The sun rose and fell, and the rhythm of the training ground continued as always.
Kuroha spent his days moving back and forth between the potion lab and the training grounds, splitting his entire focus into two halves.
One half was devoted to the repeated refinement of potions, each attempt executed with greater precision than the last. His control over dosage, timing, and the fusion of ingredients grew sharper by the day, approaching mastery.
The other half was firmly locked onto Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen.
"Teio! Don't just bury your head and force yourself forward during the sprint! Keep your core tight—your stride has to stay balanced!"
His voice rang out just as Teio once again tried to brute-force her acceleration, carrying with it a firm authority that left no room for refusal.
He quickly stepped forward, placing his palm lightly against her tense abdomen and waist.
"Feel it here—this is your true center of power when you run. Not just your legs."
Tokai Teio, much like Oguri Cap, was born with extraordinary natural talent and instincts. That made refining her posture and breathing technique unusually smooth. Even though she had yet to enter her True Blooming, her improvements were already close to perfection.
Breathing heavily, sweat dripping down her face, Teio blinked, focusing on the newfound sense of stability in her core.
"Y-Yes! Trainer, I'll do my best!"
Ever since Kuroha had expanded her training beyond simple fundamentals, the little one had thrown herself into it with even more eagerness.
Meanwhile, McQueen was running steadily around the track, following Kuroha's method for [Long Distance Adaptation] training.
Unlike Teio, McQueen's True Blooming was already very near.
If Oguri Cap's era was used as a reference point, then right now was the second year of her prime. Mejiro McQueen would burst forth in her fourth year, emerging as a rival to define an era.
That meant McQueen's True Blooming would arrive in the third year of Oguri Cap's reign.
In other words—next year!
Her progress had accelerated drastically compared to just a few months ago. She could already handle nearly the same training intensity as a fully developed Uma Musume.
Every time she ran, McQueen strove for flawless form, but Kuroha's keen eyes always caught the smallest flaws.
"McQueen."
As she passed him, his eyes glowed faintly, and he spoke softly:
"At the moment your hooves touch down, make the rebound and spring softer. Think of your ankles like springs, not hammers. The force should flow smoothly—otherwise the joints absorb all the shock."
Her violet ponytail swayed as she ran. McQueen nodded seriously, her face set in concentration.
"I understand, Trainer."
She tried adjusting her motion, and her stride became noticeably smoother—still a little stiff, but visibly improving.
Satisfied, Kuroha nodded.
With a thought, his system panel opened in his vision:
[Mejiro McQueen]
[Track Aptitude: Turf A / Dirt E]
[Distance Aptitude: Sprint G / Mile F / Medium A / Long A]
[Running Style Aptitude: Front Runner B / Pace Chaser A / Late Surger D / End Closer F]
[Unique Skill: None]
[Domain: None]
[Skills: Positioning Sense, Focus, Sloppy on Bad Tracks, Corner Adept, Long Distance Corner]
[Speed: 97 / Stamina: 152 / Power: 101 / Gut: 82 / Wit: 137]
Compared to the first time he had checked her panel, the changes were enormous. Her stats had jumped by 40–50 points across the board.
And that once-empty skill panel now carried five distinct skills. Four were the standard kind, but the fifth—[Long Distance Corner]—was something she had developed naturally during training, as if it were instinct.
That was why Kuroha had pushed her training harder these past months.
She was getting closer to her True Blooming. He estimated that when all her innate skills had fully surfaced, that would be the moment her True Blooming arrived.
Time passed in this steady, focused rhythm.
And the day of Mejiro Ardan's rebirth drew ever closer.
Today—
After finishing Teio and McQueen's guidance, Kuroha turned and walked once more toward the potion lab.
Days of repeated refinement had etched every detail into his memory, but he treated this final attempt with the same undivided focus as the first.
Pushing open the door, the familiar scent washed over him—the dryness of herbs mingled with the faint trace of disinfectant.
Mejiro Ardan was already waiting inside, leaning on her crutch.
Kuroha gave a small nod and headed straight for the workbench. The materials had been prepared in advance exactly to his specifications, each measured down to the milligram.
"The last attempt."
His voice was quiet, like a command to himself—or a promise.
Taking a deep breath, he expelled all distractions. His eyes glowed again, not for observation this time, but for total concentration.
Fingers brushing the cold glass, he began—
Weighing. Grinding. Dissolving. Heating.
Every step executed with the precision of a machine.
The liquid in the flask shifted with every reaction—from murky green sediment to clear amber, then slowly blooming into deep, luminous blue.
Time slipped away in silence. The sky outside darkened fully, the lab lit only by the lamplight, casting his focused silhouette across the wall.
At last, the final drop of catalyst slid into the flask.
The blue liquid collapsed inward, then radiated outward with a brilliance unlike any of his prior attempts—pure, flawless, a concentrated starlight that only his Body and Breath Perception could truly see.
No impurities. No instability.
Mejiro Ardan's exclusive [Panacea]—was complete!
Kuroha let out a long breath, tension finally leaving him.
Carefully, he sealed the shimmering medicine into a special container, then brought it to Ardan's side.
"As promised."
"Do you want to try it now?" he asked with a gentle smile, holding it out to her.
Ardan, leaning on her crutch, had been waiting for this moment for so long.
Her eyes trembled with emotion as she looked at him, then at the potion that carried her rebirth. A radiant smile, tinged with red from excitement, spread across her face as she nodded hard.
"Yes! I... I'm ready, Trainer!"
In the lab, the starlike glow of the potion reflected in her eyes, mingling with the hope that burned within them.
—Half an hour later.
Kuroha quietly observed Ardan.
She had drunk the [Panacea] nearly thirty minutes ago.
Nothing "miraculous" had occurred on the surface.
But in his sight, her body had been radiating a faint blue glow all this time, most of it gathering around the leg still wrapped in plaster, pulsing with life.
Only just now had the glow finally faded.
"It healed not only her leg injury... but even old hidden wounds as well?" he murmured.
When the light completely disappeared, Kuroha finally spoke up.
"Ardan, how do you feel? Any better?"
Biting her lip, Ardan lowered her gaze, tentatively moving her leg.
"I... I'll try."
With his support, she slowly stood up.
Then Kuroha let go.
And she stood firmly on her own—without crutches.
She froze, staring at her legs in disbelief.
And then—
"I... I can... Uuuhhhhhh..."
Her voice cracked, and tears spilled down like broken pearls.
Years of pain, fear, hope, and longing burst forth at once. She stood there, trembling, overwhelmed by the sheer reality of it—the solid ground beneath her feet, the long-forgotten strength in her legs.
Joy, gratitude, and all the years of pent-up sorrow broke free in uncontrollable sobs that echoed through the silent lab.
Kuroha stood quietly, not interrupting.
At last, Ardan took a deep breath, wiping her tears roughly with her sleeve. She looked up, voice thick with emotion but clear and firm.
"Trainer Kuroha... thank you. Truly... thank you for giving me a second chance to run!"
Her eyes locked onto him, overflowing with gratitude—and deep within, something more, something fierce and newly awakened.
Kuroha met her gaze. That strange premonition that had haunted him stirred faintly again.
But for now, what he felt most was relief—and pride.
He nodded gently.
"No need to thank me, Ardan. What matters is that you've regained your health."
"These legs... they deserve to shine on the track once more."
