There's Something Wrong With You, Logistics Uma Musume

"No, we won't interfere with each other. It's a shame Rudolph is already tired from training for a while, otherwise I would have asked Mr. C.B. if she would be willing to run alongside Rudolph."

Even though Toujou Hana couldn't see Rudolph Symbol having a preliminary run with Mr. C.B., she knew that even if Kagura was talented, going up against a Triple Crown legend Uma Musume right now would definitely be hopeless. But just seeing Mr. C.B. run was valuable in itself.

"Hey, Trainer over there, could you spare a moment to help call out the start?"

Mr. C.B., already on the track warming up, called out to Toujou Hana. Toujou Hana looked down at Kagura, who nodded to her:

"I'm going, Toujou-san. Watch closely and take notes. It will definitely help the young lady in the future."

"Thank you for your hard work, Kagura. I won't waste this opportunity you've earned."

Toujou Hana knew how difficult it was to get a Triple Crown Uma Musume to run a race, so she patted Kagura's shoulder in gratitude. After the brief exchange, Kagura stepped onto the track to warm up, and Toujou Hana walked onto the lawn to prepare to announce the start.

This time, the distance was no longer the 2000-meter training race that Kagura had run before, but the 2400 meters standard for the Triple Crown Race. This was also one of the reasons why Kagura agreed to Mr. C.B.'s request. Being able to receive personal guidance from Mr. C.B., even if it was just watching from below, would definitely be helpful for Rudolph Symbol's future.

"Weather, clear, distance 2400 meters..."

74. Crap, I've become a front runner!

Most people who had seen Mr. C.B.'s races had the impression that Mr. C.B. particularly liked to run from the back, because she always charged up from behind in every race.

"Haha, people talk about it so eloquently, analyzing it so logically, but there aren't that many reasons. It's just that I always have a slow start, so I can't run the front runner style I like."

While warming up at the starting line, the naturally friendly Mr. C.B. started chatting with Kagura about running styles. Kagura remembered that Mr. C.B. mainly used a back runner style, but she didn't expect that she chose it for that reason.

Kagura deeply understood the situation that Mr. C.B. described. She herself hadn't completely gotten rid of the slow start problem. Accelerating and forcing her way back to the lead after falling behind at the start was a waste of stamina and not worth it. Kagura dared to run like that because she had good stamina. If another Uma Musume tried that, they would probably lose speed on the straight before the last turn.

However, Kagura wasn't entirely sure about her stamina today, because she had never run 2400 meters and hadn't truly tested her stamina limit. Although Kagura felt that she shouldn't lose speed on the way, she hadn't experienced actual combat, so she couldn't be sure if anything unexpected would happen.

"...Are you two ready?"

While Kagura was thinking, Toujou Hana had already announced the track conditions and made the gesture to give the starting signal. She confirmed with the two Uma Musume one last time. Seeing them both nod, she turned back and, after a few seconds, suddenly waved her hand down:

"Start!"

Toujou Hana, who had been expecting these two Uma Musume to give her some surprises, was shocked at the starting line—both of them had a terrible start at the same time!!!

Of course, Toujou Hana wasn't the only one who was puzzled. The most puzzled was Mr. C.B. on the track. She vaguely remembered that Kagura was a front runner Uma Musume, but could a front runner really have such a terrible start?

"Aren't you a front runner??"

Kagura, running, heard Mr. C.B.'s puzzled voice, but she just shook her head slightly while running, looking helpless, indicating that this was her old problem. Although her concentration had improved a lot recently due to Kagura's frequent archery practice, and the slow start problem had improved a bit, it was impossible to get rid of this old problem all at once.

"Oh dear... Kagura and Chimei-senpai's problems have both occurred... But if they both have a slow start, doesn't that mean neither of them has a slow start?"

Rudolph Symbol, who had finished training and was standing next to Toujou Hana taking a break, saw the bizarre scene of the two Uma Musume having a slow start together at the starting line.

However, unlike Rudolph Symbol's usual impression, Kagura didn't use the risky and aggressive method of forcibly regaining the lead this time. Because of the unfamiliar distance, Kagura gave up the idea of running away from the start. Since she had a slow start, she followed behind Mr. C.B.. Mr. C.B. thought she was there to chase a front runner, but she didn't expect that she herself was the front runner now.

However, although it was somewhat different from what she had expected, Mr. C.B. still ran seriously in front according to the race's running style. She could feel Kagura's breathing very close, and she could feel that Kagura had been following three or four lengths behind her, biting very tightly. This showed that Kagura's speed was quite high, considering that this child hadn't even reached her peak yet.

