Chapter 3: I have absolutely no idea. I run my races purely on instinct.

"Let me introduce myself properly."

It was early evening in the trainer’s office assigned to me. Once again, I faced the Uma Musume I would be in charge of—Hoshino Wilm.

…Seeing her up close again, she really is stunning.

Her soft, pale bay hair falls to a semi-long length, and in her bangs there’s a single long streak of dark bay. Naturally, she has the distinctive ears and tail of an Uma Musume… though neither moves much. Maybe she’s the type whose emotions don’t show easily.

Her facial features—well, as with most Uma Musume—are beautifully balanced. Her downcast, bluish-white eyes and the thin, firm line of her lips give her a quiet, composed aura.

And then there’s her physique: petite and slender. Despite her cool, refined beauty, her body still clearly reflects a child who hasn’t fully matured.

Taken together, Hoshino Wilm has a strangely layered appeal—an intricate mix of youthful cuteness and mature beauty, slightly unbalanced yet undeniably captivating. If she had this face back in my original world, the entertainment industry would’ve claimed her instantly.

Still, in this world, Uma Musume are athletes. They may have idol-like qualities, but racing is what matters most. I can’t forget that.

I’m not her fan or her friend—I’m her trainer. I need to separate my personal impressions from my work.

"My name is Horino. You can call me Trainer, or just Horino. I’ll be the one in charge of you starting today. I’m still new and inexperienced, so I may cause you trouble at times. But flaws and all, I hope we can move forward together, step by step. It’s a pleasure to work with you."

Mm. A flawless self-introduction, if I do say so myself.

It may not be exciting, but starting off seriously is the right move. I’m a rookie, after all. If someone with no experience or achievements tried cracking jokes right away, I’d be annoyed too.

Wait—should I have mentioned a hobby or something? Maybe I should’ve shared something to help build rapport…

Except I don’t have any hobbies.

For the past twenty years, all I’ve done is polish myself. And always in a work-oriented way—nothing that could be called a hobby.

…Ugh, this was a problem in my past life too. With no hobbies, conversations always stalled. Maybe I should pick one up just to improve communication with my Uma Musume.

But wait—if I pick a hobby for work, is it really a hobby? Self-improvement is the same; I did that for work too. Am I even capable of liking something unrelated to work…? In both lives, I’m nothing but a workaholic…

"…Trainer?"

"Ah, sorry. That’s all from me. If you don’t mind, could you introduce yourself as well?"

At that, she nodded as if she’d anticipated it and spoke smoothly.

"First year of the Middle School Division, Hoshino Wilm. I’m from Hokkaido. My favorite food is glazed carrots, and my hobby is self-improvement. My special skill is maintaining focus without breaking. Back home, even though it wasn’t an official course, I ran up to 2400 meters. Dirt tracks didn’t suit me well, but I don’t think they’re impossible for me. I look forward to working with you."

Ah—ah… wait, wait, don’t give such a perfect introduction, that just makes mine look pathetic.

Seriously? Am I, a former working adult living his second life, losing in self-introductions to a teenage girl? I’ve lived nearly four times as long as she has!

…Ugh, suddenly I feel like some middle-aged man trying too hard. I don’t think my values are that out of step with my age group, but…

Is this how it feels when a canon-strong Uma Musume has hidden stats no one sees? Even Rudolf is absurdly competent aside from her terrible puns.

Still… hmm.

From her introduction alone, I can already see her attitude toward racing—and toward winning.

A hobby of self-improvement probably means she does extra training on her own. And saying she never loses focus is basically advertising that she can handle continuous drills.

Nearly seventy percent of her introduction was racing-related.

She’s strict with herself. If we’re similar in that regard, maybe we’ll get along.

Her fighting instinct is real.

Most people won’t train on their own when they’re already exhausted. Usually that only happens when a trainer orders it.

During my rookie training period, I even met an Uma Musume who still had seventy percent stamina left yet dramatically declared she was at her limit. I lectured her on the importance of testing one’s boundaries—accidentally turning her into a training addict.

Later, when I heard she’d almost injured herself from overdoing independent training, I nearly fainted. I sat her down and explained the importance of proper rest to get her back on track, but… I wonder if she’s still running happily somewhere. Maybe I should check if a trainer’s been assigned to her.

Anyway. I’m getting off track.

Even among Uma Musume like that, Hoshino Wilm kept running all day long until her stamina was nearly depleted. Her hunger for victory—her obsession with becoming faster—is unmistakably genuine.

…At the same time, her intensity gives me a faint sense of unease.

"Now then. Knowing you, I assume you’re eager to hear how you can become faster—"

"Yes. Please teach me."

