Archive of Our Own ^beta

This is Tracen Academy, Japan's largest and finest instructional center for Umamusume.  It's a bright and sunny afternoon. The birds are singing, and the curtains to my office are open to allow the natural sunlight in.  On a track in the distance, many Umamusume can be seen.  Some are jogging, some are talking with their friends, and all are surely focused on the upcoming tryout races.

It's the start of a new year, and the newly enrolled students are eager to make their impacts on the racing world.  Every day, they rise bright and early to train.  Whether they prioritize the track, gym, pool, or even library, their drive to win is the same.  This year's upcoming debut class is no different; if anything, they're above average.  The trainers here are eager to scout the new talent, and thankfully, most of them are up to the task.

I stare out the window, towards the track.  Although I'm sitting at a desk stacked with books and loose papers, the sheer energy of what's happening outside is rubbing off on me as well.  Whatever their reasons for racing are, the Umamusume here all love to run.  The dirt on their shoes and clothes is proof of their determination.  I think I've spent too long staring, though; I still have forms to check.

I hear a knock on the door.  The knob turns, and in steps in a woman with brown hair, wearing a round, green hat and a matching green outfit.  With a refined smile, she bows toward me.  "Good afternoon, Genta-san.  Is everything going well?"

I quickly stand up from my seat and bow in response.  "Hayakawa-san, good afternoon.  I'm sorry that I've been staring outside too much, but the paperwork should be done in a few minutes."

"Genta-san, please, I've told you to call me Tazuna.  There is no need to be so stiff and formal with me."

I know that she's told me this before, but I'm still working on it.  At least she seems patient with me.  "I understand, Tazuna-san."

Tazuna smiles and nods.  As I sit back at my desk and resume my paperwork, she walks over to the window.  "This year's debut class is hard at work.  Tryouts will be in two weeks, and everyone at the academy is eager to make the most of them.  It's wonderful to see."

"I agree," I say as I continue sorting papers.  "Their energy is infectious.  Between the students practicing and the trainers carefully researching the candidates, I think this class is poised to be successful."

"I'm glad you think so."  Tazuna smiles at me as she walks over to my desk.  She picks up one stack of finished forms and looks through them.  As she does, I finish the last of my papers.  "Excellent work, Genta-san.  We can post the tryout groups first thing tomorrow.  I'll also look over the requests from the facilities."

"Okay.  There isn't too much out of the ordinary, although the cafeteria is requesting a 5% increase in their supplies."

"Oh my, another increase?"

"Yes.  Apparently it's to account for one new student in particular."  I shudder as I imagine what sort of appetite could overtax a cafeteria for Umamusume, especially one that's already cooking for... that one.  Tazuna seems unfazed.

"Well, the academy does have the funding for it.  We don't need the director using her own pocket money this time."  Tazuna giggles as she recalls Director Akikawa's spending habits.  Though the director's passion for Umamusume is unrivaled, she has the tendency to impulse buy anything that she believes will help the students or trainers.  I truly appreciate her support, although I have to wonder how deep her personal coffers are.

Tazuna brings the papers I worked on to her own desk in our shared office and takes a seat.  Befitting her status as secretary to the director, her desk is much larger and better organized than mine.  She sorts through the papers, stamping some of them as she works.  "Genta-san, I'm curious.  What is your opinion on the trainers here at the academy?"

What's this all of a sudden?  "Well, other than Kasa, I don't really talk with any of them.  That said, just in passing and in their paperwork, I believe most of them are good or great trainers.  The veteran trainers have ample skills and experience, and the rookie trainers have no shortage of knowledge themselves."

"I'm glad to hear that."  She nods as she looks at another form.

"Yeah.  Most importantly, I think, they understand the joy of helping their students find success.  Not everyone necessarily has their priorities straight... but thankfully, most of them do."

There's a long pause in the room.  Looking around, I notice that the light is just starting to turn orange.  The sun is beginning to set.  Finally, I hear a stamp on a sheet of paper, and Tazuna begins speaking again.  "You know, the academy is still looking for more trainers.  This year's class is quite large, and even with the veteran trainers managing teams, I worry that some Umamusume may not get the attention they deserve.  If you are willing, we could--"

"Tazuna-san," I interrupt her, "with all due respect, I don't believe I can fill that role.  I'm not fit to be a trainer.  I don't think I can successfully manage anyone's career."  Another pause.  "I'm sorry that I interrupted you, but I don't think I should do this.  Working as your secretary is already more than I can ask for.  Not to mention... I'm still worried about the academy's image.  I don't think the public will forget after less than a year."

"Genta-san..."  Tazuna gives me a sad look, but she doesn't press the subject further.  "Thank you for your work today.  I'll see you tomorrow."

I bow to her.  "Thank you.  See you tomorrow."

I glance at the name tag on my desk.  "Fujiki Genta, Secretary," it says.  It used to have a different title on it, but I don't think those days will ever return.  I open the door and step out into the hallway.  I think I'll have an early dinner today.

As I step into the academy's cafeteria, I see a familiar young woman with long, loose black hair.  Some strands of her hair have the tips died a dark blue, creating an unusual color pattern.  Her outfit is fairly ordinary for a trainer, although her tie is vibrant with bright green, yellow, and orange.  When she sees me, she waves me over to her table.  "Yo, Genta!  Finished with your paperwork already?"

"Hi Kasa.  Yeah, somehow I finished on time even while being distracted."

This woman is Amemiya Kazusa, a trainer who joined the academy last year.  She likes to be called Kasa.  I'm not really sure why, but shielding people from the rain is a good cause, I suppose.  She's also my only friend here besides maybe Tazuna.  Although she was more than qualified to be a full-fledged trainer back then, she decided to start as an assistant to a veteran trainer instead.  This year, she's stepping up to become a proper trainer and to scout her own trainee.  She stands up from her seat and starts walking towards the food counters.  "Let's get some food, then let's talk."

We each receive a plate of curry with rice, and we take our seats at a table along a wall.  Naturally, nobody else joins us here.  As we eat, I decide to ask her about her work.  "So, did any of the new Umamusume catch your eye?"

"Yeah, too many.  The problem with being shown so many different diamonds is that it's hard to choose just one."  She gives me a tired but undoubtedly happy grin.  "Everyone has their eyes on the best and brightest, of course.  Especially Silence Suzuka.  She's turning heads with her incredible speed.  Taiki Shuttle is also quite popular.  There are even a couple new students from the Mejiro family: Bright and Dober."

All names I've seen before.  One of my duties is to file the students' applications for tryouts.  As part of that process, I get to see their names and running history.  Still, it only gives me a rough idea of their abilities and aptitudes.  I also have to rely on hearsay.  "I've heard this class is quite strong.  The trainers are all excited, and rightfully so."

"I know, right?  Personally, I'd be happy if I ended up with any one of them.  Even the rougher ones have the potential to shine brightly."  We take a few more bites of our food before continuing.  "Actually, some of the students have been asking me for tips, so I've been helping them train.  It feels good to help them, although obviously every Umamusume needs different advice."

I nod.  "I bet it takes a lot of time to observe all of them."

"Yeah, but it's a good opportunity for me to learn about them too.  Ah, how am I gonna choose just one though!?"  She grabs the sides of her head and leans back in confusion.  It's entertaining to see her like this, but I know this is a serious decision for her.

"Well, there's always a chance that an Umamusume will choose you."

"Choose me?"  Kasa scratches her head.  "Why would they choose me?  I'm technically still new to this."

"You're studying their running and handing out advice, aren't you?  If they think your guidance is useful, then they'll definitely want you to train them."

She considers this for a while before smiling.  "Heh, it's like I'm auditioning to them instead."

"Pretty much.  It also helps that you're approachable."

"Good, good.  Yeah, you might be right."  That seems to ease her mind for now.

We focus back on eating our curry.  By now, more staff and Umamusume are filing in here for dinner.  We take our trays and plates to the correct bins, and then we exit the cafeteria.  I try my best to avoid eye contact with the other trainers as I leave.

The sun has just reached the horizon as we step outside.  Kasa leads me to a secluded tree to stand under so we can continue talking.  "Say, Genta, are you okay with this?"

"Okay with what?"

"Watching from the sidelines.  Don't you really want to train any of the new Umamusume?  Even one?"

I take a deep, slow breath.  "Does it matter what I want?"

"Of course it does!"  She looks almost angry at me.  "If you want to train them, you should train them!  Are you really happy just sitting behind a desk all day?"

"I mean, working with Tazuna-san isn't bad.  It turns out there's a lot of important paperwork required for the Umamusume's facilities, and I still get glimpses of who's enrolled and what they're like."

"But are you satisfied with just those glimpses?"

"Well..."  I'm running out of deflections here.

"If you really want to help the students directly, you should be on that track, overseeing their practice, answering questions, and preventing them from being injured!  Did you know that Silence Suzuka almost sprained her ankle already?"

I grimace.  "I didn't know that."  Was it not filed because it was only a near-injury?

Kasa crosses her arms.  "Your reaction says it all.  'Glimpses' aren't enough.  You really should be..."  She sighs, and her expression turns melancholy.  "Look, I haven't forgotten about last year.  I sort of get how you feel, with the press getting involved and all, but...  I really don't think it was your fault.  You're still here, so Tazuna and Director Akikawa have to agree at least a little."

"...Tazuna-san suggested as much today."  I owe it to Tazuna that I'm still here at all.  She genuinely treats me well as her secretary, and I'm happy to contribute what little I can.  That being said, the occasional wary, even angry looks I get from trainers and fans serve as constant reminders of the past.  I'm not sure there's a way to come back from that.

Kasa takes a step toward me.  "I know I said I wanted to compete with you, but this isn't just for my own sake.  I said it because I really think it'll help the Umamusume.  Some of them need motivation, and some really need guidance.  Just... talk with Tazuna if you change your mind, okay?"

I look down and slowly nod.  "If."

"Well, that's all I wanted to say.  Should we call it here?"

"Yeah."

"See you later?"

"Yep, see you tomorrow."

We wave to each other.  Kasa walks back to the trainer dorms while I walk to the bus stop.  My apartment is decently close to Tracen, so I usually walk back, but somehow my legs have lost their energy today.  I step onto the next bus, tap my fare card against the reader, and quietly take a seat.  A few minutes later, I step off and walk the rest of the way to my apartment complex.  Once inside my apartment on the second floor, I set down my bag.  The walls are well soundproofed here, so I never hear noise from my neighbors.  At the same time, it makes this building feel more deserted than it actually is.

I think I'll clear my mind by playing some Hell's Souls.  I've heard people call me insane for saying that this is a relaxing game, but once you know the enemies' attack patterns, you can more or less beat them on instinct alone.  Of course, there are bosses I still need to defeat, but today's not the day for that.  Well, maybe just one.

Four hours and about 50 deaths later, I've managed to kill two bosses and find some nice items.  Those were some great fights.  As soon as I turn off my Satono Saturn 5, the exhaustion from the day really sets in.  I take a quick shower, then drape my work clothes onto the back of my office chair.

As I prepare to go to bed, I stare at the familiar badge sitting on my nightstand.  A trainer's badge, from when I still played the part last year.  I was happier during those times, I think.  Busier and happier.  I instinctively pick it up.  The unique scratch running across the center proves that it was my own.  I still don't understand why the director never took it back; I'm no longer a trainer in any capacity.  I don't understand what she's thinking sometimes.

