Uma Musume: This Trainer Doesn't Do His Job, Ch 21-25

Chapter 21 - A Pretty Good Reason

“?”

Tazuna’s face flushed slightly, while Yayoi, sitting beside her, was already digging in without restraint.

Watching this, Miracle, bowl and chopsticks in hand, suddenly felt hesitant to eat.

She shot a pleading look toward Yuu.

Trainer, if I eat too… will there still be enough?

Yuu looked at the dishes vanishing at a visible pace. Tazuna hadn’t even started yet.

He’d cooked based on portions for just himself and Miracle. There was no way it would be enough.

“Hang on. I’ll make some more.”

"Request: could you make a lot more?"

Yayoi raised her hand. Outside, she carried herself with an air of unbelievable maturity, but right now she really did look like a kid.

“No problem!”

Yuu grinned and gave a thumbs-up.

It was just a meal. What kind of offense was that? If they could eat more, he was happy about it.

Soon, the sound of running water filled the kitchen as he started washing vegetables.

Honestly, thank goodness he’d always had the habit of stocking extra ingredients.

Tazuna cast a long, weary look at her utterly shameless director.

Yayoi had already felt Tazuna’s gaze, but… even so, she had to eat!

Her main reason for coming here was to freeload a meal!

Never underestimate the bond between her and food. Even if she got scolded afterward, she had to leave on a full stomach!

More accurately speaking, every Uma Musume was secretly a bottomless pit and a hardcore foodie.

……

With Yuu going all out, feeding the two extra Uma Musume was, frankly, effortless.

Yayoi wiped her mouth and slipped back into her composed director mode.

“I’ll have Tazuna pay you for today’s meal.”

“It’s just one meal, that’s—”

“Denied. One thing at a time. The food must be paid for.”

Yayoi snapped her fan open and held it against her chest.

Come on. If she didn’t pay, then next time… even she would feel too embarrassed to come freeloading again.

That hadn’t even crossed Tazuna’s mind.

She simply nodded seriously, agreeing with her director, and felt a bit relieved inside. At least her director was finally learning to be considerate.

“Alright then, if that’s what you want. Let’s talk business.”

Yuu didn’t push it. He sat down across the table, looking at Tazuna and Yayoi.

“I still have plans this afternoon. I need to take Miracle to training.”

Both of them froze.

B-business?

What business?

This time, Yuu was the one who stared blankly. "You didn't come to see me about anything? Then Hayakawa-san, Chairwoman, what were you here for? Don't tell me you really just came to freeload a meal?"

Hearing the shock in his voice, both Tazuna and Yayoi blushed.

T-too direct.

One look at their expressions told him everything.

So he really had guessed right.

Somehow, they seemed even less reliable than him.

…Well, alright. Pretty much even.

"Fine, fine. You're welcome to come freeload again next time. But if there's nothing else, I still need to take—"

“Wait!”

Yayoi shot to her feet.

The pressure bursting out of her small frame startled Yuu.

"Announcement. Tazuna and I did come for official business, as the director of an academy. It's impossible that I would abandon my duties just for the sake of satisfying my appetite and come eat a meal."

She said it with righteous conviction, but the confusion written all over Tazuna’s face beside her told the real story.

"Tomorrow, we'll be re-evaluating the Uma Musume who were previously rejected, to see if they qualify to join Tracen Academy. In the past, this process was always accompanied by veteran Trainers. This time, we'd like to invite you to come with us. While Trainer Tsukimori isn't exactly a veteran Trainer… you are an extremely experienced doctor. Your contribution would be even greater than that of a seasoned Trainer."

If others heard this, they might think she was exaggerating.

But knowing that the doctor she meant was Yuu, they’d only think she was being too modest.

In the eyes of everyone in the Uma Musume world, Yuu was a living legend.

A legend who didn’t even need to retire to earn the title.

Being able to diagnose conditions with a glance or a touch, with over ninety percent accuracy, yet still remaining meticulous and serious.

Many said this wasn’t just a master keeping the heart of a student.

It was more like someone pointing a gun at you and saying, Learn properly or die.

Yuu rubbed his chin. “That does sound doable. I was thinking of seeing if there were any outstanding Uma Musume I could recruit for my own team, anyway.”

Compared to other places, Tracen Academy’s entry requirements weren’t that strict.

