In the afternoon, the sky was cloudless and so blue that not a single speck of haze remained, as if all impure colors had been filtered out, leaving it to glow magnificently.
Legend sat on a bench under a tree, enjoying the brief beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Japan has a habit of planting cherry blossoms along school roads (actually, not really), and Tracen was no exception.
It was currently April, and the cherry blossoms formed a beautiful landscape.
"So pretty. It's that season of dancing cherry blossoms again. I wonder if I'll meet a girl who lights up the world."
Legend thought of that 'Your Lie in April' and silently quipped.
"All your data and information have been collected. I need some time to help you draft a training plan. You can rest tomorrow."
After the test ended yesterday, the Trainer had given her this notice.
Getting a holiday only four days after school started—should I be happy or sad?
The girl thought silently, and then silently opened her bento box.
Don't get her wrong; she didn't have a habit of making bentos. Compared to doing it herself, the simplicity and speed of takeout were more to her liking.
The reason she didn't go to the cafeteria today but came here to eat a bento was simply because she happened to see them at the convenience store while passing by and acted on a whim.
Besides, she had wanted to try this stuff for a long time.
Well, the taste is just so-so.
Legend thought silently.
Inadvertently, Legend caught a glimpse of a figure that was both strange and familiar.
Isn't that Oguri Cap?
Legend put down her lunch box and rubbed her eyes.
Look again!
It really is Oguri Cap!
For real? It's lunch break right now; shouldn't she be in the cafeteria?
Legend was startled.
Although she had been trying to gank Oguri Cap during lunch breaks for the past two days since enrolling, she never expected to run into her somewhere other than the cafeteria during lunchtime.
Why was she trying to gank Oguri Cap, you ask?
That was naturally because, in both her past and current lives, she, Legend, was a dedicated fan of Oguri Cap.
I played Uma Musume in the first place just for Oguri Cap!
However, Legend did not rashly step forward to disturb her.
For an otaku with slight social anxiety, greeting an idol requires courage and resolve!
Ah, she's walking away.
Legend felt a bit regretful.
Still, being able to see her makes me very happy; today is truly a lucky day!
After silently thanking the Goddess of Luck, Legend picked up her lunch box again.
Eating is most important.
A few minutes later, Oguri Cap appeared again... what is she doing?
That white figure looked around for a while, then walked away in another direction.
Could it be... Legend, remembering a certain trait of Oguri Cap, narrowed her eyes.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, she appeared again.
She looked around for a bit more, then showed a puzzled expression.
Just as I thought... Legend raised an eyebrow.
She remembered that Oguri Cap has a terrible sense of direction.
Legend hesitated for a moment, then plucked up the courage to speak.
"Um, excuse me, is something wrong?"
"Ah, sorry, it's nothing, it's just that I'm probably lost."
Oguri Cap answered naturally.
"By the way, who are you? You're another face I haven't seen before, and quite beautiful too."
"Uh, thank you. I'm a new student who just enrolled two days ago. My name is Legend."
She got complimented! It was a little embarrassing. Legend blushed slightly.
"A new student? Then do you know the way to the school gate?"
Oguri Cap asked with a serious face.
"Uh, I know at least that much."
Legend pointed the way for Oguri Cap, who was indeed lost.
"I see, I understand. Thank you... goodbye."
Oguri Cap said her thanks and walked off.
She's really quick and decisive.
Legend thought to herself.
Then she saw Oguri Cap stop after a few steps, turn around, and say to her:
"Um, although it's a bit forward, could you please lead the way for me? I really don't have the confidence to reach the gate on my own."
"...It would be an honor!"
..."I'm so sorry. Even though it's been a few years since I came to Central Tracen, I still can't remember the way. Unlike my hometown, it's just too big."
Oguri Cap said somewhat apologetically.
"It's fine, it's fine. I'm off today anyway, and being able to interact with my idol from such a close distance is a very happy thing."
Legend didn't mind.
"Hmm? Are you a fan of mine?"
"Yes, I was cheering for you during the Arima Kinen two years ago."
Legend said naturally.
"I see, thank you for your support... ah, we're here."
Arriving at the school gate, a petite figure had already been waiting for a long time.
"Sorry for the wait, Tama. I'm late," Oguri Cap stepped forward and greeted her.
"Oh, you're here, Oguri! Not bad, not bad. I thought you'd gotten lost again."
