"Too far! Halt!"
Getting folded like a piece of paper, I could only scream in agony every time Oguri-san attempted to push me lower. The pressure she applied to my back during the stretch was firm but gentle, yet it felt like my spine was about to protest by snapping in two.
"Alright! Five-minute break, Ko-kun," Chief's voice cut through my pained haze. "Oguri, just do a light jog before we hit the canteen. Keep yourself moving!"
"Um!" Oguri-san replied, her voice as placid as ever as she trotted away.
It had been a week of training with both Chief and Oguri-san, but all that I had done was flexibility training. Agonizing, joint-popping, muscle-tearing flexibility training. The Chief had set a goal for me: at least be flexible enough to kiss my own knees.
All of this was part of my speed improvement project. Not through some mystical means like Sweep-senpai's potions, but through pure, grueling physical training. And the first order of business was to get more flexible.
His reasoning was direct and logical. My strides were stiff. My gait cycle did not flow smoothly with each step. He said my strides were long, utilizing my natural power, but the turnover rate was not high enough. This, he explained, was the bottleneck. It capped my top speed to how long my strides could go, not how fast I could make them. He suspected my embarrassing performance on the homestretch was entirely due to this problem.
He then provided a solution, one that was quite obvious in hindsight: increase my gait cycle. But before we could even begin to work on that, we had to address the elephant in the room.
No, not Oguri-san, though Chief had been pointedly eyeing her weight chart. Summer was still quite far, and she was confident she could get back to her perfect racing weight by then. But let's see.
Anyway, my problem was somewhat similar to hers. My weight had increased, but that was what we had aimed for. I was starting to get a perfect body shape from the weight gain and focused training. The problem with my weight increase was because the muscle mass in my body, especially in my lower half, had exploded.
In my single week of training, Chief had monitored my muscle development every day. How? Through careful palpation. Luckily, we were both professionals, so there was no awkward air between us as he assessed the firmness and growth of my muscles. The results were clear: rapid, almost alarming growth in my thighs, hips, hindquarters, and calves. He meticulously wrote down the development in his notebook, gathering reference data for the future.
Truly, the change from zero to one was sometimes more visible than from one to two.
Now, with such a massive growth in muscle, it had become difficult to move my legs freely. The new bundles of muscle literally blocked my range of motion, preventing me from swinging higher and faster. Plus, newly growing muscles tended to be stiff. Those were the reasons why we were focusing so heavily on stretching first.
I glanced at Oguri-san, who was jogging gracefully around the dirt track we usually used. Even far from Kasamatsu, it seemed these two were still more comfortable around dirt than turf. Well, I myself also preferred it, especially when it got muddy after a good rain. It was the best. And no, I was not a pig.
Focused on her legs, I could see that Oguri-san indeed had a smoother gait cycle. It was like each of her steps was timed perfectly. It was not erratic, not random. It had a pattern. No, it had multiple patterns. At a low speed, her straight back pulled her knees upwards before she dug them into the ground rhythmically. As her speed increased, she would bend lower, swing her legs further, and dig deeper into the surface. That was the running form of the "Monster", such flexibility was only possible because it's her.
Meanwhile, mine was a textbook long stride that fully utilized my power. If I were to say it was fitting, I would say it was. But the problem with my top speed was still there. By increasing my flexibility, our aim was to keep my long strides but make them faster in their cycle.
It was a truly insane objective. Usually, you either had long strides or short, quick ones. You might find something in between by sacrificing a longer reach for quicker gaits. But Chief believed I could have the best of both worlds. By combining a long reach with fast gaits, I could get the spring-like acceleration from long strides and the fast locomotion of short ones.
The minus was the immense stamina drain and the extreme demands it would place on my bones and joints. That being said, we had confidence in my stamina. In our first joint training session, Oguri-san and I had done a parallel run, and against a two times Arima Kinen champion, I could confidently keep up with her just fine.
