"It's a slight sprain, but nothing serious."
In the infirmary, the doctor examining Narita Brian's report spoke.
"Really? Just a sprain? Not a fracture or inflammation or something?"
Trainer Toujou Hana fired off questions rapidly, afraid she might miss a single word.
"Based on the current examination, Narita Brian is in very good health with no signs of illness. Of course, we can't rule out the risk of developing issues later if she doesn't take care, so I recommend she rest for a while and reduce the strain on her legs to lower the risk."
Hearing this, the heart Toujou Hana had suspended in her chest finally relaxed.
Thank goodness...
Three days had passed since the [Tenno Sho]. While it was a shame they hadn't won that race, their main focus wasn't on it, but on the final leg of the classic triple crown.
After the race ended, following a full day of rest, Narita Brian had thrown herself back into intense training.
It was then that Toujou Hana noticed something off about Narita Brian's running form.
Her movements were stiff, lacking much of her usual ferocity. Her training effectiveness was poor, and she showed clear signs of fatigue in less than half a day.
Clearly, something was wrong with Narita Brian's leg.
When Toujou Hana learned of this, her spirit nearly fled her body in fright. No matter what Narita Brian said, she practically dragged her to the hospital.
If something really went wrong at this critical juncture, it would all be over.
The whole way there, Toujou Hana couldn't stop regretting her decision to let Narita Brian compete in that race.
Not only did she lose the race, but she ended up injured too. It was like adding insult to injury!
Fortunately, the doctor's diagnosis let Toujou Hana breathe a sigh of relief.
"So, Doctor, about how long will it take for Narita Brian to recover?"
"One to two weeks. If she rests properly, she could be fully recovered in a week."
"A week..."
Time-wise, that should be fine. There was still over a month until the [Kikuka-shō], after all.
"Unnecessary."
Arms crossed, Narita Brian spoke.
"It's just a sprain. It doesn't require such a long recovery time. Just wrap it up with some bandages and it'll be fine."
For Uma Musume, sprains were as common as eating and drinking. Training a bit longer, taking a turn a bit too sharply—any of these could lead to a sprain. In the history of Uma Musume injuries, this was among the most minor.
"From my perspective as a doctor, I wouldn't advise that."
Minor damage to the ankle, if not properly cared for, can easily develop into inflammation.
Suspensory ligamentitis—a condition every doctor who treated Uma Musume knew.
It was the most easily sprained part when Uma Musume ran, also serving as a cushion for their strides. If they forced themselves to run despite the injury, the sprained area would be put under pressure again, leading to inflammation.
In most cases, the reason Uma Musume developed suspensory ligamentitis was because they ignored seemingly minor sprains and insisted on training.
Moreover, once a Uma Musume developed suspensory ligamentitis, it was difficult to cure completely. Under the strain of high-intensity running, it was prone to flare up again, and each recurrence required months, even a year, of rest.
For a Uma Musume, this was practically a terminal illness that could force retirement.
And it wasn't just sprains; the same went for muscle strains.
Forcing a run with a strained leg could easily develop into flexor tendonitis.
For them, that was also an incurable condition.
Countless Uma Musume retired every year due to suspensory ligamentitis and flexor tendonitis.
Injuries that could have been easily healed were completely neglected.
Was it really worth it, to gain just a few extra days of training time, only to be left with such a major health risk?
As a doctor, facing those stubborn patients who wouldn't listen to advice, he could only sigh helplessly.
"I understand."
"Trainer, there's no need for that..."
"Narita Brian." Toujou Hana's tone was sharp as she cut her off. "Since you participated in the [Tenno Sho], perhaps you should listen to your trainer's advice now."
Her expression seemed to say, 'You've already had your willful way, don't make a fuss now.'
After a few seconds of locked gazes, Narita Brian looked away.
She was aware of the issue with her leg.
In fact, she'd noticed something was off ever since returning from the racecourse.
It felt like something was stuck in her ankle, preventing smooth movement. Her stamina drained twice as fast when running, and sometimes a piercing pain would shoot through.
She knew her foot had been injured during the race.
Because of this, Copano Rickey had already forewarned her, so she wasn't particularly surprised. She had simply continued her running training as usual.
It's just that the odd feeling in her feet had still been noticed by her trainer.
A sprain... just a sprain?
Hearing this, Narita Brian also couldn't help but feel relieved.
The reason she hadn't wanted her trainer to find out was that she thought her feet might have stress fractures.
If that had been discovered, all her upcoming races would have been canceled.
Narita Brian didn't want that.
As for the reason... it was somewhat hard to admit.
Just before the final charge, facing that chilling, glaring 'mountain of blades', she had, very uncharacteristically, felt a moment of hesitation.
A body of flesh and blood cannot break through...
Such a thought had crossed Narita Brian's mind, and her steps had involuntarily faltered for an instant.
It was precisely then that the full forward momentum of her body slammed relentlessly into her ankles—a searing heat.
That was probably when she got injured.
But that wasn't the main reason.
Narita Brian lowered her head.
The change... was simply too great.
The change in her opponent surpassed Narita Brian's understanding.
If her own training was an improvement in strength, then that black Uma Musume had undergone a transformation in realm.
It was different from what she had imagined...
Both the process of the race and its outcome were completely different from what Narita Brian had envisioned.
What she had craved was that other's undisguised, bone-chilling arrogance—to recklessly wield those magnificent feet that made the entire course tremble in a thunderous, flesh-and-blood struggle.
Not like this race.
Hiding, constantly hiding, concentrating all her power into a single, killing blow.
Of course, what tactics her opponent used were none of Narita Brian's concern. Her strength was undeniable, so much so that it had shaken even Narita Brian.
Maybe her trainer was right. Maybe she had been too self-indulgent.
The race Narita Brian had hoped for wasn't this kind of race.
She thought she'd finally found a match where she could focus utterly, without distractions, but the result... was so unsatisfying.
Her opponent lacked the wildness that made her heart race, replaced instead by a sharp, untouchable edge.
Their compatibility had worsened...
Part of the reason she had thrown herself so desperately into training, into continuing to race, was to divert her attention.
To stop herself from thinking about the [Tenno Sho].
Holding onto the past served no purpose.
She needed to lift her head again, to examine her opponent with a different perspective, and at the same time, to re-examine herself.
The sound of Toujou Hana's persuading voice kept buzzing in her ears.
Finally, Narita Brian nodded.
"I'll make sure I'm better within a week."
During this time, she would think things through carefully.
What attitude should she, in the future, adopt when facing her 'rival'?
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T/N: Sorry for the current readers, but staring tmr, the number of chapters is decreasing to two. Mainly cause its not as popular, but also cause im getting a little more busy.
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 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.