," she said, impressed.
Kawaki was quiet for a moment before saying, "Thanks for everything, Miss Jenny."
"No need. You're family—a Jenny too. It's only right that I help." She turned her head slightly. "If you're okay with it, I'd rather you call me sister."
Kawaki: "…"
...He still couldn't bring himself to say it.
Thankfully, Layla didn't push.
Instead, she turned to business. "Now that you've passed, I'll file your results with the Hoenn League. With any luck, that batch of Pokémon eggs will be delivered to your daycare tomorrow."