WiseTL

Only One Year Left—I'll Become a Legendary Uma Musume! 2 [212]

Japanese Oaks, Tokyo Racecourse.

How should one describe it?

This was undoubtedly a highly anticipated race. After all, it was the once-a-year Triple Tiara. Even without famous participants, the event drew plenty of attention.

And this year’s Oaks had three particularly eye-catching Uma Musume.

Even Verxina, the least watched among them, had attention rivaling past superstars!

But right now, Gotham Song couldn’t care less about any of this. She was currently ...

Only One Year Left—I'll Become a Legendary Uma Musume! 2 [211]

"I saw your plans—pretty good. If you'd had brains like this earlier, you would've predicted my initial snipe at you, right?"

Just after stepping off the plane in Tokyo, Gotham Song heard these words from Dancing Brave, immediately making her struggle to maintain her composure.

How should I even respond to that?

The initial snipe Dancing Brave mentioned—what else could it be? It had to be referring to that final spectacle at the Arc, the very first time the two of them r...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [100]

Nino shot Shirase an irritated glare. “I’m not that petty, okay? Though I’m definitely not convinced either. My cooking’s amazing—I might not lose to her.”

Itsuki immediately burst out laughing. “We weren’t even talking about cooking, and you volunteered that on your own. Nino, that’s pure guilty conscience.”

“I am not! Itsuki, shut up already—I can’t even stand your face right now!”

“Raising your voice is another sign of guilt...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [99]

It was obvious Yukinoshita Yukino had gone through the documents more times than she could count.

As she spoke with Shirase, she didn’t even glance down. From that thick stack, she laid out the key points smoothly, covering every relevant detail about the opposing team without missing a beat.

Watching her analyze with that effortless confidence, Yuigahama Yui’s eyes shone with open admiration.

Even Nakano Itsuki’s impression of her shifted. She murmured, “No wonder t...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [98]

Yuigahama Yui ultimately kept quiet.

The reason was simple—she wasn’t close to Shirase.

Besides, his reputation around school was that he was “hard to talk to,” so she quickly gave up on the idea of asking him for cooking tips.

At that moment, Yukinoshita Yukino took a sleek black bag from the chair beside her and pulled out a neat stack of folders, several photos tucked inside.

Shirase’s demeanor immediately turned serious. “You worked hard.”

“Yo...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [97]

Faced with the curious stares of the Nakano sisters, Shirase calmly explained everything as they walked.

“So it was all just for match intel?”

Both Nino and Itsuki visibly relaxed.

Then Nino pouted. “You could’ve asked me instead. Even if I’m not as smart as Yukinoshita Yukino, I wouldn’t necessarily lose to her when it comes to digging up info.”

Shirase gave her a flat look. “Do you really believe that?”

“Why wouldn’t I? I’m highly respec...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [96]

Yukinoshita Yukino didn’t care how others looked at her. Even though walking up to Shirase drew plenty of curious eyes, she returned to her seat with the same indifferent expression as always.

No questions, no concern—no interest in anyone’s opinions.

Besides, she had no friends in class, not even acquaintances, so no one dared approach her to pry.

It was similar on Shirase’s side. After exchanging looks with his buddies, the guy sitting behind him finally worked up ...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [95]

Though Kojima Kana’s last line had sounded like a question, her steps didn’t slow. She walked straight to the bathtub before stopping—then blushed hard and looked away, unable to meet Shirase’s eyes.

“Move over a bit. I’m getting in too,” she said shyly.

Shirase didn’t move. “So that’s what Kana-nee was planning all along?”

“What plan? Don’t talk nonsense.”

At his teasing, Kana seemed to trigger some kind of “Courage Buff.” She suddenly ...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [94]

By the time Shirase got home, night had fallen completely. The sound of the TV carried clearly from the living room, so he figured Kojima Kana was stretched out on the sofa watching her shows as usual.

But after changing his shoes and stepping inside, he realized the mature beauty wasn’t there at all.

“You’re back?” came Kana’s sweet voice—from his bedroom.

“Yeah. Why are you in my room?” he asked, heading that way.

“I had some free time, so I thought...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [93]

As Shirase and Nakano Itsuki left, Miura Yumiko crouched beside Hayama Hayato and asked gently, “You alright?”

“It’s just surface stuff. I’ll be fine in a couple days.”

Hearing that, Yumiko lowered her voice. “You were too impulsive just now.”

Hayama didn’t answer directly. He kept looking in the direction Shirase had gone. “You’ve always wondered why I pay special attention to Shirase, right?”

