"…Fūga, if it were you, how would you decide your next race?"
Back in the Director's Office, Saito Asuka looked at the white paper filled with black text. After an unknown number of sighs, he looked up at Seiun Sky, who was sitting beside him, and asked.
"Hmm? Any race is fine with me."
The idle Seiun Sky looked up after hearing the man's sudden question, then gave her answer: "…Rather, I hope to get on the track as soon as possible and run with other cute girls.~?"
…Are you really just thinking of competing with other Uma Musume?
Saito Asuka, hearing Seiun Sky say this, suppressed the urge to retort, preventing the words from slipping out.
However, she hopes to get on the track sooner…?
The man rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought.
The Trainer certificate would take two days to arrive, meaning that Seiun Sky could only participate in a race two days later.
And after that, the closest upcoming races are…
Saito Asuka frowned, flipping through the recent race dates.
"There's a Newcomer Race in four days, do you want to give it a try?"
"Eh? Really?"
Hearing Saito Asuka's words, Seiun Sky's tone carried a hint of surprise: "Won't that disrupt Trainer's plans?"
"…I don't have any plans."
The man looked at the expectant Black-haired Horse Girl: "Besides, even if I did make a plan, I would definitely make sure you could have your debut race early."
"After all… this academy can't wait much longer."
"Then let's set my debut race for four days from now."
Seiun Sky nodded impatiently: "I'm really looking forward to it, what will it feel like to run with everyone on the track~?"
"…You have to win your debut race."
Saito Asuka said, looking at Seiun Sky, who was sitting with her legs crossed.
"Hmm? Of course I'll win."
The Black-haired Horse Girl, hearing Saito Asuka say this, tilted her head: "You have to believe in me."
"Or do you think, Trainer, that it will be difficult for me to win the debut race if I participate now?"
"With your current strength, I can only think of one possibility for you not winning your debut race."
Saito Asuka held up a finger, feigning seriousness: "…You're messing with me."
"Eh, Trainer, have you never thought that I might encounter a very strong opponent in my debut race?"
Seiun Sky asked with a giggle.
"…Can't you hope for something good?"
The man's face showed a bitter smile upon hearing the Black-haired Horse Girl ask this question.
"Oh, don't worry."
Seiun Sky replied with a giggle: "Since I promised Trainer, I will definitely try my best~?~"
She looked at Saito Asuka, who was looking back at her, and continued: "…After all, Trainer said those things this morning."
"Alright, wait, don't remind me anymore."
The man, hearing Seiun Sky say this, raised his hand, stopping her from continuing.
Damn it, how did I even say those things back then?!
Just thinking about what he said at the time filled the man with shame, and he averted his gaze, wishing he could crawl into a hole.
…Don't make me remember it anymore, ahhhh—!
The man slapped his forehead, trying to forget that memory.
But the more he tried, the clearer that shameful memory became.
"Eh? But Trainer was really cool back then."
Then, Seiun Sky's additional jab made him bury his head in the small space formed by his arms.
Damn it… so embarrassing…
"Alright, alright, even if you don't say it, I will definitely win the debut race."
Looking at Saito Asuka, who was sprawled on the table, Seiun Sky put one hand on her hip: "For the debut race the day after tomorrow, Trainer, make sure to watch me closely from the stands~?"
"Yes, yes, I know, I know."
Saito Asuka, who was gradually getting used to the Black-haired Horse Girl's way of speaking, looked up: "…The day after tomorrow, I will go with Megumi to watch your race."
"Hmm… in that case, I'll have to put in double the effort!"
Seiun Sky, hearing Saito Asuka say this, thought for a moment, then clenched her fist with enthusiasm.
"Just thinking about being watched by a beautiful girl like a flower at that time makes me feel like I have the strength of a hundred people~?"
"…"
Saito Asuka finally couldn't hold back and twitched the corner of his mouth.
…Were you so good at flirting even when you were little?
"Ah… training time is up, Trainer, I'm going to train now~?"
Seiun Sky looked at the time, seeing that the hour hand on the wall clock already pointed to one o'clock in the afternoon. After greeting Saito Asuka, she hurriedly left the room, leaving him alone to face the pile of documents on the table that needed to be processed.
"Sigh…"
Looking at the wooden door that Seiun Sky had casually closed, Saito Asuka first glanced at the files he had already processed on his left, then turned to look at the mountain of files waiting for him on his right.
How could he possibly process so many documents in one day…
Putting down his pen and stretching his aching arms, Saito Asuka sighed, then got up and walked out the door.
…I should go buy a few bottles of coffee.
The man, preparing for an all-nighter to process documents, yawned as he left the Director's Office.
Sigh, when will I ever get a good night's sleep?
As he grabbed the doorknob, Saito Asuka suddenly thought this.
Hmm… it seems there won't be many opportunities to rest in the future.
He thought this, then shook his head again.
No, no, the first goal hasn't been achieved yet, how can I stop now?
Saito Asuka's steps were hurried as he walked towards the vending machine at the end of the corridor.
…I must push myself harder!
Through the window, he saw the Black-haired Horse Girl walking towards the training ground. The man jogged downstairs, heading towards the school's convenience store.
…
…I forgot to tell Trainer that Megumi will also be coming tomorrow.
Seiun Sky, reaching the edge of the training ground, finally remembered what she had forgotten.
She stopped and turned to look towards the Director's Office.
Hmm… it should be fine, right?
Seiun Sky stood still for a while, thought about it, then turned and walked into the training ground.
Since Ms. Nakayama came so early today, Trainer should have noticed, right?
She thought this, then began her warm-up exercises.
…I won't remind him this time.
Standing at the starting line, Seiun Sky, who had jumped a few times as was her habit, bent down.
Then, after the mental countdown ended, she pushed off with her feet, and with a 'boom,' she shot forward.
Children who don't cherish their bodies deserve some punishment~?