When Yasui Makoto suggested a comprehensive physical exam, Air Groove agreed almost without hesitation.
This reaction momentarily surprised Yasui, until he quickly understood her reasoning.
Although he wasn't some fortune-telling mystic like Matikanefukukitaru or Copano Rickey, in a way, he truly could predict the future—perhaps an ability unique to him in this world.
Considering Duramente's past, the idea of her sustaining an injury seemed almost absurd. After all, getting hurt while on a break during grazing sounded utterly ridiculous.
But viewed from anyone else's perspective, Yasui's suggestion of a full medical check probably seemed intended simply to reassure Duramente.
Though he didn't fully grasp how Kitasan Black had managed it, there was no doubt her words had deeply moved Duramente, who was now no longer obsessing about racing together in the Kikuka Sho.
Looking at it that way, perhaps training together earlier hadn't changed Duramente's personality, but it had undeniably made Kitasan Black incredibly important to her.
From now on, more frequent interactions would probably help manage Duramente's stubbornness.
Perhaps due to her busy schedule, after agreeing, Air Groove quickly suggested they arrange the comprehensive exam for tomorrow. She also volunteered to help communicate with Almond Eye's family.
"About Almond Eye…I don't know her very well personally, but intuitively, she seems like a very promising talent."
After making her suggestion, Air Groove explained gently, "Yasui-kun, you're a rare genius among recent trainers. Under your guidance, I'm sure Almond Eye will achieve remarkable results."
"I know a bit more about her family's situation. It might be better if I step in to explain things to them."
In Yasui's heart, he completely agreed. He believed fully in his ability to guide Almond Eye's training, but he also clearly understood Air Groove would definitely be better at communicating with Almond Eye's family.
Without hesitation, Yasui immediately agreed. Both quickly decided there was no urgency to send Duramente home tonight—she could stay overnight at the hotel Yasui had reserved. They'd handle the rest after the medical exam tomorrow.
...
Later that evening, in the soft, warm-yellow glow of the hotel room—
Kitasan Black hummed cheerfully, bustling energetically between two beds, enthusiastically helping Duramente arrange her bedding.
She gave the duvet a good shake, smoothing it neatly onto the bed, carefully tucked the corners, and finally patted the pillows until they were fluffy.
After finishing, she wiped imaginary sweat from her brow and turned to Duramente with a proud smile.
"Dura-chan! Your bed's ready—"
Mid-sentence, her eyes suddenly widened in alarm.
"Watch out, Dura-chan!"
Sitting cross-legged on the floor, Duramente was quietly holding a game controller, blankly watching Kitasan Black tidy up her bed. Hearing Kitasan's startled cry, Duramente paused, puzzled.
"Watch out for what—?"
Before she could finish, Kitasan darted toward her, snatching the controller from her hands.
"You gotta time that foresight better, or else you'll cart—hah!"
Cart? Duramente blinked, confused, before realizing Kitasan Black had just thrown out a gaming term.
She still couldn't figure out why Air Groove hadn't insisted she return home immediately, instead vaguely mentioning tomorrow's full medical exam. But honestly, she was relieved.
The medical exam wasn't a problem—she went for check-ups every month or two anyway.
Not having to return home tonight and face her parents with no idea how to handle them—that was even less of a problem.
She didn't know what would happen afterward, but staying here with Kitasan Black made her happy enough.
Since meeting her, Duramente—though unsure exactly when—had come to truly enjoy training, shopping, or simply hanging out with her cheerful, lively friend.
Gradually, she learned that aside from racing and training, Kitasan Black really liked playing video games.
Now, sharing a hotel room, they'd agreed to play a console game before bed.
Something called Monster Hunter… or something along those lines.
Duramente didn't quite understand, but seeing Kitasan's enthusiastic introduction and her panicked fumbling with the controller, it did look pretty fun.
Hmm... Maybe I'll get a copy and learn to play sometime.
As she thought that, a joyful melody chimed from the TV speakers, and the words "Quest Complete" flashed across the screen.
"Is that…it?" Duramente asked curiously after a moment's silence.
"Yep! That's it!" Kitasan Black nodded excitedly. Then her expression turned apologetic as she set down the controller.
"Dura-chan, you don't seem to like games much. Sorry, maybe I forced you too much…"
"No, it's not that I dislike them. I just haven't played them much," Duramente shook her head quickly. "Next time… I'll try to learn properly."
She glanced gratefully toward the neatly made bed, feeling a strong desire to keep their conversation going.
A moment passed, however, and Duramente awkwardly realized she had absolutely no idea what to talk about outside of training or races.
Pressing her lips together, she finally hesitated, looking up at Kitasan Black.
"Kita-chan, um…how's your preparation going for the Kikuka Sho?"
"The Kikuka Sho?"
Kitasan Black paused, then immediately broke into a bright smile.
"I think…it's going really well!"
"I've been doing special stamina training over the past month, and Suzuka-senpai and Rice-chan have both been helping me a lot. I feel pretty confident about the Kikuka Sho this time!"
"Oh right! Before the Kikuka Sho, I'll have the St. Lite Kinen first."
"For that race…I don't think there'll be any issues either. Trainer's already got a plan!"
"The St. Lite Kinen next, huh…"
Duramente nodded, then asked further, "Then…have you thought about your running strategy yet?"
"Huh? Didn't we agree I'd follow whatever Trainer says?" Kitasan Black asked curiously.
Duramente shook her head slightly, voice serious, "I know. But what I mean is, Kita-chan…what do you personally think about how you want to run?"
Kitasan Black froze. Her mouth opened slightly, then closed again.
She suddenly realized—up until now, she'd wholeheartedly followed Yasui Makoto's training and race instructions, never once worrying about strategies herself.
Trainer…really does consider everything so carefully.
Warmth filled her heart, and she unconsciously smiled again, returning a question instead.
"To be honest, I haven't really thought about it… But Dura-chan, why did you suddenly bring that up?"
Duramente let out a quiet sigh, shaking her head.
"Honestly…I'm not exactly sure either."
"It's just that…since I met you, I've always felt you had your own ideas—more than I did."
"I always thought you had your own clear strategy for each race."
"No way!" Kitasan Black quickly waved her hands dismissively. "My trainer's super amazing! Every time I ask him anything, he always has an answer. Races, rivals, whatever—he can explain anything!"
"And his instructions always come true in the races. It's just like…"
"Oh right! Like Fukukitaru-senpai's fortune-telling, or Rich-chan's Feng Shui predictions—they're always super accurate!"
"So naturally, I listen to him," Kitasan said proudly, as though she herself could predict the future.
After a pause, she looked at Duramente curiously.
"But Dura-chan…does that mean you've always decided how to run races entirely by yourself?"