Four days until the expulsion is enforced.
Narita Taishin was looking down, playing with her phone, completely ignoring Victory Ticket, who had been talking to her constantly.
Perhaps feeling helpless about this persistent presence that was like sticky candy, Daijin gave up after scolding her a few times to no avail.
Anyway, as long as she responded with "Mm, ah," she wouldn't have to deal with this person, so Daijin let her follow her around.
However, today, walking in the hallway of the school building, it seemed that an unusually large number of eyes were on her.
Many people also seemed to be whispering things like, "Is that her?" "It must be her, right?" Such incomprehensible words.
How strange... Although Daijin mumbled in her heart, she didn't intend to pay attention to these people.
Because she had long been used to being looked at differently by others.
Until—
The Emperor, Symboli Rudolf, personally came to her and stood before her.
"Narita Daijin, is that right? I apologize for approaching you so abruptly. However, there is an urgent matter I need to inform you about. Could you please come to the Student Council with me now?"
"...What?"
.
The Student Council was a large, independent room, with a red carpet, crystal chandeliers, and walls and bookshelves adorned with honors obtained by past Student Councils and the academy. On a nearby wall, there was also a framed calligraphic piece that the Chairman had mentioned at the opening ceremony: "One horse takes the lead, a thousand horses are eclipsed."
And the Student Council President was the handsome and dignified Symboli Rudolf, who was extremely popular in the academy and possessed great strength.
When she led Daijin into the room, she was surprised to find another person sitting inside.
And she knew this person; it was that good-for-nothing who had "run into" her repeatedly.
"Daijin, please sit here."
He led Daijin to sit on the Student Council's guest sofa. The Emperor spoke as he came to the counter and poured her a cup of black tea.
It was indeed worthy of the best of the best students; the Emperor's actions were very elegant. After placing the teacup in front of her, she sat opposite the two of them, straightened her posture, and said, "First, Narita Daijin, you should know who I am, so I won't introduce myself. To be blunt, Daijin, your current situation is very dangerous."
"...What?"
As expected, her brows furrowed instantly, and she instinctively became wary of the person in front of her.
Kazuo, observing all of this, couldn't help but ponder to himself.
However, the Emperor, with her eyes slightly closed, ignored Daijin's reaction and continued to state the facts:
"Disobeying academy rules, returning late, breaking curfew... Recently, more and more voices have suggested that you should be advised to withdraw."
"Gulp..."
A trace of surprise appeared on Daijin's face, but soon, as if to put on a brave front, she bit her lip, lowered her head, and remained silent.
"Even if it's for the sake of diligent training... your disregard for school rules, as well as the fact that many faculty members have questioned your performance, and even stated that your physical condition is not ideal."
The Emperor spoke, observing her reaction.
"To be honest, the situation is indeed not optimistic right now. I tried to communicate with them, but the majority are opposed, and I heard that this proposal was initiated by a Trainer and will be discussed and decided by the school's senior management... Therefore, I can't offer much help."
Even the Student Council actually doesn't have much say in this matter.
The Emperor had gone to Chairwoman Akikawa to understand the situation, but the response she received was a great disappointment.
Even Chairwoman Akikawa directly stated this time:
"We can't help her... In life, most people need to help themselves."
---
"So, in summary, I hope to get your opinion, Daijin, what do you want to do?"
"What to do...?"
"That's right, the opinions mentioned earlier were actually unilaterally proposed by most of the school's instructors and Trainers. In short, showing your strength, your potential, is the most powerful counterattack."
"If you want to stay in the academy, then you need to break through these doubts and repel these negative comments... Do you understand, Narita Taishin?"
"As for the method, before the academy makes the final decision to advise withdrawal, we have already arranged a 2000m middle-distance turf race."
Kazuo, who had been silent, now spoke, taking over the Emperor's words.
"The time is set for the morning three days from now, Narita Daijin, we need you to demonstrate yourself in this race."
"You..."
Daijin hesitated, turned her head, and stared at Kazuo's face for a long time.
"Who are you?"
The Emperor looked at the frozen Kazuo and quickly smoothed things over:
"Asama-sensei is a newly appointed Trainer at the academy, and he is also the one who proposed this plan to us. Simply put, he will also provide you with assistance in this race."
"That's right, Narita-san, as long as you can win that race, we will be confident in persuading the school to withdraw the decision to advise withdrawal."
Kazuo continued to try, but the only response he received was Daijin's cold statement.
"I don't need anyone's help... I've always walked this path alone... It was like this before, it is now, and it will be the same in the future."
She slowly stood up, and in front of the two of them, clenched her fists.
"As long as I win the race, right? Then there's nothing else to say, I'll show them!"
After speaking, she left with a "Excuse me" and turned around, leaving the Student Council room without looking back.
Leaving the Emperor and Kazuo in the room.
After she walked out, Kazuo, as if coming back to his senses, scratched his head and sighed.
"Sigh... Always putting on a brave front, as usual... Well, I somewhat expected it. If she wasn't like this, she wouldn't be Daijin."
With only the two of them left, Kazuo relaxed instead.
Symboli Rudolf then turned her gaze to Kazuo.
"Asama-sensei seems to already have a plan?"
"Well, I'd say—her refusal was part of the plan. In any case, I won't let her be advised to withdraw from school like this."
"Is that so...? Hmm... It seems Narita Taishin has already met her Trainer?"
The Emperor, who seemed like a strict person, often made jokes.
To be honest, it was quite surprising.
