Your Logistics Uma Musume Has a Problem

"Did someone bully Kagura-neechan? Or did something happen?"

"No, no, nobody bullied me, and nothing happened. Really. I just suddenly felt an impulse for some reason and failed to control it before I noticed."

"Eh..."

To avoid any misunderstanding, Kagura straightened her expression and explained things to Mejiro McQueen. Since she had no intention of telling anyone else about Eclipse, she could not explain the real reason behind it.

Kagura looked serious enough that she did not seem to be lying. Mejiro McQueen tilted her head in confusion. As a child, she could not understand why something like this would happen, but she did understand one thing: when someone was unhappy, eating some sweets could quickly improve their mood.

"Kagura-neechan, would you like some? I ordered a lot..."

"No, thanks. That's your afternoon tea, McQueen. My portion is enough after I finish it, so there's no need to share yours with me. You should watch your portions, though. Otherwise, you'll turn into a little chubby pony, and Miss Ardan and Miss Takamine will have a terrible headache."

Kagura smiled and rubbed Mejiro McQueen's little head. She had no interest in competing with a child for food. McQueen probably rarely got the chance to indulge in a meal like this, so taking some of her food would be rather unfriendly.

Since she had already finished eating and planned to go out in the afternoon to look for material for her antics, Kagura did not stay any longer. After saying goodbye to the two members of the Mejiro family, she left the shop.

"Grandpa Butler, is Kagura-neechan really all right?"

Watching Inari Kagura get up and leave, Mejiro McQueen still could not help worrying.

"She truly does not look like she was lying, Young Miss. Miss Kagura may really not know why she shed tears."

"Eh... Can there really be tears with no apparent cause?"

"Usually not. But I remember the Head of the Family saying that Miss Kagura once suffered a serious disaster. She was badly injured and lost a great deal of her memory. Perhaps the reason she cried lies among the things she lost."

"Oh... Kagura-neechan is an amnesiac orphan..."

McQueen suddenly clapped her hands. Thinking about it that way, the butler's words did make sense. If Kagura herself did not know why she was crying, then the reason could only lie in things she could no longer remember.

"Young Miss McQueen, please be careful. You must not say that in front of Miss Kagura."

"I know... Grandpa Butler, you have to trust me. Why would I do something so rude?"

What's on the Cafeteria Menu Today? (5)

11.30

Rudolph Symbol: Has anyone been paying close attention to Kagura's condition lately? Did someone bully her or something?

I'm Crazy, I Love Speeding!: Nope. I've been wandering around outside lately and haven't gone to the cafeteria for free meals. What happened to the little sister?

Rudolph Symbol: My mother-in-law just told me that Kagura went out alone to eat cake, then started crying while eating it. When asked why, she said she didn't know either. So she asked me whether Kagura had been mistreated at school. Does anyone have any idea?

Nice Nature: Kagura's been doing pretty well lately, and all the students like her. Why would anyone bully her?

This Is Not a Work Account; Contact Hayakawa Tazuna for Academic Affairs: Exactly! When I commended Kagura at the awards ceremony recently, she was the most outstanding Logistics Uma Musume, with the highest approval rating!

Rudolph Symbol: Then it seems it really was some sudden impulse, just as my mother-in-law said. She thinks it might be related to Kagura's lost memories. What do you think?

Nice Nature: But for Kagura's subconscious to be triggered like that, she would normally have to experience something, right? She only went out to eat cake. Why would she suddenly feel sad?

Golden Star's Diplomatic Ambassador: I have an idea. Is it possible that today is actually Kagura's birthday? Maybe she doesn't remember her own birthday anymore, but her body reacted somehow when she ate the cake?

Golden Star's Diplomatic Ambassador: Kagura is still so young. Her family must have been with her for every birthday in the past. Even if she lost her memories, her body might still remember. When she encountered something related to her birthday again, finding herself alone could naturally make her sad, right?

Nice Nature: It sounds ridiculous, but when you think about it carefully, it actually makes some sense...

Rudolph Symbol: It really is possible. I've never paid attention to Kagura's psychological state before. Nice Nature, you're close to Kagura. Have you noticed anything?

