The following day marked Tracen Academy’s entrance ceremony.
It was a day worthy of commemoration.
Kazuomi could now see, from close enough to touch, Uma Musume who might someday grow into dazzling stars.
These descendants of prestigious bloodlines and heaven-blessed prodigies had once been visible to ordinary people only from the spectator stands of the racetrack—the stage where dreams were pursued.
Now they walked directly past him, chatting and laughing.
This was not a dream.
It was also Kazuomi’s first day as a newly appointed observational trainee trainer.
As the saying went, a new year brought a new beginning.
Today should have marked the beginning of an entirely new life for him.
Two joyful events had occurred simultaneously.
So why—
Why had things turned out like this?
“Once you have confirmed your class and assigned seat, please proceed to the classroom building in an orderly manner!”
Kazuomi stood in the middle of the academy’s main avenue wearing a full-body mascot costume.
He had been assigned to guide the uniformed students toward the central courtyard.
Early cherry blossoms bloomed in April.
The academy, dyed pale pink, resembled an Eden where dreams took root.
Kazuomi’s present condition, however, was another matter entirely.
The black cat costume had reportedly been designed according to Chairwoman Akikawa’s personal tastes.
Its appearance was based upon the little cat perched atop her hat.
The Uma Musume passing by repeatedly stared at him as though he were some fascinating novelty.
Kazuomi did not need to see himself to know he looked ridiculous.
As for why he had ended up like this—
The story began two hours earlier.
Room 412.
“I’m deaaaaad!”
A high-pitched scream echoed throughout the entire dormitory building.
“I’m finished!
I’m finished!
I’m finished!”
Kazuomi frantically pulled on his shirt.
Beside him, Koji remained sprawled across the floor, sleeping like a corpse.
Because of that troublesome senior, Kazuomi had barely slept the previous night.
When he finally awakened and looked at the clock, terror instantly cleared his mind.
A newcomer had arrived late on his very first day of work.
Kazuomi had no idea what to do beyond screaming internally.
“Mm…”
The culprit, Koji, continued mumbling in his sleep and rolled over without a care.
Wake up!
We’re late!”
Kazuomi shouted while pulling on the rest of his clothes.
“Mm?
I only… returned to Japan yesterday.”
Koji barely opened his eyes.
“Technically, I’m still on paid leave.”
“You’ve completely ruined me!”
Kazuomi had nowhere to direct his suffering.
As a brand-new employee, arriving late on his first day could have consequences too terrible to imagine.
It was already past eight.
The email sent the previous day had explicitly stated that employees from every department were expected to be at their stations by seven.
Kazuomi rushed out of the room and sprinted all the way to the office.
“Too slow!
Far too undisciplined!”
A sharp reprimand struck him the moment he arrived.
A cold-faced, imposing woman stood at the doorway.
She was none other than the severe interviewer from that day—Hana Tojo.
The moment she saw Kazuomi, her expression darkened further.
Without allowing him to speak, she began criticizing him.
“Late on your first day of employment?
Do you possess even the slightest awareness of time?”
“Everyone was clearly notified yesterday that we needed to prepare for the entrance ceremony early this morning.”
“Yes.
I’m sorry.”
Knowing he was entirely at fault, Kazuomi could do nothing but lower his head and apologize repeatedly.
“I assume you have already been informed that I am now your supervisor.”
“I will overlook this incident today.”
“However, every aspect of your performance from this point forward will be recorded accurately and submitted to senior management as part of your formal assessment.”
“If something like this happens again, I trust I need not explain the consequences.”
Tojo’s commanding presence was overwhelming.
Her piercing gaze seemed capable of passing straight through Kazuomi.
Truthfully, he had already prepared himself for her attitude before arriving.
“Yes.
I understand.
I sincerely apologize for causing trouble for everyone.”
Perhaps because his apology appeared sufficiently genuine, Tojo gave a helpless snort and nodded.
“Do not let it happen again.”
“Now I will assign your work.”
“The homeroom teachers and trainers have already proceeded to their respective posts.
Kazuomi followed her pointing finger.
Inside a cardboard box nearby lay a black cat mascot suit.
“Huh?”
Even Kazuomi could only stare.
“Do you have an objection?”
Tojo’s eyebrow twitched.
Kazuomi hurriedly waved his hands.
“Of course not.
I was only surprised.
What exactly am I supposed to do while wearing it?”
“This was the chairwoman’s idea.”
“She wanted someone dressed as the academy mascot stationed at the main gate.”
“Today is the entrance ceremony.
Some students may become lost, while others may lose track of time while taking photographs with their parents.”
“You will remain on standby and handle such situations.”
Kazuomi gradually understood.
In simple terms, he had been assigned the dirty work no one else wanted.
“Ordinarily, the trainers would have drawn lots to decide who received this assignment.”
“However, since you dared to arrive late today, the task will be yours.”
“Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
At that point, he could only accept his fate.
“Remember to report to the auditorium at nine.
Do not be late again.
Understood?”
Kazuomi watched the intimidating Tojo walk away.
He could only release a long sigh and admit that he had brought the punishment upon himself.
Though, strictly speaking—
Senior Okino…
Kazuomi ground his teeth.
If not for that man, he would never have ended up in this situation.
What had possessed Koji to drink himself into that state the previous night?
I’m sorry.
I couldn’t fulfill your final wish.
The memory flashed through Kazuomi’s mind.
Just like that, the resentment in his heart disappeared.
He released another long sigh.
Forget it.
There was nothing to be done.