"What did you say?"
The Trainer, who hadn't appeared in a long time, put on an expression of surprise.
"I said, please arrange a training plan for the Derby." Legend stood in front of the Trainer, her expression serious.
"This is really..."
The Trainer couldn't help but be surprised.
Since the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes, he had rarely provided guidance for Legend's training.
After all, the help he could provide wasn't very effective for Gold Legend.
Compared to the various training sessions he arranged, the help provided by the Student Council's Uma Musume seniors was much more significant.
To be honest, an Uma Musume being too capable is also a trial for a Trainer.
"Why so sudden?" the Trainer asked, puzzled.
"The seniors' teaching is pretty much done. The rest is just about accumulation."
At least that's what Senior Chiaki said.
"Also, regarding the Derby, I have a bit of a selfish motive."
"Oh?" That was truly rare.
The Trainer became interested.
"Two days ago, during the school open house, I was encouraged by a future underclassman," Legend scratched her head. "That child, she said I am a hero who can bring dreams and hope."
"...That really is something!"
The Trainer could imagine Legend's expression at that time.
Having been Gold Legend's Trainer for a year, he knew what kind of Uma Musume Legend was.
The outside world's evaluation of Gold Legend was that she was an Uma Musume destined to go down in history.
Born into a prestigious family, with noble bloodlines.
Incomparable beauty, overwhelming strength.
Undefeated since her debut, she is the brightest star on the racetrack.
Even the most stubborn old fossils evaluated her as such.
Living up to the name of Legend.
Everyone was looking forward to this Uma Musume, who had appeared out of nowhere and was named Legend, creating a new era.
That era was called Gold Legend.
But the Trainer knew what kind of Uma Musume Gold Legend was.
She had absolutely no self-awareness of being a prestigious Uma Musume, and would steal lollipops from little kids.
Her most familiar place was the jail cell at the Police Station, and her favorite activities were eating and playing.
If there was nothing to do, she would absolutely not go out.
Her hobbies were pranks, and she was terrible at video games but still stubborn about it.
Although she was cynical, she was surprisingly good at taking care of others.
Her emotional intelligence fluctuated, and her IQ flickered in and out.
Even though she was a top-tier rich girl, her daily life was like that of a saint with no desires.
Her behavior all day was like a salted fish waiting to die, although she never skimped on the training that needed to be done.
There was no so-called dream, nor did he see any so-called desire to win.
She was so carefree that she didn't seem like an Uma Musume.
Honestly speaking, the Trainer felt that Gold Legend wasn't suited to be an Uma Musume.
If it weren't for this overwhelming talent, he felt that such a child wouldn't even have become an Uma Musume.
Let alone achieving what she has today.
He couldn't see the appearance that an Uma Musume should have in her.
That radiance and longing, and desire, that belongs to an Uma Musume.
Sometimes he would wonder, if he hadn't pulled this child into the team back then, would she have had a different life?
A life that was more suitable for her, simple and happy.
So his training arrangements for Gold Legend were laissez-faire.
Besides the fact that he really couldn't provide much help, there was also some guilt involved.
As long as Gold Legend remained in this state of having no desires, he would not interfere with Legend's training.
She had the right to choose her own path.
However, today, Gold Legend was a bit different.
For the first time, the Trainer saw the appearance of an Uma Musume in Legend.
Wanting to accomplish something, wanting to obtain something.
Chasing, competing, moving forward without end.
Shining, victory, bringing hope and dreams.
Surging desire and the radiance that matched it.
That was the posture that only an Uma Musume would have.
"I understand. Since you have this heart, then I can only support you with all my might," the Trainer said, as if relieved. "Who else would be your Trainer?"
"Trainer... thank you."
"Well, anyway, let's memorize this part of the content first."
The Trainer walked to a cabinet nearby and brought out a large stack of document-like materials.
Placing it in front of Legend, a muffled thud could be heard from the table.
"...So much!"
"These are materials I usually organize that might be suitable for you. Anyway, let's try it out first."
"Huh? Does that mean the Trainer usually cares about me a lot?"