Of course, no matter how talented she was, she couldn't make up for the huge gap between Kagura and the legendary Uma Musume who had completed the Triple Crown journey. In addition, Kagura wasn't familiar with this distance and didn't dare to accelerate randomly. Although Kagura was indeed following very closely at the beginning, after passing the second turn in the middle section, Kagura realized that she had unknowingly been thrown more than three lengths away by Mr. C.B. on that straight line.

'As expected, it's still a bit difficult to catch up with Chimei-senpai...'

Kagura slightly increased her speed to try to keep up with Mr. C.B., who had already started accelerating, but there was indeed a gap in strength. She could only try her best to maintain the distance between herself and Mr. C.B. so that she wouldn't be thrown further and further away.

As for Mr. C.B., she finally enjoyed the feeling of being a front runner. To be honest, she felt it was strange. She remembered that she was supposed to be chasing a front runner junior, and running away didn't seem as comfortable as she had imagined. The unknown feeling of not being able to see her opponent made her feel unnatural.

However, although she felt unnatural, Mr. C.B. still made the decision to sprint at the most correct position for her based on her rich racing experience. Although Kagura was actually using her front runner speed to chase Mr. C.B. with all her might in the second half, Mr. C.B.'s strength was indeed above her. The two had already started sprinting on the straight line before the last turn. Kagura, who had confirmed that she had enough stamina and had no pressure at all, naturally ran at the highest speed she could reach now, but she only managed to ensure that she wouldn't be thrown too far away.

Passing through the last turn and stepping onto the final straight, Mr. C.B. accelerated again significantly to completely shake off Kagura behind her, but Kagura also fully unleashed her final burst at this time. The distance between the two was very tight. Mr. C.B. couldn't feel that she was increasing the distance at all. Although Kagura was objectively further away from her, the increase in distance was too small, which at least showed that the highest speed Kagura could burst out on the final straight was almost the same as her own!

"Although I didn't get to see Kagura-kouhai run as a front runner... but Kagura-kouhai is indeed able to surprise people, just like Rudolph said!"

While running, the corners of Mr. C.B.'s mouth turned up slightly. She hadn't felt this feeling of being overtaken if she relaxed for even a moment for a while. After all, she hadn't encountered an opponent who could threaten her during this time, and Kagura was the first in a long time.

"Crossing the line!! Mr. C.B.-san takes the lead by two lengths!!"

Toujou Hana quickly announced the results of the two. Rudolph Symbol, who had been watching from the side, looked very calm, as if this result was what she had expected.

"Kagura-kouhai~ Run another lap with me! I'll teach you how to run the Triple Crown Race later!"

"Let me go... Senpai, are you addicted to smurfing!!"

"I just want to give some guidance to a talented junior, Kouhai, you have to believe me!"

'Kagura is indeed a monster-like genius... Facing Chimei-senpai, the Triple Crown winner, can a child who hasn't reached her peak yet only be thrown off by two lengths?'

Watching Mr. C.B. hug Kagura at the finish line and pester her to run as a front runner, as if she wanted to grab Kagura and run another lap, Rudolph Symbol and Toujou Hana couldn't help but think in their hearts.

75. She's too team-oriented! ()

After being pestered for a long time, Kagura still ran another big lap with Mr. C.B.. This time, she didn't have a serious slow start, and she fulfilled her wish to let Mr. C.B. experience the feeling of chasing a front runner.

After having her fill, Mr. C.B., who was in a great mood, also fulfilled her promise and explained the various key points of the Triple Crown Race to Kagura and Rudolph Symbol, who was watching from the side, and personally demonstrated the running style and explained the field countermeasures.

Toujou Hana felt that today's gains had been very good. She usually had no way to obtain many of the materials and data, but she couldn't be happy at all. She was now very worried about Kagura's physical condition. After all, a child who hadn't reached her peak yet had fought two consecutive battles in such a short period of time, and even ran as a front runner, which was harmful to the body, in the second battle.

"Kagura, come here for a moment. Rudolph, you listen over there first."

"Okay!"

Rudolph Symbol nodded. She naturally knew what Toujou Hana wanted to do by calling Kagura over. Kagura's consumption just now was quite frightening, and Toujou Hana must be worried and wanted to check it out.

"Toujou-san, what do you want to talk to me about?"

"Kagura, you were way too reckless just now. You haven't even completed your Honkaku-ka yet, and you dared to fight two races in a row. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine... just a little tired. It's not often I get a chance to find Chimei-senpai, and our team is in desperate need of opportunities to gather data."

