Kyoto.
The city's most bustling commercial district.
Night had already fallen, and streams of cars carrying weary workers home hurried past on the streets.
Barbatos, having finished a day of practice, walked under the streetlights wearing a baseball cap. Truth be told, if anyone paid close attention, they'd definitely recognize her as Barbatos.
Once spotted, it would likely lead to racing fans crowding around asking for photos.
However, that was a rare occurrence.
Even with just a cap and her tail not even hidden, people usually didn't recognize her.
The pedestrians out and about were all busy with their own affairs—who had the time to look closely or pay extra attention to those around them? Unless, of course, it was some flashily dressed young woman who might turn a head or two.
Walking beside Barbatos was a small, ash-gray-haired girl with adorable little fangs peeking from her smile.
Despite carrying herself with a somewhat grown-up air, she still seemed every bit a genuine kindergarten-aged child.
The little girl muttered softly beside Barbatos, "I just knew you had another reason for this."
She remembered how Barbatos had messaged her on LINE yesterday, asking for help with training for the Spring Tenno Sho. She'd hesitated at first but ultimately didn't refuse.
But after training together all day, she couldn't shake the feeling Barbatos had some other agenda.
From what Barbatos showed during the day, her biggest issue for the Spring Tenno Sho was pace—the rhythm problem in long-distance races. Barbatos had no experience with long-distance runs.
But that was pretty much it.
Lacking long-distance experience just meant Barbatos couldn't use the same running style she'd employed in the Oka Sho.
She'd already given her advice. Barbatos bringing her here now was clearly for something else.
"Ehe~"
Barbatos stopped short and let out a light laugh. Other purposes? Absolutely. And not just one.
"Remember during the Winter Dream Cup? Thanks to you training with me, I managed to grasp the Lightning Zone. Later, I lost in the Dream Cup, tasted my first defeat."
"A crushing defeat, you could even say."
Even now, over four months later, the emotions from that time felt as fresh as yesterday. If it weren't for Seiun Sky, she probably wouldn't have climbed out of that gloom so quickly.
She really had been a bit immature back then.
"But your training help was real—it made me much stronger."
"I feel like not showing some gratitude would kinda go against the whole 'craftsman's spirit,' you know?"
"So, Tamamo-senpai, will you let me treat you to a meal?"
Tamamo Cross had helped her train, hadn't even refused this Spring Tenno Sho practice—that was a kindness. She couldn't just take it for granted.
A meal wasn't a big deal for either of them; even the most expensive restaurant in Kyoto wouldn't break the bank.
But at least it could express a bit of her thankful heart.
"Well then, thank ya kindly!"
"Just a shame Obey Your Master already went back to the States. Missed out on this free meal."
She was an American Uma Musume, after all, with her own bonds back home. She couldn't stay in Japan long-term and had returned after the Winter Dream Cup ended.
Though she'd probably guessed Barbatos's situation, she hadn't bothered her about it.
"As for Obey Your Master-senpai, she said once I become Japan's number one, I should go to the States to see her... and then take down America's champion too."
Barbatos's tone was confident. Becoming Japan's best was just a matter of time for her. Once she had enough experience and mastered her pacing...
She could aim for the real world number one!
Not just winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but the true world's best—surpassing the Emperor, surpassing legends from every other country!
--+--
In a private room of a modest, not particularly upscale restaurant.
Tamamo Cross just nibbled a little before setting down her chopsticks, not touching the food again.
Compared to Oguri Cap, her appetite was much smaller, especially after retirement. She usually ate very little.
She just kept sipping her carrot juice.
Not eating with Creek was a nice change of pace too—at least she wouldn't be fed like a child being coaxed by her mom.
"Tamamo-senpai, what kind of gift do you think I should get?"
"Ain't too sure myself. Maybe somethin' from overseas? Local specialties?"
"Overseas specialties, huh... I'll have to look online."
The gifts, of course, were for Air Groove's parents—those two senpais. To thank them for being willing to train with her before the Winter Dream Cup, for offering their private estate training grounds.
Remember, during that Dream Cup, she and Air Groove were rivals.
She was truly grateful to those four Uma Musume senpais.
"Oh, right, senpai, could you come shopping with me later? Besides the gifts for the two senpais, I'm also picking out a gift for my girlfriend."
"Her birthday's coming up soon."
Otherwise, she probably wouldn't have gone to the trouble of asking Tamamo Cross. Given her current level, Tamamo couldn't offer much more help with training anyway.
For advice on the Tenno Sho, they could have just chatted online.
Inviting Tamamo out of the academy for practice and discussion—that part was genuine gratitude.
But it also served as a cover.
If the birthday gift was found out early, there'd be no surprise! Her own Starlight-sama was sharp; she'd probably figure out Barbatos was preparing a gift, maybe even guess what it was.
So she had to buy it without the other knowing.
Even if her girlfriend expected a gift, she couldn't let her guess what.
In that sense, going out to train with Tamamo Cross was perfect cover.
"So you've made it official? Not bad."
Tamamo Cross wore a knowing, almost auntie-like smile. She'd seen the connection between them long ago; they just hadn't made it official before the Dream Cup.
So that was why Barbatos chose to treat her on this bustling commercial street.
This way, after eating, they could naturally stroll around nearby, looking for a suitable birthday gift.
As for gift suggestions, Tamamo Cross had absolutely none to offer.
After the meal, as Barbatos browsed the surrounding shops, searching for Seiun Sky's birthday gift, Tamamo Cross was no longer by her side.
Probably had one too many carrot juices during dinner and had gone to the restroom first.
--+--
"Hey little girl, are you all alone? Did you lose your mommy?"
A middle school girl in her uniform, out with a friend after school to look for part-time work, asked Tamamo Cross as she emerged from the restroom.
Tamamo's face flushed red. She fell silent. How could a middle schooler mistake her for a little kid?
I could be her grandma!
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.