With the Kikuka Sho just two days away, time was tight.
Even though she'd just arrived, the girl had to dive straight into the intense work.
Truth be told, Toujou Hana didn't want to burden the newcomer with such a heavy load at this time, but it couldn't be helped.
An extra pair of hands meant more flexibility, allowing for better adjustments to Narita Brian's training schedule.
Considering this was the girl's first assignment and slip-ups were likely, Toujou Hana was still handling most of the main tasks.
The girl's role was to track and record Narita Brian's training data, use the trainer's methods to calculate her stamina, then pass it all to Toujou Hana for analysis and refinement of the training plan.
Every minute of the remaining time had to be used efficiently—ensuring Narita Brian got adequate rest while making sure every training session delivered real improvement.
Click—
Pressing the stopwatch in her hand, the girl signaled to Narita Brian. Seeing it, the other slowly came to a halt and walked over.
"How was the time?" Narita Brian asked as she approached.
"Point-two seconds faster than last time."
"Only point-two, huh…"
Only point-two? That was actually pretty impressive.
For an Uma Musume, that span of time was enough to cover six or seven meters.
Races were won by split seconds. Even a few tenths of improvement meant a lot for an Uma Musume.
Clearly, Narita Brian wasn't satisfied.
"You seemed distracted while running. Thinking about something?" the girl asked, noting down the data.
"I wasn't distracted."
"Your eyes kept drifting—to the woods, the school building, the students at the edge of the field… everywhere except the finish line, or even what was ahead of you."
The girl narrowed her eyes. "What exactly were you looking at? Or rather… what were you searching for?"
Hearing that, Narita Brian crossed her arms.
"Heh, not bad for a rookie intern. You're observant."
"Observant… I suppose. It's just that when you run, my attention is entirely on you. So I notice everything you do."
Narita Brian's ears gave a slight twitch.
"Entirely on me, huh… That's not really something to smile about. Someone else told me that once. Ah, whatever—it's your job, I guess."
"Truth is, I was just thinking about some personal matters. Private stuff, unrelated to training."
"The final crown is right around the corner, and you're this relaxed?"
"Just say I'm slacking off." Narita Brian turned her head away.
"Slacking… I wouldn't go that far for you. You know how important this race is—what it means for you and the entire racing world. Whatever's pulling your focus now must be just as significant."
The girl's words made Narita Brian's eyes widen slightly.
"I get it, but it's still not okay." The girl held up a finger in an 'X'.
"Once you've chosen your role, you have to see its story through. As an intern, it's my duty to keep you on track. So during the race, don't let your mind wander."
Those yellow eyes studied the girl. After a few seconds locked with her golden gaze, Narita Brian finally spoke.
"You're a real pain, you know that? 'Don't think about it, don't think about it'—fine. Whatever you say, you stubborn…"
"One more thing." The girl raised the phone in her hand. "This fell out of your pocket. Don't worry, it's not broken." She tapped the screen to light it up.
"Carrying something this cumbersome during training? When you accelerate, it'll bounce around in your pocket and mess with your speed. So…" She tucked the phone into her own pocket.
"I'll hold onto it during training."
"You're worse than the actual trainer…" Narita Brian frowned but didn't argue. "Just give it back after training. I still need it."
"Of course. After we're done."
Tch. Narita Brian clicked her tongue and turned. "Break's over anyway. I'm getting back to it…"
With that, she jogged away.
Just after Narita Brian left, a voice tinged with a uniquely feminine magnetism came from behind.
"Now that's a rare sight. Brian actually getting scolded by someone her own age—and listening too. Could it be dandelions bloom in autumn after all?"
Tap.
A pair of hands settled on her shoulders.
A girl with short, night-stage black hair, sky-blue eyes, and golden chain-like earrings leaned in from behind, wearing a gentle smile.
It was Fuji Kiseki, a teammate of Narita Brian and another Uma Musume under Toujou Hana's care.
"Standing there all unguarded like that… it really makes me want to tease you a little~"
Her smile remained soft.
"I think this is our first meeting? Let me introduce myself. I'm Fuji Kiseki, part of the same team as Narita Brian. Which means, technically, I'm also one of the Uma Musume you'll be assisting. Though 'assisting' is probably the better word, right, Intern?"
"Mhm… Actually, I know. The trainer already gave me files on all the Uma Musume she's responsible for."
"Oh? That early? Impressive." She nodded, clearly pleased.
"You know, our trainer's standards are pretty strict. There've been other interns who wanted to learn under her before, but she turned every single one down—all with the same basic reason: 'Your skills aren't there yet. Go learn from another trainer first.'"
That's why, until now, Toujou Hana had only ever had one field intern.
"Not many get personally chosen by her." Fuji Kiseki blinked.
"Ha…"
So my evaluation must be pretty high, then?
"Let me ask you, Intern, since the trainer thinks so highly of you—what's your take on Narita Brian?"
From behind, Fuji Kiseki leaned close to her ear.
"Stronger than ever before. Just a bit… restless?"
"Hah, see? You noticed it too." Fuji Kiseki let out a melodious laugh.
"She's been incredibly agitated these past few days, like she's lost something important. She comes back later and later at night, sometimes we even have to go out looking for her. Her performance keeps improving, but her mindset is getting worse."
At this, Fuji Kiseki shook her head.
"If she's still like this before the race, it'll be trouble. Our trainer is good—really good—but she focuses almost entirely on training schedules. She's so rational, she rarely pays attention to our mental state."
Those clear blue eyes fixed on the girl.
"I overheard your conversation just now. It seems you care about Brian too. And surprisingly, she listens to you. So… would you be willing to help guide her a little?"
"You want me to be her therapist?"
"It's a tough job, right? I think so too. Brian never opens up about what she's really thinking."
Fuji Kiseki pinched her chin.
"That's exactly why I'm asking you. Maybe it's too much to put on you…"
Seeing the clear conflict on Fuji Kiseki's face, the girl sighed.
"I think I have a guess about what's on her mind."
"Eh, really?"
"Mhm…"
Who else could be troubling Narita Brian right now, besides that person?
"I knew I wasn't wrong about you. You have the knack. Tell you what—if you can really help Brian, I'll prepare a nice thank-you gift for you at the Ritto Dorm. How's that?"
"A gift…?"
"Well, maybe not anything huge. Just a small token." Fuji Kiseki scratched her head.
"I don't mind."
"That's great! Normally, no one except students is allowed in the dorms—not even trainers. But I can make a special exception for you."
Fuji Kiseki smiled warmly.
"Then I'll leave this to you, dear Intern. Oh, and…" She lifted a finger and gently poked the girl's cheek.
"If you have time, come watch my training too, okay?"
With a cheerful expression, Fuji Kiseki skipped lightly back to her own training area.
Touching the spot on her cheek where Fuji Kiseki had poked, the girl narrowed her eyes.
Seems this persona I'm wearing is playing its part rather well.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.