He paused, then added with steady seriousness:
"But your recovery has just begun. We'll take this step by step. I'll prepare a proper rehab plan for you starting tomorrow."
"Yes, Trainer!" she answered brightly.
(End of Chapter)
The next day.
In the morning, the cafeteria was always the liveliest place in the dorms.
Sea breeze blew in through the half-open windows, carrying with it a faint salty freshness. From the kitchen of the main hall, the rich aroma of toasted bread and sizzling bacon drifted into the air.
"I want another fried egg! And one more carrot! Oh, and add extra honey if you can!" Tokai Teio waved her empty plate at the serving window, her voice brimming with energy.
Sitting opposite her, Mejiro McQueen was having breakfast with perfect grace, displaying the elegance of the Mejiro family.
Inari One sipped her milk at a lazy pace. Fujimasa March sat quietly beside her, eating small bites while her gaze kept wandering toward the entrance, as though waiting for someone.
Only Sakura Chiyono O seemed distracted. She kept poking the broccoli on her plate with her fork, eyes drifting toward the hallway that led to the dorms.
"Trainer said last night he was going to help Ardan heal her injury... I wonder how it went..."
The pink-haired girl let out a sigh, finally popping the broccoli into her mouth, her expression a little anxious.
Mejiro Ardan hadn't come back to the dorm the night before. According to the maids, she was under medical observation in the recovery ward.
Just then, the cafeteria doors creaked open.
Everyone froze instinctively, turning their heads in unison.
Kuroha walked in first, calm and composed.
And behind him—
That familiar figure.
Her pale blue hair spilled smoothly over her shoulders, gleaming in the morning light like flowing glass. Her steps weren't as swift or light as before, but each one was steady and resolute.
Most importantly—she was no longer leaning on a crutch. Instead, she wore a pair of training sneakers.
Her stride was cautious, but natural and balanced, every step landing firmly on the floor.
Clatter!
The fork in Teio's hand slipped from her grasp, hitting her plate with a crisp sound that shattered the silence.
It was as if time itself had paused. Every gaze in the cafeteria was pulled like a magnet toward Ardan's legs—her once-injured, now fully restored legs.
"Ardan!"
Sakura Chiyono O sprang from her chair, rushing over. She crouched down, eyes wide, staring intently at her friend's legs.
Ardan smiled, a genuine smile unseen for so long. She even lifted her foot slightly, gently flexing her ankle. The movement was still a bit stiff, but whole, unbroken.
Her voice was soft, brimming with joy she couldn't suppress:
"I'm healed, Chiyono O~"
The confirmation made Chiyono O's eyes well up. She didn't shout, didn't scream—she simply threw her arms around her friend, hugging her tightly.
"Thank goodness... Ardan... I'm so happy for you!"
Though they had been rivals at the Japanese Derby, privately they were not only classmates, but also close friends.
And seeing Ardan's leg healed—knowing she could run again—brought tears of happiness sliding down Chiyono O's cheeks.
Her heartfelt blessing was the spark that ignited everyone else's emotions.
"No way—seriously?! Trainer, you're amazing!" Teio bolted over, hopping excitedly around Ardan, spouting a flurry of incoherent joy.
"Congratulations, Ardan-onee-sama." McQueen also approached, her joy restrained but still shining clearly through her elegant composure.
Inari One and Fujimasa March walked closer as well.
Arms crossed, Inari chuckled:
"Well now, Trainer really is quite the incredible man, isn't he?"
She gave Fujimasa a nudge. "Don't you agree, March?"
"Of course! Trainer can do anything!" March beamed, her trust in Kuroha absolute and unwavering.
Once the initial wave of excitement had subsided, Kuroha clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"As you can see, Ardan's leg injury has healed. She's officially entered the rehabilitation stage. From today, she rejoins training."
Cheers erupted.
But Kuroha quickly raised his hand, his tone turning serious.
"Her program will be entirely different from yours. It will focus only on recovery, restoring motor function, and rebuilding muscle memory. Absolutely no high-intensity or competitive training. And when you're playing around, be mindful not to bump into her. Understood?"
"Yes, Trainer!"
The girls responded in unison, voices loud and clear.
They looked again at Ardan, her gentle smile and rekindled hope lighting her face. And then they looked at the man who had made this miracle possible.
That morning, joy filled every heart, sparking a motivation brighter than ever before.
After breakfast, the group gathered at the training ground.
Today's special program—thanks to the Mejiro family's deep pockets and top-class facilities—was Weighted Parachute Sprint Training.
The method was simple: evenly distributed weights strapped onto the body, with a parachute harnessed at the back.
The goal: use air resistance to strengthen explosive power and refine stability of form.
By now, the summer camp had gone on for half a month.
Fujimasa March's body had adapted to baseline loads, making this the perfect time to begin explosive power training.
Inari didn't particularly need explosive training, but the resistance would help her refine her movements and technical precision.
As for Sakura Chiyono O—whether power, technique, or stability—she could stand to benefit across the board.
Kuroha tapped a metal plate in his hand, producing a crisp ring. "Alright, let's begin."
He slotted the weighted plates into Inari's special training suit.
The brown-haired twin-tail girl walked a few steps experimentally. The black-tech of these suits was impressive: aside from feeling much heavier, they didn't restrict movement.
"Trainer, mine feels way heavier than theirs!" Inari protested.
"Not heavier," Kuroha corrected casually. "Double."
Her jaw dropped.
"Your strength and body are stronger than theirs. You can handle it," he said, as if it were only natural.
Meanwhile, the Mejiro maids strapped parachutes onto March, Chiyono O, and Teio.
The fabric was high-strength nylon, five times tougher than normal, designed to withstand Uma Musume's explosive force. Adjustable harnesses fit snugly around their torsos, preventing disruptive shifting during motion.
Watching all this, Kuroha once again thought to himself—this is what true wealth looks like.
Anything he needed for training, the Mejiro family could not only provide, but over-deliver.
The facility they stood in now was the Indoor Wind Tunnel Training Chamber, capable of adjusting resistance with precision through smart vents. Originally built for controlled airflow training, Kuroha had modified it with weighted suits and parachutes for sprint simulation.
On the track, March tugged at her harness, the nylon rustling softly. She tested a few movements; the parachute suit clung like a second skin—secure without restricting her range.
She looked at Kuroha, eyes alight with trust and eagerness.
"How does it feel?" he asked, checking the straps and locks.
"No issues at all, Trainer! I'm ready anytime!"
Across the way, Chiyono O was being carefully fitted with her own weighted plates. With each one added, her stance sank lower, her brow furrowing.
"Uwahh... it's so heavy..." she muttered, lifting her legs stiffly.
"You'll get used to it, Chiyono O," Inari teased with a grin. Already suited up, she was testing high-knees—slower than usual, but precise and controlled, showing off the fruit of their past two weeks of training.
"The extra weight will make each step steadier, and your bursts will carry more force."
Chiyono O eyed the comically heavier armor strapped onto Inari. "...That's not really comforting."
Meanwhile, Ardan stood at a distance, dressed only in light rehab wear. No weights, no parachute.
She bent her knees slightly, carefully stretching her newly healed ankles. Every motion was cautious yet focused.
She cast a glance at her friends preparing for the resistance training, then lowered her gaze back to her own legs.