“Hm?” Yumiko blinked, caught off guard.

A...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [92]

Compared to the distant boats still gliding across the lake, filled with laughter and chatter, the spot where Shirase stood—lit by just two streetlamps—felt strangely silent.

The long-haired guy still hadn’t recovered from Shirase’s brutal knee strike. His legs shook, ready to give out at any moment.

When he finally managed to lift his head, the cocky arrogance from before was gone, replaced by raw fear and anger.

He’d been the loudest, the first to rush in—and n...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [91]

Both Shirase Haruto and Nakano Itsuki had been dragged along at the last minute, so naturally neither of them had any clue where to go.

That’s when the riajuu duo came in handy.

Hayama Hayato suggested hitting up the night market, while Miura Yumiko thought boating sounded better.

In the end, Shirase’s and Hayama’s votes didn’t count for much—the girls decided on boating.

Boating on a cool night breeze—romantic and relaxing.

Exactly what they...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [90]

Miura Yumiko, of course, had ulterior motives behind her “photo booth” idea.

When she saw that Shirase didn’t immediately refuse, she smoothly began coaxing Nakano Itsuki into it, all the while aiming to strengthen their newly forming friendship.

Itsuki, being the kind of girl who couldn’t bring herself to overthink things, felt embarrassed but quickly gave in to Yumiko’s gentle urging and stepped into the booth with Shirase.

The space inside was small—once the t...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [89]

After they’d all eaten, Miura Yumiko quickly proposed the next activity—clearly she’d planned things out in advance.

During dinner, she’d asked Shirase and Nakano Itsuki for their preferences. After learning neither of them cared for karaoke, she settled on the mall.

At first, Shirase assumed “mall” meant clothes and bags, which would make him and Hayama the designated bag carriers.

But when they arrived, he realized Yumiko actually wanted everyone to have fun, n...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [88]

After training ended, Shirase showered, changed, and stepped outside—only to find Hayama Hayato waiting by the door, casually holding a bag. He looked like someone waiting on purpose, so Shirase asked, “Waiting for someone?”

Hayama flashed his usual gentle smile. “You.”

Shirase eyed him suspiciously. “Don’t tell me you’ve been hiding your true preferences at school all this time.”

It took Hayama a second to process that. Then, caught between laughter and ex...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [87]

After hearing Isshiki Iroha’s explanation, Shirase finally understood what everyone was planning.

In short, because his speed and explosive power far outclassed the rest of the team, and the soccer club’s overall level was still pretty average, they wanted to build a strategy around him—relying on his physical advantage to compete with stronger schools.

The idea was simple: a few players would pass the ball downfield, while Shirase started from another position to chase it. ...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [86]

Who was the happiest person in the Service Club at that moment?

Definitely Hiratsuka-sensei.

The longer she watched from the sidelines—happily munching on her metaphorical popcorn—the more convinced she became that Shirase and Yukinoshita actually got along frighteningly well.

And Shirase’s verbal sparring? Not weak in the slightest. Even against Yukinoshita Yukino—famous throughout the school for her razor-sharp tongue—he didn’t lose a step.

Under Hiratsuk...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [85]

Shirase and Hiratsuka-sensei arrived at the Service Club one after the other.
The clubroom door was ajar, and the moment Shirase knocked, the long-haired girl reading inside lifted her head.

Their eyes met. Yukinoshita Yukino blinked, a faint crease forming between her brows. “Why are you here?”

“Hi~” Hiratsuka-sensei poked her head out from behind him.

Yukinoshita’s expression instantly smoothed over. “Oh, did Hiratsuka-sensei bring Shirase-san here?”

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [84]

Just curious on a whim?

More like a long-premeditated plot, if you asked anyone with half a brain.

Yukinoshita Yukino’s expression didn’t change. “I’ve never tasted Shirase-san’s cooking, so even if you ask me that, I can’t answer.”

“In other words, you’d like to try it?”

“If given the chance, I certainly wouldn’t refuse.”

“Reason?”

“Perhaps because he’s always treated me as a rival—and now, I’ve started doing the same....

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [83]

In the end, Hiratsuka Shizuka left with complicated feelings.

When she departed, she even took two bento boxes with her.

But before leaving, she explained to Shirase why she’d brought up Kojima Kana’s name.

Inside, Shirase felt nothing—just the urge to laugh.

He couldn’t help imagining how Kojima Kana would react if she learned she was the final straw that convinced Hiratsuka-sensei she needed to lose weight.

