As Dian headed toward the cafeteria where "Champion Road" was located, Chinami also managed to break free from her temporarily assigned duties and hurried toward the Preliminary Round venue.
Lisa was still rushed off her feet today, apparently too busy even to eat her lunch.
"Where is she, where is she... There!" After entering the venue, Chinami immediately began searching at top speed. Thanks to Officer Jenny's professional instincts, she soon spotted her target.
Burgundy curly hair, an intelligent and gentle face, and the unique air of a Pokémon Doctor.
Chinami waved, then crossed through the crowd toward her. "I was really shocked when I heard about it. I never thought you would actually—"
She was truly astonished. The other woman was a Pokémon Doctor, yet she had entered the tournament through the Pokémon Exam. It was practically reckless.
What shocked her even more was that the woman had managed to break through the Preliminary Round. As an Officer Jenny, she was genuinely amazed.
"What is there to be surprised about? Before I became a full-time doctor, I was a Trainer too."
The burgundy-haired woman reached out and slapped her palm against Chinami's. "Besides, when it comes to matters between Trainers, and matters between Pokémon and Trainers, this really is the best way to express them!"
She pointed toward the battle venue behind her. "Battling! Things that words can't express can definitely be conveyed through battle. I believe in it, and it believes in me!"
"...Honestly, well, that's fine too."
Chinami scratched her head helplessly. Why couldn't she understand that feeling?
"My treat. I made a huge profit recently, and that guy is definitely my lucky star."
After talking, the two left the venue and headed toward a well-reviewed pineapple cake shop.
***************
Dinner time.
Inside the cafeteria in the