"Peach Waves, would you run with me?"
"Eh? Suzuka, are you serious?"
Silent Suzuka stood up, her eyes wide with surprise as she looked at Peach Waves.
"I've watched your training every day. You work so hard… I really want to race with you."
"I'd love to, but I'm not a Tracen student. I don't think I'm allowed on the infield."
"It's fine. I'll talk to the trainer—she'll definitely agree."
"Wait… Suzuka-chan."
Just as Suzuka turned to leave, Peach Waves stepped forward and gently grabbed her hand.
The warmth of her touch and the subtle fragrance that lingered around her made Suzuka freeze for a moment. Her cheeks flushed as she turned back to look at Peach Waves.
Realizing she'd acted too impulsively, Peach Waves quickly let go.
"Ah—sorry! That was a bit sudden."
"No, it's okay… Peach Waves, is something wrong?"
"I need to finish today's training on schedule. Can we race the day after tomorrow?"
"Of course. Anytime."
Suzuka clasped her hands together, still feeling the warmth from Peach Waves' touch.
"By the way, I'm opening breakfast service tomorrow morning. If you're free, come by the canteen."
"I will. I'll definitely be there."
"Great! I'm off to train. See you later!"
As Peach Waves jogged away, Suzuka smiled softly and turned toward the infield, where she found Hana Toujou reviewing data on her tablet.
"Trainer."
"What is it, Suzuka?"
"The day after tomorrow—I'd like to race Peach Waves in a simulation match."
Rudolf Symboli, standing nearby, perked up at the mention of Peach Waves. She'd seen the girl's relentless training and was curious to test herself against her.
"I see…"
Hana Toujou swiped through her tablet, pulling up Peach Waves' data. As Tracen's top trainer, she kept detailed records of every Uma Musume—even the chef.
"I want to join too, Trainer!"
Condor raised her hand enthusiastically.
"Me too, please!"
Grass Wonder chimed in right behind her.
Toujou glanced at the senior division, including Rudolf.
"I understand your interest. But Peach Waves is a newly transformed Uma Musume. Her training time is far shorter than yours. Even if you win, it wouldn't be a fair comparison."
Rudolf's calm words silenced the others. Suzuka, though in high school, had just recovered from injury, making her request reasonable.
Toujou quietly scribbled notes on her tablet.
Peach Waves' stats had already caught up with most junior high racers. If not for the fact she is just the chef, Toujou would've placed her in team Rigil without hesitation.
Her growth rate is absurd. Okino said she's only been training for four months…
After training, Rudolf returned to the student council office to pack up. She spotted a report and a newspaper on the desk.
"Is this the result of yesterday's rookie debut?"
She dropped her bag and flipped through the report.
"King Halo… a junior high student who didn't win her debut."
Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the top name.
"Princess? Who is this? She wore a mask, but her results are undeniable. She passed seven racers in the final 200 meters. How is she not enrolled at Tracen?"
She picked up the newspaper and paused at the photo of Peach Waves(Princess)' dazzling performance.
"That dance on the winner's stage… what even was that?"
It was too late to recruit her now. She'd have to wait a few days—and more results—before making a move.
At Canteen
Peach Waves was prepping for breakfast service.
"Miss Peach Waves, we've delivered the kitchen tools you requested. Where should we place them?"
"Just over there. I'll unpack them in a minute."
Tazuna watched her work with a smile.
"I didn't expect you to open breakfast and still train in the afternoon. Can you really handle it?"
"No problem! Don't let my sleepy face fool you—my stamina's still full."
Sneeze!
Peach Waves blinked.
"Weird… is someone thinking about me?"
Dormitory.
Tamamo Cross lay on her bed flipping through manga. Oguri Cap munched on snacks beside her.
Suddenly, Oguri's phone buzzed. She dropped her chips and picked it up, eyes lighting up.
"Tamamo! Peach Waves is opening breakfast tomorrow! Are you going?"
Tamamo paused mid-page.
"Breakfast? Isn't that just toast with jam and ham? What's the big deal?"
"If you don't go, you're not allowed to fight me for food in class."
"Pfft. Like I'd fight over toast."
Outside the Dormitory.
Nishino Flower, Seiun Sky, Urara, Condor, and Grass Wonder were walking together.
"Hey, everyone—wait! Peach Waves just messaged me."
They turned around.
"What is it? New dish at the canteen?"
Urara tilted her head.
"Nope. She's opening breakfast tomorrow. If we wake up early, we can try it."
"Breakfast? Isn't that just omelets and sandwiches? You can get those at a convenience store."
"My family used to serve fried fish and side dishes."
"I ate sandwiches and ham over there too."
"So… are we going?"
"Let's go. The convenience store's far, and I don't want to run there half-asleep."
"I'm in. Peach Waves' cooking might be amazing."
Next Morning.
Silent Suzuka changed and headed downstairs—just in time to see Oguri Cap sprinting toward the cafeteria.
"She's still so passionate about food."
At the entrance, Oguri paused. The aroma hit her like a wave.
Inside, the shelves were filled with dishes she'd never seen before.
"This is… breakfast? So luxurious."
"Oguri Cap! You're early!"
Peach Waves leaned over the counter and waved.
She'd been too hasty yesterday to inform the academy, so she'd only messaged a few close Uma Musume. The canteen was still quiet.
"Peach Waves… what are all these?"