Kasa's words echo in my mind.  Deep down, I know that she's right, but it doesn't matter in the end.  I messed up and caused a fuss at the academy.  I had to step down as a trainer, and last I checked, my former assigned trainee has moved onto other races.

I really shouldn't think about this anymore.  Mentally exhausted, I turn off the lights and pull myself into bed.  Tomorrow should be less busy than today, which is nice because tomorrow is Friday.  It'll be a good way to ease myself into the weekend, and hopefully forget about all of this...

The next morning, I find myself groggily opening my eyes.  Just as I'm wondering how much more time I have in bed, my alarm clock answers.  I'm still a little tired, but my mind feels a lot clearer now.  After I get dressed and complete my morning routine, I take a small bag of shelled unsalted peanuts, slip it into my work bag, and begin the walk to Tracen Academy.

Arriving at the academy gates, I see that some students are already practicing at the nearby track.  They seem to be jogging, which is good; I doubt they've properly warmed up for full-on running at this time.  If I'm not mistaken, that one over there is Silence Suzuka.  I know that many eyes are already on her.  She has an exceptional ability to take an early lead and never lose it throughout the entire race.  As unusual as her strategy is, there's no denying that it's effective.  Well, I'd better be on my way.

I knock on the door to Tazuna and my shared office before I enter.  When I step inside, I see her talking to Director Akikawa.  They pause their conversation when they notice me.  I bow, "I'm sorry, am I interrupting?"

"Relax!" the director exclaims.  "Tazuna and I were just discussing the upcoming tryouts.  We posted the groups this morning, and the academy is already abuzz with energy!"  No doubt there's both enthusiasm and anxiety in the air.

"Right," Tazuna nods with a smile. "The trainers are all deciding which groups they want to see.  Of course, we will be observing them all.  Would you like to join us?"

"Well, assuming I finish my paperwork, sure."

"Confusion!"  The director opens her fan to reveal the word "Confusion" on it... somehow.  "Most of the forms for tryouts and facilities are already submitted!  They should be finished by next Wednesday at the latest.  Is there any more?"

"No, you're right."  I'm being difficult, I realize.

"Wonderful!"  She closes her fan with a proud smile.  "All the staff are invited to watch, and that includes you!"

"Okay.  As you wish, I'll watch the tryouts closely."

The director nods approvingly before leaving.

"Well then, Genta-san," Tazuna turns to me, "our task for now is to check on the facilities in person.  I think everything should be operating well, but we're going to note down any problems they may have.  Are you ready?"

"Yes, Hayaka--"  Tazuna's eye twitches.  "Tazuna-san."  She nods with a smile.

I grab my notebook and follow Tazuna as she walks all throughout the academy.  We visit the trainers' offices, the cafeteria, the infirmary, and the manager of the dorms.  It's as Tazuna said; pretty much everything is already in order, although the infirmary has reported a few new accidents from training.  As for the cafeteria, Tazuna asks the head of the kitchen why they needed extra supplies, and it's because of one new student, Special Week.  Apparently she eats five times the amount of a typical Umamusume, which sounds absurd, but there's already another student who eats far more than that.  Oh well, the pantry aside, everything should be smooth sailing leading up to the tryouts.

Once we're finished making our rounds, Tazuna and I return to our shared office.  "Thank you for your hard work, Genta-san."

"You too, Tazuna-san."

"To be honest, there aren't many more tasks left for you today.  However, after you're done with lunch, I encourage you to observe the Umamusume during their practice and assist them if needed.  I'm sure they will appreciate any help at all."

"I understand.  If there's nothing else, I believe I will do that."

I say goodbye to Tazuna and leave the office.  It's still around 11:30 AM, but walking around the campus has left me hungry.  I'm about to enter the cafeteria when I encounter Kasa walking in the opposite direction.  Apparently she just finished eating, which means I'll have nobody to sit and talk with.  I guess I'll go eat at Shining Curry instead.

Because Tracen Academy is so prestigious, there are a fair number of restaurants within walking distance, and Shining Curry is one of my favorites.  Once I finish eating my katsu curry, I realize there's still some time before practice will ramp up again.  Maybe I'll just walk around to kill some time.

After absentmindedly walking around the city for a bit, I decide to visit a local shrine.  I'm not a praying man, but I do like the way this place looks and feels.  At this hour, it's almost always deserted.  I can just stay here and enjoy the peace and quiet.

"Oho!"  I hear a girl's scratchy, excited voice pierce the silence.  I look in the direction of the voice, and an Umamusume with short, uneven orange hair dashes straight up to me.  Not counting her long ears, she's about 10 cm shorter than me.  She's wearing a Tracen Academy uniform, and her peculiar eyes look like bright yellow, four-pointed stars.  "Do my eyes deceive me, or are you a trainer from Tracen Academy!?"

She's... definitely looking at me.  "No, I'm not a trainer."

"Hm hm!  You say that, but you are definitely wearing a trainer's badge!"

"What?  I'm not wearing--" I look down and catch my tongue.  Pinned on the left breast pocket of my jacket is, somehow, a trainer's badge.  With that distinctive scratch, it's unmistakably my own.  I groan as I pinch the area between my eyes.  Did I accidentally pin this on yesterday or this morning?

"It's true then!" the Umamusume exclaims in joy.  "The heavens have blessed me with my own trainer!  Oh, but I need to introduce myself!  My name is Matikanefukukitaru!  It's oh-so-nice to meet you!"

That's quite a long name.  "Matikanefukukitaru?  Hm...  Ah, come to think of it, I do remember seeing your name on the list of tryout candidates."  Her name just barely fit into the form's character limit.  The details of her profile escape me, but she's definitely there.

"You know of me?  Little ol' me!?  I knew it; this is destiny!"  Well, I know of almost every student running this year.  "Are you going to scout me here and now?"

I sigh.  "Okay, I know what me wearing this badge looks like, but I'm not a trainer anymore.  I'm just a secretary at Tracen."

"What!?"  Wow, her expression did a complete 180.  "But Shiraoki-sama can't be mistaken!  The fortune I drew told me that if I waited here while hidden for seven minutes, then my destined trainer would appear before me!  No one else has arrived, so it must be you!"

Who-sama?  "Right... and I'm telling you, you have the wrong person.  If you're looking for a trainer, it can't be me."

"But that's, that can't...!"  The orange Umamusume rubs her temples and wracks her brain for some time.  Suddenly, she seems to arrive at a conclusion.  "That's it!  You said you're a former trainer, right?  You just have to become a trainer again!  If you tell the director that it's for my destiny, she'll definitely understand!"

What kind of logic is that!?  That's... not completely insane considering Director Akikawa, but it's definitely not that easy.  "No, I don't think...  Look, shouldn't you be practicing for the tryouts instead of talking with me?"

"The tryouts!  I almost forgot, you can't scout me without seeing how I run!"

"No, that's not what I'm--"

"My course is clear then!  Trainer-san!"

"I'm not a trainer!"  I can't help but raise my voice in frustration.

"Urk!  Then, can I ask for your name, pretty please?"

I don't really want to tell her.  I have a feeling she's just going to pester me about divination or training tips later.  No, wait a minute, she already introduced herself earlier!  Curses!  I can't refuse now!  I take a long, defeated sigh.  "My name is Fujiki Genta.  You can just call me Genta."

"Nice to meet you!  Oh, but I can't call you that!  As my future training partner, you deserve more respect!  Fujiki-san!"  Is this how Tazuna felt?  "I'm going back to Tracen to train!  I'll give you a performance so amazing, you'll wish you had scouted me right here and now!"  She then turns to the stairs leading away from the temple.  "Time is of the essence!  Full Power Daaaaaaaash!"  With that, Matikanefukukitaru takes off like a rocket towards Tracen Academy.  I squint as the gust of wind from her sudden dash blows past me, scattering leaves nearby.

Well, that just happened.  I quickly take off the trainer's badge from my shirt.  I contemplate throwing it into the nearest river, but for some reason, I just can't bring myself to get rid of it.  For now, I'll just keep it in my pocket.  Maybe Director Akikawa will ask for it back later.  I start down the stairs and back towards Tracen.

Tazuna encouraged me to watch the Umamusume practicing at the track outside the building, so I walk straight over there.  When I arrive, several Umamusume are already present.  The ones who aren't currently running are either drinking water or talking with each other.  There are also several trainers here, eagerly observing their potential and answering their questions.  I don't really want to be seen by them, so I walk to the very edge of the bleachers at the left and take a seat.  Most of the trainers ignore me, with a few giving me unpleasant looks.  At least the Umamusume seem to just ignore me.

Looking at the track, I see some Umamusume running at a brisk speed.  Some I recognize as enrollees, but a few others are in their classic year.  I also see Tosen Jordan, Daitaku Helios, Mejiro Palmer, and Nice Nature, who seem to be having a lively conversation in a corner.  Still, they're wearing tracksuits, so they must be here to practice.  As I look around the area, I spy Kasa with the other trainers.  After she finishes talking to one of the Umamusume, she happens to make eye contact with me, and she jogs over to join me.

"Fancy seeing you here, Genta!  Couldn't contain your excitement at the new students?"

"Tazuna-san encouraged me to watch the trainees.  I don't think there's much paperwork left today, either."

"But you wanted to be here, right?"  Kasa gives me a cheeky smile.

I sigh.  "Yeah, I did."

"See?"  Kasa lightly slaps my back, and I give a weak smile back.

I decide to look over the track again.  The Umamusume this year seem faster than last year, and it doesn't look like they're overexerting themselves.  They all seem to be having a good time, although...  Somebody seems to be missing.

"Do you see something unusual?" Kasa asks me.

"Not exactly, but I ran into an Umamusume earlier.  She said she would be training here once she got back, but I don't see her."

"Oh?  What does she look like?"

I'm about to start describing her when we hear approaching footsteps to our left.  We turn to look, and Matikanefukukitaru is approaching with Silence Suzuka just behind her.  Neither seem to notice me as they let themselves onto the track.  "That's her," I point her out.  "The one with the short hair, Matikanefukukitaru."

"Wow, that's... a really long name.  I don't think I've seen her run before.  I wonder what she's like?"

"I'd like to find out myself."

Matikanefukukitaru is now at the edge of the track with Silence Suzuka.  I focus all my attention on them so I can hear what they're saying.

"Thank you for joining me, Suzuka!  My carrot divination said that partner running will be lucky today, so we should have good fortune and good gains from training!"  What the hell is carrot divination?

"Oh, um, okay."  The "Silence" in her name is fitting; it's very hard for me to hear her.  "If all you need to is run, it'll be no problem for me."

"Great thanks to you!  Remind me to give you a lucky charm later!  Now, today's lucky number is thirty-nine, so we will start by doing thirty-nine laps around the track!"

Kasa and I drop our jaws to the ground.  Suzuka looks similarly concerned.  "Thirty-nine...?  You know that each lap is two kilometers, right?  We would be running over sixty kilometers in total."  Close to eighty kilometers, yeah.

"The lucky number doesn't lie!  If we succeed, we're sure to reap great fortune!"

"But--"

"Now, let's start our run!  Great Fortune Daaaash!"  Undeterred, Matikanefukukitaru starts her run at full speed.

"Wha, I'm telling you it's impossible!"  Suzuka takes off to try and catch up to her friend.

Once Kasa and I snap out of our shock, she looks at me.  "Should we stop them?"

