That afternoon, when the members of Spica arrived, they were almost scared out of their wits by Ling, who had almost fully recovered.
Of course, only the newcomers, Special Week, Silent Suzuka, and Tokai Teio, were. The other three Uma Musume and one person were somewhat mentally prepared for her recovery ability.
"Well, so Teio, you've also joined this team, right?" While fending off Special Week, who had pounced on her, she looked at Tokai Teio, who was staring at her.
"Yes! Because if it's Senior, you can definitely help me achieve my dream of catching up to the President!"
"Hey, hey, shouldn't that be said to me, your Trainer?" Trainer Okino once again asserted his presence.
"But Senior's championships have basically nothing to do with your guidance, right?" Daiwa Scarlet mercilessly exposed him.
"Exactly. You always let us train independently, and sometimes you even come up with some strange training methods." Vodka, at times, would put aside her differences and side with Daiwa Scarlet.
For instance, to expose Trainer Okino.
"So, Z-chan, after you retire, you should just become Spica's Trainer~" This was Gold Ship, who had finished playing with her Rubik's Cube and started on a puzzle ring.
"I think that's a great idea!" Special Week, who was clinging to Ling and cuddling, also looked up.
"Ah ha ha ha..." Suzuka just gave a polite dry laugh from the side, casting a pitying glance at Trainer Okino.
Actually, Trainer Okino is a very capable Trainer. Aside from anything else, his ability to instantly discern an Uma Musume's potential in a certain area is remarkable, not to mention his training methods that prioritize the Uma Musume's feelings even after becoming a Trainer.
While he calls it independent training, he actually still provides many suggestions based on data analysis, and they are often very useful. Although his suggestions aren't as detailed as those from the Three Goddesses who are always with her, the general direction is indeed correct.
If he were a little stricter, like Sister Hua's Rigil, he could easily be ranked as one of the most outstanding Trainers, especially with the current team members.
However, he still couldn't take that step. He believed that letting the Uma Musume run freely was the best training method, rather than putting reins on them.
Of course, this is also why he has such a good relationship with everyone in the team.
Although they verbally claim he's useless, if something were to happen that required another Trainer to manage the team, Ling herself might complain to the Student Council Room (Chairman: Shouldn't you come to me?), but the others would very likely make that new arrival's life miserable.
Everyone still likes Trainer Okino, in a friendly sense.
"Well, even if I retire, at most I'll stay on as an assistant. It's quite troublesome to specially get a Trainer's license." Laziness, the universal excuse.
"So, aside from that, Teio, if you want to catch up to that guy, wouldn't it be better to go to Rigil, where she is? You might even get her personal guidance there, you know?"
When she heard about the possibility of being personally guided by the Emperor, Teio's eyes flickered, but then they became resolute again.
"But... I don't think I could adapt to Rigil's training style. At least, I really like the atmosphere at Spica!"
Are you really saying that with such a serious expression, Teibo?
But indeed, with her lively personality, if she went to Rigil, it would probably be a case of only one of them surviving, her or Sister Hua.
"Well, anyway, welcome to the team, Tokai Teio." She extended her hand.
"Please take care of me from now on, Senior!" They shook hands.
"Alright, we'll talk about the team welcoming celebration later. If we don't hurry, there won't be any training time left." Trainer Okino, looking at his watch, announced that training had officially begun.
"Oh!!"
"However, having said that, because I haven't fully recovered yet, I can't train today. It's a good opportunity, so why don't I, along with the assistant coach team, teach you some techniques?"
"Yay!!"
Training quickly began. The four assistant coaches and Trainer Okino discussed it and simply divided the team.
Ling would take Special Week and Silent Suzuka, who were about to debut, while Oguri Cap, Tamamo Cross, and Oguri Cap would be responsible for Tokai Teio, Daiwa Scarlet, and Vodka.
Hmm? Gold Ship?
She was currently doing her own intelligence training (self-proclaimed), seemingly racking her brains over the Goldbach Conjecture.
So, is she really an Earth creature?
And today, Ling planned to teach two skills.
First, for Special Week, the main focus this time was to teach her some acceleration techniques on straights and curves.
As for Suzuka, she had actually learned most of it herself. The main thing was to improve her weakness at the final stage of the race, and also... [Silent Suzuka]
[Status: Left leg bones are more susceptible to injury]
I need to strengthen her bones... it would be even better if she could activate her domain, as activating it ensures the domain user won't get injured on the track, which is a very practical function.
That being said, those are matters for the future. At this stage, problems don't seem likely to arise, and besides, bone strengthening isn't something that can be completed in a few days.
"So, the training content for this time will be these. Little Special will focus on learning techniques, and Suzuka will focus on stamina techniques."
"Oh!"
"Understood."
"Then first, Little Special, listen carefully to some of your key points."
"Of course!" Special Week's eyes gleamed.
"Let's start with the curves..."
After a simple lesson, Special Week went to train. As for Suzuka's situation... there were two reasons why she couldn't sprint too fast in the final stage: one was that her leg strength wasn't quite suitable, and the other was that her own stamina was still a bit insufficient.
Stamina training is one thing, but what she needed to teach now was techniques for recovering stamina.
"So, Suzuka, try to adjust your rhythm."
"Rhythm?"
"Yes, although leading the entire race with the Great Escape style feels great, if possible, you'd always want to pull further ahead, right?"
"Yes, Senior truly understands that feeling." Suzuka's eyes revealed a longing to create distance.
After all, before her was the person who had created an almost insurmountable lead. Even she was captivated by that race.
"Heh, I understand, but this running style puts a lot of pressure on your legs. Remember to get a dose of medicine from me after every training session. When you go home, fill a basin with water, pour the medicine in, and soak your feet. It's good for your bones."
"This…"
"We are teammates, and I am your senior." *blink*
"Ah, thank you very much!" *bow*
For Suzuka, anyone who allowed her to run freely was a good person.