Thanks to his previous experiences, Kitahara Sota was well-acquainted with handling emotionally volatile little troublemakers drowning in negative emotions. Thus, he knew exactly how to quickly stabilize Agnes Digital's current state.
Normal communication wouldn't work.
With these self-critical little troublemakers, the more you comforted them or attempted rational conversation, the more energized they'd become, even using their vast experience to trap you in conversational dead-ends.
Of course, gentle encouragement and long-term companionship could gradually improve their mindset, but Kitahara usually faced emergencies with no time for gradual nurturing. Quick, decisive action was always necessary.
You couldn't simply comfort them or agree with their negativity—doing so would only worsen their condition.
Getting angry or frustrated was also unacceptable, as it would trigger their self-doubt.
Instead, the fastest, most direct method was to clearly convey their importance to him without leaving any room for misunderstanding or suspicion—and above all, never lie.
With that foundation established, he could gradually guide them to trust his instructions, rebuilding their confidence bit by bit.
Handled correctly, these troublesome individuals could even become dependable allies.
But Agnes Digital's case was slightly different.
Her current emotional state was artificially induced by Tachyon's potion, temporarily blocking positive feedback and thus preventing normal emotional recovery.
Moreover, unlike his initial encounters with other troubled individuals, Digital already deeply trusted—and perhaps even idolized—him due to their prior interactions.
Thus, things were quite simple.
With both hands placed firmly on Digital's shoulders, Kitahara locked eyes with her and spent a full five minutes earnestly repeating various heartfelt explanations about "why Agnes Digital is incredibly important to me," each reason unique.
Once Digital looked sufficiently dazed, he took her into Tachyon's private room, locked the door, and quietly asked her to voice the origins of her negative feelings.
She spoke softly—of shame regarding her past behavior, regret over winning the recent race, and after much hesitation, quietly admitted feeling hurt by Kitahara's earlier neglect…
Kitahara showed no reaction to her first two concerns, but when he heard the last point, his face revealed clear surprise.
"That's it? Why didn't you just tell me?"
"But…wouldn't that trouble you?"
"You've helped me plenty already—honestly, I still feel indebted to you, which is why I've tried to lighten your workload lately. If you were unhappy, you should've just told me sooner."
He paused, noticing her lingering unease, and patted her shoulder reassuringly.
"Or, if you prefer, you can join Nice Nature during breaks. I'll teach you both together—of course, once your current state improves. Otherwise, Nature's aura might trigger something else in you."
He was entirely sincere.
Kitahara genuinely enjoyed Agnes Digital's company.
Talented, capable, diligent, obedient, helpful—any trainer would cherish such a student.
And her perverted streak?
That was actually a bonus. After all, what trait could be safer for a trainer than being exclusively attracted to other Uma Musume?
Seeing Kitahara speak with such sincerity, Digital's anxiety gradually eased.
For her other two worries, Kitahara quickly contacted the Uma Musume who had raced against Digital through Hayakawa Tazuna's connections. After explaining the situation, all readily agreed to help and even held a spontaneous video call with Digital.
"Sure, losing felt frustrating, but your victory was completely fair—there's nothing to feel guilty about."
"A winner should behave confidently. If you're like this after winning, how are we losers supposed to feel?"
"Relax, Digital. Losing that race might've actually been good—after all, I got to witness the birth of a legend."
Not a single Uma Musume blamed Digital for winning.
Many even confessed that seeing a new legend arise in their final race was a far more meaningful conclusion than merely winning themselves. If they hadn't felt this way, would they have eagerly given Digital their autographs and memorabilia afterward?
After speaking with these competitors, Kitahara reached out to other Uma Musume Digital had helped, and all gave similar responses:
Sure, she was somewhat perverted, but she was undeniably kindhearted—far from someone they'd dislike.
Slowly but surely, kindness accumulated. The seeds Digital had planted blossomed into genuine goodwill, returning to her as a wave of reassurance.
Due to Tachyon's potion, Digital still couldn't fully feel these positive emotions—but at least her internal fears and anxieties had begun fading away.
Under this continuous stream of goodwill, even the potion's barrier began to weaken.
At this rate, she might fully recover well before a week had passed.
But recovery still required some time.
Given that Digital had always been a reliable helper and friend—and that her current state had partly resulted from Kitahara's own request to assist Tachyon—he felt a strong responsibility to care for her personally.
So he took action.
"Until you recover, stay close to Eclipse and me. At night, come sleep in my dorm—you'll share the bed with Eclipse, and I'll take the sofa."
