Throughout her self-introduction, Kitasan Black kept stealing glances toward the corner of the classroom.
Before her, several friends and other Uma Musume had introduced themselves, detailing their past achievements and illustrious family lineages. Each time, the little girls in the audience burst into excited cheers, eager and enthusiastic.
Yet throughout those cheers, the little girl in the corner just rested her head on folded arms, absent-mindedly tracing random shapes on her desk with a fingertip.
She had long, chestnut-colored hair that gleamed silkily in the sunlight, complemented by a pair of pale blue ear covers. Her face, though young, possessed a quiet, serene beauty, matched by equally tranquil ice-blue eyes.
Kitasan was certain she hadn't imagined it—when she had first said her name, that little girl's eyes had suddenly shone brightly.
Maybe I should talk to her later…
After finishing her introduction, Kitasan waited quietly as the others had done, allowing the children to ask questions or volunteer as partners.
The younger girls exchanged hesitant glances but showed little interest. Instead, whispers drifted through the room like passing breezes.
"Hmm… I've never really heard of this senpai's name."
"I've heard of her, but my mom said she's the only one from her family who ever raced…"
"That can't be right. All the other senpai earlier had really famous families…"
"I dunno… Maybe let's wait for the teacher to tell us what to do…"
Hearing these words, Kitasan's ears flicked slightly, and she unconsciously pressed her lips together.
She couldn't deny feeling disappointed. Compared to the eager hands that shot up when her friends introduced themselves, this silence was undeniably harsh.
Yet, it wasn't exactly unexpected. Compared to prestigious racing families like the Satono family, her family—famous as they were in the world of music—indeed had little presence on the racetrack.
Well, at least there's one girl who seemed interested. I'll just ask her directly after the introductions.
She quickly regained her usual cheerfulness. Not even waiting for the supervising teacher, Kitasan proactively smiled and spoke up:
"That wraps up my introduction! If anyone wants to team up with me, I'd be delighted!"
She bowed politely toward the teacher and then exited the classroom, waiting quietly in the hallway.
One or two other Uma Musume stood there as well, having received similarly lukewarm reactions.
Looking through the window, Kitasan saw the schoolyard had grown even livelier. The field was crowded with trainers, parents, invited guests, and reporters.
At the center of attention, on the school track, the other Uma Musume from earlier had already begun coaching their young trainees.
From familiarity alone, she immediately spotted Satono Crown and Duramente among the crowd.
Satono Crown was currently demonstrating cornering techniques on the track. Duramente still seemed busy introducing herself to her young partner, though it looked like training would soon begin for them as well.
Must be nice... I wonder when I'll get to start. And that child from earlier...
Instinctively, Kitasan glanced back toward the classroom, her gaze immediately finding the girl in the corner.
Still at her desk, the little girl remained as before—head resting lazily on her arms, fingers tracing invisible patterns. But sensing Kitasan's gaze, she suddenly glanced upward.
And there it was again—that familiar flash of brightness in her eyes.
Startled, Kitasan smiled softly and waved.
Almost shyly, the girl swiftly turned away, only to look back again a moment later. Then, before Kitasan could react, the girl abruptly stood up and silently exited the room through the back door.
"…Eh? Wait, you…" Kitasan glanced nervously toward the teacher, who was still speaking from the front of the classroom. "Won't you get in trouble for leaving like that…?"
Ignoring Kitasan's question, the small Uma Musume stood in front of her and bowed formally, her tone calm and direct.
"Good day, Kitasan Black-senpai. It's a pleasure to meet you. Will you help me win the race?"
"Huh? You mean…the race this afternoon?" Kitasan stammered, startled by the abrupt question. "Whether you can win or not, that's…"
A little rudely, the child interrupted before she could finish.
"If I can't win, it holds no meaning. Don't you think so, Senpai?"
For a brief instant, Kitasan felt as if she herself had returned to elementary school, speaking with youthful confidence. The little girl's maturity and confidence were startlingly beyond her age, making her feel less like a child and more like a peer.
"A race without victory is meaningless, huh...? Duramente-chan has said something similar before."
Without realizing, Kitasan's tone softened into thoughtful agreement. Curious, she tilted her head gently.
"Can I ask why you want to win so badly? Is it because your family expects it of you…?"
Kitasan assumed this girl, like Duramente, might come from a distinguished family with demanding expectations. But unexpectedly, at the mere mention of family, the girl's delicate face filled with unmistakable disgust.
"My family? Just the opposite."
Taking a deep breath, her ice-blue eyes shone fiercely once more—sparkling with the same intense light Kitasan had glimpsed earlier.
"The race I want to win is one my family never wanted for me."
"I've heard about you, Senpai. Before your debut, everyone insisted you were only good for short-distance races. But then, your three consecutive victories at middle-distance events proved them completely wrong."
"I…want to do the same."
"Because…I don't want to be defined by anyone."
Kitasan suddenly felt at a loss for words.
She'd met precocious children before, but this one was different—far too mature, to the point where standing before her felt like facing a formidable rival rather than guiding a young student.
Yet, at the same moment, an unexpected spark of competitive spirit ignited deep within her heart.
"'Proved them wrong'…? Ahaha, I never thought of it quite that dramatically," she laughed nervously, then quickly brightened. "But your determination is really impressive! And you're right—races are meant to be won!"
"So, you'd like me to coach you to victory this afternoon, then?"
Without speaking, the younger Uma Musume met Kitasan's enthusiastic gaze. After a moment's hesitation, she slowly and resolutely nodded.
"Alright, then. I'll do everything I can to help you win! Let's work hard together!"
Smiling confidently, Kitasan extended her hand warmly.
"Oh, right—I haven't asked your name yet, have I?"
The girl's icy-blue eyes lingered on Kitasan's outstretched hand for several long seconds before she finally reached out in return.
"My name is Almond Eye."
"I look forward to your guidance, Kitasan Black-senpai."