Kitasan Black had never expected to be encouraged by Oguri Cap.
It wasn't like she'd never seen this senpai before, and she'd certainly heard stories of her legendary career. But in her mind, Oguri-senpai had always seemed distant and cold—someone unapproachable. Yet, when they actually met, she felt surprisingly warm and supportive.
Still dazed by Oguri Cap's unexpected encouragement, Kitasan hurriedly chased after the departing senpai, wanting to properly thank her.
Spotting the pair still close by, she anxiously jogged a few steps forward, but slowed when she heard their casual conversation.
"Oguri-senpai, do you know that girl?"
"No."
"Then how did you know she hasn't had her debut yet, or that she struggles with controlling her strength?"
"The computer and the notes said so. Probably written by her trainer."
"Really? I didn't even notice…"
"Mm... But somehow, I feel that girl's strength is indeed quite impressive."
"You 'feel' it…?"
"You remember my Mainichi Okan?"
"Of course I do! Senpai, you're the first Uma Musume to ever win the Mainichi Okan twice in a row! But which race do you mean specifically?"
"The second one."
"The one voted 'Best G2 Race of the Year'?"
"Yes. That girl just now… gave me a similar feeling to when I first saw Inari."
"Inari-senpai?! Seriously? If we're talking pure power among our generation, besides you, Oguri-senpai… isn't Inari-senpai the strongest?"
"Probably."
"If that's true, then that girl really is incredible. To have potential like that… But wait, Oguri-senpai, wasn't your debut race…"
"Mm. I only placed second."
"…You can't use 'only' here! And besides, your record at the local level was ten wins out of twelve races! That's already monster-level, you know?!"
"That's why I said that having trouble controlling strength early on isn't a big deal. Maybe she'll even surpass me and win her debut race."
"Surpass you… Haha, well, let's get back to deliveries, Oguri-senpai. Where's the next stop?"
"Let me see… The Hongou Dormitory."
"Oh, the old dormitory. Perfect! Like earlier, let's race and see who gets there first! Oguri-senpai, be careful not to spill the deliveries!"
"Don't worry. I get lost easily, but running won't be a problem."
"Great! Then ready, three, two… one!"
In an instant, right before Kitasan's stunned eyes, the two figures blurred and vanished from sight in front of the trainer dormitory.
Only then did Kitasan realize she'd unknowingly followed the two senpai all the way outside.
Controlling my strength, huh…
She bit her lip, lost in thought. After a moment's hesitation, she turned back towards Makoto's apartment.
All along the way back, Kitasan kept replaying the two senpai's conversation.
She could tell clearly that when Oguri-senpai had suggested Kitasan might become even better than herself, Bamboo Memory-senpai had changed the subject awkwardly, obviously unconvinced.
It wasn't hard to understand or accept.
No matter how you looked at it, an extraordinary Uma Musume like Oguri-senpai appeared maybe once in decades. She herself hadn't even debuted yet, so comparing herself to someone of that caliber was absurd.
And considering even a prodigy like Oguri-senpai hadn't won her debut race—and Kitasan herself had never received notable praise from trainers or teachers—winning her own debut seemed even more difficult.
Yet this moment of discouragement lasted only an instant before determination quickly rekindled in her heart.
Her dream to become a great Uma Musume was born from childhood promises made to her father and grandfather, as well as witnessing the miracles created by her idol, Tokai Teio.
Whether she could replicate those miracles was uncertain.
But what Kitasan did know for sure was this: if she didn't even have the will to pursue greatness, or approached her debut hesitantly, then neither her father, grandfather, idol, nor even herself would ever forgive her.
Moreover, now she had an assigned trainer, and both Teio-senpai and Oguri-senpai had praised this trainer's abilities.
If that was the case, as long as she listened carefully to his guidance and diligently completed every training session, her debut race, her next race…
Perhaps even the Classic Triple Crown, something an Uma Musume only had one chance at in their lifetime, or the prestigious Arima Kinen, representing the highest annual glory…
All could potentially be hers for the taking.
Yes! That's right!
Kita, you absolutely cannot lose your courage before you've even begun!
Cheering herself on, she rushed back into Makoto's apartment, and without even steadying herself, loudly proclaimed:
"Trainer! I've made up my mind! From now on, no matter what instructions you give me, I'll listen carefully and follow every single step without fail!"
Slurp—
Caught off guard mid-mouthful of ramen by the shadow suddenly rushing toward him, Makoto almost choked and didn't catch anything Kitasan had said.
"…Sorry, what was that?"
"I said…"
Taking a deep breath, Kitasan bowed deeply.
"For future training and races, no matter what Trainer instructs, I'll absolutely, absolutely, absolutely listen carefully and do everything you say, step-by-step!"
"Please believe me! I'll definitely become an Uma Musume that makes Trainer proud!"
"This is my promise, as your trainee, Kitasan Black!"
Makoto fell briefly silent, glancing at the laptop, the notes on the table, and the apartment door.
She'd probably overheard something from those two senpai outside, or maybe she was worried about her strength control.
What a straightforward girl.
Still, this kind of energy is good.
"So, you mean you'll do anything I say regarding training and races?"
Makoto considered for a moment and asked carefully.
"Hai! That's the promise and guarantee I'm making to you, Trainer!" Kitasan declared energetically.
"Oh, that's the spirit."
Makoto nodded lightly, gesturing toward the coffee table.
"Then first, let's eat."
"Okay… Eh?"
Kitasan froze. She had anticipated some encouragement or immediate training plans from Makoto. She hadn't expected him to simply tell her to eat dinner first.
Slurp—
"A fine horse gallops a thousand… Ahem, never mind what I just said."
He nearly quoted "Ma Shuo", then remembered that classic essay didn't exist in this world, quickly correcting himself:
"No matter what you overheard or were thinking earlier, whether it's racing or training, you can't perform your best without a full stomach."
"And besides, don't be so impatient. Take things slowly from now on."
"Eat first. I'll arrange your training soon enough—no need to rush."
"Over the next few days, I need to visit the hospital for a check-up, handle preparations for your debut race, and buy some training equipment."
"In the meantime, have one of your classmates film your running during practice, and then bring that footage to me afterward."
At this point, Kitasan had already eagerly grabbed her meal.
"Only film running? Should I film anything else?" she asked.
"No need. Just running is fine," Makoto shook his head, adding thoughtfully, "But if it's convenient, try to get some footage focusing specifically on your leg movements."