Have you heard the story of the Gray Cinderella?
In Tracen Year 44, a gray-coated local Uma Musume came to the Central…
What?
You already watched the anime?
Then never mind!
Anyway, the Uma Musume appearing before Kaito was Oguri Cap, a massive star known to everyone in Japan.
She came from the Local circuit, arriving in the Central with the terrifying record of consecutive Graded Race wins, completely crushing the geniuses of Tracen Academy and leaving behind a brilliant record of four G1 championships.
At the moment of her overwhelming victory in the Arima Kinen, the final race of the Twinkle Series, the cheers for Oguri Cap were earth-shattering, leaving an indelible impression on anyone present.
After leaving the Twinkle Series, Oguri Cap continued to shine and run in the Grand Masters series hosted by Tracen.
“If I could get Oguri Cap to spar with Rice Shower…” Kaito muttered to himself in a low voice.
His idea was quite bold.
After all, the difference in their status was simply too vast, but the benefits of success would be equally huge.
After all, although Oguri Cap was not a Satsuki Sho champion, her strength at the 2000m distance was stronger than many Satsuki Sho champions!
As for how to get Oguri Cap to agree, Kaito had his own strategy.
At this moment, Oguri Cap was slumped on the ground from hunger, looking nothing like a monster, while Belno Light, who was supporting her, was cheering her on.
“Hang in there a little longer, Oguri.
We’re almost at the cafeteria.
Even if it’s not open yet, you can go to the back kitchen…” “Gu, Belno, I can’t hold on anymore…” “Oguri!” With a flurry of rapid footsteps, Kaito appeared before the two like a divine soldier descending from the heavens, slowly presenting his own lunch.
“Here, eat.” Opening the fragrant bento, Kaito said softly.
“Trainer Kaito?” Belno Light was incredibly surprised by his appearance.
She was just about to exchange some pleasantries when Oguri Cap, who should have fainted from hunger, suddenly sat up and, like a tiger pouncing on its prey, took the food and began to devour it.
“Delicious!” Praising the food with her mouth full, Oguri Cap instantly regained her vitality.
Seeing this, Belno Light let out a sigh of relief, then smiled at Kaito.
“Thank you, Trainer Kaito.
What brings you here?” “I was originally coming back to get lunch for Rice Shower, but I ran into you and Oguri Cap-san on the way.” “I see.” Belno Light wore a smile of feeling very fortunate, then looked at Oguri Cap beside her.
“Oguri, now you don’t have to worry.
Take your time eating and then we’ll go to the cafeteria.
Wait, are you already done?!” She stared wide-eyed at the completely empty lunchbox in Oguri Cap’s hands, while the latter calmly licked the rice grains from the corner of her mouth.
That was the portion of an adult man!
Did it even take you ten seconds to eat?!
If a stranger were here, they might have such doubts, but as Oguri Cap’s best friend, Belno Light quickly accepted the situation and then bowed to Kaito.
“I’m sorry, Trainer Kaito, she ate all of your lunch…” “I don’t mind.” Kaito was already mentally prepared.
He hadn’t expected to leave even a single bite of lunch for himself from Oguri Cap’s mouth.
On the other hand, Oguri Cap, having just finished a box of bento, was still rubbing her stomach, a hint of frustration showing on her calm face.
“I’m not full.
I’m still hungry…” Having said that, she stared straight at the extra-large bento Kaito was holding in his hand, prepared for Rice Shower.
Belno Light hurriedly stopped her.
“Oguri, that’s the lunch Trainer Kaito prepared for his assigned Uma Musume.
You can’t eat any more!” “I see.
That Uma Musume must be very happy, since she gets to eat so much delicious food.
I want to eat it too.” “That’s not the point!” Seeing this, Kaito smiled faintly, knowing his plan was half successful.
He placed the remaining bento behind his back, and Oguri Cap’s reluctant gaze followed it.
Kaito said regretfully, “I’m sorry, Oguri Cap-san, but I can’t give you this bento.” “Mm, I understand…” “However…” “If you like it, I can prepare a sufficient amount of lunch for you every day from now on.” “Really?!” “Really?!” Both Oguri Cap and Belno Light’s ears perked up at the same time.
The former simply because she wanted to eat, and the latter shocked by the cost of such a promise.
“Trainer Kaito, do you really know how much Oguri eats in one meal?!” “It’s fine.
I’m already used to cooking for Rice Shower.” Kaito was already mentally prepared.
He made a proposal to the fully expectant Oguri Cap.
“Having said that, I hope Oguri Cap-san will accept one request.” “What is it?” “I hope to invite you to spar with my assigned Rice Shower-san!
She is preparing for the Yayoi Sho and needs someone to spar with to help with her training!” Kaito gathered his courage and stated his true purpose.
To be honest, using food to sway Oguri Cap was a strategy with a high chance of success, but there was no hundred percent guarantee.
If Oguri Cap didn’t agree, Kaito would have to add other bargaining chips…
“Okay, I accept.” “I know this is very unreasonable, but…
Huh?” “Oguri Cap-san, you agreed?” Kaito was stunned.
Oguri Cap, with her usual expression, gently nodded.
“Mm, when do we start?” “If possible, I hope we can start tomorrow morning.” “Got it.
I’ll go tell Kitahara right away.” The Kitahara Oguri Cap mentioned was Kitahara Jou, who was her trainer during her Local days.
He later followed Oguri Cap’s footsteps, took the exam to enter the Central, and continued as her trainer.
Not long ago, he had even shared his experience at the New Year exhibition.
Kaito knew all this, but he didn’t expect Oguri Cap to agree so readily.
Belno Light beside him had no objections either.
In the hallway, Oguri Cap took out her phone and dialed a number, explaining the situation to Kitahara on the other end.
“Sigh, I really can’t help it with you…
Go ahead, but don’t eat too much and burden them.” “Okay.” Oguri Cap nodded, hung up the phone, and turned to Kaito.
“No problem.
I’ll come to the training ground to find you guys tomorrow morning.” “Thank you…” Kaito felt it was somewhat unbelievable.
Oguri Cap agreed so easily?
Was it because she wanted to eat his cooking?
Or because he was Belno Light’s friend?
Kaito thought of many possibilities, but when he met Oguri Cap’s calm and straightforward gaze, he suddenly realized.
There weren’t that many reasons.
Oguri Cap was just that kind of Uma Musume.
Calm, straightforward, and kind.
Even if he hadn’t brought out food to tempt her, she probably would have agreed anyway, right?
“Smack, smack!” “Trainer Kaito?” Under the surprised gazes of the two Uma Musume, Kaito slapped his own cheeks twice hard, then bowed deeply to Oguri Cap.
“Thank you very much, Oguri Cap-san.
After tomorrow’s training, I will bring out food that will absolutely satisfy you!” This time, it wasn’t a bribe, but a genuine desire to repay the other party.
Oguri Cap didn’t notice the difference, just responding with her consistent, straightforward smile.
“Okay, I look forward to it.” And just like that, Oguri Cap became Rice Shower’s sparring partner.