Kagura really didn't seem too tired. Although she was covered in sweat from running just now, she recovered quickly. On the other hand, Mr. C.B. still looked a little flushed and seemed quite excited.

"Still, I can't let you overwork yourself like that... you child..."

"Supporting Ojou-sama is also my job. What's the big deal? At worst, I'll slack off tomorrow and sleep in."

Seeing Toujou Hana's apologetic expression, Kagura, who didn't think it was a big deal, quickly waved her hands and jumped a few times to show that she was fine. To her, she was just doing her duty within the scope of her work.

"No, Kagura, you're not making dinner tonight. I'll have Rudolph follow your recipe and eat in the cafeteria by itself. You go back to the dorm and rest."

Although Toujou Hana knew Kagura had a lot of stamina, she was determined not to let Kagura continue with her work and sent Kagura back to the dorm without any explanation.

"So, this is where my kouhai lives. Not bad."

After training, as the sun set in the evening, Kagura also left the track. Mr. C.B. knew how much energy such a young child would expend fighting her in two consecutive races. To prevent any unexpected situations, she also suggested sending Kagura back to the dorm.

"Yes, does Chimei-senpai usually live off-campus alone?"

"Yeah, is that strange? Maruzensky in your Ojou-sama's team lives outside too, doesn't she?"

"That's true... but Tracen's dorms are pretty good, right? Why live outside?"

"Maybe she likes the feeling of living alone~ I don't live very far. If you have time, kouhai, you're welcome to visit my place."

After spending some time with Kagura, Mr. C.B. found this cute child quite interesting. She got along with her surprisingly well, and Kagura was so gentle and weak that she always felt the urge to tease her.

"Go to senpai's house... maybe if I have time. Ojou-sama is going to the November open race next, so I'll be busy again."

"You really care about your Ojou-sama..."

"It's my duty. After all, I'm Ojou-sama's Logistics Uma Musume. Letting her focus on winning the championship is the meaning of Logistics, isn't it?"

Mr. C.B. was slightly stunned. Kagura's expression didn't seem to be lying. In Kagura's puzzled gaze, she sighed, raised her hand, and pinched Kagura's soft cheeks, pulling them to both sides.

"...Okay, I won't disturb your rest. If you want to find me in the future, just contact me directly. I'll definitely reply when I'm free!"

"Okay~"

Watching Mr. C.B. leave, Kagura turned around and saw a large group of Uma Musume crowded at the entrance of the dorm and on the stairs leading upstairs, peeking over here with half their heads sticking out.

"Uh..."

Kagura suddenly felt that she might not be able to return to this dorm for a while.

The girls' obsession with chasing stars far exceeded Kagura's imagination. She was blocked and asked a lot of questions related to Mr. C.B., but she didn't know much about Mr. C.B. herself, so she couldn't answer anything. Most of the time, Kagura was shaking her head and answering that she didn't know.

"How did Kagura-san get to know Chimei-senpai? Why does senpai seem to like you so much?"

"Me? I didn't know senpai before that incident in the cafeteria... Senpai suddenly came over and said she was helping the president bring food, that's how I met her. Besides, Chimei-senpai is naturally friendly and easy to get along with, she can get familiar with anyone easily."

"Is that so..."

The other Uma Musume around nodded as if they understood. Kagura felt like their eyes were trying to find out what Mr. C.B. liked from her. Kagura could only smile helplessly at this. She herself didn't know why Mr. C.B. was so naturally friendly, let alone others.

After answering the last question, Kagura spent some effort to squeeze out of the crowd and returned to her dorm. Pushing open the door, she saw Ardan wearing sportswear and doing high knees in the room. Seeing her jumping with sweat all over her face, it seemed like she had been exercising here for a while.

"Ah, Kagura, you're back. It was so lively downstairs just now. What happened down there?"

Seeing Kagura come in, Ardan also stopped her movements and wiped her sweat with a towel next to her.

"Chimei-senpai sent me back to the dorm, and then her fans found out she was here, so they all ran to the door to watch... something like that?"

"Chimei-senpai? Are you talking about... that Mr. C.B.? That Triple Crown winner this year?"

Seeing Kagura nod, Ardan raised her eyebrows in surprise. Although she knew that Kagura had met Mr. C.B. in the cafeteria a few days ago, but only a few days had passed, and Mr. C.B. would actually take the initiative to send Kagura back to the dorm?

After asking why Mr. C.B. sent Kagura back today, Ardan's mouth almost didn't close after listening to Kagura explain what happened this afternoon.

