"Oguri Cap has taken the lead! She's overtaken Warm Bloom and is pulling away—the gap between them is widening!"
Akasaka's excited voice echoed through the stadium.
Warm Bloom, her chestnut hair fluttering, stared at the figure ahead as it grew smaller and smaller. She gritted her teeth, trying to push forward—but her legs felt shackled, heavy and unresponsive.
"Is this the gray-haired monster who dominates G1…?"
She lamented inwardly, her breath faltering. Her pace stalled.
Oguri Cap crossed the finish line six lengths ahead.
Warm Bloom collapsed to one knee on the turf, panting as she looked up at the gray-haired figure waving to the crowd with ease and grace.
Oguri Cap, meanwhile, had only one thought:
So hungry! Where's Tamamo Cross? I need food! I need food!
She darted off toward the back area, scanning for Tamamo Cross.
In the stands, Tamamo Cross was just about to head down with a bag full of grilled cold noodles when her stomach twisted painfully.
"Ugh… why now? Not good…"
She looked up and spotted Peach Waves preparing to leave, her expression cheerful.
"Peach! I am sorry to trouble you—but please deliver this to Oguri Cap. I've got a stomachache and need to go!"
Peach Waves blinked, staring at the bag in her hands.
"What just happened? Well… I guess I should find Oguri Cap like she said."
She wandered into the corridor, slightly lost.
"This is… oh, the path to the review stand. I should head left to exit."
After a few turns, she paused.
"Wait… that smell… grilled cold noodles? Someone in the crowd must be eating it."
Oguri Cap, meanwhile, was sniffing the air like a bloodhound. She hadn't spotted Tamamo Cross, but the scent was unmistakable. She followed it.
"Now, let's welcome the winner of today's race—Oguri Cap—to the victory stage!"
At the commentary desk, Akasaka stretched as she wrapped up, preparing to leave with Junko Hosoe.
Backstage, two very determined girls were circling the arena.
Oguri Cap's nose led her straight to Peach Waves, who was holding the bag of noodles.
"Miss Oguri Cap, please wait! Where are you going?"
A staff member called out, but Oguri Cap ignored them and sprinted away.
"Where's the girl? Right—check the dressing room!"
Peach Waves arrived at the dressing room door, but was stopped by staff—non-competitors weren't allowed inside.
Suddenly, someone grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a corner.
"Hey! Who—be polite!"
She looked up—Oguri Cap.
"Ah, this is for you."
"Thank you—and sorry. I was starving."
Oguri Cap quickly unpacked the bag, sat beside Peach Waves, and began devouring a box.
"The announcer was calling for someone. Did you hear?"
"Nope."
"You're really going to inhale two boxes per minute?"
Gulp. Oguri Cap patted her stomach.
"No problem. Your cooking is amazing! Can you open for breakfast and dinner too?"
Peach Waves hesitated.
"Well… I'm not great at waking up early. But I could earn more radish points…"
She glanced at her turntable, smiling at the thought of more energy candies.
"I'll think about it. Let me grab you some water—you're going to choke at this rate."
"Thanks."
Oguri Cap mumbled through a mouthful of noodles.
Peach Waves returned with a bottle of water from a vending machine.
Oguri Cap had already finished eight boxes.
She reached for the water—then froze at Peach Waves' next words.
"2,550 yen."
"Ahem—what?! That's so expensive!"
"Tamamo Cross asked me to keep the tab. Said she forgot her wallet."
"Fine, I'll pay you back when I get to the dorm."
Peach Waves nodded, then turned back to her turntable.
She tapped for a ten-pull. A flash of light—more energy candies. She frowned.
"Come on, give me something useful…"
Suddenly, two speed training potions appeared—along with a spray bottle.
Bruise Spray: Apply to injured areas. Three sprays restore full condition. (Excludes limb regeneration.)
Peach Waves stared at the description.
"This… solves everything. Shower gel for prevention, spray for recovery, candy for stamina… I can train nonstop!"
Oguri Cap watched her poke the air, jump in excitement, then freeze with her mouth open.
Is she okay?
After finishing her last box, Oguri Cap sighed.
She trains like a monster, cooks for the whole academy, and still thinks about opening for breakfast…
Feeling guilty, she leaned over and gently patted Peach Waves' head.
"Hey—what are you doing?"
Peach Waves blinked, startled.
Oguri Cap looked at her with sympathy.
"Sorry, Peach Waves. I've been selfish. I didn't consider your mental health. Please… live strong. I'll keep eating your food."
"Huh? Of course I'll live! I haven't had enough fun yet!"
She swatted Oguri Cap's hand away, cheeks flushed.
"Why are you saying weird things?"
"It's fine. I understand everything."