Your Logistics Uma Musume Has a Problem

"Child, focus. Be careful not to trip if you get distracted while running."

"Ah, yes, all right!"

Noticing Kagura spacing out behind her, Speed Symbol reminded her, then casually picked up the pace a little.

Kagura stopped letting her thoughts run wild and focused on keeping up with Speed Symbol. She finally confirmed it was no illusion—Speed Symbol was indeed accelerating continuously. As her speed climbed, Kagura felt an increasingly obvious urge urging her on—

—Rush past her! Overtake her!

She noticed the thought in her heart, but could not understand why she felt that way. She had never been particularly competitive, and this was merely a morning run. Why did she suddenly want to compete with Speed Symbol?

"Hehe... Kagura, if you want to run faster, pick up the pace, and overtake me, you can."

"No, weren't I supposed to accompany you? If I run off alone, wouldn't that defeat the purpose of accompanying you?"

"Not at all. I'll keep following you. Watching young people run makes this old lady happy... Besides, you actually want to move ahead, don't you?"

As she spoke, Speed Symbol turned her head and smiled at Inari Kagura beside her.

As a fellow Uma Musume, Speed Symbol could tell that Inari Kagura was desperately suppressing her competitive spirit. Kagura's speed had already surpassed her own. The way she kept speeding up and slowing down clearly showed that she was controlling herself on purpose.

It was an instinct every Uma Musume possessed. Regardless of age—even an aged Uma Musume like Speed Symbol still felt that urge. It was just that she no longer had the young body needed to compete.

"I heard you ran incredibly fast in the streets. The trainers passing by were frightened, and you almost got caught for speeding. You haven't run that fast since, right?"

"Ahaha... I got carried away and just ran off..."

"You exercise by yourself in the courtyard every afternoon. Now that you have such a spacious track, don't you want to let yourself loose properly?"

Speed Symbol asked Kagura with a smile as they ran.

Since gaining such a powerful body, Inari Kagura had indeed been eager to test her physical abilities. She simply had no suitable place to do so. Usually, she could only hop around a little in the courtyard, which was nowhere near enough to reach her body's limits.

It was like greatly raising a character's level in a game and then wanting to find a powerful monster to test the improvement. Kagura also wanted to know just how strong her body really was.

"Now that you're on this track, stop holding yourself back. Relax and release everything you've been bottling up. The finish line is over there. Run toward it with all your might."

As they ran, Speed Symbol gently patted Kagura's shoulder and pointed out a sign beside the distant track.

"Then... excuse me, Head of the Family."

"Go."

With permission granted, Inari Kagura stopped restraining herself. She suddenly drove off with her legs, and the petite Uma Musume shot away like a silent phantom. In an instant, Inari Kagura had appeared three body lengths ahead of Speed Symbol.

"What astonishing explosive power. She hasn't even undergone her transformation, yet she can accelerate this terrifyingly?"

Despite her age, Speed Symbol was a formidable Uma Musume who had once won numerous G1 championships. Even after retiring, she had never slacked off in her training, and still possessed the basic speed of a professional athlete. For an untransformed foal to shake her off so easily and continue accelerating was enough to demonstrate Inari Kagura's talent.

This time, she had chosen a 1,600-meter course suitable for younger Uma Musume. Kagura had begun accelerating around the 200-meter mark after Speed Symbol reminded her, then started widening the gap at a speed comparable to that of a front-running Uma Musume.

My body feels so light... I've never felt anything like this before...

It was as if she had broken free of some kind of restraint. Even wearing a maid outfit, Inari Kagura's steps remained light. The scenery around her flew backward, almost as if she were driving down a road. Only now did she clearly realize how much stronger this body was than her former, frail one.

The feeling of releasing herself made Inari Kagura feel inexplicably relaxed and happy. She unconsciously immersed herself in it, and she could clearly tell that this was still not her limit.

The instant she cleared the bend and stepped onto the long straight before the finish, Inari Kagura let out a sharp cry. Following her instinct, she accelerated once more and sped toward the finish line at her highest possible speed. Speed Symbol, who had just cleared the bend far behind her, and the suited men beside the track could barely see a shadow flash past.

"Ludor really wasn't exaggerating. Those are truly enviable legs..."

As a professional athlete who had won many championships, Speed Symbol felt her pursuit instinct, dormant for decades, surge back to life. She instinctively increased her speed, but her aged body could no longer support a higher pace. All she could do was watch from afar as the small black shadow crossed the finish line and sigh enviously.

Some time after Kagura crossed the line, Speed Symbol finally caught up from behind. She found that even after such a terrifying burst, Inari Kagura showed no sign of exhaustion. Only her cheeks were flushed, and her breathing had grown heavier.

"Excellent stamina and explosive power, child. You truly have an enviable body. How do you feel? After running like that, don't you feel much more relaxed?"

"Mm... I feel so relaxed after running like that."

She was telling the truth. After running so intensely, much of the worry and confusion she had accumulated over the past month had vanished. For someone who worked every day, the feeling of not having to think about anything while running was a rare experience.