"…Right. A lot of enthusiasm. Very good."

Actually, calling it “a little unease” might be too soft. This level of forward-leaning intensity is practically unstable.

Picture this: a girl who was cool and quiet moments ago suddenly leaning in like she’s about to grab you by the collar. It’s terrifying. My professional mask nearly slips every time—please don’t do that.

"Anyway, nothing complicated. As an Uma Musume, I’m sure you already understand distances, running styles, and—"

"I’m sorry, I hardly know anything about that. I would appreciate it if you could teach me."

"…………Very well. Understood."

Is she doing this on purpose? This has to be deliberate, right!?

No way! I was told Uma Musume have fierce competitive instincts, so they usually study constantly to win!

This isn’t advanced knowledge—it’s basic. Like knowing the difference between a pitcher and a catcher in baseball. Anyone involved should know it.

I didn’t expect her to be missing something this fundamental!

No—wait. Why am I getting upset? I’m a trainer of the Horino household. My job is to guide her.

If the Uma Musume is the one steering the ship, I’m the one handling the rudder. If she forgets her compass, I provide one. Removing her anxieties and lighting her path forward—that’s what I’m here for.

But still… hmm. Can I really guide such a peculiar Uma Musume?

Now then, I’d like to talk about aptitude. It’ll be a bit of a roundabout explanation, so if it feels complicated, just focus on the key points.

First, there’s the URA—an organization that oversees most matters related to Japanese Uma Musume, including the Japan Central Training Center. The URA hosts a group of races collectively known as the Twinkle Series. That’s where you’ll be running, Wilm. …Wait, don’t tell me you didn’t know that either? You knew the name but not the details?

I see. …I see.
Well, it’s not a problem. I’m sure there are other students like that.

Anyway, you’ll be running in the Twinkle Series, and these races are categorized in several ways. Let’s start with that.

First is whether the course is covered in grass or filled with sand. The former is turf, the latter is dirt. You seem to prefer turf, and in Japan that’s a big advantage—most major races in the Twinkle Series are run on turf.

…You don’t really understand what “major race” means, either?
…Ahh, well, honesty is good. From now on, feel free to tell me whenever you don’t know something; it helps us communicate better. That said, we can set the topic of major races aside—you won’t be dealing with those until later anyway.

Next comes distance.

Short distance is 1400 meters or less—sprinters who win with explosive power.

Then mile, from 1401 to 1800. Unlike short distance, which barely uses stamina, mile races require strategic management of limited stamina. Those who specialize here are called milers.

Beyond that is middle distance, 1801 to 2400 meters. This is where Uma Musume who balance stamina, speed, and power tend to shine. In the Twinkle Series, the most active categories are mile and middle distance—you’ll likely compete here too.

Last is long distance, 2401 meters and above. A long, grueling battle that demands tremendous stamina. It’s the realm of steely-willed stayers.

…Did that go in one ear and out the other? Well, it’s easier to learn from a textbook anyway. You’ll cover all of this in class soon enough, so don’t worry. In short, after turf and dirt, races are divided into short distance, mile, middle distance, and long distance.

Just remember that much for now.

Hm? A question?
Go ahead.

"What do you call someone who runs middle distance?"

…That’s what you’re curious about? Well, fair enough. There isn’t really a special term for it compared to the others. At best, they’re just called middle-distance horses. Middle distance is the most standard range, so the specialized names for the other distances are said to have developed to distinguish them from it.

That wraps up race categories. Next is running style. This won’t take long, so make sure to focus with that specialty of yours.

Running styles are divided into four main types.
First is frontrunner—run fast from the start, build a lead, and keep that advantage until the end.
Next is leader—stay right behind the frontrunners, then overtake them whenever an opening appears.
Then comes chaser—stay a bit further back, conserve your strength, and surge past the front near the end.
Last is closer—run from the very back, read the race as a whole, and use a final burst to pass everyone in one sweep.

Your strategy in your previous mock race was chaser. So at least you understand that much… good.

All right. I’ve talked for a while, but now we finally get to aptitude—this is the most important part, and it’ll be over quickly, so listen closely. Turf and dirt. Short distance, mile, middle distance, long distance. Frontrunner, leader, chaser, closer.
Uma Musume always have things they’re suited for and things they’re not.

For example, some specialize entirely in short-distance turf as pure frontrunners. Others can run both turf and dirt, cover mile, middle, and long distance, and even switch between leader and chaser—true all-rounders.
When something fits you, we say you “have aptitude” for it. When it doesn’t, we say you don’t.

