"Imaginary Training"

Getting Vodka's help was a genuinely pleasant surprise to Yasui Makoto.

However, he didn't let it cloud his judgment.

He hadn't expected Vodka to make that decision, but when he considered the training plan he'd already prepared, he realized he had someone in mind whose style matched hers.

All he needed to do was adjust the plan to suit Vodka. There was no need to scrap the whole thing and start over.

So he spent some time over the weekend adjusting the original training plan, then used the rest of the time to get some proper rest.

On Sunday night, Yasui Makoto arranged a time and place to meet the three Uma Musume the next day.

The location was still the school track, but the time was a little earlier.

Having three Uma Musume run together was already considerably more complicated than having two. More importantly, Yamato Akagi and Vodka weren't ordinary Uma Musume.

They were not only top competitors, but also extremely experienced.

That experience had given them distinctive running styles and techniques. If he couldn't tailor the practice to them, he might end up wasting their kindness.

So, while they warmed up on the track before training, he not only organized Vodka's data as before, but also made plenty of estimates and calculations.

Once he felt he'd optimized the plan enough, he officially arranged the group run.

"Yamato, use the front-runner tactic you're best at, just like last time."

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

"Xiao Bei, you'll do the same. Follow behind your senior again, and keep an eye out for my signal.

"As soon as I give you a hand signal, accelerate and charge ahead.

"As for you, Vodka... Simulated Lag. No problem?"

"OK."

Nodding quickly, she held her left arm out horizontally and her right arm upright, twisting her waist back and forth as she grinned.

"This feels just like the old days... Hey, Yamato, you should've told me about something this fun sooner."

Yamato Akagi was doing some simple stretches too. She pouted.

"Who could've guessed you'd come back from Europe... Besides, you're back at the academy now, aren't you?"

"True enough."

Nodding, Vodka interlaced her fingers and cracked her wrists a few times.

"I'm ready, and Yamato should be too. Shall we get started?"

Instead of answering, Yasui Makoto glanced at Hokubu Genkoma.

"Um..."

After hesitating for a moment, Hokubu Genkoma raised her hand.

"I wanted to ask... Did Trainer just say 'Simulated Lag'?"

At that, Yasui Makoto and the other two Uma Musume all smiled approvingly.

"Looks like you caught that."

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

"Actually, your Yamato-senpai is doing the same thing. When she runs with you, she uses 'Simulated Lead,' not the front-runner tactic."

"Simulated..."

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

"Does that mean we're imagining that there are opponents besides the three of us running alongside us?"

Yasui Makoto and the others looked impressed.

"Very perceptive, Xiao Bei. Guess we can't keep treating you like a silly little junior forever!"

Walking over to ruffle Hokubu Genkoma's hair, Vodka grinned.

"Put simply, Simulated Lead and Simulated Lag are both forms of 'Imaginary Training.'

"Just like you said, you imagine other opponents running alongside you.

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

"Usually, only Uma Musume with plenty of racing experience can train this way. I'm sure it takes some talent, too.

"Luckily, Yamato and I are both that kind of Uma Musume. So don't overthink it. Just do your best running between us."

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

Nodding in sudden understanding, Hokubu Genkoma then looked a little embarrassed.

"This kind of training... It sounds exhausting. I mean, having to imagine opponents in your head.

"I always thought I hadn't really asked Yamato-senpai for much help, but I didn't realize she was working so hard for me. And now Vodka-senpai has to do the same..."

"Ow!"

They both drew back their hands after flicking her forehead, then exchanged a knowing look. Yamato Akagi and Vodka laughed at the same time.

"What are you saying, Xiao Bei?"

Running her index finger along the bridge of her nose, Yamato Akagi said warmly,

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

"You'd bring us tea or towels, help us fix our horseshoes, or wash our clothes and shoes.

"At first, we thought you were too young, and that even if you were eager to help, we shouldn't let you keep doing all that.

"But eventually, we got used to it. Whenever you showed up, the moment we needed anything, we'd call on you to help."

Vodka was running her index finger along the bridge of her nose too.

"She's right. We remember all of that.

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

"And Abune.

"You helped everyone out a lot, Xiao Bei.

"Especially Senior Emperor.

"She was so down that year, and none of us knew what to do.

"If you hadn't kept encouraging her, I don't think she would've made it back to the racetrack so easily.

"Anyway, Xiao Bei, you were always so enthusiastic about cheering us on back then. Now that you've officially made your debut, how could we seniors just stand by and do nothing?"

"Exactly. That's what I think, too."

Yamato Akagi smiled in agreement, and, without even looking, bumped fists with Vodka.

"It's not just us. I'm sure Senior Emperor and the others want to do something for you, too.

"So, instead of saying something silly here..."

With a quick "Heave-ho," she and Vodka vaulted over the railing and onto the track. Yamato Akagi gave a thumbs-up.

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

"Both of you..."

Hokubu Genkoma looked at the two Uma Musume on the track, her excitement surging. Then she leaped in after them.

"Of course I'm ready!"

As he watched the three Uma Musume turn to look at him, Yasui Makoto couldn't help reflecting.

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

Just like Yamato Akagi and the others had said, he'd gotten used to that black-haired girl quietly taking care of things before he even realized it.

At first, he'd simply gotten used to her carrying his bags.

Then she started bringing him drinks and snacks, and even packed lunches.

Now, whenever she visited his single room, she helped clear away the trash and tidy up his books and papers when they were scattered about. He'd gotten used to that, too.

And she did all of it quietly, never asking for anything in return. She even seemed to enjoy it.

There was no doubt about it. She simply wanted to help the people she cared about—or perhaps she was willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. Doing whatever she could to help made her happy.

Without thinking, Yasui Makoto smiled.

That was right. A girl like her... made people want to return her kindness and do something for her.

With that thought, he raised his hand.

"Grass, 1,800 meters. Group-run practice. On your marks, three, two... one!"