Was he asking for her help?
Her relationship with Fujimaru Ritsuka was nothing more than a passing acquaintance; he wasn't even her Trainer. She had no reason to agree.
Besides, why should she help that "mud rabbit" who was always getting herself covered in dirt? If she got associated with a girl like that, her own reputation at Kasamatsu Tracen would surely take a hit, wouldn't it?
Norn Ace's first instinct was distaste. She didn't like that mud rabbit (Oguri Cap).
But despite her thoughts, the moment she saw Fujimaru Ritsuka's welcoming, handsome smile, her heart betrayed her and began to race.
As a result, the words that tumbled out of her mouth were entirely different from her initial plan.
Norn Ace remained silent for a moment before lifting her chin. "...Just so we're clear, I'm not promising I'll actually follow through, okay?"
She crossed her arms, her tone carrying a distinct hint of "tsundere" attitude.
Norn Ace's two companions immediately let out cries of shock.
"Huh?!"
"Even Norn is...!"
Was Norn Ace ever this easy to talk to? Even in front of the two of them—her childhood friends and favorite targets for banter—this girl had never been so cooperative.
Well, that wasn't strictly true. It had happened before, but that was back when they were children; it could be safely ignored.
"Shut up!" Hearing her friends' remarks, Norn Ace slammed her hands on the table and stood up. Her tone sounded harsh at first, but if one listened closely, an unexpected sense of embarrassment was buried beneath the surface.
Fujimaru Ritsuka knew this trio were the best of friends despite their bickering, so he simply offered a few casual words of mediation before finalizing the agreement with Norn Ace.
After Fujimaru left, the petite girl with the eyepatch whispered, "Hey, Norn, what are you really thinking?"
Was this "gal" Uma Musume planning to bully that mud rabbit?
If so, then Mini Lady was officially interested!
But if Norn Ace actually had a crush on that Trainer Fujimaru...
A gleam of pure mischief flashed in Mini Lady's eyes. Hehe, wouldn't that be even more fun?
She had heard that Fujimaru Ritsuka knew Oguri Cap before joining Kasamatsu Tracen and had already become her Trainer. But that dim-witted mud rabbit looked boring at a glance—nothing like their Norn Ace.
This might be the perfect chance to "snatch" Fujimaru Ritsuka away! The mere thought of that mud rabbit's face crumbling in sadness after losing her Trainer made her feel absolutely giddy!
With that thought in mind, Mini Lady reached out to grab a piece of carrot cake, only to find her hand grasping empty air. Before her was Norn Ace's vigilant face, looking as if to say: What are you doing? This is a gift from Trainer Fujimaru.
A whirlwind of chaotic thoughts swirled in Mini Lady's mind. Traitor! Choosing a guy over your friends! Lust is a blade to the heart, sister! Dammit, why?! Aren't we on the same side?!
Meanwhile, Fujimaru Ritsuka returned to Oguri Cap's table.
By now, Oguri Cap had finished the extra meal Ritsuka had prepared and had started on the cafeteria's most common staple: potato cakes.
While other Uma Musume found them mediocre, to Oguri Cap, potato cakes being on the "all-you-can-eat" menu was like a gift from the heavens. She just wanted to eat, eat, and eat!
She held her spoon with a pious focus, as if the entire world were concentrated within the borders of her tray.
Gazing at the girl enjoying her food, a doting tenderness filled Fujimaru Ritsuka's blue eyes. "Slow down, Oguri. There's plenty of potato cakes today. Also, there's something I need to tell you."
As he spoke, he reached out and wiped a stray crumb from the girl's cheek. "There's a Newcomer Test this afternoon. I took the opportunity to schedule a training match for you. Your opponent is Norn Ace."
Oguri Cap blinked, seemingly not yet grasping the significance of a "training match." However, she looked at Fujimaru Ritsuka with absolute seriousness before reaching for another potato cake and taking a massive, muffled bite.
After all, Fujimaru Ritsuka had once told her: Hunger is the ultimate enemy.
"Oguri," Fujimaru Ritsuka leaned forward slightly, bringing his gaze level with hers. "Running isn't just about burying your head in solitary practice. The conditions on the track change in an instant; there will always be moments where you must outmaneuver an opponent. On-the-spot judgment is crucial, and that skill can only be honed in training matches and official races."
Norn Ace was a well-known Uma Musume in Kasamatsu, making her the perfect initial opponent. She likely had the potential to be an elite mob or even a mini-boss of the "starter village." Fujimaru Ritsuka emphasized this point.
A race against Norn Ace would allow Oguri Cap to see her current strength and feel her growth more clearly. Fujimaru left that unsaid, believing it was something Oguri should discover for herself.
Of course, although he had once studied under Scáthach, Fujimaru Ritsuka had no desire to use "Celtic-style training" on these girls—at least not in that specific way.
"How about this—let's make a deal," his voice turned coaxing. "If you win, Oguri, I'll prepare a giant-sized carrot cake for you. That's right, not a little palm-sized one like this, but a mega one."
Fujimaru Ritsuka spread his arms to demonstrate the size.
Oguri Cap's ears shot up instantly, and her tail began to wag uncontrollably. A brilliant light erupted in her blue eyes as she made a decisive vow: "I will win!"
Oguri Cap: "OqO"
"However," Fujimaru Ritsuka's tone shifted. From seemingly nowhere, he produced a glass filled with a thick, dark-green liquid that gave off a highly suspicious aura. "There are rewards for winning, and naturally, there must be a 'punishment' for losing. Oguri, if you lose, this special nutrition juice will accompany your three meals for the next week."
Looking at the swamp-colored liquid, Oguri Cap's expression froze instantly.
An Uma Musume's nose is incredibly sensitive. With just a light sniff, she detected a bitter scent—a blend of bitter melon, celery, and several other unidentifiable vegetables. A look of sheer terror washed over her face. Is this actually food? It looks terrifying just to stare at!
Oguri Cap: "QxQ"
"Th-this..." she stammered, her mind racing between the image of the giant cake and the green juice before her. The internal struggle was written clearly on her face.
Even though Fujimaru Ritsuka had told her: Picky eating is a great enemy.
But this thing had clearly transcended the realm of food and become a "Powerful Foe," hadn't it?!
Even the food-loving Oguri Cap couldn't handle "Dark Cooking" of this caliber!
Fujimaru Ritsuka set the green juice on the table, the dark liquid swirling slightly in the glass. "I formulated this myself. It's rich in vitamins and minerals, very helpful for stamina recovery. As for the taste..."
He paused for dramatic effect. "I added a few 'special ingredients' to ensure it provides a 'reminder of past hardships' for whoever drinks it. It might take some time to get used to the first sip."
Oguri Cap's expression became even more pained. For a pure-hearted foodie, something that looked and smelled this unpalatable was the greatest torture in the world!
"Well?" Fujimaru Ritsuka raised an eyebrow, watching her with casual interest. "Want to give it a try, Oguri? Whether it's sweet cake or healthy green juice... it all depends on your performance."
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