Tamamo Cross, a Central Uma Musume, after experiencing a debut race failure, continuous race failures, and continuous dirt race failures.
She was currently in a period of confusion.
Because her Trainer planned to let her try a turf race one more time. If she lost the next turf race, Tamamo Cross would have to try her luck in steeplechase races.
It was precisely because of this that Tamamo Cross was now at the Shopping Street.
She really didn't know what to do.
Unlike the period when she competed against Oguri Cap, long-term failures had made Tamamo Cross lose her self-confidence.
And... most importantly, her family still needed her to do something.
Both herself and her mother.
Recalling her mother's condition, Tamamo Cross knew that she had to win the next race to provide enough money for her mother's treatment.
It was this overwhelming pressure that led Tamamo Cross to a place she, usually so frugal, would never visit.
A Shopping Street not far from Tracen Academy.
Walking aimlessly through the Shopping Street, Tamamo Cross's face was full of worry.
"Hmm, Chiyo O, you haven't decided either?"
"As long as it's Tokai-nee's cooking, I don't have many opinions."
Such voices came from not far away.
Listening to such a warm, family-like conversation, Tamamo Cross just sighed, then lowered her head a little further.
Clearly, she was worried about her mother.
However, as Tamamo Cross's steps gradually quickened, the voices that were increasing her pressure also disappeared.
But, the next second, some voices came again.
The voices were much softer than before, but Tamamo Cross still accurately caught them.
"So the goal is the Japanese Derby, then you really need to work hard."
Upon hearing such a voice, Tamamo Cross looked up.
She knew this street was relatively close to Tracen Academy, so many Uma Musume would come here on weekdays.
But it was already early May, and the Japanese Derby was in the latter half of May. At this time, if an Uma Musume was going to participate in the Japanese Derby, she should already be preparing.
After looking up, Tamamo Cross didn't immediately find the source of the sound.
After turning slightly, Tamamo Cross saw two Uma Musume at the entrance of the fruit and vegetable store.
One of the Uma Musume was slightly taller, while the other Uma Musume, holding a grocery basket, was much shorter than her, even similar in height to herself.
Looking at the two, Tamamo Cross thought for several seconds but couldn't find anyone corresponding among this year's Uma Musume.
And after not finding the corresponding Uma Musume, Tamamo Cross didn't think further; she simply took a step forward.
She needed to return to Tracen Academy for dinner.
The two Uma Musume at the entrance of the fruit and vegetable store across the street had also bought their vegetables and turned in the opposite direction from Tamamo Cross.
Just like that, they looked at each other at this moment.
Ignoring the other's gaze, Tamamo Cross intended to leave directly.
After all, she had no intention of interacting with strangers.
But clearly, the other person didn't think that way.
Tokai Shizen looked at Tamamo Cross, who was facing her. She thought for a moment, then spoke.
"Um,"
"Hmm?"
Looking up at Tokai Shizen, Tamamo Cross's face was full of confusion.
"Excuse me, are you Miss Tamamo Cross?"
"Ah?"
Tamamo Cross never thought there would be anyone here who could recognize her, as her performance could be said to be terrible.
"That gray-haired Uma Musume, excuse me, are you Miss Tamamo Cross?"
As if worried she hadn't been heard, Tokai Shizen repeated herself.
This time, Tamamo Cross finally nodded.
Looking at Tamamo Cross, Tokai Shizen just smiled, then spoke again: "I'm a fan of Miss Tamamo Cross. Although she might not have very good results right now, I believe Miss Tamamo Cross will win."
Listening to Tokai Shizen's words, the expression on Tamamo Cross's face changed slightly.
"Um, do you really think I'll win?"
"Yes, if you return to turf races, you will definitely win, but..." Looking at her, Tokai Shizen just thought for a few seconds, unsure if she should say that sentence.
"Please, please say it?" Looking at Tokai Shizen, Tamamo Cross clearly didn't have the high-and-mighty attitude of someone's idol.
Of course, after losing so many races in a row, it would probably be very difficult for Tamamo Cross to maintain a high-and-mighty attitude.
So, her reaction was quite normal.
"Miss Tamamo, it would be better if you tried changing your running style. It's probably because of that accident before, so you've always been reluctant to get close to the group. So, how about trying a late-charge strategy?"
Listening to Tokai Shizen's words, Tamamo Cross was stunned for a second.
That accident was indeed something only her fans would know.
It was also because of that accident that Tamamo Cross subconsciously stayed away from the pack in every race, choosing to run on the outermost lane. This meant she had to run a little further than others in every race.
And now, Tokai Shizen, who could accurately state the impact of her accident on her, could be almost 100% confirmed to be her fan.
But... "Ah, th-thank you."
She responded with a slightly stiff tone.
This was a sign of not being good at dealing with fans, although this was also because Tamamo Cross didn't have many fans to begin with.
So, in such a situation, after thanking her, Tamamo Cross just pondered for a few seconds, then for the first time, actively spoke to this fan of hers: "Um, I have another race in July. Will you come to watch?"
Her voice wasn't loud, and it contained the emotion of hoping for a response.
She knew she might lose, but she still wanted a response.
Even if it was just one person, she might be able to reduce some of the pressure.
And upon hearing Tamamo Cross say this, Tokai Shizen was stunned for a second.
She knew that Tamamo Cross was facing immense pressure at this time, but she didn't expect her to respond like this, looking like an idol eager for fan support.
Looking at Tamamo Cross like this, Tokai Shizen just opened her mouth.
Tokai Shizen couldn't arbitrarily decide whether or not to go out, because if Maruzensky-senpai or Representative Chiaki came back that day, she probably wouldn't have the chance to go out.
So... "It's okay, Tokai-nee, just agree. I can help solve things with Maruzensky-senpai and Chiaki-senpai." As if seeing Tokai Shizen's difficulty, Chiyo O spoke such words.
"...Thank you." After thanking Chiyo O, Tokai Shizen looked back at Tamamo Cross: "I will go see it."
"Thank you for your support."
"You must run a good race."
"Ah, I will."