Nice Nature: I can't stay by Kagura's side all the time... At least, I didn't notice anything unusual when I was with her this morning. She's been in a good mood lately because the President won the championship.

This Is Not a Work Account; Contact Hayakawa Tazuna for Academic Affairs: No problem! I think what Gold Ship said makes a lot of sense! I'll go prepare a cake! My little sister has always taken such good care of me. It's time for me to take care of her for once!

I'm Crazy, I Love Speeding!: Indeed. I'll return to Tracen Academy right away.

Nice Nature: If you're going to do something for Kagura, count me in!

Putting down her phone, Rudolph Symbol sighed in frustration.

It was only after receiving Speed Symbol's message today that Rudolph Symbol suddenly realized how reliable Kagura usually seemed. She had unconsciously overlooked the fact that Kagura was still a child who needed care, and she had paid far too little attention to Kagura's emotional state.

Rudolph Symbol did not know how Speed Symbol had learned that something had happened to Kagura while she was out alone today, but the matter clearly needed attention. However, when she picked up her phone to text Kagura, she did not know how to begin.

Did Kagura perhaps not want us to know? Would it be inappropriate to ask so directly?

Beloved by All, and Cherished by All

Kagura, who was still outside, naturally knew nothing about what was happening at the academy. After wandering around all day, she finally returned to school, happily carrying a large amount of ingredients.

Miss Eclipse, is there anything you'd like to eat? I can make it for dinner.

--Hehe, there isn't anything in particular I want. As long as it's tasty, I'll like it.

After spending most of the day wandering outside with Kagura, Eclipse was already extremely satisfied. Since she had never been demanding, she did not want to trouble Kagura by asking her to prepare anything special.

The first thing Kagura did after returning with all those things was naturally head straight for the cafeteria. Aside from one set of clothes, everything else was food. Relying on a Uma Musume's physical strength, Kagura could carry a huge amount of ingredients back in a single trip without any effort.

"That's strange. Why are the cafeteria lights off today? It's almost evening... Is nobody here?"

When Kagura reached the cafeteria, she saw no light inside and could not help feeling puzzled. It was already dusk and nearly night. Given the cafeteria's location, hardly any light could reach it. Why had they not turned on the lights in such poor lighting?

The cafeteria was pitch-black, making it impossible to see anything. Carefully carrying the bags, Kagura entered. She first needed to find somewhere to put everything down, then locate the switch and turn on the lights.

Before she had taken more than two steps inside, she suddenly heard a faint noise from her right. The moment Kagura looked over, a sound like a balloon popping suddenly rang out, startling her into a full-body jolt.

"Surprise! Little sister!"

The cafeteria lights came on with the explosive sound. Kagura, her head covered in streamers, saw Akikawa Yayoi standing before her. Several familiar faces were gathered farther away in the place where they usually ate while freeloading.

"What are you..."

After being startled, Kagura let out a breath. For a moment, she had thought her short horse-girl life was about to end. She had not expected these familiar faces to be hiding there to scare her. No wonder Eclipse had not given her even the slightest warning.

The cafeteria workers also appeared from behind the serving window and applauded Kagura, leaving her, who had just returned and knew nothing, covered in question marks.

Can someone tell me what's going on?

Judging by their behavior, Kagura felt as if they had been hiding there to surprise her. There was nothing special about today except her birthday, but she had never told them about it. She had nearly forgotten it herself. How could they know?

"It's a celebration! Rudolph won her third major victory, after all. Then she was busy dealing with the media for the past few days, so only now did we have a chance to gather!"

Akikawa Yayoi and the others had already coordinated their excuse with Rudolph Symbol. Kagura clearly had no intention of mentioning her birthday, so they had to find another "reason" to hold a celebration and cheer her up. Then they could casually ask about her birthday and celebrate it properly.

"That's right. Everyone is here. The only person missing is the supporter most important to me. Hehe, did we scare you?"

Rudolph Symbol smiled and continued smoothly. When Akikawa Yayoi had suggested celebrating Kagura, she had immediately—

"I really was startled..."

Seeing that even the usually serious Toujou Hana had appeared, Kagura's trust in Rudolph Symbol rose considerably. She did not think too much about it. She first carried the large bag of ingredients into the kitchen, then returned to her seat.

