A few days later, in the afternoon, the sunlight was warm and the stream babbled softly.
Myriad Dreams and Seiun Sky sat side-by-side at their familiar old spot, their fishing rods propped up on the bank as the floats bobbed gently on the water's surface.
"Sigh..."
Myriad Dreams let out a long, heavy sigh, the force of her gum-chewing carrying a hint of resentment.
"Teio's special training is way too strict... she even monitors the angle of my finger placement. My face is practically frozen from smiling. Isn't winning the race enough...?"
Seiun Sky adjusted her fishing rod leisurely.
Hearing this, she let out a soft chuckle, her voice like a breeze brushing over the water. "There, there~ Stage performance is an important lesson for an Uma Musume, too."
"After all, what the fans want to see isn't just the heroic sight of crossing the finish line, but also the heartfelt smiles and elegant thanks that come after a victory."
"I get the logic, but it's such a hassle..." Myriad Dreams muttered.
Just as she was about to complain some more, she suddenly felt the rod in her hand sink slightly.
"Eh? A bite?"
She immediately focused her mind, lifted her wrist slightly, and began to reel in the line skillfully.
After a brief struggle, a small, silver-glinting fish was lifted out of the water.
Placing the fish into the bucket, Myriad Dreams watched it swim and suddenly remembered something.
She turned to ask, "By the way, Sky, I remember... aren't you participating in the Yayoi Sho next?"
Seiun Sky nodded, her gaze still fixed on her float, her tone as slow and easygoing as ever.
"That's right. After all, if I want to qualify for the Classic Triple Crown, the Yayoi Sho is a must-win trial race."
"The Classic Triple Crown... Good luck!" Myriad Dreams offered her sincere encouragement.
Hearing the encouragement, Seiun Sky finally turned her head, flashing her signature, slightly lazy yet incredibly confident smile at Myriad Dreams.
"It'll be fine~ Anyway, I'll just run it at my own pace, nice and easy."
There wasn't a trace of nervousness in that smile, as if the upcoming event wasn't a major G2 race critical for Triple Crown qualification, but rather a relaxed stroll.
Seeing her like this, Myriad Dreams couldn't help but recall her seemingly casual yet precisely efficient running style on the training track.
She also smiled and nodded. "Is that so? That's good then."
She believed that this friend, who always talked about taking things "nice and easy," possessed a strength and pride that was second to none.
The two stopped talking and continued to enjoy the afternoon tranquility, accompanied only by the sound of the stream and the occasional rustle of wind through the leaves.
Just then, the float began to wobble violently again.
Both of them sat up straight at the same time.
"Here it comes!" Seiun Sky reminded her softly.
Myriad Dreams quickly gripped the rod, gave her wrist a deft flick, and began reel in expertly.
With perfect unspoken chemistry, Seiun Sky picked up the landing net.
The moment Myriad Dreams pulled the fish close to the bank, she neatly scooped up a silver-glinting sweetfish.
"Great teamwork!" Myriad Dreams cheered, giving a high-five.
"This one isn't small."
Seiun Sky carefully placed the fish into the bucket.
"Want to do a fish fry tonight? I brought seasonings."
"Of course!"
Myriad Dreams' eyes lit up.
"But you have to do the main work. I've been wanting to taste your cooking anyway."
"Then I shall humbly oblige," Seiun Sky said with a smile.
The setting sun began to dip toward the west, dyeing the river's surface a warm gold.
The two packed up their fishing gear side-by-side, the fish in the bucket occasionally splashing, creating tiny ripples.
"Coming back tomorrow?" Seiun Sky asked, folding her chair into her bag.
"As long as I don't get caught by the Trainer for extra practice."
Myriad Dreams stretched her limbs. "A lazy afternoon like this is perfect for fishing."
"Then it's a date."
Seiun Sky smiled and shouldered her gear. "Now, let's head back and enjoy our spoils."
The two figures slowly walked away along the riverbank.