Chapter 86: Don’t look up to me—!! I’m not some special Uma Musume like you think!

Time really does fly.

It had been just under three years since I came to this Tracen, and two years since I became Hoshino Wilm’s trainer. The days slipped by in the blink of an eye, and before I knew it, I was attending my third Tracen Academy entrance ceremony.

Looking around, I saw the new students seated in neat rows of folding chairs, their hearts fluttering with excitement over the lives they were about to begin. The massive Tracen Academy gymnasium, filled all the way up to the second floor, was packed with six hundred brand-new students.

"..."

To be honest, up until last year, watching them like this had been a little painful.

Only a tiny fraction of Uma Musume can make it big in the Twinkle Series. Official races decide one winner and seventeen losers. Just like something my father once said long ago—"A single drop of sweat from the winner, and an ocean of tears from the losers. That’s what makes the Twinkle Series shine"—the vast majority of them… nearly ninety-five percent, end up on the losing side.

And among those… some will have their spirits broken and die as racing Uma Musume.

Just thinking about it made my chest ache, as if it were creaking under pressure. It hurt to be reminded of how harsh the Twinkle Series is—how cruel this world can be.

Yet, for some reason… this year, it didn’t feel quite as suffocating.

As I wondered why, my thoughts drifted to Daisangen, the Uma Musume who ran in the Arima Kinen. A fiercely competitive girl, memorable for the way she pushed her bangs back.

She wasn’t a named Uma Musume—at least, she wasn’t in the app back when I played it in my previous life. And during the preliminary evaluations a month earlier, her abilities hadn’t stood out as particularly exceptional. She’d seemed to be in good condition, sure, but I’d predicted she’d suffer a crushing defeat in the Arima Kinen.

…And yet.

The place she claimed in the Arima Kinen was fifth. She surged onto the leaderboard, surpassing elite runners like Silence Suzuka, Happy Meek, Seiun Sky, and Tokai Teio.

She didn’t win. There were still four Uma Musume ahead of her, and if you frame it as winner versus loser, Daisangen landed on the losing side. But at the same time, there was no denying she’d achieved an almost unbelievable result.

Which is to say…

In this world, being a named Uma Musume doesn’t guarantee success, nor does having outstanding talent ensure great results. Their own efforts, their desperate resistance, their relentless dedication… and the bonds they share with good rivals and the trainers who walk beside them—that’s what leads an Uma Musume to victory.

So those six hundred new students packed into this gymnasium—they all carry the seeds of opportunity. Whether those seeds sprout safely or not will probably depend on who they meet and how hard they work.

Still, the fact that everyone has at least some kind of chance—that was no small hope to me.

There are those who have, and those who don’t, in this world. Just as I was born without talent, there are unbridgeable gaps in aptitude among them… or people so cursed by circumstance that living a decent life is impossible. The differences we’re born with are absolute and cannot be overturned. That was the conclusion my former self came to about life.

…And yet.

They all have a chance.

Just as I’ve somehow managed to get by as a trainer through effort alone, despite lacking talent… among them, surely, some will nurture that spark of hope into something real.

Maybe that’s why I wasn’t feeling particularly pessimistic. If anything, I watched them with a forward-looking heart.

…And that’s not the only reason today’s entrance ceremony is special.

"New students, congratulations on your enrollment. I am Hoshino Wilm, and I have been entrusted with the address on behalf of the current students."

The voice echoing from the stage belonged to my very first trainee.

The undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume, Hoshino Wilm. She now stood there as a great forerunner, delivering words of welcome to the newcomers.

It all started a few days ago, when Rudolf summoned us to the student council room. After some back-and-forth, she asked Wilm to give the entrance ceremony speech.

Wilm hesitated a little, but…

The moment Rudolf added, "If you accept, we’ll do a mock race next time," she was instantly hooked.

…Well, I get it.

The chance to run a mock race against Symboli Rudolf is precious—especially for an Uma Musume currently competing in the Twinkle Series. Opportunities like that are exceedingly rare.

The reason is cruel, but simple: the difference in raw ability.

Symboli Rudolf is strong—so strong that the word "invincible" fits her perfectly. Even counting the Dream Trophy League, she’s practically unbeatable in middle to long distances. There’s probably no one who can consistently beat her… and unfortunately, that includes Hoshino Wilm.

That’s why racing against Twinkle Series Uma Musume isn’t even practice for her. There’s no real contest—she just runs, wins, and it turns into a solitary runaway.

Unless it’s some kind of special event, there’s no real merit in holding a mock race at all.

Only those with personal connections or close ties to her could make such a request… and regrettably, as a rookie, I had neither. I could ask Teio’s trainer to set something up, but owing a big favor to that sly old fox is honestly a little scary.

Which is why this opportunity—for Wilm, a Twinkle Series runner, to challenge Symboli Rudolf in a mock race—was probably one of a kind. Rudolf knew its value and brought it to the table as a bargaining chip.

