Okino, unusually, coaches Turbo, who came to him. He expected focus on Tojo or Minamisaka, not his regimen. Spica's roster is down to CB, and he didn't anticipate outsiders. Turbo's arrival was the sole surprise.
"Didn't expect you at Spica." "Teio's trainer's team? Had to join!" "Eager, huh? Gotta give you my all then." "Yup."
Whatever her goal, Okino's pleased to have her, having planned for CB. Turbo's stamina impresses him, and one-on-one coaching suits him. As they shift to beach training, a commotion catches his attention.
"What's up? Rigil and Canopus are all here. Something happen?" "Turbo'll check!" "I'm in too. Feels like something fun's brewing," CB says.
What's CB sensing? She and Turbo dash off to investigate. Watching them go, Okino scans the other teams' progress when one Uma Musume's physique stops him cold.
("What the…!? Insane muscle definition. Not just bulk—relentless training sculpted this body for running alone…!")
Trainers read Uma Musume legs to gauge skill and condition. Okino's no different, but this time, he's captivated. Approaching slowly, he touches her leg.
("Just as I thought… unreal. Layered, forged muscle, flexible yet fortress-strong. A rare masterpiece. Who's this…?")
"What're you DOING!?" "Gwah!?"
A piercing scream and a precise strike to Okino's right cheek send him spinning, crashing onto the sand.
"G-gah…" "My deepest apologies as a fellow trainer!" Minamisaka says. "N-no, Ran… that wasn't a joke? I thought it was some gag line…" "Told you. Central's got a creep," Rampage says. "It's Central Tresen. Who'd believe that?"
"Too late…" Tojo sighs. "No defending this, Mr. Trainer," CB adds.
"I swear my life flashed…" "Thankfully, Rampage mentioned it half-jokingly…" "So sorry…"
Okino's cheek sports a vivid mark. Tojo and Minamisaka explain the gravity of his blunder. He grovels to Shinzan, who, shocked but unbothered, forgives him—a relief.
"I mean, the Shinzan? No way I'd guess…" "Agreed, but stop touching without warning!" Tojo snaps. "Thank Tojo. Rampage was prepping a real Rider Kick," Minamisaka adds. "I'll repent…"
Rampage returns with three shaved ices.
"Hot day. Cool off. Here, Hana-san." "Thanks," Tojo says. "Minami." "Thanks…" "Hey, creep, eat it gratefully." "…Yes."
Okino wanted strawberry but gets Blue Hawaii. No room to complain.
"Seriously, I was terrified…" "This could've been my fault for inviting her…" "It was just… her legs were unreal. Different from CB, Teio, or McQueen—purely forged. I'll never forget that feel…" "Stop gushing and reflect, you creep masseur!"
Shinzan's promised a guillotine chop if he tries again.
"Now what? Shin-san won't coach me after this… Should've stayed on the mountain…"
At the shore, Shinzan's swarmed by Rudolf and all three teams, begging to train or race with her—the exact situation she dreaded.
"Please, your guidance—or just running together—would be a lifelong treasure!" Rudolf pleads. "This is what I hate…" Shinzan groans.
Rudolf, her worst match, leads the negotiation, making it harder for Shinzan to refuse.
"Hey, Ran! Help me out! I can't train you like this!" "Don't drag me into this mess!" "It's already a mess—eat the plate too!" "Your reckless call caused this!"
Rampage's casual, irreverent tone toward Shinzan shocks everyone, including Tojo and Minamisaka. Her achievements are unmatched, but this disrespect?
"Your words don't suit Shinzan-sama. Correct yourself," Rudolf demands.
Typical Rudolf, but Shinzan mutters she's no highbrow.
"You're the one who doesn't get it," Rampage says. "Shin-san hates stiff respect. She's best with chill, buddy vibes. Right, Shin-san?" "Exactly. Saves my shoulders. These girls already make 'em stiff," Shinzan jokes. "They're pretty big." "Says the one with a bigger rack!"
Their banter, like old friends, baffles everyone, even Ikuno.
"Maybe do something for them? They're your fans." "Ugh, fine. I'm a retired has-been. I don't teach—just run with Ran. But alright, anyone who wants to race, meet at the track later. I'll cut you all down."
The camp erupts in cheers. Running with Shinzan? Thrilling. Even Rudolf's tail wags uncontrollably.
"Thank you!" "Stop being so formal! Ran, let's go!" "On it!"
As Shinzan storms off, Rudolf bows to Rampage.
"Sorry. I deeply respect her, so I… thank you." "I get it, Prez. You're not slick, but enjoy racing your idol, Shin-san." "Absolutely, I'll give it my all!"
"God, what's so great about this old hag…" "Don't talk like a hermit, you'll age yourself!" "Wanna die, Ran!?" "You called yourself a hag first!" "Shut it! It pisses me off when a friend says it!"
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/Greyhounds
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