What did she mean by that remark?
Toujou Hana kept thinking about this question and unconsciously returned to the stands.
"Miss Tojo, are you back? Here, these are the profiles for the Group B students."
When Yusaka saw Toujou Hana return, she immediately went to greet her. As a junior from their student days, she particularly admired Senior Toujou, who was already well-known in the industry since university.
"Mm... Thanks."
Toujou slowly took the documents Yusaka handed her. While collecting her thoughts, she couldn't help but ask:
"Has Group B started yet?"
"Not yet, but it's close. The track has been cleared, and the course has been confirmed."
Hearing Yusaka say this, Toujou refocused her gaze on the track, her expression becoming serious.
"Next, Group B students will undergo their mock training race. Please come forward to collect your bib numbers in the order called."
The PE teacher loudly read from the roster:
"Victory Ticket, Biwa Hayahide, Narita Daijin, Inari One, Smart Falcon..."
"Huh?"
Kazuo suddenly let out a surprised sound. Old Mr. Yoshida next to him glanced at him and asked curiously:
"What's wrong?"
"No... it must be a delusion, right? I just feel like there's someone in there who seems familiar..."
Kazuo also seemed unsure. Although he said that, his gaze immediately focused on the inconspicuous small figure.
Have I... seen her somewhere before?
"..."
The girl with neat short hair looked a bit heavy-hearted at the moment. Standing in front of the gate, she appeared very nervous. Wearing bib number one, she quickly drew the character 'people' (person) on her palm and swallowed it before the race began.
This action was seen by Yoshida, who couldn't help but smile: "Well, it's not uncommon for Uma Musume to feel nervous on the track..."
"Victory Ticket, I hope I can have a good race with you!"
A tall, pink-haired female stood beside her. Seeing the newcomer, the girl's nervousness eased considerably.
"Biwa Hayahide!! Thank you! Yeah! (Clap, clap), I'm going to run with all my might!!"
Thanks to her friend's help, Victory Ticket's spirits instantly recovered. After all, this was her first time racing with Biwa Hayahide, and she was very much looking forward to seeing what kind of results she could achieve.
Narita Daijin stood in the back, her head lowered, as if avoiding everyone's gaze, trying her best to create an atmosphere of solitude.
"...I must, I must prove it to you all..."
She spoke in a barely audible voice, as if making a vow, her slightly clenched small hands like a source of reliance.
Why she came here, and why she stood here—
"Narita Daijin, please take care of me in the race."
Biwa Hayahide, who was twice Daijin's size, now came over to Daijin. As a classmate, Biwa Hayahide was very mature in her interactions.
Victory Ticket also called out from the side:
"Daijin!! Let's have a good competition together!"
Facing these two overly familiar individuals, Daijin couldn't help but frown slightly. Her personal space was disturbed, causing her to instinctively become wary and resistant.
She looked up, glanced at the two, and then lowered her head, walking straight past them.
She didn't even seem to intend to acknowledge them, the small girl bristling with an aura that pushed everyone away.
Besides these two, only Super Creek dared to approach and talk to her.
"Ugh... Biwa Hayahide... does Daijin dislike us...?"
Seeing how Daijin treated them, Victory Ticket immediately looked teary-eyed, while Biwa Hayahide could only gently pat her head and comfort her with a smile:
"It's nothing... Victory Ticket, just focus on this race now."
—
I don't need anyone's concern; I just need to do my own thing—
Slowly stepping into the starting gate, Daijin took a deep breath.
She had stood in this space countless times during Middle School, yet this time, the feeling was completely different from those other times… She slowly closed her eyes, her entire mind gradually emptying, waiting for the sound of the race. This was the most "protracted" time.
"You're going to Tracen Academy? Really? That place is full of absolute elites with ridiculously abnormal physiques and talents. Honestly, that environment isn't suitable for a small person like you, is it?"
Shut up.
"Daijin, you don't actually think winning a local race means you can go to a place like that, do you? Don't be ridiculous!"
You're the one being ridiculous.
"Daijin, although you want to go to a higher place, I understand. But given your situation, regarding your academic future, I actually recommend this school to you. Although it's just a local high school, your demonstrated abilities can be perfectly adapted to this kind of place. It's very difficult for a person to leave their comfort zone. To be honest, it's not that I don't believe in you, it's just—"
Liars, all of you look down on me from the bottom of your hearts—
I will prove all of this, even if I'm alone. I will keep running, and I will definitely prove it to you all, definitely—
...
"…"
It was indeed this feeling, he hadn't seen wrong... Kazuo's expression grew increasingly solemn. That familiar back view couldn't help but remind him of everything that had happened on that previous night.
"How strange, you seem very concerned about that child."
Yoshida had been secretly observing Kazuo, keenly noticing who Kazuo's gaze was following.
"Uh… no, I'm just a little concerned."
To be honest, he truly didn't understand why he cared so much, yet there was an indescribable feeling of not being able to let go and an ineffable discomfort.
"Oh… is that so? That's quite interesting then."
He nodded with a smile, and for some reason, looking at his smile, Kazuo felt a chill in his heart.
Just as he was about to ask, a roar from the teacher came from the track:
"Smart Falcon! Get into the gate now! No performing at the spectator stands!"
"Eh! Please support Feiying Zi everyone~"
Saying such words, the cute girl was dragged away by the teacher, but even so, she didn't forget to wave her hands energetically towards the crowd in the viewing stands—
"She really is… a lively child… It seems this race won't be boring after all…"
Yoshida couldn't help but shake his head and joke, skillfully changing the subject. Kazuo could only nod sheepishly in agreement.
Group B, 1200m short-distance turf race, about to begin—