Ayanami is a starter shipgirl representing the Sakura Empire, an improved Fubuki-class destroyer bearing the epithets "Demon" or "Demon of Solomon" due to her historical namesake's combat legacy. She features long white hair secured in a high ponytail by a red ribbon and distinctive mechanical fox ears atop her head, which she acknowledges as notable when questioned. Her attire includes a white sleeveless sailor uniform with a blue collar, a yellow anchor-motif neckerchief, and a blue pleated skirt exposing her midriff. Asymmetrical legwear comprises a white high sock on her right leg and a bandage with a white sock on her left calf, finished with black folded boots bearing white lines and a white armband on her left wrist. Socially awkward and combat-focused, she admits her expertise lies in warfare, struggling to grasp concepts like why others find her ears endearing. This often results in detachment during non-combat scenarios. She exhibits quiet loyalty and dedication to protecting those close to her, voicing anxiety about isolation and nightmares of losing allies. Her dialogue reflects a subdued, literal interpretation of situations, though she gradually forms emotional connections—expressing happiness during headpats and vowing to survive battles to return to a significant person. Specializing in torpedo warfare, she possesses the highest base Torpedo stat among starter destroyers, offset by lower speed than Javelin and lower HP than Laffey or Z23. Her skill "The Demon" activates during main gun fire with a chance to temporarily boost her Torpedo stat. Post-retrofit, she gains "Demon Dance," periodically enhancing evasion while unleashing a barrage and helical torpedo patterns. This cements her among the game's highest Torpedo stat holders, feared in PvP for fleet devastation. Her background includes deployment in naval operations supporting invasions and carrier escorts, culminating in witnessing carrier forces crippled at Midway. In narratives like *Slow Ahead!*, she appears alongside starter ships Javelin, Laffey, and Z23, evolving from solitary warrior to accepting camaraderie. Key moments include participating in picnics and festivals, playful bread-knife sparring with Laffey, and forming explicit friendships with Javelin, Laffey, Unicorn, and Z23 in meadows. She joins combined fleet operations against Sirens, demonstrating tactical coordination. Instances like saving Zuikaku and Shoukaku in battle—resulting in her injury and rescue by Javelin and Laffey—highlight her integration into a supportive network beyond initial isolation.