The Uma Musume who stepped into the clubroom had flowing, chestnut hair that gave her the air of a refined young lady.
However, the striking streaks of crimson at the tips of her locks added a vibrant spark to her appearance. A small cluster of white flowers was pinned to her bangs, swaying gently in the breeze.
"You are..."
Dream Weaver asked, a hint of confusion in her voice. The girl looked familiar, but she couldn't quite place her.
Before she could scan her memory further, the girl recognized Dream Weaver first. Her face flushed with excitement as she rushed forward, grabbing Dream Weaver's hands and crying out.
"Dream Weaver-senpai!"
"Please! Become my trainer!"
This sudden declaration didn't just stun Dream Weaver; the other three Uma Musume in the room were frozen in varying degrees of shock.
Dream Weaver thought to herself that since Hishi Miracle hadn't even made a successful debut yet, very few people should know she was acting as a trainer.
Furthermore, because of her overwhelming fame, she had specifically requested Northern Taste to provide a secluded, hidden clubroom. How on earth did this girl find her?
"I heard everything from the Chairwoman! You didn't come looking for me because you were afraid of stifling my talent, right, Dream Weaver-senpai?"
The girl thumped her chest, radiating a level of confidence that was the polar opposite of Hishi Miracle's.
"But I believe in you. I know you can lead me far into the professional leagues. I'll prove to you that my talent is worthy of your guidance, so don't you worry. Please, be my trainer!"
It was the first time Dream Weaver had encountered such a proactive Uma Musume—one who would walk straight up to her preferred trainer and pitch herself.
Now, she remembered who this was. She was one of the two candidates Northern Taste had recommended to her that day.
"Liberty Island."
"Yes, Trainer!"
Hearing her name fall from Dream Weaver's lips, Liberty Island beamed. Her tail wagged incessantly behind her, and even the little white flowers in her hair seemed to flutter with joy.
"Wait, wait, wait! This is way too sudden!"
Dream Weaver placed her hands on Liberty Island's shoulders, gently pushing her face back to a respectful distance.
"I haven't even agreed yet. Why have you already changed how you address me?"
"Because no other Uma Musume is a better match for you than me! Compared to the others, I have five wins and they have five losses—call it five wins, zero defeats!"
Liberty Island puffed out her chest proudly.
"You are an Undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume, and I have the potential to win the Triple Tiara. That's win number one!"
"You love wearing red racing silks, and that red ribbon in your hair is an absolute classic. I happen to love red too, and I plan to make it the primary color of my own silks. That's win number two!"
She lifted the ends of her hair, practically shoving the red-dyed tips into Dream Weaver's face.
"Don't they look just like your ribbons?"
Dream Weaver wanted to point out that dyed hair and silk ribbons weren't exactly the same thing, but she was curious to see how the girl would stretch this logic to five wins and five losses.
"That's only two wins. What about the other three wins and five losses?"
"That's easy!"
Liberty Island cleared her throat and continued in a clear, ringing voice.
"You're from Northern Ranch, and I studied there when I was little. That's win number three!"
"You are a world-class Uma Musume, and the rival I want to surpass most is someone everyone says will be world-class in the future. That's win number four!"
"And because I have four wins, which is way more than any other girl, that counts as win number five!"
While that last one was clearly a reach, she had managed to list four genuine commonalities. Dream Weaver found herself nodding despite herself, but she couldn't resist one more question.
"And the five losses?"
"Since I have a win and the other girls have none, that counts as a loss for them!"
"Following that logic, since I have five wins, they naturally have five losses."
Liberty Island held her head high, looking every bit the passionate and confident lady.
Dream Weaver didn't dislike confidence; many of her friends possessed that same fire. Based on that spirit alone, she believed Liberty Island would become an incredible racer.
"So, are you really sure about this?"
Dream Weaver pointed to herself, offering the same warning she had given Hishi Miracle.
"I might have had a decent career on the track, but as a trainer, I'm just a green rookie. Since you have the talent to aim for the Triple Tiara, wouldn't it be safer to leave your future in the hands of a veteran?"
"I believe in you, Dream Weaver-senpai. Only you. So—"
"Please, believe in me too, okay?"
Liberty Island looked at her, the sunlight streaming through the window and illuminating her delicate features, making her seem to glow. The tiny white flowers in her hair sparkled brilliantly alongside her smile.
Seeing Liberty Island radiating such pure, unburdened pride and confidence, Dream Weaver blinked. She saw something familiar in the girl, though she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.
"Well, since you put it that way."
Dream Weaver shook her head, deciding not to dwell on the fleeting thought. She looked into Liberty Island's amber eyes and spoke seriously.
"Then welcome to the team, Liberty Island."
"I won't let your talent go to waste!"
Dream Weaver reached out her hand, and Liberty Island took it with a grin.
"A girl and her trainer are supposed to be two hearts beating as one, right?"
"You can call me something a bit more personal."
Dream Weaver looked at those sparkling eyes, thought for a moment, and said, "I get it. I'll call you Island from now on."
"Island, since you've decided to join, I have one thing to say upfront."
Liberty Island tilted her head. "What is it?"
"In our team..."
Dream Weaver glanced out of the corner of her eye at the three spectating girls, her lips twitching slightly as she finished the sentence.
"Training is very strict. No slacking off."
Feeling the pointed look, Hishi Miracle gave a sheepish laugh and scratched her head in embarrassment.
Liberty Island didn't hesitate for a second, nodding instantly.
"No problem! I'll finish any task you give me, Trainer!"
She glanced out at the sky. The sun was at its peak. It was exactly because the sun was "too bright" that Hishi Miracle had retreated to the clubroom to goof off.
"It's still early and the weather is great. Shall we start the induction test?"
Dream Weaver was stunned. For the first time in a week, she had heard an Uma Musume actually ask to train. It was so normal, yet so profoundly moving.
As she thought this, she couldn't help but shoot another look at the still-awkwardly-scratching Hishi Miracle.
--+--
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.