The training distance was set at two kilometers.
Manhattan Cafe wasn't particularly strong in short sprints, but when it came to endurance over long runs, she showed remarkable talent.
According to Trainer Kiyokawa's observations, Cafe had the high stamina needed to challenge races like the [Tenno Sho] and the [Kikuka Sho], capable of accelerating on long-distance tracks.
This was an ability others simply didn't possess.
What needed to be done now was to teach her how to use this ability.
For instance, when to maintain her speed, and when to start her acceleration.
Since she wasn't particularly powerful, she couldn't afford too much physical contact with others.
So Trainer Kiyokawa chose a mid-pack, outside lane running style for her—one that didn't require fighting for position at the front and suited her better.
As for the seniors like Ten Point who were joining the training, naturally, it was because all three of them had long-distance adaptability. Their decision-making on the track served as the best examples for Manhattan Cafe.
"Watch my hand signals," the trainer said to Cafe.
"This gesture means maintain your speed; don't worry about anyone else's pace." She held her palm flat.
"This gesture means it's time to accelerate and chase, to overtake the Uma Musume ahead of you."
The trainer shook her fist.
"And most importantly, I'll give the signal just before the finish line. When that happens, hold nothing back. Sprint for the finish with everything you've got, understood?"
"Yes," Manhattan Cafe nodded.
Then the four Uma Musume moved onto the track.
"It's starting."
Sunday Silence spoke from the sidelines.
A total of four Uma Musume, all adapted for middle to long distances.
The purpose of the trainer's signals, besides telling her when to accelerate, was also to reduce the mental strain on the Uma Musume.
It allowed Cafe to not have to constantly analyze the changing race conditions and make judgments herself.
This indirectly lowered the difficulty of the training.
With the crack of the trainer's starting pistol, the race began.
Without starting gates to hold them back, Ten Point and Tosho Boy shot forward the instant the pistol fired. Manhattan Cafe followed close behind, settling into third position.
Meanwhile, Green Grass trailed at the rear.
All four Uma Musume had chosen their best-suited running styles: two front-runners, and two mid-pack runners.
So fast!
Manhattan Cafe was inwardly startled.
Whether it was the start or the fight for a leading position, the two seniors' speed and reactions were far superior to hers.
This was the caliber of retired Uma Musume who had left their mark on the track...
Steadying her breathing, she refused to be pulled into their rhythm, maintaining her own pace instead.
Although the two seniors ahead were running fast, their subtly shortened strides made it clear they were deliberately holding back.
Otherwise, they would have already opened a gap of three lengths or more by now.
Were they intentionally staying just two lengths ahead, waiting for her to catch up?
On the sidelines, Sunday Serenity raised her binoculars, squinting.
"They're definitely holding back on purpose, but it doesn't look like they're just waiting for Cafe to catch up."
"When facing opponents who aren't much of a threat, they conserve their energy while ensuring the others can't close the gap."
For an average Uma Musume, two lengths wasn't a distance easily overcome.
If the one behind accelerated, those in front had ample time to react.
Whether matching the acceleration to prevent being overtaken, or changing lanes and adjusting strategy, the leading Uma Musume had more than enough time to respond.
"It seems they plan to make their move at the very last moment."
"Leading the pack while maintaining their condition, maximizing their advantages."
"Ten Point and Tosho Boy were both top-tier powerhouses in their day."
The gap in experience soon became apparent. As if to reinforce the impression of that 'two-length' distance, after maintaining it for nearly two hundred meters, Ten Point and Tosho Boy began to accelerate.
Unconsciously drawn into their pace, Cafe also gradually quickened her steps.
Green Grass, running behind Cafe, furrowed her brows almost imperceptibly.
She clearly realized that her junior had fallen right into the seniors' trap.
Cafe was now running at a pace that didn't suit her breathing rhythm, which would rapidly drain her stamina.
Yet, even knowing this, Green Grass wouldn't warn her during the race.
Only through failure would she recognize her mistake.
Sticking to her own rhythm, Green Grass, who had been half a length behind Cafe, began to widen the gap.
The trainer, watching from the sidelines, also noticed the problem and started signaling from ahead.
Seeing the trainer's signal, Manhattan Cafe finally realized her mistake and gradually slowed her pace, refusing to follow any further.
But even so, the disrupted rhythm had already cost her a significant amount of stamina.
"Every Uma Musume has different acceleration adaptability. Those with stronger power often choose to start their sprint closer to the finish. The advantage is they can unleash all the energy they've conserved during the race."
Just as Sunday Serenity had done in the [New Zealand Trophy].
"Whereas those who are less powerful but have higher endurance tend to start their acceleration earlier."
"Because their acceleration is weaker, they often need a longer distance to reach their top speed."
Sunday Silence explained from the side, "This leads to an unavoidable issue."
"Mental anxiety."
When the Uma Musume beside you starts accelerating, many feel compelled to follow suit.
Because acceleration means overtaking. If the others accelerate while you maintain your pace, you'll inevitably fall behind.
That disrupts your rhythm.
And high-endurance Uma Musume can use their long-distance acceleration to make others anxious, forcing them to match their pace, ultimately controlling the entire race.
"I see..."
Listening to Sunday Silence's explanation, Sunday Serenity nodded.
Sunday Silence possessed experience no less than those seniors, meticulously explaining every shift in the race dynamics.
But for Sunday Silence herself, analyzing others was entirely superfluous.
Because once she stood on the track, her eyes saw only a straight path ahead.
All she needed to do was run down that path.
Still, after watching enough races, she'd naturally come to understand these things.
Here, she was imparting all her knowledge without reserve to Sunday Serenity.
"Ten Point and Tosho Boy both rely on long-distance acceleration tactics to wear down their opponents."
Sunday Serenity gazed at the track.
"Then, as for Green Grass, running at the very back, what's her specialty..."
As she spoke, Sunday Serenity kept watching the track, and then her eyes widened in disbelief.
Green Grass, who had been trailing behind, had somehow closed in right behind Cafe.
So close—!
Almost right on Cafe's heels!
Those sky-blue eyes were fixed intently on the girl.
The intense pressure made Cafe's body stiffen unnaturally.
Her movements grew increasingly disordered, her chest heaving violently.
It was as if a dagger was pressed firmly against her throat.
--+--
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!
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