"That goes without saying, I am your Trainer after all." The Trainer took out another lollipop. "And since you've already come to me, you can't keep acting like you used to."
"Is that so..."
With a "bang," the door to the training room was pushed open.
Special Week led the members of Spica and burst in.
"And us too! Legend-san, as long as there is anything we can help with, we are all willing!"
Special Week said sincerely.
"Yeah, yeah! If Sister Legend needs anything!"
Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka agreed.
"We can help too!"
Silence Suzuka said gently.
"Hehe, don't leave Teio-sama aside."
Teio came over with a grin.
"We have a promise to be of one heart and one body."
McQueen said elegantly.
Gold Ship didn't speak, just gave a thumbs up.
"...You guys."
Although I'm curious why you were eavesdropping, considering how moving you are, I won't complain.
"Then I'll start by saying thank you."
"Don't be shy, Oba-chan. Can't you just frankly admit that you are touched?"
"Shut up, or I'll kill you."
"Hahaha."
Everyone started playfully teasing each other, laughter echoing... I really am a very lucky person.
Walking back to the dorm, Legend couldn't help but sigh.
"Indeed, Gold Legend has always been a very lucky person."
"This is something to celebrate."
Two familiar voices sounded in her ears.
"Huh?"
Legend stopped in her tracks.
"Hey, did you miss me?"
"Your color has changed again, worth celebrating."
Gold Legend stared blankly at the two figures that suddenly appeared.
"...Am I dreaming again?"
"No, you see, you can't even touch me."
"This is indeed reality, no need to doubt."
The two figures, one large and one small, replied.
"...You said I could only meet you 'inside'? Can you explain this to me, 'Flower', 'Feather'?"
"Good question! I don't know." This was Flower.
"Excellent answer, I don't know." This was Feather.
"...What the hell is going on?"
Gold Legend hated sudden incidents.
"I don't know either, we were doing fine 'inside', then suddenly we came out."
"Right when you said you were lucky."
"...Huh?"
Gold Legend was confused.
"Oh, a friendly reminder, although we exist in your eyes, we actually don't exist, so you're very conspicuous right now."
"Like a mental patient."
"I think the mere existence of you two already proves I'm a mental patient."
And a seriously ill one.
"But, have I become a Stand user now?" Gold Legend suddenly thought.
"Oh no! Have I become a Stand?!"
"Forget it!"
"...Anyway, let's sort out the situation first. You can appear in reality, does that mean?"
"Mean what?"
"Progress?"
"Does it mean my condition has worsened?" Gold Legend's expression was grave.
"Why do you accept the fact that you're a mental patient so easily?" Flower asked in surprise.
"Indeed." Feather echoed, though it was unclear to whom.
Legend: "Because I think it's the most likely possibility."
Flower: "Is there a possibility that because you've awakened, we've gained the right to appear?"
Feather: "The awakened are always happy."
Legend: "Impossible, absolutely impossible! We must believe in science, idealism is not advisable."
Flower: "I think Uma Musume are already quite unscientific."
Feather: "Foolish materialism."
"..." Legend was speechless.
"Well, it shouldn't be a bad thing anyway. More importantly, since we're out, I think it would be a waste not to try to do something," Flower said with a smile.
"Like what?"
"Like I want to dye this thing pink!" Flower ran her hand through her hair.
"Then I want blue..."
"Can you two be serious? We're discussing important matters."
The three walked away, talking like this.
"Mommy, what's wrong with that big sister?" A little girl passing by pointed at Legend and asked her mother.
"She's probably a mental patient who ran away? Honey, remember, if you encounter something like this in the future, call the Police Officer." The mother, holding the little girl's hand, took out her phone and dialed the number.
Then a certain (tentative) schizophrenic girl was inexplicably and skillfully handcuffed by the arriving Police Officer and sent to the detention center.
Thankfully, she had a quiet place to think.
Congratulations, congratulations.
---------------------------------
I hope you enjoy this fanfiction! If you're having fun and want to read 30 chapters in advance, feel free to check out my Patreon: patreon.com/TLScarlet
Your support means a lot so if you like the story, don't forget to drop a Power Stone.