All her life, she had been born with "glass legs"—unsuited for running. Every time she ran, she had felt it. The premonition that her legs would soon crack under the strain.
But this time... that feeling was gone.
That fragile, glass-like heaviness that had haunted her every step—vanished.
Instead, she felt the unfamiliar yet exhilarating pull of tendons, the solid transmission of power through her muscles.
Her pale eyes flickered with light.
Whrrrrrrrrrr—
The massive wind turbines roared to life, rising from a low hum to a thunderous growl.
Artificial gusts surged down the track, strong and steady.
"Ready—GO!" Kuroha's voice cut cleanly through the roar, sharp and commanding.
(End of Chapter)
On the track, three of his Uma Musume were sprinting.
At first their movements were awkward, struggling under the heavy resistance of weighted suits and parachutes. But little by little, they adapted to the initial shock. Their strides were still slow, their steps still heavy, yet a rhythm was forming. They were entering the flow.
Kuroha watched a while, and once he was certain there were no issues, he handed command over to a maid and walked to the side of the training chamber—where Mejiro Ardan waited.
The "elementary school squad"—the two little ones—were sitting obediently nearby, watching Fujimasa March and the others train.
"Ardan, how are you feeling now?" Kuroha asked gently.
The girl stamped her feet lightly, hesitated, then admitted with some disbelief:
"Trainer... I feel... better than I did before I was injured!"
"Better?" Kuroha raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Ardan thought for a moment before explaining:
"The doctors at Central Tracen's hospital always said it. I was born with glass legs."
Kuroha nodded. He had long known that unlike Tokai Teio's "glass legs," which came from her body being unable to endure her own overwhelming power, Ardan's were different. Hers were congenital—fragile from the very beginning. For her, even ordinary running had always been a blessing.
But now... Ardan continued, her voice trembling with amazement:
"Since drinking that potion yesterday... that glass-like fragility is gone. Completely gone. It's like it was erased from my body."
Kuroha silently activated his Body and Breath Perception.
He hadn't checked carefully the night before. But now, observing closely, he realized the truth—
Ardan's glass legs had vanished.
The [Panacea]... had interpreted her natural fragility as a "disease" and cured it.
He looked at her again. The girl was tentatively bouncing on her toes, rotating her ankles with cautious but growing confidence. Her pale eyes shimmered with light—a freedom she had never known before, as if the shackles that had bound her since birth had shattered.
"Trainer?"
His silence stretched long enough that Ardan stopped and glanced up at him, eyes reflecting the bright lamps of the training hall.
Kuroha smiled warmly, nodding.
"Ardan... congratulations. You're free of it. Your legs are no longer glass."
For a moment she froze, then her lips curled into a relieved smile.
"In that case..." She bowed slightly. "Trainer, from now on, I'll be counting on your guidance!"
"Of course." Kuroha chuckled.
A sudden voice piped up below.
"Trainer! Trainer! Teio wants to do it too!"
He didn't need to look to know who it was.
Sighing, Kuroha scooped up the little figure tugging at his sleeve—Tokai Teio. Like a restless kitten, she wriggled in his arms, golden-red eyes sparkling as she stared at the parachutes and weights strapped to the others.
"You too?" Kuroha said, putting on a stern face as he weighed the featherlight girl in his arms. "You haven't even fully adapted to your basic training yet. If I put you in there, you'd get blown away!"
"I'm not scared!" Teio puffed out her cheeks and swung her tiny fists, full of defiance. "I'm going to be the undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume!"
"Pffft."
Ardan couldn't help laughing, reaching out to pinch Teio's cheek.
"Teio-chan, you're still too small. Once you've grown more, Trainer will definitely give you the best training."
"Really?!"
"Of course," Ardan reassured with a smile.
Kuroha ruffled her hair fondly, amused by her fiery determination, before setting her back down.
"But for now, your mission is to complete the basic training I assigned you. Otherwise, that undefeated Triple Crown might end up belonging to someone else."
Teio's eyes widened, her voice trembling. "N-no way... I've been working hard..." She clenched her fists tighter. "Then I'll definitely finish everything you give me, Trainer!"
"That's the spirit." Kuroha smiled, patting her head.
Calling McQueen over, the four of them moved toward the adjacent training hall.
Inside, Teio and McQueen's schedules remained the same as usual. Without their True Blooming, there was no need for drastic changes.
The focus of today's work was entirely on Ardan.
Her rehabilitation program was built on three principles:
step by step, no pain, function first.
The goal was to restore joint mobility, muscular control, balance, and stability, while avoiding reinjury.
Even though the [Panacea] had completely healed her leg—erasing even her congenital weakness—Kuroha knew the body still needed time to adapt. Pushing her into full training too quickly was dangerous.
That was why, last month, he had begun treating her with massage—to relax muscles, improve circulation, and prepare her for recovery training.
For her early rehabilitation, Kuroha had designed two main directions:
1. Joint mobility training.
To restore range of motion, activate atrophied muscles, and rebuild nerve-muscle connections. Even with her cure, Ardan likely still had "disuse atrophy" from months of immobility.
2. Bodyweight resistance training.
Gradually adding resistance to build endurance and stability, progressing slowly toward functional movements like running stride and form.
How long this phase would last depended on Ardan's performance today.
"Ardan."
Kuroha gestured to a row of equipment at the edge of the room.
"We'll start with the basics. Today's goal is to reawaken your ankle and calf muscles, and rebuild their nerve pathways."
He guided her to a balance pad.
"Try standing on one foot with your eyes closed. Hold steady for thirty seconds."
Ardan obeyed, lifting her right foot carefully onto the soft, shifting pad. Her body wobbled at first, left ankle tensing instinctively.
But soon—she realized something incredible. The fear of collapsing, the fragility she always carried... it was gone.
Instead, she felt solid support, reliable and firm.
She closed her eyes, focused, and gradually steadied her balance, standing upright without issue.
"Excellent."
Kuroha checked the timer, nodding in approval.
"Keep holding it. Focus on feeling your body."
They moved on to light resistance band exercises, then water jogging in the therapy pool.
Ardan managed everything with surprising ease.
Watching her move through the water, Kuroha scribbled notes in his journal, murmuring to himself:
"With this pace... she may be fully recovered in less than a week."
Even that was a conservative estimate.
The [Panacea] was simply overwhelming—one potion, and not only had her injury healed, but her congenital weakness had been erased. A miracle bordering on a cheat.
"At this rate, by the end of the month... Ardan should be ready for full training again."
Kuroha's quiet words echoed softly in the poolside chamber.
(End of Chapter)
Time slipped quietly away amidst sea breezes and sweat.
In the blink of an eye, the summer training camp had reached its halfway point. And the training plan Kuroha had set before it began was already bearing abundant fruit.
"Dada-dada-dada———"
The sound of galloping hooves filled the training ground.
Now, Mejiro Ardan was no longer confined to the corners of the field. Her pale blue hair streamed like glass beside the bright sakura of Sakura Chiyono O as the two ran side by side on the track.
Just as Kuroha had foreseen, thanks to the power of the [Panacea], Ardan's recovery was beyond imagination.
Faster even than his own estimate of one week—within just five days she had returned fully to her pre-Derby state.
And with the congenital "glass legs" completely gone, her strength was greater than ever.
Yet, because she had lost nearly two months of training time, her ability now was still the lowest among the four current active racers present.