As long as someone didn’t have abysmal talent or an extremely awful personality, there was still a chance.

“Even if it was a reason you came up with on the spot, I have to say, it's a pretty good one.”

“I-it wasn’t something I made up on the spot!”

Yuu leaned forward with a grin. “Director, has anyone ever told you that you’re really bad at lying?”

“Guh!”

Watching the scene, Tazuna sighed inwardly. As expected, her director was still way too green in front of Trainer Tsukimori.

“Then it’s settled. Just send me the details. And you’re welcome to come freeload again anytime.”

Looking at the slightly smug expression on his face, Yayoi met his gaze head-on with dignity.

“Th-thank you!”

Miracle: “?”

……

“So yeah, that’s how it is. I’m planning to go with them tomorrow.”

At the training grounds, now changed into sportswear and stretching, Tachyon listened with clear interest on her face.

“I see. So you’re hunting for new prey?”

“Hey, hey, don’t make it sound so bad. What do you mean, prey?”

Sitting behind a computer, Yuu immediately objected.

“It’s obviously finding wives!”

Miracle looked at him and thought… that might actually be worse than prey.

Even someone as well-behaved as her couldn’t help wanting to complain when it came to Yuu.

"Anyway, that's the plan. Tomorrow I'll take a look, and if there's an Uma Musume I like—"

He looked up, face serious and resolute.

“If it’s an Uma Musume I like, I’m taking her on the spot!”

Tachyon’s soft hand gently brushed over his firm, serious face. “I see. Then I want to go too.”

Yuu blinked. “You too? What would you go for?”

"I'm curious What my future sister will be like"

Tachyon sat down on his lap, resting her chin on his shoulder, and looked back at Miracle.

"After all, I've already met this sister here, and I'm very satisfied~"

“OK, OK, small problem!”

Miracle: …………

Something was off. Tachyon-senpai was off, and the Trainer was off too!

Or… wait. Could it be that she was the weird one?

For the first time, Miracle found herself questioning her own sanity.

Chapter 22 - Kinda Gross. Seriously.

The first half of training wrapped up. Tachyon sipped the honey lemon water Yuu had prepared for her, replenishing her energy as she got ready for the second half.

She was smiling, but it was the kind of smile that looked fake at a glance.

Miracle quietly walked up beside her.

“I know what you want to ask,” Agnes said. “About you and Guinea Pig-kun. Right?”

Agnes turned her head. Being stared at with such hollow eyes made Miracle’s chest tighten with unease.

She nodded lightly, acknowledging the point.

"Guinea Pig-kun has never hidden his fondness for Uma Musume, nor the fact that he wants a harem. As for his womanizing… I never really cared about that in the first place. He's my Guinea Pig-kun, the one I can't let go of. I'm incapable of rejecting him. So I won't demand that others do either. I know what you're worried about. There's no need."

The corner of her lips slowly curved upward. That smile only made Miracle more uncomfortable.

"You're already holding the key that opens the door to that world. I'm curious: what kind of brilliance will you bloom into? If you truly feel guilty toward me, then listen to Guinea Pig-kun seriously. Get on the track as soon as you can."

Agnes stood up and walked to stand directly in front of her.

“Show me how far you can go.”

After tossing out those words, she hummed a tune and walked away.

Just like she said, she really didn’t care.

Miracle watched her retreating back.

“Agnes… senpai…”

…………

“Over here!”

At the school gate, Yayoi waved enthusiastically at Yuu, who had arrived right on time.

Swish!

The folding fan snapped open, revealing two bold characters written across it: [Welcome!]

“Well?!”

“Looks great. Very imposing.”

Yuu answered without hesitation.

“Enough fooling around. Let’s get ready to head out.”

Tazuna, still dressed in her usual green, looked utterly helpless as she spoke. Then her gaze shifted to Agnes.

“Agnes Tachyon, are you coming along as well?”

“Of course. There’s a chance I’ll see some new test subjects.”

Great. It wasn't three problem children anymore. Now all four were present.

Yuu glanced back at the car parked nearby and suddenly didn't feel like going anymore. Couldn’t they just send someone else?

…………

The car cruised along the road.

In the back seat, Yuu and Yayoi were chatting more and more enthusiastically.