And to be honest… aptitude is mostly determined by bloodline and innate talent. It’s not something you can easily gain just by wanting it. With exceptional effort, you might break through a wall, but the standard approach is to develop the strengths you’re naturally suited for.

Now then… with everything I’ve explained, you should understand why I’m telling you all this, right?

………

No? If you don’t get it, then just say so. It’s the trainer’s job to explain properly.

It’s simple. In your mock race, you ran a mile as a chaser—but that doesn’t suit you. Your considerable stamina and speed shine best in middle and long distance. And judging from the way your finishing kick falters, your optimal running style is probably frontrunner.

In other words—put very plainly—you’ve been fighting at a massive disadvantage.

After talking for so long, my head starts aching a little. Wearing the mask of “Trainer Horino” is exhausting for someone dull like me.
Unlike Hoshino Wilm—who sat through my long explanation quietly and attentively—I don’t have great focus. If I relax even for a second, the mask starts slipping. That’s why I avoid talking too much… but in situations like this, I don’t have a choice. And I’ll need these speech skills for interviews in the future anyway, so I should treat this as practice.

"Did you understand, Hoshino Wilm?"

"Yes."

She nods honestly, and I quietly let out a breath. So that high intelligence wasn’t just for show. …Though she really does lack knowledge, but maybe that depends on her upbringing. Her raw intellect isn’t bad; if I support her properly, she should get on track soon enough.

"So, if I run middle to long distance as a frontrunner, I can win?"

"…Well, I can’t say you’ll definitely win. You’re talented, but there are parts you’re missing. We’ll improve those through training."

"Yes!"

A satisfying answer returned to me, yet for some reason, a faint worry tugged at my chest.

In my mind, the face of a certain runaway frontrunner flashed—someone whose reactions were strangely similar to Hoshino Wilm’s.

Like how she was usually cool and unreadable.
Or how she could keep running for absurdly long periods without tiring.
Or how she was so fixated on winning that it was hard to tell if she was actually listening.

They were alike. Very alike. And of course, only in the troublesome ways.

Maybe all talented front-running Uma Musume are destined to end up like this.

…Ahh, I miss Seiun Sky. That girl who acted like she wasn’t listening but actually heard everything, never let her guard down, and was so unbelievably easy to train… even if that was only in the app.

Well, anyway, that’s enough about aptitudes for now.

I can drill the pacing for mid-range and long-distance races, and how to run as a frontrunner, into her before her debut. Ahh, it’s wonderful not having to rush.

Next up… right. Her excessively high stats.

"Now then, there’s one more extremely important topic to discuss. …But before that, may I ask you something?"

"If it’s something I can answer."

Hmm… she looks so sharp and cool—and cute—but despite that intellectual aura, she knows absolutely nothing about racing.

Never judge someone by appearances. That applies to Uma Musume just as much.

"Then let me ask: are you aware of how abnormal you are?"

"………… What… exactly do you mean by that?"

The air tightened. Her eyes narrowed sharply, almost as if she were glaring at me.

Well, that reaction makes sense.

Her overwhelming physical abilities had never been fully shown until now.

During yesterday’s mock race, she ran with a different style and distance from her specialty, so she only looked average.
And I’ve already confirmed she didn’t participate in any mock races before that.

Meaning that from her perspective, there’s no reason I should know anything about her extraordinary physique.

She must be suspicious—thinking something like, “Were you watching me back in Hokkaido? That’s creepy, you know.”

…Hah. Truly, a master detective, me.

And because I expected this reaction, I prepared an excuse.

"Naturally, I’m talking about your strength. There’s no way you could be unaware of such power."

"…Where did you learn about that?"

"It’s simple."

Truthfully, I wasn’t sure this would convince her.

But right now, I couldn’t think of any explanation that would let me use my “app-reincarnation” advantage while still sounding believable to an Uma Musume.

I absolutely wanted to avoid souring our relationship here. Worst case, I could lose months.

…But to guarantee she gets the victory she desires, I must use the information from my app-reincarnation.

Please, Hoshino Wilm.

Just this once.

Use that legendary obliviousness of yours…!

"I can tell that your body is unbelievably refined.
Because when I look at an Uma Musume’s legs, I can perfectly judge how well-trained they are…!"

"I see. So that’s what you meant. That makes sense."

…Hm? Hmmm?

Wait—she just accepted that? That explanation was flimsy as hell.

Suppressing my confusion, I checked her expression. She genuinely seemed convinced—if anything, relieved.

Could it be…?

…It worked?!

Terrifying… truly terrifying. This remarkably dense Uma Musume, Hoshino Wilm…!

In truth, the whole thing had been a dangerous gamble.