Still, her injury was completely healed, and she now trained alongside Chiyono O, working on her overall performance. The joy of regaining her freedom lit her face with a smile brighter than the island's sun.
On the other side, Fujimasa March and Inari One were progressing at breakneck speed.
March's body, tempered through relentless high-intensity training, had reached a new level of physical strength. Her running now cut sharper winds than before.
Inari One, under Kuroha's near-harsh polishing of her techniques, was beginning to temper her wild, untamed power with a trace of control.
Even the smallest ones—Teio and McQueen—were steadily scaling up in their basic training, their growth visible with the naked eye.
The first major goal of the summer camp—cover weaknesses and solidify foundations—was nearly complete.
Yet Kuroha's face held no complacency.
He sat in the semi-open training chamber, watching the girls sprint across the track, turning his pencil in hand before circling a line of notes in his book:
[Domain] Second Step — Plan to Eliminate the Side Effects of "Passion State."
While the first major camp goal was for all six girls, Fujimasa March and Inari One had another mission.
To conquer the second step of the Domain.
For Uma Musume, the "Passion State" was the pinnacle of power—a surge of speed and strength that defied racing logic itself.
But it came with a cost.
Kuroha called it the "Battle High," or more bluntly, the "Brain-off Berserk" side effect.
Once inside that state, the user discarded all hard-earned technique, tactics, and energy management. Only raw instinct remained—pure, primal hunger for victory.
They became falling stars—burning everything recklessly, eyes locked on nothing but their opponent and the finish line.
To Kuroha, that was being a slave to power, not its master. For those aiming at the very peak, such surrender was unacceptable.
But this power was not uncontrollable.
Obey Your Master had proven this at the Japan Cup.
She and Tamamo Cross had entered Passion State nearly simultaneously.
But while Tamamo Cross craved head-to-head clash, daring Obey Your Master to come at her with full speed... Obey Your Master held back, restraining her desire.
She refused the bait of a direct duel, conserving her explosive peak.
As a result, Tamamo Cross—lacking the rival's full push—failed to ignite her ultimate, rivalry-forged power.
That was the lesson: A controlled Passion State was perfection.
"BOOM—! BOOM—!"
The track thundered as two silhouettes—one silver, one red—raced furiously, their auras blazing.
Fujimasa March's body shimmered with silver-white radiance, like a newborn storm laced with control.
Inari One burned with black-red fire, the embodiment of a ruler's wild, unrestrained might.
Two Domains clashed—silver storms crashing against crimson magma.
Every hoofbeat pounded like war drums, gusts of wind whipping grass into the air, scattering it across the track.
And yet, something strange was happening.
Despite fully activating their Domains—possessing enough force for a final sprint—neither accelerated.
Instead, their pace held steady at a cruising speed, side by side.
This was far harder than simply unleashing their full limits.
Because Kuroha's order was clear:
Endure. Control.
An hour earlier, he had told them gravely:
"This time, in your paired run—maintain the cruise speed I've set. Run side by side. Not faster by a heartbeat, not slower by a breath. Feel your partner's breathing. Sync with their rhythm. Passion State wants you to surge—that's instinct. Don't suppress the instinct. Control the desire."
"If it overwhelms you, or if your partner falters—fall back to True State immediately."
His words still rang in their minds.
"Ahhh..."
March bit her lip hard, struggling to cage the instinct screaming in her blood. The energy churned, demanding she explode and leave Inari far behind—even if only in training.
She forcibly held back, adjusting her stride by fractions of a second. Sweat ran, veins stood out—restraint was agony.
Inari's struggle was worse.
For one who lived by instinct and force, denying herself was torture.
On a corner, March's micro-adjustment nearly broke her. Her green eyes flared, wild and violent.
"Grrhh!"
A growl escaped her throat as she suddenly exploded forward, raw power surging far past the plan. The ground cracked beneath her hooves.
But in that moment, March's silver storm blinked out.
"PAH—!"
Inari froze.
Her blazing Domain faltered, quivering, before dissolving into embers.
Both skidded to a halt, bent over, gasping for air.
They had barely run a kilometer at cruising pace—yet it felt like a grueling match.
"With my [Massage] to clear fatigue and hidden damage... they can maybe endure this five times at most," Kuroha murmured, closing his glowing eyes.
The Domain itself was harmless, but its activation devoured stamina. He would never risk his girls' health, no matter how powerful the Panacea was.
"...Amazing..."
On the sidelines, Chiyono O stared, eyes wide.
She too had glimpsed the Domain once, piercing its veil with sheer will.
And now, she could clearly see the brilliance radiating from March and Inari.
But her body, skill, and technique were not yet sufficient.
That was why Kuroha had not guided her into mastering the Domain just yet.
"Chiyono O, focus on your own training."
Beside her, Ardan whispered softly.
"Ah... right!"
Snapping back, Chiyono O nodded, returning her gaze to her own drills.
(End of Chapter)
Day after day, the grueling parallel-run training continued with steady persistence.
On the track, Fujimasa March and Inari One were gradually learning how to maintain relative cruising speed while in their unleashed Domain state—suppressing that violent burst of acceleration.
The process was still painful, but their wills were tempered sharper with every session.
And today happened to be the most awaited day in Kuroha's seven-day training cycle—the rest day.
Coincidentally, the seaside town across the strait was holding a lively festival.
So the training was set aside.
In the daytime, everyone played around in the living quarters.
By dusk, Kuroha took the six girls aboard a swift little yacht and headed for the bustling town across the water.
"Woohoo! We're going into town! I'm gonna buy so much yummy stuff! And the new games too!"
Teio ran around the deck full of energy, her brown ponytail flying happily in the sea breeze.
"Teio, watch your step, don't run too fast."
Mejiro McQueen, dressed in an elegant pale violet yukata, had been standing gracefully by the rail, but was now forced to chase after the little bundle of chaos.
All the girls had changed into pretty yukata, blooming like spring flowers—radiant and dazzling.
By evening, the town lights came alive, and the whole shopping street was immersed in a festive atmosphere.
Looking at the chattering group of Uma Musume before him, Kuroha smiled and announced:
"Alright, dismissed! Let's meet back here in two hours. Be careful and don't get lost."
He wasn't worried about their safety.
Even the youngest, Teio, had destructive force on par with a full-speed electric scooter.
Not to mention, the Mejiro family's maid squad was always on standby.
As soon as he finished speaking, Mejiro Mcqueen was already dragged away by Teio.
Inari One was drawn to a shooting game stall with lavish prizes, while Sakura Chiyono O showed great interest in some carrot-themed snacks.
"Trainer, we…"
Fujimasa March tugged shyly at Kuroha's sleeve, but before she could say more, a clear and gentle figure appeared by their side.
"March-chan, Trainer, shall we go together?"
Mejiro Ardan tilted her head with a bright smile.
Fujimasa March tilted hers too—then quickly seemed to understand. She hugged Kuroha's arm tightly.
Ardan didn't react much, only shifted her head slightly with that serene elegance.
Kuroha chuckled. "Alright then, let's walk together."
The three of them strolled down the bustling food street side by side.
The air was thick with the aroma of grilled skewers, the sweetness of cotton candy, and the laughter of the crowd.
They were just about to head toward a takoyaki stall when something else caught their attention.
