Chapter 4: Don’t you dare disrespect an undefeated Triple Crown winner.

Here’s a question.

Let’s say there’s an Uma Musume who, earlier that afternoon, ran into a Trainer whose scout offer she had turned down, got severely scolded for overworking herself, then—out of nowhere—he suddenly declared he would be her Trainer… and right after that he collapsed.

Then, when she came to, she found herself back in her dorm room, tucked into bed.

What kind of mood do you think she’d be in now?

Answer:

…Ughhh, this is the worst!!

“U-ugh…”

The morning after everything that happened, in my dorm room. I was rolling around under my futon in sheer misery.

I got way too carried away! I try so hard every day to keep my emotions in check so things don’t end up like this!

Why did things go so wrong!? I only entered that mock race because I wanted a Trainer contract in the first place!

…No. I know. It’s obvious what the problem is.

『…So cold.』

That feeling. That icy sensation that steals my calm and leaves nothing in my sight but victory.

At some point, I started feeling it every time I ran a race. It probably comes from my mental state or my Uma Soul—one of those two.

I don’t really know which… or why it happens.

When that coldness takes over, I lose control and charge straight toward victory. Everything else stops mattering.

…Well, it’s not like I don’t always want to win. It just becomes extreme.

And once it hits, I can’t stop anymore. “Out of control” is exactly the right term.

But that outburst isn’t entirely bad.

If all I can think about is winning, then that means I can focus only on winning.

During a race, my concentration never wavers. I stay cold, calculating, and always pushing forward.

Most incidents don’t faze me. My mind and body sharpen far more than usual.

And above all, up until yesterday, that feeling always faded soon after the race ended.

It’s scary how it warps my mindset, sure, but aside from that, it’s almost all benefits. That’s why I’ve managed to work with it.

What exactly is this sensation? Even I don’t know.

I thought I’d been handling it well, but maybe not anymore.

One thing I learned from that mock race is that races here are on a different level than in Hokkaido. Even with that cold focus and my full power, there are Uma Musume I still can’t beat.

And one more thing. Yesterday, after losing the race—when the heat inside me should have gradually returned—it didn’t. I ran, trying to win, and I couldn’t stop.

The rampage that was supposed to stay within the race didn’t end. If I hadn’t run into that Trainer then… at worst, my legs might have…

That coldness. That thing inside me.

I have to figure out what it is and deal with it somehow.

If I don’t, the next time I lose… I might go out of control again.

“But, well… I guess it’s fine.”

Thinking calmly, the solution is simple: I just have to not lose.

History is written by the winners. If I run fast, cross the finish line fast, then everything’s solved.

In other words, instead of worrying about that “cold” sensation, what I should really do is train until I’m even faster.

A me who loses has no value anyway. If that time comes, I’ll quietly accept my fate.

“…Wilm-chan, are you awake?”

A soft, floaty voice I recognize well.

Then a head pops into view with a little boop. Ahh, senpai is adorable today too.

“Do you need something, Meek-senpai?”

Pale white hair, sleepy droopy eyes in a gentle shade of pink.

This always-spacey Uma Musume is my roommate and senpai, Happy Meek.

She’s spent over four years running here at Tracen Academy and has even won various races—she’s an amazing senior.

…But at the same time, she’s also unbelievably cute and laid-back.

Sometimes she just stands by the window smiling softly up at the sky, and simply watching her is enough to make me feel blessed too.

April of last year.

A new life, making friends, entering a world of competition.

With all kinds of worries swirling inside me, I had just moved my things into the dorm when Meek-senpai suddenly appeared.

Well, “appeared” is misleading—she was my roommate, I just didn’t know yet.

I froze the moment I saw her walk into the room. A suspicious person barging into my room? I had no idea how to react, so my brain just crashed.

Meek-senpai also stopped and stared at me, blankly. Looking back, I’m pretty sure she wasn’t thinking about anything at all.

And then, after about a full minute of silence…

I decided to raise both my hands. Because if she really was an intruder, that would be terrifying.

…Yeah. Thinking about it now, why didn’t I assume she was my roommate? I guess I panicked.

And in response to me trembling with my hands up, Meek-senpai giggled and said:

“…Hehe… you look like a crab.”

That was our absurd, surreal first meeting.

It was rough at first, but after living together for more than half a year, we naturally grew close. Not close enough to drop my mask, but close.

