*Here's the scenario:*
An Uma Musume encountered a Trainer she had rejected earlier that day, who then harshly scolded her for overtraining.
He suddenly declared himself her Trainer, then she collapsed.
When she woke up, she was in her dorm room, lying in bed.
How do you think she's feeling right now?
*Answer:*
*Aaaah, this is the worst!*
"Ugh... Ugh..."
The morning after the incident, I lay writhing in my futon in my dorm room.
*I completely Rampaged! I usually try so hard to suppress my emotions to prevent things like this!*
*Why does this keep happening?! All I wanted was a Trainer contract, so I entered that simulation race!*
...No, I know exactly what went wrong. The problem is clear.
*Cold...*
That feeling. It steals my composure, leaving me seeing nothing but victory—a chilling sensation.
Since some time ago, I'd been feeling it every time I ran a race. It probably stemmed from either my psyche or my Uma Soul—though I couldn't be sure which.
*Even I don't fully understand which it is or why it happens.*
When that feeling takes hold, I lose myself in a Rampage, fixated solely on victory. Everything else fades into irrelevance.
...No, it's not that I don't always want to win, but that desire becomes overwhelmingly intense.
Once that state sets in, I can't stop myself. I enter a state that can only be described as a Rampage.
But even this Rampage isn't entirely negative.
When victory is the only thing on my mind, it means I can focus entirely on it.
During a race, I maintain unwavering concentration, cold and ruthless as I relentlessly pursue my goal.
I'd become unshakeable in the face of most accidents, and my mind and body would operate at peak efficiency.
More importantly, aside from yesterday, this sensation had always subsided shortly after a race ended.
The thought of my mindset becoming distorted was a little frightening, but otherwise, the benefits were overwhelming. That's why I'd managed to coexist with it so well.
What exactly this sensation was, even I couldn't fully understand.
I'd always believed I could control it effectively, but that might no longer be the case.
What I realized during the simulation race was that the competitive level here was vastly different from Hokkaido. Even with that sensation and my full potential, there were Uma Musume I couldn't defeat.
And another thing. Yesterday, after losing the race, the heat that should have gradually returned never did. Instead, I began running solely to win and couldn't stop.
The Rampage that should have been confined to the race persisted. If I hadn't met my Trainer there... at worst, my legs...
That coldness. Something inside me.
I need to properly understand what that is and find a way to deal with it.
At worst, it might trigger another Rampage if I lose again...
*Well, maybe that wouldn't be so bad after all.*
Thinking calmly, all I need to do is not lose.
*Win and you're the hero, lose and you're the villain.* If I run faster and reach the finish line first, everything will be resolved.
In other words, instead of dealing with the "cold" sensation, I should focus on intense training to run even faster.
After all, a loser like me has no value. When that time comes, I'll calmly accept my fate.
"...Will-chan, are you awake?"
A familiar voice, sounding somewhat hazy, reached my ears.
Next, a head popped up. *Hmm, Meek-senpai is so cute today.*
"Do you need something, Meek-senpai?"
Her rare white hair framed drowsy, pale pink, downturned eyes. This perpetually dazed and fluffy Uma Musume was Happy Meek, my roommate and senior.
For over four years, she had been running at Tracen Academy, even winning various races—a truly legendary senior.
...Yet at the same time, she was an endearingly laid-back and utterly adorable senior.
Just watching her gaze blissfully at the sky from the dorm window felt like sharing in her happiness.
It was April of last year.
New life, making friends, and the start of my racing career.
Overwhelmed with anxiety, I arrived at the academy and was carrying my luggage into the dorm when Meek-senpai suddenly appeared.
*Well, she didn't exactly appear—I just hadn't realized she was my roommate until then.*
After setting down the cardboard boxes, I froze when Meek-senpai suddenly entered the room. The sudden intrusion of a suspicious person into my room overwhelmed me, causing my brain to crash.
Meek-senpai stopped too, staring blankly at me. Looking back now, I think she probably wasn't thinking about anything at all.
