"Half a second faster than last time... Hmm, a truly excellent condition. I'd even say it's beyond expectations."
Watching Narita Brian on the training field repeatedly break her previous running records, Toujou Hana, holding the stopwatch, murmured in astonishment.
She had thought that before the official race, it would be good enough if Narita Brian could just maintain her form without any major slip-ups.
She never expected Brian's capabilities to once again surpass Hana's understanding.
Narita Brian's training time was nearly half a second faster than yesterday's.
Could it be that she went all out during that run just now?
The thought even crossed Hana's mind, but she dismissed it after looking at Narita Brian's face.
Though sweating heavily, she was still far from her limit. Even Hana didn't know where Narita Brian's true limit lay.
With her current strength, participating in tomorrow's [Kikuka-sho] practically guaranteed her the championship.
Of course, Hana didn't dare to speak in absolute terms, but she truly couldn't think of any other competitor tomorrow who could surpass Narita Brian in her current state.
Why had she undergone such a dramatic change all of a sudden?
Compared to yesterday, she was like a completely different person.
Thinking this, Hana turned her gaze to the intern beside her, who was holding a clipboard and recording Narita Brian's results.
"Silence, while I was preparing the training schedule yesterday, did you say something to Narita Brian?"
Adjusting her glasses, Hana inquired, seemingly casually.
"Hmm... Nothing particularly special was said."
The girl looked up, her golden eyes meeting Hana's.
"Was Narita Brian in this kind of state yesterday as well?"
"Yesterday, she was running somewhat lackadaisically, so I simply offered a slight reminder for Narita Brian to adjust her approach."
"I see, so it was a matter of mentality."
Hana nodded. That was something she hadn't considered.
So, the girl's words had helped Narita Brian adjust her state.
It might have been an unintentional act, but indeed, the girl had done her a great favor.
Reaching out to gently pat the girl's shoulder twice, Hana praised, "Well done. This brings Narita Brian one step closer to the championship."
"Trainer... this is my duty, what I should be doing."
This child...
Observing the girl's composed demeanor, neither subservient nor arrogant, Hana felt a ripple of emotion.
She had chosen her initially based on academic results alone, never expecting her to be so dedicated to her work as well.
She truly was a rare, promising sprout. With proper nurturing, she might even become an excellent trainer.
Perhaps she could even challenge for the title of youngest prodigy trainer?
Directly challenging the current prodigy trainer, Nase Fumino.
It wasn't an impossible thought...
It seemed her internship plan needed adjustment. She couldn't just stay in the office handling documents; it would be better for her to participate in more practical training with her.
After all, for her, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical experience was more important than further theoretical study.
Having decided this, Hana turned her attention back to the training field.
"Alright, that's enough for now, Brian! Begin twenty minutes of muscle relaxation now, don't let fatigue accumulate!"
Shouting to Narita Brian on the field, Hana took the record sheet from the girl's hands.
"You take a short break too. In twenty minutes, oversee Narita Brian from the side. Once she completes the basic training sets, have her stop."
"Yes."
"Then I'll head back first to organize this data. After Narita Brian finishes training, both of you come to my office to plan tomorrow's race strategy."
"Race strategy..."
"Yes. Narita Brian's strength is unquestionable, but to secure her victory more assuredly, we still need some tactics. A three-thousand-meter race isn't so easily conquered."
"I understand."
The girl nodded, watching Hana leave, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly with relief.
Ah... An intern's work really isn't easy.
Every day, she had to process the training data of the Uma Musume, then adjust the next day's training plans.
And each trainer was responsible for multiple Musume, doubling the workload.
But according to Hana, the work was this heavy due to recent races. Normally, such meticulous planning wasn't necessary.
Maybe I shouldn't have started at this particular time...
The girl felt a bit rueful.
Just then, Narita Brian walked over.
"Your clothes," she stated. "They're in my room. I gave them a quick wash after returning yesterday, so sweat stains wouldn't set in."
Clothes... Ah.
Come to think of it, her clothes were still with Narita Brian.
No wonder she felt restless all day.
"They've been washed already, I see. I don't mind. It would have been fine to leave them be."
"Even if you don't mind, I do. I couldn't let sweat sully your body. I'll go retrieve them for you later... And also..."
Her yellow eyes swept over the girl's face as Narita Brian said sincerely, "Thank you."
"Feeling more at ease now?"
"Yes, never felt better."
After the run, her whole body felt invigorated, cleansed, as if washed with holy water.
Narita Brian had rediscovered her goal.
Her opponent was no longer limited to a specific person or target; her rival was the entire racetrack.
"So, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say you're currently in your peak condition, right?"
"Compared to before, indeed, it wouldn't be an exaggeration."