"Maybe.  I kind of want to see how many laps they'll run before they tire out though."

"Uh, okay then."  And so we wait on the bleachers.  A few minutes later, we see the two orange-haired Umamusume complete their first lap.  At this point, Kasa takes out her stopwatch and starts tracking their running time.  When they return again, I see that their second lap was about four minutes long.  That's quite good for new students.  Next lap, six minutes.  They're definitely slowing down, although they seem determined to keep going.

Their next lap is... oh.  By the time they return, they can barely be considered jogging.  After stumbling past the finish line, the two of them stop, panting heavily.

"Ah, dang it..." Matikanefukukitaru wheezes.  "Maybe thirty-nine was too many..."

Silence Suzuka coughs before answering.  "I... told you...  We also... started at full speed..."

"But!"  The starry-eyed Umamusume seems to perk up.  "We ran this far because we were aiming so high!"

"But we only ran four laps..."  Well, eight kilometers is still good practice.

"Now then, let's continue with this momentum!  The carrots said we should do swimming next, so let's head over to the pool!"

"Huh?"  Suzuka definitely didn't sign up for this.

"Since today's lucky number is thirty-nine, we'll swim across the pool thirty-nine times!"  With that, Matikanefukukitaru runs off, still panting, to the academy's pool.  To my relief, she still doesn't notice me.

"Wha, enough with the lucky number already!" Suzuka complains before chasing after her friend.

Kasa looks at me again, visibly concerned.  "Should we stop them now?"

"Yeah, we should."  Kasa and I run to reach the pool before one of them suffers a leg cramp.  Thankfully, when we arrive, it looks like Hishi Amazon has already halted their plans.  Matikanefukukitaru is forced to abandon her lucky number thirty-nine, replacing it with the safer and more scientifically-pleasing ten instead.  Relieved, Kasa and I return to the main building.

Kasa returns to her office while I return to mine.  When I enter, Tazuna is staring out the window at the nearest track.  She turns around when she hears me, wearing a delighted smile.  "Good afternoon, Genta-san.  You seem a little exhausted."

"Well, earlier I ran into an Umamusume at a shrine.  I must have accidentally put on my old trainer's badge, so she mistook me for one."

"Ah yes, I do recall you were wearing that badge this morning.  The director noticed too."

I stand with my mouth agape upon hearing this.  "You both noticed!?  Why didn't you say anything!?"

"Oh, I didn't notice until too late."  Tazuna covers her mouth with her hand as she softly giggles.  "Well, scouting hasn't happened yet, so it's not a big deal."

"Are you sure?"

"Quite sure.  I trust that it was an accident."

"Thank you for your leniency."  I'm still not happy about accidentally impersonating a trainer.

"If you're still bothered, Genta-san, we just received a small stack of requests from the student council.  Could you please review them?"

"Yes, of course!"

I take the papers from Tazuna's desk and sit down at mine.  It looks like the council is planning their student address on the Friday following the tryouts.  They'll be reserving the gym, so we'll need to make sure there are enough seats for everyone.  They have also requested a few small decorations.  All of this is reasonable.

Next, there's a request to use the academy's giant ice cube machine for shaved ice.  What?  "The academy has a giant ice cube machine?"

"Giant ice cube..."  Tazuna looks at the ceiling as she thinks.  "Oh yes, it does."

"Why?"

"Well, the director once heard that it's helpful for Umamusume to cool off..."

"Ah, that makes a little too much sense."  Tazuna awkwardly nods.  Well, I can't imagine that thing gets used too often.  We can definitely approve this.

Last is a showing of the latest Carrot Ranger movie.  Apparently the series is very popular with the younger students.  They'll screen it after the tryouts, so it should provide motivation without being a distraction.  I don't see a problem with the request, but I think we'll have to call the studio to get the rights to screen it.  I make a note of that for Monday, then I place the papers on Tazuna's desk and tell her my thoughts.

"Thank you very much, Genta-san.  I believe we'll have more work on Monday, but that's everything for today.  Would you like to keep assisting the students?"

"Um..."  I shouldn't really be hesitating, but thinking back to earlier...

Tazuna seems to sense my unease.  "On second thought, you should get some rest.  I'll see you on Monday."

"See you then, Tazuna-san."

It's about 4 PM when I step outside with my bag.  Most of the trainers should be either helping the Umamusume or drawing up plans in their offices.  As for me, there's nothing left to do, and I do feel more tired than usual.  I leave the campus and start walking back to my apartment.

"Caw!"  As I walk to a tree in a small park, I hear a familiar sound.  First there's one caw, then another, then several more.  I look up to see a small flock of crows sitting in a tree.  Taking out my bag of peanuts, I step toward the tree and spill them onto the dirt.  As soon as I step back, the crows descend on the peanuts.  Although they eat quickly, it doesn't look like they're stepping over each other for the food.  All the members of the flock seem to get along well.  I sit on the bench a while longer until I start to feel hungry.  I bow to the crows and continue on my way.

Back in my apartment, I boil a pack of instant ramen in a small pot, then add an egg and some vegetables.  Once I'm finished with dinner, I decide to take a bath and head straight to bed.  Part of me wants to watch some race videos, but I can't bring myself to search for them.  I'll just rest up for the weekend.

Why am I so restless right now?  Is it because of that Umamusume I met?  Matikanefukukitaru, she was insistent that I become her trainer, all because of some strange fortune she drew.  Of course, that's impossible, and yet, I can't get our meeting out of my head.  Luck, destiny, all concepts that I don't really think about.  What a strange Umamusume.

My weekend passed by, normal and pleasant.  I made good progress in Hell's Souls, and I fed the crows again on Sunday.  Today, it's back to work at the academy.  Once I'm seated in Tazuna and my shared office, I start on the student council's request for the gymnasium.  Just as I'm almost finished counting the chairs, however, I hear three sharp knocks on the door.  My working number is ejected from my conscious mind, and all I can do is sigh.  Tazuna speaks up, "Come in."

The door opens, and who do I see but Matikanefukukitaru, wearing her tracksuit and an eager look on her face.  "Fujiki-san!  You are here!"

"How did you find out where my desk is?" I ask incredulously.

"That's easy!  I performed a fortune reading this morning to divine the location of your office!"  There's... no way that works, right?  "But then the wind blew away several of my cards, so I asked Amemiya-san instead.  I saw her with you last Friday, so I figured she knew where you worked."

Kasa, you threw me to the wolves!?  Before I can say anything back, Matikanefukukitaru looks to my left and recoils in surprise.  "Hyah!  T-T-Tazuna-san?  Is this your office too!?  I'm so sorry for intruding!"

"Oh, please don't worry about it."  Tazuna seems unshaken as usual.  "You didn't interrupt anything too important."

I'd say the chair count is pretty important, but I guess I can just redo it.  I try to maintain my composure in front of Tazuna and ask Matikanefukukitaru, "So how can I help you?"

"I'm here to ask, nay, beg you for training advice!  I wish to run well at the tryouts, and the greatest fortune comes to those who seek it themselves!"

Really?  "That's... actually quite profound.  Wait, did you hear that from a TV mystic or something?"

"Yes!  How did you know?"

I suppress the urge to slam my head on my desk, and instead return to her original request.  "Anyway, if you want training tips, shouldn't you be asking the trainers?"

"Well, maybe, but..."  Matikanefukukitaru awkwardly, nervously, looks to her side.  "I'm not really confident asking the other trainers.  Oh, I'm sure they're helpful!  But I just... feel like I won't be as lucky with most of them.  What if they think I'm hopeless?  With you though?  Shiraoki-sama led me to you, so I know that you can help me!"

Again, who is Shiraoki?  I'm about to object, but I catch a glimpse of desperation in her starry eyes.  I'm worried that if I say no outright, she's going to fall to her knees and actually start begging.  I really do not want that.  I have to pick my next words carefully.  "I want to help you.  Your running on Friday was pretty good, so with some more training, I'm sure you'll be successful.  That said, I'm still a secretary.  My job is paperwork.  The trainers have time set aside to help you, so they can--"

"Actually," Tazuna suddenly interjects, "I think I can take care of the remaining paperwork myself."

I turn around in disbelief.  "Tazuna-san!?"

"Because you organized the many tasks last week, this week should be fairly straightforward.  Why don't you help Matikanefukukitaru out with her training?  It is a very important time for her."

I feel more than double, more than triple the weight of expectation on me.  Tazuna is giving me a smile that exudes pressure and... confidence?  Am I mistaken?  I look back to Matikanefukukitaru, and she's praying, silently yet intensely.  My gaze moves back and forth between them, and my inner wall crumbles with a sigh.  "Alright, I'll help you with your training."

"YES!"  The orange Umamusume's joyous cry pierces the room, and my eardrums.  "Thank you so much, Fujiki-san!  I will give you five, no, ten lucky charms later!"

"That's nice of you, but can you please call me Genta instead?"

"I cannot!  As I said before, you deserve proper respect, and Shiraoki-sama would be very displeased if I forgot my manners!"

I hear Tazuna giggling from her desk.  Can this be called karma?  I sigh again.  "If you say so.  As for you, sorry if this offends you, but your name is kind of long.  Is there a shorter name I can call you?"

"A shorter name?  You can call me Fukukitaru.  Most of my friends call me that."

That's about half the characters shaved off, so I'm good with that.  "Okay, well, Fukukitaru, it's good to be working with you."

"Yes, please take care of me!"

As I follow her out the office, I mutter to myself, "Time to see if I still remember how to train."

Matikanefukukitaru runs down to the track with me lagging behind.  I've been exercising a lot less as a secretary, so my body won't quite move how I want it to.  Once I've caught my breath, Fukukitaru looks at me with eager eyes.  "So, what should we start with?"

What, indeed?  I've seen her long-distance running yesterday, but that was just exercise.  I want to see what her form is like in a race.  Just as I'm thinking about that...

"Howdy!"  I hear a voice call out to us, and I see a tall Umamusume with her golden-blonde hair tied back in a ponytail.  She bounds towards us, clearly eager to see Fukukitaru.  "Good mornin' to ya, Fukukitaru!  You here for some trainin'?"

"Taiki-san!"  Fukukitaru seems well acquainted with her.  "Yes, this is Fujiki-san!  I asked him to help me with some training!  Since I need all the luck I can get before the tryouts."

I bow to Taiki Shuttle.  "It's nice to meet you.  Please, call me Genta."

"Oh!  It's nice to meet ya, Genta!"  Taiki Shuttle seems friendly.  She extends her hand, and after I grasp it with my own hand, she shakes it up and down with incredible force.  My wrist is now sore but thankfully, still attached.  "What kinda trainin' have you got here?"

Well, now that she's here...  "Actually, Taiki-san, you came at a great time.  Can I ask you to run in a scrimmage with Fukukitaru?"

"Ngyaaah!"  Fukukitaru immediately reacts with terror.  "R-run against Taiki-san?  But she's practically good enough to make her debut!"

"Run with Fukukitaru?  Why, I'd be happy to!"

I'm glad one of them is eager, but I should explain my thought process to Fukukitaru.  "There are two parts to this.  First, I want to see your racing style.  That way I'll have a better idea of what you should focus on.  Second, the more practical experience you get, the better technique you'll have at the tryouts."

"Hng, that makes sense, but..."  She still seems hesitant.  "Can I at least read my fortune first?"

"Sure."  I don't see why not.

