"This is all too... basic."
Platinum set down the papers, turning to Trainer Musaka Ginjirou with a serious expression.
"Are there any more detailed records? Things like running style, preferred positioning during races, past opponents she's faced... that sort of thing."
"No."
Musaka tugged his cap brim down slightly.
"That's not so easy to investigate. Or rather, Uma Musume aren't static objects. Data can only serve as a reference in the end. When you're actually on the track, you have to rely on your own judgment."
"..."
Nearl gave a slight nod, but continued turning the matter over in her own mind.
"That's true enough. But since we've decided to gather information, we might as well aim for a more thorough investigation."
Trainer Musaka agreed with the sentiment, but he had his own practical constraints.
"Easier said than done. It's not just about finding the information; the hardest part is categorizing and summarizing it all."
"And we can't exactly do it openly. To be honest, I'm already surprised and impressed that Berno Light managed to get this much."
"Leave it to me."
Having listened to their exchange, Nearl volunteered without hesitation.
"I know someone who would be perfect for this task."
As she said this, an image flashed in her mind of a certain someone who was usually slumped somewhere, utterly motionless.
'It's time to get her moving too.'
"Huh?"
Musaka didn't quite follow Nearl's train of thought, but he trusted her judgment implicitly. If Nearl said she had a way, he could rest easy.
"Alright then, I'll leave it in your hands, Nearl."
"Mm."
They exchanged a nod, bringing the important matter to a temporary conclusion.
"For now, though, I need you to help out with something. How about a run against Oguri Cap? Yesterday, your little sister showed her a powerful late kick. If I recall correctly, your specialty is being a front-runner, right?"
Noting that Oguri Cap had finished her warm-up, Trainer Musaka walked over with a smile.
"Try to fully demonstrate the tactical style of a front-runner. Don't worry about winning or losing. It's fine if Oguri Cap loses here—better to lose in training than anywhere else, right?"
"I understand."
Nearl nodded.
"So it's Margaret's turn this time?"
Oguri Cap was still full of energy. Watching Nearl approach, she couldn't help but recall the days when they used to run together as children.
"Oguri Cap, don't let your guard down. I'm completely different now from when I was a child. If you face me with that old mindset, you'll lose."
Seeing the relaxed look on Oguri Cap's face, Nearl immediately guessed what she was thinking.
"I'll be serious. Because Margaret has always been strong."
She bobbed her head up and down earnestly, emphasizing her focus.
"Alright then, begin!"
A few minutes later, Trainer Musaka's whistle signaled the start.
Nearl and Oguri Cap shot forward together.
--+--
"Sigh, it seems Oguri Cap still has many shortcomings after all."
Looking at the two after their race, Musaka let out a helpless sigh.
"Margaret is just too strong! Even when I pushed hard at the end, I couldn't close the gap much at all!"
Oguri Cap was half-sprawled on the grass, panting heavily. Her back was completely drenched with sweat from the exertion.
"Indeed. It's downright disheartening. Even as an observer, not an Uma Musume on the track, I can feel that sense of powerlessness."
Musaka had witnessed once again Nearl's overwhelming dominance. A flawless, perfect strategy was theoretically impossible, but Nearl's sheer ability made it a reality.
"Whether you try to match her initial acceleration or challenge her late kick in the final stretch, both strategies fail."
"If you force your way past her early on, you fall right into her trap and your own rhythm is completely disrupted. If you don't accelerate, you end up like just now—even with a late surge, you can't possibly close such a massive gap."
"What a headache!"
Trainer Musaka was deeply troubled, but his demeanor confused Nearl.
"Um, Mr. Musaka, why are you thinking about how to defeat me? Isn't Oguri's current goal the Japan Cup?"
"…"
Musaka Ginjirou suddenly fell silent, stiffening like a stone statue.
"Ahem, right, you're correct. I've been fixating on the wrong rival. When I see an outstanding Uma Musume, I instinctively start analyzing how to handle a matchup against her. It's a professional habit, I suppose."
Trainer Musaka let out an awkward, dry laugh.
"Let's get back on topic. What are your thoughts on Oguri Cap's current condition?"
"Hmm… Oguri's physical abilities are already very strong. They can't improve much further in these last few days. To increase her chances of winning, it really depends on us now."
"Oh? Could you elaborate?"
Musaka's interest was piqued.
"It's about strategic choices during the race. This is where we'll need your help, Mr. Musaka. Once we have the complete set of data, you'll be the one to plan out the optimal path for Oguri."
"I understand. I'll stake my reputation on finding the most suitable strategy."
On this point, Musaka had absolute confidence in himself.
"Also, I'd like your permission for Oguri's mother to come and stay with her during these last three days."
Nearl suddenly made this request, which puzzled Musaka for a moment before understanding dawned.
"You feel that what Oguri Cap needs right now is that long-missed warmth and comfort?"
"Correct. Oguri has been through so much on her journey. It's time she had a little rest."
Nearl's calm words prompted deep thought from Trainer Musaka.
"You're right. I'll allow it. Oguri Cap will have no training for the next three days. But contacting her mother will be up to you, Nearl."
"I know. And I have a feeling that the trigger for Oguri awakening her 'Domain'... might lie right here."
Gazing softly at Oguri Cap, who had gotten back on her feet and was already heading for more training, Nearl murmured these last words quietly to herself.
--+--
Meanwhile, on the other side of the academy, Platinum was pacing irritably through the hallways.
"Ughhh~ What a pain. Why'd she have to suddenly dump a task on me? Investigating might be simple in theory, but it still means running all over the place."
Looking at the notebook and pen in her hand, Platinum let out a pained, resigned sigh.
'I'm only doing this to help Oguri Cap a bit. It doesn't mean I'm scared of that woman.'
Soothing her pride with this thought, she finally rallied herself and got ready to work.
"Alright, first target… this 'Michelle My Baby' character?"
Perched atop a high-rise building, Platinum sat right on the edge of the roof, completely unprotected, her gaze fixed straight down on the distant ground far below.
The foreign Uma Musume's residence had security. Slipping inside wouldn't be easy, and there were professionals monitoring for any peeping toms.
But no matter how careful they were, they'd never suspect that this seemingly harmless little Uma Musume, just sitting there sketching, possessed a genuine pair of hawk-like, far-seeing eyes.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.