Knowing Kana-nee, he guessed she’d puff hers...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [82]

Shirase really hadn’t meant to laugh.

Hiratsuka Shizuka had shown up looking dead serious—like she was about to discuss something life-changing—only to suddenly blurt out, “I want to lose weight.”
And she’d said it to him, her student.

That kind of absurd, whiplash-inducing shift—how was he supposed to keep a straight face? He couldn’t. He burst out laughing.

“Hey, hey, what’s so funny about that?” Hiratsuka snapped, her face flushing red. H...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [81]

Meanwhile, at Kojima Kana’s house—Shirase regained control of his body and glanced at the still-steaming ramen, his mood steady…

Well, not quite that steady.

It wasn’t that he minded the damned system hijacking his body and blatantly stealing Hiratsuka-sensei’s ramen right in front of her. He’d been through this plenty of times and was already used to cleaning up the system’s mess.

Compared to the rewards he could get, this little incident was hardly worth ment...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [80]

The reason Hiratsuka Shizuka was so conflicted wasn't solely because she'd suddenly concluded that "a woman needs to be slim to attract men."

Just five minutes ago, she'd called Kojima Kana under the guise of colleague consultation. Although Kana had been out shopping, she still patiently answered Shizuka's questions.

When Shizuka subtly brought up the topic of women's figures, Kojima Kana couldn't offer much solid advice—after all, she herself was the plump-and-curvy type.

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [79]

It had to be said, the system was exceptionally good at shaking off girls who got clingy. It had even once used Shirase's mouth to proclaim something like "I hate women most of all"—a model line of chuunibyou solidarity.

Just now, the girls who’d been attracted by Shirase’s handsome looks quickly ran off in embarrassment after hearing this absurd declaration.

After all, many passersby were still staring.

Young girls were thin-skinned, after all. Had no one els...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [78]

For Shirase Haruto’s question, the system instead turned to Takanashi Rikka and asked directly, “Are you out with a friend today?”

Takanashi Rikka’s spirit instantly ignited.
“You really are impressive—not only did you easily detect my highly advanced tracking technique, you even realized I wasn’t alone.”

Then she smirked with great satisfaction, humming under her breath.
“As a companion of a Kamen Rider, no matter how low-key I try to be, I still ...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [77]

At this hour, no one else was around; the corridor was completely silent. Aside from Shirase Haruto and Nakano Nino’s breathing, it was as if all other sounds had vanished.

The gentle, cozy fragrance emanating from Nakano Nino’s body encircled him, like an invisible hand softly brushing against Shirase’s face, neck, and arms.

This season wasn’t particularly cold. Even though Nino was wearing a tracksuit, it wasn’t overly thick. Through its thin fabric, Shirase could clea...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [76]

The moment Nakano Itsuki impatiently opened the bag of cookies, everyone reached out eagerly—including Nino.

"This taste is just… too satisfying," Nakano Itsuki said with exaggerated delight, nibbling the cookie with a face overflowing with happiness.

Nakano Yotsuba took a bite and asked curiously, "By the way, Shirase-kun, did you really go on a date with Nino yesterday?"

"Yotsuba! If you don't know how to chat properly, keep your mouth shut!" Nakano Nino glared at her ...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [75]

After bidding Kirisu Mafuyu farewell, Shirase Haruto returned home and headed straight into the kitchen. He needed to bake cookies for Nakano Itsuki.

Since he’d promised earlier, he naturally intended to deliver.

Besides, if he maxed out Itsuki's favorability now, whenever he visited the Nakano household in the future looking for Nino, he'd at least have someone there willing to put in a good word for him.

Ah, and there was Ichika too.

Shirase recalled covering for N...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [74]

Kirisu Mafuyu, though she’d finally managed to calm down, still didn’t dare face Kojima Kana directly.

While pulling down the zipper of her tracksuit, she turned her back toward Kana, undressing with her back facing the other woman.

“We’re both women—what’s there to be shy about over something this small?” Kana clearly couldn’t comprehend it.

Kirisu Mafuyu’s whole body stiffened, her face faintly flushed. At last, she turned around and, feigning composure, ...

Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [73]

The conversation among Shirase Haruto and the two teachers quickly turned casual afterward.

Shirase originally planned to take his leave, but Kojima Kana wasn't entirely confident in the cockroach poison’s effectiveness. She insisted he stay longer, in case another cockroach appeared suddenly and scared both beautiful teachers into panicked flight.

Shirase sat absent-mindedly watching television, while Kojima Kana chatted idly with Kirisu Mafuyu.

The conversation gradually...