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Chapter 6 - Chapter 6: Wada's first encounter with good opera

Unlike Ikezoe's journey of suffering, and Imanami's satisfactory experience on the very first day, the only one who turned back to the Student Council, inquired about the Uma Musume Opera O from Symboli Rudolf, and then harbored a feeling of unease was Wada.

Wada didn't know how to describe this feeling; he only felt his heart beating rapidly, his steps lighter than ever before, and he couldn't even hear any of the surrounding sounds.

His goal was singular: the place Symboli Rudolf had indicated Opera O would likely be. He didn't even notice Symboli Rudolf's hesitant expression; he rushed out immediately after getting the precise location.

Wada himself didn't know what his expression looked like on the way. If he had paid attention to his surroundings, he would have noticed many Uma Musume passing by were startled by Wada's hurried, almost vengeful appearance, quickly moving away and not daring to approach, as if fearing this man would pull out a knife and stab them.

Behind Wada, Symboli Rudolf and Air Groove, who had been following Wada's steps from a distance, saw his aggressive Presence, and Air Groove furrowed her brows slightly, asking:

"Is it really okay, President? Trainer Wada's appearance... it's really scary."

"That's an extremely urgent state of mind, much like an Uma Musume chasing victory on the racecourse... No, this level of obsession is like a wild beast. I rarely see such a situation, especially since Trainer Wada is an ordinary person." Symboli Rudolf also nodded solemnly and replied lightly:

"But precisely because of this, we must follow and observe, to prevent any unexpected incidents."

"We still don't know what kind of relationship Trainer Wada and Opera O have. I've never heard Opera O mention it before... I hope things don't get too complicated."

"We're almost there. Let's catch up and observe."

Symboli Rudolf and Air Groove also followed closely, harboring a slight sense of unease. They weren't worried that Wada would do anything to Opera O, as an Uma Musume's combat power is far greater than an ordinary person's. Even if Wada were to truly harm Opera O, a single kick from an Uma Musume would be hard to bear.

The main concern was the subsequent impact on Tracen Academy's reputation, which would be very negative. So they had to prevent it before it happened... "Ha... ha..."

Reaching Opera O's location was nothing for an Uma Musume, but for an ordinary person with an anxious mind, it was a bit exhausting. When Wada arrived at the training ground Symboli Rudolf had indicated, he was panting heavily, but he quickly straightened his back again.

"This is it..." Wada muttered to himself, quickly catching his breath, while his hands instinctively adjusted his clothes and cuffs, and he wiped away the sweat from his forehead.

After completing all his preparations, Wada finally calmed himself, took a deep breath, and walked with very solemn steps, pushing open the training room door.

"Click."

Wada pushed open the door to the training room and entered the seemingly large, well-equipped facility. There weren't many Uma Musume training there. Soon, Wada's gaze fixed on an Uma Musume with short orange-yellow hair and a slightly slender build, who had her back to him.

"...Opera O?" Wada instinctively muttered after catching sight of the Uma Musume's back, his voice echoing slightly in the enclosed training room.

"Um... Opera O, someone is looking for you over there."

Beside the orange-yellow-haired Uma Musume, a slightly timid voice prompted her to turn around, revealing her finely sculpted, delicate face, and the small, crown-like ornament she wore.

"Someone is looking for me? Hahaha, are they here to admire the heroic figure of me, the strongest, most beautiful 'Overlord'?"

"Truly, truly worthy of Opera O. You've already gained fans after just winning a Debut Race."

Unlike the slightly timid voice, the Uma Musume called "Opera O" appeared very confident, almost to the point of being overly self-aware. She slowly approached Wada, who was looking at her with increasing surprise.

"Hello, first, do not be stingy with your praise. If you are here to admire my Overlord's figure, please praise me to your heart's content!"

"Opera O... this gentleman seems a bit troubled..."

Beside Opera O, unlike the timid voice, this Uma Musume was unexpectedly quite "large," not in physique, but in build. Compared to the slightly slender Opera O, this Uma Musume, though not as confident in personality, had a figure that stood out from the crowd, making it hard for people to look away.

However, all of Wada's attention was still on Opera O, and Opera O, who had initially been in a state of self-admiration, unexpectedly fell silent after meeting Wada's gaze.

This man... he's so strange.

She didn't know his name at all, but it felt as if this wasn't the first time she had seen him.

Ah... this throbbing feeling... what's going on?

Opera O instinctively placed her hand on her chest. She had suddenly felt a tightening in her chest, a feeling of heartache.

But... she didn't feel sad; instead, she seemed... very happy?

Then why did she feel heartache?

"What's going on... Am I sick?" Opera O murmured, touching her forehead, but suddenly she couldn't quite meet Wada's gaze, as if avoiding his gradually gentle gaze that made her somewhat uncomfortable.

"Even if it's me, the Overlord, staring like this isn't good, and not saying a word..."

"—I'm sorry, I was just... thinking about some things." Wada quickly recovered from his initial silence. Overjoyed, he touched his cheeks with both hands, subtly wiping away the tears in his eyes, and then looked directly at Opera O again.

Alright, although it was slightly different from what Wada had initially imagined, Wada was certain that the Uma Musume in front of him was Opera O. This was the peculiar psychological effect of his many years of bond with Opera O, originating from the depths of his heart.

"I..." Wada opened his mouth, looking at Opera O in front of him, seeming to want to say something. However, the words that followed were stuck in his throat, leaving Wada at a loss for what to say.

There was too much he wanted to tell Opera O, too many times he had imagined meeting Opera O and what he wanted to say.

The first time I saw you so cheerful, Opera O, would you have this personality if you were a girl? I thought you were a gentle Racehorse who never lost her temper.

But it's fine as long as you're doing well in this world.

Do you know? I'm no longer that useless person who could win a GI just by riding on your back and doing nothing. I've also won a GI with my own strength.

I felt you pushed me from behind then, you helped me one last time. Now I can finally face you with dignity.

I once said that if I had a time machine, I would definitely go back to 1999 and win the Japanese Derby and Kikka Sho with you.

However, unfortunately, there is no time machine in this world; but I am very lucky that I can see you again in this way.

Yet, a thousand words ultimately remained unsaid. Wada slightly opened his mouth several times, wanting to say something, but in the end, he couldn't utter it.

Finally, Wada chose to close his mouth again. With a slight swallowing motion, he swallowed all his longing and emotions back into his stomach.

"—My name is Wada Ryuji. I am the new Trainer at Tracen Academy. I am currently looking for an Uma Musume to be my charge."

Wada showed a relieved smile, suppressing all his emotions, and facing Opera O in front of him, he spoke softly and, for the first time in a long time:

"No... it should be... Nice to meet you, Opera O."

Long time no see, Opera O.

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