Although Tokai Teio didn't know Kitahara Sota's full story, she'd long suspected he wasn't as simple as he appeared.
She'd never questioned how he managed to find two tantou within a single day. After all, she herself had practically volunteered, and Eclipse had arrived with him. That wasn't particularly strange.
But the issue was that, on just his second day at Tracen Academy, he'd already formed a complete team.
While Special Week and Oguri Cap had been acquainted with him before, and seemed quite friendly with him, Teio doubted they'd have chosen to follow someone with zero ability.
Although Tracen wasn't strictly meritocratic—some Uma Musume got along fine without exceptional results—most still craved victory.
Special Week and Oguri Cap might appear simple-minded, gluttonous types, but their training clearly demonstrated they weren't content being average. They had real talent.
From that moment, Teio began to suspect Kitahara might be hiding something significant.
But at the time, she hadn't paid it much mind.
This was Tracen Academy HQ, after all. While it wasn't exactly overflowing with monsters, geniuses were a dime a dozen here, and plenty hid their true capabilities. She knew several personally.
Still, she hadn't imagined Kitahara's hidden depths could be this outrageous.
"Are you really human?" she couldn't help asking.
"Of course," Kitahara nodded casually. Then, after a pause, he added, "Oh, by the way, Teio, I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention my abilities to others."
"Why not? Isn't this a good thing?"
"Well…how do I put it? I'm someone who hates trouble and doesn't like attention."
In reality, his main fear was ending up with shattered bones, locked in a basement, or worse—but he couldn't exactly say that to her face. Though getting serious at work could earn him plenty of money, what good was money if he wasn't alive to spend it? After all, attracting too much attention could be dangerous. Those famous Uma Musume families alone would certainly never leave him in peace.
"I see…"
Teio didn't look entirely convinced, but after a brief hesitation, she didn't question further.
"Alright. I promise not to tell anyone."
She smiled reassuringly, glanced around cautiously, then leaned in closer, her expression turning serious.
"Oh right, yesterday I spoke with the Prez. She told me something important…"
She recounted Symboli Rudolf's warnings, and Kitahara's expression turned grave as he listened.
So, I really am being targeted…
"Speaking of that 'Black Forest,' I happened to learn something interesting myself."
Kitahara then shared what Higashimori Yosuke had revealed, prompting Teio to nod thoughtfully. She agreed to relay the information to Symboli Rudolf, hoping it could serve as a lead.
After a brief pause, Teio remembered another matter.
"Oh, and one more thing. Because of recent incidents, the Prez arranged for a combat-specialized Uma Musume to join our team temporarily. She'll be here in case of emergencies. I hope you're okay with that."
A combat-specialized Uma Musume?
Kitahara thought for a moment, then nodded.
"No problem. More hands, less danger. Who is she, by the way…?"
While Eclipse alone was probably sufficient, there were bound to be times when she couldn't act. An additional layer of security was always welcome.
"Her name is…ah, speak of the devil, she's right over there."
Teio pointed toward an approaching figure.
Kitahara turned, glanced over—and froze in place.
Long brown hair, clear blue eyes, and a gentle, reserved smile on her lips. On her back was a long, wrapped object.
Impeccably dressed, calm in demeanor, and gracefully measured in her every movement, she radiated the dignified aura of a classic Yamato Nadeshiko.
Indeed, no phrase suited her better at first glance.
Yet despite her seemingly gentle presence, the instant Kitahara recognized her, his entire body went ice-cold.
Grass Wonder.
One of Tracen Academy's "Four Most Dangerous Uma Musume," a heavyweight whose threat rivaled even Tokai Teio herself.
An Uma Musume who appeared to be—and truly was—a genuine Yamato Nadeshiko.
Just that, compared to a normal Yamato Nadeshiko, she possessed a few…unique skills.
Such as surveillance and counter-surveillance. Or overly intricate schemes and calculations. Or a deep fondness and expertise in wielding a naginata—a traditional pole weapon resembling a glaive.
Unlike other dangerous Uma Musume, if Grass Wonder ever snapped—if she ever felt betrayed by someone—she wouldn't bother imprisoning them or forcing them to remain by her side.
Her methods were simple, straightforward, and effective:
Kill, and then commit lover's suicide.
That naginata was crafted precisely for this purpose.
"Trainer Kitahara, a pleasure to meet you. I'm Grass Wonder. I look forward to working together," she greeted him with perfect courtesy, a warm smile gracing her lips.
"Ah…hello." Kitahara forced himself to smile politely.
To be honest, he didn't doubt her combat skills for a moment.
But somehow, he felt that, compared to potential outside threats, this new "guardian" might actually pose a greater danger.
But of course, he couldn't and wouldn't dare to voice such thoughts aloud.
Yet, deep down, Kitahara also had a suspicion. If true, it would greatly reduce her threat level.
"Um…I think Special Week mentioned you before…"
"Really?"
At the mention of Special Week's name, Grass Wonder's eyes instantly brightened, her tail unconsciously swishing slightly behind her.
"Yes, Special Week is indeed a close friend of mine. I'd planned to visit when I heard she'd found a trainer. Unfortunately, I was occupied by certain matters and couldn't come sooner."
Noticing her reaction, Kitahara immediately felt relief flooding his heart.
There's hope!
In anime, games, and even fanfiction, aside from being a Yamato Nadeshiko, Grass Wonder had one more consistent trait: an unusual, passionate fixation on Special Week.
Their relationship was complicated, though.
Grass Wonder's feelings toward Special Week were typically intense, yet Special Week usually considered her merely a good friend, instead regarding another Uma Musume as her closest companion. Together, they formed a well-known love triangle among students, humorously dubbed the "Tracen Photo Album."
Of course, Kitahara cared nothing for such gossip. All he knew was that, if Grass Wonder truly was obsessed with Special Week, his own safety rating would skyrocket.
As for Special Week herself…
His old man had once said: The best way to deal with Uma Musume is with other Uma Musume.
Such things were best left to their internal affairs. As long as he wasn't involved, he was happy just sitting on the sidelines, enjoying the show.
Thus, once confident Grass Wonder was genuinely fixated on Special Week, Kitahara finally relaxed, finding her presence much more agreeable.
Afterward, Kitahara and Grass Wonder chatted briefly. She explained that aside from the Student Council's request, she'd primarily joined to be with Special Week, wanting to train alongside her close friend…
Pfft! You just want her body! Shameless!
Inwardly mocking her, Kitahara quickly completed the paperwork, approving Grass Wonder's entry into the team, before releasing her to find Special Week.
It's a miracle!
Watching Grass Wonder's figure disappear into the distance, Kitahara was moved almost to tears.
These past few days had been chaotic and nerve-wracking. He'd crossed paths with multiple dangerous Uma Musume, been attacked, and had gradually accepted his miserable luck.
But then Lady Grass (a nickname he'd mentally coined) turned out to have eyes only for Special Week, gifting him a free SSR-tier protection charm. How could he not feel deeply grateful?
Finally—finally!—he'd encountered a dangerous Uma Musume who, after meeting him, presented no threat and showed no interest in him, only caring about Special Week. Truly, a blessing beyond words…
"Hey, Trainer-san."
At his side, Tokai Teio's sweet voice suddenly spoke up.
"Hm? What's up?" Kitahara's gaze lingered gratefully on Grass Wonder's retreating form, tears nearly forming from sheer relief.
But in the very next moment, his tears of joy froze solid.
"You…seem quite taken with her, don't you?"
With those softly spoken words, Kitahara felt himself plunge straight into an icy abyss.