A minute or so of silent tension stretched between us.
In the end, I decided to raise both hands. *If she was a suspicious person, I didn't want to take any chances.*
...Yeah, now that I think about it, why didn't I realize she was my roommate? *Maybe I was just too flustered.*
Faced with my trembling, impromptu hold-up, Meek-senpai chuckled softly and said,
"...*Fufu... you look like a little crab.*"
*That was our utterly surreal first encounter.*
Though things were a bit awkward at first, after living together for over half a year, Meek-senpai and I naturally grew closer. Of course, she never took off her mask.
I trusted Meek-senpai enough to confide in her about my troubles. When I shared my troubles, she would get so flustered, her face turning bright red as she desperately tried to help—it was utterly adorable.
As for Meek-senpai herself... Hmm, I'm not sure. She's always so spaced out, it's hard to gauge how close she really feels to me.
Still, she often gushed about her beloved Trainer-san, so I hoped she considered me a friend... That would make me so happy.
And so, Meek-senpai, the soothing Uma Musume.
She nodded gently, a soft, pliable movement, and handed me a letter.
"This... I received it from Will-chan's Trainer-san."
"My Trainer..."
Ugh... It's a properly written letter, something you rarely see these days. I wonder what it says. I'm too scared to open it...
Meek-senpai isn't like the black goat, so she properly delivered it to me. If only she had eaten it instead.
*...A senpai munching on a letter would be so adorable.* I kind of want to see it.
...Enough daydreaming. I should get back to reality.
"Thank you, Meek-senpai."
"...Bui."
The impossibly cute senior struck a V-sign with a smug look and skipped out of the room.
*Ah, Meek-senpai is truly adorable.*
I know it's disrespectful to think this about a senior, but she's so comforting to watch, like a carefree kitten.
...*Ah, right. I really have to read that letter, don't I?*
I'm probably going to get scolded. My rude behavior during the day, the excessive self-training at night, and then fainting right after—I've been nothing but trouble for Trainer-san.
Just imagining what the letter might say makes me want to curl up and disappear.
But he *is* my Trainer, after all. I have to face it, don't I? ...*Ugh.*
At least I hope he's not *too* angry. If he drew some emoticons or little doodles, that would soften the blow.
*Flip.*
Come to my Trainer's Room after school.
Horino
*Am I going to be killed?*
***
There was no scolding.
In fact, when I apologized, he simply said, with his usual expressionless face, "Don't worry about it."
Ugh, but that refined, serious face still felt incredibly intimidating. *Was he really not angry? Was he okay?*
*I'm sorry, I'm reflecting on my mistakes. I regret it too. Next time, I'll accelerate faster and definitely win.*
Afterward, the Trainer nodded to himself, tilted his head, and seemed to be pondering something.
I unconsciously tilted my head just like him.
*What's he thinking?* He looked like he was putting on a one-man show, which was kind of amusing. But it also made me wonder if it was safe to leave my training to him.
Just as I was thinking that, he suddenly turned to face me.
"Let's introduce ourselves properly, shall we?"
*Wait, that's so sudden!*
Just like yesterday, this Trainer's topic transitions are so abrupt—I think maybe he struggles to align his thoughts with how others perceive things.
...Ah, no, wait. Maybe it's just my poor understanding.
Neither in my previous life nor in this one have I lived a particularly bright life. I didn't have many friends... well, that's a bit of an exaggeration. In this life, I have Meek-senpai, but in my previous life, I didn't have a single friend. *Hahaha.*
So, naturally, I lack communication skills. I'm what you'd call socially awkward.
I wonder if normal Uma Musume can keep up with this Trainer's way of speaking.
Thinking about that... makes me feel a little sad.
The self-introductions went smoothly.
The Trainer's demeanor exuded the aura of a flawless adult.
He wouldn't show me his vulnerabilities. He wanted to be seen solely as my Trainer—nothing more, nothing less.
