After filling their stomachs, Kagura led a happily satisfied Nice Nature out of the ramen shop, thinking about where they should wander next.
Just earlier, Kagura had asked the waitress named Wudi for her contact info and added her as a friend. Wudi recommended the park near Tracen Academy, suggesting it was perfect for hanging out with friends. She also enthusiastically recommended the new honey drink sold by a food cart nearby.
——Nature is such an adorably silly kid. She reminds me of my trainer; he was just as nervous on his first date with his girlfriend. Afterwards, every time his girlfriend mentioned that date to me, she couldn't stop laughing.
Don't laugh at her! Nature's still young, and besides, she hasn't had many friends before. It's natural to be nervous when asking someone out for the first time!
——Hm~ Friends, huh… Let's leave it at that for now. Understandable.
Eclipse left a remark that seemed meaningful but cryptic, then went silent again. Kagura decided not to worry too much about it.
Kagura had heard plenty about the park near Tracen after classes started. Since Support Uma attended regular classes alongside other Uma Musume, she often overheard her classmates talking about various strange and interesting rumors around the school, giving her the feeling of listening to ghost stories.
"Speaking of which, Kagura, didn't you hear that recent rumor? They say there's a ghost of a small black-haired Uma Musume wandering in the park at night. Some even claim they've actually seen her—silent footsteps, no shadow visible…"
Hearing Kagura suggest the park, Nature suddenly recalled the popular rumor floating around her class lately.
"Yeah, I've heard that one too… Ah… Nature, don't get scared. It's broad daylight right now, so even ghosts wouldn't come out. Besides, I'm here with you. If a ghost really does appear, I'll protect you."
Though Kagura wanted to say she didn't believe in ghosts, remembering she literally had a spirit following her around—and even capable of possessing her body—suddenly made the rumor seem disturbingly plausible.
After strolling leisurely for a while, Kagura and Nature finally arrived at the park. The place wasn't too crowded in the early afternoon, with just a handful of trainers leisurely walking alongside their Uma Musume.
Kagura even spotted a few Uma Musume attempting to "attack" their trainers, though the trainers themselves appeared as wooden as logs, completely unresponsive. They looked so emotionally oblivious, if this were an anime, it'd surely frustrate viewers to no end. But having briefly attended a lecture for trainers earlier, Kagura knew this wasn't due to actual insensitivity—rather, it was probably the trainers employing the "self-protection" techniques the lecture had emphasized.
These trainers sure are dedicated. Good work…
Kagura quietly paid respects to these "wooden" trainers in her heart. These were true professionals, maintaining strict moral boundaries and never creating trouble that might harm their students' careers.
"Kagura, what are those Uma Musume doing?"
Nice Nature naturally noticed these scenes as well, though she was still too young to fully grasp their context.
"I'm not sure… Probably just being playful with their trainers."
Not wanting to corrupt Nature's innocence, Kagura carefully avoided the real explanation.
"Being playful with trainers…"
"Anyway, Nature, you've grown taller really fast recently. Has your physical maturation begun?"
Since learning about maturation, this was Kagura's first time actually seeing it. Recently, Nature's growth spurt had been astonishing. Kagura now had to tiptoe slightly just to pat her head.
"It must be. I thought it was Kagura who shrank! So this is what maturation is like…"
"Yep. Once maturation begins, you can participate in Tracen's internal selection races. Then you'll quickly find a good trainer. Train with them for a few years, and you'll be ready for your debut."
"Eh?! Is that how it works?!"
"That's right… In fact, we should start practicing together with Ojou-sama on the track. Getting a good result in the selection races is very important to secure a great trainer!"
Kagura had already formed a plan: she'd first study the selection racecourse thoroughly, then provide tips or even write a guide for Nature, ensuring she'd get excellent results.
"Ah? N-no, I can't possibly trouble you that much! I…"
"Listen, Nature. This is about your future—your whole life. I don't mind working hard for it. At worst, I'll just sleep it off later. But this opportunity can impact your entire career. Don't leave yourself any regrets on something this important, alright?"
Kagura stopped in her tracks and turned to face Nature, gently pressing a finger against the younger girl's lips. She gazed at her seriously, leaving Nature momentarily speechless.
Nature tried to politely decline, but Kagura didn't give her the chance. Looking at Kagura, who was clearly shorter than herself now, the feeling in Nature's heart became clearer: Kagura seemed less like a friend and more like a supportive older family member or mentor.
Because the only other people who'd spoken to her this way had been her parents. Since coming to Tokyo and living alone, Kagura was the first person who genuinely cared for her wellbeing, worrying about her future like family. It filled Nature's heart with warmth.
"I understand. In that case… I'll rely on you, Kagura. Thank you! Really, thank you so much!"
Nice Nature bowed deeply to Kagura, as respectfully as if speaking to a former teacher.
"Pfft… Why so formal? We're friends, right? Helping you out is only natural."
Kagura laughed gently, hurriedly reaching out to lift Nature up. For Kagura, the best reward was seeing Nature safely walking the path of her life. This little bit of effort wasn't particularly troublesome—she certainly didn't need Nature's solemn gratitude.
Ah… Kagura's always like this, giving her kindness and warmth unconditionally to everyone she cares for…
Nice Nature didn't immediately straighten up. Instead, she leaned into Kagura's arms, softly nuzzling her cheek against Kagura's shoulder. Today she realized that being this close to Kagura brought an incredibly calming feeling.
Kagura cares about me so much. I can't let her down… Maybe I should try harder. I'm not that hopeless, right? Maybe sometimes… I can also do it?
Nature, who often felt insecure, suddenly found a reason to give her best as she gazed at Kagura's gentle smile.
"Nature, if you want to hug, you can hug me all you want once we get back to school. But right now we're still in the park, so be mindful of your image, okay?"
"Mm! Okay! By the way, Kagura, my roommate told me there's a really tasty honey drink around here. Want to check it out together?"
"Sure! The waitress recommended it too. But I don't know the way, so can you lead me?"
Excitedly, Nice Nature grabbed Kagura's hand and pulled her toward a small food cart parked near the edge of the park.
A little while after they walked away, a small, black-haired Uma Musume quietly peeked her head from behind a tree near the grassy area. She stared silently after the two departing figures—specifically, her eyes locked onto Kagura.
"…Did you say…that Uma Musume…is someone like me?"