Kitasan Black didn't truly grasp what Daiwa Scarlet meant by her "valuable mindset," but she never doubted the words of her senpai or trainer.
If Trainer and the senpai say it's important, there must be a reason. I just haven't learned enough, practiced enough, or raced enough yet to fully understand.
Thus, despite not getting a clear answer from her senpai, and not pressing Yasui Makoto either, she still felt motivated throughout the rest of training.
But soon, that motivation gave way to familiar confusion and unease.
The practice race was still at 1,800 meters.
The start from the gate, early positioning, cornering, cruising, final sprint—all of it seemed perfectly fine. At least from her perspective, she'd executed exactly as practiced day after day; there shouldn't have been any problem.
Yet, nothing changed. She still crossed the finish line just behind Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka.
This time, however, she didn't immediately ask for feedback afterward.
Instead, as Yasui Makoto broke down the session, she started thinking for herself.
...Ah, so that's how it is. Daiwa-senpai mentioned before that the eyes can sometimes deceive you, and that's when hearing becomes important.
No wonder her positioning and maneuvers at the start were far more precise than mine.
My rhythm was being controlled the whole time, so I couldn't run in the way I'm most familiar with.
It was the same with Vodka-senpai.
Her intuition during races isn't inferior to Daiwa-senpai's at all, which is why her timing for overtaking always caught me by surprise, making it tough to respond.
And since the two senpai probably weren't giving their full effort competing against each other, the gap could have been even wider.
But…
At the final stretch, neither of them did anything particularly special, did they…?
Or am I just too inexperienced to see it?
Yeah… That must be it.
Maybe that's why Trainer hasn't brought it up...?
Just as Kitasan suspected, during their review, Yasui Makoto's explanations focused mainly on events before the final stretch, rarely mentioning the finish.
Having noticed this, Kitasan thought carefully and decided to ask later.
Running alongside two top-level senpai made her realize just how much she still needed to learn. Just sorting through what she'd already observed and heard was overwhelming enough—mastering it all would take considerable time.
Rather than pressing further, consolidating what she already understood seemed the wisest choice for now.
Besides, if even she noticed something was off, her trainer surely had as well.
Maybe he'll bring it up just like last time, right before the race.
Such musings occupied her thoughts from their review session all the way to dinner at the cafeteria.
It was during that meal when a casual conversation suddenly diverted Kitasan's attention.
"Eh—?! Senpai, you two are going to Osaka on Sunday?"
Facing Kitasan Black's surprise, Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka simultaneously clasped their hands together apologetically.
"We're so sorry, Kita-chan. We won't be able to cheer you on this time."
After speaking together, both Uma Musume exchanged sly grins.
"However, we're going to support an old friend. Once you hear who it is, you'll definitely forgive us."
"Hehehe, exactly! Kita-chan will definitely forgive us. It's just a shame you have your own race, otherwise coming along would've been great—her reaction would be priceless."
Hearing this, Kitasan Black immediately grew curious.
"Huh? Senpai, this 'old friend' you mentioned… do I know her too?"
As confusion flickered in her eyes, she subconsciously glanced at Yasui Makoto.
In truth, Yasui Makoto was equally puzzled.
He'd only known Kitasan Black for a few months, while Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka had met her much earlier.
So, if it was an Uma Musume they'd known from before, he might not recognize the name.
But seeing the two Uma Musume clearly intending to tease them, laughing mischievously and refusing to reveal who they were supporting, Yasui grew curious as well.
Thinking briefly, he took out his phone, pulling up the trainers' official app.
"The race on the 22nd… Osaka… at Hanshin Racecourse?"
"Correct! Oh, right!"
Confirming quickly, Vodka rubbed her chin thoughtfully, eyes sparkling mischievously as she leaned closer.
"Say, Yasui. For someone as young as you, you sure know a lot of things. Want to try guessing who Daiwa and I are cheering for?"
Daiwa Scarlet's eyes lit up eagerly as she joined in the fun.
"Right, right! Now that you know it's Hanshin Racecourse, there's only around a dozen races happening there. Why don't you give it a shot?"
Yasui Makoto laughed wryly.
"There are more than a hundred contestants in a dozen races. With only 'Hanshin Racecourse' as a clue, how am I supposed to guess?"
"You do have a point…"
Exchanging glances with Vodka, Daiwa Scarlet rubbed her chin again.
"Hmm, maybe we should give another hint? But if it's too obvious, Kita-chan will guess instantly. That would spoil the fun... Oh, wait, Kita-chan, haven't you figured it out yet?"
"I actually…"
A thoughtful gleam in her eyes gradually shifted into joyful recognition, and Kitasan began smiling broadly.
"I think I've figured it—mmph!"
"Looks like Kita-chan got it already."
Covering Kitasan's mouth together with Daiwa Scarlet, Vodka grinned mischievously at Yasui Makoto.
"That means you're the only one left in the dark now, Yasui. Want us to give you another hint?"
"Well, if you really need it, we could—but Daiwa and I have to think carefully. After all, that girl's a little too famous…"
"Oh, I get it now."
Interrupting Vodka, Yasui abruptly stopped scrolling, raising his head with an unusually complicated expression, glancing back and forth among the three Uma Musume.
"Wait, are you three talking about... Gold Ship?"
"…"
"…"
"…"
After a stunned silence, Kitasan Black, Daiwa Scarlet, and Vodka all exclaimed in unison:
"Trainer/Yasui, how did you figure that out so quickly?!"
His gaze grew even more peculiar. Lowering his eyes to his phone screen, he sighed uncontrollably as he stared at the tall, silver-haired Uma Musume dressed entirely in fiery red, occupying the center of the image.
Journey, Dream, Matsuri, Meister, and Gold Ship.
Allegedly, this was the legendary Golden Family—full of courage, hope, friendship, unruliness, and greatness.
Allegedly, this family's fame was so widespread that no one in the world was unaware of them.
Allegedly, anyone who had seen an Uma Musume of the Golden Family would leave with an unforgettable impression.
Allegedly, every trainer who'd ever interacted with them would never forget the experience.
Allegedly, every Uma Musume who'd raced alongside them, even just once, would be left with memories etched deeply in their hearts.
And the Uma Musume they were referring to—the one on Yasui Makoto's phone screen right now—was currently the most infamous member of the Golden Family.
The newest legend among gray-haired runners, the forever-unsinkable ship. Just like a majestic golden vessel sailing fearlessly across the Grand Line—
Gold Ship.
So, Kitasan Black already knows this particular Uma Musume...?
I just hope they didn't meet too early—or interact too deeply.
If she has running-related issues, I can handle those. But if it's anything else… I have absolutely no clue what to do.
Staring at the image of Gold Ship displayed on his phone, Yasui Makoto felt a headache building already.