[50 PS REACHED!!] The exhibition venue wasn’t far from the Uma Musume Shrine, so Kaito quickly arrived at the site, following right behind Riko.
“Wow.” The moment they reached their destination, Kaito couldn’t help but exclaim in awe.
Before them stood the exhibition hall in the bustling Shibuya district.
Stepping inside, they were greeted by an exhibition space filled with a futuristic, high-tech vibe.
Various well-known Uma Musume sports brands were showcasing their latest products on the stands, along with displays of conceptual products.
Many people dressed in elite attire were evaluating the products, looking like either trainers or industry experts.
Kaito and Riko passed through the ticket check and received exhibition brochures from the staff.
After a brief glance, they saw the names of many celebrities who were going to speak on stage.
“Hana, Minoru, Fumino…
they’re all famous trainers!” Kaito knew these figures to some extent.
Hana-senpai, needless to say, was the trainer of “Emperor” Symboli Rudolf and “Super Car” Maruzensky, a veteran with an outstanding track record.
Minoru was the trainer of the famous “Monster” Oguri Cap, and later guided Oguri Cap’s younger sister to win the Oka Sho championship.
As for Fumino, she was the youngest G1-winning trainer in Tracen Academy’s history.
Starting from guiding the underdog Super Creek, she had been on a rapid rise, and was also the “Trainer of the Year” two years ago.
With so many renowned trainers appearing, Kaito couldn’t help but feel excited.
But since there was still some time before the experience exchange session, Riko dragged him off to check out the sports equipment.
“The sports equipment exhibited here are all scientifically designed and practically verified products.
This is what you call reasonable and efficient.
You can learn a lot from them.” “For example, these running shoes from the Pegasus brand.
On the basis of extreme lightweight design, they also feature a sunken horseshoe design, allowing the Uma Musume to run with their muscles in the most relaxed state.” “And this set of strength training equipment can effectively protect the Uma Musume’s joints and prevent training strains.
I’ve already applied for funds to purchase five units…” Riko spoke as they walked, her tone carrying a rare hint of enthusiasm.
Kaito only half-listened to her explanation, taking it all in without much scrutiny.
He wasn’t particularly interested in these devices that were completely commonplace on Earth.
“And then, the one I’m most optimistic about is this!” Riko stopped in front of a product, and a smile actually appeared on the corners of her mouth.
“This set of products, called the Heart Rate Strap and Wristwatch-Style Heart Rate Monitor, can actually imitate the pulse detection equipment used in medicine to analyze and provide feedback on the heart rate and condition of the Uma Musume during exercise!” “This way, we can accurately grasp the physical condition of the Uma Musume.
It’s extremely convenient for controlling training volume and checking growth effects, and it can perfectly fit the bodies of various Uma Musume…
The person who developed this equipment must be an expert who understands the needs of the Uma Musume incredibly well!” Well, I might have to disappoint you…
As the actual creator, Kaito rubbed his nose somewhat embarrassingly while listening to Riko’s praise.
Meanwhile, Riko’s enthusiastic explanation also attracted quite a crowd of onlookers.
“That lady in the furisode is so professional.
Could she be Trainer Riko?” “It really is her.
But who is the guy next to her?” “I don’t know.
Judging by how patiently he’s listening to her explanation, he’s probably her boyfriend?
But Trainer Riko is amazing, she knows so much about a brand-new product.” The crowd gathered around to listen to Riko’s explanation.
At this moment, Riko noticed the booth attendant listening attentively, so she asked: “Excuse me, may I try on this product?” “O-of course!
The functions of this product are also compatible with ordinary people!” “Mhm, thank you.” Riko bowed slightly.
She also wanted to test the reliability of the equipment before the Uma Musume tried it.
Taking the heart rate strap, she began to put it on while continuing to explain to Kaito: “Look, the wearing design of this product is also very meticulous.
You just need to attach the signal transmitter to the chest strap, wrap it around, and buckle it.
Even one person can do it very easily…
Mmph!” Riko’s expression suddenly turned awkward.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t hook the buckles at both ends of the heart rate strap together.
Although it was something an ordinary person could do with just a little effort, Riko’s strength seemed a bit too weak.
In the end, she had to use all her might, taking a deep breath and yanking the buckles hard.
Snap!
The buckled clasp flew off and hit Kaito right on the forehead with pinpoint accuracy.
“Ouch!” Kaito fell to the ground at the sound.
Riko was stunned for a moment, and her words actually became a bit incoherent.
“S-sorry, this strap is too tight.
Are you okay?” “I’m fine…” Kaito was pulled up by Riko, and at this moment, he also heard the whispers of the people around them clearly.
“Why couldn’t that product be buckled just now?
Is there a design flaw?” “No, no, no.
It’s obviously because Trainer Riko’s strength is too weak, right?” “Hey, she can hear you!” Standing up, Kaito looked at Riko, who was lowering her head to hide her expression, though her ears were completely red.
He couldn’t help but smile bitterly in his heart.
I’ll have Tachyon improve the buckle next time.
“Um, ma’am?” At this moment, the booth attendant beside them held the heart rate strap with the popped-off clasp, showing a troubled expression.
“Excuse me, but is there any way you can restore it to its original state?
We haven’t figured out this new product ourselves, and the team leader emphasized that we can’t fix it if it’s broken…” “Ugh, it was my miscalculation!” Riko said regretfully, then looked at Kaito.
“Sorry, I originally wanted to demonstrate it for you…
You should go to the exchange meeting first.
I’ll take care of the follow-up.” Even so, there wasn’t much composure on Riko’s face.
Kaito blinked, then sighed.
“I’ll fix it.” “Wait!” Riko thought she had misheard.
“You don’t need to force yourself to help me.
This is a brand-new product, and it probably won’t be that easy to fix.” “Not at all.
After all, I’m the one who designed this thing.” “Huh?” Riko was completely stunned this time.
Then, she watched Kaito inspect the heart rate strap, and in a flash, he reattached the popped-off clasp.
The booth attendant beside them was amazed, and the surrounding crowd also exclaimed in surprise.
Riko, on the other hand, was dumbfounded.
Finally, Kaito ran another test and nodded.
“The equipment is fine, all functions still work, and the buckle can hold up until the end of the exhibition.
After that, just return it to Tracen for maintenance.
I’ll give improvement suggestions to the R&D staff.” “Yes, thank you very much!” Kaito handed over the heart rate strap and turned to look at Riko, whose expression was complicated.
Her face was even redder than before, perhaps because she hadn’t expected the professional she admired to be the risk-taking Kaito.
But in the end, Riko still bowed deeply to Kaito.
“Sorry for causing you trouble.” “My previous view of you was also wrong.
Being able to design this kind of equipment clearly shows that you have a very deep understanding of the Uma Musume, rather than just being a pure risk-taker.” “I wasn’t a pure risk-taker to begin with…” “However, managing the Uma Musume cannot be achieved solely by relying on equipment.
I still hope you can make your management of your assignment more reasonable.
I will also use my actions to prove that my way is better for the Uma Musume.” “Well then, let’s go to the exchange meeting.” Riko regained her cold expression, as if her shyness just now was an illusion.
Wearing her white furisode with floral patterns, she walked step by step toward the exchange meeting hall.
This is indeed Riko’s personality.
Kaito smiled faintly and followed in step.
(The rest of the exchange meeting is skipped; the next chapter will be the main plot after school starts.)