Chapter 23

After the Keihin Cup, Kuroha gave Fujimasa March three full days off to rest.

Whether it's studying or training, work and rest need to be balanced.

Even though Fujimasa March's victory in the Keihin Cup was a dominating one, the race itself was still high-intensity—and rest was absolutely necessary.

For even tougher races, Kuroha estimated that a ten-day break would be standard. And after that, training would need to be ramped up slowly and progressively.

While training in this world may appear indulgent and reliant on raw talent and numbers, Uma Musume's health is taken very seriously.

Among trainers, the common saying is: to ensure a Uma Musume's well-being, G1-level races should be spaced at least two months apart.

As for those three days off? Fujimasa March dragged Kuroha out with her and turned it into a "date," confidently claiming it was part of the "reward" he promised.

And Inari One?

Kuroha just let her go do her own thing. He'd already taught her everything she needed, and to prevent her from becoming a third wheel, he even called over Tatsuko Yuzuhara to supervise her and keep her in line.

...

Tokyo

Maybe it was because of last night's rain, but today's skies were clear and blue. The weather was perfect for going out and having fun.

"Mhm~♪"

Inside the dorm, Fujimasa March hummed a little tune happily, spinning before the mirror.

She'd woken up an hour early to get ready—washed up, applied a light bit of makeup for the first time in ages, and tied her hair up.

She wore a crisp white blouse and a high-waisted pleated plaid skirt, the outfit perfectly showing off her youthful curves and vibrant energy.

"Ahhh... why do you get to go out and I still have to train?!"

Inari One, seated near the entrance, was putting on her running shoes and shouting in frustration.

"Fujimasa March, you betrayed me!"

March completely ignored her, smiling as she gave her look one last check, then slung her bag over her shoulder and walked over.

"You could ask your trainer to take you out too," she said with a grin.

"What's so fun about hanging out with Boss Lady?" Inari One grumbled, muttering with her head down.

"Well, can't help you there."

March slipped on her shoes and waved at Inari One.

Click.

Inari One angrily tied her laces into tight knots, then glared up at the perfectly dressed March.

"You promised you'd help me practice for heavy tracks after the race," she grumbled, tugging at the hem of March's skirt. "And now you're ditching me... in that short skirt?"

March deftly took a half step back, dodging her grab.

"This is standard uniform length," she replied, flicking her high ponytail. The faint scent of her shampoo lingered in the air.

"No need to wait for me at dinner—we'll be eating out today!"

With that, she waved goodbye and stepped out of the dorm.

...

Outside the dormitory building, Kuroha stood leaning casually against a cherry tree, checking the news on his phone.

"Oguri Cap unable to participate in the Classic Triple Crown?!"

"A powerful transfer student from Kasamatsu can't register due to system limitations—Is URA Central at fault...?"

Articles like this were starting to pop up more and more.

Kuroha locked his phone and slid it into his coat pocket.

This was a strange transitional time—a period where past-generation stars had mostly faded and the next generation's gems had yet to fully shine.

Oguri Cap, a local horse girl who had stormed into the Central circuit and dominated her peers with overwhelming strength, had become the prime target of Tokyo's tabloids.

Right now, these were only whispers. But once Oguri Cap started racking up wins, the coverage would explode—and her name would be known throughout the country.

Just like Roger in One Piece sparked the Great Pirate Era, Oguri Cap was about to ignite an era where Uma Musume from all across the regions chased dreams in the Central circuit.

Inari One herself was one of the Uma Musume swept up by that era.

"Hm?"

Out of the corner of his eye, a familiar figure appeared.

Fujimasa March came jogging over, slightly flustered. "Trainer, did you wait long?"

"I just got here too."

Kuroha instinctively reached to pat her head—but the girl quickly dodged, then leaned her face toward him instead.

Caught off guard, he chuckled helplessly and gently smooshed her cheek instead.

"You always say that..." she murmured, eyes closed, enjoying the attention.

The usually serious, focused Fujimasa March was now acting like a lovestruck girl, her voice soft and sweet.

"It's only nine. Let's get some breakfast. I know a place that's pretty good."

This time, Kuroha reached out and held March's hand himself—he wasn't the type to let her do all the initiating.

"...Okay."

"What do you feel like doing today?"

"Anything. I'll follow you, Trainer."

The two walked off hand-in-hand.

Meanwhile, the dormitory was buzzing with Uma Musume gawking at the sight.

"Isn't that Fujimasa March, the Keihin Cup winner?!"

"Ooh~ a trainer and his horse girl in sweet sweet love~ I'm jealous!"

"Winning races and winning at life! Why is her trainer young and handsome while mine is a naggy old lady?!"

"Why does the good stuff only happen to other people in novels, huh?!"

"They need to get married. Like, tomorrow!"

"...Okay, what kind of bloodthirsty shipper are you?!"

Let's leave the gossiping little horse girls of Oi Tracen behind for now.

...

"Your dual parfaits..."

The server set two fruit parfaits down on the table.

After grabbing some noodles for a light lunch, Kuroha strolled through the streets of Tokyo with March for the first time in a long while.

"I shouldn't eat too much sugar..." March murmured, though her eyes were glued to the strawberry tart and refused to look away.

Where did this hungry filly come from...?

Kuroha pinched her soft cheek and scooped up some strawberry ice cream with his spoon.

"Ah~ Mmm!"

March immediately forgot what she just said, happily opening her mouth to be fed by her trainer.

The shopping street was lively.

After finishing their parfaits, March hugged Kuroha's arm, practically skipping with joy.

Today, Kuroha didn't mention anything about training. He just accompanied her—purely to enjoy the day.

By the time the sun began to set, they were leaving the amusement park.

While Kuroha went to buy some drinks, March pulled her phone from her pocket and changed her lock screen.

It was a photo taken at the peak of the Ferris wheel, the entire city stretching out behind them.

In it, she leaned gently against Kuroha's shoulder, flashing a shy peace sign.

It was childish—but her smile was radiant.

"March, time to go."

Kuroha's voice came from nearby. She quickly responded and ran toward him.

(End of Chapter)

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