Since Rudolf still had to maintain her training schedule, and with Kagura's admission procedures now in motion, Speed-sama's group didn't linger long in Niigata. On the third day, they returned to Tokyo.
Tracen was still in summer recess. According to Rudolf, most students weren't on campus. And since Kagura's enrollment paperwork would take a few more days to process, she spent her time as usual for now.
"Ah! Kagura, you're finally back!"
Basket in hand, Kagura had just returned to the shopping district to buy ingredients when she heard the cheerful voice of Nice Nature. She hadn't even stepped in yet before spotting her friend leaning against a wall, seemingly lost in thought. The instant Nature saw her, she bounded forward, hugging her tight and bouncing twice in joy. Her tail wagged so hard it looked like a helicopter rotor—no mistaking it, Nature was thrilled.
"I'm back~ Nature, you look so happy… Wait. At this time, aren't you supposed to be in school? Why are you here?"
Kagura hugged her back, only to realize—it was afternoon. Normally Nature should've still been in class.
"Because I'm on break, of course! Summer vacation! And—I graduated safely!"
"Huh? You graduated this year?"
A little surprised, Kagura blinked. This was her first time realizing Nature was already at graduation age. Which meant this was her summer before moving on.
"So then, you're advancing? Where will you go next?"
"Hehehe~ Even I still can't believe it. I got into Tracen! Central Tracen, at that! When break ends, I'll be a student there."
She proudly pulled out a letter that looked like an admission notice. One glance and Kagura understood why Nature was so giddy. No wonder the entire shopping district was strung up with flags and little decorations—Nature was dearly loved here, and everyone was celebrating with her.
"Congratulations! Wasn't Tracen your biggest dream?"
Kagura smiled, truly happy for her. Nature's dream had always been to enter Central Tracen. And now, she had done it.
"It's thanks to you, Kagura! Without your tutoring these past weeks, I was so worried I'd fail the theory classes."
"This was all your effort, Nature~ I only gave a little push."
"Honestly, you're always so humble…"
Nature rubbed her face against Kagura's cheek, still holding her tight.
"Now that I'm in Central Tracen, I'll find a way to get you enrolled too!"
"Mm…"
She still hadn't forgotten the promise she made before. Having such a friend who cared so much warmed Kagura's heart. But at the mention of Tracen, Kagura suddenly remembered—she herself was about to head there as well. That meant… she and Nature would be classmates.
"…I also have some good news for you, Nature."
She decided to tell her first. Better to share it now.
"Eh? Kagura's good news?"
"The Symboli family restored my identity. And ojou-sama asked me to accompany her to Tracen, to look after her daily life… So in a few days, I'll be enrolling too. As a support Uma."
"EHHHHHHH?!"
Nature's eyes went wide, her shriek reaching glass-shattering levels.
"That's amazing! I knew it was wrong for a smart kid like you not to be in school. This way, we'll be classmates?!"
The shock only lasted a moment before she exploded with joy, lifting Kagura clean off the ground and spinning her around. Even though both were still children, Nature was taller, strong enough to hoist Kagura easily.
"Wait, Kagura—you said support Uma? What's that?"
"This…"
Recalling what Tojo Hana had explained to her before, Kagura simplified the concept into a short explanation and told her.
"So there are roles like that too, huh… Hm…"
Nature fell quiet, eyes thoughtful.
Kagura waited, giving her time. When she still seemed hesitant, Kagura asked softly:
"What is it?"
"Ah… it's just… since you're becoming a support Uma, I was wondering… Would you… maybe… when I'm ready to compete… would you support me too?"
Her words came haltingly, head lowered, cheeks faintly pink.
Kagura understood. And of course—it was no problem. She'd already been looking after Nature all along. This would only make it official.
"Of course. Nature, if you want me, I'll gladly help."
"How could I not want you?! Kagura, you're so good at taking care of people—having you support me is the best thing ever!"
"You're just thinking with your stomach, aren't you? Here—today I brought carrot cakes. With taro this time. Want to try?"
Kagura lifted her basket and gave it a playful shake. She knew Nature loved her cooking. This morning, she had baked with some extra ingredients the head maid had bought, planning to share.
"Yes!!"
Nature's tail wagged like mad as she nodded, full of anticipation.
Really… if I had a little sister like this, wouldn't it be perfect?
Seeing Nature practically bouncing like a pet waiting for food, Kagura laughed. She handed her a steaming packet of taro-carrot cakes, reminding her not to burn her mouth.
Of course, she hadn't forgotten her own errand—shopping. With Nature happily munching at her side, Kagura stepped into the district to make her rounds.
"Yo~ haven't seen you in days, Kagura-chan. Same order as usual?"
"Yes, please. The same ingredients as always."
As the shopkeeper went to prepare, Kagura reached for her coin purse.