I trust this soft, fluffy senpai enough to consult her about all sorts of things. When I talk about my worries, she turns all red and tries her absolute best—she’s adorable.

As for how she feels about me… hmm. She’s always spacey, so it’s hard to tell how close she thinks we are.

She gushes about her beloved Trainer sometimes, so at least she must think of me as a friend… I hope.

And now this healing-type Uma Musume, Meek-senpai—

She gives a little nod and holds out an envelope.

“This… I was asked to give it to you, from your Trainer.”

“My Trainer…”

Ugh… it’s such a proper letter, the kind you barely see anymore. I’m scared to open it…

Senpai isn’t a “black goat” that eats letters, so of course she handed it to me properly. Honestly, it’d have been nice if she’d just eaten it.

…A senpai munching on my mail would be so cute though. I kinda want to see it.

………Okay, time to stop escaping reality.

“Thank you, Meek-senpai.”

“…V.”

The unbelievably cute senpai flashes a proud little V-sign, then toddles out of the room.

Ahhh, seriously, Meek-senpai is adorable.

It might be rude to think this about a senior, but she’s like a carefree kitten—just seeing her is soothing.

…Yeah, okay. I really do have to read the letter.

I’m sure I’ll get scolded… My rude behavior during the day, my excessive self-training at night, and collapsing afterwards—I've done nothing but cause that Trainer trouble.

Just imagining the contents is enough to make my stomach churn.

But he’s the one who decided to become my Trainer. I have to read it… Ugh.

I hope he’s not too angry. Maybe there’ll be some silly doodles or emoticons inside to soften the blow…

Flip.

“Come to my Trainer’s office after school.
—Horino”

…………

Am I going to die?

---

There was no scolding.

When I apologized, he simply replied, with his usual blank expression, “Don’t worry about it.”

Ugh… even so, that perfectly composed face is incredibly intimidating. Is he really not angry? Is it actually fine?

I’m sorry, I truly regret everything. I’ll do better. Next time, I’ll accelerate faster and absolutely win.

After that, the Trainer nodded to himself several times, then tilted his head a bit.

I couldn’t help mimicking him and tilting my head too.

…What on earth is this person thinking? It’s kind of entertaining—like watching someone perform a one-man play—but at the same time it makes me wonder if it’s really okay to entrust my future to him as my Trainer.

While I was thinking that, the Trainer suddenly turned toward me.

“Let’s formally introduce ourselves.”

Wow, that’s sudden!?

Just like yesterday—this Trainer’s transitions between topics are abrupt. Or maybe he’s simply not very good at syncing his thoughts with what the other person understands.

…Then again, maybe that’s just me. Maybe I’m the one who can’t keep up.

In both my previous life and this one, I’ve never really had a bright, social existence. I had few friends—no, that’s me exaggerating. In this life I have Meek-senpai, but in my previous life I had zero friends. Ha ha ha.

So naturally, you could say I’m lacking in communication skills. I’m what you’d call socially inept.

If it were a normal Uma Musume, maybe she could easily follow this Trainer’s conversational rhythm.

Thinking about that… it’s kind of depressing.

---

Our introductions ended without issue.

His introduction felt like that of a perfectly put-together adult. He didn’t show anything unnecessary. He presented himself simply as: I am your Trainer—no more, no less.

He’s probably very earnest. He seems completely devoted to his duties, pouring all his focus into them.

It’s a little lonely, in a way, but characters like this are exactly the type you’d want to pursue and “win over” in an otome game.

Meanwhile, my introduction was one I had prepared in advance.

I am clever, after all. Before coming to Tracen, I made sure to craft an introduction I could deliver whenever I made a friend or got a Trainer. Of course I tested it on Meek-senpai first. Her reaction was just this pleasantly dazed “poooh” face, though.

My name, hometown, favorite food, hobbies, special skills. When it’s for a Trainer, I add how I’ve run so far and how I think I can run from here on.

To be honest, I copied the whole method directly from a book I once read called “Friend-Making for Idiots.”

But if it was in a how-to book, it must be a reliable method.

I’m sure the Trainer felt super close to me now. Though I can’t tell because his face never changes.

---

After the introductions, the Trainer paused slightly before speaking again.

“Now then. Knowing you, I imagine you want to hear how you can become faster—”

“Yes! Please teach me.”

“…Mm. Your enthusiasm is admirable.”

Of course I’m enthusiastic. There isn’t a single Uma Musume at this academy who wouldn’t care about that.

