After completing the entire training regimen, Yasui Makoto was once again amazed by his Uma Musume.
There had been scheduled breaks over the course of several hours, but overall, the training had continued without pause.
Yet after training for so long, Hokubu Genkoma showed hardly any signs of fatigue.
Not only was she not tired, but there was barely any sweat on her face. She looked full of energy, as though she could start the next training session at any moment.
Although he had already determined from the data that her physical foundation was exceptional, he had not expected her to be so astonishingly fit in person.
That was why Yasui Makoto did not rest either. Whenever he obtained a new piece of data, he immediately carried out some preliminary calculations.
While Hokubu Genkoma rested, he made the most of his time to analyze, assess, and adjust things further. As a result, her subsequent training improved noticeably.
Of course, Hokubu Genkoma's own talent was also a major factor.
Not only was her physique outstanding, but this Uma Musume's sense of rhythm was unexpectedly impressive as well.
Aside from making mistakes during the first one or two practice sets, her movements became increasingly well-matched to the musical beat. Her overall average reached slightly above 75%.
Judging by the average, for an Uma Musume trying this kind of training for the first time, reaching 50% synchronization was already quite impressive. Reaching 75% could absolutely be called genius.
Having noticed this, Yasui Makoto unconsciously revised his impression of his Uma Musume.
"That's all for today."
Praising her, Yasui Makoto began packing up.
"I'll take you to dinner. Also..."
He thought for a moment.
"Xiao Bei, besides the dances and songs taught at school, you must have taught yourself some things before, right?"
"Yes! Trainer, you absolutely have to let me treat you to this meal!"
Hokubu Genkoma raised her hand and answered energetically before rushing over with enthusiasm.
"Trainer, I'll carry your bag!"
After picking up Yasui Makoto's shoulder bag, she tapped her lower lip and finally answered his earlier question.
"As for music, singing, and dancing... I guess you can't really say I studied them.
"But I've always loved singing!
"My father, my grandfather, and lots of people in my family are all great singers. I grew up listening to them sing!"
Yasui Makoto immediately understood.
The information had mentioned that Hokubu Genkoma came from an excellent background. Her grandfather was a famous singer in the industry, with students and disciples spread throughout Japan. Her family could be called a musical dynasty.
Growing up surrounded by that kind of family, it was hardly difficult to understand why she adapted so well to rhythm and beats.
She probably had never used this approach when running before, which was why the rhythm of her steps had been so chaotic during training.
Of course, her great strength was another reason.
Running and singing were different, after all. Singing mainly used the muscles of the neck, chest, and abdomen, while running required every muscle in the body to work. Mastering a good rhythm was naturally much more difficult.
However, with her family's musical heritage as a foundation, as long as this Uma Musume continued training, there would surely be no problem with her basic stride.
That meant he had to consider another kind of training...
While Yasui Makoto pondered, Hokubu Genkoma continued excitedly telling him amusing stories about her family and childhood.
"...We lived in the countryside for a long time, so in summer, my friends and I often went into the woods at night to catch fireflies. Oh, and rhinoceros beetles too!
"We even competed to see whose rhinoceros beetle was stronger. We had rhinoceros beetle competitions!
"Oh, right. I think I already had some thoughts about becoming an Uma Musume back then.
"Hehehe, I was the fastest runner among my friends. Everyone said I would definitely become an amazing Uma Musume when I grew up!
"My father and grandfather said so too, and..."
She grew even more excited.
"After watching Senior Emperor's races, I've always wanted to become an Uma Musume as dazzling as her!
"Trainer, do you think..."
She looked at Yasui Makoto expectantly.
"Is it possible for me to achieve this dream?"
Looking back at Hokubu Genkoma, Yasui Makoto clearly saw his reflection in her limpid eyes. He smiled unconsciously.
"I'll do everything I can to help you achieve your dream."
"Mm-hmm! Thank you, Trainer!"
She raised both arms and nodded repeatedly. Then this lively, energetic Uma Musume shyly covered her stomach.
"But you're right, Trainer. As for achieving dreams and all that, I really should fill my stomach first."
As they spoke, the two had already arrived at Tracen Academy's cafeteria.
Most of the students had already eaten, so there were not many people in the cafeteria. After ordering, Hokubu Genkoma took both trays to the table.
Though they were said to be two trays, Yasui Makoto's portion occupied very little space. It was only a bowl of ramen.
Hokubu Genkoma, on the other hand, had ordered more than ten times that amount. Fried rice, chow mein, grilled meat, carrots with sauce, and other delicacies were stacked nearly half as high as a person.
The cafeteria cooks were very professional. The food not only suited the Uma Musumes' tastes, but was not excessively greasy either.
Thus, Yasui Makoto was merely a little surprised by Hokubu Genkoma's appetite. He also understood that after an entire afternoon of training, the girl was truly hungry.
"Let's eat!"
She pressed her hands together before the mountain of dinner. Just as she picked up her chopsticks, she caught Yasui Makoto looking at her in surprise from the corner of her eye, and her little face flushed.
"Um... actually..."
She rubbed two fingers together in front of herself and whispered:
"I don't usually eat this much...
"I usually eat about this much... No, this much...
"No, it should be just this little..."
She gestured three times in succession, lowering her hand each time.
In the end, her voice grew louder instead.
"All right, Trainer, you can laugh if you want. I really was hungry... Though I did eat a little more than usual today..."
"Why would I laugh?"
"It's really only a little more, oh... Huh?"
Hokubu Genkoma's ears twitched.
"Trainer... you're not making fun of me for eating so much?"
"What's there to make fun of? Besides, there would be no reason for a Trainer to make fun of his Assigned Uma Musume."
Picking up the chopsticks beside his own set meal, Yasui Makoto said calmly:
"Besides, you didn't eat that much. I've seen someone who could eat even more than you."
"R-Really? Then I won't hold back!"
Realizing that her worries had been completely unnecessary, Hokubu Genkoma instantly became delighted. She lifted the large plate of fried rice in front of her and stuffed a huge bite into her mouth.
"Mmph... By the way, Trainer, who is the Uma Musume you said could eat more than me?"
"...Swallow your food before you talk. You might choke."
After reminding her, Yasui Makoto heard Hokubu Genkoma ask again. He thought for a moment, then answered with a question instead.
"I'll take you to meet her later and then you'll know. But more importantly...
"Xiao Bei, what kind of Uma Musume do you think can be considered outstanding and dazzling?
"Or rather, have you thought about which races you want to run in the future?"
That night, in Hokubu Genkoma's shared dorm room.
"Light Diamond-chan! I'm back!"
"Ah, welcome back, Xiao Bei."
The one who responded to Hokubu Genkoma's spirited greeting was an Uma Musume with light-brown hair and pale golden eyes.
Judging by her features, she looked somewhat similar to Satono Crown, who had been practicing in the dance hall that afternoon. Her bearing was just as cultured and elegant.
She was Satono Crown's younger sister, Hokubu Genkoma's roommate, Rizumu Hikari.
(Diamond Bro:)
Before you continue