'Kagura-san ran with that legendary Triple Crown winner and was only two body lengths behind?! Even two consecutive races were only two body lengths behind?!'

For the weak Ardan, two consecutive 2400 races sounded like science fiction, but she also knew that even McQueen couldn't run two consecutive 2400 races, but Kagura, who was only one year older than McQueen, seemed to do it effortlessly!

'Kagura-san hasn't even achieved Honkaku-ka yet, right!?'

Thinking of this, Ardan's eyes looking at Kagura became strange.

"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me with that ghostly look?"

Kagura tilted her head, not understanding what state Ardan was in. Realizing that she had lost her composure, Ardan quickly shook her head, signaling Kagura not to mind.

"It's nothing... uh, Kagura-san should take a shower too, right? You go first, I'll jump outside here for a while?"

"Then thank you, Ardan-san~"

Kagura didn't refuse. The strenuous exercise just now had indeed soaked her clothes, and she urgently needed to take a shower to feel comfortable.

Watching Kagura go to her side of the closet to find a school uniform and walk into the bathroom, Ardan still stopped in place thoughtfully. She seemed to understand why her sister and grandmother had been trying to adopt Kagura some time ago.

'No wonder grandma and sister took a fancy to Kagura-san. She's clearly a Logistics Uma Musume, but she has such terrible talent...'

76. No suspense

After the Tracen Academy open day, Kagura finally returned to her daily work life, regularly cooking for Nice Nature and Rudolph Symbol, occasionally dealing with Akikawa Yayoi and Maruzensky, who came to freeload, and the very rare appearance of Gold Ship.

Recently, there was a new regular in the cafeteria – Mr. C.B.. Although she didn't come often, every time Mr. C.B. appeared, she always had to get a taro radish cake, pickled radish, and a plain stir-fry of shredded carrots with lean meat. Kagura felt that this upperclassman was just a radish head; she liked anything with radishes.

Rudolph Symbol's training had been going very well recently, and the entry list for her upcoming public race had been released. Kagura had thought that many Uma Musume would avoid the race, but she didn't expect that, including Rudolph Symbol, there would only be five Uma Musume participating.

She didn't know whether to call these Uma Musume warriors or something else. Rudolph Symbol's reputation had already spread in professional circles, and while others avoided Rudolph Symbol, they had unflinchingly chosen to challenge her.

A Uma Musume named Daitaku Helios also came to Kagura after she returned to the cafeteria and resumed her daily work, hoping that Kagura could support her. She also told Kagura that her goal was to challenge Rudolph Symbol and win the Triple Crown Race.

However, Kagura did not agree to Daitaku Helios's request, because whether objectively or subjectively, Kagura had no intention of switching stables. When she heard that Kagura had signed an exclusive contract, Daitaku Helios directly gave up on poaching her, expressing understanding and regret.

Recently, Kagura, who often browsed the internet, also noticed the direction of online discussions. As her understanding deepened, she found that besides Mr. C.B. and Rudolph Symbol, there was another person who was frequently mentioned: Daitaku Helios, who had been undefeated since her debut.

Daitaku Helios, undefeated since her debut, was now considered by internet users to be one of the most likely contenders against Symboli Rudolf. She had reportedly won her previous races with ease, and her next goal was next year's Kyodo News Service Hai. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, she was expected to achieve an undefeated streak of four or even five wins before the Classic Triple Crown Race, which many were eagerly anticipating.

"She's not good enough. Don't even mention your young lady; she'd have to work hard just to outrun you."

However, not long ago, after Kagura collected information and watched Daitaku Helios's races, Eclipse made a completely different assessment from the internet.

"Her distance aptitude is very problematic. Those fans who are pushing her hard towards long distances are really irresponsible. With that child's aptitude, if she keeps pushing forward, she'll pay the price on the track before long. Muscle strains are minor; if she gets injured during the sprint and falls, it won't be a minor injury that can be healed in a couple of days. I've seen Uma Musume die on the track before."

'Uh… Miss Eclipse, Daitaku Helios has only competed in races within the mile range so far… How do you know her distance aptitude is not good?'

"Some things, you can tell by the way she runs. She's not suited to run your so-called middle and long distances. After running and seeing more, you'll be able to do it too."

Eclipse's words were not based on any facts and sounded rather mysterious, basically all her own speculation based on experience. However, Kagura felt that Eclipse's words were quite credible, and she also agreed with Eclipse's evaluation of those Daitaku Helios fans. After all, Japan's internet was particularly keen on creating gods.

In the midst of busy preparations, Rudolph Symbol unknowingly welcomed the public race in late November.