"First of all, congratulations to Rudolph on winning her third race so beautifully. I hope you'll continue working hard in the future!"

Once everyone had taken their seats, Toujou Hana was the first to speak. She congratulated Rudolph Symbol, who sat in the center as today's nominal guest of honor. The others followed by applauding.

Of course, at Rudolph Symbol's insistence, Kagura also sat in the center. Rudolph had initially said it was too crowded and suggested letting Kagura sit on her lap, but after thinking it over, Kagura still refused. Instead, she squeezed into the seat beside Rudolph. Fortunately, Kagura was small, so her addition did not cause much trouble.

"Thank you for your expectations. I have no plans to compete again this year, but next year I will definitely live up to everyone's hopes and, like Senior Chiaming, spectacularly win the Triple Crown for everyone."

Sitting beside her, Kagura watched Rudolph Symbol speak confidently and calmly, like a leader giving a speech. She could not help smiling in satisfaction. She suddenly understood how her mother must have felt when seeing her college entrance examination results.

Why do I suddenly feel so much older?

"I absolutely could not maintain such a perfect competitive state on my own. Toujou Hana, the trainer who has always supported me, and Inari Kagura, Tracen's finest Logistics Uma Musume, both made enormous contributions to my victory."

"Indeed. In fact, Kagura was the most important part of all. I directed the training and races, while Kagura handled logistical support. She was the greatest contributor to keeping Rudolph's mind and body in perfect condition. At this celebration, Kagura is also one of the guests of honor."

Following Rudolph Symbol's arrangement, Toujou Hana naturally steered the topic toward Kagura.

"Kagura, I heard you won the gold award for Tracen's Best Logistics Uma Musume! Congratulations! I knew an excellent student like you would win!"

Nice Nature had finally gotten her chance to speak, and she immediately followed Toujou Hana's words by congratulating Kagura.

Her words also came from the bottom of Nice Nature's heart. Kagura's tutoring had helped her pass every theoretical exam with ease. Kagura had even sacrificed her own rest time to specially train Nice Nature while she searched for a trainer, going an entire week without proper rest. Finding Nanban, such a gentle and kind trainer, had been largely thanks to Kagura. Not to mention Kagura's meticulous care in daily life—she was practically another parent. Nice Nature could not imagine how chaotic she would have become during this period if Kagura had not been by her side.

"Kagura winning the award was only natural. Although you rarely attend class, I often hear the students talking about you. Your legend is everywhere in the academy... Haha, Kagura, since you've never returned to your class for lessons, you probably don't know about this."

Rudolph Symbol nodded, then picked up her tablet and found a photograph to show Kagura.

Kagura took the tablet and looked at it. It was a photograph of a classroom. A group of Uma Musume were clasping their hands and worshiping an empty desk as if it were a sacred relic. The desk was not truly empty, however—it was piled high with familiar notebooks. Kagura realized they were the notebooks she had left behind, along with a large number of notes.

"The students say that if they place their questions on Kagura's desk, the God of Learning will bestow blessings after a week, allowing believers to pass their stage examinations in three days... Pfft..."

Rudolph Symbol could barely keep a straight face halfway through. She knew perfectly well that the students merely placed their requests and questions on the desk, after which Kagura would eventually return to class and leave behind printed copies of her handwritten notes.

But for the rumor to become this strange, Rudolph Symbol looked toward Gold Ship, who was sitting behind the seats and playing with a Rubik's Cube. She suspected that child had played a major role in spreading it.

"Little sister! I'll be on break soon and have lots of free time. Would you like to go for a drive with me? I'll drive you somewhere fun!"

After Rudolph Symbol, Maruzensky eagerly joined the conversation. She had wanted to drive Kagura around for a long time but had never found the opportunity.

With the lively and enthusiastic older sister Maruzensky joining in, the atmosphere grew even more animated. Everyone chattered and joined the conversation, while Kagura continued smiling and answering their questions. They were all familiar faces, so she did not have to worry too much about saying anything inappropriate.

The cafeteria workers also brought food and snacks for the Uma Musume. Kagura often helped the workers when she was busy in the cafeteria. Her skilled and efficient work had eased their burden considerably during busy periods, and she had never asked for payment. After hearing that the gathering was to celebrate Kagura, the workers had volunteered to join the support staff.

