Even someone as strong as Lily used Flower in Water, a car in the Class B range. Compatibility came first, followed by upgrades to suit personal needs.
Celadon City University's research focused on "Class A car development." Its driver development lacked guidance and gradual progression.
That was understandable. After all, Ayaka would enter her final year of high school next semester and had little time left at Celadon High School. Naturally, the high school division wanted its students to achieve good results while still enrolled, and the school wasn't a club well versed in racing.
And so, all sorts of excessive burdens fell on Ayaka's shoulders, along with school publicity and fanatical fans...
"You really aren't to blame for not being able to make friends normally... I think maintaining your mental health this well is already worthy of praise. It impresses me even more than your driving."
"Shen Qi..."
Under the night sky, Ayaka gazed at the boy a year younger than her.
His words felt like recognition from a veteran in the field, reaching her more deeply than ordinary praise. The perspective behind that recognition was deeper, too. It was hard to imagine those words coming from a first-year high school student.
"Thank you."
"No need. Your results speak for themselves. Don't worry about what those irrational fans say."
"Yes!" Ayaka nodded firmly, a relieved smile on her face. "I really have my Pokémon to thank for getting this far."
Tassels of energy streamed from two Poké Balls, releasing two Pokémon.
Gardevoir, Ninetales.
Ninetales was a Pokémon raised by Ayaka's family and had been by her side since she was little.
After Ayaka entered high school, her mother entrusted Ninetales to her daughter.
According to the knowledge in the manager's Pokédex and textbooks, Ninetales could live for hundreds or