"That's good. This should be your first time running so fast. Come get a massage with me later. The Head Maid's massage skills are excellent."

"Huh? That... surely there's no need to trouble our senior. I don't feel anything, anyway."

"An Uma Musume's legs are precious yet fragile treasures. If you don't relax them properly, hidden injuries will accumulate. In serious cases, you may never be able to walk again."

Speed Symbol looked exceptionally stern, clearly leaving Kagura no room to refuse.

"...Then thank you, Head of the Family."

Although she did not want to trouble her senior, since the Head of the Family had insisted, Kagura could not refuse again.

"Mm. Go back first and tell the Head Maid to prepare. I'll be there soon."

After sending Kagura away, Speed Symbol looked around, then slowly walked toward the suited men who had been standing beside the track.

"Head of the Family."

The suited men immediately bowed when Speed Symbol approached.

"Mm. About that run just now... What did you think of that child?"

"It was a magnificent front-running performance. Her adaptability to grass is extraordinary... Her stamina and strength are both excellent as well. She made no attempt to manage her energy, yet after maintaining a high speed throughout the 1,600 meters, she still produced such a terrifying final burst on the home straight... For her age, before transformation, it's unbelievable. Without exaggeration, she already has what it takes to compete with some first-rate professional Uma Musume."

"It seems my granddaughter really does have a good eye for people... I must have slowed down before the home straight, right? How far did that child leave me behind?"

"Probably... nearly twelve lengths."

"A crushing defeat... Sigh, I'm old..."

Speed Symbol took the detailed report from the suited men and looked it over. Though she knew perfectly well that she was old, and had been mentally prepared for it, being left far behind by an untransformed foal while running at full speed still left her feeling complicated. She had once won numerous G1 championships as a professional athlete known as "the Glory of the Symbol family."

Still, the purpose of testing Inari Kagura's talent had been achieved. Speed Symbol knew she had truly found a treasure. She had only wanted to help a pitiful homeless child, yet she had unexpectedly discovered a promising talent no weaker than her own granddaughter.

—This child is only eleven this year. The age gap between her and Luna is just right, so they won't have to compete directly. When she reaches the proper age, should I let her debut under the Symbol family name?

Looking in the direction Kagura had left, Speed Symbol thought to herself.

"Um... Senior... could you be a little gentler...?"

"No. If you can't feel it, it won't work."

"Ahh..."

Inari Kagura buried her face in the pillow, doing her best not to make any embarrassing sounds.

She had been massaged by people before, but an Uma Musume's massage was clearly nothing like a human's. For some reason, her small body was extraordinarily sensitive now. Pain and every other sensation had been greatly amplified. Her head felt hazy, and her whole body seemed ready to fall apart.

Speed Symbol didn't react much at all... Could this also be because of having a child's body?!

While Speed Symbol sat comfortably in a recliner beside her, scrolling through her phone after finishing her massage, Inari Kagura could only wail inwardly in silence. Her ears repeatedly folded and sprang upright according to the Head Maid's pressure, clearly showing that their owner was experiencing both agony and pleasure.

After exercising that day, Speed Symbol had told Kagura that she could use the track whenever she wanted. She no longer had to stay in the garden doing high knees in place.

Kagura was delighted—though she wanted a phone with internet access even more. She wanted to learn what this world was like now. Since she had no way to return to her original world, she might as well learn about and adapt to this one as soon as possible.

Inari Kagura was very satisfied with her current life. The workload was moderate and not overly demanding, and the maids and Speed Symbol treated her well. Speed Symbol sometimes made her sit on her and then vigorously ruffle her hair, which caused Kagura some minor trouble, but she could understand it. After all, it was perfectly normal for an old lady to want to cuddle a child.

"Mm!!"

Before Kagura's thoughts could drift away, the Head Maid suddenly increased the pressure on her leg, making her ears shoot upright again.

Apparently, now was not the time to let her thoughts wander. She should focus on enjoying the Head Maid's massage.

Fortunately, the whole process did not last long. Although the massage left her entire body limp and powerless, Kagura still refused the Head Maid's offer to bathe her. For some reason, the Head Maid seemed rather disappointed.

Supporting herself against the wall, Kagura struggled to the bathroom. She took off her clothes outside and put them away, then staggered inside, unable to exert any strength.

—Well done, Kagura. You created a wonderful opportunity for yourself.

The moment she lowered herself into the water, Kagura saw a line appear on its surface. It quickly faded with the ripples.

"What's going on? What opportunity?"

—You ran very well today. I tried to remind you a couple of times, but you seemed not to notice. I didn't expect you to run so well on your own.

"I'm happy to be praised... but what does that have to do with the opportunity Miss Eclipse mentioned?"

—You silly child probably didn't notice how intensely Speed Symbol was looking at you afterward. Your astonishing performance gave her another reason to keep you.

"I don't understand... I only went for an ordinary run with the Head of the Family, didn't I?"

