At My Age, I Don't Think You're Ready

A little while later, at a bubble tea shop near the hospital.

"Two honey specials, one with extra honey, and one coffee. Thank you very much."

After placing her order, a petite, lively-looking Uma Musume turned and walked to a window seat. She folded her arms and sat down with an air of authority.

Across from her sat Yasui Makoto, his expression calm, and Hokubu Genkoma, who hung her head and fidgeted with her hands like a child who'd done something wrong.

After giving Hokubu Genkoma a somewhat stern glance, the petite Uma Musume turned to Yasui Makoto and smiled warmly in approval.

"It wasn't convenient to explain at the hospital, so I came to find Trainer Yasui in person. I managed to contact the parents of the child you rescued, and they'd really like to thank you face-to-face.

"We also found the driver. He's giving a statement at the police station now. He admitted to driving while fatigued and is willing to take full responsibility.

"Would you like to meet the parents and the driver?"

Yasui Makoto shook his head.

"No, it's enough that the child is all right.

"But Hokubu Genkoma said she'd cover the cost of my examination. I think the driver should be responsible for that.

"That shouldn't be a problem, President?"

"No problem at all. I'll arrange it shortly."

The petite Uma Musume, whom he'd called "President," nodded at once, then turned sternly toward Hokubu Genkoma, who still had her head bowed.

"Now then... Xiao Bei, have you realized what you did wrong?"

"Yes, Senior Emperor!"

As if she'd been caught by the tail, Hokubu Genkoma straightened up in an instant and answered with her head held high. Then she shrank her neck, looking confused and uneasy.

"My mistake... was that I shouldn't have gone with Mr. Yasui to rescue that child?"

Senior Emperor sighed and covered the crescent-shaped, pale-moon bangs on her forehead.

"Looks like you still don't understand..."

She folded her arms and spoke with an air of authority.

"There was nothing wrong with rescuing someone. That deserves praise, and I've even drafted a commendation for you.

"The problem is that you didn't control your speed.

"Anzai-kun is a Trainer. In that emergency, he was still able to dodge you. Yet you, an Uma Musume, couldn't. Xiao Bei..."

She let out a heavy sigh and shook her head.

"You've disappointed me."

Hokubu Genkoma's ears drooped at once—the clearest sign of an Uma Musume in low spirits. Her face, too, was full of sadness and disappointment.

Yasui Makoto was quietly surprised.

The Uma Musume across from him was Tokai Teio, the Student Council President of Central Treisen Academy's junior and senior divisions, succeeding Symboli Rudo.

Compared with her illustrious predecessor, President Emperor's career was every bit as impressive: nine wins in twelve major races, including a streak of seven consecutive victories at the start.

After retiring and becoming Student Council President, she'd shown the same outstanding ability in her work.

The accident had happened only a few hours ago. Yet she already knew all about it, and had taken care of matters involving both the rescued child and the driver.

She'd also tracked down the two people involved in the incident. Her decisiveness and efficiency were truly impressive.

On top of that, her expertise was remarkable.

Compared with race footage, unprocessed traffic camera recordings weren't very clear.

Yet from that footage, she'd been able to determine what happened just before Yasui Makoto and Hokubu Genkoma collided. That took more than skill—it also showed the talent of a top Uma Musume.

"I'm sorry, Senior Emperor..." Hokubu Genkoma said dejectedly, lowering her head.

"Apologizing to me won't help."

She shook her head with her arms folded. When she saw Hokubu Genkoma glance uncertainly at Yasui Makoto, Tokai Teio shook her head again.

"Apologizing to Trainer Yasui won't help either.

"Xiao Bei, you still haven't understood. What you need to do now isn't apologize, but think carefully about what happened.

"Races can be dangerous. If that's all the control you have over your speed and strength..."

She sighed softly, and the Student Council President shook her head for the third time.

"I'd been putting in a good word for you with several excellent Trainers, but after seeing this, I can't bring myself to approach them.

"That's not my opinion as Student Council President. As your senior, I don't think you're ready."

Yasui Makoto thought he could sense a kind of despondent aura radiating from Hokubu Genkoma beside him after Tokai Teio's words. She was clearly shaken.

And he felt Tokai Teio was right: Hokubu Genkoma wasn't ready.

Limit Special Skill was extremely dangerous. One careless move could lead to injury.

To keep things safe, much of the training had to focus on body control. He'd brought those training methods with him to this world.

Thanks to years of training on his own, his flexibility and control over his strength were far beyond what most people could manage—even many Uma Musume.

By comparison, Hokubu Genkoma's control over her own body was clearly lacking.

Uma Musume races were intense. When Uma Musume running at dozens of kilometers per hour collided, the results were sure to be serious.

"I know, Senior Emperor..."

Hokubu Genkoma spoke dejectedly again, but this time her voice held much more gratitude and admiration.

"My dream is to become a legendary Uma Musume like you, but I know I'm no genius.

"A lot of teachers and Trainers have also said that, compared with the races you ran, Senior, I might be better off focusing on sprint races in the future.

"But I still want to try. No matter what, I want to give it a try!"

She suddenly perked up, her voice full of excitement.

"Your presence on the track has always inspired me, Senior. I absolutely won't give up before the very end!

"Even if no Trainer believes in me, I'll still challenge the Triple Crown you once won!"

Her words made several people in the bubble tea shop turn to look. Yasui Makoto glanced at her, too, but Tokai Teio remained calm from beginning to end.

"Without a Trainer, you can't even apply to enter a race. How do you expect to compete for the Triple Crown?"

Tokai Teio shook her head calmly, arms folded.

"Huh? Oh..."

Hokubu Genkoma, who'd been brimming with confidence just a moment earlier, went blank. Then she scratched her head with a sheepish grin.

"I guess... that's true. Hehehe..."

"Honestly, how do you pay attention in class? This is basic knowledge..."

Tokai Teio sighed under her breath and gave Hokubu Genkoma a reproachful look. Then she turned to Yasui Makoto, her expression a little more serious.

"But there's an excellent Trainer right here.

"Getting the Central Trainer Certification at eighteen is unprecedented.

"I've also noticed that during the few months since Trainer Yasui arrived at the academy, he's been looking for an Assigned Uma Musume, but has been turned down every time.

"So I have a request.

"Not as President, but as Xiao Bei's senior.

"I'd like Trainer Yasui to coach Xiao Bei. What do you think?"

(A picture of Teio as an adult