During the self-introduction segment, Kitasan Black kept glancing toward the far corner of the classroom. Her friends and the other new students had already taken their turns on stage. Every time one of them spoke about past achievements or the proud legacy of their racing families, the children seated below burst into excited cheers that echoed through the room.
Yet in that quiet corner, a little girl with long chestnut hair sat with one arm propped under her head, her fingertips idly tracing lazy patterns across the desk. Sunlight streaming through the windows made her hair shimmer like polished satin. A pair of light-blue earmuffs framed her small, serene face, and her ice-blue eyes carried the same gentle calm. She looked young, almost fragile, but there was something quietly composed about her that stood out.
Kitasan Black noticed the exact moment her own name was announced. The girl's eyes suddenly sparkled with unmistakable interest.
Maybe I should talk to her afterward…
Once her turn ended, Kitasan Black stepped aside just like the others and waited for questions or volunteers from the audience. The children below exchanged uncertain glances. No hands went up. Instead, soft whispers rippled through the rows like quiet classroom chatter.
"I don't think I've heard of this big sister before…"
"Yeah, but I heard my mom say she's the only one in her family who actually races…"
"That can't be right. All the other big sisters had super strong racing families…"
"I don't get it… We'll just have to ask the teacher later…"
Kitasan Black's ears twitched at the words. She pressed her lips together, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face. It was impossible not to compare this lukewarm reaction to the enthusiastic cheers her friends had received earlier. Still, she had expected it. These kids were only repeating the truth. Compared to powerhouse families like the Satono lineage, her own background in the music world made her racing record look… unremarkable at best.
At least one child is paying attention, she reminded herself. Once this part is over, I'll go talk to her first.
She quickly recovered her usual bright composure. Before the teacher could even step in to keep things moving, Kitasan Black flashed a warm smile and spoke up on her own.
"Well, that wraps up my self-introduction! If any of you want to team up with me, I'd love to work together!"
She bowed politely to the teacher, then walked out into the hallway. A couple of other Uma Musume were already waiting there, looking equally underwhelmed after their own introductions. Through the window, the campus buzzed with even more energy than when she had first arrived. Parents, trainers, invited guests, and media crews filled the grounds. Out on the playground track, the newly paired Uma Musume had already begun training sessions with their young partners.
Kitasan Black spotted her friends right away. Satono Crown was gliding along the track, likely demonstrating smooth cornering technique. Nearby, Duramente seemed to be finishing her own introduction to her child, the two of them clearly about to start training any moment.
This is perfect… I wonder when my turn will come. And that girl from earlier…
Her gaze drifted back toward the classroom. Sure enough, the little girl in the corner was still there, head resting on her arm, fingers drawing invisible lines on the desk. As if sensing the attention, she looked up. The same bright spark flashed in her ice-blue eyes.
Kitasan Black paused, then broke into a friendly smile and waved.
The child turned away shyly at first, but a second later she peeked back. Then, to Kitasan Black's surprise, the girl stood up without a word, slipped out the back door, and walked straight toward her.
"…Huh? Little one, you…"
Kitasan Black glanced toward the podium where the teacher was still speaking, then looked back in confusion.
"Why did you come out here all of a sudden? The teacher might scold you for—"
"Greetings, Kitasan Black-senpai," the young Uma Musume said, cutting in with perfect composure. She offered a crisp, formal bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Please take care of me."
Without waiting for a response, she continued in the same calm, direct tone.
"Could you guide me so I can win the race this afternoon?"
"Eh?" Kitasan Black blinked. "You mean the one happening later today? Well, whether I can actually win or not…"
The little girl didn't let her finish.
"If you can't win, then there's no point at all. Don't you agree, senpai?"
For a split second Kitasan Black felt as if their roles had reversed. The child standing in front of her spoke and carried herself with a maturity far beyond her years. Compared to the excited classmates still inside or the pairs already training on the track, this girl felt more like a peer than an elementary-school student.
A race that can't be won has no meaning… Dura-chan said something a lot like that once.
Kitasan Black's tone softened with quiet understanding. She nodded, curiosity sparking in her eyes.
"May I ask why you want to win so badly? Is it because your family expects it…?"
She assumed the girl might be from another prominent racing family, just like Duramente, and that the pressure to succeed came from home. But the moment the word "family" left her lips, the child's small face twisted with clear distaste.
"Family… Quite the opposite, actually."
The little Uma Musume drew in a slow breath. That same determined light returned to her eyes.
"The race I want to win is one my family has never wanted me to chase. I've heard about you, senpai. Before your debut, everyone said you were only suited for short-distance races. But then you went out and won three straight mid-distance victories. You slapped every single doubter right across the face. I… want to do the same thing. Because I don't want to be defined by anyone."
Kitasan Black felt a little flustered. She had met precocious children before, but this level of maturity was almost overwhelming. Standing face-to-face with the girl, she no longer felt like she was looking at an elementary student. It felt more like facing a worthy rival on equal ground. At the same time, a strange competitive fire stirred inside her chest.
"Slap them across the face, huh… Haha, that might be a bit dramatic. I didn't see it that way at the time."
She chuckled softly, then straightened with renewed energy.
"But I love that spirit! A race is meant to be won, after all! So you want me to help you take first place this afternoon, right?"
The young girl didn't answer with words. Instead, meeting Kitasan Black's sparkling gaze, she paused for a moment… then gave a slow, firm nod.
"I understand. Then I'll do everything I can to help you!" Kitasan Black declared with full confidence, extending her hand. "Oh, right! I still don't know your name."
The girl's ice-blue eyes lowered briefly to the offered palm. After a few quiet seconds, she reached out and took it.
"My name is Almond Eye. Please take care of me, Kitasan Black-senpai."