At the wheel, Tazuna let out a sigh. The situation she’d least wanted to see had still come to pass.

She never should’ve taken the chairwoman to meet Trainer Tsukimori.

She’d thought one meeting wouldn’t hurt, that they wouldn’t end up mixing together like this.

Reality proved she’d been naïve.

Stand users are drawn to each other!

People who like Uma Musume are the same!

In the back seat, Yuu's grin grew increasingly unhinged.

Tazuna, did you really think you were any different from us?

We’re all cut from the same cloth!

Heh heh heh heh heh!

“Question,” Yayoi said, slapping his shoulder. “Trainer Tsukimori, why are you making such a disgusting face?”

“What am I thinking?” he said with a cackle. “Heh heh heh~”

Hearing that laugh, Yayoi subconsciously scooted a little farther away.

The next second, Yuu's expression changed instantly, from sleazy to completely blank.

"No need to be so wary. I'm not interested in cutting boards. Hayakawa-san, on the other hand, should watch herself around me."

Tazuna: “?”

Yayoi's face also changed in an instant, going from pale to bright red in under two seconds.

“Damn it! You jerk! Take back that rude comment!”

“My favorite thing to say to self-righteous people is ‘no.’”

Up front, Tazuna's grip on the steering wheel tightened. A terrifying aura began to gather.

Agnes, who had been bored moments ago, suddenly narrowed her eyes and stared seriously at Tazuna's smiling profile.

“Could you two be quiet for a moment?”

A horrifying demonic silhouette seemed to take shape.

“O-Okay.”

“Y-Yes.”

Agnes smiled with interest. She realized she’d never actually seen Hayakawa-san’s ears before.

So then… was it possible that—

(Yuu: Stop guessing and just ask me. I’ll tell you!)

…………

Once Yuu and Yayoi finally behaved themselves, Tazuna stepped on the gas.

Lingering only leads to trouble. Let’s get this over with!

Then she could separate Yuu and the chairwoman, absolutely not letting those two get together.

One chairwoman was already more than enough of a headache!

Just as she finished psyching herself up, she turned her head, and realized the chairwoman who should’ve been waiting was gone.

“Huh?”

A voice came from ahead.

“What a shame. If there weren’t so many restrictions, I’d really want to scoop up all these cuties!”

“Mhm, yeah! Scoop them up!”

Yayoi nodded in understanding. Even as chairwoman, there were things she couldn’t decide on freely.

As a leader, she had to be ruthless.

Tracen Academy needed results, solid results, to secure funding from the association. Otherwise, the academy’s operations would be in trouble.

Tracen Academy was excellent, but that didn’t mean it was unbeatable.

China, America, and Germany all had quite strong Uma Musume academies of their own.

Yuu looked through the glass at the Uma Musume preparing for their second round of evaluations.

He took a deep breath.

Alright then… time to play to my strengths and find their shining points.

As long as they had something that stood out, they could be admitted.

He opened the back door and followed behind Yayoi.

The second round began.

…………

"Fluttering Pennant, right? Your test results say you have no talent, but I don't think that's true. From your muscles and bone structure, it's clear you're not suited for short-distance races. Honestly, even Japan's long-distance events are too short for you. If you're interested in studying abroad, you could try Tracen Academy in America. Their ultra–long-distance races would be your stage."

Yuu withdrew his hand from the shy girl's leg.

Her eyes were filled with bashfulness and admiration. “I—I really admire you, Doctor Tsukimori!”

He smiled and nodded gently. “Thank you for your support.”

He looked dependable. Gentle. Reassuring.

And yet, for some reason, watching him like this made Tazuna and the others feel… kind of gross.

“Thank you! Thank you so much! Doctor Tsukimori, I’ll work as hard as I can once I get to America!”

He lightly patted her shoulder.

“Take good care of your body. That’s the best thanks you can give me.”

Her eyes were practically sparkling with hearts.

She went off to prepare her enrollment paperwork, and Yuu nodded in satisfaction.

Perfect!

Another one scooped up!

When he turned around, he was met with three Uma Musume wearing strange expressions.

“What?”

“Kinda gross.”

“Agreed.”

“Yeah… a little.”

Yuu: “Hey, that’s crossing a line!”

Chapter 23 - Girl, Join My Team!

