socalfunplaces Chapter 635 Riding Competition! A Showdown Between Mother and Daughter!
Chapter 635 Riding Competition! A Showdown Between Mother and Daughter!
"Ok?"
Saki was taken aback. She knew Serena well; her daughter was sometimes shy and lacked confidence.
However, it is extremely rare to reject oneself so directly when it comes to choosing one's path in life.
Sachi keenly sensed something unusual.
Something is wrong, 12 out of 10 things are wrong.
The daughter's insistence seemed to stem from more than just the travel itself.
"Why? Tell your mother your reasons."
Is what travel can offer truly more important than honing your skills in a field where you have exceptional talent? Or is it...?
Sachi's tone remained calm, yet it carried a hint of questioning. Her gaze swept over Ash almost imperceptibly, her intentions clear.
"Is there anyone special, or any particular reason, that led you to make this choice?"
Saki's intuition told her that some pig wanted to steal her little cabbage.
hiss~
Xiaoyun felt it would be a shame not to get a bucket of popcorn in this situation.
You really have to be someone with experience to have such a keen eye for observation.
"Ah, this, that..."
Serena's cheeks flushed bright red, and she became somewhat incoherent.
Oh my god, it's not that your daughter doesn't want to tell, it's just that she really can't tell right now!
Just as the atmosphere froze, a figure suddenly stood up.
It's Ash!
Instantly, everyone's eyes were focused on him.
Wow, Ash, you've really made something of yourself! You actually stood up.
A hint of surprise flashed in Xiaoyun's and Xiaoguang's eyes.
Even the Citron siblings were watching him expectantly.
Oh ho, is Ash finally getting to the point? Is he going to say something amazing to Serena's mom?
Of course, what Xiaozhi said next proved once again that they were overthinking things.
This thing is still that single-celled organism.
"Aunt Sachi! Please don't force Serena! She has her own ideas! Traveling has allowed us to see a wider world and meet all sorts of Pokémon and people!"
"Salina has been working hard and searching for what she truly wants to do! I believe her choice is right! As her good friend, I will definitely support her! I hope you will too!"
Xiao Zhi's words were as consistent as ever: no confession, no hints, only unreserved support for his friends.
"good friend……"
Serena silently repeated the word in her heart, and a barely perceptible sense of loss rippled outwards like tiny waves in the depths of her soul.
But then, an even stronger surge of warmth rushed up, quickly overwhelming that sense of loss.
Who says Ash is bad? Ash is amazing!
He always does this, giving strength and courage to those around him in the simplest and most direct way.
His trust is the most precious gift in itself.
Serena took a deep breath, met her mother's gaze again, and said firmly:
"Mom, I don't deny everything you taught me. But now I want to use travel to determine my own future!"
"This has nothing to do with anyone else; it's my own decision!"
She paused, her tone unusually firm:
"To prove my resolve, I challenge you! Right here on the mount race track, let's settle this with the armored rhinoceros!"
She's actually quite skilled.
Stop pretending, show your cards.
Serena's challenge was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples everywhere.
A hint of surprise flashed in Sachi's eyes at first, but it was quickly replaced by a complex emotion that mixed admiration and pride.
My daughter's growth is presented to her in this most direct and intimate way.
And that's exactly what she's always hoped Serena would have.
"Alright! I accept the challenge!"
Sachi stood up deftly, her aura instantly becoming sharp and assertive.
"Come on, my daughter! Let us have a mother-daughter conversation with the sound of armored rhinoceros hooves!"
On the professional track of Green Ranch, news spread like wildfire that riding master Saki was going to have a private duel with her beloved daughter.
Soon, a number of riding enthusiasts who had come after hearing the news gathered in the stands next to the track.
Xiaoyun and her group naturally secured the best viewing spots in the front row.
Xiao Guang lowered his voice, unable to hide his excitement: "Salina was so assertive just now! It's the first time I've ever seen her so proactive in challenging someone, especially her own mother."
Xiaoyun smiled and said, "After all, it's nice to have someone important cheering you on from the sidelines."
This guy is really lucky to have a beautiful woman like Serena actively pursuing him.
Hmph, that inherently despicable Uchiha brat...
This was a hint to Ash, but he still didn't understand; he just shouted from the side:
"Salina, keep it up!"
Citron remarked from the side, "Aunt Saki is an industry benchmark; Serena is really going all out this time."
At the starting line of the track, Serena and Saki were already ready.
Both men changed into close-fitting professional riding suits that accentuated their agile figures, while two armored rhinos carefully selected by the ranch stood beside them.
It was large and robust, covered in heavy gray-brown armor, and its hooves pawed the ground restlessly, showing its wild nature that had not yet been fully tamed.
Choosing the Iron Rhino itself signifies a high-level competition.
