Akikawa Yayoi had decided that all pre-debut Uma Musume would take part in internal mock races to sharpen their competitive instincts.
Normally, debut races were held in July, with the six months before that dedicated entirely to preparation.
Yayoi wanted to make full use of that time by letting them experience real race conditions early.
In theory, it made sense.
In practice, it felt a bit too soon. Most of them barely understood the basics, and now they were already being pushed into races.
Unlike casual tryouts, this mock event would be run properly. Everything was included: popularity polls, pre-race introductions, and even a winner's stage afterward.
For Tracen Academy, this was something completely new.
It was practically like moving the Central circuit straight into the school.
What was this, training them from childhood?
After a full morning of discussion, the race formats were finalized.
Three categories:
Sprint: 1200 meters Mile: 1800 meters Middle distance: 2000 meters
There had originally been a 2500-meter long-distance race, but considering the level of the new students, it was deemed too demanding and ultimately removed.
Once the formats were set, scheduling came next.
Races would be held once a week, every Friday afternoon.
The Uma Musume would compete across sprint, mile, and middle-distance events. These races would serve not only as training, but also as a way for trainers to showcase their teams.
Every winner would get the chance to introduce their team to the audience, attracting attention from other students.
In other words, it was basically a recruitment stage. Strong teams would gain visibility and have a better chance of drawing in talented newcomers.
For Fujiwara Chiya, this was a huge opportunity.
Everyone on his team was still pre-debut, which meant every single one of them was eligible to participate.
That wasn't exactly something to brag about, but more participants meant a higher chance of winning.
No matter what, he had to make a name for himself.
He had to let everyone know his team existed.
Which meant only one thing.
Alright… time to get moving.
"Come on, Shirayuki, let's go!"
Someone suddenly grabbed an arm.
Chiya turned his head.
No one was there.
Right. Not him. Shirayuki.
After class, Special Week had taken her hand and was already dragging her toward the cafeteria.
"Hey, wait up!"
Another voice cut in as someone rushed up from behind and slung an arm over Shirayuki's shoulder.
A brown-haired Uma Musume wearing a mask.
Chiya blinked.
A masked wrestler? …No, wait. El Condor Pasa.
"I didn't get a chance to say hi earlier," she said brightly. "I'm El Condor Pasa. Can I call you Yuki-chan?"
She leaned in, full of energy.
"…Sure," Shirayuki replied instinctively.
Though honestly, Yuki-chan sounded a bit strange. Something like Koyuki might have felt more natural.
Too late now. It wasn't like she could go to the principal and ask to change her name.
Then another girl stepped forward.
Calm expression. Blue eyes. Elegant, refined.
"I'm Grass Wonder. It's a pleasure to meet you, Shirayuki."
She gave a gentle bow.
"I didn't expect the new student to be someone this lovely. That's quite a surprise."
"I think everyone here is cuter than me…"
"Oh my," Grass Wonder chuckled softly. "Is that how you see it?"
She covered her mouth, smiling.
"If you don't mind, would you join us for lunch? We'd love to hear about your previous school."
"Hold on," another voice cut in.
With dramatic flair, T.M. Opera O stepped forward.
"This fair swan already has plans with me. It would hardly be elegant to intrude."
"Wait, that's not right!" Special Week protested. "I invited her first!"
"But she never actually answered you," Opera O replied calmly, tapping her temple.
"…Oh. You're right."
"In that case, I shall take her."
She reached out and grabbed Shirayuki's hand.
"Hold it," El Condor Pasa interrupted. "She didn't answer you either."
"…What?" Opera O froze. "Are you saying the strongest and most beautiful ruler has been rejected?"
"So she's coming with us."
The group instantly fell into chaos.
Shirayuki's eye twitched.
Impressive.
Was this how girls built friendships? She couldn't even get a word in.
And the effect of being a transfer student was overwhelming. In an instant, she had become the center of attention. Everyone wanted to know more about her.
This was her chance.
If she could stand out now, she could leave a strong impression.
She had to take it.
Clapping her hands lightly, Shirayuki spoke.
"If you don't mind, why don't we all go together? I'd like to get to know everyone."
The argument stopped immediately.
"…That works," Special Week said. "Why didn't I think of that?"
"Very well," Opera O declared proudly. "I shall graciously share my time with all of you."
And just like that, it was settled.
Surrounded by the group, Shirayuki was swept along toward the cafeteria.
This is it.
"If I can keep this 'special' status in everyone's eyes, then all of them could become my wings. It's basically like a guy transferring into an all-girls school…"
She paused.
"…Wait. Am I about to build a harem?"
"What kind of nonsense are you talking about?!"
Smack!
Chiya took a sharp hit to the back.
"What are you muttering over here?"
"Wait… Director Akikawa?!"
"Wait… Director Akikawa?!"
"What's wrong, Shirayuki?" Special Week asked.
"Ah, nothing. Don't worry."
Shirayuki forced a smile and shifted her focus.
"Mind how you speak," Akikawa Yayoi snapped, pressing her fan against Chiya's mouth.
"Sorry…"
As she lowered the fan, Chiya rubbed his lips.
"…Why are you here?"
"Because this is my office," she said flatly. "And you're standing right outside it, talking about wings and harems. Chiya, did you break your brain?"
"No. I've never felt more clear-headed."
"…That's even more worrying."
She sighed.
"This academy is not a place for flirting. And could you try acting a bit more reliable? Hayakawa Tazuna is constantly cleaning up after you. I'd appreciate not having to do the same."
"…I sincerely apologize."
Chiya reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette pack.
"Want one?"
"I don't smoke!" she snapped, knocking it out of his hand. "Where did you even pick that up?"
"A senior left it behind while drinking."
"Alcohol rots your brain. Don't drink again."
"…Yes, ma'am."
Faced with her authority, Chiya obediently nodded.
Why did she feel so much like his mom?