Investigating the Competition

Vodka froze.

She hadn't thought about it from Kitasan Black's perspective.

She'd only thought that Anjing Zhen definitely didn't want to put pressure on Kitasan Black. It hadn't occurred to her that Kitasan Black might be worried.

But now that she thought about it, given how caring this junior was, once she learned about the harsh reality facing her Trainer, she probably really would worry quite a bit.

Anjing Zhen had struck her as steady and mature, and very thoughtful. He might really have anticipated this.

"Yeah, I think so too. I mean, Little Kita, you might be right. Anjing-kun really did think that way."

Vodka nodded, then said with a sigh:

"You've figured out your competition's mindset to that extent, so it makes sense that he'd anticipate what might worry you.

"He probably thought that since Little Kita had reached this point, she shouldn't stay as ignorant about so many things as she used to be.

"After all, you're so caring toward everyone, but a lot of problems can't be solved with kindness alone.

"Like what we were just talking about... I guess only a senior like T.M. Opera O could help you get through something like that.

"But when all's said and done..."

She smiled.

"Einis Fushin was right, Little Kita. You're very lucky.

"Your Trainer may be young, but he's truly outstanding.

"Stick with him, and I have a feeling he won't let you down."

In the past, whenever she heard words like that, Kitasan Black would almost always nod without hesitation.

This time, she pressed her lips together and unconsciously clenched her fists. After a long silence, she nodded firmly.

"Okay! I've made up my mind!"

Vodka, Daiwa Scarlet, and Einis Fushin all froze.

"Made up your mind...? Little Kita, what have you decided?"

The three horse girls asked in unison.

"I'm going to find a way to help my Trainer!"

With both fists clenched in front of her chest, the black-haired girl declared with determination:

"I didn't know before that my Trainer was under so much pressure, too. I only knew he was busy.

"But now that I've heard what you seniors have said, of course I can't just stand by and do nothing.

"I have to do something to help my Trainer!

"What exactly I'll do..."

She pressed her lips together again, then her eyes soon lit up.

"That's it!

"My Trainer already told me who I'll be competing against in the next race.

"They're all students at the Academy, so I'll find a way to investigate them without anyone noticing!"

The next day, when Anjing Zhen arrived at the training grounds, he carried a large, square backpack in addition to the shoulder bag he always kept close at hand.

The shoulder bag still held the training essentials: a tablet, a Stopwatch, binoculars, and a Record Board. The larger backpack held the drone he'd gotten the day before.

Drones weren't widespread yet, and the models available on the market were only average.

But the one he'd ordered was no ordinary drone. He'd tested it last night and confirmed it would do the job.

However, no one had ever used this kind of device for training before, and the relevant laws weren't well established. Under the circumstances, he'd need to report it to the Student Council first.

The thing was still novel, after all. If a student who didn't know what it was saw something strange flying overhead, it could cause a commotion.

Besides, the Academy's students were all girls, and he'd be using the drone to film them. If something went wrong and he was mistaken for a peeping tom, the consequences would be even more serious.

So during routine training, Anjing Zhen used the drone only as a high-speed camera and didn't activate its flight function.

After training, he reminded Kitasan Black to pay attention in class, then headed straight for the Student Council Office.

He'd arranged to meet Tokai Teio last night, and found the President there as soon as he entered.

Another horse girl was in the office with her. She had pale purple hair and an elegant air.

Anjing Zhen recognized her at once as the Student Council Vice President, Mejiro McQueen, who was Hall of Fame-level just like Tokai Teio. He greeted them:

"Good morning, Emperor (Teio) President, McQueen President."

"Morning, Trainer Yasui."

"Good morning, Trainer Yasui."

After greeting McQueen, Tokai Teio curiously looked at the large backpack Anjing Zhen was carrying.

"Is that the... drone you were talking about, Trainer Yasui? It's so small?"

In Tokai Teio's mind, a drone was an aircraft that didn't need a pilot.

Even the smallest aircraft had to be over ten meters long, so when she'd heard Anjing Zhen's request yesterday, she'd been a little hesitant.

Then she'd learned it was a small drone that could fit in a backpack. After giving it some thought, she'd quickly agreed, driven by curiosity.

Though Anjing Zhen was young, she felt he was more level-headed than many older Trainers. He never acted rashly like others his age, and he wasn't one to brag or lie.

If he said it wasn't very big, then it probably wasn't.

And if it really could help with training, then as the Student Council President, she ought to see it for herself.

As Tokai Teio asked her question, Mejiro McQueen studied Anjing Zhen's backpack with interest, as though pondering something.

"Given its size... is it one of those quadcopters with four propellers?"

Anjing Zhen was just about to take off his backpack. He paused at her question, then nodded.

"President McQueen, you're very knowledgeable. It is a quadcopter."

Tokai Teio grew curious.

"Eh? McQueen, you know about these things?"

"I've seen them a few times overseas."

Mejiro McQueen nodded and gestured as she spoke.

"About as long as an arm, and roughly the same in width.

"The machine in the middle is round or square, with supports at each corner like the tail of a helicopter, though much, much smaller.

"Each support has a propeller, which is similar to a helicopter's rotor, but much smaller, of course.

"I don't know much beyond that. I've only seen them at a few exhibitions."

While Mejiro McQueen explained, Anjing Zhen took off his backpack. He opened it, took out the body and the supports with the propellers, and assembled them.

The two Presidents leaned in curiously to take a closer look.

"It's not as big as I imagined..."

Tokai Teio nodded, resting her fingers on her chin.

"So, Trainer Yasui, you're hoping to use this flying device to film Little Kita's training?"

"That's right. I specially ordered a model that's quiet, takes high-quality footage, and can record at high speed."

Holding the drone in one hand, Anjing Zhen pointed out its various parts as he explained:

"It also has a wireless transmitter here, so you can view the footage in real time.

"To analyze the recording frame by frame, you'll need to use the camera's built-in storage. Just remove it and connect it to a computer.

"As for the footage..."

He thought for a moment, then pointed toward the floor-to-ceiling window in the office.

"I'm not sure if I can demonstrate it here. I brought the remote control."

Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen both looked out the window, then exchanged glances and nodded at the same time.

"That's a novel idea. Sorry for the trouble, Trainer Yasui. We'd love to see how this device works."

After getting their permission, Anjing Zhen didn't hesitate. He set the drone directly on the floor.

He switched on the power, picked up the remote control, data cable, and tablet, then walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and opened it.

Then he connected the remote control to the tablet with the cable and started up the drone.

Bzzzz—

Under the astonished, curious gazes of Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen, the four propellers spun rapidly, carrying the drone out of the office.