Especially me. I came here for one purpose—to become faster… and lose to no one.

“However, it’s nothing complicated. As an Uma Musume, you probably understand the differences in distance aptitude and running styles—”

“I’m sorry, I barely know anything about those. I would appreciate it if you could teach me.”

“………Very well. Understood.”

I’m really, really sorry. I should have studied racing more beforehand.

That said, I said “barely,” not “none.” Living as an Uma Musume means hearing things often enough. I know terms like “mile,” “middle distance,” “long distance.” Also “great escape,” “ultra escape,” “bomb escape”…? Something like that existed, I think.

If someone says it, I get the nuance. That’s how I’ve drifted through life.

So I figured I could follow along to some extent, and watched the Trainer’s mouth as he began explaining.

---

…This is bad. I don’t know any of this. Why are there so many categories!?

Let’s see… turf, dirt. Sprint, mile, middle distance, long distance. Then escape, senko (front-runner), stalker, closer.

Okay, some of those were sketchy, but I remembered all of them.

Uma Musume have aptitudes for or against these, and apparently mile races and stalker/closer styles don’t suit me.

What suits me are middle and long distances, and the escape running style. He didn’t mention surface type, so I assume turf is fine as is.

So that means I’ll be running turf races, middle to long distance, using an escape style.

Wow, it was all stuff I didn’t know. Honestly, just learning this made signing a contract with this Trainer worth it.

But the way he instantly identified the distances and running style that suit me—maybe this Trainer is actually really competent? He’s supposed to be a rookie, but I guess elite backgrounds really are different.

“Now, next is one more extremely important matter. …Before that, may I ask you something?”

“If it’s something I can answer.”

Ask me anything. I’ll tell you whatever you want.

At this point, I already have near-total trust in Trainer Horino. He’s the only one who scouted me, he forgave all the trouble I caused yesterday, he’s talented, and he also happens to be handsome.

…Wait. Am I… am I easy?

No no, trusting the Trainer you’ve contracted with is the right thing. I’m not easy. I’m not.

Anyway, if he’s asking a question, it must be something necessary for me to get faster. I have no reason not to answer.

All right, bring it on!

“Then I’ll ask you: Are you aware of your own abnormality?”

…My thoughts froze.

He noticed? That I’m a reincarnator? That I have memories from a previous life? That I’m abnormal?

No. No, no, no.

I don’t want that. Being feared. Being treated like a freak. Being rejected. It’s cold. I hate it.

Why? How? How did he find out? I haven’t said anything weird. I haven’t slipped up.

“…Wh-what do you mean by that?”

Please. Let me be wrong. Please don’t notice.

“Of course, I’m talking about your power. There’s no way you haven’t noticed that strength.”

Please.
Stop.

“…Where did you learn that?”

Help me, Dad.

“Simple.”

“I can tell that you have an incredibly well-developed body. Because, when I look at an Uma Musume’s legs, I can see exactly how well-conditioned they are…!”

…Huh? Ah… wait, um?

What? Did I misunderstand? He didn’t notice?

He means my body is well-developed? That’s all?

“Anime reincarnation.”
The special ability I gained from reincarnation made my body extremely resilient. At least back in my hometown, I was unbeatable.

If I trust what the Trainer says, then I’d been fighting in disadvantageous situations, using suboptimal strategies… or perhaps I could have been even stronger.

He just noticed that I’m strong.

That’s it. That’s all.

…Good.

And yet… legs. He can tell conditioning just by looking at my legs.

That sounds vaguely familiar…? The situation feels a little different… maybe a bit more perverted, I think…

…Eh!? No, wait, that’s Trainer Okino!!

In that instant, I understood everything.

The names Horino and Okino sound kind of similar. Their competence, their generosity… and most importantly, the ability to judge conditioning just by looking at legs.

Trainer Horino is Okino T’s replacement…!!

In my previous life, I was heavily immersed in otaku culture.

Light novels, anime, games, manga—I consumed anything that caught my interest without hesitation.

Naturally, that included the trending fanworks of the time.

That’s why I understood.

…Ah, this is exactly like what we covered in the Original-Protagonist (OCP) seminar!

OCP, meaning Original Character/Protagonist fanworks.

Usually, the original ending is altered by the OCP to give the protagonist a better fate, or the OCP intervenes to dominate the story.