Fukukitaru runs off to the side of the track and begins chanting.  "Eko eko azure seal!  Eko eko wall o' rust!  Victory, come to me!"  She pulls out a pencil from goddesses-know-where, then tosses it onto the grass.  "Haha!  Great fortune awaits me at the end of this race!" she declares as she quickly dashes back to us.  "Taiki-san, I will run against you!  And with luck as my wings, I'm gonna blow you away!"

"Oh, I like the sounda that!"  Now Taiki looks determined.  "Come on, let's enjoy our competition!"

I set the rules of the race.  It will be 1400 meters on the practice turf.  The two Umamusume jog to the starting line and stand at the ready.  I position myself around the middle of the track, which lets me examine their running and also see the finish line.  Once I know they're ready, I blow a sharp whistle with my fingers to kick off the race.

The two racers burst out of the starting line.  As Fukukitaru stated, Taiki's speed and form are quite good.  Still, Fukukitaru's form is only slightly less refined.  As they approach the finish line, it's Fukukitaru who first runs ahead.  However, just seconds later, Taiki Shuttle begins rapidly accelerating.  Going along the inside of the track, she passes Fukukitaru and scores a clear victory by about three lengths.

By the time I run back to the finish line, the two racers are catching their breath, although Taiki seems more energetic.

"N-no way!" Fukukitaru exclaims between breaths.  "I was sure... today would be the day my luck takes off!"

I cross my arms.  "Well, luck won't carry you through your races."

"Say it isn't so!" she shouts back, anguish in her voice.  "But my divination, Shiraoki-sama said--"  She stops her train of thought, and a second later, it seems to start moving again.  "If my luck isn't in the race results, then that means I have to channel my frustration into motivation!  This... this isn't the end for me!"  As she looks up at Taiki Shuttle, I'm shocked to see tears in Fukukitaru's eyes.  Before I can utter an apology or reassurance, she runs off with a loud cry.

Taiki Shuttle is left here in surprise.  "Oh!  We done already?  But I wanted to race some more!"

Just as Taiki is about to run after Fukukitaru, I call out to her.  "Hold it!"

"Oh, I almost left ya behind!  Is somethin' the matter, Trainer Genta?"

"I'm not actually a trainer."

"Really?  Coulda fooled me."

"Um...  Anyway, I think Fukukitaru wants to be left alone for the moment.  Thank you for helping her train."

"No problem!  I'm always happy to see her!"

I smile and nod.  "While I'm here, would you like some running advice?  I know I just said I'm not a trainer, and your form is great, but just in case--"

"Why, that's mighty kind of ya!  I'd love to hear your thoughts!"  Taiki claps her hands together in joy.  While she might not quite be ready for her debut, it's true that her running is exceptional.  After I give her some strategic advice, I decide to go eat lunch at the cafeteria.  I'll have to give Fukukitaru her feedback later.

When I return to our shared office, Tazuna is still seated at her desk.  "Welcome back, Genta-san.  I just finished taking care of the student council's requests."

"Even the Carrot Ranger movie?"

"Yes!  The CEO of the studio is friends with Director Akikawa, so all it took was a quick phone call to secure the rights."

"Wow."  The director is pretty incredible.

"As for you, Genta-san, how did your training with Matikanefukukitaru go?"

"Well, I had her run a scrimmage with Taiki Shuttle.  Matikanefukukitaru lost, and then she ran away before I could give her feedback."

"Oh my," Tazuna covers her mouth with her hand.

"I made a remark that luck can't carry her through her races, and she didn't seem to like that..."  Still, sooner or later, that's something she'll have to recognize.

"Hm, I see.  Did you help Taiki Shuttle with her training as well?"

"Yes, I gave her a bit of advice."

Tazuna smiles at me.  "Very good.  May I ask you to keep yourself available this week if Matikanefukukitaru needs more advice?"

Part of me expected this.  Although it's a departure from my current job, it's hard for me to refuse.  "Okay, I'll do my best to help her."

"Thank you."

I guess this is my temporary responsibility now.  I write down my thoughts on Fukukitaru's running in case I forget later.  Then I start checking the gym's schedule since I think it will be useful.  There are time slots dedicated for the students going to tryouts, so I'll have to keep them in mind.

Huh, this is kind of exciting.  I know this is only temporary, and my trainer days are behind me, but still...

After I finish my plans for Fukukitaru tomorrow, Tazuna dismisses me for the day.  Later, I find Kasa near the cafeteria, and we decide to eat dinner together.  I meant to only stay for a short time, but we somehow spent almost two hours talking about what happened today.  It seems like Kasa's doing well with helping the Umamusume, although she still doesn't know who her first choice to scout would be.

By the time I leave the cafeteria, it's already dark outside.  I walk towards the entrance of the academy grounds so I can start my walk home.

"Woiya...  Haiya..."  A sudden faint, strange chanting startles me.  I keep walking forward, but it gradually becomes more audible.

"Woiya...  Haiya..."  The voice now feels like it's surrounding me from all sides.  I pick up the pace, going to brisk walking, then jogging, then full on running.  By now, I can tell the voice is somewhere in front of me and, unfortunately, towards my destination.  I stop, hide behind a corner, and peek out to see who or what is making that sound.

Standing there, illuminated by the academy lights and all by herself, is Matikanefukukitaru.  She's making strange hand gestures while staring up into the sky.  "Woiya...  Haiya...  Shiraoki-sama, reveal to me my lucky track for tonight!"

"...Huh?"

Fukukitaru calmly leaves her trance and looks at me.  "Oya?  It's Fujiki-san.  Were you just running away from something?"

"No, just... in a hurry to go home, I guess.  What about you?"

"I'm going for a late-night run.  I was thinking about what you said earlier, and you're right.  I think Shiraoki-sama would be displeased if I tried to win purely with luck.  I need to practice too.  Oh, but don't worry!  I'll be back to my dorm before curfew!"

"That's good."  I'm just glad that was Fukukitaru instead of some yōkai.  "I've been meaning to ask, who is Shiraoki-sama?"

"I'm glad you asked!  Shiraoki-sama is a wonderful goddess who watches over me!  She visits me in my dreams, cheers me up when I'm feeling lost, and tells me the path to the greatest fortune!  She even helped me during my earlier scrimmage against Taiki-san!"  Fukukitaru pauses for a moment, and the atmosphere suddenly grows heavier.  "Even the fact that I'm here now is thanks to Shiraoki-sama.  When I wasn't sure of myself, she told me to keep running forward.  Keep running forward, and a path would open before me.  I trusted her, and I was somehow accepted into Tracen Academy!"

"A goddess who's supported you all this time, huh...?"  I don't really know what to make of this, but I can tell that she's being sincere with her story.  Strange as it may be, Fukukitaru deeply cares about this goddess and her fortune.

"Exactly!  Ah, I need to start running soon!  See you later, Fujiki-san!"

We wave each other good-bye, and Fukukitaru runs off to whatever track she rolled in her divination.  So this is why she's so obsessed with divination and her goddess?  She's cheerful and driven on the outside, but buried underneath all of that is...

Maybe I should keep an eye on her after all.

At Tazuna's request, I continue to train Matikanefukukitaru throughout this week.  Even though her scrimmage against Taiki Shuttle ended in a loss, it gave me a bit of direction.  In addition to basic fitness training, I ask some more of Fukukitaru's friends to run with her in scrimmages of different lengths.  After all is said and done, I think I find something.  Fukukitaru needs some time to find her pace and build speed.  Luckily, her stamina is actually above average, making her suitable for medium- and long-distance races.  During one scrimmage, I catch a glimpse of her burst power towards the end of the race.  She came just shy of closing a very large gap.  If she can refine that potential, I think she'll make a great impression at the tryouts.

It's now Monday, the week of the tryouts.  By this point, I've gotten quite comfortable, even happy, training Fukukitaru.  I ask Tazuna if I can keep training Fukukitaru until the tryouts, and thankfully, she doesn't object to it.  I meet up with Fukukitaru at a track, and after warm-ups, I start her on running a lap around the track.  When she finishes, however, her time is noticeably worse than on Friday.

"It's bad, isn't it?" Fukukitaru asks while panting.  "I know; you don't need to tell me."

She looks worried about something.  "Is something on your mind?"

"Well...  Have you seen my tryout group?"

I've definitely seen it before, since I was part of reviewing the final lists, but I don't remember exactly which one Fukukitaru is in.  I unlock my phone, login to Tracen's website, and look through the names in her group.  "Oh, I see."  Every single one of these other Umamusume is already good enough to make her debut.  They have such a reputation that even I, as a secretary, know how skilled they are.  With these Umamusume as her competition, it's no wonder that Fukukitaru is feeling uneasy.

"Yeah...  See, that's actually why I went to the shrine that day.  To pray for divine intervention, guidance, sweet release, anything to help save me from the beasts this Thursday!"  She slumps her shoulders and looks at me with pitiful eyes.  "I'm really grateful for you help, Fujiki-san, but do you think I stand a chance of beating them?  Even my carrot divination this morning said I would find misfortune at the tryouts..."

That's a difficult question to answer in front of her.  "Well..."

Fukukitaru lets out a defeated sigh.  "I guess that's it for me then.  Out of hope, out of luck.  What else is left of me?"

A lot, I'd say.

"I guess... I'm forever doomed to linger in my sister's shadow."

"Your sister?"

"Oh, I never told you.  My older sister, she's amazing at everything.  So amazing that growing up, people would always compare me to her."

Oh no, really?  "Fukukitaru..."

"But it's not like I hated my sister or anything!  She's always kind to me, and I respect her a lot.  It's just...  I can't help comparing myself to her either.  I'm not nearly as good at running; is it okay that I'm here instead of her?"

From last week, I figured that Matikanefukukitaru's confidence in herself was low.  I didn't realize how deep that feeling was rooted, nor why she felt that way.  Now that she's poured her heart out to me, I can't betray her trust.  I don't want to give her the impression that she'll win her tryouts; I'm afraid of the fallout that would happen if she lost.  However, I really do believe she has the makings of a great runner.  If she can keep her head in the game long enough, then I think she can find success in her career.

I nod, both to myself and to her.  "I think you belong in this academy, Matikanefukukitaru.  I also believe that you have what it takes to succeed at your tryouts."

"What!?  I'm glad to hear that, but you must recognize who I'm up against!  Are you saying that I have a chance of beating those elite Umamusume?"

"Your goal isn't to beat them; your goal is to show off your running.  To prove that you have potential, a spark that can later be molded and refined into something elite."

"But...  Even if I do that, surely their potential is even better than mine.  We're running in the same race, so the trainers will be comparing my running to the others."

I nod.  "True, they will be comparing you to the other runners.  That's just the nature of tryout races.  There's nothing you or I can do to change that."

"Then--"

"So stop worrying about it."

"Huh?"  Her ears perk up in confusion.

"If you can't change something, then make the most out of it.  Stand out in your own way.  Show that you can put up a fight.  It's not just the race results that matter, but your technique and where you are relative to first place.  And if you put in enough effort, fortune might just swing in your favor."

Matikanefukukitaru seriously considers what I've said.  Her expression has eased somewhat, but she still doesn't seem fully convinced.

Maybe I should try a new angle.  "Let me ask you something.  Why are you here now?"

"I don't know!"  Her worried, starry eyes look on the verge of tears again.  "Like I said, I don't know why they let me into the academy!"

