"We're here! This is the field!"
"Whoa! It really is huge no matter how many times I see it!"
"Yeah... I guess so... Whew..."
We've arrived at the field... apparently.
I'm exhausted. Exhausted again. Too tired to do anything but rest my hands on my knees and pant.
We ran nonstop from the school entrance to get here, but isn't this a bit far? Isn't it too big?
Or rather, why are both of you so full of energy? I don't get Digital-san, but Nana looks even more energetic than before we started running.
"Hey, True-chan! Stop staring down at the ground and look at the field! It's shockingly
huge."
"I get it, I'm looking now, so don't rush me... Wow, it's huge."
It's too big. It's so vast it's hard to believe it's just a field. It looks big enough to swallow our entire school whole.
The thought of racing here makes me feel heavier and heavier. I don't know how far we'll have to run, but I'm worried my stamina won't hold out.
Plus, there are quite a few people watching, aren't there? ...Is it too late to withdraw?
"Quick, quick, Trueno-san! The entry form is over here, please."
"Got it. Um, where do I write my name on this?"
Even if I wanted to write my name, there are several entry forms. Where am I supposed to write it?
"Ah, this one. Tracen Academy has several teams, so just write your name on the form for the team you want to join."
Well, "the team I want to join"... I don't even know any of them. Any recommended teams?
"Then go with Rigil!"
"Whoa! Don't suddenly yell right next to my ear like that."
"Sorry, sorry! I thought you didn't know about the teams, True-chan. I just wanted to tell you about a recommended one."
"Huh? What kind of team is this Rigil?"
Since it was recommended, I'm curious what kind of team it is. I'd rather avoid the really famous ones, though.
"Ah, I'll explain that part. Team Rigil is... well, among the teams at the academy, mmmph!"
"Huh? What's up all of a sudden, Nana? Digital-san was explaining it."
"Come on, forget the details! Just write your name down quick! We've got time before it starts, let's check out the other places!"
Still covering Digital-san's mouth, Nana walked away. ...What were they talking about? Better write my name down while I can.
(Nana-san, is that okay? I couldn't explain Rigil at all.)
(It's fine. I think it's more effective for you to feel the race firsthand if the competition is strong.)
(I see.)
(Plus, if it's famous, True-chan makes a sour face, so it's better to keep it hidden.)
(You really understand True-chan, Nana-san.)
(We weren't childhood friends for nothing.)
"Digital-san! I wrote it down—is this okay?"
"Aha-hai! Coming right up!"
I finished writing and called Digital-san over to check. Maybe I should ask what they were talking about earlier.
"Yes! This is fine! It looks like it starts at 1 PM, so let's meet up then."
"Thanks for checking. By the way, what were you and Nana talking about earlier?"
"Nothing much, really."
"But you seemed pretty deep in conversation."
"Huh! Could it be... did you want to talk about Uma Musume too, Trueno-san?"
...This feels bad. If I stay here, I'll probably get stuck listening to an endless story.
I should end this conversation and go check out the food stalls with Nana.
"No, it's not like that."
"Then I'm so sorry! I was the only one getting all excited and fangirling earlier!"
"Um, Digital-san...?"
"I want Trueno-san to shout about what you love too! Tell me your favorite points about your favorite character! I want to share all the things about your favorite!"
Let's get out of here, let's get out of here fast. At first I thought about trying to stop her, but I have no idea how to stop this.
I shouldn't have asked what Nana was talking about. I deeply regret it. ...Yeah, let's take Nana and get out of here.
"Nana, I'm done writing, and it looks like the next thing starts at 1 PM. Let's go see the other performances."
"OK! See you later, Digital-san!"
Before things got any more complicated, I scooped Nana up and ran.
"Tojo-san! How's it going? Have the participants gathered yet?"
"You're so relaxed just because it's free, Haruna. Well, there are more participants than I expected."
"Huh. Can I see the roster?"
"Sure, here."
I glanced over the roster she handed me. Whoa, there are kids I failed to scout. This might get awkward... Huh?
"Ms. Tojo, who is this 'Trueno Sprinter'? Do you know them?"
"Ah, that one. Most are academy students... freshmen, actually. But that one is the only general participant."
"Just this one? That's unusual."
"Yes. I thought maybe I just didn't know them, so I had Rudolf check too, but she doesn't recognize them either."
"Is that so? Ah, but but, if she chose Rigil, she must be quite skilled."
"I hope so."
Hmm, Trueno-chan... I might need to keep an eye on this one. Should I bring my recording camera?
It seems to start at 1 PM, so I'll bring it along after lunch.
"Ms. Tojo, I'll come back later."
"Sure, see you later."
Digital-san reported that Trueno-chan will participate in Team Rigil's practice race.
I was in the middle of an experiment with Trainer-kun, but this became a priority. I'll have Trainer-kun submit the report later.
Well, I should grab lunch and head to the grounds. With that thought, I returned to the lab once.
"Huh... What's that...?"
Through the window, I saw a single Uma Musume running while carrying someone. It looked like she was fleeing from something...
Judging by her route, she was heading toward the courtyard. She continued down the path leading to the courtyard...
"Huh!?"
Blurred. Just as I thought she turned the corner, her outline seemed to blur.
To be precise, my eyes probably couldn't keep up. But who on earth is she?
Could she possibly be... Heh heh heh... Truly... Truly fascinating, isn't she?