*Perhaps he's just earnest*, I thought. He seemed utterly dedicated to his duties, pouring all his focus into them.
It was a little lonely, sure, but these kinds of characters are the ones who really make you want to *攻略* them, you know? In dating sim games, anyway.
Meanwhile, my self-introduction was something I'd been planning for ages.
Being the clever girl I am, I'd prepared a flawless introduction long before arriving at Tracen Academy, so I could immediately introduce myself to new friends or Trainers. Naturally, I tested it out on Meek-senpai first, though all I got in return was a blank, spacey look.
My introduction covered my name, hometown, favorite food, hobbies, and special skills. When addressing a Trainer, I'd add my past racing history and my aspirations for future races.
Actually, I had shamelessly copied the self-introduction method from an old book called *Making Friends for Dummies*.
But if it was in a how-to guide, it must be a foolproof method, right?
I'm sure the Trainer felt an instant connection with me. I couldn't tell from his unchanging expression, though.
After my introduction, the Trainer paused briefly before speaking again.
"Now, knowing you, I imagine you're eager to learn how to become faster?"
"Yes, please teach me!"
"...Hmm. Your enthusiasm is commendable."
Naturally. No Uma Musume who enrolls at Tracen Academy wouldn't be interested in that.
Especially since I came here precisely to become faster—to surpass everyone.
"That said, there's nothing overly complicated to it."
"As an Uma Musume, you should understand the differences in distances, Running Styles, and Aptitudes, right?"
"I apologize, but I have very little knowledge about that. I would greatly appreciate it if you could explain."
"...Hmm. Understood."
*I'm so sorry! I should have learned more about Horse Racing beforehand.*
By the way, when I said "very little," I didn't mean *none at all*. Even just living as an Uma Musume meant hearing about these things often.
I certainly knew terms like "Mile," "Medium Range," and "Long Range." And "Runaway Frontrunner," too. There were also terms like "Ultra Frontrunner" and "Explosive Frontrunner," right?
I could grasp the nuances if someone explained them to me. That's how I'd always gotten by—drifting along at my own laid-back pace.
So, I confidently assumed I'd be able to follow the conversation reasonably well and watched as Trainer-san began to speak.
*This is bad—I don't know any of this! So many distinctions exist?!*
Um, Turf, Dirt. Sprint, Mile, Medium Range, Long Range. And then Front Runner, Pace Chaser, Late Surger, End Closer.
Yeah, some of it was a little hazy, but I think I remembered it all properly.
Uma Musume have affinities and weaknesses for these categories. For me, mile-long races and the Late Surger style aren't a good fit.
What suits me best are Medium Range and Long Range races, and the Front Runner style. Since he didn't mention anything else, I guess Turf is fine.
So from now on, I'll be competing in Turf races, focusing on Medium to Long Range, using the Front Runner style.
Wow—it's all completely new to me. Just learning this alone makes signing with Trainer-san worth it.
But to instantly pinpoint my ideal distances and running style... could Trainer-san actually be some kind of genius? I heard he was a Rookie Trainer, but maybe the Elite School really is different.
"Now, I have another very important matter to discuss with you. ...But before that, may I ask you something?"
"If it's something I can answer."
*I wanted him to ask me anything. I was ready to answer everything.*
I already trusted Trainer Horino almost completely. He was the only one who scouted me, he forgave me for causing so much trouble yesterday, and on top of that, he's competent *and* handsome.
...Wait, am I being too easily swayed?
No, no, but trusting the Trainer I'd contracted with seems like the right thing to do.
*I'm not easy, I'm not easy.*
Anyway, if the Trainer's asking, it must be something necessary for me to get faster. There's no reason not to answer.
Come on, bring it on!
"Then let me ask: are you aware of your own abnormality?"
*My thoughts froze.*
*Have they noticed? That I'm a reincarnated person. That I carried memories from my previous life. That I'm... abnormal.*
*No. I don't want to be feared. To be cast aside. I'm scared... Cold.*
*Why? How did they find out? I haven't said anything strange, have I?*
"...What do you mean by that?"