By the time we walked into that room, it was basically decided that Wilm would accept the request.

Luckily, she didn’t seem resistant to the job. Despite appearances, she’s soft-hearted—she probably would’ve agreed even without any bargaining if Rudolf had simply bowed her head. If she’d shown reluctance, I was prepared to push a little, but I’m glad I didn’t have to play my cards against Rudolf.

And so, having accepted the role of student representative, Hoshino Wilm stood on the stage and opened her mouth once more under the passionate gazes of the new students.

"We welcome all of you.
Here, at Japan’s largest Tracen Academy, you will take part in the Twinkle Series—running, competing, and striving for victory.
Official races, graded stakes, G1s, Grand Prix, the Tenno Sho, the Senior Triple Crown… and the Classic Triple Crown. The heights you aim for will differ for each of you.
On the battlefield you choose, unleash your legs to the fullest and proclaim yourselves without hesitation. We look forward to running alongside you."

Her clear, dignified voice echoed through the gymnasium via the microphone. With a calm smile, she looked out over the new students.

…Wow.

So you can carry yourself with this much presence now, Wilm.

Standing there, she felt less like a fellow Uma Musume and more like a veteran who had raced far ahead. Her expression, her movements, the tone of her voice—every element combined to shape her into an Uma Musume with charisma rivaling even Symboli Rudolf.

Well now… that’s terrifying.

It’s not like this is just how she naturally is, like Rudolf—it’s a mask she consciously puts on and controls.

Hoshino Wilm is very good at wearing masks.

Lately, her unguarded side peeks through often enough that it’s easy to forget, but this has been one of her defining traits ever since we first met.

She hides her emotions, falsifies them, shows colors completely different from her own. That was probably the survival strategy that allowed her to live this far, burdened as she was with a harsh upbringing.

Over the past half year or so, the reason she’s begun to show her feelings more clearly is likely simple proof that she trusts me, Bourbon, and Masa. I think she now sees us as people she doesn’t need to perform for—people she can be around without discomfort.

…If anything, it seems that even in front of Masa and Bourbon, she’s not quite showing her true self entirely.

If I’m not being presumptuous, she only shows that real, unfiltered side to me. That unexpectedly needy side of her—wanting affection, yet unable to ask for it herself—clever but clumsy, an age-appropriate, very girlish side.

Two years isn’t a short time. We’ve walked together through all of it. A lot happened. I caused her plenty of trouble, was helped by her… and helped her in turn. Maybe the fact that she shows me her true face is the crystallization of the time we spent together and the trust we built.

Thinking that way… yeah, it makes me really happy. I want to keep living up to that trust.

…Right, I got a bit off track.

Anyway, she’s been showing her natural side more often around us, but that doesn’t mean she’s stopped wearing masks altogether. She still acts like a reliable senior around her juniors, puts on a cool front with Nature and Teio, and looks a bit more composed in front of Masa.

It’s not that there’s any malice in it…

Changing the color she shows depending on who she’s with is probably just her normal way of living.

And today… perhaps taking inspiration from Rudolf that day, she wore the dignified mask of a powerful veteran, befitting the role of student representative.

…However, that dignified façade didn’t last very long. No—more accurately, she chose not to make it last.

"...Well then, let’s end the serious talk here. I imagine the new students wouldn’t enjoy nothing but stiff speeches."

Saying that, she broke into a well-shaped, beautiful smile. The aura of a powerhouse dissipated like mist, and standing there was… just a small, ordinary Uma Musume.

"Those of you who know me might think I’m some extraordinarily special Uma Musume. I’m sorry to shatter that image, but that isn’t true. I’m just like all of you—someone who worries about many things, an Uma Musume who simply enrolled two years earlier."

…No, I kind of want to interject there. Just a little.

In terms of raw potential, Hoshino Wilm was in a league of her own. According to the “app reincarnation” analysis, her aptitude for turf, front-running, and long-distance were all ranked S, her base stats were exceptionally high, and—this might fall into a different category altogether—she even possessed multiple special condition traits.

To put it bluntly, she won because she was destined to win. With overwhelming talent, she rampaged through the Twinkle Series exactly as you’d expect.

All I could really do as her trainer was manage her—making sure there were no accidents and no wasted effort in training. Well, that is the trainer’s job, I suppose…

…Though, come to think of it, maybe not everything about her is special.

Setting her physical abilities aside, her mental strength is fairly average… no, perhaps a little more mature than average, but still well within the margin of error. Nothing extraordinary.

In that sense, you could say she isn’t a “special” Uma Musume like Symboli Rudolf, whose physical and mental abilities both verge on the transcendent.

……Still, it’s hard to think of her as a “normal” Uma Musume. A normal one wouldn’t draw people in like this.

