Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Unspecified Amount of Years in the Past

I must’ve been dozing off by the big tree near my old house one lazy afternoon, the faint sunlight breaking through the branches and settling warmly across my legs. It had always been my habit to close my eyes after lunch, drifting half-asleep while listening to the cicadas and waiting for the inevitable. Because I knew it was only a matter of time before a certain someone would come bounding along, full of energy, and drag me into her world like she always did.

“...-kun...”

What the hell..?

“Wa-kun~!!”

“Gyah—!” A high-pitched voice pierced through my half-dream, jolting me awake so hard that I nearly cracked the back of my head on the tree trunk. I sat up, rubbing my temples. “Geez, Yayoi! Any louder and my head would’ve split open...”

The girl in front of me—her short orange hair glowing in the sunlight—pressed her fingers to her lips and giggled sheepishly, sticking out her tongue in that usual playful way. But I could see it: the faint crease in her brow, the way her eyes darted away for a moment. She felt bad for startling me again.

“Ehehe, sorry about that!” she said quickly, then leaned forward, too close for comfort, her eyes sparkling like sapphires, startling me in the process. “But I just couldn’t stop thinking about how cool that race was yesterday!! I’m sure you feel the same way, right, Wa-kun?!”

I hesitated. Sure, it was exciting. But I wasn’t even half as passionate as she was. Still, the memory lingered with me: the Nakayama Racecourse alive with thunderous cheers, the wind slicing across the stands, and the blur of tall, human-like figures sprinting with such force and grace that they almost disappeared from sight. The crowd’s excitement felt like it could lift the whole stadium, and even I couldn’t help but get caught up in it for a moment.

Yayoi, of course, when it came to Umamusume, lived for moments like that. After rambling on with boundless energy, she suddenly darted a few steps away, only to stop and assume a pose that was so very “her”—or at least, the “her” I remembered from the past. A hand tucked neatly behind her back, her small frame straightened proudly as she gazed at the wide horizon, the sun haloing the brim of her hat, and holding a fan she always had on her like a lucky charm. For a second, she looked taller, older, like she was ahead of me, in a way.

“I love Umamusume lots,” she declared, her voice bright and unwavering. “That’s why I want to support them with all I can! I’ll grow up to be someone that they can depend on!” Then she tilted her head back toward me, her smile wide and full of promise. “Don’t you think that’s a wonderful dream, Wa-kun??”

Seriously, where did she get that bravado from? It’s something that, for the life of me, I’ll never understand.

Those words— Umamusume . Support . Dream —echoed in me longer than I expected. In fact, the memory of the race itself blurred with time, until it was nothing more than fragments of cheering, wind, and motion. But Yayoi’s words stayed sharp. They pressed into me like an invisible weight, following me through the days that came after.

Maybe it was because of her rather “infectious enthusiasm”, or maybe because some part of me wanted to understand her world out of sheer curiosity (lest I get my ear talked off), but I began learning more about the very thing she loved so much. Between classes, between naps, I read and studied about Umamusume, about the training that molded them into what they were. At first, I told myself it was just idle curiosity, but before long, I was spending hours on it. My parents noticed—strangely, they didn’t disapprove, even when it ate into my schoolwork.

Years passed that way. Little by little, I found myself walking a path I never imagined: a crash course in the basics of becoming an Umamusume trainer. For some reason, they were willing to accept a kid like me into the institution my parents and Yayoi recommended to me; with me vividly remembering the headmaster saying that she saw my potential, except I wasn’t nearly as prepared as the others around me; not even close. They were older, sharper, and carried themselves with the kind of confidence I couldn’t fake. Me? I was just a kid who had stumbled too far into something he thought he barely understood. Not to mention that way before this, I felt rather apathetic in general.

The academy was relentless. Every day felt like being thrown into a current that pulled me deeper than I could swim. At first, I tried to keep up, tried to convince myself I could manage. But each failure piled on the last, and each comparison to the “real” trainers chipped away at me. Eventually, I felt like I snapped.

I stopped going through the motions. I stayed in bed, telling my dormmates I was sick when they asked. In truth, I just couldn’t face the weight of it anymore. My body lay still, but my mind circled endlessly around a single question I had no real answer for:

Why was I even here?

A Week Ago

That’s kind of where I was at. I did eventually had to go back to attending classes and practice sessions and the like, else I’d get an earful, but I didn’t feel like giving it my all in the slightest. I’ll admit, someone as cheerful as Yayoi would’ve been nice to have around to lift my spirits a bit. But oddly enough, I hadn’t seen her much since before I entered the academy. I didn’t take it as a bad sign. She had her own dream to chase, and I had mine, however uncertain it felt.