"You see? Ever since you came back, Nature's been so lively again. Oi, Nature—did Kagura bring you snacks? Did you thank her properly?"
"Mm-mmph! (I did!)"
Nature nodded hard, cheeks stuffed, voice muffled.
Kagura accepted her change and slipped it away. Then she pulled another small bag from her basket and handed it to the shopkeeper. Surprised, the man looked at it.
"This is…?"
"My homemade sweets. Maybe not as good as store ones, but… heh, just a little thank-you for always looking out for me."
"Ahh…! Nature was right—you're an angel, Kagura-chan… If only my own daughter were half as thoughtful…"
"Hey, hey, shopkeeper-san, control yourself…"
From his teary eyes, Kagura could tell—his daughter must give him plenty of headaches.
She left him, and at each store after, she paid and slipped another bag of treats to the owners. Some even tried them on the spot, reacting so dramatically Kagura thought they'd burst their shirts like characters in Food Wars.
When her list was complete, she glanced at Nature.
"Nature, with no more homework now… what have you been doing lately?"
"Mm—gulp! Me? I've been looking over Tracen's prep problems ahead of time."
She hurried to swallow before answering.
"Want my help with that?"
"Eh? Kagura, don't you need to get back to cook?"
Nature had been content just walking with her. But hearing Kagura had time, a new thought entered her mind.
"There's still space in my schedule. I messaged the head maid that I'd be late. It's fine."
"Then… then… how about coming to my place? For tutoring?"
Nature's voice was tentative. Kagura had never once visited her home, though she'd often tutored her. Nature, always cared for by Kagura, wanted so badly to host her just once. But until now, Kagura's busy schedule—and lack of a phone—had made it impossible.
"Your house? Wouldn't I disturb your parents?"
"No, no! It's just my temporary place. My parents live back home. I live here alone—no one else there!"
She puffed out her chest, trying to sound reliable.
"…Then I'll trouble you."
Nature's home wasn't big. A standard single's apartment.
Kagura left her shopping basket by the door, easy to grab later, and stepped in.
"Ah—uh—Kagura, please, sit there! I'll—I'll make you tea!"
It was clear this was her first time hosting someone. She was nervous, ears flicking. Kagura sat down obediently at the table but kept an ear tuned toward the kitchen, worried she might get into trouble.
She'll be fine… right?
Clinks and clatters came from the kitchen. Kagura was just about to relax when—crash! The clang of metal hitting the floor, water splashing, and Nature's startled cry jolted her up.
"Nature! What happened?!"
She rushed in. Nature was on the ground, rubbing her lower back. A kettle lay spilled, water puddling across the floor. Thankfully it hadn't been boiled yet.
"Eh… Kagura… I…"
"Stay put. Don't move. Let me check you."
A quick glance showed a chair pulled near the counter, an unopened canister of tea, and an overhead cupboard left ajar. Kagura pieced it together instantly.
"I—I'm fine! I just fell off the chair and knocked the kettle. Really, it's nothing—"
"That chair's tall enough to be dangerous. Be good, Nature. Let me see."
A doctor once, Kagura never trusted "I'm fine." Too many patients had said that, only to worsen later. She would check.
Maybe it was her sudden seriousness, but Nature froze, wide-eyed, unable to resist as Kagura carefully examined her forehead and arms, lightly pressing, asking about pain. Uma bodies were sturdy, so in the end Nature had nothing but a sore backside.
Satisfied, Kagura offered her hand and gently helped her up.
"Good. No real harm done… Nature, let me handle the rest."
Minutes later, Kagura set a steaming cup of tea on the table.
"Ugh… I wanted to do it myself for once…"
Nature drooped, ears flat.
"You're too short to balance well. Don't risk it. I'm here to tutor, not to be served."
Kagura stroked her head. She knew Nature always tried to act like the older one, the reliable senpai. But she was still just a child.
"I just… always take your care, Kagura. I wanted to do something for you too…"
"Then, before doing something risky, promise me you'll tell me first. Okay?"
Kagura let her hand fall, then stepped closer and softly hugged her from behind.
Nature's ears flicked in surprise. She had never felt Kagura's presence this close, this warm, this soothing. It was like a mother's embrace—gentle, steady, safe. She wanted to lean back, to stay like this forever.
"…Mmm."
Kagura even petted her head lightly, as if comforting a kitten. Nature let out a sound of contentment.
After a moment, when she saw her friend calm, Kagura released her. Nature almost leaned after her hand but caught herself in time.
"Alright, Nature. Enough delay. Time to begin."
Kagura sat beside her again.
"Eh? Begin… what?"
Still dazed, Nature blinked.
"You invited me here to tutor you, didn't you? Go get your problems."
"Ah! Right! I'll bring them right now!"