"Because someone as ordinary as me was able to win, all of you surely have your own chance as well. If you choose the trainer who suits you and find the running style that fits you, anyone can shine in this world. I think that’s something truly wonderful."

It sounds like a platitude, but…

Watching Nature and Daisangen makes it hard to dismiss it as a lie.

Come to think of it, that was true in the app in my previous life as well. Uma Musume leap lightly beyond closed destinies. Words like “limits” and “common sense” mean nothing before these strange beings.

That’s why it’s entirely possible that among this year’s new students, someone like that will emerge.

"Surely, many hardships await you. There may be times when running—when winning—feels so painful that you want to give up. Even so… carry many wishes on your backs, run with all your strength, and believe in the results that await you at the end of that run. And someday, let’s have the most enjoyable race imaginable—together with me!"

…Wait, that’s the punchline? That’s where you land this, Hoshino Wilm?

It’s a nice conclusion, sure, but isn’t that basically, “I want to have fun races, so do your best and catch up to me!”—one hundred percent selfish desire?

If you frame it as, “There’s no way an undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume would openly express something so self-serving,” it sounds like playful encouragement to the new students…

But among the trainers watching with impressed expressions, only Masa and I grasp the truth and wear wry smiles at her unrestrained nature.

…Yeah. She really wouldn’t be suited to being student council president.

Binding her to a stiff, formal position and stealing her wishes wouldn’t sit right with me. Sorry, Rudolf, but you’ll have to keep doing your best in the student council room for a while longer.

"That concludes the address from the student representative. Thank you very much for your attention."

"Trainer! How was it—my speech?"

Right after leaving the gymnasium, beside the shoe lockers, the moment the entrance ceremony ended, Hoshino Wilm came flying over to me, asking with a beaming smile.

If I had to judge whether it was good or bad… well, I’d say it was “good.” With speeches, content aside, if it sounds good, it passes. In that sense, while her address had a slightly childish edge, it was more than solid enough.

"Yeah, it was good. …Though I do wonder about cramming your personal desires in at the very end."

"Uh—well, I mean, I thought being that frank might make for a nice contrast with President Rudolf’s speech earlier…"

"That judgment was correct. Which is why, as I said before, your speech was good. …Masa and I did have to work pretty hard to keep from laughing, though."

"Ahh…"

Wilm gave a wry smile and, just a little, looked dejected.

Oops. Maybe I pushed her a bit too hard. I only meant it as a mild comment… yeah, I really should make sure to properly praise the good parts.

"…No, sorry. That was me being a bit mean. I really do think you did a great job. Good work, Hoshino Wilm."

As I said that and lightly patted her on the head…

Wilm scrunched her face into a goofy grin and flashed a peace sign.

"Hehe… yes, I did my best. V."

…Yeah. That smile.

Not the polished, carefully crafted smile she wore while standing at the podium… but the one she makes naturally—slightly awkward, not particularly well-shaped.

This one feels more like her. And whatever people in general might think, I personally like it better.

The only regret is that it’s probably an expression the general public will never get to see…

……?

Wait. A regret?

Not being able to share her charm with the world should be something to regret, right?

So why am I… a little happy about that?

Just then—

"Hoshino Wilm-senpai! …A-and her trainer, too?!"

Several Uma Musume came running over from the direction of the gymnasium.

…Judging by their brand-new uniforms and the buoyant air around them, they must be this year’s new students.

Faced with the star Uma Musume Hoshino Wilm, they squealed with fresh-faced excitement and quickly surrounded her—and me as well.

"W-wow, it really is Hoshino Wilm-senpai! She’s real!"

"Um—uh! I’ve been cheering for you since the Satsuki Sho!"

"She’s really tiny…! Even smaller than me!"

Bombarded by the juniors’ high-pitched voices, Wilm instantly switched expressions and responded with practiced ease.

"Ahaha, thank you. You all do your best from here on out—I’ll be cheering for you."

…And meanwhile.

They started talking to me, too.

"If Mihono Bourbon wins the Triple Crown, that means you’ll have consecutive Triple Crown trainees, right?! That’s amazing!"

"Um, excuse me! Would you consider signing a contract with me?! I can run pretty well!"

"I’ve seen photos, but wow… he really is handsome…"

…Whoa.

I mean, how do I put this… that’s surprising.

It’s only natural that Hoshino Wilm would be fawned over as a star. She’s a reigning five-crown Uma Musume, after all—her running alone is enough to captivate fans across Japan.

On top of that, while she had a somewhat cold image early on, these days she handles fan service, entertainment, and seriousness—whatever’s needed—with ease. She more than has the charm of an idol.

And according to a magazine I read recently, there are even rumors that she’s kind to close juniors and people she’s familiar with.

Being surrounded by new students who will soon be her juniors makes perfect sense.

…But.

I never expected to get dragged into it myself.