I couldn’t give her a clear explanation, and if she had suspected even a little, I’d have had no way to justify myself.

First, what if I told her the truth? Easy: I’d be labeled insane and our trust would collapse instantly.

“Actually, I reincarnated from another world, and since this is a game world, I can see your stats!”

Amazing. A certified lunatic, head to toe. Anyone who believed someone who said that would probably be the kind of person who suffers a lot in life. I’d wish them strength.

Then what if I lied?

“I happened to see you in a local Hokkaido race. You ran mid-range. It wasn’t your usual style, but you looked really strong!”

Yeah, no. She’s always been a sustainer-type, meaning she’s never shown her true ability. Claiming I witnessed her hidden potential would require solid logic—but I had none.

And if I wanted to keep using my “app-reincarnation” abilities later to manage her stamina, accident rates, and training choices, I’d need even more lies. Far too inefficient.

So I gambled on the idea that she might accept something like, “I don’t really get it, but I guess my trainer has some mysterious power.”

If she bought that, I’d never need to explain the reincarnation-app again.

The problem was, only a naive kid should believe something that sloppy.

Which is why I’d spent so long adjusting my tone, my atmosphere, everything, to make it believable.

Last night I spent three hours thinking, “Well, the whole Uma Soul concept is vague anyway, so maybe I can just ride that vibe… but no, I’m just a normal human…”

But in the end, my effort paid off spectacularly.

Ahh… is this what it feels like to have hard work rewarded? The sweet taste of victory—I feel like I haven’t savored it in ages.

…Though ideally not for something like this.

"Good. As long as you understand, there’s no problem. Thank you."

"? Why are you thanking me?"

"Because appreciation is important. I try to express gratitude whenever I can. Thanks, thanks."

Crap. My excitement is making the mask slip and random nonsense is coming out.

Zip it, zip it. This is exactly the kind of thing my little sister used to tease me about.

"Mm, mm. Anyway, I can check your condition and your status. Probably with far greater accuracy than other trainers.
Because of that, I might sometimes make training decisions that seem a little unusual.
If you ever think something feels strange, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll always explain the reasoning."

"Yes, I’ll rely on you."

…Huh? Wait. Her eyes… is that a little bit of trust? Respect? Something like that mixed in?

Uh, uh… why?

I definitely just said something sketchy, right? This is about your future—shouldn’t you be more suspicious?

…No, wait.

A sudden realization shoots through my brain.

Her past behavior. Her reactions. Her words. Her absurdly high stats and natural talent.

No way.

…No, but… could it be!?

She—Hoshino Wilm is…!

…Could she actually be incredibly easy to scam…!?

Thinking about it, her overwhelming strength may have backfired. She probably solved most problems through brute force, got tired of doubting people, and simply stopped bothering.

No—maybe she doesn’t doubt anyone to begin with, and if she did realize she was being scammed, she’d just retaliate on instinct and “defeat” the criminal with overwhelming power…!?

But brute force only works on simple scams. Real con artists trick you so thoroughly you never even realize you were deceived.

What do I do?

This girl might buy a useless vase just because someone said it has a “good aura.”
If there’s even one planted shill, she might come home with an armful of feather duvets.

…No!

Smack!

“?!”

I slapped both my cheeks with everything I had.

What am I getting soft for!?

This isn’t a “what do I do?” situation!
Who am I? I’m a trainer of the Horino family!
I’m here to guide my Uma Musume and help her achieve her dreams!

If she ever gets tricked, I’ll chase the scammer to the depths of hell and make them pay!
And before that, I’ll make sure she never gets tricked in the first place!

That—that is my job!!

…Still no good. I’m nowhere near the ideal trainer yet. Someone like my father… I’m still far away.

“Um… are you all right…?”

Hoshino Wilm calls out, her voice cautious.

Crap, I must’ve worried her.

“I’m fine, Hoshino Wilm.”

“I see… if you say so.”

“No matter what happens, I’ll protect you!”

“…Umm?”

She doesn’t need to worry. No—my job is to make sure she never even feels the need to worry.
So she can run without any burdens.
So she can win.
I… I must protect her…!

"Trainer."

"What is it, Hoshino Wilm!"

I turn toward her with full force—and there she is.

My Uma Musume, covering her mouth with both hands, quietly, timidly, but unmistakably… laughing.

"Do people… fufu… ever tell you you're a little silly?"

"Wha?! Hoshino Wilm—how did you know that!?"

When I ask, she only laughs more softly, clearly entertained.

…Come to think of it, that was probably the first time I’d ever seen her smile.

And I was so overwhelmed with happiness that I simply watched her, until her embarrassment finally made her fall silent.