"Not that.  Why are you here at this track, right now, training with me?"

"Huh?  That's... because Shiaroki-sama told me that you're my destined trainer, and that you would help me find great fortune."

"I'm flattered.  Now, do you trust Shiraoki-sama?"

"More than anyone!"  Her eyes are now filled with conviction.  "Shiraoki-sama takes care of me and leads me on the right path.  I trust her now as much as ever!"

"That's good, and now I'm telling you: I believe you can do well at your tryouts."

Matikanefukukitaru tilts her head to the side, seemingly putting the pieces together in her head.  Gradually, her confusion fades away until finally, it seems she's hit by a revelation, and I swear that her eyes are now shining.  "Ahah!  I see now!  Fujiki-san!  If you say that I can stand out, then I'll trust you!"

Seeing Fukukitaru smiling again is making me smile as well.  "I'll try to prove that I'm worthy of Shiraoki-sama's belief.  Now then, should we make the most of our time before tryouts?"

"Yes!  Oh, and just so you know, I haven't given up on getting you to scout me!  I'm going to run my best and bring out a miracle at the tryouts!"

I'm a little dumbstruck to hear this.  I know it's impossible, and yet, I can't help but admire her determination.  "If that's what gets you motivated."

We resume our training from earlier.  Fukukitaru takes off on a new lap around the track.  Her running is more confident now, faster without sacrificing stamina.  When she returns, I'm happy to show her my stopwatch.  She shaved seven seconds off of her best time.

After Fukukitaru's morning training is done, I tell her to meet up with me again tomorrow.  I think she can improve a bit more before Thursday, but I also want her to have a chance to rest.  Fukukitaru goes off to eat lunch with Taiki Shuttle and Silence Suzuka, while I decide to eat at a ramen shop off campus before returning to my office.

Tazuna insists that I shouldn't do any paperwork today, so I decide to draw up tomorrow's strength training plans instead.  I want Fukukitaru's acceleration to really shine at the tryouts.  Once I've tucked my new plans into my desk and made sure the gym has a time slot available, I decide to revisit the closest track and sit in the bleachers.  There, Umamusume are still hanging out and training, and I spy Kasa and several other trainers watching over them.  A few hours later, the sun starts to set, and Kasa seems to finish her work.  When she sees me, we wave to each other, and she sits down next to me while most of the others leave.

"Genta!  You look like you had a good day."

I chuckle.  "Do I?"

"Yeah.  How's training Matikanefukukitaru been?"

I stare out towards the track.  "She doesn't have a lot of confidence in herself, but she's definitely a good runner.  Very easy to train, too.  She's made a lot of progress in just one week."

Kasa stares out at the track as well, a relieved smile on her face.  "Sounds like it's been a rewarding experience."

"That's a good way to put it, yeah."  I turn to look at her.  "How about you?  How have these days been?"

"Pretty good.  Most of the Umamusume are training at their own pace, but a couple are now coming to me regularly for advice."

"That means you're doing a good job."

"I guess so."  Kasa's expression doesn't change.  "Some of them are more serious, and some are more relaxed, but they all want to shine in the end, to be dug up and polished.  Helping them along feels good.  I think I've narrowed down the few Umamusume I'd like to scout, too."

Kasa leans back, now looking diagonally up to the orange sky.  A cool breeze blows past us, and I'm reminded of how peaceful and beautiful the academy is.  Only two Umamusume are running on the track now, and Kasa is the only trainer here.

"You know, Genta, you seem more confident with training now.  Even more than last year."

I quickly turn to look at her, a bit shocked by what I hear.  "Really?"

"Yeah.  Even back when you were an official trainer, you seemed less certain."  She pauses for a while.  "Maybe it's because of whom you're training?"

I think about this for a good long time.  I don't want to speak ill of my former assigned Umamusume, especially considering my own mistakes, but it's true that Matikanefukukitaru's training has been far smoother in every way.

"I don't know."  I look up into the darkening sky.  Some of the brightest stars are now becoming visible.  "All I know is, whoever scouts Matikanefukukitaru will be very lucky indeed."

It's the day before tryouts, and I'm having Matikanefukukitaru take a day off to recover.  She's probably feeling restless, but it's important that she's in top condition for her race.  I arrive at my office early in the morning, and to my surprise, Tazuna isn't here yet.  I look out at the track, and only one Umamusume that I don't recognize is running there.  Tazuna didn't say yesterday whether there would be work today, so I'm not sure what to do right now.  I take a seat at my desk, and without anything better to do, I take out some pieces of paper and start writing some training plans.

Yesterday was my last day training Matikanefukukitaru.  Tomorrow, she'll be scouted by someone, and she'll begin training for her debut.  She was a handful at first, but honestly, it was fun while it lasted.  For the first time in a long time, I got to experience what it's like to be a trainer again.  I'll have to thank her tomorrow.

About half an hour later, I finish writing a week's worth of training plans.  I look over the papers and sigh.  What am I even doing?  I won't be using these, and Fukukitaru's trainer will probably come up with plans that are at least as good.  As I'm about to crumple them up, I hear a knock on the door, so I quickly turn the pages over and place them to the side of my desk.  A second later, Tazuna enters.  "Good morning, Genta-san.  You're here early today."

"Good morning, Tazuna-san."  I stand and bow before returning to my seat.  "I guess I felt compelled to arrive early."

Tazuna walks over to her desk.  "I take it Matikanefukukitaru is resting today?"

"Yes."

"Thank you for assisting with her training."  Tazuna takes a seat and pulls out a binder of documents from a drawer.  "I'm certain she appreciates your guidance."

I stare out the window toward the track.  The sun is shining on the vibrant, green turf.  "The honor is mine."

Tazuna eases me back into the paperwork.  It looks like she handled a lot while I was training Fukukitaru, so today's workload isn't bad.  Once the tryouts are over, though, I expect a large influx of new forms to file.

Tryouts day is here.  Tazuna and Director Akikawa are standing by themselves high up on the bleachers.  The crowd is quite large and lively, consisting of students, trainers, and other staff.  As for me, I'm sitting next to Kasa.  I also have my trainer's badge in my pocket.  Once the tryouts are over, I'm going to return it to the director.  I don't want to stare at it any longer, or else it'll remind me too much of the past.

The first two tryout races blow by with speed and excitement.  Silence Suzuka runs in the second one, and impressively, she maintains a large lead throughout her entire race.  Naturally, she is scouted almost immediately.  I ask Kasa whether there was anyone who has caught her eye yet, but she tells me that her candidates of interest are later.

It's time for the third race, and Matikanefukukitaru prepares to descend the bleachers to the track.  Silence Suzuka and Taiki Shuttle gather around her to provide reassurance, the latter of whom pats her on the back.  "You got this, Fukukitaru!  You've been trainin' hard, so give 'em a run for their money!"

"You can do it!"  Suzuka provides quiet but confident support.

"Taiki-san, Suzuka-san, thank you!  Shiraoki-sama visited my dream last night, so I'm ready to run!  I'll do my best to impress!"  As Fukukitaru hurries down to the track, she sees me and gives me an enthusiastic wave.  I nod and wave back to her.  Now, let's see what she can do.

Each tryout group has ten runners except for the last one, which has eight runners.  Among her group of ten, Fukukitaru definitely stands out the most, both in appearance and arguably ability.  As they make their way to the starting gate, I hear some murmurs among the trainers in front of me.

"Most of these Umamusume have incredible talent already.  Maybe the only exception is that one.  Matikanefukukitaru, I think her name was?"

"Oh, her.  I mean, it's not that she's bad, but compared to the others..."

"Didn't she also spend her time training with him?"

"Yeah.  Well, chalk it up to bad luck.  Let's not be too harsh on her."

It's not too surprising for me, but hearing them count her out already is a bit irritating.  Slim as Fukukitaru's odds may be, I'd really like her to show off what she can do.

The runners take their places at the gate, and Fukukitaru is in post 2, very close to the inside of the track.  Already not a good sign for her running style, although it's workable with only ten runners.  The announcer introduces the runners, and after a brief pause, the gates fling open, and the Umamusume all take off running.  Fukukitaru settles towards the very end.  It looks like she's sticking to her strategy well, although the gap in position is much larger than ideal.  She's about ten lengths behind the last runner of the pack, and the distance is gradually getting larger.  I nervously bite my lip.  The lead racer is within 500 meters of the finish line already.  Even if Fukukitaru starts her last spurt now, can she still catch up to the others?

Just then, Fukukitaru's posture shifts.  She leans forward into a lower running stance, and she starts accelerating hard.  Everyone in the stands, myself included, gasps in unison.  Fukukitaru's pace is incredible.  In mere seconds, she's already closed half of the gap to the next racer.  And she's still getting faster.  The audience is cheering louder.  Even the announcer sounds excited.  Kasa and I lean forward in our seats, watching intently to see if she will overtake her opponents.  The ten runners close in on the finish line.  Fukukitaru runs toward the group from the outside.  There's nobody blocking her path; she has a chance!  With one last push, they all cross the finish line mere moments from each other...

The staff and students alike erupt in applause.  I don't think Fukukitaru won, but she definitely stole the show.  It takes longer than usual for the posts of the top five runners to appear on the scoreboard.  5, 7, 3, 10, and... 8.  After slowing down, Fukukitaru goes to the staff at the camera to see her final result.  Silence Suzuka and Taiki Shuttle hurry down to meet with their friend.  Kasa follows me as we all file down to the track.  Most of the trainers are going after the finalists, but a few seem to be hurrying towards Fukukitaru as well.

"Aww."  Fukukitaru scratches the back of her head with an awkward smile.  "I thought my Great Fortune Dash was pretty good, but I still ended up in tenth place."

"But ya still ran like crazy out there!" Taiki says with a sunny grin.

"Yeah," Suzuka nods.  "If you just had 50 more meters, you would have overtaken everyone."

It's true.  With just a little more distance, or perhaps better timing, Fukukitaru could have won.  I smile to myself as I follow the trainers towards her.

"Matikanefukukitaru!" one of them calls out to her.  "Please let me scout you!"

She turns to them in surprise.  "Huh?"

"No, let me scout you!"  Another trainer shouts.  "Your last spurt was incredible.  If you work with me, there's no race you can't win!"

"Join my team instead!  I know exactly how to support your running style!"

Fukukitaru looks around at the trainers approaching her, unsure of what to make of them.  "You're... scouting me?  But why?  I lost."

"Didn't I tell you?" I say as I approach behind them.  "Trainers are looking for potential.  Your run out there proves that you have the speed and power to compete with the best of them."

Kasa steps up beside me.  "You had us literally on the edge of our seats.  You were shining in your own, stunning way."

The trainers all eagerly nod at us, and they repeat their appeals to Fukukitaru.  She looks at them one by one in silent awe, but after thinking to herself, she gently shakes her head.  "Everyone, I'm grateful for your offers.  However," she then looks me in the eyes with a trusting smile, "destiny has already decided my trainer."

Ah, damn.  All eyes are on me now.  I was really hoping I could avoid this conversation.  As much as I want to be able to scout her...  "Fukukitaru, training you has been an honor, and I'd love to keep going if I could."  Her fading smile is making it hard for me to continue.  "Still, I'm a secretary now.  I have my own responsibilities to help keep the academy running.  The trainers here though?  Any one of them can help you to achieve your dreams, to become the best version of yourself.  That's why... you should pick one of them instead."