Time passed, second by second, and Tazuna and the others finally understood why Yuu was known as a doctor who transcended eras.

The medical skill he displayed was simply astonishing.

This no longer felt like a second-round evaluation. It had practically turned into a clinic.

"Your speed and explosiveness should be fine. Later, try the short-distance dirt test. And you haven't been feeling very well lately, right? You've caught a mild cold. There's no need to be too nervous; it's not serious. Drink more water, sleep more, and rest properly."

"Sorry, your talent really isn't strong, but don't cry yet. I noticed some issues with your calf bones. After the evaluation, go get them checked with your parents. They're still treatable at this stage. You won't be able to reach Graded Stakes, but once you recover, running in lower-level races is still possible. You don't want to give up running, do you?"

"Your case is quite rare. Even America's ultra–long-distance races are too short for you. I recommend studying abroad at Tracen Academy in Mongolia. It borders China, and both countries host ultra–long-distance races. Only those can truly be called ultra–long-distance events. But before that… your body is a bit weak. Let's put the reward stuff on hold for now."

Yuu looked at the petite Uma Musume, her face flushed red.

He didn’t really have an issue with Uma Musume liking to reward themselves.

Everyone had stress, and everyone relieved it in different ways. Even without stress, if you felt like it, was that really wrong?

Still, moderation mattered.

Go too far, and it would only hurt the body.

When he turned around, he saw two stunned faces, everyone except Tachyon.

“You can tell all that just by looking? Without any equipment?”

Tazuna stared at him in disbelief.

“Incredible! Such powerful insight and technique!”

Yuu pressed his hands downward. "Easy, easy. Isn’t this something anyone with hands can do? I’m sure the two of you could do even better~”

“…………”

“…………”

Agnes lay sprawled across the desk, her ears drooping.

So boring.

She hadn’t seen a single Uma Musume that caught her eye, nor anyone chosen by her own Guinea Pig-kun.

Yuu ignored the speechless looks behind him and returned to the first seat.

That seat should have belonged to Yayoi, but after he showed off a little, she obediently handed over all authority.

Now she was content to sit there as a decorative accessory.

“Next, please come in.”

He called toward the door. A few seconds later, the heavy wooden door was pushed open.

A small face with a radiant smile appeared before him.

“Hello, teachers! My name is Haru Urara! My dream is to keep running happily, forever and ever!”

The next moment, Tazuna and Yayoi saw Agnes sit up straight, while Yuu's expression also grew more serious.

Huh?

Was there something unusual about this Uma Musume?

“Hello, Urara.”

Yuu smiled at the cherry-haired girl.

…………

“Urara, you’re better suited for dirt races. Your stamina is lacking, your speed isn’t great, and your explosiveness is insufficient. There are also quite a few other issues.”

He laid out everything he had observed.

“And because your talent isn’t strong, you trained privately without the school Trainer’s guidance, didn’t you?”

He looked at her steady smile.

At those words, surprise finally appeared on her face.

“Eh? Doctor, you’re amazing! You could tell just by pinching a little!”

Surprise quickly turned into admiration.

Her pink eyes sparkled with stars.

"My reputation as the strongest isn't just for show. Back to the point: because of high-intensity training, your body is already in bad shape. You need a period of proper rest."

Urara nodded, then waved at him.

"Thank you! Doctor Tsukimori, I'll rest properly! Bye-bye!"

She turned and walked straight out, leaving Yuu completely stunned.

“Wait—wait a second, Urara. Where are you going?”

She tilted her head, puzzled.

“Home?”

“Why are you going home?”

“Huh? To eat?”

Yuu was completely thrown off, his mind freezing for a few seconds.

"No, no, that's not what I meant. Urara, weren't you here for the second evaluation? Why are you leaving? Don't you want to continue?"

She asked in confusion, “But… didn’t I fail?”

“Fail? Who told you that?”

“Well, but…”

Urara didn’t know what to say anymore. This wasn’t good, that wasn’t good. Didn’t that mean she’d failed?

Not just Urara, even Tazuna and Yayoi thought she’d failed.

Yuu looked at her seriously.

"I denied your ability, but I never denied you. I like your personality. You don't have the strength of an outstanding Uma Musume, but you have the heart of one."

His smile grew slightly bold.

