Fujiwara Shirayuki needed to become an amazing person in a short amount of time. As for how amazing, even she didn't know yet.
"White kitten, I heard your Trainer challenged my Trainer. A Trainer's challenge is a Uma Musume's challenge. In that case, let us decide the victor in the next team selection exam!"Inside the classroom, T.M. Opera O declared loudly.
While everyone else was worrying about simply passing, these two were already aiming for first place, naturally drawing attention.
"What!? Shirayuki, you challenged someone again?" Special Week looked at her with admiration."More like I was challenged…" Shirayuki muttered.
Meisho Doto leaned in nervously. "Shir—Shirayuki, are you sure? Opera O is really strong… I mean, not that I think you'll lose, but…""Hahaha! Doto, my strength is beyond question, but Shirayuki is just as unfathomable. This will be a perfectly even battle!" Opera O laughed confidently.
Shirayuki knew how strong Opera O was. Even during that chaotic moment in the last race, Opera O never lost her composure. That kind of mental strength wasn't normal.
At this point, Shirayuki decided to use every resource available to her.
At lunch, she approached Oguri Cap.
"Oguri-senpai, could you train with me?""Hmm?" Oguri Cap looked up while eating."I need more real race experience before the exam. Training alone isn't enough.""Okay," Oguri nodded immediately. "Shirayuki is strong. You'll be fine.""…I haven't really shown any results though.""Because you eat a lot," Oguri said seriously, looking at Shirayuki's mountain of food. "If you can eat, you're strong.""…Is that how you measure it?""Yes.""…I see."
That afternoon, two figures stood at the front of the field, instantly drawing attention.
"Wait… Narita Brian and Oguri Cap? What are they doing here!?" Aoi Kiryuin exclaimed in shock.
One was the reigning Triple Crown winner, the other a superstar rivaling her fame. Two of the biggest names were standing in Chiya's team.
"I asked them to help train Shirayuki."
"Their schedules are packed. How did you even convince them…?"
"I just asked. They agreed."
"…Other trainers practically beg them and still get turned down," Aoi muttered.
Nearby, Narita Brian glanced at Oguri Cap.
"I didn't expect you to show up, too."
"Shirayuki said she needed help, so I came." Oguri Cap continued chewing.
"Good. I've been wanting to race you as well."
"I'm not here to race you," Oguri Cap replied calmly. "I'm here to help Shirayuki. And as a meal companion, I can't ignore her. She's strong. She'll become someone remarkable."
"You think highly of her."
"She eats a lot."
"…What?"
Training began.
Shirayuki stepped forward. "Sorry to keep you waiting, senpai."
"This isn't obstacle training. It's real racing," Narita Brian said. "Stick behind us and close the gap however you can."
"Yes!"
The three of them moved to the track.
Meanwhile, Chiya turned his attention to the rest of the team. This wasn't just Shirayuki versus Opera O. Everyone needed to pass.
Rice Shower would be fine. He trusted her.
As for Meisho Doto, as long as nothing went wrong, nothing would go wrong.
Then there was Gold Ship.
Chiya walked over.
"Gold Ship."
"Yeah?"
"You're training?"
"Yeah."
"That's good… except we're doing running practice. Why are you playing shogi?"
Gold Ship had somehow dragged over a shogi board and was playing alone. The clicking sounds made Chiya's face twitch. Aoi was standing right there too. How was he supposed to keep his dignity?
"I'm training my realm."
"Your realm again? What kind of training is that?"
"Can't you see, Trainer Chiya?" Gold Ship narrowed her eyes seriously. "Who I'm playing against."
"…Isn't that just empty space?"
"That's why your level is too low." She shook her head. "My opponent is the pinnacle of this world. Yaichi Kuzuryuu."
"…The Dragon King?"
"Exactly. Only by defeating him can I ascend."
Chiya gave up and walked away.
He walked back to Aoi, sighing."That girl… she's completely beyond me."Aoi glanced at Gold Ship, still playing alone. "…Is she always like this?""Yeah. Getting her to train properly is harder than winning a race.""…Shouldn't you stop her?""If that worked, I would've done it already."
After checking his own team, Chiya moved on with Aoi to inspect hers.
First up was Seiun Sky.
In the distance, a green-haired girl was leisurely strolling across the field.
"Seiun Sky, what are you doing?"
"Oh? Trainer Aoi, Trainer Chiya." She gave her usual lazy smile and waved.