After making and eating a meal with Rice Shower, the two washed the dishes together, which inexplicably gave Zero the feeling of looking after a younger sister.
It wasn't bad, though.
However, this child still lacks confidence. She'll need a boost of self-confidence later on.
Rice Shower's talent is truly excellent, and there's one most important thing.
Her breathing frequency while running.
Rice Shower had never been aware of this before, but Zero was very clear about it.
It was the most suitable frequency for long-distance races.
Zero had been waiting for her to discover the problem, but it seemed she still didn't quite understand, so Zero reminded her a while ago.
Or perhaps she had already realized it but was afraid to say it because she couldn't be sure?
And according to Zero's understanding, this breathing habit of hers was innate. It just goes to show that naturally gifted athletes truly exist.
Natural high stamina, a natural knack for long-distance breathing techniques, and a sufficiently hardworking nature.
If she had been born abroad, she would definitely have achieved a very high career.
Unfortunately, she was in Japan, where long-distance running isn't as highly valued.
But it's not a big problem. The aptitude for long-distance and middle-distance is the easiest to adjust. Even in Japan, she is confident that Rice Shower can achieve dominance in both middle and long distances.
So, during this time, Rice Shower wears a special mask custom-made by Zero during training, one that only allows air to be drawn in with the correct breathing frequency.
Hmm? Ripple? She doesn't know, you know?
As for why Haru Urara doesn't use this method... mainly because this child is too scatterbrained. Zero is afraid that if she wears such a mask, she might pass out from lack of attention.
She remembered one time when Haru Urara, to learn Suzuka's running style but worried she couldn't keep up, tied her favorite carrot popsicle to Suzuka's back.
As a result, she was left behind shortly after starting and then stopped in place.
Zero, originally worried if she was traumatized, approached her, only to find the girl excitedly staring at Suzuka, who had already run more than half a lap.
"What are you doing?"
"Since I can't catch up anyway, it'll be faster to wait for her to finish a lap and grab it when she passes by!"
A flick to the forehead served her right.
Getting back to the main topic, Rice Shower has also gradually gotten used to the rhythm of middle-distance during this time, and it's almost time for her to do parallel training with Special Week.
She remembered that among the Trainers arriving next month, besides Special Week's group, there was also an Uma Musume from Rice Shower's generation. She wondered if the two could get along well.
At least not like Vodka and Daiwa.
The thought of Rice Shower speaking Vodka's words in Daiwa's tone made Zero's brain tremble.
My sister has gone astray! (bushi)
In any case, Zero planned to run with Rice Shower for a while today and teach her some important details for middle-distance.
After all, her debut race is middle-distance, and adapting early would free up more time.
Speaking of which, how are this child's singing and dancing skills? Zero really doesn't want to see a repeat of Special Week's debut in her team.
Falling during a mistake on stage is fine, but standing in penalty on the winner's stage? Spare her that. Last time, a sliding tackle sent Trainer Okino flying. If the same thing happened this time, would she tackle herself?
"Ah, A Mi has been training well, you know?"
"Is that so? Then, would you mind letting me see this weekend at karaoke?"
"Just A Mi?"
"Hmm, the others are mostly fine."
"Mm, understood!" This child seemed a bit too excited.
"Eh~ I want to go too!" Special Week sensed danger.
"Hmm? Have you forgotten what I taught you last time?" Zero narrowed her eyes.
In this regard, Special Week was her primary target of vigilance, as her penalty stand that time was simply too memorable.
"No, no!" How could she forget? Z-chan taught her that!
If she forgot, Special Week herself would feel a huge loss.
She knew that although that lesson was tiring, Zero had taught her hand-in-hand the entire time, and she still couldn't forget the warmth and scent of her body.
Huh? Speaking of which, if I say I forgot, will Z-chan do it again?
However, this thought instantly vanished when she saw Zero's somewhat dangerous gaze.
It's better not to seek death with such things.
"Never mind, if that's the case, then let's all go together. Next month I'll buy some equipment and put it here, so we won't have to save time going there anymore."
"Yay!" Special Week cheered happily, but... Eek? What!?