In response, Kazuo simply stood up and replied indifferently:
"I just want to—prevent someone with infinite potential from being buried because of this."
[Birthday Extra] Xiao Hai Wan: I'm always watching you.
In front of the station, where there was a train to Tokyo every two hours, stood the elderly and children who had come to see her off.
Aside from the children from the orphanage, these were the grandpas and grandmas who had looked after her in the vicinity.
"Xiao Hai Wan! Take care of yourself out there!"
"We'll be cheering you on from home! You can do it, Xiao Hai Wan!"
Although holding banners was a bit embarrassing, Xiao Hai Wan was more grateful for everything they had done.
"We will take good care of the children, so you don't need to worry."
A stooped old woman slowly walked out, leaning on a cane. She carefully observed Xiao Hai Wan, as if recalling the past.
She had watched the girl grow from a baby in swaddling clothes into the graceful beauty she was today.
The child who was once abandoned at the orphanage had now become the most dependable older sister to the children... Time truly flies; in the blink of an eye, so many years had passed...
"We all know you are a good child, but we also understand that you shouldn't stay in this place forever... Child, go pursue what you desire. We will watch over you well from here. Don't worry, no matter when, this will always be your home."
"...Mm, Grandma, I understand."
"Sister..."
Although the children's faces were filled with reluctance, they were sensible enough to know they needed to take care of themselves, and they also understood the need to show their small strength at this moment.
Even with tears of reluctance, they had to wear smiles on their faces.
"Thank you for taking care of me all this time."
The farewell, carried by the wind, swept with the fragrance of the flower fields.
The girl slowly boarded the train carrying her dreams, her beautiful hair fluttering in the wind. The sound of turning wheels and roaring whistles marked the beginning of a new chapter.
That's right.
Starting this April, I will also be studying at Tresen Academy with Tamamo.
Although we attended the same high school, we will each represent our hometowns and strive for success.
Of course, this also means that in the days to come, perhaps even I will meet my own partner.
Even I knew my personality was a bit too carefree.
But—
Indeed, indeed, indeed... In the most beautiful years of life, I hoped my path would intertwine with someone else's.
When would I finally meet him?
Just as I was thinking this—
Someone dressed in a black mascot costume had fallen by the roadside of the Academy.
It seemed he had tried to help someone but accidentally messed things up himself.
Perhaps because he was wearing something so bulky, he looked a bit clumsy. As I thought this, my body moved instinctively, probably recalling the times I took care of my younger siblings. It was like seeing a younger sibling who had accidentally fallen; I took out a handkerchief to wipe the wound, and I, too, subconsciously offered my handkerchief to this boy.
A boy in a mascot costume, with short, messy hair, and black-rimmed glasses, looking a bit clumsy—
This was the first time our paths intersected and overlapped.
The second time we met was in the cafeteria, and just like the last time, he was helping a foreign exchange student from his class.
Although a bit clumsy, he remained patient... That thoughtfulness—
I saw it all clearly.
He truly was a considerate and gentle person.
I couldn't help but think this, especially watching him sit there patiently explaining everything; somehow, I felt genuinely happy.
The third time we met, he and another teacher were being reprimanded by the students' incredibly impressive Trainer, Tojo.
It was the entrance ceremony, yet the two of them became the focus of attention afterward.
And that was the first time I learned his name.
Asama—
The fourth time we met, during the first class simulation race, it was truly surprising.
This familiar figure appeared before me once again.
Only—
Because of my own clumsiness, I messed everything up.
Even Tamamo got angry... Ugh, seriously.
It made me feel like an idiot... The fifth time we met,
was during class. It was surprising; he was sitting in the back corner, taking class with us.
A few girls asked his name after class.
And I "just happened" to overhear it.
Asama Kazutomi... Was that his name?
Sitting in my seat, eavesdropping, I somehow started to overthink—
Did he... still remember me?
The sixth time we met,
Because I was helping with chores in the dorm, I overslept and missed the morning self-selection race.
However, for some reason, it felt just like their first meeting.
When he appeared before her, returning the handkerchief, her heart fluttered and pounded, as if something was stirring within her.
How strange... Why was that... Especially since it was neatly folded, well-preserved, and even washed... He even called out her name.
At that moment... she didn't blush, did she?
Truly—
So happy.
So shy.
Almost instinctively, she invited him to watch her race... She thought she knew about the little magic students secretly spread to win over someone they liked.
What did she truly want to do, what did she truly want to gain?
Perhaps it no longer needed an explanation.
When she was running on the track, at the sound of his call.
The feeling of being watched, she felt as if she understood why they all wanted a partner who could walk with them.
Yes, she would definitely win for him. So please, watch her at your leisure.
When she stepped off the track, she wanted to quickly reach his side. Yes, she thought she must have fallen for him.
Although it was unbelievable, still—
Love is just that unbelievable.
And he also earnestly reciprocated her feelings.
She had met the right person... Yes, she believed that wholeheartedly.
So—
"I'll wait for you, because—
I also want to be Asama-kun's first and most special one..." As she gently stroked his peaceful, sleeping face.
She couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness. He was willing to dedicate himself to an Uma Musume. He carefully observed others and supported them with all his strength.
She felt as if she also knew why she liked him.
Yes... Such a gentle him—
Gently, she leaned down.
Kiss.
She thought her face must be crimson right now, even though her small burst of courage only allowed her to kiss his cheek.
But, this sense of peace, it belonged only to the two of them.
"I'm always watching you~"
Whispering softly, gazing at his sleeping face, her smile at this moment
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