Having completed the entire set of exercises, Yasui Makoto once again found himself marveling at his assigned Uma Musume.
Despite scheduled breaks throughout the hours-long training session, she had barely paused overall.
Yet, after all this intense training, Kitasan Black hardly showed any signs of fatigue.
Not only was she energetic, but there wasn't even much sweat on her face. She looked bright-eyed and ready for another round of training at a moment's notice.
He had known from her training data that her physical condition was excellent, but seeing it firsthand was still astonishing beyond belief.
Precisely because of this, Yasui Makoto hadn't taken any breaks either, using each pause to promptly analyze the data he gathered.
When Kitasan Black rested, he immediately used that time to refine and adjust the upcoming training, resulting in noticeable improvements in her subsequent exercises.
Of course, part of this achievement was due to Kitasan Black's inherent talent.
Not only was her physical aptitude exceptional, but her sense of rhythm turned out to be surprisingly sharp.
Aside from a few errors during the initial sets, her synchronization with the music rhythm improved steadily, eventually averaging over 75%.
Typically, a first-timer hitting 50% synchronization in such training was considered excellent; 75% was unquestionably prodigious.
Realizing this, Yasui unconsciously revised his estimation of the Uma Musume before him.
"Let's wrap it up here today," he praised as he began packing up his belongings. "I'll take you out for dinner. And another thing…"
He paused thoughtfully.
"Kita-chan, besides the school's dance and singing lessons, have you perhaps studied on your own?"
"Yes! Trainer, please allow me to treat you this time!"
Energetically raising her hand, Kitasan Black eagerly rushed over.
"Trainer, let me carry your bag for you!"
As she picked up Yasui's shoulder bag, she bit her lower lip slightly, recalling his earlier question.
"Well, music and dancing…I guess I haven't studied formally."
"But I've always loved singing!"
"My dad, my grandpa, and many people in my family are excellent singers. I've listened to them sing since I was little!"
Yasui immediately understood.
According to her profile, Kitasan came from a notable family. Her grandfather was a renowned singer whose students and protégés spanned all of Japan. Growing up in such a musically inclined household naturally sharpened her instinct for rhythm.
Previously, she probably hadn't applied this awareness to running, resulting in the chaotic pace she'd shown early in training.
Of course, her considerable strength was another contributing factor.
Running and singing were fundamentally different—singing primarily engaged the muscles of the neck, chest, and abdomen, whereas running required coordination of muscles throughout the entire body. Mastering rhythm while running was inherently more challenging.
However, given her solid musical foundation, as long as she maintained diligent training, mastering basic stride rhythms wouldn't pose a major issue.
This left room to consider another aspect of her training…
While Yasui was lost in thought, Kitasan enthusiastically continued chatting about her family and her childhood adventures.
"…We lived in the countryside, so on summer nights, my friends and I would often go catch fireflies and beetles in the woods!"
"We would have contests to see whose beetle was strongest—there were even beetle tournaments!"
"Oh, and back then, I guess I already had a vague idea of becoming an Uma Musume."
"Hehehe, among my friends, I was the fastest. Everyone always said I'd definitely become an amazing Uma Musume!"
"My dad and grandpa thought so too, and then…"
Her excitement grew even more apparent.
"After watching Teio-senpai's races, I've always dreamed of becoming an incredible Uma Musume like her!"
"Trainer, do you think…"
She looked expectantly at Yasui.
"…Do you think my dream might come true?"
Gazing back into Kitasan's clear eyes, Yasui saw his reflection clearly mirrored there and involuntarily smiled.
"I'll do everything in my power to help you achieve that dream."
"Mhm! Thank you so much, Trainer!"
Kitasan raised both hands, nodding eagerly. Soon after, however, the lively and energetic Uma Musume sheepishly clutched her stomach.
"But you're right, Trainer. Before dreams can come true, it's probably best to fill our stomachs first."
As they spoke, they had arrived at the Central Tracen Academy cafeteria.
Most students had already finished their meals, leaving the cafeteria relatively empty. After placing their orders, Kitasan eagerly carried both trays to their table.
Though it was supposedly for two, Yasui's portion was minimal—just a single bowl of ramen.
Kitasan's order, by contrast, was easily ten times as much, a towering pile of fried rice, noodles, grilled meat, and carrots in sauce reaching nearly half her height.
The cafeteria chefs were professionals. They ensured the food matched Uma Musume's tastes without becoming too greasy.
Though Yasui was slightly surprised by Kitasan's appetite, he understood that after the afternoon's training, she must be genuinely starving.
"Thanks for the meal!"
She clasped her hands cheerfully before the mountain-like dinner. Just as she picked up her chopsticks, she caught Yasui's slightly startled gaze from the corner of her eye and blushed faintly.
"Uh…actually…"
Twiddling her fingers awkwardly, she murmured:
"I don't normally eat this much…"
"I usually eat this much…no, wait, about this much…"
"No, no, actually it's just a bit like this…"
With each phrase, her hand lowered progressively until finally, her voice rose somewhat defiantly:
"Okay, Trainer, if you wanna laugh, just laugh! I really am hungry…but this is definitely more than my usual…"
"Why would I laugh?"
"It's only a little more…huh?"
Kitasan's ears twitched.
"You…won't make fun of me for eating a lot, Trainer?"
"Why would I tease you about that? Besides, there's no reason for a trainer to mock his assigned Uma Musume."
Picking up his chopsticks calmly, Yasui continued:
"Anyway, this amount isn't even that much. I've seen Uma Musume who can eat way more than this."
"R-really? In that case, I'll dig right in!"
Realizing her earlier worries were unfounded, Kitasan became instantly cheerful again, lifting the huge plate of fried rice in front of her and gulping down a massive mouthful.
"Mmf…oh yeah, Trwainer, who wush the Uma Musume who ate even more than me?"
"…Swallow your food before speaking. Be careful not to choke."
After reminding her gently, Yasui pondered her repeated question for a moment but responded instead with another question.
"I'll introduce her to you later. More importantly…"
"Kita-chan, what kind of Uma Musume do you consider truly outstanding and dazzling?"
"Or rather, which races have you considered running in the future?"
...
That evening, in Kitasan Black's dorm room.
"Dia-chan! I'm home!"
"Oh, welcome back, Kita-chan."
Greeting Kitasan's cheerful return was an Uma Musume with long light-brown hair and gentle golden eyes.
Her elegant appearance and refined demeanor closely resembled Satono Crown, whom they'd seen earlier practicing in the dance studio.
This was none other than Satono Crown's younger sister—and Kitasan Black's roommate—Satono Diamond.