Besides preventing Digital from sinking into negative thoughts when alone at night, Kitahara had another hidden motive:
He'd recently brought Nice Nature to his dorm. Even though the reason was valid, it felt somewhat improper. But if other team members also stayed overnight—perhaps eventually everyone—it would prove his impartiality and good intentions.
Though aware of potential risks, Kitahara was confident in his professional distance from his Uma Musume. This arrangement might even demonstrate his clear conscience.
Digital, despite feeling shy and reluctant about potentially causing him trouble, eventually agreed, recalling Kitahara's heartfelt five-minute monologue and the words: "You are important to me."
"Then, I'll trouble you, Kitahara-senpai…"
"Trouble? You've helped me so much that I'm not sure how to repay you. This barely counts as interest—feel free to ask if you need anything else."
With Kitahara's confident declaration, their arrangement was settled.
Returning to the training grounds, Digital's spirit hadn't fully returned, yet her footsteps felt steadier, a new resolve appearing quietly within.
So, Kitahara-senpai values me this much…
Normally, realizing this would have filled her with joy. Unfortunately, due to the potion's effects, these positive emotions couldn't reach her directly, instead steadily accumulating behind the barrier.
On another front…
Despite Digital's situation, Kitahara still approached Grass Wonder to discuss improving her running style.
After all, Kitahara would personally care for Digital, but Eclipse was the one assigned to Grass Wonder. How would Digital's situation affect that?
And for nights—though Eclipse would temporarily stay with him to support Digital—Kitahara could delegate Grass Wonder's evening care to Special Week. This would be a perfect chance for Special Week to strongly assist Grass Wonder, reducing the risk of Grass Wonder's attention drifting toward himself—a win-win situation.
As expected, when he proposed "Eclipse during the day, Special Week at night," Grass Wonder's eyes immediately lit up, gratitude shining clearly.
Thus, that matter was also settled.
Except…
"What about me?"
Agnes Tachyon, freshly punished and nursing a sore bottom, looked pitifully at Kitahara.
"Who's going to take care of me?"
"You?" Kitahara glared irritably at the troublemaker. "Who do you think?"
Tachyon had caused all this herself and now dared to ask who'd care for her?
Although she'd been reprimanded and clearly knew her mistake, Kitahara felt that causing such a serious incident warranted more than an apology and minor punishment. Unless she experienced true consequences, she'd likely repeat such reckless experiments.
Thus, Kitahara assigned Nice Nature to care for Tachyon, sternly warning Tachyon against trying any further experiments on Nature—he would not forgive any more mistakes.
Tachyon, understanding the gravity, meekly handed over all potions she carried, promised no sneak attacks on Kitahara, and vowed to create an antidote swiftly to restore Digital's normal state. She genuinely regretted her actions.
Indeed, Tachyon often caused chaos, but past incidents usually ended in relatively harmless pelvic fractures—mainly caused by enthusiastic Uma Musume and trainers, not solely her potions. Moreover, Tachyon's antics typically stabilized Tracen Academy's atmosphere, indirectly serving as a form of tension relief, something both Chairwoman Akikawa and Rudolf tacitly approved of.
But this incident, while seemingly minor, carried deeply troubling implications. If Kitahara hadn't noticed early, Digital might've suffered lasting psychological harm—something Tachyon would never forgive herself for, especially since Digital was among her few genuine friends.
Despite being a mad scientist, Tachyon still had a conscience and clear moral boundaries.
After sending Tachyon away, Kitahara summoned Special Week to discuss assisting Grass Wonder, and Special Week eagerly agreed. She asked only one favor in return—more private massage sessions from Kitahara.
This wasn't a bargaining chip. She would assist Grass Wonder regardless; she just truly enjoyed Kitahara's care.
Initially inclined to decline, Kitahara remembered Special Week trembling obediently in his arms previously, ultimately unable to refuse her earnest request.
Special Week left happily afterward.
Finally alone, Kitahara took out his phone, ready to relax—but was immediately interrupted by another small figure approaching, grey eyes clear and expectant.
"…Oguri Cap, what's the matter now?"
"The cafeteria recently added limited special dishes, but we can only choose one each…"
Oguri blinked innocently.
Kitahara immediately understood.
"Oh, fine. You can have mine—just tell me which one you want, and I'll queue for you—"
"No," Oguri firmly rejected. "I can't just take yours. Let's each share half; then we can both taste two dishes…"
"I don't mind food that much; just take mine—"
Despite his attempts, Oguri refused to budge, stubbornly insisting until Kitahara finally conceded.
Watching her leave resolutely, Kitahara silently marveled:
Learning to control her appetite? She's really grown up…
Yet as he mused, Oguri quietly licked her lips, eyes still clear and innocent as ever.