One afternoon, as I was finishing a lukewarm lunch at the dorm, a knock came at my door. One of my dormmates stood there holding a neat, blue-patterned envelope with my name written on it in careful strokes.

“From the headmaster,” he explained, handing it over before leaving me to read in peace.

I stared at it for a moment, then carefully tore it open. Inside was a letter on what I will say is rather crisp stationery:

Dear Tsukumo Wataru,

Warm greetings from Tracen Academy!

We are pleased to invite you to join our institution as a member of the faculty. While we acknowledge your age, we also recognize the unique perspective and potential you bring. We would be glad to meet with you personally to discuss your teaching approach, the values that guide your work, your vision for the profession, and the ways you can enrich our academy.

We sincerely apologize for the sudden nature of this invitation. The Chairwoman has personally requested that we reach out to you, stating her confidence in your abilities. Despite the abruptness, we are very hopeful that you will consider this opportunity to share your expertise and help us nurture the next generation of Umamusume.

Should you be interested, please reach out through your headmaster. We look forward to meeting you and continuing this conversation.

With sincere appreciation,
Hayakawa Tazuna
Academy Secretary, Tracen Academy

“Tracen Academy…?” I muttered, eyes narrowing at the letter again.

“Yes, that’s right.”

I looked up at the headmaster in front of me in her office, a pamphlet in her hands. She walked in and placed it gently on my desk, her expression warm.

“The Chairwoman mentioned you by name,” she continued. “We talked for a while, she said she remembers you—and that she believes in your promise as a Trainer.”

I glanced down at the pamphlet, then back at her. My thoughts tangled between disbelief and a faint, stubborn doubt.

I’ve heard murmurs about this specific academy, where it was very difficult for even Umamusume to get in, let alone aspiring trainers. But them seeking me out specifically? Especially considering my age? Are they mad?

The headmaster’s voice softened. “Wataru, I know you’ve struggled. I’ve seen how hard you’ve tried, and I’ve seen the weight it’s put on you. But please don’t mistake hardship for failure. Struggle is part of growing, and you don’t have to carry it alone.”

She paused, giving me a small, reassuring smile. “This invitation isn’t just about what you’ve already done—it’s about what you can do. The Chairwoman sees potential in you, and so do I. And if you decide to take this step, I’ll support you every way I can. No student of mine, past or present, should ever feel like they’re walking this path without someone beside them.”

Her words lingered, settling heavier in my chest than the letter itself.

Do I take this opportunity?

Present Day

And now here I am, standing at the gates of Tracen Academy. The campus hums with energy—Umamusume coming and going, their footsteps quick, their voices bright. I tightened my grip on the letter that had brought me here, still half-wondering if this was all some elaborate mistake.

The process to get here had been straightforward enough: applications, interviews, formalities. Secretary Hayakawa handled everything with her usual calm but cheery efficiency, but the Chairwoman herself never once appeared. I didn’t press the matter—figured answers would come when they came. Surprisingly, I never had to take the “central exams” I heard faint murmurs about.

As I stepped past the entrance, passing the fountain square on the way, the main doors slowly slid open. A voice rang out, loud and carefree:

“Ha ha ha ha! I’ve been expecting you, Wa-kun! Glad to see you actually accepted!”

I halted in my tracks. I haven’t heard that nickname in a long time.

Then, with a theatrical flick of her ever-present fan with the word “Director” written on it, she lowered it just enough to reveal her face.

“Long time no see!!”

My thoughts short-circuited.

Orange hair. That same grin. That same unstoppable energy.

Yayoi. Yayoi Akikawa. “Director”??

It couldn’t be. My old headmaster’s words—the invitation, the confidence, the Chairwoman—it all lined up, but the conclusion was almost—no, completely impossible. She wasn’t even older than me, hell, she was younger. There was no universe where she of all people could be standing here, dressed like a fancy woman, speaking with the authority of someone that’s in a top spot

I felt my eyes widen. The more I thought about it, the more absurd it became.

The only thought I could cling to, half-panicked, half-desperate—

How in the hell did she end up climbing the ranks all the way here?!

Chapter Text

“Long time no see!!”

I froze for what felt like forever at that point. I legitimately could not believe what I was seeing. I also probably felt like a weirdo in front of the crowd of students passing me by as this all went down. But I couldn’t move in the shock.

Then— thwack!

