A/N: DO NOT PLAY PROJECT SEKAI IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO WRITE AFTER OR ELSE YOUR FINGERS WILL HURT LIKE HELL, I REPEAT, DO NOT PLAY PROJECT SEKAI IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO WRITE AFTER OR ELSE YOUR FINGER WILL HURT!!!
AGHHHHH!!!!
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June 9, 198X. 6:02am
The morning air was cold as I walked toward Tracen Academy, my shoes clicking and clacking against the pavement in a steady rhythm. The streets were already filling with people, salarymen who sold their soul into those sketchy company rushing to catch trains, students chattering on their way to school, and the occasional Umamusume jogging past in training gear.
Looking at the stressed Salary man, it reminds me on how... innocent this world was.
Not perfect of course. But really innocent.
In my previous life, the Japanese entertainment industry had a dark underbelly that everyone whispered about but never truly addressed. Idols forced into "favors" for sponsors. Young women exploited by producers who held their careers hostage. The kind of rot that festered beneath the glittering surface.
Here? Somehow, it didn't exist.
(A/N: Somehow, Palpatine Returned)
Oh, there were scalpers for Umamusume races, sure. But they didn't markup prices to absurd levels. They bought a few tickets, made a modest profit, and went home. The JRA also coordinates with them about it and have a butt ton of regulations regarding that, even in America it's also the case. In fact, it's not uncommon to find a scalpert outside prolific race courses like the Hanshin Course, or the Churchill Downs etc etc...
Of course I can explain more of it but truly that's hell you all would be walking into.
(A/N: I have the scenario on how it works in my head but I'm too lazy writing it.)
Anyways, where was I again? Ah right.
The darker professions - prostitution, pornography, the industries that preyed on vulnerable women in my old world - they existed here too, but on such an infinitely minuscule scale it was almost negligible.
The really interesting part? Umamusume couldn't even enter those professions if they wanted to.
Some kind of biological mechanism kicked in - a deep, visceral revulsion that made it impossible for them to go through with it. Experts theorized it was the work of the Three Goddesses, a safeguard to preserve the purity of their creations. And even if that's the case, because all Umamusume are incredibly beautiful, they can find husbands they want. It really doesn't even matter. Though a lot of Umamusumes I mean a majority, do end up marrying their trainers, which is a weird graphic, and also the reason why being a trainer is popular among male guys like us.
After retirement also, a lot of Umamusume go into the modeling scene, and idol scene. Things where their natural beauty and talents can bloom. Except for those big shot Umamusume who don't even need to lift a finger after retirement, because their earning will set them up for life. For example, Mr CB's senior, Tosho Boy. She is a certified 1st class Umamusume alongside her rivals Ten Point and Green Grass. After retirement, Tosho Boy's net worth, or atleast the total of money she earned is a staggering 2.3 Billion Yen. (A/N: The real life Tosho Boy earned 280 Million Yen. Because this Universe is where the sport of Umamusume is the forefront of things, the winnings are buffed.) That includes the commercials she participated in, her race earnings, and brand sponsorships. Truly a lucrative profession you can join into, if I became an Umamusume, I'd 200% also become a racer.
Anyways, here. Umamusume were symbols of love, adoration, beauty, and purity in this era. Walking embodiments of hope and joy.
But this world wasn't a utopia.
Wars still broke out, though nations did everything in their power to prevent them. The Three Goddesses' retribution for warmongering was severe - whole economies could collapse overnight, natural disasters could wipe out cities. The threat kept most conflicts to simmering tensions rather than open warfare.
(A/N: As mentioned in Chapter 1.)
Corruption still existed of course. Nepotism thrived in certain circles. People still schemed and backstabbed and clawed their way to the top at others' expense. But again, they are miniscule compared to my old world.
Paradise with cracks running through it. If I may call it at that.
But compared to my previous world? This place was heaven.
[WOW, YOU GOT REAL PHILOSOPHICAL BAKANAMI!] Rin rolled her eyes.
'Then just don't listen.' I also rolled my eyes.
[I CAN'T BECAUSE YOUR THOUGHTS ARE TOO LOUD IDIOT! BAKA!.]
'Sigh...'
[HMPH. STILL.]
I smiled despite myself and picked up my pace.
Six minutes later, I arrived at the Tracen Academy entrance.
6:16 AM on the dot.
And standing near the reception area is the green devil herself, Tazuna Hayakawa.
