Uma Musume: From Being Knocked Ten Meters Away

Chapter 646 The Name "Almond Eyes"

Tamamo Cross's words sounded like a joke, but as soon as she finished speaking, she really ran off in a hurry. Her white figure disappeared into the surging crowd in a few moments, leaving only a series of footsteps that gradually faded into the distance.

This sudden action surprised not only Yasui Makoto and the others, but also Shinichi, who remained in place, looked completely taken aback.

She subconsciously raised her hand in the direction Tamamo Cross had left, her lips slightly parted, only managing to utter a helpless "Eh? Tamamo... wait a minute..." before her target had already vanished.

Shining Radiance gazed in the direction where the Tamamo Cross had disappeared, sighed softly with a mixture of amusement and helplessness, shook his head, and then turned back to Yasui Makoto and his group:

"Please don't mind, everyone. Tamamo... I mean, Tamamo Cross-senpai, she's just that kind of impatient person. She does whatever comes to mind right away, and you can't stop her."

She smiled apologetically and steered the conversation back to the main topic:
"Well then... let's confirm the registration information first. It's... Alime and Haruki want to register for the exhibition match and the casual match in the non-orthodox group, respectively, right?"

"Hmm... Ah? Hmm!"

Northern Black Horse was still looking in the direction where Tamamo Cross had left when he paused for a moment before realizing that the question was directed at him.

She quickly looked away and nodded repeatedly:

"Yes! Thank you for your help!"

Then, she moved closer to the table and tried her best to apply all the key points that Yasui Makoto had taught her. She checked the details with Shin-chan, such as the competition type, contestant information, and precautions, looking every bit like a responsible assistant.

Standing not far behind the northern Black Horse, Yasui Makoto looked at her capable and efficient appearance, and couldn't help but smile slightly.

He could tell that many of the key points that Beibu Xuanju was talking about were things he had only recently learned. His tone was still a bit awkward, as if he was just learning something new, but his expression was already quite clear and sounded quite professional.

Sensing the professionalism in their responses, Shinshin Hikaru looked up from the registration form, his gaze shifting thoughtfully between Yasui Makoto and Kita Genko, his eyes filled with clear admiration as he said:

"It seems that the students from the north not only have excellent race walking skills, but have also put a lot of effort into understanding the competition rules."

"No, no! Senior Guanghui, you flatter me!"

Northern Genko quickly waved his hand: "These are all things that A-Zhen... Trainer Yasui taught me little by little. I'm still in the learning stage!"
"Moreover, it was his suggestion that I come to Kasamatsu to participate in this event."

"If it were just me, I probably wouldn't have come up with such a great idea—to bring Alimee and the others to meet the legendary seniors, visit the Kasamatsu arena, and let them experience the atmosphere of the competition beforehand!"

Upon hearing this, Yasui Makoto, who had been standing at the back, nodded slightly and said in a calm tone:
"These are all part of the trainers' job to ensure that they enjoy the activities and the competition as well."

"I see."

The brand-new radiance nodded knowingly:

"It is indeed a very thoughtful and far-sighted arrangement, and it achieves multiple benefits. So, this must be your first time visiting Kasamatsu, right?"

"Yes, yes! As soon as we heard there was an event in Kasamatsu, we came straight here!" Kita Genko nodded vigorously.

"So, after today's event, if you're not in a hurry to go back," the newly radiant brilliance said enthusiastically:

"Xiao Lili and I can take you around Kasamatsu for a bit, what do you all think? It's not a big place, but there are some nice attractions and local snacks."

"Little Chestnut?" Northern Genko blinked in surprise, then realized, "Ah! You mean Little Chestnut Hat-senpai?"

“Yes,” Shining Bright smiled and confirmed, “It’s Oguri… ah, it’s Oguri Hat’s nickname.”

"Oguri's mother, Ms. Shiraishi, the elders who watched her grow up on Kasamatsu's side, and many fans and friends all call her that."

"Little Chestnut..."

Northern Black Steed repeated the name in a low voice, his eyes suddenly lighting up, a surprised and amused smile spreading across his face:
"Wow! What an adorable name! I never imagined that Oguri-senpai, who's so powerful and monstrous on the field, would have such a cute nickname!"

"Actually..."

His radiant smile deepened, his eyes revealing a warmth bordering on indulgence:

"Putting aside her competitive spirit, Oguri is actually quite innocent, or rather... a bit naive and adorable. You'll see as you get to know her better."

She explained verbally, but her hands never stopped moving. She deftly gathered the last confirmation form, picked up the registration form, tapped it lightly twice on the table, and skillfully tucked it into a folder labeled "Event Registration."

"Alright, all the formalities are complete."

She looked up, said something in a light tone, then stood up and temporarily placed the folder on the corner of the table:

"There is still some time before the competition starts, so the athletes can go to the temporary training area set up at the back to move around a bit, familiarize themselves with the environment and get used to the venue."

"Although the conditions are not as good as a formal venue, it is still possible to do some simple warm-up and gait adjustment."

"That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Senior Radiant!"

Northern Black Steed immediately expressed his gratitude, then turned around, a look of eager anticipation on his face, and waved to the crowd behind him:

"Did everyone hear that? Let's go check out the training area together!"

As she spoke, she naturally began to walk.

After walking a few steps following the new radiance, she suddenly realized that something seemed to be missing.

She subconsciously slowed her pace, looked around, and quickly counted the number of people traveling with her.

Yasui Makoto, Alice Soko, Yamato Akari, Kikunojo Misuzu, and Haruaki Fen, who always stayed close by his side...

Hmm? One is missing...

Almond-shaped eyes?

Upon realizing that Xingmu hadn't followed, Beibu Xuanju quickly turned around and began searching the crowd.

She immediately saw the table where she had just registered, her almond-shaped eyes still fixed on the spot.

She lowered her head slightly, as if the surrounding noise had faded away, and she was completely immersed in her own thoughts.

Her eyes, which usually shone with unwavering determination, were now lowered, her gaze fixed on some unknown point, as if she were lost in thought.

"Almond eyes!"

Northern Black Horse raised his voice and shouted again, waving vigorously at her: "Let's go! Let's go check out the training area!"

The call made Xingmu's shoulders twitch slightly. She looked up, blinked, and quickly focused her gaze on Beifang Xuanju. Almost reflexively, she immediately responded:

"Yes! Coming right away!"

Seeing that Beibu Xuanju smiled and nodded, then turned around and continued on his way, Xingmu immediately jogged to catch up.

After running two steps, her steps seemed to be tripped by something invisible, and she involuntarily paused.

She lowered her head again, her gaze falling on her fists that she had unconsciously clenched tightly.

A strong longing, like a tiny flame, ignited in her heart and burned ever brighter.

She murmured to herself in a voice only she could hear:
"Akime, the trainer from Yasui... and... Akane, the junior of Koki-senpai..."

As soon as she finished speaking, she took a deep breath, stretched out her hands, and patted her cheeks lightly.

The crisp sound, accompanied by a slight sting, instantly made her more alert.

"……it is good!"

She spoke to herself in a soft but exceptionally clear voice:
"Before becoming the strongest racehorse girl, first of all... I need to make everyone remember the name 'Aloe'!"

Having said that, she no longer hesitated, her eyes regained their clarity and focus, and she took firm and powerful steps to quickly catch up with the group ahead.

(End of this chapter)