Chapter 83: Try to Beat Your Senpai
Kitasan Black was nervous.
It wasn't as though she had never experienced races before. She had also witnessed many grand occasions alongside her grandfather and father.
But on those occasions, she was never the focus of attention. Only victories in races, only standing upon the winner's podium, drew people's eyes.
Even now, she felt she wasn't the focus.
She could see that the banners and cheers from the stands were all for her senpai—the true stars of this training race.
And yet, she also felt something else, while standing among such famous, illustrious senpai, she can feel many glances turned subtly toward her, eyes filled with envy.
Still, after being nervous for a moment, she quickly tried to shift her focus.
This was a technique both her grandfather and her trainer had taught her.
Her grandfather had told her long ago that—even after performing countless times on stage—there were moments when nerves and unease would suddenly strike.
At those times, he would drink his favorite soda.
According to him, once the bottle was emptied, his attention would naturally move forward to the performance ahead.
Her trainer had said something similar.
To become a miraculous racer, it was essential to always maintain one's original passion, no matter the situation.
And for Umamusume, nothing was more important than running and racing.
So, when approaching a race, if nerves or discomfort arose, she should focus instead on how she was going to run.
Thinking of this, Kitasan Black pressed her lips together, quietly clenched her fingers, and let her gaze linger on Special Week and the others.
Noticing her expression, Makoto nodded inwardly.
Mental state was crucial in any race.
Under Air Groove's arrangement, Duramente had often been paired with Kitasan Black during training these past days, precisely to help ease her impatient temperament.
Kitasan Black didn't struggle much in this regard. Her cheerful nature made it easier for her to stay steady.
Makoto often reminded her about this too, teaching her ways to make adjustments.
And now, it seemed that although she had been nervous for a moment, she had quickly managed to adjust herself.
Confirming this, Makoto's thoughts shifted slightly. He pulled back his gaze and looked toward Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen.
"But having more spectators might actually be a good thing," he continued, picking up on the earlier topic. "For both Kitasan and me, it's another valuable experience."
"I also want to talk to her about something else—could I leave the drone checks in your hands?"
Thanks to recent approvals and help from the university division, the new training tool—the drone—was officially permitted for use.
Its performance had been upgraded as well: smaller size, improved hardware and software.
Its exterior was painted a special pale green, with a coating applied to make it blend in, a color that would hardly catch the attention of Umamusume running at high speed.
In addition, at the university division's suggestion, Makoto had ordered three more drones.
With four drones total, they could film from above, both sides, and behind simultaneously, producing far more detailed, high-definition footage of the race.
The university division had already tested this filming method in advance, with excellent results. Now it was the perfect chance to try it in live conditions.
Teio and McQueen had been paying close attention to this matter from the start.
Their purpose in coming to watch today was not only to cheer for Kitasan Black and check on old friends, but also to confirm the drone's effectiveness.
"No problem. McQueen and I both read the reports and operation manuals the university sent. Leave it to us."
Teio nodded, pointing toward a temporary platform set up near the stands on the edge of the field.
On the platform were desks, chairs, microphones, and other equipment.
Pointing to it, she added: "We'll head over there to make preparations.'
"Since there are so many people who came to watch today, we both might as well moonlight as commentators."
Gratefully nodding, Makoto watched the two Umamusume head off toward the stands. Then, after a moment's thought, he turned back to Special Week and the others.
"If President Teio and McQueen are serving as commentators, then once the race begins, listen to their instructions for the start."
"Everyone, you can head to the gates first."
"I'll have a quick word with Kitasan Black."
For the others, all seasoned Umamusume who had run countless races—many at the highest level—there was no difficulty at all with loading into the gate.
So, with nods and a few waves toward Kitasan Black, Special Week and the others walked off, exchanging light-hearted banter tinged with nostalgia.
"A race, huh… Honestly, if I knew there was going to be one today, I should've started preparing the moment I got back… No, training for half a year in advance would've been better."
"Scarlet, that's a bit much, isn't it? This is just a training race…"
"Training race or not, as long as it's a race, I'll give everything I've got for first place! And even without much prep, I won't lose. Just you wait and see!"
"Scarlet's competitiveness hasn't dulled one bit, hahaha~"
"Spe, have you been training these past years?"
"Training… Well, I do go for runs out of habit. Like when I make deliveries in town, or when I head up into the mountains—I always go on foot."
"Oh? So nobody's been slacking, huh. Excellent! That'll make things more interesting! You'd better give it your all, or you'll get blown past in one breath by none other than me, Gold Ship-sama!"
As the older Uma moved toward the starting gates, Kitasan Black's eyes followed them, filled with admiration—and burning determination.
Then she turned back, curiosity lighting her gaze as she looked at Makoto.
"Trainer… what did you want to talk to me about?"
Even as she asked, her thoughts spun rapidly, wondering if there was something she had overlooked in her preparations.
Makoto hesitated for a moment.
"According to the race plan I set for you, it'll be very difficult. But… have you ever considered trying to beat your senpai in this training race?"
Kitasan's ears shot upright in surprise.
A moment later—
"Ehh—?! B-beat my senpai—?!"
She blurted it out, then turned wide-eyed toward the gates, her voice stammering.
"Th-that's…"
"What is it? Do you think it's impossible? Or do you have some other thought?" Makoto asked with a smile.
"Impossible or not…"
She fumbled, scratching her head.
"I don't know how to put it… it's just… too sudden! You never mentioned this before, Trainer…"
"It is sudden," Makoto admitted with a nod. "Like I said earlier, I already set your goal for this training race."
"I also spoke with Daiwa Scarlet and the others in advance about their running styles and tactics."
"Given those, the chances of you beating them as you are right now… are basically zero."
"But, Kitasan Black—do you remember something you said before?"
She blinked in surprise.
"Something I said…? What was it?"
"'I want to outrun my senpai at least once.' Those were the gist of what you had said."
Meeting the astonished eyes of the black-haired girl, Makoto's voice carried warmth—both praise and encouragement.
"I thought that when you know you would be running against such famous group of Umas, you'd be overwhelmed with nerves. But you've handled yourself beautifully."
"Maybe I'm being a bit greedy now, but I want you not only to stay calm… but to go one step further—and try to beat your senpai."
"Just once, at least once. And isn't this the perfect chance?"
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