"And I can give you the strength to become one. Ability is something I can handle. I don't have strict requirements for an Uma Musume's heart, but if it's strong, that's even better. Girl, I've taken a liking to you! Join my team! Become my Uma Musume!"

Agnes propped her cheek on her hand, watching the stunned Urara.

Just as she thought, she had known the moment this Uma Musume walked in that she was special.

Her Guinea Pig-kun would probably like her.

And sure enough, she had been right.

Did this count as… being in sync?

…………

Urara felt like she was dreaming.

She hadn’t had any expectations coming into the evaluation, but not even trying wasn’t her style.

After arriving, she saw many excited Uma Musume. Asking around, she learned why.

The legendary Doctor Tsukimori was serving as an examiner.

She was thrilled. She admired Doctor Tsukimori too. Surely no Uma Musume disliked him!

Then she witnessed his legendary ability firsthand. Many Uma Musume who were eliminated still wore smiles.

Some held enrollment forms. Some didn’t.

But all of them looked satisfied.

So many hidden talents had been discovered. It was incredible.

Then it was her turn.

She thought she’d been rejected. That made sense.

She had always come in last, but that was okay. She would keep working hard after going home.

And then—

“Girl, I’ve taken a liking to you! Join my team and become my Uma Musume!”

Chapter 24 - What Does This Mean?

“Um… Doctor Tsukimori…”

Urara turned back, looking at Yuu walking behind her with gifts in hand.

The moment he heard how she addressed him, Yuu reacted with exaggerated shock.

"Huh?! What's this about? Urara-chan clearly promised to become my Uma Musume, so why are you calling me Doctor Tsukimori again?! D-Don't tell me—you're abandoning me already?! Damn it! I'll become even more outstanding so that you—ow!"

Tazuna pressed her hand down on his head.

A terrifying smile spread across her face. “Trainer Tsukimori, could you please act properly at a time like this?”

“Y-Yes.”

Today’s work was finished, but there was still another full day tomorrow.

Urara had accepted his invitation, and Yuu didn't want to risk anything dragging on, so he chose to visit her home directly, to lock things in.

Sure, he knew that no one else was likely to invite Urara, and that once she’d agreed to him she definitely wouldn’t choose another Trainer.

But—but still!

Something this exciting and joyful was better confirmed as soon as possible!

Yes. Exactly.

Urara looked at Yuu's cheerful grin.

Back when no one had chosen her, she hadn’t doubted herself even a little.

But now, for the first time, uncertainty crept onto her face.

“Trainer, you…”

"I chose you, Urara. Even if you fail, you'll stand back up again and run once more, that Urara. There's no need to feel inferior or doubt yourself. You can doubt anything else if you want. But there's one thing you should never doubt. That is this: you are firmly chosen and acknowledged by me, your Trainer. Win or lose, I will always believe in you. I won't be disappointed in you."

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay!”

Urara clenched her small fists, a spark lighting in her eyes.

“I’m fired up, Trainer!”

“Good! Then let’s celebrate with a 100-kilometer run!”

“Okay!”

Tazuna covered her face. She really shouldn’t have come along.

…………

Urara’s parents wore excited smiles.

Yuu sat across from them at the kotatsu, a gentle expression on his face.

This was the power of fame.

If it were an ordinary person, this couple would definitely be wondering whether he had bad intentions toward their daughter.

And that concern would be perfectly normal, and correct.

After all, they knew Urara’s talent better than anyone. Even getting into a Uma Musume academy had been difficult for her.

Being chosen by a Trainer was even more unbelievable.

When Trainers made selections, it was usually Uma Musume with the ability to dominate Local Races.

Their Urara, no matter the event, was always just running alongside others.

How could someone like her be chosen?

Why would a Trainer spend time and effort training an Uma Musume who was unlikely to achieve much?

If it was just to fill numbers, that was even worse.

Their precious daughter wasn’t going to be used like that.

But this was Yuu.

A legendary figure who won major prizes with ease.

Anyone who followed Uma Musume racing would know him.

And in this world, did anyone really not follow Uma Musume racing?

Being famous spared Yuu a lot of explaining.

"Uncle, Auntie, there's really no need to worry so much. Every Uma Musume has her own shining point. I saw Urara's shining point, and I admire it very, very, very much."

He emphasized it three times.

