“Eh? Who’s at the door…? And Trainer’s phone is ringing, too…”
Kitasan Black looked puzzled.
Yasui Makoto glanced at his phone’s screen.
“It’s the takeout I ordered.”
“I got you the popular Uma Musume special—carrot hamburger steak with sauce.”
“Are you alright with that?”
Seeing Kitasan hesitantly nodding with an embarrassed and worried expression—clearly feeling guilty about him paying—Makoto shook his head gently.
“If you’re fine with it, then please answer the door. It wouldn’t be polite to keep them waiting.”
“Ah… alright.”
As Kitasan reluctantly moved toward the door, Makoto returned his attention to the videos and computer, preparing to resume data analysis, when suddenly a startled cry came from the entrance.
“Ehh—?! Oguri-senpai?! And Bamboo Memory-senpai?!”
Upon hearing those names, Makoto instinctively glanced toward the doorway.
The door stood open, revealing Kitasan Black—tail sticking straight up from shock—and two Uma Musume outside who seemed equally startled by her outburst.
One had long silvery-gray hair, pale blue eyes, and wore the uniform of a restaurant delivery worker, bearing the logo of “Gray House” and carrying a takeout box.
The other had short brown hair, teal-colored eyes, and wore a police uniform, holding her hat under her arm and clutching a folder of documents. A white hachimaki headband was wrapped around her forehead, boldly inscribed with the kanji character “夢” (dream).
“Good evening,” Makoto approached the door politely. “I’m Yasui Makoto. May I ask what brings you both here?”
Though he addressed both, his eyes lingered mostly on the Uma Musume in the police uniform, Bamboo Memory.
“See, Oguri-senpai? I told you I wouldn’t get the address wrong,” Bamboo Memory teased gently, then turned toward Makoto, saluting smartly.
“Good evening, Trainer Yasui. I’m Assistant Inspector Bamboo Memory, responsible for this area. Here’s my identification.”
After briefly presenting her badge, she continued:
“I’m here at the request of Student Council President Tokai Teio to deliver the settlement papers from the driver involved in the earlier incident for you to review.”
“As for this one here…” She gestured at the silver-haired Uma Musume beside her.
“You’ve probably heard of Oguri-senpai already. She… well…” Bamboo Memory hesitated slightly, an amused smile crossing her face.
Oguri Cap spoke up with a faint, indifferent tone.
“My apologies. Even though I’ve attended school here for years, I still tend to get lost.”
“Today we had many orders at the restaurant, and since I was there, I offered to help deliver a few.”
“Unfortunately, my poor sense of direction caused a delay. I sincerely apologize.” She bowed deeply.
Chuckling helplessly, Bamboo Memory shrugged.
“So, that’s how it is. If you don’t mind, could she stay here briefly while I handle the documents? I’ll need to guide her again afterward.”
“Rest assured, Trainer Yasui, we won’t impose for long. Once you finish reviewing the settlement, we’ll be on our way.”
Makoto inwardly smiled at the situation. He was already quite familiar with both Uma Musume, especially Oguri Cap, who now stood calmly in her delivery uniform.
She was legendary—22 wins in 32 races, awarded Uma Musume of the Year, inducted into the Hall of Fame, famously known as the “Gray-Haired Monster,” Oguri Cap.
Additionally, she was one of the investors in the popular “Gray House” restaurant chain. It wasn’t uncommon to see her around the branch near the academy or appearing frequently on cooking shows.
Her occasional delivery work was more of a personal interest, but her rural upbringing and lack of exploration after transferring to Tracen Academy meant she still hadn’t fully adjusted to Tokyo’s complex streets, frequently losing her way on deliveries.
She had been here before, always arriving late. This timely delivery was undoubtedly thanks to Bamboo Memory’s guidance.
Bamboo Memory herself was also an accomplished Uma Musume. Unlike Oguri Cap, who specialized in mid-range and mile races, Bamboo Memory excelled in sprints, earning acclaim in her professional evaluation as the “first-generation queen of short-distance races.”
“No problem at all. Please come in,” Makoto said, stepping aside into the living room to invite them in.
“Would either of you like tea or something else, like milk?”
“No need for trouble, Trainer Yasui. We’ll be quick,” Bamboo Memory politely declined, shaking her head with a friendly smile, and then took out the folder from under her arm.
Her eyes wandered briefly before landing on the TV playing a recorded race.
“Oh? Isn’t that…”
“The Mainichi Okan.”
Oguri Cap answered softly as she unpacked the takeout boxes onto the coffee table.
“It should be the 64th running.”
“The 64th? Then the winner was…”
Watching the eleven Uma Musume sprinting across the screen, Bamboo Memory quickly focused on one particular figure with short black hair. Both she and Oguri Cap named the same Uma Musume simultaneously:
“Eishin Flash.”
Bamboo Memory glanced at Kitasan Black, whose eyes shone with excitement, then smiled knowingly at Makoto, handing him the settlement documents.
“It seems Trainer Yasui is currently instructing this young Uma Musume…?”
“Oh! I’m so sorry—I forgot to introduce myself!”
Kitasan quickly bowed again in embarrassment.
“My name is Kitasan Black! I look forward to learning from you, senpai!”
“Kitasan Black… You’re a freshman this year, right? Studying diligently even after school—I’ll be looking forward to your progress,” Bamboo Memory replied warmly.
Seeing Kitasan nodding enthusiastically, Bamboo Memory turned serious, glancing meaningfully around the apartment.
“But keep in mind: school regulations strictly forbid students from staying overnight outside campus, especially in a trainer’s private apartment.”
She flashed a playful smile.
“I’m sure you’re already aware of that. Sorry, old habits from my time as a member of the Disciplinary Committee.”
“No worries, Bamboo-senpai! After dinner, I’ll head straight back to the dorms!” Kitasan quickly assured her.
“Good.” Bamboo Memory nodded, satisfied, and turned her attention back to Makoto.
Makoto had already finished reviewing the settlement agreement. Finding no issues, he signed and handed it back to Bamboo Memory.
“Everything seems fine.”
She took the document, carefully glanced through it again, and then bowed slightly.
“Thank you for your cooperation, Trainer Yasui. Then, we’ll be taking our leave.”
Turning to Oguri Cap, Bamboo Memory spoke up again.
“Oguri-senpai, let’s head out now… Senpai? What are you looking at?”
“It’s nothing.”
Oguri Cap shifted her gaze away from Makoto’s laptop and the data-filled papers scattered on the coffee table, fixing a quiet gaze on Kitasan Black.
“You haven’t scheduled your debut race yet?”
“H-hai! That’s right, Oguri-senpai!” Kitasan replied nervously.
“Hmm… Ganbare,” Oguri Cap encouraged quietly with a faint smile, turning toward the entrance with Bamboo Memory.
“Having trouble controlling your strength isn’t a major issue. I faced something similar during my first few races.”
“You also have a capable trainer. With his guidance, I’m sure you’ll achieve great results in your debut.”
She raised a gentle hand in farewell.
“Good luck.”
—
This is a fan translation of 赛马娘：从被撞飞十米开始 by 百升飞上天 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!
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