Previously, Kitahara hadn't paid much attention to Oguri Cap's feet—or her shoes, for that matter.
Just joking, he wasn't a foot fetishist. Why would he care about a girl's feet?
It was that little stumble in the cafeteria that caught his eye. On her feet, Oguri Cap was wearing a pair of shoes whose original color was completely unrecognizable. The surface was worn and peeling, as if she had been wearing them for over ten years.
Oguri Cap's answer confirmed that the shoes weren't quite that old, but she had definitely worn them for far longer than a normal pair should last.
Without hesitation, Kitahara decided to take Oguri Cap to buy new shoes immediately.
Uma Musumes were strong, no doubt, but that also meant that during full sprints, their feet and legs endured extreme strain. A proper pair of running shoes was crucial to reduce that burden.
More importantly, seeing Oguri Cap's shoes reminded Kitahara that her real-world counterpart once suffered from "hoof rot"—a condition caused by excessive dirt on the hooves, leading to decay that affected walking and running.
This detail reinforced how harsh Oguri Cap's childhood environment had been. If it had been a bit cleaner, she likely wouldn't have suffered this problem.
On the other hand, it also proved Kitahara could completely trust Oguri Cap's talent.
Despite lacking professional training, having mistakes at the start, and wearing worn-out shoes, she still achieved impressive results—enough to show her innate talent was beyond ordinary imagination.
Perhaps only the nickname "Monster of the Reeds" truly described her. Kitahara could only think that.
Belno Light also went along because she said that her hometown had a specialty sports store for Uma Musume and she knew a lot about their running shoes.
On the way, Kitahara casually discussed ankle training requirements with Oguri Cap and chatted with Belno Light about running shoes, occasionally remembering:
Maybe Oguri Cap's previous training results were worse than Fujimasa March's because of her shoes—or the "hoof rot" in the other world.
Once this problem was solved, no one in Kasamatsu should be able to beat Oguri Cap.
If Kitahara remembered correctly, in the other world, Oguri Cap lost her fourth race to Fujimasa March. After that fourth race, her foot problem was discovered and fixed, and she never lost again…
So this meant that Oguri Cap's local record would be perfect?!
Thinking this, Kitahara suddenly felt excited:
Great! Maybe even after moving to Central, competing against monsters like Tamamo Cross, Inari One, and Super Creek, Oguri Cap might occasionally falter, unable to maintain a perfect streak.
But with me as her trainer, if she doesn't achieve a perfect local record, then my "cheat code" is really weak.
It's decided! Oguri Cap's first goal: undefeated in local races! Enter Central undefeated!
Yes, I'll have to work even harder. The racetrack changes in an instant—three turns, popularity, perfect condition, eighteen factors—it's not a game.
I need to prepare thoroughly—the best I can as a trainer.
For instance, carefully selecting Oguri Cap's running shoes.
Kitahara quickly made a decision. The three of them arrived at a well-known shoe store in Hashima District.
"This is my turf," Belno Light said excitedly. "I'll pick running shoes for Oguri Cap. You two can look around." With that, she darted into the store.
Probably thrilled that her expertise could help someone else. Racehorse girls were so simple.
Smiling, Kitahara strolled with Oguri Cap around the store.
Soon, at Oguri Cap's pause, Kitahara stopped in front of a display of running shoes.
Without asking, just by looking at Oguri Cap, he knew she had her eye on a pair.
They were pink-and-white running shoes. The upper had a pink heart, small pink bows on the sides of the laces, and a pink cat motif near the ankle.
In short, they were extremely cute.
Kitahara noticed the sparkle in Oguri Cap's eyes, her long furry ears swaying, and her tail wagging behind her.
Surprisingly, this usually cool, ascetic girl—whose daily life consisted of running and more running—actually liked cute styles.
Such a contrast was charming.
Seeing Oguri Cap's obvious affection for the "pink cat shoes," Kitahara was about to tease her, but suddenly he heard a cheerful shout from the other side of the store.
"Oguri, Oguri! Look at this! Ah, Kitahara, come check it out too!"
Oguri Cap looked reluctant to leave, but she only glanced at the pink cat shoes a few times and then shuffled toward the voice.
Kitahara lingered by the pink cat shoes for a moment, then followed.
At the source of the voice, the once-enthusiastic Oguri Cap now looked completely dispirited. Her silver-gray hair, usually bright, seemed dull.
Belno Light, however, was full of excitement.
"Oguri Oguri! How about these running shoes?" Holding a heavy-looking pair, she presented them like a treasure.
"…", Oguri Cap mechanically took the shoes, silent, like a withering flower.
Kitahara looked and saw that Belno Light's choice was completely different from the "pink cat shoes"—both in style and performance.
This pair was dark, plain, and functional.
The main material seemed reinforced, with a smooth, sturdy surface. The ankle, toe, and heel had metal components, clearly durable. This pair looked much more like proper running shoes than the cute pink ones.
Belno Light enthusiastically explained:
"These shoes are waterproof, non-slip, and very durable. The metal components reinforce them, and inside they have strengthened resin. I tested the lining—it's soft and breathable. Most importantly, they're relatively inexpensive."
"I think Oguri Cap's leg strength is exceptional, so I was concerned about shoe durability. This pair will definitely work!"
As a trainer, Kitahara may have seemed aimless before, but his professional knowledge was solid. He could see that these shoes were indeed suitable for Oguri Cap.
However, Oguri Cap seemed to like the cute pair more—otherwise she wouldn't have looked at them so long. Kitahara chuckled to himself.
With a dispirited voice and mechanical tone, Oguri Cap pinched the shoes and confirmed Belno Light's choice:
"Uh… yes… these shoes should be very durable…"
Huh? She didn't want the other pair anymore?
Kitahara froze, then heard Belno Light's even more excited voice:
"Great! Then it's settled! Next, we'll pick horseshoes!"