Tricky.
Following Maruzensky's line of thinking, entering the [Tenno Sho] at this point really wasn't a wise choice.
As an Uma Musume, Maruzensky wasn't trying to avoid a race against Narita Brian; experiencing one of the eight major races was a rare opportunity, and she'd never refuse a chance to compete against a powerful opponent.
But from a companion's perspective, she felt Narita Brian should skip this particular race.
Because the final Kikuka Shō wasn't just significant for Narita Brian herself, but for Tracen Academy, and indeed for the entire [Twinkle Series], it held extraordinary meaning.
She'd thought the issue was something training-related, a clash between Narita Brian and her trainer.
Never imagined it would be about race participation, and such a thorny problem at that!
This left Maruzensky at a loss for an answer.
If she advised Narita Brian not to race, she'd most likely end up looking just like the trainer, breeding resentment in Brian, maybe even sparking that negative thought—'Maybe you just don't want to compete against me?'
But if she encouraged Narita Brian to follow her own instincts and let her run, the risks were far too great.
Turning it over and over in her mind, Maruzensky could only say to her: "I see. It seems Brian-chan has reasons she can't back down from. In that case, why not go ask the opinion of the person involved?"
Hearing this, Narita Brian narrowed her eyes.
"How did you find out?"
That person's true identity.
"Want to know?"
Narita Brian nodded.
Pulling out her phone, Maruzensky brought up a photo.
The angle was strange, as if it had been taken secretly, pressed against a shoulder.
Right in the center of the image was a blurred, indistinct patch of black shadow.
Maruzensky smiled.
Impossible to capture on camera—something only she, perhaps in the entire world, could manage.
Narita Brian narrowed her eyes.
"And how did you learn her name?"
"Learn it...? She told me, of course, when she introduced herself."
"She just told you outright?"
"Yep."
"No prior race or anything like that?"
"Nope." Maruzensky blinked. "Is that strange?"
"So, even without a race, in her eyes, you were worthy of being given her name. Is that what this means…"
Narita Brian kept muttering.
"Brian-chan?"
"Hmph. I'll make her understand who truly deserves to be her rival. It's not Tamamo Cross, not Oguri Cap, and it's not you, Maruzensky."
"Eh...?"
What rival? Maruzensky was completely lost, not understanding what Narita Brian was talking about.
"I'll go ask her for a clear answer."
With that, Narita Brian strode away, leaving a bewildered Maruzensky standing there.
--+--
"Steel horseshoes, to strengthen power training."
As part of her studies, besides learning how to schedule training times and routines, there was one absolutely critical task.
Observing the condition of the Uma Musume.
Veteran trainers would adjust the day's training duration based on the Uma Musume's physical state to achieve optimal results.
Before formal training, trainers have the Uma Musume jog a few laps on the turf. During this, they observe the length and rhythm of their stride. If their cadence is more erratic than usual, if they can't maintain their rhythm properly, it indicates they're not in top form, and training intensity should be reduced.
The judgment criteria for this come only from years of accumulated experience.
That's why rookie trainers who just copy methods don't understand the purpose behind the seemingly superfluous tasks veteran trainers assign.
But the girl currently acting as both 'friend' and part-time trainer for Manhattan Cafe during her independent training was entirely different.
Sunday Silence's demands were completely aligned with veteran trainer standards.
Come to the training field, observe the Uma Musume, and also keep an eye on the trainers' movements.
Honestly, the difficulty was a bit excessive.
Cafe's trainer wasn't a novice, but she wasn't highly experienced either. Back during the selection trials, she had shown a dedicated and responsible attitude, which was why Sunday Silence had willingly entrusted Cafe to her care.
But now, realizing her other half had a better talent for teaching than expected, the knowledge she needed to master was escalating step by step.
From just passing the trainer exam initially, to now striving for veteran trainer standards—how many months had it even been?
Truthfully, the girl didn't consider herself a genius, especially in academics. Her ghostly little sister was miles ahead of her.
Wouldn't cultivating that child's efficiency be much higher?
Yet, she was the one forced into this role of being both mentor and friend to Cafe.
But... it was true.
Perhaps she was the only one Cafe could talk to without any reservations.
Years of companionship couldn't be rivaled by friendships formed in a short time.
Maybe for Cafe, the attention from seniors like Green Grass felt uncomfortable.
How long this state would last, the girl didn't know, but she would keep her promise and spare no effort in helping her.
She quietly noted everything Cafe's trainer did, observing the behavior of the veteran trainers.
Her gaze shifted back to the Uma Musume on the field.
"Lengthen the stride, slow the tempo, move forward easily…"
By now, the girl could more or less understand how to train an Uma Musume.
Being both a competitor and a trainer, adjusting her own condition.
At this rate, it wouldn't be long before she reached the state Sunday Silence mentioned—being able to freely control her race pace.
As the girl watched Cafe practicing lateral jumps with weighted ankles on the field, Sunday Silence tapped her shoulder.
"Someone's coming."
"Mm."
The girl replied absently.
Aren't those horseshoes a bit too heavy? Won't she strain a muscle jumping like that?
"Seems like they're heading this way."
"Probably just passing by."
The training field was pretty crowded.
She didn't pay it much mind, her focus entirely on observing the training.
Would the training effect be better if she reduced the weight and increased the frequency?
And she could wear the horseshoes later in the evening; no need to always train using simulated race methods.
"I think she's definitely coming for us."
"Who is it?"
Sunday Silence had been going on about it for a while now.
The girl had her binoculars pressed against her face like a mask, projecting a 'keep away' aura. Who would be so tactless as to bother her? Copano Rickey?
She looked up and suddenly spotted a girl with a thick hair tie, a white nasal strip, and a fierce, handsome face striding towards her.
Narita Brian!? What was she doing here!
You could almost smell the intimidating, blood-pumping aura radiating from her even from a distance.
Nope. Not getting involved...
The girl turned to leave, only to hear a loud thud as a large dent appeared in the turf.
Narita Brian, from dozens of meters away, had closed the distance in an instant and was now right in front of her.
Her beast-like yellow eyes fixed on the girl.
"Long time no see—"
Sunday Silence.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.