“Gah—!!” Something smacked me right in the side of the head. Pain flared, snapping me out of my trance, which wasn’t like me at all.

“Whoops! You good?” A silver-haired girl that’s not that much taller than me runs over to pick up the dodgeball she just threw. I rubbed the spot where it hit, groaning. “Don’t worry about it,” I said with an exasperated tone. Wonderful. First I’m seeing ghosts from my past, now I’m getting assaulted by rogue sports equipment.

Then the bell rang. Figured, since it’s still pretty early, around 8 AM. The girl’s ear twitched as the sound reached her. She groaned in annoyance. “Uggghhhh, dang it! Late again!!” She didn’t hesitate to rush further inside the campus. Not even a proper apology, but I was too apathetic to care.

When I looked back in front, she was still there. Fan in hand. Same smug grin plastered across her face.

…Yeah, okay. Not a dream. Not a hallucination. Definitely happening. Which somehow made it even worse.

It didn’t take long before Dire— Yayoi decided to give me a general tour of the place, and by the gods, I knew the school grounds were massive, but it only really hit me when I went inside the main area. We went to see the cafeteria, the gym, the fields, and all that stuff. I even got to see some of the student dorms. I figured they were normally off-limits when I saw their leaders walk close to us on watch when she was guiding me around, not like any of that mattered since I didn’t feel a need to head there any time soon. I did take multiple mental notes, though. I also visited the trainer and faculty dorms as well for our last stop as I stored my things in my room.

The tour sort of ended there, as I could easily just explore most of the place on my own anyways. There was one more stop before my time here would officially start, though; heading over to the student council’s office.

“Hm-hmm! It seems we’re approaching the end of your tour!” She proceeds to widen her fan. “Before we properly conclude, I trust that you may have some questions about our operations or being a proper trainer?” 

I proceed to wave away the offer. “Actually, no, I think I got pretty much the basics down.” That, and they also gave me a journal to use, which I can easily port some of my old notes over to it. Yayoi let out a hearty laugh and (playfully?) smacked my arm with her fan. “Just what I expected from my old friend!”

Then, we finally made it. I pushed the door open with her trailing just a step behind me. The faint scent of paper, markers, and instant coffee lingered in the air, and my dress shoes gave a sharp squeak against the polished floor. The room was empty except for one figure—seated at her post with a book resting in her hands. As we drew closer, the elegantly dressed woman slipped a bookmark into place, set the book down, and with a warm smile greeted me, “I’ve been expecting you.” As I learned prior, this one was none other than the student council president, Symboli Rudolf.

After all the introductions and pleasantries were said and done, the room fell into a brief silence. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, unsure if I should speak first or wait for her to take the lead.

The president pulled a file from her drawer, and I caught a quick glimpse of a photo of me clipped to the front—probably my application form. She skimmed over the details for a moment before lifting her eyes back to me. I straightened my posture, doing my best to look professional.

“Hehe. The Director was right about you.”

Ah. I see.

I glanced over at Yayoi beside me. She looked back at me, giving me a confident wink.

Miss Rudolf continues. “While we do acknowledge your age, along with your previous school and your parents allowing it, I think having young Trainers is a fresh experience—though don’t blame me if the students start thinking of you as their classmate instead of their teacher.” Her words eased my tension, and I couldn’t help but let out a short chuckle.

“Ha… I’ll try to keep my cover intact,” I said, forcing a more professional smile back on my face.

She gave a graceful laugh, more like a practiced melody than a slip of humor, though my instincts doubt it. “Good, good! We’re on equal terms.” She once more digs into her files, and hands me one big envelope, simply saying “Team Orion” . “If possible, we’d like you to start tomorrow. Me and the Director have arranged for you specific racers to train in a team of five.” A Team, huh? I guess we’re already starting off strong.

“And one more thing.” She hands me something wrapped around a lanyard. When I unraveled it, it was my official Tracen Academy trainer’s license. “Welcome aboard, Tsukumo-kun.” I looked back to Yayoi, and she gave me a smile reminiscent of the kind she used to have back when we were super young.

I finally had time alone for myself as I settled into my dorm for a while. I stare down the name of the folder. Team Orion…

Oh right, I forgot I’m required to train a team of Umas here. 

I open up the envelope, and inside are five folders with a picture of an Umamusume attached to the front cover, along with their names printed on them. I then proceeded to lay every single one down in front of me on my desk.