"Investigation!"  A sudden exclamation from my left captures everybody's attention.  There, Director Akikawa is standing with her usual confident expression, and Tazuna is right behind her.  "Sorry to interrupt, but I had to see what's happening here!"  She closes her fan and points it straight at me.  "You!  Didn't you train Matikanefukukitaru for the last two weeks?"

Suddenly put on the spot, I stammer, "Um, yes, I did."

"And what amazing power she showed today!"

I nod.  "It was impressive, although to be honest, even I've never seen her accelerate like that before."

"Humu!"  The director nods, seemingly satisfied, and she turns to Fukukitaru.  "Question!  Do you really, really want Fujiki Genta to keep training you?  Even though he's a secretary?"

"Yes, Director-san!"  Fukukitaru's response is immediate and serious.  "Fujiki-san is the one who helped me run like this!  I believe he's the key to good fortune in my future!"

"I'll allow it!"  Director Akikawa points her fan at me again.  "Following Matikanefukukitaru's wishes, if you agree to train her, and only her for her first three years, I will reinstate you as a trainer!"

Wait...  What!?  I find myself reeling on my feet.  I can't believe what I'm hearing.  "Are you sure, Director Akikawa?  Can I--should I really become a trainer again?"

"Of course!  Matikanefukukitaru's running is proof that you have potential!  The fact that you passed the trainer exam and interview already has also not changed!"  As Director Akikawa assures me, Tazuna also quietly smiles and nods behind her.

To be honest, I had long given up hope that I could ever train an Umamusume again.  I thought I was prepared to spend the rest of my career at Tracen completing forms and sorting files for the academy.  Yet here it is, a second chance at my dream of being a trainer, and perhaps, a chance at redemption.  I glance at Kasa, and she nods at me.  Maybe, I can do this after all.  I look the director in her eyes and nod.  "I accept the task."

"WOOHOO!"  Fukukitaru shouts and throws her arms up in joy, startling everyone present.  "The advent of my fortune is here!"

"Indeed!  Wa ha ha!"  Director Akikawa laughs heartily.  "Now then, Trainer Genta, you have your badge with you, right?"

"How did you...?"  I shake my head.  For all her eccentricities, the director has an uncanny sense for some things.  I reach into my pocket and take out my trainer's badge.  Faded, scratched, yet still so enticing.  After letting the weight of my situation sink in, I pin it to my shirt pocket.  I then turn to face my now-trainee.  "Matikanefukukitaru, I look forward to working with you.  I promise I'll do everything I can to help you achieve your dreams."

"Thank you, Fujiki-san!  Or should I say, Trainer-san!  Please take care of me!"  Fukukitaru runs up to me and shakes my hand, her eyes sparkling with joy.  Behind her, the other trainers shrug and smile sheepishly.

"Well, if you trained her up until now, then it's only fair."

"It's what Matikanefukukitaru wants, so I guess there's no problem."

"Take good care of her, you hear?"

I nod and bow shortly to them.  I suppose... this is a new chapter in my life, and in Fukukitaru's life too.

Once the excitement has died down, Fukukitaru then asks me, "So what should we do now?"

"That is a good question.  Do you want to watch the rest of the tryouts?"

"Oh, yes!  Taiki-san and Dober-san still haven't raced yet.  I need to wish them luck!"

With that, we all return to the bleachers.  Fukukitaru goes with her friends while Kasa and I go on our own.  Taiki Shuttle is running in the next race.  Everyone has high hopes for the rising star from America.  Fukukitaru gives her friend a cheer, and a few minutes later, the race starts.  Taiki begins her run in excellent form.  She's maintaining a great pace and position.  When the race nears its end, however, she suddenly slows dramatically and finishes in tenth.  Wait, no, it's more like she didn't do her last spurt at all.  Could she have run out of stamina?

Fukukitaru hurries down to talk to Taiki Shuttle before telling me what she heard.  Apparently Taiki Shuttle was focusing a lot on one of the other racers, and she's already run off after her.  Unfortunately, nobody is attempting to scout her at all, and Kasa wasn't looking for this race in the first place.  For my own sanity, it didn't seem like the advice I gave her had cost her the race.  I do hope she finds a good trainer though.

The next and last race is the one that Kasa is most looking forward to.  The Umamusume she's been helping are in this race, Mejiro Dober included.  As Dober descends walks down the bleachers, Matikanefukukitaru enthusiastically waves to her.  Dober waves back, although when she makes eye contact with me, she suddenly looks startled and quickly turns away.  Does she know about my past at the academy?

Another exciting and loud race later, Mejiro Dober finishes in fifth place.  Although it's not ideal, she still ran well.  Kasa stands up and hurries down to the track.  I watch as several trainers approach Dober, but after freezing in place for a few minutes, she runs and hides behind Kasa.  After a brief discussion with everyone, Kasa returns with Mejiro Dober in tow.

"Well everyone, as of today, I'll be training Mejiro Dober!"  Kasa gestures at her new trainee with a proud yet slightly nervous smile.

"Congratulations on getting scouted, Dober-san!"  Fukukitaru throws her arms up with joy.  "I'm sure Amemiya-san will take good care of you!" 

"Thank you, Fukukitaru.  Kasa, er, Trainer has been helping me a lot, so I'm very grateful."  Dober does look quite relieved, although when she makes eye contact with me, she suddenly tenses up and takes a step back.

As I'm about to make myself scarce, Kasa leans toward my ear and whispers, "Mejiro Dober is scared of men.  Something to do with her childhood.  It's not just you, but can you try not to startle her?"

I silently nod back.  I don't want to make Dober uncomfortable, but it's good to know it's not just me.

As a celebration, Kasa and I treat our new trainees to yakiniku.  The appetite of an Umamusume is larger than a human's, although not by that much.  As we eat, the two Umamusume talk about their recent days and plan an outing for the weekend.  I'm wondering whether Fukukitaru will do some fortune telling on the grilled meat, but she doesn't.  After lunch is over, we split up by our trainer-trainee groups.

"So, Trainer-san, should we start training right away?"  Fukukitaru seems eager.  I'm not used to being called "Trainer-san", but I'd be lying if I said I disliked it.

"If you have the energy for it, sure.  Before we do, though, I need to visit my office again.  I left some training plans there."

"Oya?  You made training plans for me ahead of time?  So even you knew it was destiny!"  Do I detect a hint of smugness in her voice?

"Well, I didn't dare hope, but I guess, just in case..."

"Aw, you're too kind!  Now let's go get those training plans!"

Fukukitaru follows me back to my shared office.  When we enter the door, Tazuna is already there.  "Ah, Genta-san, and Matikanefukukitaru too!"

"Hello again, Tazuna-san.  We just came here to get my training plans."

"Of course!"  Tazuna also explains to me what will happen with my job.  Since I'm now a trainer, effective immediately, my responsibilities no longer include the academy's operational paperwork.  I'm worried about suddenly leaving that job, but Tazuna assures me she'll find a replacement if needed.  This also means I'll be receiving a new trainer's office on Monday, and in the near future, I'll be able to move into the trainer dorms again.  I thank Tazuna for her time supervising me, and after taking my training plans from yesterday, I walk with Fukukitaru to the nearest track.

"Now then," I turn to her, "I'm guessing you're still fatigued from your race, so today's training will be on the light side.  Does that sound good with you?"

"Okay, Trainer-san!  After we're done, do you want to look for four-leaf clovers together?  Shiraoki-sama said that the search today would be most fortunate!  Well, she didn't say whether the search would be fortunate or if finding the clover would result in fortune.  Regardless!"

I chuckle at her suggestion.  "Sure."

With that, Matikanefukukitaru begins her first afternoon of training.  On this fateful day, she has taken the first step of her career.  Now, I have to make sure I guide her well.  I only hope I don't betray her expectations.

The day after the tryout races, all of the students and trainers attended the student council address in the gymnasium.  The address was primarily to welcome the new students.  They also talked about the tryout races, congratulating those who were already scouted while encouraging those who were still looking.  I thought I heard President Symboli Rudolf make a pun in the middle of her speech, but most of the crowd didn't react, so I was probably mistaken.  Afterwards, everyone enjoyed some shaved ice before leaving.

It's now the Monday after tryouts.  I visit Tazuna's office in the morning, and she gives me two keys to my new trainer's office.  It's a different room from the one I had before.  I carry my books and office supplies over in a box, and I unlock the door before pushing the box in with my foot.  As expected, this room has all the essentials.  There's a desk for me, a table with two chairs, a whiteboard, and a couple shelves.  It's a little musty due to not being occupied for a while, but that just makes it feel brand new to me.

Once I've organized my belongings, I go back to Tazuna's office.  Since I'm technically a new hire, she gives me a compressed orientation.  Most of it is as I remember, although some of the procedures had slipped my mind.  I thank her for supervising me over the last several months, and she wishes me luck with training Matikanefukukitaru.

With my meeting done, I decide to message Kasa and tell her the location of my new office.  I also invite her in for some tea, and she arrives a few minutes later.

"Yo, Genta!  Congrats on the reinstatement!"

"Thanks, Kasa."  I set down our cups of tea at the table.

"I accidentally went to your old office earlier.  Ended up spooking a poor new trainer there.  Whoops!"  She awkwardly scratches her head.

"Haha!"  I laugh as I picture someone setting down their books, only for Kasa to burst through the door.  "Old habit, I suppose.  I'm surprised you still remember where that room is."

"Of course I do!  I only visited every week!"

"That's true."  We take a few minutes to cool and drink some of our tea.  "Thanks for encouraging me.  If it weren't for you and Tazuna-san, I don't think I would've accepted being a trainer again."

"Of course!"  She lightly slaps my back.  "I knew you're better off as a trainer here.  You'll have to thank Fukukitaru-chan for believing in you too.  Turns out you were right that sometimes an Umamusume chooses you.  Same thing happened with Dober-chan and me."

"Yeah, I'll be sure to thank Fukukitaru when I see her today."

"Great!"  She then glances her watch before suddenly standing up.  "Ah, look at the time!  I gotta go prepare for training now!  Thanks for the tea, Genta!"

The afternoon rolls by; it's about when Fukukitaru's classes should be done.  I message her my new room number on UMALINE, and a few minutes later, I hear a knock on the door before she enters.  "Good afternoon, Trainer-san!  You won't believe it, but my tea stalks were floating upright today!"

"Huh, that is very unusual."  I've never seen it happen in real life before.

"I know, right!?  There's no better way to start our first week training together!"

"First formal week, I suppose.  Shall we head down to the track?"

"Yes, let's go!"

"Oh, and Fukukitaru?"

"Hm?"

"Thanks for believing in me."

"What do you--oh!"  She quickly realizes what I mean before giving me two thumbs-up.  "Of course!  Shiraoki-sama never disappoints!  I'm counting on you, Trainer-san!"

My training with Matikanefukukitaru has gotten off to a good start.  With tryouts being over, her classes have picked up again.  The spots on her schedule where she's available for training vary day by day, but it's not hard to adjust to.  So far, she's following my plans well.  Her debut race will be a medium-length one, so I'm giving her a regimen that balances strength, stamina, and speed training.  Kasa and I also arrange partner running for Mejiro Dober and Fukukitaru from time to time.  Both trainees can run medium-length races well, so it's a fun and productive time for both of them.

