After leaving that loudmouth Gold Ship behind, Fujiwara Shirayuki headed to the teachers' office. She still couldn't quite believe that, after graduating from university, she was now back in middle division as a student.
Then again, it wasn't that big of a deal. Back when she was preparing for the Central Trainer license exam, she studied from seven in the morning until nine at night. Aside from eating and sleeping, she did nothing but read. That period had easily been the darkest time of her life.
Fortunately, she pushed through it with sheer obsession for Uma Musume.
Compared to that, middle division felt almost like a vacation.
And really, how hard could basic school subjects be? There was no way they could challenge a brain that had already been through that kind of training. She could easily rank near the top of the class.
When that happened, people would naturally start looking at her with respect.
And once she became someone others admired, how many students would line up to join her team?
Exactly. That was the power of reputation.
With that thought, Shirayuki stepped into the office and found a teacher with braided hair and a gentle, married-woman-like demeanor. This was Inoue-sensei, also Meisho Doto's homeroom teacher.
"Inoue-sensei."
Shirayuki called out naturally. The teacher turned, her soft lavender eyes meeting Shirayuki's.
"Ah, you must be the transfer student."
"Yes. My name is Fujiwara Shirayuki."
"Have you received your textbooks?"
"Yes."
"And your class schedule?"
"Yes."
As they spoke, Inoue-sensei glanced behind Shirayuki.
"Is Trainer Chiya not with you?"
"He had something urgent to take care of."
"I see." The teacher nodded. "I thought I might run into him. Well then, come with me, Shirayuki. I'll introduce you to the class. There's an empty seat at the front, so you can sit there."
"The front?"
"Yes. Is there a problem?"
"…No."
Sitting in the front makes it hard to slack off…
Normally, transfer students should be placed in the back by the window. That way, you can stare out at the sky at a forty-five-degree angle during class and look like you have a mysterious past.
In reality, my background is completely clean. I don't have any kind of story at all.
Keeping those thoughts to herself, Shirayuki followed the teacher out.
"I'll go in first. Wait here for a moment."
Inoue-sensei stepped into the classroom to give a brief introduction. Left alone in the hallway, Shirayuki glanced at her reflection in the window.
According to game logic, this was the moment to establish a refined, elegant first impression. Once everyone's favorability had gone up, she could start recruiting them for the team.
Friendly, approachable, supportive. Stack every positive trait you can.
"Everyone," the teacher's voice called from inside.
"We have a new student joining us today. She previously attended a regular school, and this is her first time at an Uma Musume academy. Please make her feel welcome."
That was her cue.
Shirayuki opened the door and stepped inside.
She wasn't exactly a refined lady. Strictly speaking, she wasn't even fully female. Maybe half. But even if she had never been one herself, she had seen enough examples. Chiya had always liked graceful, composed women, and Hayakawa Tazuna was a perfect example.
Recalling that image, Shirayuki stood at the podium, curved her lips into a gentle smile, and addressed the class.
"Hello, everyone. My name is Fujiwara Shirayuki. I previously attended a regular school. I've always loved Uma Musume. Because of that love, I became a devoted fan, and now, because of that same passion, I've become one of you. Going forward, I hope we can all step onto this shining track together."
She lowered her head slightly. When she raised it again, the classroom burst into applause.
"That was amazing, Shirayuki!"
Meisho Doto clapped enthusiastically, her face full of emotion.
"Well… saying you love Uma Musume while being one yourself sounds a bit strange," said a girl with elegant bearing and violet eyes, casually brushing her hair aside. "But somehow, it's still pleasant to hear."
"It seems we've gained another lovely white swan in this class. Perhaps she came here to meet me. Very well, let us perform Ludwig's melody together."
A flamboyantly dressed girl wearing a pink crown stood and declared dramatically.
Not bad.
Listening to the reactions, Shirayuki quietly let out a breath. She had passed the first hurdle.
"Shirayuki, please take that seat," Inoue-sensei said, pointing toward the empty desk by the window in the second row.
That's way too close…
Even as she protested internally, Shirayuki maintained her smile and took her seat. When the seating arrangement changed in the future, she swore she would fight for a spot further back.
As she set down her bag, the Uma Musume next to her leaned over.
"Hi, Shirayuki. I'm Special Week. Nice to meet you."
The cute girl with chestnut hair and large purple eyes held out her hand.
"Nice to meet you too, Special Week."
Even without introductions, Shirayuki already recognized most of the class. Back when Chiya had to chase down the chronically late Meisho Doto, he had practically become a regular visitor here.
"Shirayuki, I actually transferred here not long ago too," Special Week whispered, covering her mouth slightly. "So let's stick together as fellow transfer students."
"I see. That sounds good. Let's help each other out."
"Great! Then after this, do you want to grab something to eat together?" Special Week's eyes sparkled.
"Special Week," Inoue-sensei said, placing a book on her head, "it's still morning. Why are you already talking about food? Are you planning to skip class?"
"Ah! N-no, not at all! Of course I'll pay attention. I love classes!" Special Week replied in a flustered, slightly silly tone.
In stark contrast to the lively classroom, the disciplinary committee room was dimly lit. A single desk lamp shone directly into Fujiwara Chiya's eyes.
"So," a voice said, "what exactly did you do?"
Backlit by the lamp, the person behind the desk was little more than a silhouette.
"He attempted to harass a student," Sakura Bakushin O reported from the doorway.
"Oh? That takes some nerve."
A sharp sound cracked through the air, like a ruler striking a desk. Chiya flinched.
"You'd better explain yourself clearly, Trainer Chiya."
Then, with another sound, something was set down on the table.
A bowl of katsudon.
As the light shifted slightly, a beautiful face finally came into view across from him.