4:30 p.m.
As the Uma Musume on the training field gradually finished the main sessions for the day, the atmosphere slowly shifted from tense intensity to a more relaxed pace.
Fujimasa March and Inari One sat on the benches in the rest area, sipping water while wiping sweat, chatting idly. Sakura Chiyono O and Mejiro Ardan jogged lightly on the track, winding down with no strict pace or limit.
Meanwhile, Kiryuin Aoi moved around like a wind-up machine, tirelessly shuttling between different sections. She carefully recorded the lap times of the two Uma Musume, then hurried over to the bench to ask Fujimasa March and Inari One about their condition, noting their numbers with meticulous detail.
"She's exactly the type of employee bosses in my past life would've loved…"
Watching the black-haired girl's tireless diligence, Kuroha nodded in approval. Except this time, the "boss" she served was him.
Just then, a familiar and energetic call rang out.
"Trainer, we're here!"
The clear, lively voice was like a refreshing breeze sweeping across the training ground.
Tokai Teio bounded forward with her backpack, skipping along with her signature light step.
Right behind her was another graceful figure.
"Teio Engine 247, activate! Let's work hard in training today too!"
Teio ran up to Kuroha, full of energy, and gave a playful salute.
"Good afternoon, Kuroha-san."
Mejiro McQueen bowed politely in greeting.
"You're here."
Kuroha's smile softened as he looked at the two future jewels of the sport. He then turned toward the awaiting Kiryuin Aoi.
"Aoi."
"Yes!" She immediately straightened.
"Teio is yours. Take her through the basic warm-up, then supervise her coordination and flexibility drills. You've seen today's plan. Pay close attention to her posture and movement standards. This is your first independent assignment."
Kiryuin Aoi's eyes instantly sharpened with resolve. She nodded firmly and replied with great seriousness:
"Yes! Teacher, please leave it to me."
She turned to Teio, drew in a breath, and announced:
"Teio-san, please follow me. We'll begin with stretching."
"Eh? A new trainer onee-san?" Teio tilted her head curiously, but obediently followed Aoi toward the mats. Seeing Aoi's no-nonsense seriousness, any mischievous thoughts of slacking off quickly disappeared.
After arranging Teio's training, Kuroha's gaze turned to McQueen.
"McQueen, come here."
She obeyed, glancing with mild curiosity at Teio's retreating figure before walking over.
When Kuroha looked at her with his [Body and Breath Perception], he saw something no ordinary eye could.
To others, McQueen was just a refined and talented rookie with excellent proportions and poise.
But in his vision, her whole body glowed.
It was the same endless radiance he had once seen being drawn out of Sirius Symboli during the Tenno Sho (Autumn)—except here, it wasn't being drained, but poured in.
Pure, majestic light flowed ceaselessly into her body, as if from some higher, indescribable source.
"This is… the blessing of the Three Goddesses."
The conclusion was unmistakable.
Her True Blooming was imminent.
It might be next month, or later in the winter—but certainly within this season.
And once it began, McQueen would take a great leap forward. True, full Uma Musume training could finally commence.
Kuroha summoned her status panel:
[Mejiro McQueen]
Track Aptitude: Turf A / Dirt E
Distance Aptitude: Short G / Mile F / Medium A / Long A
Running Style Aptitude: Front Runner B / Pace Chaser A / Late Surger D / End Closer F
Unique Skill: None
Domain: None
Skills: Positioning Sense, Concentraction, Bad on Dirt, Professor of Curvature, Energy Saver, Medium Distance Straight, Long Distance Straight
Stats:
Speed: 124
Stamina: 176
Power: 131
Gut: 103
Wit: 161
It was a gorgeous panel.
The training, the store-bought skills, and the panel rewards—all key components were already in place. McQueen had nearly mastered them all.
Now, only one last step remained before she fit his ideal image of a "Long Distance Queen": raising her Long Distance aptitude to S.
That, however, was an extremely difficult feat. Even Fujimasa March and Inari One, despite their True Blooming, hadn't achieved it yet. So McQueen not reaching it for now was only natural.
"McQueen."
He softened his tone, speaking with quiet gravity.
"Have you noticed any unusual changes in your body recently? Like increased appetite, more fatigue after training, or maybe… feeling as if you're overflowing with energy?"
She blinked, then thought carefully.
"My appetite has indeed grown. Mother says I'm just growing. As for strength… lately, basic training feels so easy. It's like there's a warm current flowing inside me, making me want to… to run freely on the track."
Her eyes shone with pure desire for the race.
As expected.
Kuroha smiled, gently ruffling the little violet-haired girl's head, eyes full of encouragement.
"That's a good sign, McQueen. It means your efforts weren't in vain—your body is storing the most important power for the future."
He paused, then declared as if ushering in a new stage:
"From tomorrow, I'll slightly increase your training intensity. It won't be too hard, but it's time to move up."
At the words "increase training," McQueen's eyes lit up. Without hesitation, she straightened her small frame and replied clearly and firmly:
"Yes, Trainer! For the honor of the Mejiro family, and to live up to your expectations—McQueen is always ready!"
Seeing her brimming with fighting spirit, Kuroha could already envision her future self: the elegant yet mighty Long Distance empress, conquering the world stage.
The harvest season was coming.
"Good. Go join Teio."
After McQueen left, Kuroha reopened the system.
"About 300 points left. Time to spend some."
He immediately purchased [Mile Aptitude], ensuring that between turf, dirt, and distances, he now held all key adaptions.
For McQueen, he had only chosen turf, medium, and long distance—her path to being the Long Distance Queen. For Teio, however, her dream was the undefeated Triple Crown. She was aiming at "half-step all-rounder."
With unmatched talent, Teio's destiny was to dominate turf, mile, medium, and long races—then march overseas. His expectations for her were the highest.
Next, his eyes fell on the skill [Whole Body, Whole Spirit].
It wasn't powerful in itself, but it was a prerequisite for powerful evolutions, like Special Week's [Dreams Come True] or Narita Brian's [Wolfish Fangs].
He purchased it. Now, when December came and the others raced, he would have enough points for their evolution skills.
"Alright, that's settled."
Exhaling in satisfaction, he watched his Uma Musume training in the field, smiling to himself.
At the start of the year, he had arrived at Kasamatsu as a local trainer with no backing, barely any money, and not a single Uma Musume.
Yet less than a year later, he was a Central trainer with financial freedom and multiple G1 Uma Musume under his command.
Truly, fate was unpredictable.
(End of Chapter)
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