As for the second drawback, Chief suspected that I had a robust constitution, even among Umamusume, judging by the short recovery time I had between training sessions. But it was still just his suspicion. We needed more data and a full body check-up at the hospital. We already had the reservation date. After that, maybe we could confirm his hypothesis. If that was true, it would be a boon. It would mean I would not be easily injured and could train more intensely.
And so, he had come up with this insanity, and I had agreed. Well, if I wanted to be at least on par with the up-and-coming stars in my generation, I needed to do something drastic. Though if it was concluded to be too risky of a plan, we would abandon it and look at other alternatives. Still, a unique running style that only I could do, like Oguri-san's running form, sounded cool. I would like to have one.
"Alright, before we wrap it up, let's do the usual check," Chief called out, holding up a clipboard. "And you too, Oguri."
"Aww," Oguri-san let out a soft groan as she jogged over.
"Don't 'aww' me," Chief said sternly, though his eyes were kind. "You are past your peak. If we don't look after it carefully, there won't be any coming back from an injury."
Oguri-san shrugged, then turned to me. "Let's go outside for lunch. I'll call Creek and Tama too. It's on me. I'm the one who invited you after all."
"Such an honor," I said, trying to contain my surprise. "Um, I mean, if that will not bother you, then yes."
"That's fine," she smiled, a rare and genuine expression that lit up her face.
Woah. A lunch with those three… well, I might as well expand my connections.
"Don't go too far," Chief warned. "We still have afternoon practice."
"Un," Oguri-san nodded.
And so, the observation was conducted. The result for me was another measurable increase in muscle mass. While Oguri-san's was another kilogram on the scale.
---
Shortly after our morning training concluded, we had met Creek-san and Tamamo-san at the Academy's main gate. They were in their casual clothes. Creek-san looked beautiful and gentle in a long, flowing dress that swayed with the breeze, while Tamamo-san was a bundle of coiled energy in a cool, sporty jacket. They each had their own distinct style. Contrary, Oguri-san and I were still in our tracksuits, smelling faintly of sweat and dirt. Apologies for such an inconvenience.
"Oii, Ogurin, you're late!" Tamamo-san called out, her Kansai dialect sharp and playful as she jabbed a finger in our direction.
"Tama-chan, she was training, after all," Creek-san chided gently, her voice as soft as her dress. "And did we not just arrive ourselves?"
"Still, she's late!"
"Anyway, let's go," Oguri-san led us, disregarding Tamamo-san's complaint with a practiced ease that suggested this was a common routine. She gestured towards me with a subtle nod. "This one is my teammate and kouhai. She's the one I was talking about."
"Oh my, isn't she cute?" Creek-san said, her eyes crinkling kindly as she touched her right cheek. "Nice to meet you. I'm Super Creek. Oguri often mentions you, you know?"
"Uhum, glad to be able to meet you. My name is Copenhagen," I politely introduced myself, trying my best to sound casual. But Oguri-san? What had she been saying about me?
"Ooo, so this one is Copenhagen? Great! This self is Tamamo Cross! Let's do a showdown! Arm wrestling! And let's decide which one between us is stronger!" she declared, striking a pose with one arm flexed.
"Nice to meet you. Yes, Copenhagen is my name," I replied, taken aback by the sudden challenge. "But why arm wrestling? Why me? And why so sudden?" I then looked to Oguri-san, silently asking for help or at least some context. Was this common for her circle of friendship?
Oguri-san did not even look back at me. She just continued walking as if this was a perfectly normal greeting.
"Tama-chan, she's a freshman, you know," Creek-san sighed, shaking her head with fond exasperation. "How can you challenge such a cute kid to arm wrestling?"
"Oguri said she used to be as thin as me, but now she grew past me in just a week! What's that!?" Tamamo-san protested, pointing at me with both hands for emphasis.
Ooh, I see. That seemed to be one of the things Oguri had mentioned. But did I really have a similar frame as her back then? Time flies.
