Twin Shine felt a deafening roar echoing in her ears.
She desperately wanted to shout: Wait, what do you mean by "Fujimaru Ritsuka is a man who could be a father to me"?!
Fujimaru Ritsuka was only twenty years old! Where would he get a daughter this big? This line of thinking was beyond abnormal. What kind of Horse Girl would even think that?
Twin Shine felt as if she'd been struck by a Gorgon's petrifying gaze. She couldn't move a muscle, and even her brain felt like it was grinding to a halt.
She looked at Oguri Cap, who was giving her a thumbs-up with an expression that screamed, "Aren't I smart?" Then she looked at Fujimaru Ritsuka, whose shoulders were shaking suspiciously as he tried to suppress something.
Twin Shine mentally overturned her tea table and screamed into the void: What kind of insane plot twist is this?!
She was beyond words. This was the first time she had ever heard of a Trainer and his trainee forming such a bizarre, indescribable relationship.
The thing was, if Fujimaru Ritsuka were a middle-aged man, the label might fit. Combining his talent for guiding others, the way people instinctively relied on him, and a significant age gap, it might actually create that kind of "fatherly" vibe. But he was only twenty!
Normally, even if one didn't yearn for a romantic relationship, they would at least settle on a brother-sister dynamic, wouldn't they?
Twin Shine could already imagine other Horse Girls sweetly calling Ritsuka "Onii-chan" or "Onii-sama." Heck, even a slightly "delinquent" style like "Big Bro" would work. But how...
Twin Shine was having a mental breakdown. How did it turn into "Father"? Is Oguri lacking paternal love? Is she yearning for a dad?
Twin Shine came from a stable, harmonious family where she never wanted for anything. She didn't quite understand these feelings.
Thinking back to Oguri's words, she recalled their first official meeting.
Wait, she thought, was the reason Oguri was so impulsive back then—tearing the door right off its hinges—actually because she was worried I was going to steal her fa... "father"?
Twin Shine shuddered. The mental image was so "beautiful" it surpassed the limits of her imagination. Ritsuka was reliable, sure, but jumping straight to the "eldest brother is like a father" phase was a bit much.
She had thought she was starting to understand Oguri Cap. It turned out she didn't know her at all.
Seeing Twin Shine lost in her distress, Ritsuka clapped his hands to get their attention. Once they both looked at him, he reiterated what had been said and added:
"Oguri, Shine just told me that she wants to help share my workload and support all of you so you can perform at your absolute best. I think it's a wonderful idea—provided, of course, that she balances it with her own races."
Ritsuka winked at Twin Shine, signaling her not to rush into an explanation or a rebuttal. He continued, "After all, the urge to run is carved into the very soul of every Horse Girl. Since you've become one, you naturally have to see the world's best and test your mettle against them."
"I'm going to train you hard from here on out, Shine. Be prepared."
Hearing this, Twin Shine's heart leaped into her throat. Although she had once yearned to be a Horse Girl, that felt like the distant past. Having realized her own shortcomings, she now only wanted to be useful to Ritsuka.
If she could help him, that was happiness enough. As for continuing to struggle as a Horse Girl... couldn't they just let her off the hook?
Still, despite those thoughts, she felt comforted. She felt like she understood why Oguri saw Ritsuka as a father figure.
Ritsuka considered her pride, used hints to convey the reality of her lack of talent, and handled everything behind the scenes to find her a way to a successful debut. Wasn't that exactly how a protective, socially awkward father would act?
Now that she was an official Horse Girl, Ritsuka—acting like a "father who wants his daughter to succeed"—wanted her to face challenges head-on and was willing to work hard alongside her. It was the quintessential fatherly move!
(However, Twin Shine was mistaken here. Oguri Cap had only said she felt Shine had those thoughts; she never said she viewed Ritsuka as her own father.)
Unaware of Twin Shine's internal monologue, Oguri let out a long sigh and said excitedly, "That's great, Shine! I thought you were going to give up. I'm so glad that's not the case!"
"Also, I need to apologize to you, Shine. I took it upon myself to assume you were giving up on running. I'm sorry." Oguri's mood visibly plummeted, her ears drooping flat against her head in a display of intense self-reproach.
Twin Shine quickly tried to comfort her. "Oguri, you only thought that because you care about me. It's not your fault. On the contrary, it makes me happy to know you care so much... I should be the one thanking you."
"And thank you, Trainer." Twin Shine beamed at Oguri and then gave Ritsuka a deep, respectful bow.
She never imagined Ritsuka would still care about her dreams under these circumstances. It moved her deeply. She declared firmly, "To repay this kindness, I will give my all to support the Trainer and everyone else!"
Ritsuka waved his hands, insisting he had done nothing special. "I've only fulfilled the duties a Trainer should. It's nothing."
Then, his expression turned serious for one final question. "Shine, logistics is a 'new track' that is far more complex than the racecourse. it requires even more patience and insight. This path isn't easy either. Are you sure? If you just want to repay a favor, there are other ways."
Twin Shine shook her head vigorously, then nodded, her expression hardening with resolve. "It's not just that. I truly want to walk this path. Even though I don't know much yet... I will study hard under the Trainer. So, please!"
Since the girl had put it that way, what could Ritsuka say? He accepted her offer.
"Well then, I look forward to working with you, Shine."
"No, the pleasure is all mine! Please take care of me, Trainer!"
