Too Embarrassing

Yamato Akagi sighed.

"Yeah, I won so many races locally, but I was shut out because of all sorts of messy rules.

"But if it weren't for that, I probably wouldn't have met him.

"Why did you suddenly bring this up?"

Vodka shrugged.

"Just a sudden thought.

"The place Trainer Yasui mentioned is somewhere no rookie dares to go; it's a place only veteran trainers are qualified to be.

"Well, it's a stupid rule, I don't know what they're thinking.

"Anyway, I quite like this Trainer, so..."

She smiled, picked up her tray, and stood up.

"Let's go, we'll help him save a spot."

When he arrived at the spectator stands from the preparation room, Yasui Makoto thought it would take some time to find a seat.

The viewing areas at the front of the major venues had no seats, only standing room, and spots were generally first-come, first-served.

There was also an unwritten rule among trainers: the best viewing spots were given to seniors first.

Not only that, but similar rules applied to resource allocation.

Things like private offices, various access permissions, including dormitories closer to the school, were not available to rookies like Yasui Makoto, which was why he had been renting a place further away.

He knew these rules but hadn't paid much attention to them.

However, this race was later in the schedule, and the number of spectators was slightly higher than last time.

Especially in the front viewing area, the spots with the best views were already taken.

After searching for a while without finding a suitable spot and about to give up, he suddenly received a call from Yamato Akagi.

"Trainer Yasui, we see you, walk a bit further ahead... Do you see me?"

Following the directions, Yasui Makoto immediately spotted the two Uma Musume he had lunched with earlier. While confused, he was secretly pleased that they had saved him a spot.

"Thank you, both of you. Otherwise, I probably would have had to watch the race from the back."

Grateful, Yasui Makoto took out his binoculars, stopwatch, and tablet from his shoulder bag.

Seeing this, Yamato Akagi looked unsurprised, while Vodka seemed a bit taken aback.

"Trainer Yasui, you're going to work while watching the race?"

"Yes, the Shining Series is full of uncertainties. Often, data isn't as accurate as intuition."

Putting on a pair of Bluetooth earphones, Yasui Makoto explained:

"Recording the first impressions from watching the race as data, and then comparing it with precise data, can to some extent correct errors in intuition.

"My father told me this.

"He said trainers of his generation relied on intuition and experience. We newborns need to combine various methods and explore training methods that can better help the Uma Musume."

This time, not only Vodka but also Yamato Akagi was a little surprised.

"So Trainer Yasui's father was also a trainer?" Yamato Akagi asked in surprise.

"A Local Trainer. He never came to the central league."

Yasui Makoto smiled. "Many of my training methods and philosophies were taught to me by him.

"My mother also taught me a lot. She used to be an Uma Musume on the local circuit."

Exchanging glances, the two Uma Musume were even more surprised, a hint of familiarity appearing in their expressions.

"I see, now I understand why Trainer Yasui is so outstanding."

Vodka brushed her nose with her index finger.

"But besides your parents' teachings, Anzai-kun must have worked very hard usually... May I call you that, Anzai-kun?"

"It's fine. I don't really care about titles..."

Yasui Makoto had only said half the sentence when cheers erupted from the spectator stands, and the broadcast became louder.

"Now, the seventh race of today is about to begin."

First, a female announcer's voice rang out. After her clear voice captured the attention of the venue, she began introducing an Uma Musume.

"Without further ado, the first favorite has entered the arena!

"In the three races so far, she has achieved a first, a second, and a fourth.

"Switching from turf 1600 meters to 2000 meters hasn't diminished her strength. Her final speed of 33.5 seconds in the last race proved her excellent Final Speed.

"She is Crush Rally!"

The cheers grew even louder. At the same time, on the giant screen directly facing the spectator stands, an Uma Musume with long black hair, wearing a short-sleeved sports top and shorts, and a long-sleeved sports jacket draped over her shoulders, walked out onto the stage from the parade ring.

She raised her arm and waved it, then grabbed her jacket and tossed it aside with a flourish.

After the announcer finished her introduction, she bowed, picked up the discarded jacket, and returned backstage.

This was the customary "appearance segment" before every race.

Yasui Makoto had watched many races while researching and had seen this before.

However, this time, a sudden curiosity struck him.

He glanced to his side, where two Uma Musume were chatting with great interest.

"1:36.3, 1:38.2, 1:34.8... her performance isn't very consistent."

"That's probably why her Trainer wants to switch her from the Mile to middle distances."

"Probably... but her Final Speed is definitely good. 33.2, 34.3, 33.5. It feels better than when I debuted."

"After all these years, the juniors are bound to improve."

As she finished speaking, Yamato Akagi's eyes shifted, and she noticed Yasui Makoto's gaze.

"Is there something you need, Anzai-kun? ...Can I call you that, like this guy?"

"Of course, please feel free. As for me..."

He hesitated, then shook his head and lowered his gaze, pretending to organize his data.

"It's nothing. I suddenly forgot what I wanted to ask. It was something unimportant, so don't worry about it."

What he actually wanted to ask was whether they felt embarrassed when they tossed their jackets during the appearance segment and then had to pick them up again.

But he figured if they actually felt embarrassed, asking would only make it more awkward.

After pretending for a moment, he really started organizing his data, and unconsciously looked forward to Hokubu Genkoma's appearance.

After a while, the announcer finally called out the black-haired girl's name.

"She delivered a spectacular debut victory with a beautiful late-race acceleration.

"This is her second appearance, and also her Trainer's second race.

"Compared to the experienced seniors, this rookie combination's momentum is evident and they are not to be underestimated.

"Hokubu Genkoma!

"Let's look forward to a brilliant performance from this energetic girl!"

Yasui Makoto unconsciously looked up and smiled.

A moment later, his smile froze.

Beside him, Vodka's delighted exclamation, "Oh, Xiao Bei is finally out!" was cut short, and her expression also stiffened.

As if she didn't recognize the junior on the big screen, Yamato Akagi turned her head away, pretending to look at the scenery.

Amused murmurs began to spread through the audience.

"This kid... why did she zip up her jacket in the appearance ring?"

"Maybe it got stuck? She looks like she's having trouble taking it off..."

"Hahaha, this is hilarious! What's this Uma Musume's name again? I need to follow her, hahaha, too funny!"

Hearing the suppressed laughter from around him, and noticing Vodka also turning her head and whistling, Yasui Makoto looked around for a hole in the ground to crawl into.

He couldn't help it. His own Uma Musume getting flustered because her zipper got stuck during her appearance...

It was indeed a bit too embarrassing.