Urara kept smiling brightly as her parents turned to look at their daughter.

"Cute! Our daughter's greatest shining point is how cute she is!"

They said it in perfect unison.

“Mm… that’s hard to deny. In my eyes, Urara is actually a bit too cute.”

Yuu nodded in agreement. Yes, absolutely.

Urara being cute was undeniable.

"That's one of her shining points, but it's not why I chose her."

Tazuna and Yayoi sat off to the side. Yayoi wore a perfectly polite smile, completely masking her usual personality.

Tazuna glanced at Yayoi, then at Yuu.

These two were way too good at putting on an act in front of outsiders.

…………

"The reason I chose Urara is because no matter what kind of hardship she faces, she always charges forward. She's never stopped in her tracks by temporary setbacks. Once she steps onto the track, she's always at her best, one hundred percent. Either she gives it everything she has, or she exceeds her limits. The only thing holding her back is strength."

Urara’s father’s eyes started spinning as he muttered something under his breath.

Didn’t understand a word, but anyway… he was praising their Urara!

Urara herself grew a little embarrassed from all the praise.

Am I… really that good?

Yuu straightened, looking seriously at the two of them.

“In short, the reason I came today is to ask you to entrust Urara to me with peace of mind.”

“Huh?”

“That was fast.”

"Well, um, dear, can you check where Urara's family register is? We might need it for the wedding—wait, no… she might be too young?"

“Right. How about this, Doctor Tsukimori, why don't you wait a couple of years and we’ll get them engaged first?”

Yuu: “?”

Yayoi: “?”

Tazuna: “?”

Tachyon: “?”

Urara’s face instantly turned red. “Mom! Dad! What are you saying?!”

…………

“Ahem. Let’s get back to the original topic.”

Yuu cleared his throat. He honestly hadn't expected anyone to surpass him in being unreliable.

Well, maybe only a family this loving, and this unreliable, could raise a kid as wonderful as Urara.

"I invited Urara because I genuinely like her and believe in her future. My team may only have two Uma Musume right now, but each one was carefully chosen. I chose them, and they chose me. If I were irresponsible, I could easily put together a massive team."

No one present doubted that for a moment.

"I invited Urara because I intend to train her properly and take responsibility for her future. So please, entrust Urara's future to me."

Her parents finally grew serious.

Urara’s mother looked at her gently.

"Then… we'll leave this child's future in your hands. She may cause you some trouble, Doctor—no, Trainer Tsukimori. Please be patient with her."

As her mother, I want to express both my gratitude and my apology.”

Tachyon finally spoke for the first time since arriving.

“I suppose I should say this instead: as the Trainer's Uma Musume, I’ll be the one asking Urara to please bear with Guinea Pig-kun.”

She turned and smiled at Urara.

She really liked this teammate.

A very, very excellent test subject.

Chapter 25 - Are They a Match? A Perfect Match

“Are you really not staying for dinner before you go?”

Urara’s mother tried to persuade him again.

Yuu declined once more. “Sorry, Auntie. There’s a Uma Musume back at the academy, and she’s at a critical stage right now.”

“I see.”

Hearing that, Urara’s mother finally stopped insisting.

“Work comes first, after all.”

Yuu smiled. “I’ll come back when things settle down. Even though being a Trainer isn’t exactly busy, I can’t really afford to be away for a whole day. Once my Uma Musume finishes her Debut Race, I’ll definitely come try your cooking.”

“Then it’s a promise!”

Urara’s mom laughed, clearly pleased.

He wasn’t lying. If Miracle weren’t waiting for him back home, staying for dinner tonight wouldn’t have been a problem at all.

He turned to look at Urara, walked over, and bent down in front of her.

“Urara, pack up your things today. We're leaving tomorrow, for Tracen Academy.”

“Yeah!”

Seriously… how can Urara be this cute?

…………

The car sped along the road at dusk.

Compared to the trip there, the ride back was much quieter.

Under Tazuna’s gaze, Yayoi behaved herself and stayed silent, not saying a single word.

Beside her, Yuu was leaning against Tachyon’s shoulder, fast asleep.

On the way there, Tachyon had been in the passenger seat.

On the way back, that seat belonged to Yayoi instead.

Discomfort was written all over Yayoi’s face.

If I had never seen the light, I could have endured the darkness.

