Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Ten Meters Chapter 6: Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Ten Meters [6]

"Eh? Who's at the door…? And Trainer's phone is ringing, too..."

Kitasan Black looked puzzled.

Yasui Makoto glanced at his phone's screen.

"It's the takeout I ordered."

"I got you the popular Uma Musu special—carrot hamburger steak with sauce."

"Are you alright with that?"

Seeing Kitasan hesitantly nodding with an embarrassed and worried expression—clearly feeling guilty about him paying—Makoto shook his head gently.

"If you're fine with it, then please answer the door. It wouldn't be polite to keep them waiting."

"Ah… alright."

As Kitasan reluctantly moved toward the door, Makoto returned his attention to the videos and computer, preparing to resu data analysis, when suddenly a startled cry ca from the entrance.

"Ehh—?! Oguri-senpai?! And Bamboo mory-senpai?!"

Upon hearing those nas, Makoto instinctively glanced toward the doorway.

The door stood open, revealing Kitasan Black—tail sticking straight up from shock—and two Uma Musu outside who seed equally startled by her outburst.

One had long silvery-gray hair, pale blue eyes, and wore the uniform of a restaurant delivery worker, bearing the logo of "Gray House" and carrying a takeout box.

The other had short brown hair, teal-colored eyes, and wore a police uniform, holding her hat under her arm and clutching a folder of docunts. A white hachimaki headband was wrapped around her forehead, boldly inscribed with the kanji character "夢" (dream).

"Good evening," Makoto approached the door politely. "I'm Yasui Makoto. May I ask what brings you both here?"

Though he addressed both, his eyes lingered mostly on the Uma Musu in the police uniform, Bamboo mory.

"See, Oguri-senpai? I told you I wouldn't get the address wrong," Bamboo mory teased gently, then turned toward Makoto, saluting smartly.

"Good evening, Trainer Yasui. I'm Assistant Inspector Bamboo mory, responsible for this area. Here's my identification."

After briefly presenting her badge, she continued:

"I'm here at the request of Student Council President Tokai Teio to deliver the settlent papers from the driver involved in the earlier incident for you to review."

"As for this one here…" She gestured at the silver-haired Uma Musu beside her.

"You've probably heard of Oguri-senpai already. She… well…" Bamboo mory hesitated slightly, an amused smile crossing her face.

Oguri Cap spoke up with a faint, indifferent tone.

"My apologies. Even though I've attended school here for years, I still tend to get lost."

"Today we had many orders at the restaurant, and since I was there, I offered to help deliver a few."

"Unfortunately, my poor sense of direction caused a delay. I sincerely apologize." She bowed deeply.

Chuckling helplessly, Bamboo mory shrugged.

"So, that's how it is. If you don't mind, could she stay here briefly while I handle the docunts? I'll need to guide her again afterward."

"Rest assured, Trainer Yasui, we won't impose for long. Once you finish reviewing the settlent, we'll be on our way."

Makoto inwardly smiled at the situation. He was already quite familiar with both Uma Musu, especially Oguri Cap, who now stood calmly in her delivery uniform.

She was legendary—22 wins in 32 races, awarded Uma Musu of the Year, inducted into the Hall of Fa, famously known as the "Gray-Haired Monster," Oguri Cap.

Additionally, she was one of the investors in the popular "Gray House" restaurant chain. It wasn't uncommon to see her around the branch near the academy or appearing frequently on cooking shows.

Her occasional delivery work was more of a personal interest, but her rural upbringing and lack of exploration after transferring to Tracen Academy ant she still hadn't fully adjusted to Tokyo's complex streets, frequently losing her way on deliveries.

She had been here before, always arriving late. This tily delivery was undoubtedly thanks to Bamboo mory's guidance.

Bamboo mory herself was also an accomplished Uma Musu. Unlike Oguri Cap, who specialized in mid-range and mile races, Bamboo mory excelled in sprints, earning acclaim in her professional evaluation as the "first-generation queen of short-distance races."

"No problem at all. Please co in," Makoto said, stepping aside into the living room to invite them in.

"Would either of you like tea or sothing else, like milk?"

"No need for trouble, Trainer Yasui. We'll be quick," Bamboo mory politely declined, shaking her head with a friendly smile, and then took out the folder from under her arm.

Her eyes wandered briefly before landing on the TV playing a recorded race.

"Oh? Isn't that…"

"The Mainichi Okan."

Oguri Cap answered softly as she unpacked the takeout boxes onto the coffee table.

"It should be the 64th running."

"The 64th? Then the winner was…"

Watching the eleven Uma Musu sprinting across the screen, Bamboo mory quickly focused on one particular figure with short black hair. Both she and Oguri Cap nad the sa Uma Musu simultaneously:

"Eishin Flash."

Bamboo mory glanced at Kitasan Black, whose eyes shone with excitent, then smiled knowingly at Makoto, handing him the settlent docunts.

"It seems Trainer Yasui is currently instructing this young Uma Musu…?"

"Oh! I'm so sorry—I forgot to introduce myself!"

Kitasan quickly bowed again in embarrassnt.

"My na is Kitasan Black! I look forward to learning from you, senpai!"

"Kitasan Black… You're a freshman this year, right? Studying diligently even after school—I'll be looking forward to your progress," Bamboo mory replied warmly.

Seeing Kitasan nodding enthusiastically, Bamboo mory turned serious, glancing aningfully around the apartnt.

"But keep in mind: school regulations strictly forbid students from staying overnight outside campus, especially in a trainer's private apartnt."

She flashed a playful smile.

"I'm sure you're already aware of that. Sorry, old habits from my ti as a mber of the Disciplinary Committee."

"No worries, Bamboo-senpai! After dinner, I'll head straight back to the dorms!" Kitasan quickly assured her.

"Good." Bamboo mory nodded, satisfied, and turned her attention back to Makoto.

Makoto had already finished reviewing the settlent agreent. Finding no issues, he signed and handed it back to Bamboo mory.

"Everything seems fine."

She took the docunt, carefully glanced through it again, and then bowed slightly.

"Thank you for your cooperation, Trainer Yasui. Then, we'll be taking our leave."

Turning to Oguri Cap, Bamboo mory spoke up again.

"Oguri-senpai, let's head out now… Senpai? What are you looking at?"

"It's nothing."

Oguri Cap shifted her gaze away from Makoto's laptop and the data-filled papers scattered on the coffee table, fixing a quiet gaze on Kitasan Black.

"You haven't scheduled your debut race yet?"

"H-hai! That's right, Oguri-senpai!" Kitasan replied nervously.

"Hmm… Ganbare," Oguri Cap encouraged quietly with a faint smile, turning toward the entrance with Bamboo mory.

"Having trouble controlling your strength isn't a major issue. I faced sothing similar during my first few races."

"You also have a capable trainer. With his guidance, I'm sure you'll achieve great results in your debut."

She raised a gentle hand in farewell.

"Good luck."