Author's Note: I am not an editor or a professional writer. I will write this and edit it to the best of my ability. I also do not own Uma Musume, which is owned by Cygames. Watch the animes and read the mangas, for they are pretty good. Finally, please enjoy.
3rd Person POV:
While Norn attempted to give chase, the other free runners quickly intercepted her, pinning her to the ground. Within moments, she was restrained—fitted into a straitjacket alongside Tactical Gray. The boss dispatched a few maids and medics to assess the situation, and Doctor Mana was sent to ensure Norn hadn't been injured during the takedown.
After a brief examination, Mana confirmed that Norn was physically fine. That didn't improve her mood. She was furious—glaring at her teammates for restraining her in the first place.
Vic stepped in, speaking calmly.
"Norn, chase her on your own time. We've got a meeting to get through."
Reluctantly, Norn settled down.
As things quieted, a realization spread across the room—the dating ban had officially been lifted.
Vic, however, didn't notice the immediate shift in behavior around him.
Lily casually took a seat beside ImP. KiWi moved over to Jo. Rose slid closer to Sweets. Spice wrapped an arm around Ayana, pulling her close. Rain hopped over to sit near Gray, who immediately looked away, blushing.
Steel observed everything with a small smile. In her mind, the competition for Tsukasa had just narrowed significantly—leaving only GW, Mama, and BlaD as potential rivals.
ImP slowly turned red as it dawned on her what Lily's intentions were. Jo sighed, exasperated—but there was a hint of happiness in seeing KiWi beside him.
Ayana leaned comfortably into Spice, while Rose enthusiastically tried to impress Sweets, completely oblivious to how obvious she was being. Meanwhile, Rain and Gray continued their usual back-and-forth, though both were noticeably flustered.
The rest of the team either didn't notice, didn't care, or were quietly supportive.
Once everything settled, Boss Mina stepped forward again.
"Everyone calm now. Next up is the head butler, and the one in charge of clean-up—Takeshi Oda."
The man stepped up to the podium, removing his sunglasses with practiced elegance. Dressed sharply in his butler uniform, he spoke with composed confidence.
"Good evening. I am Takeshi Oda, head butler to Mistress Mina Sakamoto. I look forward to serving you all with the same loyalty I have given her."
⸻
Takeshi Oda POV:
I was born into service.
From the moment I could understand the world, I was told I would serve the Du Vault family. At first, I resented it. My future felt predetermined—chained to a life I hadn't chosen.
So I rebelled.
I skipped lessons. Ignored etiquette training. Chased whatever scraps of freedom I could find. I became a nuisance to the other servants—undisciplined, reckless.
Still, my father defended me.
"He'll come around," he'd say.
The truth was simpler—I was trapped. Between servitude and homelessness, there wasn't much of a choice. I attended lessons not out of duty, but survival.
Then, one day, everything changed.
I had skipped class again and wandered into the woods—a place I often went to escape. That's where I found her.
She was sitting beneath an oak tree, crying.
At first, I hesitated. But something about her made me approach. We talked. Slowly, cautiously at first—but eventually, openly.
I told her about my lack of freedom.
She told me about her loneliness.
Despite her brilliance, she lived in the shadow of her sister. No matter what she achieved, she was overlooked—dismissed.
But when she spoke… when she showed me what she could do…
She was extraordinary.
For a brief moment, we forgot our problems. We laughed.
Then security arrived.
That's when I learned who she really was.
Mina Sakamoto Du Vault.
From that moment on, my path became clear.
It wasn't devotion. It wasn't love.
It was certainty.
Under her, I could find something I had never known before—purpose… and perhaps even freedom.
I threw myself into my training. My father helped me every step of the way, proud that I had finally chosen a direction. When I graduated, I requested assignment under her.
And I earned it.
Over time, I rose through the ranks—surpassing even more experienced butlers—until I became her head butler.
I stood by her through everything.
Her brilliance was undeniable, yet she was still overlooked—judged for being human, for not fitting the image expected of greatness.
So she left.
With her own resources, she built something new in her father's homeland. And as expected—she succeeded.
But her true ambition?
To outshine them all.
Her answer was bold: a freestyle racing team.
Even when the odds were against her—when the sport had little presence in Japan, when most Uma Musume retired early—she refused to give up.
She built everything from the ground up.
Facilities. Staff. Opportunities.
She searched relentlessly for talent—through agencies, social media, even job postings.
And eventually, we found them.
Or rather… they found us.
Ayana Hiraga brought us a team that felt like a miracle.
We agreed to a tryout, despite already knowing we had the resources to develop anyone. It was a business decision—desperation could drive people away.
But when we met them…
They exceeded every expectation.
Talented. Driven. Unique.
Victory Gate's leadership. Mama Blue's care. Tactical Gray's intellect. Tyrant Rose's charisma. Great Wonder's kindness. Enduring Rain's determination.
Each of them brought something valuable.
Even their flaws—eccentricities, tempers, unpredictability—were balanced by their strengths.
They weren't perfect.
But they were extraordinary.
⸻
Hours Later:
After the speeches concluded, chaos followed—as expected.
Once everything was cleaned and restored, I returned to my room.
But I wasn't alone.
Mama Blue was waiting.
Maintaining my composure, I spoke.
"Miss Blue, how may I assist you?"
She smiled—a warm, knowing smile—and stepped closer.
Too close.
Before I could react, she gently placed a hand against my face, her presence overwhelming. My composure began to crack as she leaned in.
Then, without warning, she slipped something into my pocket.
Her voice softened.
"Mr. Oda… you've caught my interest."
She moved behind me, her voice now a whisper near my ear.
"You're a man who values freedom… but knows where to place his loyalty. Someone with ambition. With drive."
My breath caught.
"You remind me of someone I once loved… someone long gone."
She paused.
"But you… you might surpass him."
Then she stepped away.
I turned, stunned—my thoughts scattered, my body betraying me with a heat I couldn't ignore.
She smiled again, raising her hand in a playful gesture.
"Call me… when you're ready to go out sometime."
And just like that—she left.
The moment the door closed, I stumbled back into my room, shutting it behind me. My legs gave out, and I collapsed against the door, trying to steady my breathing.
Slowly, I reached into my pocket.
Her number.
I stared at it.
My mind wouldn't let go of her.
Not her voice. Not her presence.
She lingered—like a force I couldn't resist.
"…She's dangerous," I muttered under my breath.
And yet…
I wanted to see her again.