At a simple yakisoba stand, a mountain of empty plates had piled up on the table like a small hill.
And sitting before this "plate mountain" was a silver-gray-haired Uma Musume, devouring her portion at a breathtaking pace, as if performing a sacred ritual.
Her expression was utterly focused—completely oblivious to her surroundings.
Beside her sat a short-haired girl, wearing an expression of pure exasperation.
"That is…?"
Ardan paused in surprise at the sight.
"Oguri Cap… and Berno Light."
The silver-gray girl was far too recognizable.
In fact, across the entire world of Uma Musume, only one could accomplish such a scene with ease.
"Come to think of it, Oguri just won the G2 Takamatsunomiya Kinen three days ago. She must be on break now." Kuroha explained with a small smile.
Even though they were on an island training, it wasn't as if they were cut off from the world.
For the "Gray Monster" of the Uma Musume world, the reporters and paparazzi followed her every move. News of her came out every few days.
Still… the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, huh?
Kuroha's gaze shifted slightly to Ardan beside him.
If not for his presence, the Takamatsunomiya Kinen would have been Ardan's only graded stakes victory in her entire career.
But for Oguri Cap—the pioneer of her era—a G2 race was merely a stepping stone on her legendary path.
That was the difference between ordinary geniuses and epoch-defining geniuses.
At Kuroha's side, Fujimasa March's face lit up with joy.
She hadn't expected to meet Oguri here. Since watching the Japan Derby together, it had already been more than two months.
"Oguri—!"
March's voice carried over the noise of the crowd with clear delight, reaching the yakisoba stand.
"Mm?"
Oguri, mid-bite, paused. Her silver-gray ears twitched, and she glanced sideways, cheeks puffed up like a chipmunk.
When her eyes focused on Fujimasa March, the daze vanished—replaced by pure joy.
"Cough—Mar… March?" she mumbled around her mouthful, sauce still on the corner of her lips.
Beside her, Berno Light also looked surprised, quickly standing up.
"Trainer Kuroha, March-chan, Ardan-chan… what are you all doing here…?"
"Just visiting for the festival. Didn't expect to run into you."
Kuroha smiled and nodded, his eyes flicking briefly toward the towering "plate mountain," once again astonished by Oguri's bottomless appetite.
Ardan, meanwhile, stood quietly in her pale-blue yukata, her gaze fixed on Oguri with a subtle complexity—admiration, yearning, and a quiet scrutiny.
Yes. This girl who had just claimed the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, who was steadily advancing toward higher peaks—
She was the kind of brilliance no Uma Musume of their generation could ignore. Too dazzling to overlook.
"Oguri, you're still the same as ever~"
March had already let go of Kuroha's arm and happily walked over to the table.
"Mhm!"
Oguri nodded hard, finally swallowing her food. Her long silver hair glimmered under the stall lights as she smiled in satisfaction.
"The yakisoba here is really good! March, you should try some too!"
For Oguri, sharing food was the purest form of friendship.
Kuroha and the others joined them, ordering a few snacks.
After chatting for a while, with Berno Light filling in details, Kuroha understood why Oguri, fresh off a G2 win, was wandering here.
Turns out, Kitahara Jou must be getting old and didn't want to bother too much.
He'd only scheduled Oguri one summer race, then let her roam free.
According to Berno Light, they were touring one seaside town per day. Today just happened to be this one.
"…That's way too much free-range training."
Kuroha couldn't help but comment.
Then Ardan rested her chin on her hand, smiling.
"Oguri, would you like to come to my island for a few days?"
"Island?"
Oguri blinked, puzzled.
March quickly explained with a grin, "It's our summer camp! We're training on Ardan's island. Want to come? There's lots of good food, and plenty of tracks too!"
She knew Oguri's weakness well—food.
Oguri's silver ears perked instantly. "Really? Lots of food? And many tracks? I'll go!"
"Hey, hey, Oguri!"
Berno Light grabbed her forehead with a sigh. "That's someone else's training camp! What about Trainer Kitahara—"
"Berno, please?"
Oguri turned her big, shining eyes toward her companion, full of innocent longing.
Berno Light sighed in defeat, shoulders slumping. "Alright, alright, I get it… seriously."
Then she bowed politely.
"Trainer Kuroha, Ardan-chan—sorry to trouble you, please take care of us."
Kuroha laughed warmly at the lively scene before him.
"Welcome."
He didn't mind Oguri visiting at all.
After all, the island wasn't his, and he wasn't in charge of Oguri's training.
Besides, having two more Uma Musume join would only make the summer camp livelier.
And once summer training ended, in just two months he himself would likely be stepping into the Central stage.
In the meantime, it would be good to observe Oguri Cap closely—
this genuine top-class Uma Musume of her age. To see just what set her apart.
(End of Chapter)
What started out as a simple stroll with three people soon turned into a five-person sweep of the food stalls.
Oguri Cap was like a bottomless pit—her hands were never without food. From yakisoba to grilled skewers, from okonomiyaki to taiyaki, she always carried a string of snacks with her.
Fujimasa March, though nowhere near Oguri's appetite, still bought herself a big serving of takoyaki. The two of them ate as they walked, chatting about recent races and training insights.
Berno Light was enthusiastically handed a skewer by Oguri Cap and began munching away with relish.
Behind them, Kuroha watched with a gentle smile.
"Eh—"
Suddenly, he felt his left arm being wrapped up and pressed against something soft and warm.
Startled, he turned his head—only to see that dazzlingly beautiful girl with hair like azure glass, tilting her head with a playful smile.
"Trainer, let's walk together~"
Mejiro Ardan's voice carried a faint coyness as she winked up at him.
"..."
"?"
Kuroha froze in place, his mind stalling for a moment.
After his previous experience with Fujimasa March, he naturally understood what this gesture implied. But why so quickly?
He was certain he hadn't been flirting with Mejiro Ardan, and they hadn't even spent that much time together. Even if there was affection, it shouldn't have developed this fast...
So why was she boldly making her move now?
Seeing his dazed look, Ardan chuckled softly and leaned in closer, her delicate body brushing against his side.
"Trainer, have you ever thought about taking in two Mejiro girls into your team?"
Her clear, glasslike eyes sparkled with elegance and wit—but tonight they also held something bolder, tinged with a nervous expectation.
Her soft arms wrapped firmly around his, separated only by the thin fabric of her yukata. Through it, he could feel her warmth, her firmness, her racing heartbeat.
Two of them…
Of course he knew there was more than one Mejiro girl. But in this moment, the only ones who had shared such deep bonds with him were Mejiro McQueen... and the brilliant girl at his side.
Kuroha lowered his gaze slowly, from her smiling yet faintly tense eyes to the arm she held so tightly. He inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with the festival's scents of fireworks and food, forcing himself to stay calm.
"Ardan," he finally spoke, his voice calm and steady. "Do you know what you're saying?"
He didn't pull away. Instead, he looked her straight in the eye with complete seriousness.
"This isn't something small. For you or for me, this is a decision that could change the future."
For him, every Uma Musume that joined his team entrusted her dreams entirely to him. He knew the weight of that responsibility, and he never took it lightly.
Every promise he made, he gave his all to uphold. Every dream, he fought to protect.
"Of course I know."
Instead of flinching, Ardan's smile only grew more composed, more assured.
Her arms tightened slightly around him, as if to emphasize her resolve.
