Zone... so this is a Zone...
That immersive feeling, born from an internal and external shift in presence, was something you could never experience in a normal race.
It wasn't a matter of degree, but a difference in kind.
Green Grass, having entered this Zone state, was like a completely different person from her usual self.
Those silent, imperceptible attacks were utterly impossible to guard against.
Especially since the young maiden had already decided she would fully accept her opponent's assaults without making any counterattacking moves.
But the instant Green Grass appeared, she had almost unthinkingly, instinctively accelerated, putting distance between them.
She was fleeing from that invisible blade she couldn't perceive, the one that filled her with such trepidation.
For a brief moment, she had nearly tossed aside her resolve to accept everything, ready to enter a state of complete focus to fight back.
This is truly... far beyond expectations.
"Sorry, 'Cafe', are you okay...?"
Looking at the young maiden who was clutching her chest, Green Grass wore a worried expression.
The difference between her presence on the track and off it was just too vast.
No wonder Green Grass said she wasn't well-liked by the younger students.
If she tried to personally pass on her skills by making everyone experience this firsthand, like she just had, then by the next day, those juniors would be going out of their way to avoid her.
This sensation was completely unbearable for an ordinary Uma Musume; someone with weaker will might have their will to compete shattered on the spot.
Settling her thoughts, the young maiden straightened up.
"I'm fine," she replied. "I was just a bit surprised. I didn't expect you to be even more amazing than I imagined, Green Grass senpai."
Hearing this response, Green Grass's eyes widened.
"Is that so? That's what you think? That's right, you know, I am very amazing! More amazing than anyone... That's great, that's really great! I'm so glad... I'm so glad you're my junior..."
Wiping her tears, Green Grass began to cry.
It was the first time someone had been willing to accept her ability so unreservedly.
Her original hope of just getting along with a junior and giving it a try had finally, in this moment, been rewarded.
Green Grass had found someone who could inherit her skill.
Smoothing her hair, the dark-haired maiden recalled what had just happened.
No good... I have no idea what Green Grass actually did.
This ability wasn't something you could learn just by seeing it once or twice, or feeling it a few times.
She would need to practice over time to even have a chance.
"Green Grass senpai, I don't understand. Can you teach me?"
"Of course, of course I can."
Pulling out a handkerchief and drying her tears, Green Grass smiled.
"First, you have to lighten your steps, relax your body..."
The young maiden listened silently to each instruction, committing them to memory.
But even with Green Grass explaining all her techniques, she would still need practical training to truly grasp the experience.
Until then, she would have to experience that feeling of being pierced by a thousand invisible blades, over and over again, without even attempting to block it.
It would be a long and painful process, but the young maiden was willing, heart and soul.
"Let's go again, senpai."
"Again? ...Alright."
Green Grass agreed, but she couldn't guarantee she could succeed every time.
Entering the Zone state took a lot out of her too. Doing it consecutively risked pushing her body beyond its limits.
But, looking at her junior's determined face... even if she didn't master it today, there was always tomorrow. And if not tomorrow, then the day after...
Someday, she would be able to learn everything Green Grass had to offer.
Because this was the junior Green Grass so deeply admired, the one who combined effort and talent, her dearest 'kouhai'.
--+--
Time skipped to the next day.
With the [Tenno Sho] approaching, Tracen Academy had allowed reporters inside for pre-race interviews and material gathering.
Camera crews hauling heavy equipment were gathered around one particular person.
"Might we ask what your hobbies are, Prince-sama? Things like sports, or ways you relax and unwind?" asked a female reporter, microphone in hand.
Standing before the reporters was a woman wearing a suit and high heels, with a stylish hairstyle that partly covered one eye.
She held a training schedule, and just by standing there, she projected a sharp, formidable aura.
This was none other than the woman known as the most prodigious trainer in the world today, Nase Fuminо.
Famous among trainers for her unexpected tactics and training methods tailored to each Uma Musume.
Her achievement of reaching senior trainer status at such a young age, combined with that strikingly handsome face that seemed to hit every woman's 'type', had earned her the spontaneous fan-given title of 'Prince-sama'.
Hearing the question, Nase Fuminо's gaze shifted to the training grounds.
Although Tracen had notified her about the reporters coming for material, most of their questions were personal topics unrelated to the races.
Things like hobbies, fashion preferences, or whether she had any close friends.
It felt less like a magazine for Uma Musume fans and more like entertainment gossip.
"My, my? Seems you've got business with my trainer. Don't mind me, feel free to share it with me too."
That slightly teasing voice was unmistakable, even without looking.
"Sirius Symboli!"
With two fingers pressed to her forehead, Sirius Symboli greeted the reporters.
What did she just say? Trainer?
Could it be that Nase Fuminо had become Sirius Symboli's trainer!?
Why wasn't there any prior information about this?
A talented trainer paired with a talented runner—no matter how you looked at it, this was huge news for the upcoming [Tenno Sho].
Just to be absolutely sure, the reporter asked, "Does that mean... Miss Sirius's trainer is 'Prince-sama'?"
Hearing this, Sirius Symboli's ears twitched.
"Oh? 'Prince-sama'? That's a rather interesting name you've got for her."
She slowly closed the distance to the reporter. "If my trainer is 'Prince-sama', then what does that make me?"
"Eh?! Th-that..." The reporter's voice tightened with sudden tension, her face flushing red.
From her tone, it was confirmed—Nase Fuminо was indeed her trainer.
But considering these two as a pair...
Listening to Sirius's slightly magnetic voice and looking at that lovely face, which could easily rival Nase Fuminо's, the reporter's face felt like it was on fire. Clutching her chest, she stumbled back a few steps.
It's too much! Having these two stand together like this... it's enough to make her die from the sheer glory right here on the spot!
"Sirius."
Calling a stop to the other's somewhat excessive behavior, Nase Fuminо spoke.
"That's correct. As you can see, my primary charge at the moment is Sirius Symboli."
As an Uma Musume adapted for middle to long distances, Nase Fuminо needed to solidify the race tactics with her.
"I-I see." The reporter, finally regaining her composure, nodded repeatedly. "So Sirius Symboli's target is also this year's [Tenno Sho]?"
Nase Fuminо confirmed it.
However, Sirius Symboli had joined the team too late. Beyond devising some strategic plans for her, there was no time for targeted training adjustments.
But even so, Nase Fuminо still believed. She believed she could bring about a change in her.
--+--
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.