While the two student council presidents were deep in discussion, over in Fuchu at a hot spring resort's relaxation lounge…
"Achoo—!"
"Trainer, did you catch a cold?"
Noticing Yasui Makoto's sudden sneeze, Kitasan Black immediately worried, "I'll go call someone from the infirmary—"
"No need. Probably just someone talking about me behind my back."
Stopping her gently, Yasui gave Kitasan a quick glance, asking, "So, how's the hot spring here?"
Unlike her racing attire or stage costume from earlier, the black-haired girl was now dressed comfortably in a crimson yukata, which hugged her slender figure, highlighting the graceful lines of her youthful, athletic build.
Her usual hair ribbon was absent, allowing sleek black hair, still damp, to drape softly over her shoulders. Her flushed cheeks gave her a delicate appearance, very different from her typically spirited self.
However, the moment she opened her mouth, her trademark cheerfulness was unmistakable.
"It's amazing! Even better than most of the places Grandpa's taken me to!"
Kitasan eagerly gestured, excitement clear on her face.
"And everyone here is so skilled! The massage was incredible—I almost cried out several times because it felt so good!"
…Um, why does that sound so suggestive?
Yasui quietly puzzled over her overly enthusiastic description. Catching a few curious glances from people nearby, he cleared his throat awkwardly.
"You performed very well in the race, and your medical check was excellent. Still, you must have accumulated some fatigue, even if you don't feel it yourself. The springs here are great for recovery, and they have specialized therapies designed especially for Uma Musume. That's why I brought you here."
This particular resort wasn't far from Tokyo Racecourse. Aside from regular hot springs and massages, it also provided unique therapeutic services tailored specifically for Uma Musume.
Before their arrival in Tokyo, Yasui had thoroughly researched the place as a potential recovery option, deciding to bring Kitasan immediately after her Winner's Stage performance.
Now, seeing her enthusiasm, he was satisfied with his choice. The only complaint one might have would be the cost.
The resort charged by the hour, and with the additional specialized massage therapy for Kitasan, it averaged nearly 5,000 yen an hour. Staying for eight hours overnight would thus cost around 80,000 yen—rather extravagant by most standards.
Yet Yasui didn't mind.
He'd never been short of money in his previous life, and while this life's earnings were modest, he had few other expenses. Between his family's allowance and savings from part-time work during high school, he had more than enough.
Moreover, Kitasan's victory had come with a generous prize of 6 million yen. According to their contract, after tax deductions, they would split the remaining amount evenly.
The academy would handle Kitasan's share, transferring it to her family, while Yasui's half would go directly to him.
With over two million yen soon entering his account, Yasui felt justifiably confident in splurging a bit, even if the funds hadn't yet arrived.
Still, since he'd been busy waiting for Kitasan, he hadn't actually experienced the hot springs himself yet.
After explaining his plans to Kitasan, he rose to his feet.
"So, from now until tomorrow, your schedule is purely to rest—however you prefer. I'll just go soak for a bit myself. You already have your room key, so feel free to relax here or in your room. And don't worry about expenses—I already paid. Just enjoy yourself."
"Yes! Thanks, Trainer!" Kitasan nodded vigorously.
"Oh, right! I still have to call Teio-senpai and Dia-chan. I'll go back to the room now, then!"
Upon reaching the men's bath, Yasui made sure to fully enjoy both the hot springs and the therapeutic services. It was a habit from his previous life—work diligently when needed, relax thoroughly afterward.
Previously, his rest periods were primarily stress relief; now, they were pure indulgence.
Returning to his room after a satisfying soak, Yasui opened the door—and was surprised to see Kitasan Black inside, absorbed in playing a game, despite it clearly being his single room.
"…Did I go into the wrong room, or did you need something, Kitasan?"
"Huh? Trainer, you're not mistaken. This is your room."
Holding a controller, Kitasan glanced away from the large screen only briefly before focusing back.
"Give me a moment, Trainer. I just need to save my progress."
Stepping further into the room, Yasui glanced casually at the screen and froze for a moment.
"Isn't this… Bayonetta 2?"
"Yes, it's Bayonetta 2. Dia-chan recommended it to me."
Kitasan shut off the screen and carefully set aside the controller, turning curiously toward him.
"Trainer, do you also like video games?"
"Sort of, I suppose," Yasui answered nonchalantly after some thought.
In his previous life, he'd encountered games mainly due to professional necessity. In this life, gaming had become a favored pastime between studies—a decent way to unwind.
"Bayonetta… If I remember correctly, wasn't one of the publishers SEGA? Wait, isn't SEGA owned by the Satono family?"
"Yes! That's exactly why Dia-chan loves games—but only those published by her family's company," Kitasan explained cheerfully, pointing toward the console.
"She gave me this console as a birthday present a while ago and often recommends her company's games. I'm really glad you like games too, Trainer. Now you can teach me! I'm actually not very good at most of them…"
"Teach you gaming? That's definitely outside my job description," Yasui teased lightly.
Seeing Kitasan's smile falter slightly, he chuckled softly to reassure her.
"I'm joking. I'm not that old-fashioned. I play games to unwind in my free time. My philosophy is: Work seriously when it's time for work; relax fully when it's time to rest."
"So, whenever we're not busy with training or races, playing games together isn't a problem."
Immediately delighted, Kitasan nodded rapidly.
"Yay! You're the best, Trainer!"
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she took out her phone.
"Oh right! Trainer, since it's like that, you probably won't want to meet Teio-senpai until Monday, right?"
Yasui paused, caught off guard.
"Tokai Teio…? Did she reach out to me?"
"Yeah, she did," Kitasan explained.
"I called Teio-senpai earlier to tell her about my win. She was really happy and praised me a lot!"
"Afterwards, she asked me to let you know to contact her when you're free. She mentioned wanting to arrange a meeting with you—something about work, I think. She didn't say exactly what, and knowing myself, I figured I might forget by tomorrow… Hehe, I'm pretty bad at remembering stuff like this. I was worried about forgetting, so I decided to wait here for you.
If you prefer not working during your rest days, I can tell her you'll get back to her later?"