From left to right—

ONE: Sakura Bakushin O (on the far left)

TWO: Rice Shower (middle-left)

THREE: Nice Nature (in the middle)

FOUR: Gold Ship (middle-right)

FIVE: Mayano Top Gun (on the far-right)

Judging by the names, I can tell they’re gonna be quite the characters.

*rumble*

Already…? I check the time. What do you mean it’s already 12 PM???

I guess it made sense... the campus IS pretty big. Ugh, forget it, I’ll check these out later.

I stack the folders on top of each other and leave my dorm. As I do, I spot a girl with long ears and messy hair in a red tracksuit leaving the student council room in a brisk jog. Hmm.

Chapter Text

The girl I saw slowly vanished from my vision as she exited the staff dorm. I decided that was my cue to leave as well.

I could feel she was a little on edge… Don’t wanna be a bother.

I decided to put on my earphones and went on my way. I took about 10 steps out of the building before I suddenly felt the wind kick up around me and I decided to move my head up.

It kinda sounds straight out of a slice of life anime. Maybe it’s because all the stress from the past few weeks had been taking a toll on me, but for once, and I hope I’m not wrong…

I think everything will be alright.

…

“…shin bakushin bakushin!”

…What?

“Bakushin bakushin bakushin!”

The sound was getting louder. It’s coming from… around the corner of the building?

“Bakushin! Bakushin!”

I peek over and—

“Bakushin- SHIN–!!”

I couldn’t see it, but I felt the girl hit my arm, though I only got knocked back just a bit. I knew they were this strong, but… why doesn’t my arm hurt much at all…—

“Amazing!”

…Huh?

I tilt my head up, and two eyes radiating with sakura petals meet mine, which I  was surprised I was able to make out with my currently blurry vision.

“I’ve never met a human who could withstand my speed!”

I didn't say anything in that moment. I don’t even think I was able to. It’s just like way back then, when I get so into training that I end up losing full control of my body for a bit and get tired afterwards. Is this what's happening to me again…?

“Uhhh…. Hello! Earth to trainer??”

“Trainer”... Oh, then she must be one of them.

I furiously shake my head, snapping out of my trance. It’s not like I have time to reflect right now anyway, I’ll look like an idiot.

“Y-Yes?”

  Her face lights up, but she tries to compose herself, clearing her throat.

“Ahem! Apologies for colliding into you! In my pursuit of full speed, I… seem to have lost my way!”

“N-No, no, it's fine… You’re lucky it was someone that was able to handle it.” I couldn't help but let out a sigh, now that that’s addressed. “But anyways, what exactly did you need from the staff office?”

The girl paused for a sec, looking a little spacey, which, to be honest, was slightly amusing. But then, I notice her eyes trail downward.

“I COMPLETELY FORGOT!!!!”

It’s like my earphones don’t exist with how I hear it right now.

I also look down to see some scattered paperwork. How I didn’t register that until now, I have no idea. But I help her pick them all up.

“Here’s the last of them.”

A big smile forms on her face as she thanks me for the assist, bowing in a 45-degree angle.

“I’ll be off now!” She practically zooms past me in a rush. Well. Hope she gets those documents delivered.

Thankfully, I did manage to make it to the cafeteria. It was pretty busy, all things considered. Though as I sat there on a small table, slowly eating some egg fried rice, I realized it was a bit too noisy for me to be alone with my thoughts. Which was good, I didn’t need more things to overthink about.

I was about 5 bites away from finishing my bowl when I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I looked at the caller ID.

+81 90 15XX XXXX

It was from a number I didn’t recognize. It could’ve been from the staff, but it was weird they wouldn’t try to text at least. Made sure to also not give out my number all haphazardly to sketchy folks, so it couldn’t be one of those types of people.

I could either swipe on the green circle with a telephone handset icon to answer, or I could just ignore it. But, out of curiosity, I decided to answer.

“Hello?”

“Sorry for calling all of a sudden.”

Eh? That voice…

“Isn’t this…?”

The other one on the line chuckled in a soft tone.

“Always so observant. That’s the Wa-kun I remember.” 

“Yayoi…?” I hesitated a bit before continuing. She sounded different, yet familiar. She didn’t sound like this just a few hours ago. “Hey, you kinda sound different.”

“Ehe, it’s a bit of a long story, which I can explain. I also have some extra documents for you. If you don’t mind, come meet me in one of the staff rooms. Think of it as two old friends catching up after a few years.”

Doesn’t exactly explain a lot right now, but I’ll humor her this time.

“In a few minutes. I’m still having lunch.”

“Alright, then. Tazuna will guide you when you get there.”