*Please, let it be a misunderstanding. Don't notice.*
"Naturally, I'm referring to your power. Surely someone with such immense strength must be aware of it themselves."
*Please...*
*Stop it.*
"...How did you discover this?"
*Help me, Father.*
"It's simple."
"I know you possess an exceptionally well-conditioned body."
"Because when I look at an Uma Musume's legs, I can perfectly assess the peak of their physical conditioning...!"
*Ehh, ah... Huh?*
Wait, uh, was I wrong? He didn't notice?
My body is "finished"? That's all?
*Anime Reincarnation.* The Reincarnation Perk I received made my body exceptionally robust—so much so that I was undefeated in my hometown.
If I believe my Trainer's words, I've been fighting on unfavorable battlefields using disadvantageous strategies all this time, and perhaps I could become even stronger.
He just realized I was strong.
That's all. That's all it is.
...Good.
Still, my legs... He can tell how "finished" my body is just by looking at my legs?
That sounds familiar...? The details are a bit different, though... It feels like it was even more perverted...
...Wait! Isn't that Trainer Okino?!
In that moment, I understood everything.
Okino and Horino—such similar names. Their remarkable competence and broad-mindedness. And above all, their ability to gauge Tomo's progress at a glance.
*Trainer Horino is Trainer Okino's replacement...!!*
In my previous world, I had been deeply immersed in otaku culture.
I had devoured light novels, anime, games, and manga without restraint, indulging my every whim.
Naturally, this included fan fiction from the then-popular genres.
That's why I understood it immediately.
*Ah, this is exactly what we studied in the Original Protagonist Genre seminar!*
Original Protagonist Genre. In other words, fan fiction featuring an original protagonist.
These stories typically involved the original protagonist rewriting tragic endings or intervening in the narrative to achieve overwhelming dominance.
Of course, the actual execution varied widely. From anti-hate narratives to radical reimaginings of the original work, the approaches were diverse.
While often disliked by purists, some *original protagonist genre* works actually enhance the charm of the source material...
Ah, well, let's not get into all that.
Among these *original protagonist genre* works, there's a specific type that occasionally crops up—the *replacement format*.
In this format, authors overwrite characters who fell just short of perfection in the original work or had glaring flaws with their own *original character* or *original protagonist* creations—a rather audacious move.
I've dubbed this the *replacement format* myself. There might be a proper term for it, but I couldn't be bothered to look it up. It's not important anyway.
Naturally, fans of the replaced characters often react with furious backlash, but that's a separate matter.
If this world were a *replacement format original protagonist genre* work, I've sometimes wondered...
My hometown is a remote village in Hokkaido. And if my memory serves me correctly, Spe-chan, the protagonist of Anime Season 1, was also from Hokkaido.
The implication of this was—
*Could it be... I was meant to replace Spe-chan?!*
In essence, there were only two original characters in this world.
Trainer Horino, the cheat-level Trainer, placed in Trainer Okino's stead.
And... Hoshino Wilm, the reincarnated cheat Uma Musume who might have replaced Spe-chan!
*Whoa, seriously?! Was this an Original Protagonist story from the first season?! Would I ultimately have to compete against that terrifying Foreign Uma Musume?!*
...Or something like that.
Honestly, my inner turmoil was raging like a tempest, but I managed to maintain a composed expression.
"I see, so that's how it is. I understand," I said with a straight face, nodding calmly.
I *did* understand—though probably not in the way my trainer thought.
...No, I understood, but whether I *accepted* it was another matter. To be reincarnated into the world of Uma Musume and yet be unable to meet Trainer Okino or Spe-chan—that was a real letdown.
...Wait a minute?
I had already enrolled at Tracen Academy. I'd been assigned to a class and was attending lessons daily.
But Sky-chan wasn't among my classmates.
It had been quite some time since I watched the anime. I occasionally reminisced about it and jotted down notes, but my memories were far from perfect.