Yuu, you jerk. How can you just fall asleep? Wake up and keep me company!

Tachyon looked at the sleeping Trainer. Today had drained him completely.

He'd kept himself wound tight the entire day. No wonder he was exhausted.

“Get some good rest, Guinea Pig-kun.”

Tazuna watched the scene through the rearview mirror.

It was the first time she’d ever seen gentleness in Tachyon’s eyes.

“Chairwoman, please keep it down. Trainer Tsukimori is already very tired. Let him rest properly.”

Yayoi, who hadn’t said a word to begin with, stared at her friend in disbelief.

Hey, I didn’t say anything!

…………

“Then, see you tomorrow.”

Yuu waved to Yayoi and Tazuna. That nap in the car had been incredibly refreshing; his spirits were back at their peak.

After coming to this world, he might not have had a system, but that didn’t mean he lacked advantages.

His “cheat,” so to speak, came from the Three Goddesses.

Three abilities, one of which allowed him to fall asleep anytime, anywhere, and rapidly recover both stamina and mental energy.

“Alright, let’s head to the training field. K.S. Miracle says she’s already there.”

Yuu held out his hand to Tachyon, who naturally took it.

Feeling the warmth and softness of her hand, he grinned smugly.

“Happy?”

“Of course!”

Tachyon glanced sideways at him, amused by the smug look plastered across his face.

“With our relationship, just holding hands shouldn’t be enough to make Guinea Pig-kun this happy anymore, right?”

“What kind of talk is that? I’m not the type to take things for granted once I get them.”

He raised their interlocked fingers.

"Forget holding hands. Just seeing Tachyon every day makes me ridiculously happy!"

“Really?”

“Absolutely true!”

Their joined hands swung lightly as they walked toward the training field.

A faint blush appeared on Tachyon’s face. “Guinea Pig-kun, you really do have a way with words.”

“That’s not tricking anyone. I only ever tell the truth! Tachyon, I really, really, really like you~”

Tachyon looked up at the moon slowly rising ahead of them.

An airheaded Trainer and an eccentric Uma Musume… this pairing—

They fit pretty well, don’t they?

…………

“Let’s begin.”

Yuu looked at Miracle, now changed into her training outfit. Judging by the intensity, she was officially starting structured training: rookie-level training.

He’d expected her recovery to be fast, but not this fast.

Looking at her now, who would’ve thought she’d struggled just to walk not long ago?

After steadying her breathing, Miracle opened her eyes and began her slow jog for the day.

She remembered Yuu’s words clearly: warm-ups were crucial.

Training effectiveness, gains, and long-term health all depended on proper preparation.

With sufficient warm-up, she could not only perform better, but also gain more from training and greatly reduce the risk of injury.

When it came to warm-ups, she put in two hundred percent focus.

One lap.

Another.

And another.

As she continued jogging, warmth gradually spread through her body.

Low-intensity movement for warm-up, then dynamic stretching, followed by proper training.

After training, static stretching.

And finally… the Trainer’s massage.

Miracle’s face flushed.

From layered sportswear and inner garments, to now just a simple sports bra—

her guard around the Trainer felt like those layers of clothing, slowly being stripped away.

She shook her head sharply.

Stop, stop, stop!

Don't think about that. Now's not the time!

Three laps left!

…………

A drone tracked Miracle from the side. Sweat covered her face as she ran with a car tire strapped to her back.

Unlike Tachyon, who trained by dragging massive mining tires, she was only carrying a single car tire for now.

Training had to be gradual.

Yuu watched carefully. Since the intensity wasn’t high, there were no movements that needed correction.

Proper training fundamentals meant fewer problems once she entered real races.

If training was done sloppily, problems during competition would multiply.

The biggest issue wasn’t poor results. The real danger was that careless training could drastically shorten a Uma Musume’s career.

After wiping away her sweat, Miracle stood obediently behind Yuu, waiting for feedback.

“Not bad. No obvious issues. Get some rest and make sure you can maintain this level of condition and quality in the next session.”

“Yes, Trainer.”

Yuu glanced at Tachyon, who was still training, then shifted his gaze back to the screen.

Her speed… was finally starting to increase, little by little.

Could it be that activating her Zone this time stimulated Tachyon’s recovery and growth?

…It didn’t seem impossible at all.