Their strength is enough to easily overturn an inexperienced rider, and their stubborn nature is a great test of communication skills.
Of course, Serena has absolutely no need to worry about that.
In terms of communicating with the armored rhinoceros, her attributes are practically maxed out.
Saki even thought that Serena was the reincarnation of the Ironclad Rhinoceros Goddess, and that speaking was equivalent to using charm.
The referee raised the flare gun high!
"Game start!"
boom!
Rumble——!
The gun fired, and the two armored rhinos, driven by the mother and daughter, suddenly unleashed astonishing power, their heavy bodies shooting out of the starting line like cannonballs.
Sachi truly deserves the title of professional.
Her body was pressed extremely low, almost parallel to the neck of the armored rhinoceros, making for a perfect start that minimized wind resistance.
Even the rise and fall of each breath is perfectly synchronized with the rhythm of the armored rhinoceros running, a result of decades of painstaking practice and refinement.
She had already taken a lead of nearly a body length after just fifty meters!
"As expected, Mom is still so strong..."
Serena felt the strong wind rushing towards her face, and the somewhat uncontrollable force coming from beneath her.
The long journey had indeed made her somewhat rusty with this kind of extreme control; sweat quickly soaked her forehead hair and slid down her cheeks.
"Salina! Calm down! Take a breath!"
Sachi even had the energy to turn around while speeding along, her voice carrying a guiding tone, which further fueled Serena's fighting spirit.
With the first bend in sight, Sachi once again demonstrated her superb cornering skills.
Just before entering the turn, the body moves inward like a pendulum, while the force of the reins on the wrist remains unchanged, guiding the armored rhinoceros through the turn perfectly.
The speed loss was almost negligible! The lead has widened further!
"Wow, that's amazing! It's like dancing!"
Xiao Guang couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
Yulijia nervously covered her mouth: "Sister Serena has been left behind!"
In the stands, Ash's eyes were fixed on the figure struggling to catch up on the field.
He didn't understand those advanced riding techniques, but he could see Serena's persistence.
He finally couldn't hold back any longer, cupped his hands around his mouth, and shouted with all his might:
"Salina! Don't give up! I believe you can do it!!"
The sound, like sunlight piercing through the clouds, penetrated the noise of the arena and reached Serena's ears.
Serena, who was trying her best to catch up, felt as if her heart had been struck hard the moment she heard the shout.
It's Ash! He's watching me! He's cheering me on!
He said...he believes me!
An unprecedented power surged from the depths of his body!
"It's Ash...he's cheering us on!"
Serena no longer merely lowered her body; she almost embraced the armored rhinoceros, her voice sincere.
"Ironclad Rhinoceros, please, could you lend me your power?"
Emotions are a very mysterious thing.
Just like Ash's voice can penetrate the noise and give her great courage.
Serena's unique affability also worked wonders on the armored rhinoceros.
A miracle happened at that moment.
Upon hearing Serena's request, the armored rhinoceros, which had been slightly fatigued from running at high speed for a long time, suddenly had a glint in its eyes.
Serena used a charming style.
The armored rhinoceros has been hit.
"Iron Roar!"
Immediately afterwards, the armored rhinoceros let out an even louder, more battle-ready roar.
His previously heavy steps suddenly became light and powerful, and his speed increased to a whole new level!
"what?!"
Sachi, who had maintained a steady lead, keenly sensed the pressure of the sudden approach from behind.
She turned her head slightly and caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye of her daughter's armored rhinoceros, which seemed to have taken stimulants and was rapidly closing the distance at a speed of 70 kilometers per hour.
The tension on her daughter's face was gone, replaced by a confident radiance, even a dazzling brilliance, as if she had entered a completely new realm.
This is love!
"Is this what you wanted to show me, Serena?"
Sachi silently recited the words in her heart, and a knowing and gratified smile quietly bloomed on her lips.
"So, it must be that boy named Xiaozhi..."
The final straight sprint track is like a white ribbon laid out towards glory!
Serena and Saki are almost neck and neck!
The two armored rhinoceroses galloped like wild thunder, their heavy hooves striking the hearts of every spectator like thunderous war drums.
The whole audience was boiling!
Cheers, shouts, and Ash's increasingly energetic and even slightly off-key cheers merged into a huge wave of sound that swept across the entire arena.
Serena's gaze was like the sharpest arrow, fixed firmly on the finish line ahead.
For Serena, that wasn't the finish line; it was Ash's outstretched hands.
And what she had to do was hold on tight!
"It's now!!"
Serena let out a clear, proclamation-like cry.
At this moment, she poured all her skills, emotions, and determination into this final sprint without reservation.
Amidst the deafening roar, Serena and her armored rhinoceros crossed the finish line first by an almost negligible margin!