"Ah, Minami-san!" She brightened when she spotted me. "Right on time. I was starting to worry you'd gotten lost."
"I'm punctual when it matters." I smiled. "Sorry to bother you this early, but would you mind giving me that tour you mentioned?"
"Of course! I'm always available y'know!." She gestured for me to follow. "Come on, let's start with the main facilities."
The Tracen Academy campus was massive.
Not as sprawling as the American branch, but still impressive. Modern buildings mixed with traditional Japanese architecture, creating a unique aesthetic. Training tracks visible in the distance, perfectly maintained. Dormitories that looked more like upscale apartments than student housing.
"This is the main academic building," Tazuna explained as we walked through a wide corridor. "Classrooms, lecture halls, study rooms. Most of the theoretical education happens here."
I nodded.
Several Umamusume passed us in the hallway, and I noticed them glancing my way. Whispers followed in our wake.
"That's the new trainer, right?"
"The one from America?"
"Wait, I saw him on TV, he trained Seattle Slew!"
"Really? He looks so young and tall..."
I caught one girl who is looking at me while gossiping. I merely smiled and gave a nod.
"Good morning."
She blinked, surprised, then smiled back shyly while blushing. "G-good morning, Trainer-san!"
"You're quite popular already," Tazuna noted with an amused smile. "News travels fast here, so you better keep your secret close trainer-san, y'know how these girls at this age are." Tazuna smiled while also greeting some Umamusumes who greeted her.
I scratched the back of my head.
"I'll keep that in mind Tazuna-san"
We continued the tour, passing through different sections of the building. Tazuna pointed out the cafeteria ("The curry is surprisingly good"), the medical wing ("Dr. Amagami runs a tight ship"), and the equipment storage ("Don't try to check out racing shoes without giving a notice or the Umamusume will crucify you alive").
As we rounded a corner, a familiar voice called out.
"Ara~ If it isn't Laurent-kun."
I turned to see Maruzensky walking toward us, her elegant stride as graceful as ever. Beside her, practically bouncing with energy, was a girl with bright eyes and an infectious smile.
"Maruzensky-san. Good morning."
"Please, just Maruzen is fine." She gestured to her companion. "This is my kouhai, Sakura Chiyono O. Chiyono, this is Minami Laurent, the new trainer."
"Ohhh!" Chiyono's eyes lit up. "You're the one who trained Seattle Slew, right? That's so cool! I watched all her races! She was amazing! Do you think she'll ever come to Japan? Can I meet her? Is she as scary as she looks on TV? Does she really not smile much? What's her favorite food? Does she—"
"Chiyono." Maruzen placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Calm down will you." She gave a helpless smile at me and Tazuna.
"Ah! Sorry!" Chiyono laughed sheepishly.
I couldn't help but smile. "It's fine. And to answer your questions - yes, I trained her. No, she's not scary at all, just quiet. And her favorite food is honey water."
"Honey water?!" She said in surprise. "Oh man, honey water is only my second favorite drink... We would've have the same favorite..." She pouted.
Maruzen sighed, though there was fondness in her expression. "As you can see, she has boundless energy. It's exhausting. But still, she is my super cute Kohai so it's worth it." Maruzensky smiled at the end.
"Hey! I heard that, senpai!"
Meanwhile, seeing their interaction, Tazuna chuckled. "Well, we should continue the tour. It was nice seeing you both."
"Likewise. Good luck with your first day, Laurent-kun." Maruzen nodded gracefully before being dragged away by an excited Chiyono, who was already asking about the cafeteria's lunch menu.
We continued walking, and as we passed a window, I subconsciously glanced outside.
Cherry blossoms.
Still blooming, even though it was June.
Pink petals drifted lazily through the air, carpeting the ground in soft color. It should have been strange—cherry blossoms blooming out of season—but somehow, in this world, it felt natural.
[PRETTY, ISN'T IT?]
'Yeah. It is.'
"Minami-san? Something wrong?" Tazuna asked, noticing I'd stopped.
"No, just... admiring the view."
She followed my gaze and smiled. "Ah, the sakura. Those should be gone by now, but according to the news it will take atleast in the middle of June before they will be gone."
"It's beautiful."
"It is."
We continued down the hallway, and as we approached the end, I spotted two familiar figures near the stairwell.
Mr CB was perched on the railing, sliding down with her arms spread wide like she was surfing.
"Yahoo!"
Tosho Boy stood at the bottom, crutches in hand, looking equal parts exasperated and resigned.