"Precisely because this isn't small, I came to ask you personally, Trainer."
Her voice was soft, yet unshakably clear.
"I've witnessed your kindness, felt your warmth, and... I've personally experienced the miracles you've made real."
She tilted her face upward, the brilliant festival lights reflecting in her glasslike eyes.
"Even if judged only by reason, Kuroha-san, you're the most reliable trainer I've ever met."
"I want to become stronger under you. Isn't that only natural?"
Her smile was playful, but soon shifted into something more vulnerable—her truest feelings, unguarded at last.
"And also..."
"I want to stay by your side, openly, as your Uma Musume."
Kuroha stared at this bold yet clever girl, all of his surprise dissolving into a soft sigh full of helpless fondness.
"I'll be officially registered as a Central trainer around November."
At that, Ardan's smile bloomed even brighter.
"Then I'll be waiting for you, Trainer"
…
Meanwhile, the others who had scattered around town gradually regrouped.
When Tokai Teio spotted the legendary "Gray Monster" clutching an enormous roasted corn cob, she let out an awestruck squeal and rushed over for a picture.
By now the night had fully fallen, the sky ink-black and speckled with stars.
From the crowd, they heard the announcement: the fireworks display was about to begin.
Kuroha led the group of laughing, chattering girls to the riverside embankment, the best place to view the show.
"Phew—"
They settled onto a patch of grass. The cool summer breeze carried the fragrance of grass and earth.
Not long after they sat down—
"Shoo—BOOM!"
The first firework streaked into the sky, exploding into a brilliant golden chrysanthemum that lit every face with dazzling light.
"Waaaah—so pretty!" the younger girls exclaimed in unison, little faces lifted toward the night sky, eyes wide as fireworks filled their reflections.
The first blast was the signal. Soon, one after another bloomed—hearts, smiling faces, cascades like waterfalls. The sky became a grand canvas.
The festival atmosphere reached its peak.
Mejiro Ardan sat quietly by Kuroha's side, her face serene and content. For the first time since her injury, she could simply enjoy a night without burden.
Fujimasa March, strangely, didn't cling to Kuroha this time. Instead, she sat beside Oguri Cap with a knowing smile.
Kuroha leaned back, gazing up at the endless fireworks. Surrounded by the girls' laughter, an unexpected sense of peace welled up in his chest.
"Becoming a trainer for Uma Musume… really is the best decision I've ever made."
"Boom—"
High above, a firework burst into the shape of a giant carrot, showering the crowd below in colorful brilliance.
At last, after one final grand flourish, the fireworks faded, leaving only glowing afterimages in everyone's eyes.
The festival was over.
On the boat ride back to the island, the mood was very different from when they came.
The night was deep, the moon spilling silver light across the rippling sea.
The girls, tired from playing, leaned against each other, murmuring as they compared their spoils.
And this time, there were two new faces aboard.
Oguri Cap, the so-called "Monster of the Turf," sat quietly in a corner, hugging a massive bag of snacks with a blissful expression—as though she had achieved enlightenment through food.
Beside her, Berno Light looked utterly exhausted. Usually serving as Oguri Cap's support and information gatherer, her physical strength was far from competitive. She wasn't even at the level Kuroha had seen in Fujimasa March's earliest days. She'd likely struggle even against a rookie Central debutante.
Her small face looked dazed, her eyelids drooping as if she'd fall asleep any second.
With Kuroha and Ardan's approval, the two would be staying on the island as temporary guests for the next few days.
(End of Chapter)
By the time the group returned to the island, carrying with them the noise and exhaustion of the festival, the clock had already passed nine in the evening.
The villa area was brightly lit under the night sky, standing in stark contrast to the quiet stars and the vast, dark sea.
As they arrived, Oguri Cap and Berno Light both let out involuntary gasps when they saw the training grounds—practically a resort in itself.
"U-using… an entire island… just for training camp…" Berno Light stammered, her mouth forming an "O." "This is… way too extravagant!"
Oguri Cap nodded, her usually calm, slightly vacant eyes now showing rare astonishment.
Kuroha chuckled quietly behind them. Yes, that was the Mejiro family. In the Uma Musume world, the power of money could achieve anything—besides winning races.
As hostess, Mejiro Ardan smiled gracefully and began assigning them their rooms. Then she clapped her hands lightly and suggested:
"Alright, everyone's tired after playing today, so how about we relax in the hot springs first? The open-air baths here are wonderful~"
The proposal was immediately met with cheers.
Steam rose thickly from the outdoor hot spring, with a few toy ducks floating lazily on the surface.
"Plop."
Kuroha pressed one of the ducks underwater with a playful grin, then watched it bob back up. After a bit of childlike fun, he leaned against the edge of the men's pool, sinking into the warmth with a satisfied sigh.
"If only someone else here knew [Massage]…" he mused, exhaling.
If that were the case, he could soak in the springs, hum a tune, and enjoy a massage all at once. Sadly, the true masters of massage he had seen were all elderly folk in Donghuang—long retired. That dream was out of reach.
From the men's bath, faint laughter drifted over from the women's side, separated by a bamboo wall.
Peeking? No need.
During summer training, Kuroha had already "seen" Fujimasa March more times than he could count. He was immune to such temptations now.
On the women's side, Tokai Teio was splashing Mejiro McQueen with water, ignoring her protests. Inari One and Sakura Chiyono O were sitting side by side with towels on their heads, looking relaxed.
The mist rising off the pool blurred vision and seemed to soften hearts.
Fujimasa March glided silently through the water like a graceful fish, until she reached the spot beside Mejiro Ardan, who was resting with her eyes closed.
Ardan opened her eyes, smiling faintly.
"March~"
Her glasslike voice was soft, beads of water sliding from her hair down her collarbone and slender curves.
Fujimasa March hesitated, then leaned closer, whispering so only the two of them could hear:
"Ardan… do you also like Trainer?"
She had suspected it before. Tonight confirmed it. That was why she deliberately avoided interfering after Oguri Cap appeared earlier.
Ardan blinked once—then, without surprise or panic, simply smiled and nodded.
"Yes."
Her answer was straightforward and calm.
March fell silent. There was no jealousy or resentment in her heart—only a quiet sense of emotion.
She sighed, leaning back against the warm stone.
"I see… honestly, I thought Inari One would make a move first…"
Her murmur carried a touch of irony.
"Didn't expect you'd be the fastest, even though it hasn't even been two months since you met him…"
She wasn't surprised others liked Kuroha—only surprised that Ardan was second, not Inari.
The two girls shared a quiet smile, understanding each other without words.
They chatted lightly about training and the future, the mood relaxed and pleasant. Eventually, they both sighed in unison, reclining together.
A silver-white tail lazily flicked up from the water between March's legs, slapping the surface with a splash. She cupped her fluffy tail in her hands, running her fingers through it with closed eyes.
Ardan, watching, reached out to gently smooth her own wet tail fur.
And then, like a spark between them, the same thought struck both girls at once.
If only we could get a massage while soaking in the springs…
Their eyes snapped open, locking onto each other.
Ardan raised her hand with a sly little gesture. March responded with a pushing motion.
"Come to think of it…"
"Isn't the top massage professional… sitting right next door?"
They understood instantly.
March was used to this—she'd had massages from Kuroha many times. But in Ardan's soft blue eyes, there flashed a bold, mischievous glint—so unlike her usual graceful self.