*beep*

Like she said, the secretary Tazuna would be there. She escorted me to one of the dorms, on one of the farther ends. Once we arrived, she knocked on the door, and urged me to go inside.

“Hello?”

Orange-colored ears flick as soon as I close the door, and a tuxedo cat jumps on to the table she’s sitting at, looking at me. Then she turns to me with a smile.

“It really has been a while, hasn’t it?”

I can’t remember exactly the last time I’ve seen her take off her hat, that memory is vague personally. But I’m aware it did happen. What exactly could’ve prompted her to do so now, but I have a feeling it’s not something she wants to show.

I settle myself across from her (there were only two seats anyways) and she pours me some tea.

“As promised, here’s some of the extra documents that came in a bit late.” She hands me a tiny stack of papers stuck in a brown folder, labeled “Team Info”. I gave her my thanks as I properly secured the folder on my person.

Silence fell for a few seconds.

Yayoi sips on her cup and continues the conversation.

“You asked why I feel different from earlier, right?”

I nod, also taking a sip of my tea.

“Eheh… Remember the kind of energy I had when we were younger?”

I put down the cup.

“...Go on.”

“But... when it’s just us, well... you don’t need the performance, do you?" She chuckled, noting that she could tell the energy wasn't clicking with me. Then she continued. I just kept listening.

"It can be pretty exhausting, you know? It takes so much energy to be 'on,' to keep up the act. And there’s something nice about being still... Being quiet. Just... being me, without the pressure. And the weird ideas.”

I’m not entirely sure what she meant by “weird ideas”, though it might not take long to find out.

"You get that, right? It’s not that I don’t like it. I do! But... I think people forget. When you’re constantly giving out, there’s not much room left to take anything in. Not to mention...”

The cat from earlier hops onto her lap as she finishes her tea. She starts to pet it in her arms.

“I’ve got a lot of thoughts. Big ones, small ones, all kinds. And sometimes, the noise—the excitement, the chaos, the... jazz of it all—can drown out the quieter stuff. You know? I don’t always have the right words for it in front of everyone, even with all that bravado. But with you? I don’t need to shout. You see me for who I really am. I trust you to... listen to the quieter parts, too. The parts I can’t always say when I’m Tracen Academy’s Director.”

The cat happily meows as she finishes her train of thought.

"After all, you're the one person I can call a big brother."

I took a moment to absorb all the information. By then, I finish the last of my tea as well.

“...Hm. You know, I did kind of miss the energy you’d bring. Like a little brat who’s fun to be around.”

“Pfff, c’mon, is that really what you think of me??”

I let out a cheeky smirk as best I can. “Take a guess.”

Just as quickly though, my smile drops, and my eyes travel down towards the table.

“Seriously though, the feeling is mutual. But, yeah, I know you’re already aware of my… issues. What didn’t help is the monotony and tedium of before, despite somehow passable results. So, when you guys contacted me with the offer, I wasn’t sure I wanted to take it. Now? All I hope is that everything works out. I know I’m not the best, but I’d like to see where this goes with everyone’s help.”

Not a word left from her mouth for what felt like a long time. I hear the movement of a chair, and a few soft footsteps come towards my side.

I turn to face her—

…

“It’s quite rare for you to let out your feelings like this, am I right?”

…She’s not wrong. Unfortunately.

“Nevertheless, I’m glad I was able to see you again.”

That actually got me to smile. I decided to return the embrace she just tangled me with.

“...Me too.”

Her fan unfurls with a quick whoosh of air, followed by a sharp snap as the spokes lock into place.

“Right!! It’s time I send you on your way!”

…And as soon as she puts on the hat, and the cat lays on top, she’s back to her high-energy Director mode.

She tells me the folder contains the necessary info on my assigned team. Their individual folders were for more personal info along with their present conditions and previous race history, as I was made aware. This contains the things actually related to their training: proposed schedules, diet plans, the works, as well as logs from their previous trainer, who left their position some time ago.

“Ahem!! Let’s just say the previous one wasn’t up to it…”

She reaffirmed to me something I already kinda figured, “They are quite skilled. Do not underestimate their abilities!”

“Right… noted.”

“Good! Then I assume you need no further elaborations?”

I shake my head.

“Ah yes, one more thing!”

With a flick of her wrist, her fan closes with a snap.

She says confidently with a wink, “Get along with them, okay~??”

I couldn’t help but sigh in amusement. I turn away, smirking a little and respond—

“I’ll do my best.”

Thanks for giving me the push. I won’t let anyone down.