"Um, Legend, which way should I face now?"
Oguri Cap wore a blindfold, quietly being led forward by Legend.
"Can't I open my eyes? I feel a little uneasy."
"It's okay, it's okay, I'm still here." Gold Legend quietly held Oguri Cap's hand, walking in front of her.
"This is a surprise we've been preparing for a long time. Please look forward to it!"
"Mm, I will! Thank you, everyone." Oguri Cap nodded. "I didn't expect everyone to help me host a birthday party. But are these so-called gatherings usually surprises?"
"That was the original plan, but Tamamo-senpai said surprises were boring, so we did something big instead," Legend explained.
"Big? Is it a bigger cake?" Oguri Cap was very excited.
"Ah, that definitely exists!" Legend stated that this was a must.
"Oh! I'm even more excited!" Oguri Cap's mouth watered.
They walked a short distance further.
"Hmm... this feeling, is it outdoors?" Oguri Cap tilted her head, sensing. "This smell, is it the training ground?"
"You're really sharp," Legend exclaimed. "Alright, you can open your eyes now."
"Really? Then—" Oguri Cap took off her blindfold.
"Oh!!!" A huge cheer greeted her.
"Eh? This, this is?" Oguri Cap was startled.
"Oguri!! Oguri!!" The stands at the training ground were packed with people, all shouting the same name.
"Oguri-chan, you've worked hard!"
"Oguri Cap-chin is so cool!"
The spectators cheered.
"Everyone... thank you." Oguri Cap bowed earnestly to the audience, then turned to look at Legend. "Legend, what exactly is this?"
"As you can see, we organized a fan meeting for you. Surprise!" Gold Legend said with a smile. "Everyone came just for you."
"For me?" Oguri Cap looked around. "Everyone, are they all here for me? So many people..."
"Far more than this; we only got permission for this many people. I worked overtime at the Student Council for several days to get the approval, and shamelessly asked Sister Shunkawa for help."
Gold Legend recalled the hard work of the past few days, showing a somewhat broken smile.
"But even so, the tickets sold out in an instant... such terrifying popularity."
Oguri Cap, awe-inspiring.
"I see, but why a fan meeting?" Oguri Cap asked curiously.
"Well, mainly because I was troubled about what to give you a few days ago," Legend explained with a smile. "You said it yourself, didn't you? You keep running for the people who cheer for you."
What could I do for such an Oguri Cap? Gold Legend thought for a long time.
"What kind of gift would make Oguri Cap happy? After careful consideration, it's definitely this," Gold Legend smiled broadly. "After all, you cherish everyone who calls your name."
"So, enjoy today's event! Happy Birthday, Oguri," Gold Legend sincerely wished.
"Enjoy it? Is that really okay?" Oguri Cap was still a bit hesitant.
"It's the best way," Gold Legend said with rare assertiveness.
"...You're really assertive," Oguri Cap laughed. "I understand, I'll enjoy myself today!"
With that, Oguri Cap walked towards her fans.
Gold Legend watched her go.
"You've worked hard," Ardan said, walking over with a smile.
"That's my line," Gold Legend said, smiling. "Sorry for making everyone so busy on a whim."
"Not at all, everyone likes Oguri Cap. Yae and Chiyo are very excited," Ardan covered her mouth lightly. "Besides, this gift is truly perfect. Everyone is very happy."
"Is that so? That's good," Legend said with a smile.
"However, Oguri Cap is truly amazing," Ardan exclaimed, looking at the packed training ground.
"Ardan is second to none," Legend said, understanding Ardan's thoughts.
"Heh, your words are enough," Ardan chuckled. "Let's go, there's still a lot to do."
"Okay."
..."Too slow! What are you doing?!"
As soon as they arrived backstage, they heard Tamamo Cross's distinctive Osaka accent.
"Sorry, sorry. Oh, where are Super Creek and Dido?"
Ardan looked around and asked.
