"Ack! Oww, oww, oww!"
Pinned to the ground by Vodka, Trainer Okino squeezed his eyes shut, yelling, "I really didn't mean it... My arm's gonna break! It's really gonna snap!"
"Sorry, sorry!"
While the other Uma Musume crowded around their trainer, enjoying the spectacle, Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen stood before the trio from Bless the Moment, clasping their hands in apology. "Our trainer's old habits are acting up again," they explained.
"It's fine, really."
Listening to the continued pleas for mercy worming their way into her ears, Bless the Moment fought hard to suppress her laughter, struggling to keep the corners of her mouth from twitching upward. "Your Team Spica sure is lively."
"Hahaha..."
Mejiro McQueen gave a dry laugh and averted her gaze.
"But is it really okay to let them do that to your trainer?" The white-haired Uma Musume pointed behind the two, having noticed that Gold Ship had now escalated to using a submission hold.
"It's no problem at all."
Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen answered in unison. "Our trainer can handle this much without any trouble."
Just this much...
Bless the Moment peered past the two at Okino, who was still flat on the ground.
This guy's 'physical resilience' is something else.
"Bless the Moment, is this your first time visiting our Central Tracen Academy?" Mejiro McQueen steered the topic away from the trainer, offering her services. "To make it up to you, how about I give you a tour of the school today?"
"Having you give me a tour, Miss McQueen?"
Bless the Moment thought for a moment, then took a step back, pulling Satono Diamond in front of her like a shield. "I appreciate the offer, but Dia here has been really looking forward to today."
"So, Miss McQueen, you should spend more time with her today."
"Then what about you..."
"I'll be perfectly fine."
The white-haired Uma Musume shook her head. "Since it's Campus Open Day today, there won't be any shortage of students handling the tours."
"Just let me wander around a bit."
"But Bless, your health..."
"I already told you, I'm much better than I used to be."
Bless the Moment insisted, "I'll stick to the crowded areas... and if I start feeling unwell, I'll call you. Is that acceptable?"
"You wouldn't want to miss this perfect chance to spend the whole day with the senior you admire most, right?"
"Well..."
Satono Diamond, her weak spot struck, was momentarily lost for words.
"See? I told you you're all worrying too much."
Bless the Moment sighed in resignation. "I really feel like you all treat me like an infant less than a year old, someone who needs constant protection."
It was like this at home, and it was the same outside.
Am I really that fragile, like glass that shatters at the slightest touch?!
"Alright then... But you absolutely must call me if you feel even the slightest bit unwell, okay?" Satono Diamond added, still unable to fully relax.
"Okay, okay, I got it."
The white-haired Uma Musume agreed readily.
--+--
Finally, I'm alone.
After seeing her two friends and the senior they adored off into the distance, Bless the Moment turned and walked in the opposite direction.
...Well, since I'm here, I might as well go see how they're doing.
Although it was her first time at Central Tracen, Bless the Moment moved with the ease of someone who knew the place well.
This year's Campus Open Day was different from before.
Instead of drawing lots to decide which team would handle the tours, Uma Musume who had been retired for quite some time were the ones welcoming the visitors.
This decision by the Central Tracen Student Council indirectly helped Bless the Moment, saving her the worry of not being able to find the people she was looking for.
I'll go see Ardan first.
She thought it over and made her decision.
In her past life, she had practically worried herself sick trying to ensure Ardan could retire safely and soundly.
Weekly check-ups, running shoes, racing style, track conditions, training schedules... At her busiest, she'd even gone three whole days without sleep.
Although Ardan had been a handful during her active career, thankfully, she had ultimately managed to retire without any major issues.
It's been over ten years since I last saw her. I wonder if Ardan still remembers me.
The white-haired Uma Musume's steps were light as she moved forward.
--+--
The white-haired Uma Musume finally found Mejiro Ardan at the open-air stage.
She saw the blue-haired Uma Musume sitting in the very last row, gazing towards the stage from a distance.
Her hair's a bit longer now, and her tail has a better sheen than before. You can tell she's been eating well and taking good care of herself.
Hmm, good, good.
After giving the blue-haired Uma Musume a thorough once-over from head to toe, Bless the Moment looked up only to find that Mejiro Ardan, seated on the bench, had already turned to face her.
"Hello?"
Meeting the white-haired girl's gaze, the blue-haired Uma Musume offered a friendly smile. "Are you a visitor here for the Campus Open Day?"
"..."
Bless the Moment didn't reply, merely staring fixedly at that familiar face.
What would Ardan's reaction be if I said something like 'I won my resurrection match, I'm your trainer, I'm back'?
Bless the Moment imagined the possible scenarios.
I'd definitely get punched.
The white-haired Uma Musume concluded with certainty.
Wait... in my previous life, before I died, these girls were always clinging to me, saying they'd recognize me no matter what I looked like.
Hmm... Maybe I should test if they can still recognize me.
"...?"
Seeing the white-haired Uma Musume standing not far away remain silent, Mejiro Ardan was about to speak again when she noticed the other girl's lips curve upwards into a smile.
"Ardan-senpai! You're Ardan-senpai, right!"
Before Ardan could fully process it, the white-haired Uma Musume closed the distance between them in a few quick steps, her face alight with excitement. "This is great, I've finally met you!"
"Could I please have your autograph?"
...So she's a fan.
Mejiro Ardan looked at the white-haired Uma Musume before her, smiled and nodded, pulling a pen from her jacket pocket. Following the fan's request, she signed her name on the girl's clothing.
"You're a visitor for today's Campus Open Day, right?" After finishing the signature, Mejiro Ardan looked at the delighted white-haired girl and asked again.
"Mm-hm!"
The white-haired Uma Musume nodded vigorously. "I heard that you, Miss Ardan, would be one of the hosts for this Open Day, so I came specifically."
"So you came because of me." The blue-haired Uma Musume said with a laugh, extending her hand towards the girl. "In that case, how about I show you around Central Tracen Academy?"
"Okay!"
The white-haired Uma Musume grabbed the offered hand, her face beaming.
"Is there anywhere you'd particularly like to go?" Mejiro Ardan asked as she led the way.
"Anywhere you decide is fine, Ardan-san." The white-haired Uma Musume replied obediently.
Anywhere I decide, huh...
Mejiro Ardan felt a little troubled.
"Well then... shall we check out the indoor swimming pool first?" The blue-haired Uma Musume suggested tentatively.
"Mm! Mm!" The white-haired Uma Musume kept nodding.
--+--
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.