"Well, it's all thanks to the Academy's all-you-can-eat canteen," I offered as a logical explanation.
"I also eat there, but I'm still like this!"
"Mmm, maybe because I hit my Prime together with my growth spurt?" I said, unsure. I did not know how to deal with her boundless energy. It seemed consistent with her public persona, but no, I guessed this was just how she actually was.
"I also did! But… but, why!?"
"Just let it go, Tama-chan," Creek-san said soothingly, patting her head. "Just accept who you are today. You are cute like this."
"We have arrived," Oguri-san declared, stopping in front of a small, unassuming shop with a worn wooden sign. It really was just a short walk.
Oh, it was a ramen store.
I had not raced officially yet, so I only had my savings and the pocket money the Director gave me. I had never eaten outside, so I did not know any good eating spots. Well, at least I had set some budget for snacking once in a while.
"Good afternoon!" Oguri-san said to the ramen master as she slid the door open.
"Oh, Oguri-chan, Tama-chan, and Creek-san! And a new filly who followed them! Welcome, welcome!" a hearty voice boomed from within.
The interior seemed small, just enough for maybe six people to sit at the counter. It felt homey and warm. The walls were decorated with faded photographs of scenic landscapes and various trinkets, full of the owner's mementos. I wondered if he was a traveler in the past.
Anyway, I sat on a free chair facing the owner. I sat beside Creek-san on my left, Tamamo-san was beside her, and Oguri-san was on the far seat.
"Owner, as usual," Oguri-san's order was simple and direct.
"Coming right up, as usual!"
"Let's see, today I want to try Miso Ramen! Owner, show me your masterpiece!" Tamamo-san challenged, leaning over the counter.
"Aight! I accept your challenge! Hahaha!"
"Copenhagen-san, this store has the best Tonkotsu around, right, owner-san?" Creek-san said, giving me a gentle smile.
"Hahaha, I'm confident in its taste!" the owner declared with a proud puff of his chest.
A safe choice for a first-timer. I would like to try that.
"Understood, Owner-san. One Tonkotsu Ramen, please," I requested.
"Roger that! Hahaha!" he replied. I smirked a little at his reply. He seemed to understand how to treat each of specific customers well.
"And Creek-san, you can just call me Ko," I said. "Copenhagen sounds too long."
It was not like I hated my name or something, but even I had a problem with deciding on a nickname. Every syllable of my name did not sound perfect to call out. Plus, I was more familiar with "Ko-chan" as my nickname back home.
"Oh my, well then, Ko-chan!"
"Alright, Tamamo-san also, please," I smiled at her. Creek-san's motherly aura was so overwhelming I felt like I was in front of the Director. What a fearsome High Schooler.
"Then, Ko-chan! My challenge is still standing!" Tamamo-san insisted.
"I'll think about it…" She was really persistent.
"Anyway, Ko-chan, I already know some from Oguri, but I'm curious about you. Tell us a bit about yourself," Creek-san said, her tone gentle and inviting.
Seeing how friendly and welcoming this tight-knit group was, I reckoned a little bit of sharing would not cost me.
"Well, I have lived in the orphanage down south since I can remember," I began. "As for my parents, I do not know anything about them. I was too young when they passed away. So, my family is only my orphanage. Also, speaking of my family, the children in the orphanage really admire Tamamo-san and Oguri-san. Your journeys really inspired me and the others there. The Orphanage Director is also one of Creek-san's diehard fans; she always stays tuned to your races, she's also an old-school who thinks Stayers are strongest Umamusume. As for daily life, nothing very interesting really. Day by day, we managed to scrape by, but somehow, we always find a way."
It was not like I was trying to win them over or score some points, but that was the truth. We grew up watching their generation on TV, and we followed their journeys until they retired. At least I wanted them to know there were fans like us in some rundown orphanage who were empowered by them. Ah, somehow it made me nostalgic. What were the children and director doing right now?