Tamamo Cross nodded happily.
"Yes, I've figured out the way. This Classmate Legend led me here the whole time."
Oguri Cap introduced Legend behind her to Tamamo Cross.
"Right, so you still had to be led here by someone else."
Tamamo Cross quipped.
"Whatever, since you're here, let's head out quickly."
"Okay."
"Um, excuse me, where are you going?"
Classmate Legend was curious.
"Hmm? It's like this: didn't this gal take a break for recuperation recently? She plans to return for the Yasuda Kinen next month, so she asked me to take her to pick out a new pair of shoes to start her rehabilitation."
Tamamo Cross didn't hide anything and spoke openly.
"After all, this gal has strong leg power, so she needs to prepare a few extra pairs."
After saying that, Tamamo Cross patted Oguri Cap.
"Shoes?"
Come to think of it, I haven't bought shoes yet.
Remembering that she had been using the training shoes issued by the school, Legend made a request without thinking.
"Then could Senior Tama take me along? I happen to want to buy a pair of shoes too."
"Eh, 'Senior' and all!" Tamamo Cross was a bit pleasantly surprised.
"That's nice, Tama, someone's calling you Senior," Oguri Cap added from the side.
"Shut up, Oguri! Anyway, why do you want to come with us?"
"Because Senior Tamamo looks very reliable!" Under Oguri Cap's suggestive gaze, Legend played along.
"...Hmph, since you put it that way, then come along," Tamamo Cross agreed happily. "Oh right, is your budget enough?"
Uma Musume shoes are quite expensive.
Legend thought about her bank account balance.
"Probably, no problem."
..."Hmm... it's still hard to choose. This one and that one are both good deals... Oguri, what do you think?"
Tamamo Cross stood in front of the shoe rack, struggling with her choices.
"...As long as they're sturdy enough. My requirements aren't high."
Oguri Cap expressed that she didn't mind.
"You're such a blockhead; shoes are very important for an Uma Musume!"
Tamamo Cross sighed and turned to ask Legend.
"What about you, Junior? Any shoes you like?"
"...This, I'll let Senior Tamamo choose for me."
Legend, with her indecisiveness, handed over the initiative.
"Honestly, neither of you is easy to deal with."
Tamamo Cross sighed helplessly, but still carefully picked out several pairs of shoes.
"For Oguri, just go with that previous model. After all, you've worn it for years."
"Okay. Thank you, Tama."
Tamamo Cross waved her hand and said to Legend, "You're still a newcomer, right? Have you decided on your future direction?"
"Uh, to be honest, I just had my test yesterday."
"I see." Tamamo Cross nodded and picked out a few more styles.
"These pairs all focus on versatility. They can be worn for long distance, short distance, turf, or dirt. They're very suitable for newcomers, but the price is a bit high. Which one do you want?"
Legend looked at the prices of these shoes and snapped her fingers to call over a clerk.
"Clerk, these pairs of shoes—I'll take them all!"
Then she said the words she had wanted to say for a long time... after finishing the shoe shopping, the three walked out of the mall together.
"I didn't expect you to be a little rich girl, Junior. Sorry to trouble you. Oguri, go on and thank her."
Mother Tamamo spoke up.
"...You spent too much on me."
"It's fine, it's fine. Just think of it as a gift from a fan to an idol. My idol racing in a gift from me—I can brag about that for a year!"
Legend said with a smile.
"Heh, in that case, you should call me Oguri too."
"Eh? Is that okay?" Legend was pleasantly surprised.
"Of course, you're my friend too. Besides, you've helped me so much."
Oguri Cap said seriously.
"It was just a small favor... Oguri."
"Yeah."
"...Oguri has found a friend too, Mommy is so touched!" Tamamo Cross shed tears of emotion.
"Senior..." You're being too dramatic.
Gurgle~~~
A sound came from Oguri Cap's stomach.
"...Oguri, are you hungry again?" Tamamo Cross made a deadpan expression.
"...Um, it's noon, I haven't eaten yet." Oguri Cap turned her head away.
"Well, since we're already out, why don't we eat together? My treat."
Legend chose to take the initiative.
"Really! Thank you, Legend! You are my best friend for life!"
Oguri Cap gripped Legend's hand in surprise and said excitedly.
Ah, pure bliss.
Looking at her hand being tightly held by Oguri Cap, Legend felt like she understood Agnes Digital.
I have no regrets in my life.