As for me, I've dusted off my old trainer textbooks from university.  I've also started exercising myself.  My own form and knowledge need to be good so I can properly guide Fukukitaru.  As another benefit, being a trainer also means I no longer have to wear a suit jacket at the academy.  I can wear lighter, less formal clothes now.

Despite our steady progress over these few months and the trust that Fukukitaru has in me, she's still obsessed with all things fortune-related, letting it control a lot of her decisions.  Not to mention, she still doesn't think very highly of herself, and her schoolwork is also a major source of stress.  In order to help her relax before her debut race, I've invited her to a karaoke session on a Friday after school.

"Thanks for inviting me, Trainer-san!  It's been a year or three since I've been to karaoke!"  Fukukitaru seems excited.

"Do you not come here with your friends?"

"Now that you mention it, no.  We do some fortune telling, and we watch movies a lot, but we don't do karaoke.  Do I pick the songs on this touchpad?"

"I think so."  To be honest, this is also the first time in years I've been to karaoke.  When I first started training my previously assigned Umamusume, I invited her here because all the trainers I talked to insisted that it's a fun activity for everyone.  Unfortunately, she refused my first few invitations, so I eventually stopped trying.  I decided I'd take a chance asking Fukukitaru, but I didn't think I'd get this far.

Fukukitaru scrolls through the available songs on the booth's touchpad before her eyes light up.  "Wow, they have 'Silent Milky Way'!  It's the ED of a drama that I watched with my family once."  She selects the song, and the music video with the lyrics appears on the TV screen.  "I hope I still remember the song!"

To my genuine surprise, Fukukitaru's singing voice is soft and very emotional.  She must put a lot of effort into her music classes.  The music video depicts a night sky with an Umamusume mother cradling her baby.  The mother tucks her baby into a tiny bed, which then floats down a constellation river.  Morning arrives, and the baby wakes up as a small child.  She then looks around curiously before running off somewhere.  After Fukukitaru finishes her singing, I applaud her.  "That was amazing."

"Thank you very much!  I'm just glad I didn't blow out your ears."

"No, your singing was genuinely great."

"Ahaha..."  Fukukitaru pushes the touchpad into my hands.  "Well, it's your turn!"

"Oh, right."  What should I sing?  Oh good, they have some songs from video games as well.  Since we're doing melodramatic songs, I'll pick this one.  It's a bit sappy, but I still like it.  I clear my throat and try my best to sing.

After I'm done singing, I look at Fukukitaru, and she seems to be tearing up while still staring at the TV.  I awkwardly scratch my head.  "Sorry about my singing."

"No," she sniffles, "I was just so moved!  Tragic love songs always get to me.  They try so hard to chase after each other, but still they're separated by upbringing, health, or an ancient curse.  Oh, how cruel the world is!  Uhaaaah!"

"Oh, yeah."  I'm just glad she didn't hate my singing.  I've also learned something new about Fukukitaru today.

We continue singing a variety of songs until our session expires.  Turns out, Fukukitaru's usual voice comes out when she's not singing a mellow song.  It's still fun to hear her sing though.  At one point, she uses the random select feature, and the system picks a song from one of my favorite fighting games.  We end up singing that one together.  By the time we exit the building, the sun has already mostly set.  We then return to the academy.

"This was really fun!"  Fukukitaru waves to me after we arrive.  "I think I'll invite Taiki-san and the others to karaoke later.  See you on Monday, Trainer-san!"

"Yep, have a good weekend."  I wave to her before briefly returning to my office.  I have next week's training planned out already, but double-checking my notes won't hurt.  Come to think of it, would karaoke count as training for Fukukitaru's winning lives?  She didn't sing any of the exact songs, but she still sang quite well.  I guess it could still be vocal exercise.  I enjoyed the karaoke regardless.  I'm starting to see why so many trainers recommend it for recreation.  Maybe I'll invite her more in the future to keep her spirits up.

At last, Matikanefukukitaru's long-awaited debut race has arrived.  Deciding on the day was a bit of a hassle.  Fukukitaru insisted that we sign up for a race on an auspicious date, and she sequentially rejected five different races before finally deciding one was lucky enough.  I even learned the birthdays of two different demon generals in the process.  Well, at least we're here now.

"Uuuuughh..."  Fukukitaru is in her waiting room.  She's wearing her trackwear, and her post and bracket are 6, much to her chagrin.  "Now that my debut is here, my heart feels like it's seizing up!"

"Don't worry; you've trained a lot for this," I try to reassure her.

"I know, but this is so much more pressure than my tryout race!"  Fukukitaru keeps a hand on her heart as she laments.  "My legs feel like jelly and stone at the same time.  I don't know if I can even stand at the paddock!"

"Let's do your standard warm-ups first."

"Okay..."  Fukukitaru completes her warm-ups without me needing to guide her.

"Looks like your arms and legs are still fine."  Hm, how else can I calm her down?  "If you're still nervous, how about saying a little prayer?"

"Y-You're right!  If my legs are ready, then all that's left is to warm up my soul."  She clasps her hands together as she offers a nervous prayer.  "Glory be to Shiraoki-sama, Buddha-sama, and the spinach leaf.  Please watch over me as I step into the unknown."  She then seems to relax a little.  "There, I've said my piece, so please, my benevolent gods?  I'm completely relying on your power to carry me through my race."

A sudden flash of anger hits me before I stifle it.  I watch quietly as Fukukitaru bounds out the door to the racetrack.  For her to say that she's relying entirely on her gods for a race, for anything...  It's not just insulting to me, but to her own efforts as well.  I shake my head to clear my mind.  Maybe it's no big deal; I expect she'll still run with all her might.  As long as she still remembers her training, she can win.  I need to head to the turf as well.

I quietly make my way to the staff area, which is level with and right next to the racecourse.  I nervously check if any of the trainers or other staff are giving me strange looks, but nobody pays me any mind.  Some distance away, the fans are completely focused on the turf.  This is just a Make Debut race, so the stands are maybe 10% full, but the people who are in the seats are still quite lively.  Man, it's been a while since I last stood here.

The fanfare for the race begins playing.  The crowd briefly quiets down, but when the last trumpet note sounds out, they let out a cheer that can be heard across the field.  It's time for the race to start.

"It's a lovely day with clear skies at the Hanshin Turf."  The commentator's voice can be clearly heard from the speakers.  "We're here as the first to witness a new class of Umamusume enter the racing world.  The race today is a 2000 meter long, right-handed course.  The third favorite today is number 7, Gold Chouchou.  Next up, we have the second favorite, number 2, Mini Cactus.  Now, here's the favorite for today: it's number 6, Matikanefukukitaru.  All nine runners are ready and waiting at the gate."

With the introduction finished, the track falls silent with anticipation.  Seconds later, the lights on the paddock illuminate, and a second after that, the gates fling open.

"Start!  All of the Umamusume are off to a great start.  Crazy in Love and Mini Cactus are fighting for the lead.  The favorite, Matikanefukukitaru is running steadily toward the back."

A camera follows the racers and displays them on a large screen.  It looks like there are two front runners, four pace chasers, two late surgers, and one end closer this race.  Fukukitaru, as a late surger, will have to pass at least six racers near the end in order to win this race.  So far, she's maintaining her pace well.  The commentator reads off the relative positions of all the racers as they make their way to the finish line.  Now comes the deciding moments.

"Coming up on the fourth corner, it's the last spurt!  In the lead is Mini Cactus, but the others are starting to catch up!"

Fukukitaru leans down and begins her strong acceleration.  Her timing is good.  I don't think the runners behind her will pass her.  She's positioned toward the outside of the pack, which is good.  While it's more distance to cover, it also gives her the most room to maneuver, which is essential for her strategy.  Still, the pack in front of her is in a wide formation.  It'll be difficult to pass without making a sharp turn.  Can she still make it?

And then, an opportunity.  The Umamusume furthest toward the outside moves a little left, creating a gap large enough for a runner to fit through.  Fukukitaru leans left, and after speeding up even more, she manages to thread the needle.

"Matikanefukukitaru breaks through the pack!  What amazing speed!  Matikanefukukitaru crosses the finish line in first place!  She scores a great victory in her debut race!"

The crowd cheers as Fukukitaru slows down and waves to them with a bright smile.  The scoreboard displays the finalists, showing that she won by one and a half lengths.  A decisive victory.  I clap for Fukukitaru before going out on the track to meet her.

"I did it!"  Impressively, she doesn't seem very tired.  "Under the gaze of the gods, my fortune has brought me to victory!"

"Congratulations on winning!"  I guess the gap in the formation could be considered luck?  Recognizing and taking advantage of it, though, was up to skill.

"Praise be!  Praise be!  Oh, but I need to prepare for the winning live!"  She starts running in the direction of the stage.  "See you after the concert, Trainer-san!"

The nine racers perform at the winning live.  The audience, with their penlights, is definitely having a great time.  Several shout Fukukitaru's name, asking her to bring them luck.  I think this is a great start to her career.

After the concert, Fukukitaru finds me in front of the stage.  "So many peoples were cheering for me.  I couldn't believe it!  I...  I can keep running more!  My debut is only the first step of my run at fortune!  Now then, Trainer-san, can you do the honor of picking my next race for me?"

I nod firmly.  "Okay.  Let's go back and figure--"

"Actually!"  She suddenly interrupts me.  "I have a better idea!  Can we visit the shrine after we get back?"

"Uh... sure?"  I have no idea what the shrine has to do with picking her next race, but it's probably fine to indulge her.

Almost the moment we get off the bus at Tracen, Fukukitaru drags me to the nearby shrine.  Only when we arrive do I notice that she carried some sort of round wooden container with her.  She sets it up in front of the shrine before looking at me with eager eyes.

"Now, Trainer-san!  With this box, we're going to do something I like to call, 'Pick-my-next-race Divination!'"

A silence hangs in the air for a few seconds.  I blink twice, but Fukukitaru's expression doesn't change.  "Come again?"

"We're going to decide my next race with this!  Now, please spin the box and read the fortune slip that drops out!  Happy, come on come on!"

Caught up in her energy, I spin the box by its handle, and a flat wooden tab drops out.  It reads "Spring Stakes."

"Oh, it's the Spring Stakes!"  She gestures as if she was looking inside her crystal ball.  "An 1800 meter run in Nakayama to claim the crown of budding flowers!"

The Spring Stakes...  It's a G2 race taking place in late March.  It's a significant milestone to aim for.  Then I realize something.  "Wait, this is a mile race."

"Yes!  And?"

"Don't you want to pick a medium-length race instead?  That should suit you better."

"What are you saying!?  To maximize my luck, we need to follow the guidance of the gods exactly!  And they speak through the engravings of these polished wooden tabs!  Besides, since you drew the slip, you're still technically deciding my next race!"

I feel like I've been duped.  Still, if this is really what she wants...  I stare at the fortune box of races for a while, lost in thought.  "Wait a minute, are there sprint races in there as well?"

"Well, I put in all of the classic races in the first three months of the year, so yeah!"

I slap my palm into my forehead.  We took a cut to dodge a bullet, I suppose.  "Alright.  How much work was it for you to make fortune slips of each race, anyway?"

"Oh, I didn't make those.  The URA sells the box and slips."

"They do!?  Why!?"

"I don't know, but I'm lucky I found it in the souvenir shop!"

With that, our next milestone race has been "decided."  I follow Fukukitaru as she steps and twirls back to the academy.  I don't think I need to throw away my immediate plans, but I will need to start pivoting our training towards shorter distances.  Just what in the world have I signed up for?

