The former student council president and Triple Crown winner from Tracen America was coming to their academy.
Maruzensky deftly double-checked the personnel list in her hands.
Yet, no matter where she looked, there was no mention of Count Fleet's name.
Why would she be here…?
The same question that plagued the reporters now surfaced in the minds of the student council members.
Count Fleet.
Twenty-one starts, sixteen wins, never finishing outside the top three in her entire career.
A legendary Uma Musume hailed as unbeaten at distances of a mile or more, she held the world record for mile races.
In the final leg of the American Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, she had won by a staggering twenty-five lengths—a record once thought impossible for any successor to break.
And now, a figure of such imperial stature had stepped off the exchange students' plane.
Those blue-violet eyes held a terrifying intensity that instantly silenced the gathered press.
Everyone held their breath, not daring to make a sound.
That sharp gaze swept slowly across the crowd before finally settling on Maruzensky and the others.
Immediately, they felt as if their hearts were being gripped by an invisible force, tightening unbearably.
Powerful…
Unmatched and overwhelming.
That domineering aura, the kind that commanded the racetrack, didn't seem to have faded even after her retirement.
A single glance from her was enough to inspire fear.
This was a Uma Musume inducted into the American Hall of Fame.
Someone who had truly reached the pinnacle of the world.
"You're from Tracen, right?"
A voice full of strength, matching her blazing presence, reached their ears.
Only then did they realize—while they'd been frozen in tension—Count Fleet had already approached them unnoticed.
"Y-yes, we're from the student council," Air Groove responded immediately.
Even she hadn't noticed her own voice trembling nervously.
"Might I ask… why are you here?"
For someone of her caliber to come abroad as an exchange student would surely cause a sensation in the racing world.
Yet Tracen had received no news about this whatsoever.
"My apologies for the late notice. These are my exchange student documents."
Similarly speaking fluent Japanese, Count Fleet handed a document folder to Air Groove.
Air Groove took it in a daze.
What did this mean?
"I've come primarily as the leader of this exchange group, to coordinate and address training matters. As you know, Japan and America differ not only in training methods but also in racing surfaces."
To prevent the students from struggling to adapt, Count Fleet would assist and guide from the sidelines.
It sounded reasonable enough.
But in her tone, Air Groove and the others detected a hint of distrust toward Tracen.
It clearly implied that their capabilities were insufficient, necessitating her own involvement.
Then, Count Fleet added:
"Originally, Tracen America had arranged for several trainers to accompany the group, but that plan was later canceled."
She explained, "The students are here to experience different training methods and track cultures. If they came to another academy only to follow the same rules and routines, the exchange would lose its meaning."
"However, the academy was concerned that after adapting to Japanese conditions, they might face issues upon returning home. That's why I'm here to supervise from the sidelines."
To that end, Count Fleet had also prepared her own exchange student paperwork.
"A last-minute change—my apologies."
Though the core message remained, Count Fleet's subsequent explanation eased the expressions of Air Groove and the others.
"We understand the situation now. It is quite unexpected. Currently, Tracen doesn't have a trainer suited for your level, Countess. We'll need to—"
"As for a trainer, I'll simply follow those girls."
With that, the Countess turned her gaze toward the four Uma Musume who were enthusiastically engaging with the reporters.
Fresh off the plane, they seemed fascinated by everything Japanese.
"Is that advisable?" Maruzensky asked. "If the records are correct, they're all newcomers who haven't debuted yet. Their training is mostly foundational, focusing on stamina. It might not be suitable for someone of your caliber, Countess."
For a Uma Musume at the Countess's level, an ordinary trainer simply wouldn't suffice.
She needed more advanced guidance to help her improve…
Improve what?
Speed, technique, strength, mentality.
It was unimaginable.
They couldn't fathom what she could possibly lack.
Having honed nearly every attribute to the pinnacle of what a Uma Musume could achieve, they couldn't even picture how she could improve further.
A trainer worthy of Count Fleet might not exist in all of Tracen!
"Unnecessary."
Count Fleet shook her head. "This trip focuses on them. My role is to assist. As their leader, I only need to ensure their daily training is adequate. Please don't trouble yourselves over me."
Better to devote that energy to looking after them.
"I see…"
Since she put it that way, Maruzensky and the others could only nod in agreement.
"Then please follow us, Countess."
Maruzensky gestured, leading the way. "We'll take you to Tracen."
"Thank you for your trouble. And now… hey, you lot! Time to go!"
She called out to the girls who were still happily chatting with the press.
They hurried over at once.
"Interesting—! Wow, back in America, getting this much attention would've been next to impossible."
Seated in the dedicated shuttle to Tracen, El Condor Pasa let out a satisfied sigh.
"Absolutely! Such an exciting and happy day, isn't it, Miracle? How do you feel?"
Taiki Shuttle nodded vigorously, turning to the blue-haired girl beside her.
"It's a bit overwhelming to be surrounded by so many people." Possibly a little anemic, K.S. Miracle pressed a hand to her forehead.
'But… it doesn't feel bad.'
She added softly.
"Right, right?!" Taiki Shuttle responded excitedly.
"Getting to come to Japan feels like a dream."
Resting her cheek in her hand, Grass Wonder wore a gentle smile.
"...Even though you're from America, all of you speak Japanese quite well."
Sitting beside Count Fleet, Maruzensky couldn't help glancing back at the Uma Musume in the seats behind.
"Yes. As part of the exchange program, the academy set certain requirements for applicants."
Good academic standing and an understanding of Eastern culture.
"They've all been fond of Japan for a long time, seeing it as promising ground for racing. They even studied Japanese on their own."
When the exchange program was announced, they were among the first to apply.
"I see… Then we absolutely mustn't let them return disappointed."
"When they get too excited, they tend to do all sorts of foolish things. Please don't hesitate to reprimand them firmly when needed."
"It seems you're quite strict with your students, Countess."
"Merely fulfilling my duty as a senior to guide them properly."
With that, the shuttle bus drove on, heading into Tracen Academy.
--+--
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.