It was true that my reputation within the community had been rising—I’d noticed that much. Even if the reality was that it stemmed from Hoshino Wilm’s talent, the fact remained that I was the trainer who led his first trainee to a Triple Crown.

Like people idolizing an easy-to-understand symbol, I was receiving far more praise than I probably deserved.

Of course, from the public’s point of view, the stars of racing are the Uma Musume.

But for new students, what matters even more than the senior Uma Musume who run is the trainer they’ll sign a contract with.

So maybe they’ve been gathering evaluations and rumors circulating within those circles.

…Come to think of it, the two Uma Musume I’ve contracted with are Hoshino Wilm and Mihono Bourbon—hardly what you’d call “typical” trainees.

On top of that, I met Wilm by chance late at night and signed her then, and Bourbon was a reverse scout long after the normal scouting period had already passed.

Maybe being approached like this is actually the normal path for ordinary Uma Musume.

…That said, it’s a bit regrettable that I can’t accept those reverse scouts.

"Sorry, but I’m not planning to take on any new trainees this year. I’m still very much a rookie, after all."

After politely declining the girl who had tried to scout me, I glanced at Wilm.

The entrance ceremony seemed to be over, and if we stayed any longer, more new students would likely show up.

There’s an unspoken rule at Tracen Academy that excessively monopolizing Uma Musume is bad manners—but there’s no way the new students would know that yet…

It would be smartest to make our exit quickly.

Wilm had already started gently deflecting the new students, her posture shifting to clearly signal that she was about to leave.

…Alright. Time to make a break for it.

"Well then, sorry, but we’ll be taking our leave here."

"Ah—wait! The contract…!"

I really did feel bad for the girl who was still trying to press the issue, but taking on more trainees than Wilm and Bourbon was, at present, physically impossible. Right now, Masa was helping out as a sub-trainer, and maybe in another year it would become realistic to add more, but for this year, she would have to accept that it simply wasn’t meant to be.

To avoid the first-years chasing after us, we ducked into the trainer’s office for the time being, and Wilm and I let out tired sighs in unison.

"…Whew. They were more persistent than I expected."

"Well, I imagine they want to get acquainted with someone famous… and more than that, having a good trainer puts them at ease, doesn’t it? From that perspective, there aren’t many trainers who can compare to you, Ayumu-san."

"I don’t know about that… I think there are plenty of others."

"The fact that you genuinely mean that is very you, Ayumu-san. Guiding your very first trainee to a Triple Crown—that’s practically unprecedented, you know?"

"That’s because it was you."

"So th-that means… us… um, our compatibility is amazing? Like that?"

"No, I’m saying your talent is incredible. …Hey, don’t sulk. I do think we’re a good match."

For a split second, Wilm looked genuinely annoyed, but at my follow-up, her expression instantly softened into a smile.

Truth be told, I think our compatibility is pretty good. Maybe not head and shoulders above everyone else, but certainly well above average. Otherwise, our relationship would have soured at some point along the way. …Well, it almost did after the Derby—or so it feels in hindsight—but since we managed to patch things up afterward, I’ll call that a win.

Ever since then, Wilm has said things like, "You’re the only trainer for me," more times than I can count… and honestly, even though I feel a bit bad toward Bourbon, when I think of my trainee, Hoshino Wilm is the one who comes to mind first. I don’t know if that’s strictly appropriate for a trainer, but there’s no doubt we’ve built a close bond.

In that sense, our personalities mesh well. Being beside her never feels unpleasant… if anything, it feels comfortable.

"…I’m glad you were my first trainee."

"Huh? W-wait, what? That’s so sudden."

"No, it’s just… I feel like you’ve been supporting me this whole past two years. Honestly, I think that if you hadn’t been my first trainee, I might not have made it this far."

…That’s right. I see Hoshino Wilm as someone special. Since that Takarazuka Kinen—or maybe even earlier than that—I’d come to love her running, and her herself.

Because it’s for her that I can keep pushing forward. I can swallow a bit of recklessness, a bit of strain, and still want to do my best—no, feel like I want to do my best. In that sense, I’ve been relying on her all along. I just hope I can repay even a fraction of that.

"Once again, thank you for being with me all this time, Hoshino Wilm."

"Hey, that’s… ngh—hm."

Blushing as she tried to say something, Wilm cleared her throat, then sat down on the sofa and murmured,

"That’s my line. I’m the one who’s been supported by you this whole time, Trainer. Even earlier, I was a little nervous, wondering if one of the first-years might snatch you away… …So thank you as well, for everything up until now. And please take care of me from here on out, too."

As she looked straight into my eyes—clearly embarrassed, but sincere—

I muttered quietly,

"You were nervous?"

"That’s what you’re focusing on!? That was a pretty serious scene just now! I mean, yes, I was nervous… but that’s not the point! That’s not the point at all!!"