A crisp chill lingered in the November morning.
Since waking in this world, Gold Legend had achieved something she'd never managed before—regular sleep. Elite time-management skills; not quite Invincible, but definitely elite-tier.
She drew the curtains; warm sunlight spilled over her as she stretched.
A habitual jog, then a perfectly timed shower to wash away sweat and fatigue—another perfect day.
She trimmed her nails—no need for perfection; an excuse for better service later. She picked clothes at random, then checked her items: wallet, keys, phone, USB stick, handkerchief, emergency lollipop.
Finally she tied her hair into a neat ponytail and put on the earrings from Gold City. A radiant Horse Girl looked back from the mirror.
Elegant, captivating—flawless.
She considered makeup, then remembered Festa's lifelong plea and left her face bare.
Today I'm a goddess descended.
After admiring herself, Legend left for the rendezvous.
'...'
The moment she stepped outside, Tokai Teio leapt from the bushes clutching two twigs.
'Legend looks pumped,' she whispered.
'Oba-chan's always excited on days off.'
Team Spica was running Operation Investigate Legend 2.0.
Ever since that video in Legend's dorm, the plan had brewed; even Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka joined eagerly, self-preservation be damned. Gold Ship was all-in.
Gold Ship's voice crackled through the earpiece.
'Teio, move!'
McQueen urged.
'Yeah, yeah.'
Teio tailed her quietly. At the gate Legend spotted Oguri Cap waiting.
'Morning, Oguri.'
Legend waved.
'Morning.'
Oguri replied.
'Where's Tama-senpai?'
Legend glanced around; the tiny Gray Mane was absent.
'Tama dropped me off and left—something about a date with Super Creek.'
Oguri explained.
'Got it. Same as usual?'
'Sure. Your call, Legend.'
Today was another Oguri Cap food-hunt.
Since summer training camp Oguri had focused on the Autumn Tenno Sho and had no time to hang out—much to Legend's dismay.
'Are you sure about the Japan Cup? Your body...'
Legend worried; Oguri had finished sixth in the Autumn Tenno Sho—an uncharacteristic defeat.
'I'd like to say I'm fine, but...'
Oguri gave a wry smile.
'...Maybe skip the Japan Cup.'
Legend urged; she knew Oguri's condition was far from ideal.
'No worries—I've planned it out. So, today's route?'
Oguri shook her head, eyes sparkling.
'Fine. Aenis and Ryan tipped me off about cheap, tasty places—ramen, snacks, izakaya, you name it.'
Though clueless, Legend studied the hand-drawn map Ryan had given her.
Such artistic talent—limitless potential.
'Then let's go!'
Oguri pulled Legend along.
'Wait—I'm still reading it!'
And so the food odyssey began—first stop!
'Isn't this the place from the 4-koma?'
Legend raised an eyebrow at the sign: Honmei Beef Rice.
'Want one, Legend?'
Oguri munched the snack Legend had brought and asked.
'Nah, let's head in.'
Legend led her inside.
'Welcome!'
The server greeted them warmly.
'Two King Bowls, please.'
They sat; remembering the manga, Legend ordered off-menu.
The King Bowls arrived.
'It's huge!'
The bowl towered over Legend; she doubted her stomach's capacity.
'Let's eat!'
Oguri clapped her hands and dug in.
'...Let's eat.'
Legend followed suit.
'Done!'
'What? It hasn't been twenty seconds!'
Though used to it, Legend still had to comment.
'Classic Oguri.'
The purity of a champion.
'Tasty—another, please!'
The server looked to Legend for confirmation.
'...Do as she says.'
Legend sighed.
"Oguri, eating delicious food so quickly strips it of its soul!"
"But isn't that because Legend, you eat too slowly?"
Oguri Cap was blunt.
Hey, my temper flared up.
"Watch me! I am very strong!"
Finally, after Oguri Cap finished her fifth large bowl, Gold Legend finally managed to finish hers.
"...I have a premonition that today will be another Shura's Path."
Looking at the large bowls in front of Oguri Cap, Gold Legend felt a hint of pressure.
"Mhm, I'm seven-tenths full. Let's go to the next place, Legend."