Without another word, the two wrapped themselves in towels and tiptoed out of the women's bath like two little cats sneaking into forbidden territory.
The men's and women's baths were separated by bamboo screens and rocks—good for blocking sight, but not footsteps.
Night air was cool against their damp skin, contrasting with the lingering warmth of the springs.
Barefoot, wrapped in white towels, the two Uma Musume crept along the lantern-lit path until they reached a vantage point. From there, they could clearly see the men's side.
Kuroha sat with his back to them, arms stretched across the pool's edge, head tilted back, eyes closed. Moonlight outlined his damp black hair with silver.
Fujimasa March's heart skipped. Heat rushed to her face—courage nearly abandoned her.
But they stepped forward.
Their bare feet made crisp sounds on the stones, echoing in the night.
"!"
Kuroha's body tensed. He sat up abruptly, turning with a wary look—only to freeze.
Standing a few meters away, wrapped in towels, were Fujimasa March and Mejiro Ardan.
Two pairs of bright eyes looked straight at him. One full of fluster, the other calm yet betraying nervousness in her body language.
For three whole seconds, Kuroha's mind went blank.
Finally, he muttered, speechless:
"…This is the men's bath."
"We know," Ardan replied smoothly, stepping forward with a cough.
"It's just… we're feeling a little unwell, and it could be dangerous if left alone. So we thought… maybe you could… give us some massage therapy."
"Yes, just massage," March echoed hastily.
Massage. Towels. Hot spring. Girls sneaking into the men's side.
Kuroha rubbed his temples, overcome with a headache.
My Uma Musume… one confessed today, and now they want to push this far. What do I even do…?
"Fine. But don't try anything weird. Teio and the others are right next door."
He never thought he'd have to say something like this. For the first time, he realized why the system shop even stocked items like[Stamina Booster]…
Steam swirled thickly, blurring everything.
And so… Kuroha did indeed end up giving massages. Not top-tier technique—but still aided by his special skills.
It was, in its own way, a perfect compromise.
(End of Chapter)
The next day.
The morning sun carried with it a touch of lazy comfort.
Since yesterday, the "Summer Island" had welcomed two new guests. After witnessing the grandeur of this financial conglomerate's private island, and under the suggestion of Mejiro Ardan, Oguri and Berno Light decided to spend the rest of their summer vacation here.
Thus, while Kuroha and the others devoted themselves to training, the island was left with only the Mejiro maid team and the two guest Uma Musume wandering idly.
"Absolutely not, I said no!"
Outside the training grounds, a helpless voice rang out.
"Oguri, you just finished a G2 race a few days ago. Your body needs proper recovery!"
Berno Light, like a fussy little housekeeper, tightly held Oguri's arm, stopping her from stepping even a single foot toward the track.
This friend who seemed unstoppable on the racecourse only had two instincts when on break days:
— to eat, and to find a place to run.
However, according to Trainer "107's" strict rules, after any high-intensity graded race, Oguri must have complete rest, suspending all mid-cycle training. This was purely for her safety.
Because of this, Berno Light had recently been exhausting every method possible to prevent Oguri from attempting any "unsafe" actions.
"Light, I'm not going to run. I just want to watch."
Oguri, unable to win against her diligent little "housekeeper," softened her voice.
"Really?" Berno Light asked suspiciously.
"Mm! Mm! Mm!" Oguri nodded like a pecking chick.
"..."
Finally, Berno Light sighed and relented, allowing her to enter—
but only to sit on a bench right beside Kuroha at the edge of the track, where she also plopped herself down, continuing her watchful supervision.
When Kuroha noticed the two girls entering, he only glanced up casually, then returned to his work.
And that "work" was...
On his phone's screen, a chat window was open:
[My Little Horse & Luna's Chat]
My Little Horse: "Rudolf, what do you think—if someday, the Mejiro family's current active Uma Musume all ended up in the same trainer's team, would that cause problems?"
Luna: "???"
Luna: "What do you mean?"
My Little Horse: "The literal meaning..."
Ever since Fujimasa March's Haneda Cup, Kuroha had exchanged contact information with Symboli Rudolf and Maruzensky. Occasionally, they chatted about daily life. Over time, they'd become friends.
What surprised Kuroha was that, compared to her serious real-world demeanor, Symboli Rudolf was actually much livelier online.
Just yesterday, Mejiro Ardan had expressed her wish to join his team. With his upcoming move to Central Tracen, he wanted to sound out the opinions of the "Emperor."
Luna: "But the only active Mejiro right now is Ardan, isn't it?"
My Little Horse: "... Who knows, maybe next year another little filly will reach her True Blooming."
Luna: "..."
My Little Horse: "..."
Far away at Central Tracen Academy, Symboli Rudolf tilted her head, extracting the hidden meaning from his words.
A filly in Central Tracen's Elementary Division, possibly reaching True Blooming next year. And from the Mejiro family...
That narrowed the list down to only Mejiro McQueen, Mejiro Ryan, and Mejiro Dober.
And considering this particular trainer's connections—
Symboli Rudolf's mouth twitched.
She tested a guess:
Luna: "Mejiro McQueen?"
My Little Horse: "As expected of the Emperor—too sharp!"
So it was true.
Back at her desk, Symboli Rudolf sighed.
Luna: "Don't joke around. Be serious!"
Luna: "Why are you getting involved with Mejiro Ardan again?"
My Little Horse: "?"
My Little Horse: "What do you mean involved? Ardan simply asked to join my team."
My Little Horse: "But since I haven't officially joined Central yet, I don't know what kind of problems this could cause."
My Little Horse: "And I'm also unsure how the Mejiro family would react..."
Luna: "... If it's her decision to join, the family won't oppose it."
Luna: "But, her mother dotes on her very much. So while the family as a whole won't mind, I can't guarantee how her mother will take it."
"Her mother..."
Kuroha's eyes flickered.
If he remembered right, Mejiro Ardan's mother was an easygoing person, even once trying to invite all her daughter's school friends over as guests.
But he was no "ordinary" friend... Whether she'd still treat him the same was uncertain.
While Kuroha pondered this, beside him Oguri sat listlessly, her cheeks propped on her hands.
Those eyes—usually sparkling only at the sight of food—were now blank and drifting, her expression radiating her usual absent-minded cuteness.
Inside the track, the girls were dripping sweat under the summer sun. Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen were practicing quick-turn agility runs on the sand, while Ardan and Sakura Chiyono O were pacing steadily on the grass course.
Everything brimmed with energy.
At first, Oguri had been excited just to see the size of the training grounds and the sight of so many Uma Musume working so hard.
But... being forbidden to run herself— watching but unable to join— for Oguri, this was a torment even harsher than losing a bowl of rice at lunch.
The gray filly's eyes glistened with a touch of grievance as she gazed longingly at the track.
But then—
when her wandering gaze happened to fall on two specific figures at the main course—her whole body froze.
It was Fujimasa March and Inari One.
They were running side by side. Their pace wasn't fast, simply cruising at a routine speed.
At first glance, it was nothing more than a standard coordination drill.
But Oguri was no ordinary spectator.
At first, she hadn't noticed anything odd.
But the longer she watched, the more she felt it—like an invisible pressure grinding against her instincts.