—Uma Musume see things differently from you humans. It's hard to explain this sort of thing with words. For now, just know that your future days will be much easier. You'll understand eventually~

A musical note appeared after Eclipse's words, making it clear that she was in an excellent mood. Unfortunately, Kagura could not see her expression.

Still confused, Kagura gave up trying to figure it out. After bathing and getting dressed, she had barely taken two steps out of the bathroom when she saw the Head Maid hurrying toward her.

"Kagura, the Head of the Family said she'll be going out in a few days and needs you to accompany her and take care of her."

"Huh? Me? Why?"

"The Head of the Family said you've performed very well recently and are highly capable at your work. She wants to take you along to look after her."

Although Speed Symbol had said she wanted Kagura to accompany her and care for her, the Head Maid, who had witnessed today's run, could see through Speed Symbol's little scheme. She also knew that Kagura seemed quiet and reserved but could be stubborn about certain things. So she chose a reason that would make Kagura more comfortable accepting it.

"Oh... All right. I understand."

Since it was Speed Symbol's request, Kagura did not refuse further. She believed Speed Symbol must have her reasons.

6. Like Having a Little Sister

The next day, Kagura went out to buy ingredients as usual. Before she even entered the Shopping District, she saw her friend—Nice Nature—standing by the road at the district's entrance, a schoolbag on her back.

"Morning~ Kagura. Are you here to buy ingredients again today?"

"Mm. I'll probably be the one buying groceries from now on. Why are you standing here, Nature?"

"I'm about to go to school. Come to think of it, Kagura, you come here so early every day. Are you not in school?"

Mentioning school reminded Nice Nature that she had seen Kagura arrive to shop at a little after six every morning for the past month. Considering the time it took her to return to the Symbol family residence, prepare breakfast, and head out, even if she ran as fast as possible, she would probably already be late by the time she reached the nearest school.

"You know my situation, Nature... I'm undocumented. Even if I wanted to attend school, I couldn't."

Kagura did not really care whether she attended school. Given her educational background, she had mastered all the textbook knowledge long ago, and when she had free time, she could even tutor Nice Nature in her studies.

"That makes sense... Wait! You never attend school, yet you're that much better at studying than me!?"

Nice Nature wore an incredulous expression. Kagura's occasional tutoring over the past month had given her the impression that Kagura was a top student. But thinking carefully, she had learned from the Symbol family's Head Maid that Kagura was a helpless orphan, and her identity remained shrouded in mystery. No school would dare accept her.

"I just taught myself by instinct. No one taught me anything, and I don't understand the principles behind many things. You're so smart, Nature. If you study hard at school, you'll definitely surpass me someday."

Kagura humbly said this without changing expression. She had just raised a hand to pat Nice Nature's shoulder in encouragement when Nature, who was a head taller than her, suddenly stepped forward and hugged her tightly.

"I know what level I'm at... Thank you for always taking such good care of me, Kagura. Once I get into Tracen Academy and can compete, I'll find a way to get you into school too!"

"Well... It's good that you feel that way, but focus on your own studies first. Then you can worry about such unimportant matters."

"Don't say that! Kagura's matters aren't unimportant at all!"

Dissatisfied with Kagura's words, Nice Nature puffed out her cheeks in protest, looking adorably angry.

Seeing her round, puffed-up cheeks, Kagura felt warm inside. Being cared for really was a pleasant feeling, even when the person caring for her was a child younger than her in spirit.

Still, Nice Nature's confidence made Kagura curious about whether Tracen Academy was truly so impressive. This was not the first time she had heard the academy's name.

She had heard that it was where the strongest Uma Musume in the country gathered. Setting aside how Uma Musume measured strength, would the people there really help an undocumented person like her? Kagura did not believe it. She felt incredibly lucky just to have met someone as kind as Speed Symbol.

"Oh, right, Nature. I might not come by for a day or two in a few days."

"Mm? What happened?"

"The Head of the Family is going out and said I have to accompany her and take care of her. I don't know how long I'll be gone, so I may not be able to come here and tutor you for a while."

Kagura could see Nice Nature's enthusiasm visibly drop after hearing this. Even her ears drooped.

"Ah... It's fine. If it's work, just focus on it. I can solve those difficult problems myself even without you, Kagura!"

Although Nice Nature tried hard to seem dependable, Kagura could feel her arms tightening around her. She was still a child, and her reluctance was impossible to hide.

"You silly girl... All right, all right. You need to get to school. If you keep clinging to me for a few more minutes, you'll be late."

After letting Nice Nature hug her for quite a while, Kagura gently pushed at the girl still holding her tightly. Only then did Nature reluctantly let go.

"Mmph... Fine! Remember to make me radish cakes when you come back!"

"Sure~ Sure~ If you want them, I'll make them for you every day once I'm back. Hurry to school!"

It was almost time for school, so Nice Nature did not linger. After saying goodbye to Kagura, she ran off at full speed. Watching her disappear from sight, Kagura continued into the Shopping District.

"Yo! Little Kagura, good morning! You're here to buy groceries again today!"