"Right, this must be your first time at a local racetrack. What are your thoughts?"
Adjusting the sunglasses perched on his nose, Musaka Ginjirou's lips curled into a faint, ambiguous smile.
"My thoughts…"
Fumino Nase pondered for a moment before bluntly stating her impression.
"It's a shabby place. The basic facilities aren't well-developed, and the viewing experience probably isn't great."
"Hahaha, how ruthless."
Hearing her assessment, Trainer Musaka laughed—not because he was amused, but with a mocking tone.
His mockery wasn't aimed at Trainer Nase, but at the current state of local racing.
"There's no helping it. No audience means no revenue, and no revenue means we have to cut costs.
We removed the turf track, used cheaper materials for the spectator seats—resulting in a poor experience for the audience, which drives even more people away. It's a vicious cycle, a never-ending loop."
"And the Uma Musume are caught in this cycle too."
Watching Musaka Ginjirou beside her, who hid his expression under a wide-brimmed beach hat, Fumino Nase began to understand.
"It seems you're not just here to watch a race, Senior Musaka. Do you have plans to improve the local racing scene?"
"Hmph, I know my limits. I can't accomplish anything alone. I'm just here to observe for now."
'To see if I can find some allies.'
Maintaining his usual stern expression, Musaka kept his thoughts buried deep inside.
"Let's go. I'm heading in first. I want to have a word with that good-for-nothing nephew of mine."
Tapping his cane, Trainer Musaka made to leave, but before he could take more than a few steps, the colleagues following him stopped him.
"What do you all want?"
Pausing, Musaka looked at them, puzzled.
Ahem, Musaka, I'd also like to meet that Uma Musume named Nearl. The race hasn't started yet, so she should be with her trainer, right?"
The robust old man, who was Yaeno Muteki's trainer and wore only a martial arts gi despite the winter chill, spoke with some embarrassment.
"??? Is that what you all think too?"
Trainer Musaka glanced at the others, and everyone he looked at wore similarly sheepish expressions.
"Well, I can't help it, Senior Musaka. Tamamo insisted I check on the race conditions and Nearl's state for her. I couldn't refuse."
Trainer Komiyama said helplessly, while Trainers Okino and Tojo nodded beside him.
Though they had no real say in the matter, their passion for Uma Musume made them eager to meet this so-called "strongest of the new generation."
"I'm different from them. I want to observe that Nearl carefully."
Fumino Nase stated bluntly.
"To be a good trainer, analyzing and observing Uma Musume must come first. Only when I can instantly identify a Uma Musume's strengths and weaknesses will I have truly mastered this role."
Seeing the large group of junior trainers, each with their own hidden agendas, Musaka Ginjirou felt a wave of frustration welling up inside.
He turned away wordlessly, unable to bear the sight of his peers.
"Fine, follow me then. Let's find that daydreaming nephew of mine first."
"Thank you, Senior!"
The group cheerfully trailed behind Trainer Musaka, squeezing their way into the venue.
Meanwhile, far away in the central district, another trainer was scratching his head over the strange situation.
"Strange, where has Dicta Striker gone? The seniors have all disappeared too…"
--+--
While the trainers were still searching for Kitahara, Mr. C.B, who had set out early, had already found Nearl and the others backstage.
Nearl was standing outside the door, casually chatting with her trainer.
Having found her target, hesitation wasn't in Mr. C.B's nature. She accelerated straight toward them, so fast that bystanders only saw a blur.
"Nearl-chan! Do you remember your senior?"
Her voice arrived before she did.
Nearl keenly turned her head. The most striking feature was that little derby hat. She didn't even need to think twice—the name surfaced in her mind instantly.
"Ms. C.B, it's been a while. You really kept your promise and came to watch my race."
Nearl extended her hand toward the now-stopped Mr. C.B, her voice filled with delight.
But Mr. C.B had no intention of shaking hands. She completely ignored Nearl's outstretched right hand and went straight in for a deep hug.
"Mmm… Nearl-chan really is the most comfortable to hug. So warm, soft, and springy. I've been sleeping with just a pillow these past few days, and I feel like I haven't slept well at all."
Mr. C.B held Nearl tightly in her arms, nuzzling her repeatedly.
Her slightly distorted face showed comfort and contentment, like a cat basking in the winter sun.
"Ms. C.B, while I don't mind being your hug pillow, perhaps we should show a little restraint in this setting?"
Gently patting Mr. C.B's back, Nearl tried to persuade her.
As soon as Mr. C.B had latched on, Everlamp, who was standing nearby, began pulling at her.
She grabbed Mr. C.B's clothes with both hands, tugging backward with all her might. Unfortunately, her strength was no match for C.B, who clung to Nearl like a stubborn koala.
"Alright."
After holding on for quite a while, Mr. C.B finally had her fill. She reluctantly released Nearl, returning to her usual, more composed self.
"Who do you think you are! It's so rude to just hug someone like that!"
Everlamp spread her arms, shielding Nearl behind her, glaring fiercely at Mr. C.B like a mother hen in a game of "chicken."
"Me? I'm Mr. C.B, Triple Crown Uma Musume."
The brash Mr. C.B paid no mind to Everlamp's bristling. She even reached out to pat the gray-haired girl's head.
Smack!
Everlamp swatted her hand away displeased, continuing to glare.
"This kid's full of spirit, little Nearl. Is she on your team?"
Though slightly hurt by the fierce rejection, Mr. C.B's sadness lasted less than a second before she tossed it from her mind.
"Yes, Ms. C.B. Her name is Everlamp. She's currently working as a support Uma Musume by my side."
Pulling Everlamp behind her, Nearl soothed the girl by stroking her ears while introducing her to Mr. C.B.
"A support Uma Musume?"
Hearing this, Mr. C.B's brow furrowed.
"What a waste of talent. Even though I'm not a professional trainer, just by instinct, I can tell this kid has exceptional potential. Why make her a support Uma Musume?"
"This was Everlamp's own decision. All I can do is try to advise her otherwise."
Nearl indicated that she couldn't force the other to change her mind.
--+--
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.