Tamamo Cross, an Uma Musume racing in Central, after losing her debut, after consecutive race losses, after continuously getting crushed in dirt races—
Right now, she was thoroughly lost.
Her trainer had decided to let her try racing on turf one last time. If she still lost her next turf race, Tamamo Cross would have no choice but to try her luck in steeplechase.
Precisely because of this, Tamamo Cross had ended up wandering into the shopping street.
She truly didn't know what she should do anymore.
Unlike the days when she raced Oguri Cap head-to-head, the long streak of defeats had drained all her self-confidence.
And more importantly…
Her family still needed her to succeed.
Both she herself, and her mother back home.
Remembering her mother's condition, Tamamo Cross knew she absolutely had to win her next race—to earn enough money to cover her mother's treatment.
This immense pressure had driven her to a place she'd normally never visit due to her frugal nature.
A shopping street not far from Tracen Academy.
Walking aimlessly through the street, Tamamo Cross's face was filled only with worry.
"Hm? Chiyono O-chan, you still haven't decided?"
"As long as Yayoi-san's cooking, I don't really mind."
A conversation filled with the warmth of family drifted over from nearby.
Hearing this, Tamamo Cross sighed softly, lowering her head even further.
Obviously, she was worried about her own mother.
But, perhaps because her steps gradually quickened, the voices that only increased her stress soon faded behind her.
However, a moment later, she heard another voice.
It was softer than before, but Tamamo Cross still caught it clearly.
"So your goal is the Japan Derby, huh? You've got to give it your all, then."
Hearing this, Tamamo Cross lifted her head.
She knew this street was quite close to Tracen Academy, so it was common to encounter other Uma Musume here.
But right now, it was already early May, and the Japan Derby was at the end of May. Any Uma Musume who planned to participate should be deep in preparations right now.
Looking up, Tamamo Cross didn't immediately spot the source of the voice.
Turning slightly, she finally saw two Uma Musume standing by the vegetable store across the street.
One of the two was slightly taller, while the other, holding a shopping basket, was noticeably shorter—even about the same height as herself.
Tamamo Cross stared at them for several seconds but couldn't identify either among this year's racers.
Unable to place them, Tamamo Cross didn't dwell on it any further, and simply took a step forward.
It was time to head back to Tracen Academy for dinner.
Across the street, the two Uma Musume by the vegetable store had finished shopping and turned in the opposite direction to Tamamo Cross.
Just then, their gazes met.
Ignoring their stares, Tamamo Cross planned to walk past directly.
After all, she had no intention of talking to strangers.
But clearly, the other party didn't think the same way.
Facing Tamamo Cross directly, Tokai Natural hesitated only briefly before speaking up.
"Excuse me—"
"Huh?"
Looking up at Tokai Natural, Tamamo Cross's face filled with confusion.
"Are you perhaps Tamamo Cross-san?"
"Hah?"
Tamamo Cross never imagined anyone here could possibly recognize her. After all, her results were absolutely terrible right now.
"The roan-haired Uma Musume—excuse me, but are you Tamamo Cross-san?"
Perhaps worried she hadn't heard clearly, Tokai Natural repeated the question once more.
This time, Tamamo Cross finally nodded slowly.
Seeing her nod, Tokai Natural smiled gently and spoke again, "I'm your fan, Tamamo Cross-san. Even though you might not have good results right now, I truly believe you'll win."
Hearing Tokai Natural's words, Tamamo Cross's expression shifted slightly.
"You really think… I can win?"
"Yes. If you return to turf races, you'll definitely win. But…" Tokai Natural paused, looking carefully at Tamamo Cross, unsure whether to voice her next words.
"P-please, go ahead," Tamamo Cross urged gently, obviously lacking the confidence an idol normally carried.
Of course, after losing so many races consecutively, it would've been hard for Tamamo Cross to put on any airs.
So her reaction was understandable.
"Tamamo-san, it might help if you changed your running style. It's probably because of that incident, isn't it? You haven't been willing to run close to the pack. So, how about switching to a late-runner strategy?"
Hearing Tokai Natural's words, Tamamo Cross froze briefly.
Only someone who truly followed her would know about that incident.
Because of that accident, Tamamo Cross subconsciously kept her distance from the group every race, always choosing to run on the outside track. This meant she ended up running a longer distance each time.
Now, Tokai Natural had accurately described how deeply that incident had affected her—this practically confirmed her as a true fan.
But…
"Oh… Th-thanks."
Her voice was slightly stiff as she replied.
This awkwardness came from having almost no experience dealing with fans—after all, she barely had any to speak of.
Thus, after thanking her fan, Tamamo Cross hesitated a few more seconds before finally speaking again on her own initiative:
"Um, I—I have another race in July. Will you come watch?"
Her voice was quiet, filled with a fragile hopefulness.
She knew she might lose, but she still desperately wanted an answer.
Even if just one person came, it might lift some of the overwhelming pressure.
Hearing Tamamo Cross's quiet request, Tokai Natural was momentarily stunned.
She knew very well how enormous the pressure on Tamamo Cross was at this time. But she never imagined the other would respond to her this way, looking so openly desperate—like an idol craving the support of a fan.
Seeing Tamamo Cross like this, Tokai Natural opened her mouth uncertainly.
She couldn't freely promise to attend. If Maruzensky or Mr. C.B. returned that day, she likely wouldn't have a chance to go out at all.
So…
"It's alright, Yayoi-san, just promise her. I can handle Maruzen-senpai and Mr. C.B.-san for you."
As if understanding her hesitation, Chiyono O suddenly interjected this reassurance.
"…Thank you." After softly thanking Chiyono O, Tokai Natural looked at Tamamo Cross again and finally answered her directly, "I'll come watch."
"Thank you for supporting me," Tamamo Cross said quietly.
"Make sure to run well," Tokai Natural replied gently.
"Y-yes, I definitely will."
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T/N: AWWWW SO CUTE