Before the words had even fully left her mouth, Oguri Cap pulled Twin Shine into a massive hug. The force was so great that Twin Shine felt as if her waist was about to snap in half!
Is it because we were talking to each other and left her out? Twin Shine's face started to turn pale.
Fortunately, Ritsuka didn't just stand by. He stepped in and separated the two girls, saving Twin Shine from a structural failure.
Then, Ritsuka gave Oguri a task. "Oguri, could you help me gather everyone? This is a very important change in the team, and I want to notify everyone."
"Yes!" In a few moments, Oguri had jogged out of the room and disappeared down the hallway.
Twin Shine finally had a chance to breathe. She slumped into a chair with total disregard for her image, muttering, "Whew, I thought I was going to die... But I never expected the Trainer and Oguri to have that kind of relationship. It's quite a surprise."
However... Twin Shine glanced at Ritsuka's sharp profile and couldn't help but think: This... might not be so bad?
Since Oguri's feelings for Ritsuka were clarified, she wouldn't have to overthink things when she was with him, would she? Especially regarding Oguri's feelings—that was a good thing, wasn't it?
She nodded to herself. Yes, this is definitely a good thing!
Because Oguri's feelings for Ritsuka weren't romantic or starry-eyed admiration, but a complex, special kind of familial bond, nothing Shine did would interfere with their relationship. It was a godsend!
It's not like Oguri's mom likes Ritsuka and guided her to think that way, right?
Twin Shine shook her head and chuckled inwardly. No way.
Oguri's mother was an adult. If she had those kinds of feelings, she'd surely just go for it and move straight to the "victory dance" of romance. There'd be no need for these indirect hints.
After all, Horse Girls were special beings who stayed youthful without much maintenance. A woman living alone would surely have no shortage of admirers asking, "I wonder if Madam would care to join me this evening?"
So, one just had to keep a level head and compete with the younger generation. The field of love wasn't a racetrack, but it was just as competitive. A girl had to protect her own romance; that was only natural, wasn't it?
Besides, in the "romance track," a mature woman might actually have the advantage. While the younger Horse Girls were too shy to confess, she could just charge straight in and secure the win!
At this thought, Twin Shine coughed twice, reeling in her runaway imagination and trying to cool her heating cheeks.
Because her thoughts had gone off the rails, she hadn't heard Ritsuka's explanation. Seeing Twin Shine clearly dazed and using a cough to hide her embarrassment, Ritsuka felt a bit helpless. But being the considerate person he was, he said nothing and pretended not to notice.
"Anyway, since the decision is made and the stance is clear, I look forward to your help, Shine." Ritsuka reached out his hand, completing the "ritual" that Oguri had interrupted.
Twin Shine immediately grabbed his large hand with both of hers. Her pretty face was slightly flushed, and her eyes sparkled like stars. "I look forward to working with you, Trainer!"
She even gave his hand an extra shake for emphasis.
At that moment, the confusion and shadows that had been lurking in her eyes vanished, replaced by a steady, grounded light. Anyone could see that Twin Shine was happy—especially herself.
She knew this wasn't an impulsive decision. It was a path she had found for herself—the best way to repay the man whose gentleness and consideration had saved her.
Just thinking about it made her heart flutter a little.
But right then, a "discordant" voice rang out.
Mini Lady, the little troublemaker, let out a drawn-out, "Oh-ho-ho?"
"That's strange, Shine. Weren't you the one who wanted to be a Horse Girl more than anyone? Why did you suddenly skip this afternoon's training? And now the Trainer says there's an important announcement... it wouldn't happen to be about you, would it?"
"Ah? Uh..." Hearing Mini Lady's voice, Twin Shine's expression froze.
Could it be... were they watching my face and my smile? Did Mini Lady see through my true thoughts?
And when did they even get here? Why hadn't she felt their presence at all?
"No, well..." Twin Shine tried to think of an excuse.
Mini Lady stared at her with a suspicious look and teased, "Oho, you've got a guilty conscience, don't you, Shine?"
Unfortunately for her, Mini Lady's mischief was cut short. Norn Ace and Rudelmo grabbed her head and dragged her to the back of the line.
Mini Lady yelled, "Curse you! Even if I were dead and nailed into a coffin, I would use my rotting vocal cords to scream... mmmph mmmph!"
Twin Shine let out a quiet sigh of relief. Good job, Norn. I won't forget your help!
Ritsuka gave Twin Shine an encouraging look. Taking the hint, Twin Shine shared her thoughts with the gathered Horse Girls, announcing that she would be supporting Ritsuka and the team.
The transition between a racer and a support Horse Girl wasn't common. Although there were precedents, the decision still shocked them—especially since Ritsuka had been supporting Shine's racing career. Why would she give it up?
Being a support girl wasn't nearly as glamorous as being a racer; it was a job hidden behind the scenes. People only saw the Horse Girls fighting for the lead on the track; they didn't see the support staff. Sometimes, they barely even noticed the Trainer! This...
Mini Lady seized the moment of shock to slip from her friends' grasp. She teased intentionally, "Heh heh, Shine... you actually just want to hog the Trainer's time, don't you? If you're a support girl, you have a legitimate reason to skip training and stay with the Trainer to do 'this and that.' Am I right?"
Mini Lady's eyes narrowed, as if she had seen through everything.
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Musume: Oguri Cap Grand Order (119 Chapters – Ongoing)
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