After completing the discharge procedures, Toujou Hana hailed a taxi, and the two of them got in.
The entire time, Narita Brian kept her head lowered.
She felt deeply guilty for having completely ignored Toujou Hana's advice and pushing her body to such a state.
After all, every time Narita Brian acted willfully, it was Toujou Hana who dealt with the resulting trouble.
This time was no exception.
To handle the swarm of reporters who came flocking, Toujou Hana had gone to great lengths, using every means possible to keep them outside.
She even contacted the hospital to ban all reporters from entering Narita Brian's room for interviews.
All so Brian could recover and adjust more quickly.
Narita Brian didn't regret what she had done, but the thought of someone having to clean up the mess she'd made weighed heavily on her.
So in front of Toujou Hana, she remained silent.
Observing the troubled Narita Brian, Toujou Hana adjusted her glasses. "You heard what the doctor said, I assume?"
If she ever used that reckless running style again, her career as an Uma Musume would be over for good.
This wasn't an exaggeration.
Her muscle mass had decreased significantly compared to before, reverting to levels from before the Kikuka-shō special training.
And this loss was irreversible.
"I heard…"
Narita Brian's eyes drifted toward the car window as she replied, her tone uncharacteristically subdued.
"Your training volume must be reduced to less than half of what it was. You also need to follow the doctor's dietary plan and come in for check-ups every two weeks to monitor your physical condition."
What a hassle…
Narita Brian couldn't help but grumble inwardly, but she still nodded. "Understood."
"Just understanding isn't enough. From now on, Silence will be responsible for overseeing all your activities. She'll monitor whether you're following the doctor's advice. Narita Brian, if you ignore even this final warning…"
Toujou Hana looked at her, leaving the rest unsaid.
But Narita Brian understood perfectly.
If she disregarded her trainer's warnings again, their relationship would end right there.
Toujou Hana would no longer be her trainer.
Silence would no longer manage her affairs.
At that thought, Narita Brian shuddered, a chilling dread spreading through her.
She absolutely did not want things to turn out that way.
No way!
Nodding, Narita Brian replied earnestly, "I understand. I've caused you a lot of trouble, and I sincerely regret it. I will follow the doctor's advice and your arrangements during this period… so please, give me one more chance."
Toujou Hana was taken aback.
"Well, since you put it that way… alright, Brian. Remember, you must follow the plan, whether it's for races or training."
"Yes."
Her serious expression seemed to prove her unwavering resolve.
It was clear Narita Brian's words held no falsehood.
This finally allowed Toujou Hana to breathe a sigh of relief.
Ending her relationship with Narita Brian would have been an unbearably difficult choice for her too.
She had been Narita Brian's trainer since the girl first enrolled—so many years had passed since then.
In a way, Toujou Hana had watched Narita Brian grow step by step into the competitor she was today.
Unless absolutely forced, she had no desire to give up on Brian, whom she had nurtured for so long.
Toujou Hana had made her biggest concession yet.
All past incidents were wiped clean. As long as Narita Brian didn't cross this final line, Toujou Hana was willing to remain her trainer.
Even if her abilities might never be what they once were.
Toujou Hana thought to herself.
Still, this discharge wasn't without some good news.
The doctor said Narita Brian's recovery was better than expected.
Though her muscle fibers had thinned, they remained highly active. While this wouldn't enhance her strength, it meant fatigue wouldn't accumulate as easily as before.
With proper management, Narita Brian could still be a formidable force among the Uma Musume.
Perhaps this was the only thing Toujou Hana could take comfort in after Brian's Triple Crown victory.
After all, no spectator wanted to see Narita Brian follow the path of [St. Lite], retiring immediately after achieving the Triple Crown.
Beyond the excitement, that would bring greater regret.
Many were still waiting to see her shine on the track again.
The scenery outside the window blurred past. A quarter of an hour later, the car slowed to a stop at the school gate.
A figure in green stood waiting at the entrance.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Toujou Hana," she greeted, her gaze shifting to the black-haired girl stepping out of the car.
"Welcome back, Brian."
Hayakawa Tazuna, having been informed in advance, smiled at Narita Brian.
"Tazuna, you really didn't need to trouble yourself with this."
"Not at all," she shook her head. "I simply enjoy greeting the lively students. Seeing them always makes me feel young again."
Hayakawa Tazuna replied.
'And if I can end my days in an environment like this… that wouldn't be a bad conclusion for me.'
She raised her hand slightly.
"I hope you both enjoy your days here at Tracen Academy."
"Yes, thank you, Ms. Tazuna."
Nodding to Hayakawa Tazuna, Narita Brian walked into Tracen.
Watching the two figures recede, Hayakawa Tazuna remained at the gate.
Today was the final day.
Tomorrow, the new chairwoman would assume her position, and roles among the administration would shift.
She wondered what position she would be assigned.
'I hope it's work that lets me stay close to the students.'
Gazing at the gradually darkening sky, Hayakawa Tazuna thought to herself.
--+--
"It's already quite late today, Brian. You should go back and rest. We'll discuss everything else during training tomorrow."
"Understood."
Seeing Narita Brian agree to everything without hesitation felt somewhat unfamiliar to Toujou Hana.
After reminding her not to stay up late and to keep a regular schedule, Toujou Hana headed back to the school building.
Following the doctor's suggestions, she needed to adjust tomorrow's training plan.
Silence… never mind.
She shouldn't burden an intern with overtime work.
Meanwhile, after parting ways with Toujou Hana, Narita Brian entered the dormitory.
It was after school hours. The students had finished their training and were headed to the cafeteria, leaving the dormitory area feeling rather quiet.
'I'll rest up today and throw myself back into training tomorrow.'
She wondered just what her current body was still capable of…
Lost in thought, Narita Brian pushed open the door.
Then—
Bang!—Bang!—
Two loud pops sounded above her, followed by a shower of colorful confetti raining down on her head.
"Congratulations on your discharge, Brian!"
The sudden surprise left Narita Brian frozen in place.
She blinked in astonishment, looking at the group by the entrance.
Fuji Kiseki, Hishi Amazon, Air Groove, and… Silence?
"What are you all doing here?"
"To celebrate your discharge, of course!"
Hishi Amazon laughed heartily.
"And to welcome you back to the team," Fuji Kiseki added.
"As members of the student council, it's only natural we'd come," Air Groove stated.
And then…
"Everyone was eager to see you."
A girl stepped forward.
"I hope we're not causing you any trouble?"
"…No."
Narita Brian shook her head. "I'm just… surprised."
The last time she'd received a surprise like this was during the academy festival.
"Anyway, come on in, Brian! How long are you going to stand at the door?"
Hishi Amazon urged.
"Once the little ones get back, it'll be—"
Before she could finish, another person entered the dormitory.
Brown long hair, a white fringe, wearing the school uniform yet carrying an air of impeccable neatness.
It was Symboli Rudolf.
Her gem-like violet eyes looked at the colorful streamers on the floor.
Hesitating, Rudolf spoke.
"Have I come at a bad time?"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! 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.