Time flew like a white steed passing a gap.
It had been nearly a month since Kiryuin Aoi moved into "Chasing Light." Now it was deep winter. Along the tree-lined avenue of Central Tracen Academy, the red leaves had all fallen; only bare branches swayed in the breeze, waiting for spring's revival.
In this period, the team underwent many positive changes.
First was Obey Your Master. She had gradually adapted to life in this brand-new environment. In her words, this place had even become her "second home." By now she had fully blended into the group—an indispensable member.
As for Kiryuin Aoi, just as Kuroha had expected, she'd grown into an excellent deputy. Not only did she complete every assignment he gave her to perfection, she also took initiative on extra tasks—organizing historical and tactical materials about Uma Musume in the library, self-studying basic sports rehabilitation, and even learning how to prepare foundational nutrition meals.
Never mind how much work she took off Kuroha's hands—at this rate, she'd feel like a veteran in just a few months.
During this "break-in" phase, the Chasing Light girls also made their first statement on the Central racing scene. According to each one's condition and goals, Kuroha entered them in several Open-class races.
Sakura Chiyono O—in her very first start after joining Chasing Light—used her trademark explosive kick to win with ease, proving to the world that even with Oguri Cap shining so brightly, Derby mares were not to be underestimated.
Mejiro Ardan, carefully tuned by Kuroha, also returned for a start. As expected, she overwhelmed the field and won, announcing a perfect comeback.
Fujimasa March and Inari One each took a race at medium and long distance respectively—both winning without suspense. Fujimasa March showed the dominance of a local Triple Crown mare—unshaken even on Central's big stage. Inari One, with her feral running and tremendous power, conquered Central's crowd and made many remember this Edo-born child from the local circuit.
These victories not only earned Chasing Light prestige in Central but also brought precious race experience and form gains to the girls.
Soon, it was December 25th.
Besides being Christmas, it was also the day of the most grand and legendary event in the Far East's Uma Musume world: the Arima Kinen (Grand Prix). On this day, society as a whole boiled for the ultimate showdown that gathered the year's strongest girls—trainers, Uma Musume, and ordinary people all glued to their TVs or pouring into Nakayama Racecourse to witness history in person.
However, Kuroha did not go to the track today.
His take was simple: "It'll just be another solo act between Tamamo Cross and Oguri Cap. I've already watched that twice. No need to go again."
Right now, Kuroha's dorm at Central Tracen was filled with the aroma of roast turkey and the sweetness of chocolate. The living room was draped in lights and Christmas décor; a tall tree glittered with tinsel and colorful presents.
"Trainer, is this garland a little crooked?"
Fujimasa March stood on tiptoe, trying to perfect the ribbon hanging from the ceiling.
"It's fine. Looks great."
Kuroha smiled, took the ribbon from her, ruffled the girl's hair, and casually hooked it onto the highest spot.
"Waa! Strawberry daifuku!"
Tokai Teio's sharp eyes spotted the dessert Mejiro Ardan brought out of the kitchen. She cheered and, together with a slack-jawed Mejiro McQueen, hurried over.
The elementary division at Central Tracen usually breaks around Christmas, just like regular grade schools: straight into winter vacation—Christmas, then New Year. The two little lolis' schedule was packed and festive.
Inari One stood beside Aoi, grinning as she pretended to snatch the black-haired girl's notebook. "Aoi-nee, it's Christmas—no notebooks!"
Aoi calmly pressed a hand on Inari's head. "Can't do. Sensei's assignments aren't finished yet."
Obey Your Master sat by the window with a book Kuroha had gifted her on Japanese history and culture. But her gaze kept drifting toward the lively scene in the living room, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Sakura Chiyono O sat in front of the TV, watching the Arima Kinen broadcast. The race had reached the final phase. On the screen, Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross blazed across the track—one wreathed in endless gray, the other crackling with lightning—dueling madly in the home stretch. In the end, Oguri crossed the finish first, officially defeating Tamamo Cross and opening a new era.
"Ah—Oguri won!" the pink-haired girl exclaimed.
Obey Your Master glanced over and smiled. "It's only natural. In the Japan Cup, her top-end closing speed already surpassed Tamamo Cross. And the Arima doesn't have those foreign pace disruptors affecting their conditions. With both at full strength, comparing their no-error closing kicks, Oguri's win was foreseeable."
Sakura nodded, half understanding.
By now Kuroha had finished his chores and lay back on the sofa, watching his girls bustle about. A warm, indescribable feeling welled in his chest.
"So good…"
He knew full well what Arima Kinen meant: the stage every Uma Musume and trainer dreamed of. Last year at this time, he'd still been in school, only able to feel that passion and glory through a TV screen. This year, he had, thanks to his efforts, several girls who could take the Arima by storm.
Yet he chose to stay.
On this special day, rather than pushing them into pressure and competition, he wanted them to savor the warmth of the holiday—to feel cared for and valued. That too was a unique kind of "training," a tonic that would make their hearts stronger.
"Mm."
Just then, a soft, warm body slipped into his arms. The girl in his embrace wriggled restlessly—shifting her hips as if searching for a comfy position—then went still.
Kuroha blinked, then gently brushed a stray, silver-edged lock from the little face nestled against him.
...
Night fell.
Kuroha, the girls, and his deputy gathered around a giant strawberry-cream cake and clapped along to "Merry Christmas." After the cheerful cake-cutting came merry chaos—some played board games, some watched TV, and others grabbed consoles for two-player co-op.
Amid the festive buzz, Kuroha walked over to a small stool where Aoi nibbled tiny bites of cake while scrolling a race blog on her phone.
"Aoi, what are you looking at?"
"Ah, Sensei." She scratched her cheek, embarrassed, and tucked the phone away. "Just checked Arima's results and a few expert analyses."
Kuroha chuckled at the girl who studied even on holidays. "By the way, why aren't you with your family for Christmas? Why come here?"
Aoi sighed a little. "We don't celebrate Christmas at home—they're traditional; we only do New Year. And… being home alone is boring. It's so lively here, it feels… nice." She ducked her head and added softly, "And I can keep studying…"
"Haha." Kuroha laughed. "Then from now on, any holiday—you're welcome here. However…"
He plucked her precious little notebook from her arms and changed his tone: "If you come for a holiday, you have to play properly!"
"Study well, play well, eat well, sleep well. That's the true way to live, got it? Don't keep yourself so tight all the time!"
A bit flustered by the gentle scolding, the black-haired girl nodded—and soon melted back into the games with everyone else.
Thus, the very first Christmas since Kuroha's team was founded came to a perfect close.
(End of Chapter)
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