Imaginary Training

Having Vodka's help, Yasui Makoto was honestly overjoyed.

However, he didn't lose his composure because of it.

He hadn't anticipated Vodka's decision beforehand, but considering the planned training, there were already suitable candidates with similar types to this Uma Musume.

Based on this, all he needed to do was make adjustments according to Vodka's situation, without needing to completely overturn the entire plan from scratch.

Thus, he took time over the weekend to adjust the original training plan, resting normally during the remaining time.

On Sunday evening, Yasui Makoto arranged the meeting time and place for the next day with three Uma Musume.

The location was still the Academy track, but the time was slightly earlier.

The simultaneous running of three Uma Musume was inherently more complex than two, and more importantly, Yamato Akagi and Vodka were not ordinary Uma Musume.

Not only were they top-tier in strength, but they were also extremely experienced.

These factors had shaped their unique running styles and techniques. If targeted practice wasn't arranged, their good intentions might be wasted.

So, when he began the warm-up on the track before training, he not only organized Vodka's data as before but also conducted many deductions and calculations.

Only when he felt the plan was sufficiently optimized did he formally arrange the simultaneous run.

"Yamato, you'll use your best racing style, the lead, just like before."

With a stopwatch in his right hand and a tablet tucked under his right arm, Yasui Makoto gestured to the position with his left hand.

"Xiao Bei, you too. This time, stay behind your senior and keep an eye on my signal.

"As soon as I give you a gesture, accelerate and charge forward immediately.

"As for Vodka... Simulated Lag, no problem?"

"OK."

Nodding quickly, she crossed her left arm and tucked her right arm upright, twisting her waist back and forth. Vodka laughed, "It feels like I'm back in the old days... Hey, Yamato, you should have told me about something this interesting sooner."

Doing some simple stretches, Yamato Akagi pouted.

"Who knew you'd come back from Europe... Besides, aren't you back at the Academy now?"

"That's true."

Nodding, Vodka clasped her fingers together and cracked her wrists.

"I'm ready, and Yamato should be too. Shall we start now?"

Without answering, Yasui Makoto glanced at Hokubu Genkoma.

"Um..."

Hesitantly, Hokubu Genkoma raised her hand.

"I have a question. What did the Trainer just say... was it 'Simulated Lag'?"

Hearing this, not only Yasui Makoto but also the other two Uma Musume smiled with relief.

"It seems you noticed."

Yasui Makoto nodded. "That's right, I said 'Simulated Lag,' not just lag.

"In fact, your senior Yamato is also doing 'Simulated Lead' when she runs with you, not just leading."

"Simulated..."

Repeating the word, Hokubu Genkoma's eyes lit up.

"Are you saying we're imagining that there are other opponents running with us, besides the three of us?"

Yasui Makoto and the others praised her.

"Your comprehension is excellent, Xiao Bei. It seems I can't just treat you as a silly junior anymore!"

Walking over to pat Hokubu Genkoma's head, Vodka laughed.

"Simply put, Simulated Lead and Simulated Lag are both types of 'Imaginary Training.'

"Just as you said, it's about imagining in your mind that other opponents are running alongside you.

"This kind of training is more effective than ordinary simultaneous running, but it's also harder to master.

"Generally, only Uma Musume with considerable racing experience can train like this, and perhaps some talent is needed.

"It just so happens that both Yamato and I are such Uma Musume, so you don't need to overthink it. Just do your best running between us."

"So that's how it is..."

Nodding in realization, Hokubu Genkoma felt a little embarrassed again.

"This kind of training... sounds like it must be tiring, I mean, to simulate opponents in your mind.

"I always thought I wasn't troubling Yamato-senpai much, but I didn't realize she was working so hard to help me, and Vodka-senpai will be too this time..."

"Ouch!"

Simultaneously retracting their finger-flick gestures, Yamato Akagi and Vodka exchanged a knowing glance and laughed.

"What nonsense are you spouting, Xiao Bei."

Resting an index finger on her nose, Yamato Akagi said with relief:

"Don't forget, back when we were training and racing, you always came to help us whenever you had free time.

"Whether it was bringing us tea or handing us towels, or helping us fix our horseshoes, and even washing our clothes and shoes.

"At first, we thought you were too young, and even if you were eager, we shouldn't let you do these things all the time.

"But later, we all got used to it. As soon as you showed up, we'd call on you to help with anything right away."

Just like her, Vodka also rested an index finger on her nose.

"That's right, we remember all those things.

"And it wasn't just the two of us, Special Week Senpai, Suzuka Senpai, and McQueen Senpai, Emperor Senpai.

"And Abune too.

"You helped everyone a lot, Xiao Bei.

"Especially Emperor Senpai.

"She was so down that year, we didn't know what to do.

"If you hadn't kept encouraging her, I don't think she would have returned to the track so easily.

"All in all, Xiao Bei cheered us on so enthusiastically back then, and now that she's officially debuted, how could we seniors just stand by?"

"That's right, I thought the same thing."

Yamato Akagi chuckled in agreement, then playfully bumped fists with Vodka. "It's not just us; I think Emperor Senpai and the others also want to do something for you.

"So, instead of spouting nonsense here..."

With a grunt, she hopped over the fence with Vodka and onto the training track, giving Xiao Bei a thumbs-up.

"Xiao Bei, aren't you ready yet?"

"Two seniors..."

Looking excitedly at the two Uma Musume in the field, Hokubu Genkoma was filled with emotion and leaped in as well.

"Of course, I'm ready!"

Looking at the three Uma Musume, and seeing them glance at him, Yasui Makoto couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

He didn't know about Hokubu Genkoma's past experiences with her seniors, but from what he'd just heard, his Uma Musume was far more enthusiastic, kind, and considerate than he'd realized.

He, too, had, without realizing it, gotten used to the black-haired girl's quiet, behind-the-scenes efforts, just as Yamato Akagi and the others had said.

At first, he'd just gotten used to her carrying his bag for him.

Then she started bringing him drinks, snacks, and even lunch.

Now, every time he went to his single room, she helped clean up the trash and organize his somewhat messy books and documents; he'd gotten used to that too.

And in doing all this, the girl asked for nothing, even appearing to enjoy it.

Undoubtedly, she just wanted to help the people she cared about, or rather, she was happy to lend a hand to anyone who needed help, doing what she could.

Without realizing it, Yasui Makoto smiled.

Indeed, a girl like that... it really made one want to respond to that enthusiasm and do something for her.

Thinking this, he raised his hand.

"Grassland 1800 meters, paired practice, ready, three, two... one!"