5 / 65

Before I knew it, the rating bar isn't just colored, it's almost halfway full!!! I'm so happy that so many people are reading this. It gives me so much encouragement!!!

Face It! Training

"Is this the trainer's room?"

The day after signing the contract, I arrived at Trainer Yokoshima's office. Since I was his only charge, the room wasn't huge, but it was spacious enough for the two of us.

What was truly wonderful was that there was space for personal belongings. The dorm rooms were so cramped that even a single bookshelf would be filled to the brim instantly if I tried to bring in manga or games. Plus, here I could connect to a TV and play games on a large screen.

Just as I was formulating a grand plan to remodel the trainer's room, he spoke up.

"I think it's a pretty good room, don't you? The trainer who used it before moved to a bigger space, and when he did, he left behind his TV and a small fridge. If you need anything to use inside, feel free to use the empty shelves over there."

What a generous offer. I should head back to the dorms later to pick up the game console I couldn't bring.

On the wall next to the fridge hung a large calendar. It wasn't for just one month, but covered an entire year.

"Oh, that's where I post the schedule for upcoming races and training so you can see it all at a glance. Of course, your official debut is next year, so we have over a year. Until then, no races for you."

He noticed me looking at the calendar and explained.

Training... Well, the actual time spent running in a race is less than five minutes, so I don't mind that much. But training is a different story. Sustained exercise lasting several hours—is there a more terrifying phrase in existence?

For someone like me, who spent elementary school PE classes figuring out how to slack off without getting caught, this was absolute terror.

The materials distributed yesterday mentioned that training led by instructors would be part of the curriculum.

However, that applies to Uma Musume without a dedicated trainer. In my case, the type of training I do is decided by Trainer Yokoshima's discretion. It depends entirely on my negotiation with him, in addition to the after-school training sessions.

Contrary to my determination to avoid this, the trainer eagerly changed the subject.

"About the races you'll be entering, Wee, do you have any specific hopes or requests? I'm your trainer, so I'll do my best to make your wishes come true."

"Hmm..."

Ugh, asking me so suddenly puts me in a bind.

I have knowledge of big races like the Derby and the Arima Kinen, but if asked why I should aim for them, I have no answer.

"Your distance suitability isn't fully understood yet, so I think we can take our time deciding. The data from your elementary school days isn't reliable in many ways. However, I want you to remember one thing: with your talent, you can compete in any race you choose. So, feel free to ask for anything!"

Hmm. Honestly, as long as I can achieve results good enough to not be ashamed of my recommendation entrance, I don't really care which races I run in. But if I'm told I can have anything, there is one, just one, big wish I have. That is...

"I'd rather not go on away trips."

"Away trips? You don't want to go overseas?"

"No, I mean races that aren't day trips. I'd like to avoid races in the Kansai region as much as possible. The travel puts too much strain on my body..."

Please think about it. Races are mostly held on weekends.

Therefore, I have to attend school normally the day before or the day after the race. This means I either have to travel immediately after the race ends on the same day, or travel right after classes.

Honestly, my sincere feeling is, "Please, don't make me do that."

Once a year might be barely tolerable, but repeating that kind of travel several times a year is too much. It would be much easier to run three times at the Tokyo Racecourse with no travel than to run once with travel involved.

"...Understood. If that's what you want, fulfilling it is a trainer's duty."

"Thank you very much. As for everything else, I'll leave it to you, Trainer."

Thinking about it, trainers are truly a blessing.

They handle everything: which races to enter, which races need to be won to qualify for others, and so on. I only half-listened to his explanation of "routes" and strategies, but it seems there are different approaches depending on age, distance, and racing circuit.

Pressed by the trainer's passionate speech, our provisional goal distance was set to middle distance, focusing on mile to middle-distance races in Tokyo. Consequently, our ultimate target race would be the Derby.

Even I know the Derby is a huge race. If I can run in that, it should be sufficient justification for my recommendation entrance. My parents will surely be happy too.

By the third day, I had fully gotten used to the Tracen Academy uniform. The one-piece dress was something I had avoided in the past because I was too self-conscious about being a girl, but surprisingly, it was comfortable and I was starting to like it. Well, the comfort might be because I don't have much development in certain areas of my body.

After zoning out through classes, I went home after school to gather all my game consoles, a few types of software, and controllers. My mother was surprised by my sudden return, but she was overjoyed when I told her I had been assigned a trainer the day after enrollment. That said, she did point out that I was taking the game console out with me...

"Today, I think we'll start training... so, let's go change into tracksuits first."

When I arrived at the trainer's room, he pointed out that I was still in my uniform. Oh right, you're supposed to change into a tracksuit for training. Since I don't exercise normally, I tend to miss these basic things.

Sighing with a depressed mood as I started to change...

"Witlum Pedes!!! Ah, um..."

The trainer averted his eyes and pointed toward the door. Oh, right... Thinking that this was also troublesome, I finished changing in the locker room and returned to the office.

"Alright! Well, about today's training... before that, there's one thing I need you to keep in mind. If you feel any fatigue or pain, you must tell me immediately. Under any circumstances, if you feel those things, we will stop the training."

"Yes!"

What a wonderful trainer! The gloominess from just moments ago vanished instantly. As expected of my trainer. To come up with such an optimal solution in just two days... Basically, it means I can stop whenever I'm tired. Is there any better training than this?...

With a beaming, happy face, I watched as the trainer wrote out the day's menu. They were all confusing strings of mixed Kanji and Kana, or characters that my brain refused to understand, but that didn't matter right now. I'd probably get tired after the first or second exercise anyway.

Prompted by the trainer, I went outside and headed for the grounds. The grounds boasted numerous large and small courses, a pride of Tracen Academy, and Uma Musume were already training vigorously everywhere. Bathed in the bright April sun, young Uma Musume were pushing each other forward and sweating. Yes, one thing was certain: this was not where I belonged.

After finishing a light stretch, marveling at my own body's excessive flexibility, the next task seemed to be a light jog. Starting with the trainer's signal, I ran along the inner lane.

How long had it been since I ran like this? The wind hitting me while running was stronger than a typical fan, but the heat generated by the exercise was even more intense.

Shifting my attention away from my limbs, which moved smoothly without any conscious effort, I began to ponder the philosophical question of why a sport that involves only running exists in modern times, where transportation is so abundant, from cars and bikes to trains and planes. Just as I was deep in thought, the trainer's figure finally came into view.

Gradually slowing down as I approached him, his expression shifted instantly from stunned to worried. I didn't know what had happened, but I felt the need to report something more serious immediately.

"Trainer, my legs are a little tired. Can we end today's training around here?"

"Of course!" He immediately gave permission to stop the training. However, it was also decided that I would receive a massage back in the trainer's room. Naturally, I had no objections to that. There is nothing better than playing games while receiving a massage after being released from exercise. It would be even better if there were some cola or cider here. I should make sure the trainer's room fridge is always stocked with it from now on.

With a mood completely opposite to my earlier gloom, I bounced happily back toward the trainer's room.

Please leave your ratings, favorites, comments, and "likes" (if you have them)! Typo reports are also greatly appreciated.

Next time, I might include the trainer's perspective. Also, once we progress a bit further, I plan to add the character introductions again.