Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Ten Meters Chapter 175: Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Ten Meters [175]

When Yasui Makoto suggested a comprehensive physical exam, Air Groove agreed almost without hesitation.

This reaction montarily surprised Yasui, until he quickly understood her reasoning.

Although he wasn't so fortune-telling mystic like Matikanefukukitaru or Copano Rickey, in a way, he truly could predict the future—perhaps an ability unique to him in this world.

Considering Durante's past, the idea of her sustaining an injury seed almost absurd. After all, getting hurt while on a break during grazing sounded utterly ridiculous.

But viewed from anyone else's perspective, Yasui's suggestion of a full dical check probably seed intended simply to reassure Durante.

Though he didn't fully grasp how Kitasan Black had managed it, there was no doubt her words had deeply moved Durante, who was now no longer obsessing about racing together in the Kikuka Sho.

Looking at it that way, perhaps training together earlier hadn't changed Durante's personality, but it had undeniably made Kitasan Black incredibly important to her.

From now on, more frequent interactions would probably help manage Durante's stubbornness.

Perhaps due to her busy schedule, after agreeing, Air Groove quickly suggested they arrange the comprehensive exam for tomorrow. She also volunteered to help communicate with Almond Eye's family.

"About Almond Eye…I don't know her very well personally, but intuitively, she seems like a very promising talent."

After making her suggestion, Air Groove explained gently, "Yasui-kun, you're a rare genius among recent trainers. Under your guidance, I'm sure Almond Eye will achieve remarkable results."

"I know a bit more about her family's situation. It might be better if I step in to explain things to them."

In Yasui's heart, he completely agreed. He believed fully in his ability to guide Almond Eye's training, but he also clearly understood Air Groove would definitely be better at communicating with Almond Eye's family.

Without hesitation, Yasui imdiately agreed. Both quickly decided there was no urgency to send Durante ho tonight—she could stay overnight at the hotel Yasui had reserved. They'd handle the rest after the dical exam tomorrow.

...

Later that evening, in the soft, warm-yellow glow of the hotel room—

Kitasan Black humd cheerfully, bustling energetically between two beds, enthusiastically helping Durante arrange her bedding.

She gave the duvet a good shake, smoothing it neatly onto the bed, carefully tucked the corners, and finally patted the pillows until they were fluffy.

After finishing, she wiped imaginary sweat from her brow and turned to Durante with a proud smile.

"Dura-chan! Your bed's ready—"

Mid-sentence, her eyes suddenly widened in alarm.

"Watch out, Dura-chan!"

Sitting cross-legged on the floor, Durante was quietly holding a ga controller, blankly watching Kitasan Black tidy up her bed. Hearing Kitasan's startled cry, Durante paused, puzzled.

"Watch out for what—?"

Before she could finish, Kitasan darted toward her, snatching the controller from her hands.

"You gotta ti that foresight better, or else you'll cart—hah!"

Cart? Durante blinked, confused, before realizing Kitasan Black had just thrown out a gaming term.

She still couldn't figure out why Air Groove hadn't insisted she return ho imdiately, instead vaguely ntioning tomorrow's full dical exam. But honestly, she was relieved.

The dical exam wasn't a problem—she went for check-ups every month or two anyway.

Not having to return ho tonight and face her parents with no idea how to handle them—that was even less of a problem.

She didn't know what would happen afterward, but staying here with Kitasan Black made her happy enough.

Since eting her, Durante—though unsure exactly when—had co to truly enjoy training, shopping, or simply hanging out with her cheerful, lively friend.

Gradually, she learned that aside from racing and training, Kitasan Black really liked playing video gas.

Now, sharing a hotel room, they'd agreed to play a console ga before bed.

Sothing called Monster Hunter… or sothing along those lines.

Durante didn't quite understand, but seeing Kitasan's enthusiastic introduction and her panicked fumbling with the controller, it did look pretty fun.

Hmm... Maybe I'll get a copy and learn to play soti.

As she thought that, a joyful lody chid from the TV speakers, and the words "Quest Complete" flashed across the screen.

"Is that…it?" Durante asked curiously after a mont's silence.

"Yep! That's it!" Kitasan Black nodded excitedly. Then her expression turned apologetic as she set down the controller.

"Dura-chan, you don't seem to like gas much. Sorry, maybe I forced you too much…"

"No, it's not that I dislike them. I just haven't played them much," Durante shook her head quickly. "Next ti… I'll try to learn properly."

She glanced gratefully toward the neatly made bed, feeling a strong desire to keep their conversation going.

A mont passed, however, and Durante awkwardly realized she had absolutely no idea what to talk about outside of training or races.

Pressing her lips together, she finally hesitated, looking up at Kitasan Black.

"Kita-chan, um…how's your preparation going for the Kikuka Sho?"

"The Kikuka Sho?"

Kitasan Black paused, then imdiately broke into a bright smile.

"I think…it's going really well!"

"I've been doing special stamina training over the past month, and Suzuka-senpai and Rice-chan have both been helping a lot. I feel pretty confident about the Kikuka Sho this ti!"

"Oh right! Before the Kikuka Sho, I'll have the St. Lite Kinen first."

"For that race…I don't think there'll be any issues either. Trainer's already got a plan!"

"The St. Lite Kinen next, huh…"

Durante nodded, then asked further, "Then…have you thought about your running strategy yet?"

"Huh? Didn't we agree I'd follow whatever Trainer says?" Kitasan Black asked curiously.

Durante shook her head slightly, voice serious, "I know. But what I an is, Kita-chan…what do you personally think about how you want to run?"

Kitasan Black froze. Her mouth opened slightly, then closed again.

She suddenly realized—up until now, she'd wholeheartedly followed Yasui Makoto's training and race instructions, never once worrying about strategies herself.

Trainer…really does consider everything so carefully.

Warmth filled her heart, and she unconsciously smiled again, returning a question instead.

"To be honest, I haven't really thought about it… But Dura-chan, why did you suddenly bring that up?"

Durante let out a quiet sigh, shaking her head.

"Honestly…I'm not exactly sure either."

"It's just that…since I t you, I've always felt you had your own ideas—more than I did."

"I always thought you had your own clear strategy for each race."

"No way!" Kitasan Black quickly waved her hands dismissively. "My trainer's super amazing! Every ti I ask him anything, he always has an answer. Races, rivals, whatever—he can explain anything!"

"And his instructions always co true in the races. It's just like…"

"Oh right! Like Fukukitaru-senpai's fortune-telling, or Rich-chan's Feng Shui predictions—they're always super accurate!"

"So naturally, I listen to him," Kitasan said proudly, as though she herself could predict the future.

After a pause, she looked at Durante curiously.

"But Dura-chan…does that an you've always decided how to run races entirely by yourself?"