After crossing the finish line, Serena used her momentum to cushion the impact for a considerable distance before slowly bringing the armored rhinoceros to a stop.
She was exhausted and almost collapsed onto the undulating back of the armored rhinoceros, panting heavily. Sweat streamed down her forehead and temples, soaking her rider's uniform.
She was exhausted, but her eyes sparkled with undisguised excitement and joy.
She really did it!
Sachi controlled the armored rhinoceros to stop beside her. Her face showed no sign of defeat or embarrassment, but rather was filled with relief and pride, as well as a sense of ease.
She deftly turned over and walked to her daughter, reaching out to gently wipe the sweat from Serena's cheeks.
“You win, my daughter.”
Sachi's voice was gentle, filled with unprecedented recognition: "It's not just about technique, but more importantly, you've found your own strength, the courage to stay true to yourself, and..."
She gave a meaningful look to Ash and the others who were jumping down from the stands.
"Those partners who are willing to support you and believe in you."
"Mother……"
Serena choked up, overwhelmed with emotion and unsure how to respond to Saki, so she simply stepped forward and hugged her.
Sachi gently patted her daughter's back, just as she had when she was a child.
Then, she turned her gaze to Ash, who had run up to her, panting heavily, and her expression became extremely serious:
"Xiaozhi~"
Yes, Auntie!
For some reason, Xiaozhi felt as if his body was out of control, and he almost immediately stood up straight.
"I'm entrusting this child, Serena, to you... and everyone else, to take good care of her from now on."
Sachi chuckled softly at his appearance, but her tone was unusually serious.
"Don't worry, Aunt Sachi! We're the best of friends!"
Xiao Zhi's response was as frank and direct as ever, without any ambiguity, yet utterly sincere.
That was enough for Serena.
Almost instinctively, in front of everyone, she took a step forward, opened her arms, and hugged Xiaozhi tightly!
"Thank you, Ash!"
Xiao Zhi was startled by the sudden hug and took a half step back, pausing for a moment.
He could feel the girl in his arms trembling slightly and her intense heat.
Although this fool was as oblivious to emotions as a stone and completely unaware of the deeper feelings that the hug might contain, he could clearly feel Serena's joy and excitement.
He reached out almost without hesitation, awkwardly but firmly hugging her back, patting her back hard, and laughing loudly:
"Hahaha! I knew Serena could do it! You were so cool just now!"
Hearing Ash's unreserved praise.
Feeling the warmth of the other person's embrace, Serena's cheeks instantly turned bright red, almost as if they were about to bleed.
But she couldn't bear to let go, she just wanted to prolong this moment a little longer.
Sachi saw all of this, a hint of understanding and a touch of helplessness flashing in her eyes, which eventually turned into a gentle laugh.
My daughter has grown up.
------------
A few days later, the ranch mount competition officially began.
Many people participated in the competition.
Ash, without hesitation, chose the more challenging Rhino.
The race unfolded in Ash's signature style, albeit with some stumbles and near-falling moments.
But with his strong physique as a newcomer from Pallet Town, he clung tightly to the bull's back, igniting the armored rhinoceros's fighting spirit in an almost reckless manner, and surged forward to once again claim the championship.
After experiencing the back of the armored rhinoceros firsthand, Xiao Guang and Xiao Yun wisely and resolutely chose the relatively comfortable and stable goat as their mount.
"Ah—I'm saved."
Xiao Guang sat comfortably on the soft back of his goat mount, enjoying the warm sunshine and gentle breeze.
"The back of the armored rhinoceros is simply the ultimate test of body coordination and pain tolerance."
"That's right, let's just relax and enjoy ourselves. As for the rankings, let them go with the wind."
Xiao Yun nodded in agreement; this thing was even harder than a pterosaur's, and it bounced around a lot too.
So the two rode their gentle goats, chatting and laughing all the way, leisurely enjoying the pastoral scenery of the ranch.
They seem out of place in the world of racing, which is all about speed and passion.
As for the result, naturally, they missed out on the championship.
However, the comfort level is absolutely top-notch.
Citron and Yulijia also tried riding goats.
Yulijia switched to a saddle specially made by Citron, with a soft cushion (which didn't explode), and had a great time.
And so, the competition came to a successful conclusion.
The next day, everyone gathered again at the entrance of the ranch to say goodbye to Sachi and prepare to embark on a new journey.
Serena turned around and looked at her mother waving to her from not far away, and she also raised her arm high and waved back.
Then, she turned around and looked at the group of noisy but precious friends around her.
Especially that boy who always looked forward, whose back view was full of infinite possibilities.
The boy pointed energetically into the distance.
"Yosh! Next destination, let's go!"
"set off!"
Serena responded loudly, her smile as bright as the sun.
She became even more determined about her dreams, the path she had chosen, and the people she wanted to be with.
They're all ahead!