A little over two weeks later, Friday afternoon, during training class, at the edge of the track.
Before a group of Uma Musume dressed in short-sleeved athletic shirts and shorts, a teacher held a clipboard and called out loudly:
"I hope everyone will carefully review what we practiced in this lesson after class.
"Those who have already debuted should prioritize your Trainer's arrangements. If you feel there are any differences between what was taught in class and your Trainer's plans, be sure to ask promptly. Don't keep your questions bottled up.
"Alright, that's all for today's class. Thank you all for your cooperation. Dismissed!"
"Thank you, Teacher! You've worked hard!"
After bowing and thanking the teacher in unison with her classmates, Hokubu Genkoma glanced toward the track stands and pressed her lips together wistfully.
She followed the other Uma Musume a couple of steps toward the exit, then scratched her head and turned back toward the track.
She had only taken two steps when she suddenly heard someone call out from behind her.
"Hey—Xiao Bei—"
Hokubu Genkoma instinctively turned around. Before she could see who had called her, she spotted something arcing through the air.
"Catch!"
"Ah? O-Okay..."
She stretched out her hand and caught the object flying toward her. Looking closely, she saw that it was a bottle of milk and turned toward the voice in confusion.
"Crown-chan, this is...?"
The one who had called out to Hokubu Genkoma was her classmate, Satono Crown.
"It's for you."
At some point, Satono Crown had picked up a bag full of drinks. She walked over with a smile.
"After winning the Yayoi Sho last week, I wanted to reward myself, so I specially ordered these online from overseas.
"But I accidentally bought too much. I gave a lot to my family