Chapter 8: Hana's Warning
"Hey! Are you deliberately ignoring me?" Maruzensky glared discontentedly at Kisei.
"Wow~ It's Maruzensky over there, I didn't even notice, my apologies," Kisei replied in an exaggeratedly annoying tone. "My head is still spinning from riding in your car this morning, you understand, right, Maruzensky?"
"You, you, you..."
Maruzensky puffed her cheeks angrily.
"Alright, stop teasing him," Rudolf gently patted her shoulder, a smile in her eyes. "Kisei just got back, go easy on him. Let him rest for a few days, and I'll help you teach him a lesson."
"Still a few days? Rudolf, you're just spoiling him, hmph."
Rudolf paid no mind to Maruzensky's complaints. These two had been like this since they first met—it would be strange if they ever stopped bickering.
Soon, dishes began arriving at the table. Hana and Rokuhira chatted about training-related topics while eating.
Although Hana was now the most prominent Trainer at the academy, Rokuhira, as an experienced senior, still had much wisdom worth learning from.
Kisei listened quietly, occasionally exchanging a few words with Rudolf and Maruzensky.
"Say, Kisei, I heard you've already signed a Uma Musume? Don't you need some rest after just returning?" Hana suddenly shifted the topic to Kisei.
Kisei set down his chopsticks, a bright light shining in his eyes. "Yes, I met a Uma Musume as dazzling as a gem. She's sure to shine brightly in next year's classic races!"
"So confident?" Rokuhira grew curious. What kind of Uma Musume could make Kisei so certain?
As for Kisei's abilities, perhaps outsiders still had doubts, after all, he was only a trainee Trainer.
Even though he had assisted Symboli Rudolf in winning eleven G1 races, most people attributed it more to Symboli Rudolf's own talent and hard work.
Even Hana Toujou, Symboli Rudolf's official Trainer, received little credit. This was the perception and impression given by the "Emperor's" overwhelming strength.
Thus, in such circumstances, even though Kisei carried the aura of a genius Trainer, his youth also led people to label him as lucky or riding on coattails.
There was even a saying: "Even if my grandmother were the Trainer, Rudolf would still win championships."
From such remarks, it was clear that whoever became Rudolf's Trainer would be greatly overlooked.
Only truly professional individuals, especially those within the Trainer community, knew how much Kisei had sacrificed to help his childhood friend reach the pinnacle of the world.
His talent, brilliance, and abilities were all top-tier. Race scheduling and selection, training intensity, tactical arrangements... and most importantly, his sensitivity to Uma Musume physical fatigue.
It was thanks to these that Symboli Rudolf managed to avoid any major injuries throughout such an intense competitive career.
Except for that one time.
However, suspensory ligamentitis doesn't develop overnight. Chronic diseases aren't easy to detect early on, and even professional doctors struggle to identify them in the initial stages. So, no one blamed him—except himself.
"It's not confidence. When genius meets genius, it's bound to spark a dazzling brilliance." Kisei smiled faintly, his words revealing his expectations and trust in Sakura Bakushin O.
"If your Uma Musume could hear your evaluation of her, she would surely be very happy," Rokuhira said with a laugh.
At that moment, Hana slowly spoke up, "Kisei, I know your abilities well. But your flaws are also quite evident."
She looked into his eyes, her tone gentle yet serious.
"Remember, Uma Musume and Trainers are partners. You can be good to them, feel saddened by their failures, and care for them like family. But in the end, you are an independent individual. You only need to live for yourself, understand?"
The room fell silent. Hana's words not only left Kisei quiet but also reminded Symboli Rudolf of a certain concerning individual from that period.
Ever since she was injured, Kisei had spent a month unable to eat or sleep properly, appearing utterly disheveled and dejected. Many felt this rising star might fall before he ever truly shone.
"I understand. I won't let something like that happen again now."
"It's good that you understand." As Kisei's mentor, Hana had also worried endlessly.
After the meal, Hana and Rokuhira left separately, as they still had work to attend to.
Kisei had drunk quite a bit. It was his first time drinking, and he seemed unable to handle it well. Symboli Rudolf and Maruzensky supported him as they escorted him back to his standalone apartment.
"Thank you." Kisei leaned back on the sofa. Symboli Rudolf brought a warm towel, while Maruzensky handed him a glass of water.
"Rest well. Starting tomorrow, you'll need to give it your all," Symboli Rudolf said as she helped wipe his face.
"Yes, I won't let you down."
"You really didn't take it to heart after all," Symboli Rudolf sighed. "Never mind, just do as you think best."
"Thank you, Luna."
Nearby, Maruzensky watched their interaction with a pout, feeling inexplicably unsettled.
Only after Kisei had sobered up a bit did Symboli Rudolf and Maruzensky leave together.
...
At 5 a.m. the next morning, Tracen Academy's third training ground was still shrouded in a light mist.
Kisei arrived ten minutes early, arranging the equipment he had prepared for later use.
"Trainer-san, good morning!"
A clear voice came from behind. Kisei turned to see Sakura Bakushin O jogging over, her twin ponytails swaying lightly, her eyes brimming with eager excitement.
"Right on time." Kisei glanced at his watch. "How did you rest last night? Any discomfort?"
"Since Trainer-san said to sleep well and ensure proper rest, I did. Normally, I start morning training at 4 a.m.," Sakura Bakushin O said as she reached him. She then turned her back to him and lifted her right leg. "My right calf feels a bit tight, but it feels much better after sleeping."
Kisei crouched down, using his hand to grasp her calf, his thumb accurately finding the spot where she felt discomfort.
"Is it here?"
"Yes."
The next moment, Kisei pressed the pad of his finger firmly against that point, applying just the right amount of pressure.
"Ah~" Sakura Bakushin O let out a soft cry, her calf trembling involuntarily, "That hurts!"
"This isn't just simple muscle tension." Kisei released his grip and stood up to explain, "It's a minor ligament strain around the Achilles tendon. Probably caused by that explosive sprint at the end of yesterday's session."
Sakura Bakushin O rubbed the area below her calf: "No wonder it felt particularly sore when I stretched last night."
"It's not serious and won't affect training, but requires systematic treatment." Kisei took out a small notebook from his waist pack, writing as he spoke, "After today's training, make sure to stretch properly, and apply ice for ten minutes when you return to the dorm."
He looked up at Sakura Bakushin O: "Additionally, for the next three days starting today, you need to supplement with collagen peptide sports recovery drinks after training. Ligament repair requires raw materials."
"Eh? But this should just be a minor issue, right?" Sakura Bakushin O widened her eyes. For just a little discomfort, did it really need such complicated treatment? Wouldn't it normally heal after a couple nights' sleep?
Kisei didn't yield at all, his expression serious: "Minor issues become major problems when neglected. Repeated micro-damage to ligaments can develop into chronic inflammation, and might even progress to ligamentitis. By then, whether you can maintain your career would be questionable. Do you want to end up crying under your blankets?"
Seeing the Trainer's unwavering serious expression, Sakura Bakushin O shrunk her neck slightly: "I... I understand. I'll follow instructions."
"Good." Kisei's expression softened slightly. "Remember, a top Uma Musume's career is a marathon. Protecting your body isn't weakness—it's about running longer and flying higher."
He closed his notebook and pointed toward the training field: "Now go warm up. Follow the dynamic stretching routine I sent yesterday, paying special attention to calf activation. In thirty minutes, we'll begin basic ability assessment."
"Yes, sir!"
Sakura Bakushin O stood at attention with a playful salute, then turned and jogged toward the grass. In the morning light, her pink ponytail traced a lively arc through the air.