Tazuna's smile turned strained. "C.B.-san! Please don't do that! It's dangerous!"
"It's fine, Tazuna-san!" Mr CB called back cheerfully, hopping off the railing at the bottom with practiced ease. "I do it all the time!"
"That doesn't make it less dangerous!"
"Bye bye!" And with that, Mr CB sprinted down the next flight of stairs, disappearing from view.
Tosho Boy sighed heavily and made her way toward us, her crutches tapping rhythmically against the floor.
"I apologize for her behavior," she said, bowing slightly—as much as the crutches allowed. "As her senior, I take full responsibility."
"It's fine, really—" I started.
"It's not fine." Flames practically ignited in Tosho Boy's eyes. "I will punish her severely for this transgression. Mark my words."
'Yeah. Remind me not to get on her bad side.' I said to myself.
Tazuna just smiled helplessly. "Please don't be too hard on her. She means well."
"Meaning well doesn't excuse reckless behavior." But Tosho Boy's expression softened slightly. "Still, I appreciate your understanding, Tazuna-san. Laurent-san." She nodded to both of us before making her way down the hall, muttering something about "irresponsible student council presidents" and "setting a bad example."
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An hour later, at exactly 7:23 AM, we found ourselves back at the entrance.
"And that concludes the tour!" Tazuna said brightly. "What do you think?"
"It's impressive. Thank you for taking the time to show me around."
"It's my job." She waved off my gratitude. "But there is something I should mention..."
Her expression turned serious.
"You need to find a charge soon."
I blinked. "Soon? I just got here."
"I know, but..." She sighed. "The thing is, even though the semester just started and the freshmen officially enrolled today, a lot of trainers have already signed contracts with promising Umamusume."
"Already? How?"
"Independent scouting. Trainers watch the pre-enrollment races, track promising talents, and approach them before they even set foot in Tracen." She looked apologetic. "The academy regulates it, but they don't ban it outright. It's... A thing that dates back when the JRA was made. Still effort was made to abolish this practice, but the conservatives up there are reluctant to remove it saying it's "What makes the JRA unique to the world" still, they can't just ignore the voices of the masses so they found the middle ground and chose a more conservative approach, though to be fair, it isn't even regulated by the JRA so they only said that they changed it on paper but the people on the inside (A/N: Referring to the Trainers.) are the ones who truly knows what is happening."
"Because of this," Tazuna continued, "new trainers often struggle to find charges on their first day. Some go an entire year without signing anyone because all the promising candidates were already scouted."
My mouth gaped.
A year?
I mean I can wait, but doing something unproductive isn't like me...
"Thanks for letting me know," I said quickly, already turning toward the main building. "I really appreciate the tour, Tazuna-san, but I need to—"
"Minami-san, wait! Be careful, you might bump into—"
I rounded the corner at a jog and slammed directly into someone.
"Oof!"
We both went down, papers and folders scattering across the floor.
"Crap, I'm so sorry!" I immediately started gathering the scattered items. "I wasn't watching where I was going—"
"It's okay! I'm in a hurry too!" The girl I'd bumped into scrambled to collect her things.
I got a quick look at her—matte black hair with a distinctive white highlight flowing through it, styled in a high ponytail. Her eyes were sharp but kind, and she moved with the practiced grace of an experienced runner.
"Here," I handed her the last folder.
"Thank you! Onegai!" She grabbed it and took off running without another word.
(A/N: Guess who this Umamusume is?)
I stood there for a moment, dusting myself off.
'Well, that was embarrassing.'
Suddenly A strong gust of wind suddenly blew past me, carrying with it a cascade of sakura petals. They swirled around me like snow, pink and delicate and surreal.
I rubbed my eyes against the sudden flurry and noticed a silhouette in the distance.
Standing near the cherry blossom tree.
Watching walking towards the entrance of the academy.
As my vision cleared and the petals settled, the figure became distinct.
Long chestnut hair. With a long white streak in her bangs, and shiny magenta eyes.
"Minami nee-sama?" A pleasant authoritative voice rang out of my ears. A far cry from her old high energy and high pitch voice.
"... Luna..?"
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A/N: A pretty short chapter compared to my last 2. Chapter 7 is like 6000 words long, while chapter 8 is like 3500 words. This one is 2400. I'll usually stay on 2k or 3k words mark on normal chapters but on race chapters or really important ones, expect that it'll be a tad bit longer.
Anyways, Ciao!