Although Kuroha indeed possessed a method that could completely heal Mejiro Ardan…
[Panacea].
A tool said to cure any ailment a Uma Musume might have.
In theory, healing Mejiro Ardan's leg injury shouldn't be a problem at all.
However, he had only obtained this tool less than two hours ago.
Kuroha wasn't certain whether he could immediately prepare it.
That's why he planned to first gain a complete understanding of Mejiro Ardan's current physical condition before discussing whether or not to proceed with treatment.
Kuroha crouched beside Mejiro Ardan, the light of [Body and Breath Perception] shining in his eyes.
Mejiro Ardan, meanwhile, stared blankly at Kuroha, who was focused intently on her injured leg.
An inexplicable warmth welled up in her chest.
The power of [Body and Breath Perception] seemed to "pierce through" the girl's body.
Under this mysterious power, Kuroha "saw" beneath the plaster cast — the fragile bone covered with subtle, stress-induced microfractures that could not be fully examined.
He also "saw" the surrounding tendons and ligaments, whose vitality and elasticity had been lost due to the extreme tearing from that final sprint, showing clear signs of degeneration.
This was indeed not an injury that conventional medical treatment could heal in a short period of time.
If she forced a comeback, it would inevitably re-rupture, completely ending her career.
A moment later, Kuroha opened his eyes, clarity in his gaze.
"It can be healed."
His final diagnosis wasn't loud, but it landed in Mejiro Ardan's mind like a thunderclap.
"But it will require time and a special rehabilitation environment."
"If the island your family offers could be equipped with a complete pharmaceutical setup and facilities, it would perfectly meet those conditions."
Kuroha stood and returned to his seat, his gaze calm as he looked at her.
In his eyes, Mejiro Ardan's injury was laid completely bare.
Just from a cursory inspection, Kuroha had only a 40% chance of producing a [Panacea] directly targeted at her current condition.
But if the pharmaceutical environment was complete, and he had sufficient time to monitor her condition comprehensively…
That probability would rise to 80%!
And that chance was directly tied to his medical and pharmacological expertise.
If his knowledge reached the required standard, the chance of perfectly creating the [Panacea]…
Would be 100%!
At last, Kuroha understood just how overpowered the combination of [Body and Breath Perception] and [Panacea] truly was.
"Opened? I never closed it, so what's there to 'open'?" he thought wryly.
As for accepting the offer of the summer camp on the uninhabited island?
It was simply convenient…
The Mejiro family hardly lacked such expenses.
Coincidentally, Kuroha had recently been troubled about where to hold the summer camp — this solved a problem for him as well.
Besides, helping Mejiro Ardan would indeed require a lot of his time.
These things would need her active cooperation.
In just a few sentences, he had given Mejiro Ardan hope that lifted her from hell to heaven, and then, naturally, accepted the generous reward.
Mejiro Ardan stared blankly at Kuroha, her mind going momentarily blank.
This invitation to Kuroha had been something of a desperate gamble.
Almost every professional doctor had given her the same conclusion — if she wanted to return to the track, at least a year of rest was unavoidable.
For Mejiro Ardan, who carried the honor of the Mejiro family, that conclusion was unbearably cruel.
That's why, upon hearing Sakura Chiyono O's words,
Mejiro Ardan had clung to them like a drowning person grabbing a life-saving straw, and invited Kuroha.
Before Kuroha arrived, she had already prepared herself for disappointment.
Yet unexpectedly, she heard his firm and calm response —
"It can be healed."
Those three words were like a stone dropped into a deep lake, stirring unprecedented ripples in her heart.
"This summer, if you're willing, you can join my team's Uma Musume for recovery training on that island," Kuroha said softly.
After all, this summer camp would definitely include Mejiro McQueen anyway.
And bringing her sister along was no big deal.
"I'm willing! No matter what kind of training, I'm willing!"
Mejiro Ardan quickly said, her delicate face nearly pressing against Kuroha's nose.
"…"
The two silently stared at each other for a moment.
"Ah… I'm sorry, I… I…"
Realizing her behavior was a bit too excited, the blue-haired girl's cheeks flushed red as she shyly pulled back.
Kuroha wasn't bothered by her impulsiveness, but asked with some curiosity,
"You trust me this much? You don't need any proof?"
Although he was confident in his ability, to others, there was no direct evidence to rely on yet.
So far, what he had given Mejiro Ardan was only a verbal promise.
Unexpectedly, the young lady trusted him so completely.
She chuckled softly at his words,
Her gentle and elegant demeanor returning.
"Kuroha-san, you're the trainer personally endorsed and appointed by the 'Emperor' for McQueen, you know~"
"…The Emperor… Symboli Rudolf, huh…"
Her words made Kuroha realize.
He hadn't expected "Old Tofu"'s name to be so useful…
The weight behind the name Symboli Rudolf was indeed enough to remove anyone's doubts.
And Kuroha's direct endorsement from the "Emperor" was truly a trump card of considerable weight.
Mejiro Ardan caught every subtle change in his expression.
She lifted her teacup and took a graceful sip.
The warm tea seemed to soothe the ease in her heart.
"So, please have no concerns whatsoever,"
Mejiro Ardan said, placing the cup down, her voice once again calm and elegant.
"The Mejiro family will fully cooperate with all your requests — whether it's the special environment needed for pharmaceuticals or any arrangements during the camp.
"That island, from today onward, will be the exclusive rehabilitation and training ground for you and your team."
She paused, her gaze falling to the plaster on her leg once again.
But this time, her eyes no longer held only heaviness — they now carried a spark called 'hope.'
"Then, for now… focus on your recovery,"
Kuroha said, glancing at her leg.
Right now, even the smallest movement would worsen her injury.
For now, staying in bed was best for her.
"Well then, Ardan-san, I'll take my leave."
Kuroha stood and bid her farewell.
Mejiro Ardan nodded slightly, gratitude and anticipation mingled on her face.
"Very well, Kuroha-san. I'll follow your advice, rest properly, and await your news."
Kuroha nodded back and stepped out over the threshold, leaving the tearoom.
Mejiro Ardan watched his departing back.
It was a long while before she slowly lowered her gaze to her plaster-covered leg.
This time, her fingertips brushed lightly over the cold surface — not with bitterness, but with cautious anticipation.
"Summer camp… uninhabited island…"
The blue-haired girl murmured softly, an unconscious smile curling at her lips.
(End of Chapter)
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