Avoiding injury for Rice Shower requires a three-pronged approach:
Constant monitoring for any signs of strain or abnormalities. Smart training—enough stress to build strength, but not so much that it risks damage. Building a resilient body that's less prone to injury in the first place.
And so, I began with the third: nutrition.
"So first, let's focus on building your body."
"Okay," Rice Shower nodded, ever the agreeable girl.
"The bodies of all living things—not just horse girls—are made from what they eat."
"Makes sense."
"In other words, eating well is critical. So, what did you have for breakfast today?"
"Um… five bread rolls, carrot salad, carrot hamburger steak, fried egg, bacon, minestrone… and maybe some jelly for dessert?"
"I see."
"Did I eat too much…?"
"Not even close."
"Ehh?!"
Rice's meal totaled around 2,000 kcal—enough for a regular adult woman, sure. But for an athlete? Not nearly sufficient. Even with three full meals a day, she'd need to eat at least double that.
"I figured you'd be hungry."
"My stomach's strong. If I've got any pocket money left, I'll grab something from the shop."
"Perfect. Let's go together."
Of course, I had no money myself, so I'd just be buying Rice's portion.
Tracen Academy's campus store was practically a mini supermarket—plenty of options.
"Rice-chan, do you get hungry after drinking milk?"
"Uh… yeah, I guess it's okay."
"Soy milk's an option too. Which do you prefer?"
"Maybe regular milk…"
I grabbed a liter of milk and a big bag of protein powder, dropping them into the basket.
"You're not getting any candy or snacks?"
"You can, if you promise to finish everything."
That covered protein. For vitamins and minerals, bananas were a solid choice.
"Do you have a favorite fruit?"
"Eh… I still have to eat more…?"
Rice looked overwhelmed as she eyed the massive bunch of bananas in the basket. But this was just the beginning.
"If it's hard to eat them plain, I'll blend them into a mixed juice."
"Eh… uh… I'll leave it to you…"
"Any fruits you dislike?"
"Not really…"
"Alright then—pineapple and apple it is."
"You can pick anything else you want to eat."
"It's already full… Do I have to eat all this now…?"
"I'll split the protein into smaller servings."
After paying with Rice's wallet (thanks, Rice), we headed to the cafeteria and borrowed a blender.
I tossed in the fruit, milk, protein powder, and a generous spoonful of honey. The result: nearly two liters of special mixed juice.
"Isn't that… a bit much?"
"Eating is part of training."
Rice Shower stared at the mug, then took a deep breath and began drinking.
I tasted it myself—not bad, actually. Just… a lot.
Rice finished the first mug and exhaled.
"Alright, time for round two."
"Uuuuuu…"
Tears welled in Rice's eyes as she was handed another oversized mug of mixed juice.