"They went to maintain order. Although most fans are well-behaved, they're too enthusiastic, and we're a bit short-handed," Tama complained, waving her hand. "Also, hurry up and change! We're performing in the exhibition race later!"
"Eh? Me too?"
"Well, Oguri Cap really likes racing, so I just arranged for all of you to participate, as a way to make up for any regrets," Gold Legend explained. "After all, you're all from the same generation."
"Honestly, you junior, always doing unnecessary things," Tamamo Cross complained.
"But you don't dislike it, Tama-senpai, do you?" Gold Legend said with a playful smile.
"Anyway, that's how it is, go change, Ardan," Tama turned to Ardan and said.
"I see, thank you, Legend-san," Ardan turned decisively and walked towards the changing room.
"Well, she really does care, doesn't she?" Legend smiled. "Then I'll go first..."
"Stop!" Tama stood on her tiptoes and grabbed Legend's collar. "Go to work! You're the planner, hurry up and supervise!"
"Damn it! I know, I know." Legend, unable to get away with it, obediently prepared to go to work.
"Wait a moment!"
"What now?"
"People from Oguri Cap's hometown are here, go pick them up!" Tamamo Cross said.
"Huh? Why me?" Legend was puzzled.
"...Just go when I tell you to!"
Is this guy faking it?
Tamamo Cross was genuinely wondering... After receiving the people from Oguri Cap's hometown, Legend was thoroughly scrutinized.
"You're Oguri's owner? Not bad, not bad at all!" The uncles and aunts who had cared for Oguri Cap commented on Legend.
"Tsk, he's really amazing in all aspects, how annoying." Oguri Cap's former classmates observed Legend, circling him.
"Well, everyone, please follow me, Oguri is still waiting for you," Legend said, enduring the pressure.
"Tsk!" "Oh!"
Their reactions were even stranger.
"You've worked hard." A mature and beautiful figure approached Legend. "You must be Legend-chan? My little Oguri has been well taken care of by you."
Oguri Cap had grown up!
Legend's mind almost didn't process it, nearly mistaking her at first glance.
"No, no, I'm the one who's been taken care of." Even after realizing, Legend was a bit flustered. "Are you Oguri's mother?"
"Yes, I am," Oguri's mother said with a smile, observing Legend.
"...Then please follow me." Legend stiffened and began to lead the way.
"Hehe." Oguri's mother smiled and led everyone to follow.
During this time, Oguri's mother kept subtly trying to get information out of Legend, and everyone listened in silence, ears perked.
The unaware Legend almost revealed everything.
Unfortunately, Oguri Cap spotted them from afar and rushed over to save Legend.
Tsk, what a pity... Then came a series of events, culminating in an exhibition race featuring the Uma Musume of Oguri Cap's era.
It was a spectacular race, with Oguri Cap ultimately winning by a nose, bringing a perfect end to the event.
The scene after the race, where everyone offered their blessings to Oguri Cap one by one, was also deeply impressive.
Finally, the main event began. After obtaining Oguri Cap's consent, a Live concert was held.
"Legend, thank you so much for today." Before going on stage, Oguri Cap said to Legend, "No, not just today. You came to me when I was at my lowest, and you've been with me for so long. Thank you for always being by my side."
"I should be the one saying thank you." Gold Legend smiled and said, "Meeting you is the greatest fortune of my life."
"Oguri!! Oguri!!" The huge cheers erupted once more.
"Alright, everyone can't wait. Let's get on stage!" Legend said with a smile.
...Legend, I have one last question.
"Hmm?"
"Um, do you... do you feel happy meeting me? Are you happy supporting me and accompanying me all this time?"
"What kind of silly question is that? Of course I am."
...Thank you.
Oguri Cap smiled, a genuine smile from the bottom of her heart.
"The dream continues. As long as everyone who supports me is still here... I will keep running." Oguri Cap raised her hand, making up her mind once more, "This is also for you, whom I love!"
With that, she turned and walked towards the stage.
"Eh? Ah?!"
Only a somewhat bewildered Gold Legend remained.
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