After finishing another bowl, Oguri Cap rubbed her stomach, which hadn't changed much in size, and said.
"...Waitress, bill please."
"Certainly, the total is 'BEEP' yen."
"...Can I pay by card?"
"Huh? No, you can't."
That's right. In the anime, Aenis always paid.
"Then, could you help me find the manager?"
"We are a chain restaurant; the manager isn't here."
"There's no choice. Please allow me to make a phone call."
"Alright."
Gold Legend took out her phone, made a call, and gave some instructions.
"Alright, from now on, this shop belongs to Gold!"
"Huh!"
The waitress looked completely bewildered.
Gold Legend showed the waitress the documents and procedures that had been sent over, then signed them right in front of her.
"Done. Now I am your boss. That's that! Remember to prepare a POS machine next time."
Gold Legend led Oguri Cap away, swaggering off.
"...Huh?"
The only one left standing there was the bewildered waitress... "A ramen shop, too bad it's not called Ichiraku Ramen."
Looking at this nicely decorated ramen shop, she said excitedly,
"Mhm, I've been to this one. The taste is great."
Oguri Cap nodded and said.
"Perfect then. I've been here for so long and haven't tried Japanese specialty ramen yet."
Gold Legend pulled Oguri Cap into the shop.
After another hearty meal.
"Boss, the bill!"
"Certainly, the total is 'BEEP' yen."
"...Can I pay by card?"
"Sorry, we only accept cash."
"Then, may I ask if you sell the storefront?"
"Ah, we are a century-old shop. Please forgive us, but we are not for sale."
"...Can you make an exception?"
"I understand. Are you two trying to dine and dash?"
"You shouldn't put it that way. It's just that we don't have enough cash."
"I apologize, but please explain yourselves to the Police Officer."
Then Gold Legend and Oguri Cap were detained by the arriving Police Officer... "I want to complain about this damned backward tradition in Japan! The internet has been widespread for years, credit cards even longer, so why are they still clinging to cash!"
After spending some time giving statements and explanations, Gold Legend paid by card with the help of the Police Officer, and successfully left detention with Oguri Cap.
They checked the time, realized they still had plenty left, and decided to continue their gourmet journey.
"Being with Legend, I always get to experience fun things I've never done before."
Oguri Cap said, smiling.
"This is not fun at all, my dear Oguri."
Gold Legend grumbled.
"Alright, alright, we're here."
"It's a dessert shop."
Following the map to the next place, Gold Legend looked at the dazzling array of desserts in the display case and fell into contemplation.
"Just in case, let me ask first: can I pay by card here?"
"Huh? Yes, you can."
The waitress said.
"Good. This one, this one, and this one."
"Are you taking these to go?"
"No, I mean, give me one of everything else, except these three!"
"Nice, Legend! I like you the most!"
Oguri Cap cheered.
After another round of feasting, Gold Legend, whose mood had improved, took Oguri Cap to the next location... Just like that, the two ate and played along the way. Soon, the sky darkened, and the moon climbed into the sky.
"Well, let's call it a day. We'll continue having fun next time."
Returning to the dormitory entrance, Gold Legend smiled and said goodbye to Oguri.
"Mhm, if we have a chance next time, let's go to my hometown. I can introduce you to my birthplace."
"Kasamatsu, huh? Sounds great. It's decided then."
"Mhm, well then, see you tomorrow, Legend."
"See you tomorrow, Oguri."
Smiling as she watched Oguri Cap enter the dormitory, Gold Legend sighed.
"Come out, Teio. Seriously, you've been following me all day. Aren't you tired?"
"Hehehe, I'm fine. The places you and Legend went were quite interesting. When did you notice me?"
Teio popped out, grinning.
"I noticed long ago."
I just didn't realize it was you, Tokai Teio.
"Let's go."
"Where to?"
"The Training Room. Those guys are there, right? I bought a lot of delicious food."
"Huh, so these were prepared for us?"
"They're for them. Teio, you've eaten quite a bit already, haven't you?"
"I think I can still eat a little more."
Under the moonlight, the shadows of the two Uma Musume stretched farther and farther.
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