Still, I vividly remembered Sky-chan being in Spe-chan's class. I was certain of it.
Could it be that Sky-chan had also been replaced by another Uma Musume?
Hmm, that would be taking the alterations too far, wouldn't it...? But maybe such things were possible?
Furthermore, my roommate wasn't Suzuka-san but Meek-senpai.
We agreed on the "senpai" part, but the atmosphere was completely different. I seemed to recall Meek-senpai saying she wouldn't run away.
*What does this mean? The more I think about it, the more confused I get...*
Hm, Trainer Horino seemed about to speak. I should pause my thoughts for now.
"Hmm, if you're satisfied, then there's no problem. Thank you."
"? Why are you thanking me?"
"Gratitude is important. I make it a habit to express gratitude whenever I can. Gratitude, gratitude."
......???
*Gratitude, gratitude?* *Was Trainer Horino always this kind of person?*
"Ahem, ahem. Anyway, I can now accurately assess your condition and status—probably more accurately than other trainers.
Therefore, I might propose somewhat unconventional training plans.
If you ever find my decisions odd, don't hesitate to ask. I'll explain my reasoning thoroughly."
"Yes, I'll rely on you."
*Well, this time I have complete trust.*
Since he was chosen to replace Trainer Okino, he must have an exceptional ability to assess my condition.
Judging by how he handled things last night, he's clearly someone who respects my wishes.
I can confidently call him a perfect Trainer now.
Though I started out full of anxiety, it seems I've drawn a lucky SSR ticket after all!
...Huh? SSR?
The moment that thought crossed my mind, something clicked.
The Trainer's face paled slightly, then flushed crimson.
*Snap!*
"!?!"
Trainer Horino suddenly clapped his hands against his cheeks—with considerable force.
E-eh?! What?! What's happening?!
W-w-what? What's wrong? What am I supposed to do?!
The Trainer's eyes seemed filled with resolve, but I have no idea what it means!
"A-um... are you alright?"
*Are you really okay? Are you feeling a bit off?*
I asked, slightly pulling back, but the Trainer turned sharply to face me.
"I'm fine, Hoshino Wilm."
"If you say so, then that's good."
"No matter what happens, I'll protect you!"
"...Huh?"
*Um, excuse me?*
Even with that intensely determined expression, I couldn't understand what he meant.
*What exactly led him to that conclusion? I wish I could peek inside the Trainer's mind.*
...Wait a minute, could it be...?
Actually, I had a theory about this stone-faced Trainer.
*Could he be the type who keeps everything bottled up, thinking it all through internally without expressing it clearly to others—what they call "taciturn"?*
After yesterday's simulation race, it was obvious our conversation rhythms were out of sync.
It felt less like a dialogue and more like a Q&A session—with the Trainer unilaterally throwing out statements and me merely parrying them back.
His words were minimal—almost as if crucial pieces were missing, making our conversations feel disjointed.
Even during his self-introduction, there was no unnecessary information—just the bare minimum required to fulfill his duties as a Trainer.
*Could it be that he struggles to talk about himself?*
*...Just like me.*
Ah, but thinking about it this way makes so many things make sense.
Take yesterday's conversation, for example. Asking my name, then immediately asking why I ran at that distance with my Running Style, and then immediately offering a scout—I had found the pace of the conversation too rapid.
But if he approached me with the intention of scouting me from the start, it makes sense. And a Trainer with capabilities similar to Trainer Okino would have understood that the simulation race's distance and my Running Style were ill-suited.
Thinking along those lines:
First, he asked my name to smooth the conversation. Then, he inquired about my participation in the simulation race—not as a casual whim, but to confirm my genuine interest in being scouted. Only after determining I seemed serious did he offer me a scout.
Thinking about it this way, it made perfect sense.
Of course, it should have been obvious, but just like Meek-senpai, the Trainer was always thinking carefully about what he said. *Sometimes Meek-senpai really doesn't think at all, though.*
*He really doesn't say enough*. I wish he'd explain his thoughts more. It leaves me so confused.
