"So, since you're here today, is there anything you'd like to see?"
Getting back to the main topic, for two young ladies to appear here, they must have a purpose.
Fine Motion nodded lightly and said, "Hmm… To be honest, I came today to learn about training running shoes."
"Hmm, because the Mejiro Family always custom-makes their own through their subordinate companies, I don't fully participate in these decisions… So I myself am very curious about the differences. It just so happened that Miss Fine Motion suggested she wanted to take a look, so Sister Yoshinobu recommended this place."
McQueen added from the side. Although what she said sounded a bit exaggerated, for the prestigious Mejiro Family, it was perfectly normal.
Kazuo acknowledged her, but currently, Aoi, who truly understood all of this at the store, was out buying things. Rice Shower and Miko had only started their jobs today, and Kazuo himself wasn't too confident in handling these matters.
He figured the only one he could ask for help was Manager Kiryu-in, who was in the back room.
However, when he went to call Manager Kiryu-in to receive them—
"I'm still busy adjusting Symboli Rudolf's running shoes, I don't have time, okay? Besides, if it's not someone you know, then you should introduce them yourself, right? Everything I've taught you these past few days, isn't this your chance to see if you can apply it flexibly?"
That was the reply he received.
However, Kiryuuin had a point. When Kazuo returned to the front desk, he couldn't help but clear his throat and say:
"Because the Manager still has some things to attend to, if you don't mind, then I will be responsible for introducing things to the two of you?"
McQueen was naturally indifferent, while Fine Motion smiled very happily.
"That would be a lot of trouble for you, Teacher Asama!"
"It's nothing… It's what I should do."
Kazuo said, taking a product catalog that Aoi had prepared earlier from the table and placing it on the counter so the two could see it.
"Since you want to learn about racing shoes, what style are you interested in?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, everyone was momentarily stunned, looking at Kazuo with some curiosity.
"Style…?"
Not only these two young ladies, but even Rice Shower and Miko didn't seem particularly clear.
However, they couldn't be blamed. In fact, when Kiryuuin explained it to Kazuo, he almost broke it down into various types and specialized functional running shoes. Even athletes generally wouldn't pay too much attention to these, as the selection in this area is decided upon by the team's Trainer and custom-fitting personnel working together.
Generally, Uma Musume athletes, aside from running shoes categorized by race type, only knew another classification method: "pure speed type," "skill type," "specialized type," and "all-purpose type."
Kazuo also realized and quickly corrected himself: "What I said might have been a bit unclear. Here are some pictures. Generally speaking, they are categorized by track type and by function."
"However, if you're customizing, specialized racing shoes are usually chosen. These are what we call dedicated running shoes."
"Fine Motion… I remember you used to run middle-short distances, right…?"
Kazuo recalled the races he had seen in training while searching for suitable racing shoes.
"How did Teacher Asama know… Ah."
Fine Motion seemed a bit surprised, but then she realized why, and an inexplicable sweetness filled her heart.
"Hmm… Didn't I watch your race in the class training session back then? It left a deep impression on me… Let me see, for middle-short distances… This one should be very suitable for you."
Kazuo apparently didn't notice that everyone's gazes had become a bit strange; he was just intently pondering and analyzing.
The model he chose was an old, established racing shoe from Japan. Although it was quite old, it was a classic model that could be used with many accessories.
"This one, you see… Although middle-short tracks don't have many turns, for turns and the final straight sprint, especially when running on grass tracks, strong grip is extremely necessary."
"While pure speed running shoes perform well in middle-short distances, if you want something more targeted, I think skill-oriented ones are more suitable for you, Fine Motion."
Kazuo said, then began to carefully recall that race again.
Although Fine Motion only got second place in the end, her Leading running style, when compared to the video tapes Kazuo had crammed during that period, was actually a relatively clever running method. Compared to absolute speed dominance, Fine Motion clearly competed through strategy and on-the-spot changes.
And this running style has higher requirements for skill and adjustment, and skill-oriented running shoes can better adapt to various race conditions.
"Its inner groove is a snap-fastener design, allowing for more choices of horseshoes. We generally use horseshoes that are thicker on both sides and slightly concave in the middle for athletes who are better at cornering sprints, while for straight sprints and competing for final speed, a flat but thicker-in-the-middle design allows athletes to better use the grip of their forefoot for powerful sprints. This one, however, combines the advantages of both, balancing both ends and becoming more versatile. This type has good compatibility with this classic running shoe."
"For middle-short distance athletes, straight sprints account for three-quarters of the total track, and the final sprint is especially crucial. But then again, in terms of starting speed, overtaking on bends is actually easier than on straights. So I personally highly recommend one that balances both very well."
Kazuo was completely in the zone at this point, recalling everything Kiryuuin had taught him. He explained almost all of its characteristics.
Watching him speak so volubly, everyone had a feeling of "no matter what, we are greatly impressed."
And when Kazuo had fluently introduced several models, he looked up at Fine Motion, and besides her, the others were also staring at him with a stunned expression.
This made Kazuo feel uncomfortable, thinking there was something on his face.
So he asked uncertainly, "What, is there a problem?"
"No… just a little surprised. Teacher Asama actually knows so much…!"
Fine Motion exclaimed sincerely, and Rice Shower also stared at him with an adoring look.
This made Kazuo, who had realized his earlier actions, suddenly feel a bit shy. He chuckled and scratched his cheek, saying, "Haha… it's nothing, I just happened to be exposed to these things and have some understanding… Besides—I'm a store clerk, it's normal to know these things, right?"
"But isn't Asama-sensei a part-timer? It's quite rare for a Trainer to understand things in such detail…"
McQueen said thoughtfully, as if recalling something.
However, the others didn't notice her situation.
The discussion in the shop was lively.
They completely failed to notice a head slowly peeking out from the display cabinet by the window.
"…Why is he working here…?!"
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