"Uuuuugh..."

"That's quite a groan, Genta."  I'm sitting in the cafeteria with Kasa one afternoon, about a week after Fukukitaru's debut.  My face is mostly buried in my hands.  Kasa takes a sip of her pineapple juice as she asks me, "Did something happen?"

"Our next race has been decided."

"...Okay?  What is it?"

"It's the Spring Stakes."

"Oh, nice!  Dober-chan is also running in--"  Kasa stops herself as the wires in her head connect.  "Wait, isn't that a mile race?"

"Yes."

"I thought you said Fukukitaru-chan was a medium- and long-runner."

"She is."

"Then why--"

"Because we drew a fortune slip to decide our next race."

Kasa splutters upon hearing this.  "You picked it at random!?  Why!?"

I let out a sigh.  "Fukukitaru insisted that we do this to follow the whims of the gods."  Kasa appears dumbstruck.  As she struggles to find her words, I continue complaining.  "Mind you, she's not terrible at mile races, but they're far from her specialty.  She even had sprint races among the possible fortune slips.  Why does the URA even sell fortune boxes with the races inside!?"

Kasa clears her throat.  "So, it was Fukukitaru-chan's idea?  Still, randomly deciding races isn't good for her training, right?  Can't you just put your foot down and decide on a race for her?"

I shake my head.  "It's not quite that simple.  First, you can probably tell by now, but Fukukitaru takes fortune and divination extremely seriously.  There was one time where she asked me to do some reverse fortune telling for her."

"What's reverse fortune telling?"

"She basically just asked me to tell her fortune by picking one of three cards.  And do you know what happened?  I flipped the grim reaper, she panicked, and we made zero progress over three days."

"I--Wow."

"Yeah.  I had to buy her two warding charms before she'd train outside again.  She wasn't just being dramatic either; there was genuine, mortal fear in her eyes.  If I force her to ignore that race fortune, I'm worried she won't be in the mindset to run properly.  Worst case, she might injure herself from sheer distress."

Kasa pauses a bit before nodding slowly.  "I see what you're getting at now.  If an Umamusume is in a bad mindset, her running suffers.  Still, this is going to hurt in the long term, right?  If you're deciding each race randomly after the last one is finished, you can't really plan out training for her career."

"Exactly.  That's the other issue I'm facing.  Fukukitaru has been easy to train, but in a sense, she's too easy to train.  She'll go along with whatever I suggest for training, but she won't even consider any concrete goals beyond the Spring Stakes.  Without any focus, her career is going to suffer.  I think I need to figure something out soon."  I sigh as I use my straw to stir my watermelon juice.  "How much control on our Umamusume's careers is too much?"

Kasa thinks about this for a while, an uncertain look crossing her face.  "I'm still figuring that out myself.  Dober-chan is determined to run in the Classic Triple Tiara tour, but she also wants to run in a lot of other races to get over her fear of crowds.  I want to let her do what she wants, but I also can't let her wear herself down.  As for the trainer I subbed for last year...  He was great at mapping out standard careers, and he did make some adjustments for different trainees, but looking back, I still got the sense that some of them weren't totally satisfied with the races they could run in.  Back then, I thought he was a little too inflexible.  Now?  I'm not sure anymore."

Kasa doesn't say more beyond that.  I stare at the ice cubes floating in my drink.  In the end, we're supposed to help our Umamusume achieve their dreams, but how much should I steer her career?  Come to think of it, what are Fukukitaru's dreams?  Can I even convince her to pick a race on her own?

My training with Fukukitaru continues, albeit with more focus on mile races.  It's a bit sudden, but it is what it is.  Fukukitaru isn't qualified to run in G2 races just yet, so I've entered her in a few pre-open and open races to build her prestige.  Thankfully, her wins and other solid placements have earned her a spot in the Spring Stakes.  Unfortunately, with the changing seasons, Fukukitaru has been feeling under the weather, and this has started to affect her training.  In order to help her to rest and unwind, I've invited her to a park one Friday.

"Thank you for inviting me out, Trainer-san!"  Fukukitaru already seems to be in high spirits.  "Today's a beautiful day, and my carrot divination shows good fortune to be found!  Can we stop by a shrine once we're done walking?"

"Of course.  By the way, what is carrot divination?"

"You spin a carrot three times and then interpret the sequence of directions they end on.  And then you eat the carrot to improve your luck!"

"Interesting."  It doesn't make any sense to me, but that sounds like it'd be fun for kids.

We enjoy a pleasant day walking through the park.  The trees are changing color now, and lining the riverside, they make for a beautiful sight.  Along the way, Fukukitaru feels like jogging, so I agree to join her.  Although my speed is far lower than hers, it still feels good to run in the cool autumn air.

"Ah, I feel so refreshed!" Fukukitaru stretches her arms up.  "Trainer-san, was there anything else you wanted to do here?"

"Actually, yeah.  Can you follow me?"

I walk over to the trees where the crows usually hang out.  Very soon after I arrive, I start hearing their caws, and I reach for the bag of peanuts in my pocket.

"Hyah!"  Fukukitaru's shout catches me by surprise.  "I hear the sounds approaching...  A dark circle is forming...!  Crows?  Why are we here!?"

"I'm here to feed them," I answer.  "I have a habit of feeding the crows on Fridays and Sundays.  They even recognize me."

"Feeding the crows!?  But Trainer-san, they're harbingers of misfortune!  Four caws foretell doom to--"

"Hey now, the crows are actually very intelligent.  I don't know what rumors you've heard, but it's not nice to say that about them."

"But but but but, but they're not just rumors!  They're--"

Just then, I hear multiple caws above us.  I look up, and I see that a few crows are starting to swoop towards Fukukitaru.  Before I can react, Fukukitaru folds and covers her ears, and she runs away while screaming at the top of her lungs.

"Ah, Fukukitaru!"  Too late; she's long gone.  I sigh and turn back to the crows.  One of the older ones has landed in front of me.  "Come on, was that really necessary?"

"Caw caw!"

"I know that calling you harbingers of misfortune is rude, but they didn't have to dive-bomb her."

"Caw caw, caw caw caw!"

"Wha--you can't just do that to someone's toes!  That's awful!"

"Caw caw!"

I pinch the bridge of my nose.  "Look, I'll get her to apologize and stop saying those things, but you have to meet her peacefully, okay?  I'll also ask her to bring some honey nut cakes for you."

The crows look amongst each other before replying.  "Caw, caw caw!"

"...Do they have to be from Paradise Found?"

"Caw!"

"Fine.  I'll bring her back here next Friday."  I let out an exasperated sigh before turning away.  "Well, see you later."

"Caw caw!"

"No.  Insult or not, you attacked my trainee, so you're not getting any peanuts this week."

Despite some protests from the younger crows, I start walking back to the academy.  When I return, Fukukitaru seems shaken from the experience.  It seems like my plan to raise her motivation has completely backfired.  Fukukitaru still goes through her training, but she believes that she's been cursed, and her practice suffers as a result.  I don't think I can let this go on for long.

The next Thursday, after classes and training are done, I ask Fukukitaru to stay after for a bit.  "Hey, Fukukitaru, I want you to make up with the crows tomorrow."

"What!?  You're... siding with them over me!?"

"No.  I want all of you to apologize to each other.  Insulting them wasn't right, but neither was them dive-bombing you.  I want you to think of them as living, breathing animals and not just agents of bad luck.  I'll also be there to mediate in case anything goes wrong."

"Hup, if you say so, Trainer-san..."

When Friday arrives, I give Fukukitaru the address of Paradise Found before meeting up with her there.

"Trainer-san?  What is this store?  'Paradise Found'"?

"This is a bakery that specializes in all-natural breads and desserts.  A large chunk of their foods are even pet-safe.  What we're here for are honey nut cakes."

"Are they a peace offering for the crows?"

"Yes.  Let's go in."  We walk inside to buy the cakes.  I let Fukukitaru walk around the shop and marvel at all the different foods while I buy what I came here for.  Once I'm done, we return to the park.

"3000 yen for two packs, wow," she remarks.

"Yeah.  They love these things, but they're pricey.  Well, this is what I agreed to."

We make our way to the familiar trees.  There, the crows are already waiting on the ground.  Fukukitaru seems nervous while holding the bags of cakes, but I gently urge her forward.

First, Fukukitaru timidly bows to them.  "Um, I, uh, I just wanted to say, I'm sorry.  All my books and TV shows say that crows are bad omens, but it's not fair to you.  You're friends with Trainer-san, so you can't be that bad.  As an apology, we brought you these cakes.  I hope you'll accept them."  She unwraps the cakes and lays them out on the grass.

After a few seconds of silence, one of the older crows pushes three of the younger crows forward.  They all hang their heads down and caw sadly.

"These are the ones who attacked you last Friday," I explain.  "They're apologizing."

"Wha, really?  They're gonna let me keep my toes?"

"Why does everyone--yes.  They know they made a mistake, and they've promised not to attack you again."  As I finish my sentence, one of the young crows flies back into a bush before returning with something in its beak.  It places the object onto the ground in front of Fukukitaru.  "What is that?"

"It looks like a bottle cap," Fukukitaru remarks as she picks it up, "for Carrot-Cola.  It's so polished.  You're giving this to me?"

"I know crows value and collect shiny things," I mention.  "I believe that's their peace offering."

"Amazing..."  Fukukitaru's eyes sparkle as she examines the bottle cap.  "Shiraoki-sama told me that today's lucky colors were blue and orange.  To think I would find them here!"  She then claps her hands together.  "Crows!  I'll never call you harbingers of bad luck again!  I'll call you harbingers of prosperity instead!  May Shiraoki-sama bless you and your families for many, many years!"

To my relief, the crows seem happy.  After the older crow caws, they all proceed to gather around the honey nut cakes before eagerly devouring them.  After watching them for a few minutes, Fukukitaru and I leave them be.

"Thank you for agreeing to this, Fukukitaru.  This has probably been stressful, but I figured it was better to make peace with the crows."

"No, thank you, Trainer-san!"  She turns to me with a confident smile.  "Thanks to this, I no longer dread the sound of crows around me!  In fact, now I know they're smart birds with great taste!"

I smile.  "I'm glad to hear that.  Hopefully they'll recognize you as a friend going forward.  I think I said this already, but I feed the crows every Friday and Sunday.  Of course, I don't expect you to join me, but if you want to, all you have to do is ask."

"Great!  I might bring my own snacks for them next time!"

"I'm sure they'll appreciate that.  Well, do you want to go back to Paradise Found?"

"Huh?  Do you want to buy them even more cakes?"  She tilts her head at me.

"No, I wanted to treat you to your own cake, since you've handled everything so well."  On top of bringing her spirits up, I think this incident has helped Fukukitaru see that the misfortune was all in her head.  Hopefully, this will push her to overcome her perceived bad luck in the future.  "So, want to come along?"

"I'd love to!  And once I get home, I'll cross the crows off my list of bad omens!"

"Wait... list?"

"Yes!  It's important to learn and recognize the signs of good and bad luck!  I think the unlucky list has about seventy things on it, but I'll adjust it for the crows!"

She's still going to have that huge list of bad omens to ruin her day?  Oh, come on.  I sigh as Fukukitaru happily skips ahead toward the bakery.  Well, one step of the journey, I suppose.  I have a very, very long way to go before I can push her past her superstitions.