Her pupils shrank sharply. Deep inside, her predator's intuition—the one belonging to a true monster of the turf—screamed at her like a siren.
She was no longer looking at two girls jogging casually.
She was watching two warriors, shackled by unseen chains, wrestling desperately against raging beasts caged inside them.
Every movement looked "relaxed" on the surface—
but the tightly strained muscles, the fine beads of sweat running down their temples, and the nearly inaudible, rough breathing from deep in their throats—none of it escaped her eyes.
More than that... that aura.
It was a vast, boiling power being forcibly suppressed, threatening to erupt at any moment.
"What... is this...?" Oguri muttered.
As a filly born with the gift of a Domain, the "Gray Monster" could faintly sense it—though no radiant aura was visible, she knew that these two carried a power she herself did not.
It was like what she had felt from Sakura Chiyono O's unleashed burst at the Japan Derby...
But even more refined. Even more terrifying.
Finally, she understood.
They weren't "running lightly."
They were using iron willpower to force themselves not to run faster.
And in that instant, Oguri's usual desires—for running, for food—were burned away, replaced by something far more primal.
A blazing instinct surged up from the depths of her soul.
(End of Chapter)
"... Before I move to Central, I'll need to speak with Ardan's mother."
After some thought, Kuroha finally came to a decision.
He sent a thank-you sticker to Luna (Symboli Rudolf), then was about to check on the "Elementary Division's" training when he felt a tug at his sleeve.
Startled, Kuroha turned his head.
It was Oguri.
But the Oguri standing before him now was no longer the airheaded, natural girl she always seemed to be.
Her eyes gleamed sharp as unsheathed steel, locked firmly on Fujimasa March and Inari One running on the track.
"Trainer Kuroha."
Her voice was low, edged with the grit of a seasoned warrior.
"Can I... run with Fujimasa?"
"Oguri! No!"
Berno Light cut in, hands crossed into a giant X. Her sudden interjection shattered Oguri's aura, returning the gray filly to her usual clumsy, innocent demeanor.
Oguri shook her head in flustered denial.
"But, Light... I'm really fine. I just want to run with Fujimasa, just once."
Looking at her nervous figure, Kuroha chuckled softly, eyes narrowing with understanding.
"Don't worry."
He nodded lightly.
"As long as you just keep to the same cruising pace as Fujimasa, it'll be fine."
At this point, Oguri's condition showed none of the wear one might expect after a grueling Central G2 race. Her body seemed perfectly recovered.
The intensity of a G2? For today's "Gray Monster," it was as if it had been nothing.
Berno Light opened her mouth to argue again, but Kuroha waved her down, smiling knowingly.
"Besides... she isn't just wanting to run. She's being drawn in. I can understand that feeling."
—Drawn in by the Domain.
In the original timeline, even without awakening her own Domain, Oguri's natural gift allowed her to sense that Taiki Shuttle's power was something she herself lacked. Later, facing Obey Your Master and Dido Shooter, she was able to instantly tell that their power came from the same source.
What terrifying talent.
Kuroha gazed at the gray filly before him, silently impressed.
"I'll run!" Oguri nodded vigorously, her cool expression for once breaking into fiery determination. Her gray-white eyes clung to the figures of Fujimasa and Inari, especially Fujimasa—as if pulled by some irresistible gravity.
Berno Light hesitated. Trainer Rokuhira's warnings still rang in her ears.
But looking at Oguri's laser-focused, eager expression, she finally sighed.
"Only once, okay, Oguri~"
"Mm! Light, you're the best!"
Oguri immediately threw herself into a hug, making the short-haired girl flush crimson.
"B-best...? Don't just say things like that..."
Permission given, Oguri lit up, springing to her feet with lively steps that carried her straight toward the track.
Berno Light chased after her, worry written all over her face, like a diligent little shadow.
"Phew..."
On the track, Fujimasa March and Inari One slowed to a stop.
They looked at each other—and laughed.
"We barely managed it this time!" Fujimasa panted, sweat streaming down her face.
"Hah! Of course we managed. How could such a thing ever stop me?" Inari grinned, brimming with confidence.
Then they noticed Kuroha approaching—with Oguri and Berno Light in tow.
"Trainer? Oguri?" Fujimasa blinked in surprise, then waved brightly.
Kuroha explained what had happened, and when all understood, he suggested with a smile:
"How about... a training race after your rest?"
"A training race?" they echoed.
"Yes. An 800-meter grass run. Do you want in?"
At those words, Fujimasa's memories of Kasamatsu surged back. Her lips curled into a reckless grin.
"I'm in!"
"If Fujimasa's in, then me too!" Oguri raised her hand immediately.
"..."
Inari stared blankly at the two, then pointed at herself.
"Do I... have to?"
Kuroha's gaze lingered on her.
With stats hundreds above Fujimasa and Oguri, wasn't this overkill?
But then again—this wasn't an official race. Why worry about that?
"You're in too, Inari."
Her lips twitched. A flicker of resignation crossed her pale-green eyes—quickly burned away by a rising fighting spirit.
She flicked her twin brown ponytails, planted fists on her hips, and tilted her chin proudly.
"Hmph! If trainer insists... fine! But don't expect me to hold back just because it's not official!"
Her smile turned sharp as her gaze swept over her eager opponents.
Once Fujimasa and Inari were fully rested, Kuroha had them line up at the 800-meter starting line.
Oguri stood in the middle.
On her left—Fujimasa March, eyes like drawn blades.
On her right—Inari One, grinning with wild confidence.
On the sidelines, Berno Light fidgeted nervously, wringing her hands and never taking her eyes off Oguri.
The sun shone down on the emerald grass, illuminating three figures, each so different, yet equally brimming with power.
Kuroha raised the starter pistol.
"800 meters on grass. Same rules as standard races. One lap equals 800 meters—one lap to finish."
He looked toward Fujimasa and Inari.
"Go all out."
The two blinked—then their pupils blazed, as silver and crimson streaks flickered within.
The pressure in the air spiked.
Not their "Passion State," but their "True Self State."
Oguri, yet unawakened, felt nothing unusual.
Kuroha exhaled faintly as he watched her.
This training race may have started because of Oguri.
But he had other motives.
First, Fujimasa and Inari had reached controllable Passion State. This was perfect practice to solidify it.
Second, to help Fujimasa deepen her self-awareness.
And third—to give Oguri a taste of what the Domain truly was.
"On your marks—"
The three Uma Musume crouched low, bodies tensed like drawn bows.
Oguri's eyes sharpened, ears pounding with the beat of her heart and the powerful breaths of the two beside her.
Inari's smirk vanished, her gaze turning razor-sharp.
Fujimasa's body coiled like a taut bowstring, every muscle brimming with explosive force.
"Set—"
The field fell silent, all eyes fixed on the line.
Bang!
The gunshot cracked.
And at that instant—
Boom!!!
Two overwhelming auras erupted like dormant volcanoes roaring awake.
From Fujimasa and Inari's bodies, the restrained silver and crimson lights burst upward in pillars of power, blazing across the sky.
No longer flickering threads, but torrents of real, searing light—colliding violently, red lava and silver storm intertwining in midair.
The air trembled, distorted by the sheer force.
[Domain — Bonfire Fox Cry!]
[Domain — Silver Radiance!]
At this moment, powers worthy of a new era erupted onto the field!
(End of Chapter)