Just for a moment, she felt a hint of danger.
Who was it? It seemed to be from Rice Shower's direction? No, no, how could such a well-behaved child be like that?
Never mind, I won't think about it. Training, training~
"Oh, Little Special, let's do parallel training with Rice Shower today. Both of you try the Leading running style."
"Understood, Z-chan."
"Mm, Onee-sama."
"Xiao Mi, even though it's parallel training, I won't go easy on you!" Special Week, having taken her starting stance at the starting line, gave Rice Shower a fierce warning.
"Mm, Senpai, please do your best." Rice Shower nodded, slightly lowering her head and also taking her starting stance.
Special Week Senpai, don't let me catch you!
Zero and McQueen, who were in charge of McQueen's training nearby, suddenly felt something and looked towards Special Week.
Special Week was seen running ahead with a pained expression, while Rice Shower was following closely behind her.
Although she didn't know why Rice Shower suddenly had such momentum, it was a pleasant surprise, wasn't it?
Zero happily watched as several red skills appeared on Rice Shower.
Indeed, this child's talent is extraordinary.
"Rice Shower... is very amazing..." McQueen also looked at Rice Shower with lingering fear.
"What, is the young lady of the Mejiro Family scared?"
"How could that be? For me, those difficulties are merely obstacles that I will overcome sooner or later, desuwa~"
"Hmph hmph, then come, here's a new batch of tiles." Zero, with a smile, brought over a stack of bricks and tiles, under McQueen's twitching gaze.
Ah... although breaking these isn't difficult, my hand still hurts, you know? The action and reaction are mutual!
But having said that, McQueen gritted her teeth and started chopping.
Chopping tiles is not just about exercising the upper body. To correctly chop through a stack of tiles, one needs to apply the right amount of force at specific points, which will yield twice the result with half the effort.
And at the same time, both legs must stabilize the body, ensuring balance while also providing auxiliary extra force for the upper body's exertion.
Bang!
——————
See, just like McQueen now, because the point of application and the force were incorrect, she was trembling like a cat with its fur bristling.
"Alright, let me see. That's what you get for being distracted, www." She pulled her hand over and gently massaged it, checking if she was hurt anywhere.
"Ugh... it was just an unintentional slip-up, desu!"
"Yes, yes, yes www"
"Please don't keep laughing!"
Watching her pout with a flushed face, Zero could only say that Uma Musume are truly interesting.
Hmm? Wait, does that mean Rudolph is included in that statement?
Damn it, she's trying to trick me into saying that! Oh no, Symboli Rudolph, I've noted this grudge!
On the other side... "Achoo!" The Emperor covered her mouth and sneezed.
"Are you alright, President? Are you ill from lack of sleep making you weak?" Air Groove asked with some concern.
"It's nothing, that girl is probably talking bad about me again, but Air Groove." The Emperor shook her head, probably knowing what happened, but she still had to say what she just thought of.
? What is it, President?"
"It's about yesterday, you see, in the evening when Teio and I were taking a walk, Teio saw an ice cream shop, and she kept talking about how much she loved ice cream."
Ah... this rhythm... is it that? But I've already prepared for it!
Ice cream... Cream and call... I get it, is it a pun?
No, ending it this quickly is definitely not the President's style. Something big is coming! For example... Teio saying her favorite is Häagen-Dazs (a pun on 'master' and 'daz').
"So, Teio..."
It's coming!
"She bought an eight-scoop cone, and she accidentally dropped it, www." The Emperor chuckled, as if she was just sharing something amusing.
Huh? Not Häagen-Dazs?
Air Groove's mood instantly dropped.
"But at that moment, seeing Teio crying and shouting, I thought of a word."
Ah, so that's where she was waiting!?
Like... I scream (to scream loudly due to fear, excitement, etc.)!
"Teio-sama's downfall."
"Huhu www, is it because I spent most of yesterday spoiling Teio? So sweet (in Japanese, 'sweet' and 'naïve' are homophones)."
"President, I suddenly have a headache. I'll take my leave first." Air Groove's eyes were somewhat hollow as she clutched her head.
Air Groove's mood plummeted ↓
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