Of course, there’s a huge variety: anti-heroes, canon restructuring, many directions—but the general concept is consistent. Some OCP works even highlight the charm of the original story.

Anyway, I should stop myself before this gets too long.

Among these OCP works, there’s a type where characters who were lacking in the original are overwritten by an original character or OCP.

I personally call this the “replacement format.” There may be a proper term, but I don’t feel like researching it, and it doesn’t really matter.

Naturally, fans of the replaced character often rage, but that’s a side note.

If this world is a replacement-format OCP, then there’s a possibility I’ve been placed in a specific role.

My hometown is a rural area in Hokkaido. And if my memory is correct, Spe-chan, the protagonist of the first anime season, is also from Hokkaido.

The implication is clear:

Could it be that I replaced Spe-chan…?!

So in this world, there are two OCPs:

Trainer Horino, placed in the role of the cheat Trainer replacing Okino T.

And… me, Hoshino Wilm, the reincarnated cheat Uma Musume, potentially taking Spe-chan’s place!

Whoa, seriously?! Is this a first-season OCP?! Does this mean I’ll eventually have to compete against that terrifying foreign Uma Musume?!

…Honestly, inside, my mind is a storm of chaos, but I have enough sense not to show it on my face.

“I see. So that’s how it is. I understand.”

I nod with a composed expression.

I understand—but probably not in the way the Trainer thinks I do.

…No, I get it, but can I really say I’m satisfied? Even though I reincarnated into the world of Uma Musume, I can’t meet Okino T or Spe-chan…

…? Wait a minute.

I’ve already enrolled at Tracen Academy. My class has been assigned, and I attend lessons every day.

But among my classmates, Sky-chan isn’t there.

It’s been a long time since I watched the anime. I recall some memories and sometimes write them down, but my recollection isn’t perfect.

However, I do remember that Sky-chan was in Spe-chan’s class. I’m sure of it.

So, has Sky-chan also been replaced by another Uma Musume?

Hmm… that feels like too much alteration… but maybe some of that exists?

Moreover, my roommate isn’t Suzuka-san—it’s Meek-senpai.

The “senpai” part matches, but the vibe is completely different. Meek-senpai, I’m pretty sure, doesn’t run an escape style.

What’s going on? Honestly, it’s starting to get confusing…

Hm, the Trainer is about to speak. I should pause my thoughts for now.

“Hmph. If you understand, then that’s fine. Thank you.”

“? Why are you thanking me?”

“Because gratitude is important. I try to express it whenever I can. Thanks, thanks.”

……???

Thanks, thanks? Trainer Horino… is he really the type to say that?

“Anyway, I can evaluate your condition and stats. Probably more accurately than most other trainers.

Therefore, I may implement slightly unusual training plans.

If you ever feel my decisions are strange, don’t hesitate to ask. I will always explain the reasoning.”

“Yes, I’ll rely on you for that.”

Now, I trust him completely.

If he was placed here to replace Okino T, then at the very least, his ability to judge condition should be flawless.

Judging from his actions last night, there’s no doubt he respects my intentions.

This is a perfect Trainer, no question about it.

Even though I started out filled with uncertainty, it feels like I just pulled an SSR entry ticket…!

…Huh? SSR?

Something clicks in my mind at that moment. Trainer Horino’s face pales slightly, then flushes with a deep red almost immediately.

Snap!

“!?”

Suddenly, he cups his face with both hands—with surprising force.

Eh, what!? What’s happening all of a sudden!?

W-what… what do I do? What’s going on?

He looks at me with eyes full of determination, but I have no idea what it means!?

“Uh… are you okay?”

Really? Are you okay? Are you… losing it a bit?

I ask hesitantly, and the Trainer snaps his entire body around to face me.

“I’m fine, Hoshino Wilm.”

“I see… that’s good to hear.”

“No matter what happens, I will protect you!”

“…Uh?”

Umm… okay. That expression—full of determination—makes absolutely no sense to me.

How did he reach that conclusion? I wish I could peek inside his brain.

…Wait. Could it be?

I’ve suspected something about this stone-faced Trainer.

Maybe he thinks a lot internally but doesn’t articulate it well—basically, he’s the type who struggles to explain himself.

After yesterday’s mock race, our conversation clearly didn’t match up.

It felt less like a conversation and more like a Q&A session. His words were minimal, and I was just bouncing them back.

He only gives the essentials. Maybe that’s why it feels like we’re never on the same wavelength—there’s missing context.