"I see." The girl paused for a few seconds, the sharpness in her eyes suppressed deep within her heart where no one would ever see it.
Assuming a relieved expression, she said, "No need for thanks. I'm just an intern. If I could be of help to you, that's truly for the best."
"Intern... Heh, you needn't cling to that title either. To me, you are Silence. To you, I am Brian. That holds true even if we set aside our identities as Uma Musume and intern."
Narita Brian, quite unusually, showed such a relaxed smile in front of someone else.
"Well now? To think you've grown this close in just two days."
Fuji Kiseki walked over from nearby, looking at Narita Brian with a teasing expression.
"Brian's rebellious nature used to give the trainer quite a headache, you know. Getting her to listen to a stranger she'd just met was like fishing for the moon in the sea or plucking stars from the sky. But looking at you now, maybe the morning star in the sky isn't so unattainable after all. Quite skillful, Miss Intern."
Fuji Kiseki leaned in between them.
"Fuji, I'm just expressing my gratitude to her. That's normal, isn't it?"
"Of course. Precisely because it's normal that I think Miss Intern did well." Fuji Kiseki laughed heartily.
"Oh, right. Some reporters came to see me earlier, asking if Brian had time for an interview."
"An interview?"
"Don't forget, you're the center of attention right now. Naturally, many reporters want to interview you." Fuji Kiseki spread her hands.
"We sent away the ones who came this morning, but they kept coming. Some have been waiting until now, just for you to finish training."
As if quite troubled by their persistence, Fuji Kiseki sighed.
"So? How about saying a few words in front of them?"
No wonder there were so many people standing around the field today; they were all reporters.
Narita Brian glanced at the crowd gathered at the edge of the training grounds, many looking like they wouldn't leave without an interview.
"What a nuisance..."
"Ahaha, who made this race so eye-catching?"
Fuji Kiseki said with a wry smile.
"So, what do you say? Want to go over?"
Narita Brian hesitated.
She hated these troublesome affairs.
"You should go say a few words," the girl spoke up. "Otherwise, they'll camp here until tomorrow morning."
Narita Brian raised an eyebrow.
"...Fine, just a few words then. But you're coming with me."
"Me?"
"Who else? I don't want to deal with those annoying questions alone."
"That doesn't seem very appropriate."
"What's the problem? The trainer isn't here anyway, so consider it as Miss Intern standing in for her," Fuji Kiseki chimed in.
"But I don't know how to speak in front of reporters."
"It's fine, it's fine. Just say anything, a few words. It's not difficult."
"Ah... alright then." The girl reluctantly agreed.
"Thanks." Fuji Kiseki smiled and whispered softly as the girl passed by, "Oh, and after the race tomorrow, could I ask you to come to the Ritto dormitory?"
The girl paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Well then, try to leave a good impression on those reporters. Go on, Brian."
"I have no intention of making an already troublesome thing even more troublesome."
Complaining, the two still walked over.
"Miss Narita Brian! Miss Narita Brian!"
Before they even reached the spot, they heard the calls, followed immediately by a crisp series of click-clacks.
"Please share your thoughts on tomorrow's race!"
"We observed your training—what incredible speed!"
"It seems no one can be your match anymore, right?"
"Is the person beside you your trainer? She looks quite young."
"Do you have anything to say about Narita Brian?"
Like stirring a hornet's nest, before they could even steady themselves, the reporters' voices surged forward.
Glancing at Narita Brian's troubled expression, the girl looked up.
"Everyone, please quiet down."
Her clear, cool voice cut through the noisy crowd, as if possessing magic, instantly silencing everyone.
Once all mouths were closed, the girl continued.
"As you can see, Narita Brian is currently in excellent condition. When it comes to competing in speed and endurance, she won't lose to any of the participants."
"Ooh—!" The reporters exclaimed in awe.
"Seeing Brian like this, you must hold expectations for her too. I feel the same." The girl placed a hand on her chest.
"I believe that tomorrow, Narita Brian will perform even better than today, delivering a memorable race. So, reporters, please publish stories about Narita Brian. Call for even more spectators to come and watch."
"Woohoo!!"
They grew excited.
"Hey, that's going a bit too far..."
Narita Brian muttered quietly behind her.
"Too far? I don't think so." The girl looked at her. "I truly believe you can become even better."
"Don't go imposing unrealistic expectations on me without permission... really..."
Narita Brian looked exasperated.
"Fine. Since you've said it, let's just go with that."
With Narita Brian's affirmation, their excitement grew even more intense.
Yes, this is good.
Watching the reporters whose passion was ignited, the girl smiled.
This is good.
After all, the more people come, the more interesting the race will be.
Don't you agree—
My other half?
In the empty space, a crisp, almost eager-sounding laugh rang out, one that none present could hear.
--+--
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.