Creek-san put her hand on top of mine on the counter. "And you have done a good job to reach this point," she said softly.
"Thank you, Creek-san," I replied, a genuine warmth spreading through my chest. She smiled softly.
"Um, my apologies if I made the atmosphere somber."
"No, it's fine. I'm the one who asked, after all," she said gently. "But thank you for always supporting us. To see a new generation of Umamusume inspired by our runs is also such an honor for us." I nodded.
"I see, I see!" Tamamo-san suddenly burst out, her mood shifting gears entirely. "Then grow up more, Ko-chan! Show Japan, no, show the world, that you can stand at the top!"
"The world is, uh… I'm not sure," I had never really thought that far. It was so grand and distant that I had never really imagined myself standing on that stage.
"No no, be confident! Self confidence is a super power, you know?" She was serious.
What's this? A "Tamamo Special"? Creek-san just smiled sweetly, and Oguri-san seemed to be on her way to emptying a container of crackers on the counter.. So that was why she had been so silent since we arrived. As expected of Oguri-san.
"Umm…" I was not ready to receive such a persistent mental building operation.
"Come on! Let's see.. how about 'I'll be the best in the wooorld!' If not, I will have you pay for Oguri's portions!"
What was that!? That was too much, was it not!? Even you only aimed for the best in Japan, why was mine the world!?
"What!? Really!?" Oguri-san finally piped up, her cracker-crunching momentarily paused.
Oguri-san! I came here because you said you would pay for me! Why are you so worked up!?
"Come on, 'I'M THE BEST IN THE WORLD!'" Tamamo-san shouted, leaning over the counter towards me.
"Ugh, apologies, owner-san…" he could only smile as he plated our orders.
Aaargh, this was so embarrassing!
"Tamamo-san, are you sure? Is there no other path we could tread upon?"
"Nah, motivation is important! You can't be shy to run in the Twinkle Series!" She persistently fortified her logic. Fine. Just once. I would not say this again. By the Three Goddesses, please keep this just among ourselves.
"I'm—I'M THE BEST IN THE WOOORLD! YEAAAAAAH!" I finally yelled, the sound embarrassingly loud in the small shop.
Bang!
"Shut up! This is a ramen store, not a racecourse!"
From the newly opened door, two Umamusume entered. One was Air Shakur-san, the one who had helped me with the Racing Analysis App. Her casual outfit was wild, very much like her. The other was unfamiliar. But she wore ear ornaments on both her right and left ears, and she carried herself with a regal, almost princely aura.
"Ah, apologies, Air Shakur-san," I said sincerely and bowed. I was not sure if Tamamo-san could really force me to pay for Oguri-san's order, but I was not taking any chances.
"Oh, it's you," Air Shakur said knowingly, her eyes scanning the room before landing on Tamamo. "Tch, it must be you again, Tamamo-san. Just shut up."
"No, you shut up!"
Un, they had a good relationship.
"Now now, Tama-chan, that's rude," Creek-san interjected.
"I apologize for Shakur. She is a bit moody today," the unfamiliar Umamusume said with a graceful bow. For now, I would call her Princess-sama.
"Welcome back, Shakur and Fine-san! Please take a seat! It's getting lively again today, hahaha!" the owner boomed.
Oh, update. Her name was Fine-sama now.
And so, the atmosphere in the ramen store was as lively as the owner had said. Oguri-san was now focused on eating peanuts, it seemed the crackers were done for. Tamamo-san was talking to the owner about what freshwater fish was in season. Air Shakur-san was silently nodding, maybe listening to music? Meanwhile, Creek-san, Fine-sama, and I were talking about our racing experiences, the only relevant bunch.
Anyway, it was quite an experience. The ramen was good, and the service was very welcoming. Though the prep time was quite long, it was because the owner had to prepare a big batch for you-know-who.
But the most important thing was, thank the Three Goddesses, I did not need to pay for Oguri-san's order, and she really did pay for my fill.