Chapter 42: "Simulated Training"

Chapter 42: "Simulated Training"

Getting Vodka’s support was a truly pleasant surprise for Makoto.

But he didn’t let it cloud his judgment.

While he hadn’t anticipated Vodka’s decision in advance, he had already prepared training sessions that included a runner with a similar style to hers.

With that foundation, all he needed to do was adjust the current plan to fit Vodka’s specifics—it wasn’t necessary to scrap the whole schedule.

So, he spent some time over the weekend tweaking the training plan, while using the rest of the time to get proper rest.

On Sunday night, Makoto confirmed the meeting time and location with the three Umamusume for the next day.

The location would still be the academy track, but they agreed to meet a little earlier than usual.

Three-person group runs were far more complex than two-person ones—especially when the other two weren’t just any Umamusume, but Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka.

Not only were they top-tier in terms of ability, they also had an abundance of race experience.

This gave them unique running styles and techniques. If he didn’t tailor the training to those traits, it would just waste their goodwill and efforts.

So during warm-ups on the track, while the others were getting ready, Makoto reviewed Vodka’s data—just like he had with Kitasan before—making various calculations and assumptions.

Once he was confident the plan was properly optimized, he gave out the training instructions.

“Daiwa-san, same as before—run using your specialty, the front runner running style.”

With a stopwatch in his right hand and a tablet tucked under his right arm, Makoto used his left hand to indicate starting positions.

“Kitasan, same for you. Stick behind your senpai and keep an eye out for my signal.”

“The moment I give you the hand sign—accelerate and make your move.

“As for Vodka-san... can you simulate an ‘end closer-style’ run?”

“No problem.”

Nodding quickly, Vodka lifted her left arm horizontally and held her right arm vertically to pin it in place, twisting her waist side to side with a grin.

“Feels just like the old days... Hey, Scarlet, you should’ve told me about this fun stuff earlier.”

Still stretching, Daiwa Scarlet pursed her lips.

“How was I supposed to know you’d be back from Europe... Besides, you’re already back at the academy now, aren’t you?”

“True enough.”

Vodka nodded, then cracked her knuckles by interlocking her fingers and flexing her wrists.

“I’m ready. Scarlet should be good too. Should we start now?”

Instead of answering, Makoto looked toward Kitasan.

“Um…”

Hesitating slightly, Kitasan raised her hand.

“Trainer… when you said just now… did you mean ‘simulate end closer-style’?”

At that, not only Makoto, but the other two Umamusume also smiled warmly.

“Good catch,” Makoto nodded. “Yes, I specifically said simulate end closer-style—not actual end closer-style.”

“Actually, your senpai Daiwa-san does the same. When she runs with you, she’s simulating front running, not genuinely front running.”

“Simulating…”

Kitasan repeated the word, and her eyes lit up.

“So you mean… we’re imagining that besides the three of us, there are other competitors running with us too?”

The rest of the group looked impressed.

“Nice intuition, Kita-chan! Looks like we can’t keep treating you like some clueless little rookie anymore!”

Vodka walked over and ruffled Kitasan’s hair, smiling as she explained:

“Simply put, simulated front running and simulated end closer are both types of visualization training.”

“Just like you said, we imagine in our minds that there are more rivals running alongside us.”

“This kind of training is more effective than regular group runs—but it’s also a lot harder to master.”

“Usually, only Umamusume with enough race experience can handle it. Of course, having a bit of talent helps too.”

"Turns out both Scarlet and I are that kind of racer, so don't overthink it—just give it your all between us," Vodka said reassuringly.

"I see..." Kitasan nodded in sudden understanding, though she quickly looked a little embarrassed.

"This kind of training... sounds really exhausting. I mean, having to visualize opponents in your head.”

"I always thought I hadn’t troubled Daiwa-senpai too much, but now I realize she was going through all that effort to help me. And now Vodka-senpai too..."

“Oww!”

Before she could finish, both Scarlet and Vodka flicked her forehead in perfect sync. Then they exchanged a knowing glance and burst into laughter.

"What are you talking about?" Kitasan said fondly, scratching the side of her nose with a hooked index finger.

"Don't forget, back in the day—during training and competitions—you were always there to help us.”

"Bringing us tea, handing us towels, fixing our racing shoes, doing our laundry and cleaning our shoes.”

"At first we thought you were too young, that no matter how eager you were, we shouldn’t rely on you too much.”

"But we got used to it real fast. Once you were around, you were the first person we called for anything."

Vodka mimicked Kitasan’s nose scratch with her own finger.

"Exactly. We remember all of that.”

"And it wasn't just us. Teio-senpai, Suzuka-senpai, McQueen-senpai, Rudolf-senpai—”

"You helped everyone, Kita-chan.”

"Especially Teio-senpai.”

"That year when she was so down, none of us knew what to do.”

"If you hadn’t kept encouraging her the way you did, I doubt she would've returned to the track so soon.”

"Bottom line is, you were always cheering us on with all your heart. Now that you've officially debuted, do you really think we'd just sit back and watch?"

"Exactly what I was thinking," Daiwa Scarlet chimed in with a laugh, bumping fists with Vodka without even looking.

"It’s not just us. I’m sure Teio-senpai and the others want to do something for you too.”

"So rather than saying silly things like that—"

With a quick "Heave-ho!", she and Vodka hopped over the fence and landed neatly on the track.

Daiwa Scarlet flashed a thumbs-up.

"Kitasan, aren’t you ready yet?"

"You two, senpai..."

Eyes shining with emotion, Kitasan looked at the two racers standing proudly on the field. Then, with a burst of energy, she leapt over the fence to join them.

"Of course I’m ready!"

Watching the three Umamusume lined up and ready, all looking his way, Makoto couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion.

He hadn’t known about Kitasan’s past with her seniors, but based on what he’d just heard, it was clear that this Umamusume was far more warmhearted, kind, and mature than she first appeared.

In fact, he realized now that, like Scarlet and Vodka had said, he had already become accustomed to the quiet support of that black-haired girl.

At first, it was just her helping him carry his bag.

Then, she started bringing him drinks, snacks, and even home-cooked lunches.

Now, whenever she came to his dorm room, she’d help take out the trash, and tidy up the scattered books and notes lying around. And he had gotten used to all of it.

She did all of this without ever asking for anything in return, always with a smile—clearly happy just to lend a hand to someone she cared about. Or maybe, to anyone who needed help.

Unconsciously, Makoto smiled.

It was true—someone like her… it was impossible not to want to return that kindness, to do something for her in return.

With that thought, he raised his hand.

"1800 meters on turf, group run. Ready—three... two... one!"

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