Now, what was the meaning behind his earlier remark, "I'll protect you"?
Just before that, he had been explaining that his training approach differed somewhat from other Trainers'.
Putting myself in the Trainer's shoes and imagining how an Uma Musume might react to such a statement...
Aha! I understood.
The Trainer must have sensed my anxiety and tried to reassure me.
Everything clicked into place.
The unease I'd felt since yesterday—the Trainer's inscrutable emotions—suddenly became clear.
He had scouted an Uma Musume who didn't even understand her own running style, stopped her from overworking herself, accepted being forced into becoming her Trainer, and carried her unconscious back to the Dorm without a word of complaint.
Despite being inconvenienced, he showed no anger, patiently explaining things to someone as clueless as me, even worrying he might have made me anxious.
*This man... he's just hard to understand, but he's incredibly kind.*
Well, I wasn't really anxious, and suddenly slapping his own cheek out of some misunderstanding—that was just plain foolish.
"Trainer."
"What is it, Hoshino Wilm?!"
Ah, just as I thought.
He answered so briskly, trying to hide any hint of worry.
His expressionless, unfriendly demeanor—was that just clumsiness too?
*That's why bad rumors spread about you, Trainer.*
If you showed that kindness, everyone would understand right away.
...Ah, he's so warm.
"Don't you often get told... *pfft*... that you're a bit spacey?"
"What?! Hoshino Wilm, where did you hear that?!"
It was absurd. I didn't even understand what was so funny.
Forgetting my self-control and the mask I wore to suppress my emotions, I couldn't stop myself from grinning for a long moment.
*Ugh, how embarrassing!*
*H-he saw me smile for the first time in ages...* Ugh, I'll never be able to get married now...
As I withered and shrank in mortification, Trainer-san addressed me with his usual expressionless demeanor.
"Now then, let's continue our discussion. There's something I want to finalize today."
*Seriously? So indifferent.* Doesn't he have anything to say to a blushing lady?
...Well, I suppose I'd probably just snap back at anything he said right now.
So maybe pretending he didn't see anything and saying nothing was the right approach.
Ugh... at this rate, I won't even be able to have a proper conversation.
I need to calm down.
I am Hoshino Wilm. I'm here to win.
...Alright.
"Understood. What is it you require?"
"Hmm... Though it might be difficult for you to imagine at this stage, let me put it simply: your future. How you want to proceed and what races you aspire to compete in. I'd like to hear about your aspirations and dreams, if you have any."
*Ah, aspirations and dreams, huh?*
It's embarrassing to admit, but Hoshino Wilm has none. All she wants is to win—she *must* win. That's all there is to it.
That's why I'm struggling to formulate an answer.
If I simply say, "I have none," the Trainer will likely create the optimal schedule for me.
...But that would probably prioritize physical safety and guaranteed victories.
And that might prevent me from achieving one of my goals.
Any race is fine as long as I win. ...But that's just "Hoshino Wilm" talking.
As the "reincarnated person" within me, I have a goal I want to fulfill.
"Then, for now, let's aim for the Undefeated Triple Crown."
Undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume.
In Anime Season 2, Tokai Teio-chan suffered a devastating injury that prevented her from achieving her dream.
That dream was never mine. Even if I achieved it, it would hold no meaning for me.
...But you know? As an original protagonist, I still wanted to accomplish it.
It wasn't about revenge... or anything as grand as carrying on someone else's dream.
If my assigned role was to be Spe-chan's replacement... this might be a deviation from the main storyline.
If any readers were following the adventures of me, the original protagonist, they might close the browser, thinking, "The character's gone off the rails. This is boring."
Even so.
It would be too heartbreaking to see someone try so hard and still fail.
"I" will aim to become an undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume.
No matter who stands in my way, I will prove victorious.
A few days later.
I learned the true terror of the Triple Crown in class, something I hadn't fully grasped before, and my face turned ashen.