Afternoon at the Training Ground
Peach Waves arrived at the gate of the training ground, stretching with a yawn.
"Still the earliest one here."
She strolled toward the activity room to change clothes, but as she reached the door, her sleepy eyes snapped open.
"Someone's been here…"
She glanced around, frowning. No one in sight.
"Don't tell me there's a pervert stealing clothes. I only have two sets of training gear!"
Clutching her chest dramatically, she yanked the door open.
Inside, the room was cluttered—only a small corner remained for Peach Waves to change and move around. Her eyes scanned the mess until they landed on a shadow crouched in the corner… holding her shoes.
"Seriously… What a pervert!"
"Stinky pervert, eat my flying kick!"
Without hesitation, Peach Waves launched herself off a stool and delivered a flying kick.
The figure turned just in time—Okino's face froze.
"Wait! It's me! It's—AH!"
Bang!
Okino flew across the room, rolled several times, and landed with a shoe print on his face. Blood trickled from his nose.
Later…
Okino sat stiffly on a stool, nursing his bruised face. Peach Waves stood over him, arms crossed, unimpressed.
"Explain yourself, Mr. Okino. Why were you in my dressing room, clutching my shoes like a creep?"
"Misunderstanding! It's part of a trainer's survey—hoof condition checks!"
"Really?"
"Really! I swear! I've got a certified trainer badge from the school!"
"I'm starting to doubt the school's judgment…"
"Anyway, I have a team now. The chairman gave me an activity room. I was just checking in."
"Wait—my room is your room now? Forget it. I'll clean up and move."
Okino stood up, rubbing his hands together.
"No need! I heard you enrolled. How about joining my team?"
"You know my secret identity and still want me?"
Peach Waves rolled her eyes.
"That's exactly why I should be invited."
"How so?"
"We know each other's secrets. I won't drag you into unnecessary races. And can you guarantee no one else will find out?"
Okino's logic was sound. Peach Waves nodded reluctantly.
"Also, school rules say students must train under a certified trainer."
"Fine… I'll join. But I train my own way. No interference."
"Deal. I'm here to learn from you, not meddle."
Peach Waves gave a serious look.
"Now get out. I need to change."
Outside the Activity Room
Peach Waves emerged in her training gear. Okino, Scarlet, and Vodka were chatting nearby.
"Yeah! Peach Waves joins Team Spica!"
Gold Ship swooped in, hugging her with a grin.
"Peach-chan, we're family now! Want to play flying chess later?"
Peach Waves peeled her off and stepped back.
"Sorry, I've got training. Maybe next time."
She jogged off to warm up.
"Our friendship is indestructible!" Vodka declared.
Gold Ship's hand trembled.
"She's just shy. Next time, she'll say yes!"
"Farewell, King of Poker. Invite Mejiro McQueen instead," Peach Waves muttered.
"Trainer! What's today's plan? Don't tell me you've been slacking again!"
Okino froze, popped a lollipop into his mouth, and replied slowly.
"Today's training is… whatever Peach Waves is doing."
"Seriously?!"
Scarlet looked horrified. Vodka joined in.
"You better not be winging it again!"
"Relax. I've got your plans. Today's just a special case. Try to keep up—or rest if you can't."
"Unreliable! If it weren't for Peach Waves, I'd have quit already!"
Vodka grabbed Okino's collar and shook him. Behind them, Gold Ship lounged with sunglasses and a deck chair.
"Stop shaking! My lunch is about to come back up…"
Vodka let go and collapsed beside Scarlet, both trailing after Peach Waves.
On the Track
Peach Waves jogged along the outer lane when two familiar figures flanked her.
"You two again?"
"Trainer didn't give us a plan. He said to follow you.." Scarlet explained.
Peach Waves eyed the thunder emblem on her chest.
How do you run with that thing bouncing around?
"Peach-chan, what's today's training? Is it as brutal as the triple burst?"
Vodka asked.
"No, it's speed training. Less exhausting, but still tough. Don't push yourselves too hard."
Normally, they'd scoff at such advice—but this was Peach Waves. Her daily training matched a week's worth for most.
"We'll try to keep up."
"I'll last longer than Scarlet!"
"Ha! You'll collapse first, dead tablet!"
Duang!
Scarlet bumped into Peach Waves.
"Big talk! I'll laugh when you're face-down in the grass!"
Vodka retaliated with a bump.
"Wait! Don't sandwich me when you fight!"
Peach Waves cried, caught in the middle.
The trio jogged together, bickering all the way.
Silent Suzuka entered the training ground, spotting Peach Waves flanked by Scarlet and Vodka.
Her gaze locked onto them, tracking their movements.
"Suzuka, what are you staring at?"
Fuji Miracle tapped her shoulder.
"Nothing…"
"Oh～ Peach Waves is training with Team Spica. She enrolled yesterday, right? Looks like she joined them."
Suzuka didn't respond, her eyes still on Peach Waves.
After Training
Peach Waves stretched in the corner when Suzuka approached.
"Peach-chan."
"Suzuka? What's up?"
"You joined Spica?"
"Yeah. Okino invited me today. Since I'm a student now, I need a trainer."
"I see. Then… keep it up. I'll head off."
Suzuka smiled faintly, turned, and walked away.