Chapter 6: Two Umamusume Delivering Takeout
"Eh? Someone's here...? And Trainer's phone is ringing...?"
Kitasan Black tilted her head in confusion.
Makoto glanced at the caller ID on his phone.
"It's the delivery I ordered," he said.
"I got you a popular umamusume meal set—juicy carrot steak with sauce. Think you'll like it?"
Kitasan blinked, nodding slowly, though her face looked a little awkward and uneasy. Makoto could tell she was feeling guilty that he paid for her meal.
He waved it off with a small shake of his head.
"If there's no problem, then go open the door. Let's not keep them waiting."
"O-Okay..."
Grumbling under her breath, Kitasan trudged toward the front door. Makoto turned back to the paused race footage and open laptop, ready to dive back into his analysis—when a sudden squeal came from the entryway.
"Eh—?! Oguri Cap-senpai?! And Bamboo Memory-senpai?!"
Hearing those names, Makoto instinctively looked toward the front.
The door was wide open. Kitasan stood just inside, her tail standing on end in pure surprise. Outside stood two umamusume—both clearly startled as well.
The one on the left had long, silver-gray hair and cool blue eyes. She wore the delivery uniform of the chain restaurant Gray Cottage, the name embroidered clearly on the front. A delivery box hung at her side.
The other had short brown hair and sharp teal eyes. A white hachimaki was tied around her head, a bold traditional "夢" character—"Dream"—written across the front.
Though also in uniform, hers was a police one. Her cap rested under her arm, and a slim file folder was tucked beneath the other.
"Good evening, both of you," Makoto said as he approached the entrance. "I'm Makoto Yasui. May I ask what brings you here?"
Though his words were polite, his gaze lingered on the girl in the police uniform—Bamboo Memory.
"See, Oguri-senpai? I told you I wouldn't get lost this time."
Grinning at the silver-haired girl beside her, Bamboo Memory then turned to Makoto and gave him a sharp, professional salute.
"Yasui-san, sir. I'm Bamboo Memory, police inspector for this district. Here's my badge."
She briefly flashed her credentials before continuing.
"I'm here on behalf of President Tokai Teio. I've brought you the settlement agreement requested regarding the recent traffic incident. I'd appreciate it if you could review it."
She then motioned to the silver-haired umamusume beside her.
"As for my companion... I'm sure you've at least heard of my senpai here."
A wry smile crept onto her face. "How should I put this..."
The silver-haired umamusume finally spoke, her tone cool and calm.
"Apologies. I've lived here for years, but I'm still unfamiliar with the roads."
"There were a lot of delivery orders today. I happened to be at the restaurant, so I volunteered to help out."
"But... I got lost and ended up taking longer than expected. I'm very sorry."
She bowed deeply.
Bamboo Memory let out a sigh that was equal parts exasperated and amused.
"Yup. That's basically it."
"So, would it be alright if she came inside for a bit? I still need to guide her back after this."
"Don't worry, we won't stay long. Once you've reviewed the document, we'll be on our way."
Makoto couldn't help but chuckle quietly.
He was plenty familiar with both of these umamusume—especially the one in the delivery outfit.
Oguri Cap. The "Gray Monster." Thirty-two races, twenty-two wins. A Hall of Fame-level umamusume and former National Representative.
She was also a major investor in Gray Cottage, the restaurant chain printed on her uniform. You could often spot her at the branch near the academy—or catch her on gourmet shows from time to time.
Given her background, it was clear this takeout stint was just for fun. But thanks to her rural upbringing and the fact that she barely explored Tokyo after transferring to the Tracen Academy, she still struggled with city navigation.
This wasn't the first time she'd gotten lost delivering food here. It was honestly a bit of a recurring event by now.
Makoto figured the only reason she'd made it here at all this time was thanks to her reliable companion.
Bamboo Memory was an exceptional umamusume in her own right. While Oguri Cap excelled at mile and mid-distance races, Bamboo Memory specialized in sprints and was once hailed as the "First Queen of the Short Track" during their academy days.
"No problem at all. Please, both of you—come in."
Makoto stepped back from the genkan, motioning toward the living room.
"Would you like some tea? Or maybe something else? Milk, perhaps?"
"No need to trouble yourself, Trainer Yasui. We won't be staying long."
Smiling politely, Bamboo Memory waved off the offer as she pulled out the stack of documents tucked under her arm.
Her eyes wandered around the room for a moment—then settled on the television, where a race was playing.
"Wait, is that...?"
"Mainichi Okan," Oguri Cap answered casually as she opened the delivery box and placed two takeout containers on the coffee table.
"Looks like the 64th running."
"The 64th... That means the winner was..."
As the video showed eleven umamusume racing down the track, both Bamboo Memory and Oguri's eyes locked onto the same black-haired figure in the lead. They spoke the name in unison.
"Eishin Flash."
Bamboo Memory then glanced to the side—at Kitasan Black, who was watching with barely contained excitement—then looked at Makoto, smiling as she held out the documents.
"So, Trainer Yasui, you're mentoring this one?"
"Ah! I'm so sorry—I forgot to introduce myself!"
Kitasan bowed deeply and quickly.
"I'm Kitasan Black! It's an honor to meet you, senpai!"
"Kitasan Black... A new first-year, right? Still studying even after school hours? I like your dedication, Black-san."
Bamboo Memory nodded approvingly as Black nodded enthusiastically.
Then, her expression turned a little more serious as she gave the room another look.
"Just so you're aware, school rules don't allow students to stay overnight outside the dorms—especially not in a trainer's private residence."
She gave a wry, but not unfriendly smile.
"I'm a bit strict about that kind of thing—old habits die hard. I used to be part of the public morals committee back in school."
"Don't worry, Bamboo Memory-senpai! I'm just here for dinner—I'll head back right after!"
"Good to hear."
Smiling again, Bamboo Memory turned to Makoto.
By that time, he had already finished reviewing the settlement paperwork. Seeing her gaze, he handed the signed documents back to her.
"All done on my end. Everything's in order, right?"
Taking the agreement back and giving it one last check, Bamboo Memory nodded and gave a small bow.
"Yes, everything looks good. Thank you for your cooperation, Trainer Yasui. We'll take our leave now."
She turned to Oguri Cap.
"Oguri-senpai, let's get going—wait, what are you looking at?"
"Nothing."
Oguri replied coolly, her eyes flicking away from the open laptop and scattered sheets of data on the coffee table. Her gaze shifted to Kitasan.
"You haven't scheduled your debut race yet?"
"R-right! Not yet, Oguri Cap-senpai!"
Kitasan Black stiffened slightly under the veteran's gaze but nodded eagerly.
"Hmm. Keep at it."
Oguri gave a faint smile as she and Bamboo Memory walked toward the entrance. Just before stepping out, she turned and waved lightly at Kitasan.
"Not being able to control your power well isn't that big of a deal. My early races were the same."
"But with a trainer like him helping you, I'm sure your debut will be impressive."
"Good luck."