Just as Kitano Ryuichi had expected, the news that his assigned Uma Musume would be chosen through a friendly race spread like wildfire across the Tracen Academy forums, instantly causing a massive stir.
After all, before his arrival, while the competition for good trainers was fierce, there had never been a precedent of holding a special race with the position of a rookie trainer's charge as the prize.
But now, a huge number of Uma Musume had heard Air Groove's confirmation. This wasn't just an empty rumor. For a time, all the Uma Musume and trainers at Tracen Academy began discussing the topic of "Kitano Ryuichi."
On the trainers' exclusive forum, a related discussion immediately erupted.
[SuzukaIsTheFastest]: "My charge told me a new trainer named Kitano Ryuichi has arrived, and Vice President Air Groove is organizing a special race just for him? Is that for real?"
[DailyMuscleCheckIn_Day0]: "I heard about it from Ryan, too. Seems to be true. Does anyone know who this Kitano Ryuichi guy is? Vice President Air Groove is personally finding him a charge and holding a race for it?"
[BigHeadNoWorries]: "You guys don't know? He's a rookie who just started today, but he's the real deal. Don't underestimate him. My Bright says he was the only one to pass the Central-level trainer exam this year, and he broke the all-time record for the written test."
[BigGuysAreLovable]: "Whoa, he's that good? Isn't he a genius then?"
[GG]: "Not necessarily. What if he's a veteran who spent a long time in the local circuits?"
[TwoJetsNotTwinTurbo (lol)]: "Then you're all in for a disappointment. I heard he's only 21, the youngest Central trainer in history."
System Message: ID[Kitano Ryuichi]has joined the group.
[SuzukaIsTheFastest]: "Whoa?! Speak of the devil! The man himself is here! Welcome, welcome!"
"Welcome, welcome!" xN
[Kitano Ryuichi]: "Um... Hello, seniors. I'm Kitano Ryuichi, just a rookie. Nothing special about me. Please take care of me."
Ryuichi had immediately joined the Tracen Academy forum. He had always enjoyed Browse the forums in his previous loops, mainly because in each loop, perhaps due to his own influence, the IDs and even some of the trainers were different.
Moreover, Browse the forums was a good way to determine the current timeline. The hot topics were mostly updated in real-time, so he could catch up on recent major events and sort out the timeline for the new loop.
He always felt a strange sense of novelty Browse the forums in different loops. This time, however, the moment he logged on, he immediately saw the pinned message was about him.
"Shocking! A Special Selection Race for a New Trainer? Who Exactly is Kitano Ryuichi?"
Seeing the pinned message, Ryuichi immediately joined the trainers' group chat to get a handle on the situation's severity.
Now, after joining the group and scrolling up through the chat history, he knew that if he didn't step forward in time, he would likely become the target of collective jealousy, just like in several previous loops.
And in this loop, he had resolved not to give up or restart no matter what. He wanted to experience a full life. Therefore, he had to handle his relationships carefully. He couldn't be the one to steal the spotlight from all his seniors; that would only put him and his future charge in an awkward position.
With that in mind, he quickly typed on his phone:
[Kitano Ryuichi]: "Seniors, there might be some misunderstanding. Let me clarify. I'm really just more experienced in theory. In terms of practical experience, I'm just a novice. There are many areas where I'll need your tolerance and guidance."
[BigHeadNoWorries]: "The rookie is being humble! Being too humble sounds like a humble-brag. You're a genius rookie who got hired at 21! Now I know why Vice President Air Groove would organize a selection race just for you."
[GG]: "Yeah, look at us. Weren't we all in our mid-20s when we started? A certain disgrace was even 28 when he got in."
[BigHeadNoWorries]: "@GG What the hell do you know? It's called building a solid foundation, gaining experience in the local circuits. Now cough up the fifteen bowls of udon you owe me, you brat."
[GG]: "Next time. I'll pay you with tickets to my charge's idol tour."
[SuzukaIsTheFastest]: "You two disgraces... @Kitano Ryuichi, rookie, ignore these two clowns. As your senior, I'm telling you, you don't have to be so humble with us. When a junior is capable, it brings glory to us seniors too."
"By the way, as the star of this selection race, tell us, do you have anyone in mind? Most of the active members are here now. We seniors can help you weigh your options, see who's a good fit for you."
Looks like it's working. Seeing the harmonious atmosphere in the group, like a gathering of online friends, Ryuichi breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that having a good attitude and respecting his seniors was the right move.
He would maintain this. He had experienced enough of being the object of envy and jealousy in his past loops. This time, he just wanted to be a less conspicuous junior... though that seemed less likely now.
[Kitano Ryuichi]: "Actually, I never expected this to blow up so much. I didn't even plan on taking on a particularly talented Uma Musume at first. It's my first time as a Central trainer, so I just wanted to take it one step at a time, starting with a less remarkable girl."
[SuzukaIsTheFastest]: "Oh? For a genius who is one of the best in the entire Central circuit, such a down-to-earth way of thinking is rare."
[BigGuysAreLovable]: "Agreed. But it seems Kitano-kun doesn't have much of a choice now (lol)."
[DailyMuscleCheckIn_Day0]: "I suddenly have a bold idea, but I dare not say it."
Mejiro Ryan's trainer seemed to have something to say but didn't elaborate in the group. Just as Ryuichi was about to ask, engrossed in his phone, he didn't notice another figure up ahead who was also walking while looking down at their phone, occasionally letting out a small laugh.
And so, the two of them, lost in their own worlds, only saw each other when it was too late to stop.
Thump.
The next second, the much smaller figure remained standing, while Ryuichi was knocked to the ground.
"I-I'm so sorry!"
The small, dark-haired Uma Musume was so startled she almost dropped her phone. She quickly rushed over, crouching down and apologizing nervously.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! Rice was so busy on her phone she didn't see where she was going! I'm so terribly sorry for knocking you over!"
"Are you hurt? Does Rice need to carry you to the infirmary? I'm truly, truly sorry."
Black hair, with a small purple top hat worn askew, and a blue rose blooming like a hair ornament on the petite Uma Musume's head.
Of course, this small collision wasn't enough to knock Ryuichi into the next loop. He had only fallen on his bottom. What left him momentarily stunned was the small Uma Musume in front of him.
Rice Shower. That was her name. A name meant as a blessing, yet her life, both in the past and in his hands, never seemed to have gotten any luckier.
After a moment, a smile slowly formed on Ryuichi's face. He looked at this Uma Musume who had now completely forgotten him, and felt not a shred of loss, but rather, relief.
Relief that his ability allowed him to start over. And relief that this girl before him could forget everything about the irresponsible trainer who was not only incapable but also knew he was attempting the impossible.
"...I'm fine. You don't have to apologize to me."
It's been a long time, Rice Shower, Ryuichi said softly in his heart.
-------
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