"Hehe... Kagura really is a good child who loves everyone and is loved by everyone..."

Rudolph Symbol watched Kagura happily respond to the others and could not help sighing over how well-liked she was. Kagura's personality was certainly part of the reason, but she also had the ability to help others and make herself useful.

Seeing that the time was about right, Rudolph Symbol took advantage of a lull and asked Kagura:

"Kagura, there's something I've wanted to ask for a long time. When is your birthday? You've always taken such devoted care of me, so I'd like to show my appreciation."

"You don't need to show me any appreciation, Young Miss! I'm only doing my job. It's not something worth thanking me for! Hehe... To be honest, I don't really remember my birthday either. I only remembered it when I went out to eat cake today... I think today might be my birthday."

"Surprise! It's the little sister's birthday today! Is this what the ancient Chinese saying calls 'double happiness'?"

Akikawa Yayoi immediately picked up the topic. She really was somewhat surprised. Gold Ship had guessed Kagura's true birthday without any contact or evidence, and Kagura herself had almost forgotten it.

"Oh, what a coincidence! Since we happen to be holding a celebration today, why don't we celebrate Kagura's birthday too?"

Rudolph Symbol finally saw her plan succeed and let out a sigh of relief before announcing it to the other Uma Musume, who were equally relieved.

"Yay!"

The Track Is a Wonderful Place

"Everyone was so enthusiastic... I ate a little too much..."

By the time Kagura left the cafeteria, it was already past nine at night.

It was the first time Kagura had felt such vivid warmth from other people. This had been the happiest day she had experienced since coming to this world. Whether it was the gentle and thoughtful Eclipse or her passionate and lively friends and seniors, everyone had left a deep impression on her today.

"Hehe... I can't believe today was your birthday, Kagura. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

After they parted on the main road through the courtyard, Nice Nature accompanied Kagura toward Ritto Dormitory.

"Well... I almost forgot it myself. How could I have remembered to tell you?"

That was indeed the truth. Although Kagura had not been affected by amnesia, she really would have forgotten about it if Eclipse had not reminded her.

"Eh..."

Kagura's memories had been severely damaged, and what remained was unclear. Nice Nature had learned about this long ago from the people in the Shopping District. The maids of the Symbol family had said that they were surprised Kagura could still live normally and interact with others after losing so many memories. Kagura acted so normally that, if Nice Nature had not already heard her story from the maids, she would have found it difficult to imagine that Kagura had amnesia.

"How did you remember it today?"

"I went out alone to find some cake, and a little accident happened... Then I remembered."

"I see... Does Kagura remember anything from her past? Like where you used to live?"

Nice Nature nodded thoughtfully. It seemed to be much the same as Gold Ship had guessed. Kagura had remembered the matter only after receiving some kind of stimulus. After all, Rudolph Symbol had said that Kagura had sat alone in the corner of a restaurant and cried. However, Kagura did not seem willing to bring it up, so Nice Nature did not dare ask further. She was afraid of making Kagura unhappy.

She really wanted to do something for Kagura. As a friend, Nice Nature had always been the one receiving Kagura's care, while she had rarely done anything for Kagura. She did not understand Kagura and had never found an opportunity to get closer. Kagura seemed too perfect, whether in daily life, academics, or even the strength that mattered most to Uma Musume. She was completely superior to Nice Nature, making it difficult for Nice Nature to find a chance to learn more about her. Today's events made Nice Nature feel that she might finally have an opportunity to understand Kagura better.

"I used to live in a shrine, but the place where I lived was reduced to ruins in a fire long ago."

Kagura still had not found the opportunity to return to the place where she had respawned. She had wanted to go back for a long time, but whenever she became busy, she always forgot about it. Mainly, the place had burned down to nothing, so she had not taken the matter too seriously. There was nothing to see there anyway; she would simply be visiting for the sake of remembrance.

"If we have time, why don't we go see it together in a few days? Maybe going there will help you remember something."

"I don't mind taking a look, but it might not help."

"We should at least try. If you don't remember anything, you can just treat it as going out to play with me."