Even during introductions, he offered no unnecessary information, simply fulfilling his duty as a Trainer.

Perhaps he’s just not good at sharing his thoughts with others… kind of like me.

Ah, thinking that way makes a lot of things make sense.

For example, yesterday: he asked my name, asked why I ran that distance and style, and then immediately scouted me. The pace felt ridiculously fast.

But asking me at all meant the scouting was a genuine intention. And a Trainer with abilities near Okino T’s level would notice instantly that the mock race distance and my running style weren’t suitable.

Considering that, it adds up:

He asked questions to smooth the conversation—not for fun—to confirm I was serious about being scouted. Then, seeing I was fine with it, he went ahead.

It all fits now.

Like Meek-senpai, he carefully chooses his words. …Though sometimes senpai doesn’t think enough.

He really doesn’t explain himself. I wish he would share more of what he’s thinking—it’s confusing otherwise.

Now, about that “I will protect you” line…

Just before that, he was explaining that his training approach might differ slightly from other Trainers.

From a Trainer’s perspective, imagining how an Uma Musume might feel…

Ah, I get it now.

Trainer Horino noticed my unease and was trying to reassure me.

Suddenly, everything connects.

From yesterday onward, I felt a strange disconnect. I understand now: the Trainer was carefully managing my feelings.

He scouted an Uma Musume who didn’t understand her own running method, prevented overwork, forced me to accept him as my Trainer, carried me back to the dorm without complaint after I collapsed…

He didn’t get angry despite all the trouble I caused. He taught me so patiently despite my ignorance, and even worried about making me anxious.

…This person isn’t difficult—he’s just hard to read. He’s genuinely kind.

Well, I wasn’t exactly anxious earlier, and it was a little silly how he suddenly smacked his own cheeks, thinking I might worry.

“Trainer.”

“What is it, Hoshino Wilm?”

Ah, I knew it.

He answered briskly, trying not to make me feel even the slightest unease.

Maybe that unexpressive, unsociable look is just him being clumsy.

No wonder people spread rumors. If he showed even a fraction of this thoughtfulness, everyone would understand immediately.

…Ah, how warm.

“You’re often… heh… told that you can be a bit… absent-minded, aren’t you?”

“W-what?! Hoshino Wilm, where did you hear that?!”

It’s funny. I don’t even know why, but I forgot to suppress my emotions and ended up smiling for a moment.

No—so embarrassing!

It’s been ages since anyone saw me smile like that… Ahh, I’ll never get married now…

As I wilted away, feeling absurdly small, the Trainer spoke to me in his usual impassive tone.

“Now, let’s continue. There are things I want to settle today.”

So calm, so matter-of-fact. Doesn’t he have anything to say to a blushing lady?

…Well, at this point, I’d probably resist whatever he said anyway.

So ignoring it… might actually be the smart choice.

Ah… at this rate, we’ll never talk properly.

Calm down, Hoshino Wilm. You’re here to win.

…Alright.

“I understand. What’s the matter?”

“Hmm… although it may be hard for you to imagine at this moment.

Simply put, I want to know about your future—how you plan to progress, and what kind of races you want to run.

If you have any aspirations or dreams, I want to hear them.”

I see… aspirations and dreams.

Embarrassingly, Hoshino Wilm has none of that. I just want to win. I have to win. That’s all.

That’s why I hesitate.

If I say I have nothing, the Trainer will probably craft the optimal schedule for me.

…But it will likely prioritize safety and guaranteed victories.

That might prevent me from fulfilling at least one personal goal.

I don’t care what kind of race it is, as long as I win… That’s only “Hoshino Wilm.”

But “as the reincarnated me,” I do have a goal I want to achieve.

Then… for now, undefeated Triple Crown.

An undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume.

The dream Tokai Teio-chan couldn’t achieve in Season 2 because of that tragic injury.

It’s not my dream. Even if I do it, it holds no real meaning.

…But as the original protagonist, I can’t help wanting to fulfill it.

Not exactly revenge… but taking on someone else’s dream. Nothing grand.

If my role is meant to replace Spe-chan… maybe this is straying from the main story.

Readers might think, “The character is running wild, this is boring,” and close the browser.

Even so…

It’s too sad to see someone work that hard and fail.

“I” will aim to become an undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume.

No matter who stands in my way, I will win.

---

A few days later.

I learned in class just how insane the Triple Crown actually is, and my face went completely pale.