"Let us experience Peach Wave training too."
"Trainer Okino, let's begin."
Seeing Peach Waves already back on her feet, Okino didn't hesitate. He started the stopwatch.
By the end of the third set, Peach Waves' time had dropped to just over 20 seconds. Okino exhaled, impressed.
"As expected, this is incredibly taxing. Three sets took nearly two hours."
But during the fourth set, Okino was stunned.
While Vodka and Scarlet were still collapsed on the ground, Peach Waves rose after only two minutes of rest—like she'd respawned with full health.
Her fourth sprint clocked in at fifteen seconds again.
"What the… Is her body running on a game system? Full restart?"
By the sixth set, with only half an hour left before the training match, Okino looked at Peach Waves lying on the ground.
"Are you sure about the race? You don't have to run in it since you're probably already exhausted."
"Seriously, Peach Waves, you've done six high-intensity sets. Vodka and I only did two and our legs still feel like jelly."
"Let me explain it to the Rigil trainers."
Vodka stood to leave, but Peach Waves gently grabbed her hand.
She sat up slowly, a soft smile on her lips. Her ice-crystal eyes locked onto the two horse girls.
"No need. I'll still race. It's fine."
She pulled out two energy candies and popped them into Vodka and Scarlet's mouths before walking toward the field.
"Thanks for being my sparring partners. Now, watch me perform."
As she walked away, both girls blushed slightly.
The lingering scent in the air made them feel oddly comforted—and a little greedy.
"Vodka, you're blushing."
Scarlet teased, snapping Vodka out of her daze.
"I haven't recovered yet! And you're blushing too, you brainless girl!"
"Ha? You stinky tablet, say that again!"
Scarlet stood up, then paused.
"Wait… something's weird."
Vodka stopped arguing.
"What?"
"I don't feel tired anymore. I'm full of energy!"
"Hey… me too. What's going on?"
Okino frowned, watching them.
Then he remembered the candy Peach Waves had given them.
"Was that some kind of recovery candy? No wonder… This girl has more secrets than I thought. Who's going to benefit from her in the future…"
"I'm going to watch Peach Waves race. No more arguing."
"Same here."
The Rigil team had finished setting up the field. On a high slope overlooking the track stood Rudolf Symboli, Maruzensky, Fuji Miracle, Air Groove, Hishi Amazon, and others.
"President, who do you think will win?"
Air Groove asked.
"Hard to say. Peach Waves' training is intense, but I heard her qualifications are poor."
"Poor?"
"Apparently, she didn't even score an A."
"Then Suzuka's got this in the bag."
"Condor is still a newcomer. Let's just hope she don't get swept."
Maruzensky added.
"Don't count them out. Condor can fly."
The awkward silence that followed made everyone glance at Rudolf Symboli, who stood with one hand on her hip.
The Rigil training match, combined with Peach Waves' rising popularity, had drawn a massive crowd.
Nearly every Uma Musume at Tracen had come to watch.
"This feels like a real race!"
Urara exclaimed from the outer stands.
"Well, Rigil is the strongest team in the academy. So nearly everyone come to watch their matches."
Nishino Flower explained.
"And now we've got our campus idol—Chef Peach Waves. Look, she's got support signs and glowsticks!"
Seiun Sky yawned, then stared at the opposite stands.
Dozens of horse girls waved posters and light signs with Peach Waves' name.
"Is this what they mean by 'already famous before stepping into the spotlight'?"
"Hey… Nishino Flower, Seiun Sky—look! Isn't that King Halo over there? Masked and waving a glow sign?"
Urara pointed, stunned.
The others turned.
Even with a mask, old classmates could easily recognize her.
"Seriously? She's always so proud in class. I really didn't expect this from her."
Seiun Sky's worldview cracked a little.
Nishino Flower looked at Peach Waves warming up. The setting sun cast a golden glow on her face.
She blushed slightly.
"Maybe… Peach Waves really is that charming."
Why was King Halo in the support crowd?
It started the night of the debut match.
After returning to campus late, she spotted Okino drinking alone—clearly tipsy and likely broke.
"Peach Waves is scary strong. She even beat King Halo. Tsk… If she joins the academy, she's going on my team."
What?! She beat me?! Wait… Peach Waves is Princess?!
The scent… the voice… it all clicked.
Hidden behind a tree, King Halo realized the truth.
"Hehe… So Princess is Peach Waves. That gentle, powerful Uma Musume beat me fair and square."
It felt like discovering a secret about her idol. She was thrilled.
Okino, unintentionally, had helped two horse girls uncover Peach Waves' hidden identity.
Back at the training ground.
Condor, Grass Wonder, and Silent Suzuka stood ready. Peach Waves took her place at the starting line.
Toujou Hana turned to Rudolf.
"Pick two—one for the finish line, one for referee."
"Amazon, Air Groove—you're up."
"Me again? President, I've flagged eight races already!"
"No complaints. Go."
"Yes, ma'am…"
Amazon took her place at the 2,000-meter finish line. While Air Groove raised the flag.
"Ready… set… run!"