After a quiet weekend, the long-awaited day finally arrived: the academy mock race, a competition between undebuted Uma Musume.
Before the race, Fujiwara Chiya gathered everyone and gave them a final reminder.
"You've all improved a lot this week. Even against strong opponents, you won't fall behind. As long as you run seriously, you should be able to get good results."
He checked the list in his hand.
"Now I'll announce the race assignments. Gold Ship, Group 2, Gate 4. Meisho Doto, Group 3, Gate 5. Rice Shower, Group 4, Gate 6. Fujiwara Shirayuki, Group 5, Gate 5."
After a short pause, he added, "Don't forget, there's a pre-race presentation. When your name is called, make sure you step forward."
""Yes.""
After sending them to the waiting area, Chiya turned and left. From here on, all they could do was wait for the race officials' arrangements.
This past week, he had focused heavily on balance training. While it wasn't perfect, at least Shirayuki would not fall when using that running style.
That was enough.
It was unrealistic to expect an undebuted runner to produce some shocking result. Running steadily would be fine.
Still, after stepping away from the crowd, Chiya carefully reviewed the race lineup.
No matter how confident he sounded, he knew his team still had many weaknesses.
If there were strong opponents he recognized, the race would become difficult.
First, Gold Ship.
Chiya scanned the list.
Her main opponents were Daitaku Helios and Mejiro Palmer.
"…A Mejiro, huh."
This race might be difficult.
Next was Meisho Doto.
Her opponents were T.M. Opera O, Matikane Fukukitaru, and Nice Nature.
In terms of talent, Doto was not inferior to the latter two. The key point was Opera O. Chiya had not seen her training, but being selected by a trainer after her first mock race meant her ability was definitely not low.
Another tough match.
Then, Rice Shower.
Chiya flipped the list.
Mihono Bourbon, Twin Turbo, and Mejiro McQueen.
"…Another Mejiro?"
He could not help but frown.
McQueen, are you doing this on purpose?
This race also looked uncertain.
"…Is there really not a single race we can win?"
Finally, he reached Shirayuki's name.
"Opponents: Special Week, Seiun Sky, and Tokai Teio."
He paused.
"…This one might still be winnable."
Folding the list, he put it into his pocket and headed toward the stands. As he passed by the staff area, he noticed a familiar figure walking back and forth.
It was Mejiro Dober. She was holding the race list, looking like she wanted to say something to the race officials, but could not bring herself to speak.
Why is she here?
Instinctively, Chiya wanted to approach her, but quickly stopped himself. Right now, he was not Shirayuki. So instead, he stood nearby and observed.
Dober kept comparing the list, then looked toward the officials again. Chiya opened his own list.
Her name was not there.
…I see.
So that was what she wanted to ask about.
But even so… she still hasn't improved much. She could already eat together with him, yet when facing strangers, she was still this nervous.
Chiya's gaze shifted slightly. The race official she was looking at was a man.
…That's why.
Even if she could talk to unfamiliar people, her fear of men had not improved at all. Looks like this part still needed work.
With that thought, Chiya walked past Dober and approached the official.
"Hello."
"Ah, Trainer Chiya. Is there something wrong?"
"There's someone missing from the list."
"Missing?"
Chiya nodded and pointed toward Dober. "She hasn't been assigned to a race."
Dober flinched when she was pointed out, shrinking back and stepping away to the side.
"…Is she one of your runners?"
"No. She's from the instructor group. You should have received notice that a student from that group would participate."
"…Instructor group… ah!"
The official slapped his forehead. "You're right, I completely forgot! There was a request to add a student. What was her name?"
"Mejiro Dober."
"Which group?"
"Group Six."
"I'll add her immediately. She can participate directly."
Chiya looked at him. "There won't be any issues?"
"Well… for popularity ranking, she'll have to be placed last. And for the starting position… it will have to be Gate 10, the outermost gate."
"…I see." Chiya nodded slightly. "That's your mistake. The outermost gate is a clear disadvantage. It wasn't decided by draw, so it's not exactly fair."
Unlike how he spoke to the girls, his tone here was much more direct.
"…You're right. That's on me," the official said quickly. "I'll correct it now. Mejiro Dober, Group 6, Gate 10."
"I'll let her know."
Chiya turned and left.
Dober noticed him approaching and immediately turned to walk away, but his voice stopped her.
"Group 6, Gate 10. That's your number. Go to the race area. Tell the staff your number. They'll handle the rest."
Her ears twitched slightly. After a few seconds, she gave a small bow and quickly ran off.
…That's about how it is for now.
Chiya watched her leave. It would improve little by little.
After Dober left, Chiya made his way to the stands. As he climbed the steps, he saw Nase Fumino leaning against the railing. Their eyes met.
"Trainer Nase."
She gave a small nod.
"…Is she racing?"
"Shirayuki?" Chiya asked.
"…Yes."
"She is."
"…I see." She looked toward the track.
"What about you?" Chiya asked. "Are you training anyone?"
"…Tokai Teio." She answered calmly. "I'm currently responsible for her training."
"Tokai Teio… she's in the same race as Shirayuki, right?"
"…Yes."
After a brief pause, she added, "That girl has the strongest talent I've seen among the new students."
"…Even stronger than Shirayuki?"
Nase nodded.
Chiya looked toward the track. "…Then I'm looking forward to this. Let's see if she can beat Fujiwara Shirayuki."