Phew, today's work is nearly done. Air Groove and Narita Brian have been pulling their weight. Without them, this student council would collapse. Especially Air Groove—she's indispensable. Truly my right hand.
"President, today's tasks are complete. What's next?" Air Groove asked.
"Hmm, no urgent matters ahead. Perhaps it's time for a rare break. Rest is necessary sometimes," I replied.
"…You're one to talk," Narita Brian muttered.
"Brian," Air Groove chided.
I chuckled. "It's fine. But… 'That rumored trainer is watching Rice Shower and Miho no Bourbon's runs at the track!'"
"What, really!? Why those two?"
"No clue, but he's checking Bourbon next!"
"Seriously!? We gotta see this!"
"It seems Trainer Hikigaya is up to something intriguing. I'll go take a look," I said.
"President, I'm curious too. May I join?" Air Groove asked.
"I'm curious as well. I'll just tag along," Narita Brian added.
"Then let's go," I said.
Symboli Rudolf Side Out
"Alright, Bourbon, you're up. Based on yesterday's run, you're built for sprints. No idea why you're tackling miles, but I'll give you some form tweaks for now. Figure out your sprint timing yourself," I said.
"Understood," Bourbon replied.
"Good. Let's start with form…"
I shared my mile-running know-how with her. Now it's up to her to execute. Yesterday's race was a bust, but this might make a difference. We'll see.
"I'll prepare," Bourbon said.
"Got it. Rice, can you signal the start? Just raise and lower your hand."
"Okay, Big Bro!" Rice chirped.
…Such a sweet, honest kid.
"One, two… R-Ready… Go!" Rice stammered, blushing.
I told her to just raise and lower her hand.
Still, Bourbon launched well. She's pushing the pace hard but eased off a bit. Planning to lead, huh? Still too fast, though.
Loading Trainer's instructions… Complete. Executing, Bourbon thought.
"Looks like she got what I said. Now for the straight. Hope she doesn't burn out," I muttered.
"Huff… huff… huff…" Bourbon panted.
"Good work. Better than yesterday," I said.
"Hah… Yes. Thanks to you, Trainer. How was it?" she asked.
"That run? You could aim for 1800 meters. Gradually stretch your distance, and you'll expand your range."
"Really?" Her eyes lit up.
"Yeah, but it'll mean a brutal hill-heavy menu. Tougher than standard training. Extending your range is a steep road."
"You know now you can handle a mile decently. Your old runs had issues—fixing them opens doors."
"Saving Trainer's words," Bourbon said.
Why save that? I didn't say anything profound.
"Whatever. Both of you, cool down. You went all-out, so stretch thoroughly," I said.
"Understood. Let's go, Rice," Bourbon said.
Phew. They're rough around the edges, but they've got potential. Rice might be limited early on, but she'll shine in longer races. Bourbon'll struggle to broaden her range, but if she nails it, classic distances aren't a dream.
"Man, how'd I end up here… Wait, what the hell?" I muttered.
I turned to see a crowd of Uma Musume and trainers watching from a distance, like I'm some zoo exhibit. Seriously? I thought the track was quiet, but this?
"Hey, you're working hard," Symboli Rudolf said.
"You were watching?" I asked.
"Students were talking about you, so I got curious," she replied. "But really, you won't watch our runs?"
"Saw them yesterday."
"That was with others. Don't you want a closer look?" Air Groove pressed.
"Nope. Unless you're my trainee, I don't need to. One look's enough for me."
"Why?" Narita Brian asked.
"Who knows? Want to find out? Earn a spot as my trainee. I know it's not my place to say."
"Normally, yes," Rudolf said. "But we've asked you to train us. So we'll just have to prove ourselves."
I strode over. "Bourbon, that left leg—when did it start?"
"After the run. It's minor, so I didn't think it needed reporting—" She flinched as I cut in.
"What are you thinking!?" I snapped. "It's minor now, but that mindset leads to serious injury! So many Uma Musume have fallen to that! You want to be sidelined before your debut?"
"…Sorry, I got heated. Let me check it. No complaining about being touched."
It's a slight limp, thank god. Post-race, too—lucky break.
"For now, I'll tape it. No running for a week. No jogging, either. Stick to strength training, but nothing stressing your leg. Got it?"
"Order received. Deemed a strict directive from Trainer," Bourbon said.
I finished the first aid. "Get it checked at the hospital. Today's too late, but tomorrow should work. I'll make the call."
"…Understood," Bourbon said.
She looks down. Maybe I was too harsh? They're still middle or high schoolers. That tone might've been too much.
Ugh, no choice. Gotta do it.
"Hey," I said, placing a hand on her head. "Sorry for yelling. My delivery sucked, but injuries are serious for Uma Musume. I need you to get that."
"Look, just be careful, alright?"
"Status [Relief] confirmed. Trainer's hand is calming and reassuring," Bourbon said.
I'm just resting my hand on her head.
"Alright, you two, change and head back to the dorms. Rice, sorry, but keep an eye on Bourbon. I doubt she'll push it, but just in case."
For now, crisis averted.
"You noticed during her run?" Air Groove asked.
"Yeah. She was leaning forward slightly. If I missed that, I wouldn't be a trainer," I said.
"Your observation skills are impressive. Spotting it in one glance," she said.
"Like I said—one look's enough."
"Because you memorize an Uma Musume's gait and form in one go?" Rudolf guessed.
"Pretty much. I was slow to catch this one, though."
"So you've seen our movements, too. Any slight change would tip you off," Narita Brian said.
"Yeah. What I told Bourbon wasn't just for her—it's for you, and every Uma Musume here. Otherwise, thinking 'it's just a little pain' could end your time on the turf or dirt."
"Your words carry weight," Rudolf said. "We'll be cautious. It's a lesson: carelessness invites disaster. Hasty thinking is forbidden."
"Yes, President," Air Groove said.
"Yeah…" Narita Brian agreed.
If they take it seriously, trainers can rest easy. Ignoring injuries is the worst-case scenario.
"It's just what a trainer does," I said.