Uma Musume: Rising From the Countryside to Legend!!

Trainer's Room

Sakura Chiyono O was lying face-down on the bed, her outer jacket half-removed, clutching the bedsheet tightly in her small hands.

Her eyes were already spinning in circles.

Who am I? Where am I? What's going on?

Wasn't I supposed to be doing special training with Maruzensky-senpai this afternoon?

Why… why am I in this situation now?!

A storm of thoughts swirled in the girl's little head.

But before she could think any further, a large hand pressed down with precise and firm force, kneading the muscles and meridians along her thigh.

[Massage]

This was Kuroha's first time using the skill on someone outside of his own team.

His hand worked over the muscle group at the back of her thigh, fingers pressing exactly onto an abnormally tense, blocked spot.

"Uhh—!"

Sakura Chiyono O's body jolted, a short cry slipping out. Her already-pink cheeks flushed even deeper, and her dainty horse ears twitched upright in startled reaction.

The sensation wasn't purely pain—it was a strange mix of intense soreness, burning heat, and a faint numbness, like an electric current shooting through her deep fascia, almost making her jump off the bed.

"Bear with it."

Kuroha's voice was low and steady, his fingers not easing up in the slightest. In fact, they moved with a special rhythm—kneading, pushing, guiding—as though coaxing something out.

"Your power increased too much in a short time. Your body hasn't had time to adapt. Meridians are blocked, blood and energy are stagnant. I'm forcing your body to actively adjust to the sudden surge in strength."

His fingertips seemed to carry a penetrating force, each press striking exactly at the distorted, chaotic nodes in her body caused by that power spike.

These trouble spots, usually hidden by the "I feel great" illusion, had nowhere to hide under Body and Breath Perception and precise massage.

Buzz—!

When Kuroha's palm pressed down again—

A wave of intense sensation exploded from the spot, as if her meridians themselves were groaning with awareness.

"Mmhhn~!"

The cherry-haired girl gasped sharply, making a sound so ambiguous it was impossible to tell if it came from pain or pleasure.

She could feel, clearly, that wherever Kuroha's fingers went, those stiff, heavy, faintly aching areas were being forcibly "opened up" with a tearing release.

It hurt, yet felt strange—like a blocked river being dredged, stagnant currents starting to loosen and flow.

Sakura Chiyono O knew this was for her own good…

…but it was still way too embarrassing!

Poof!

Thus appeared the exact same "bury head under blanket" tactic that Fujimasa March and Inari One had once used.

Maruzensky stood to the side, arms crossed, watching intently.

This massage technique and precision…

As expected, truly impressive… she thought with a smile.

It made sense—any trainer capable of teaching an Uma Musume to awaken the power of a Domain was bound to have other special abilities as well.

"Ara~ Chiyo-O-chan's expressions are so rich. Kuroha-trainer's touch is a rare experience—you should savor it~"

"M-Maru… Maruzensky-senpai!"

The girl's voice came out muffled from under the blanket, tinged with tears and shame. "Th-this… this isn't something to enjoy…"

Time passed slowly, caught between "torment" and miraculous results.

From her feet to her calves, from her thighs to her waist and abdomen—

By the time Kuroha finally stopped and withdrew his hands, Sakura Chiyono O was limp like a puddle of mud, lying flat on the bed. Sweat had soaked her cherry-colored hair tips and thin clothing, and her breathing was heavy.

Her face was still red, but her eyes were dazed, almost disbelieving.

"I-Is… is it over?"

She tried moving her fingers, then cautiously lifted her legs. No special sensation—just a strange full-body feeling…

Thump!

"Uuh~"

The girl clutched her head—not in pain, but reacting instinctively—then looked up at Kuroha in faint protest.

He withdrew his hand calmly.

"With intuition that dull, you couldn't even detect the hidden problems in your own body. Did you really think you'd sense other changes?"

"I…"

Her cheeks stayed flushed, and the stubborn determination she'd shown earlier about not giving up the Derby was gone. She'd returned to being the soft, neighborly little horse girl.

"I just… feel a bit tired, and… a little comfortable?"

The instant she said it, she regretted it.

What do you mean 'a little comfortable'?! That sounds so wrong!

Her face burned hotter, but before she could explain further, Kuroha chuckled.

"Of course. With your bones loosened and your energy and blood flowing freely, you'll feel light all over. Feeling good is a normal reaction."

"But…"

His tone turned serious.

"All I've done is speed up your body's ability to adapt, to help you handle the power surge faster.

It will still take time, training, and recovery. You'd better talk to your primary trainer about it.

For now, cut down the training intensity—focus on restorative work and plenty of rest."

Sakura Chiyono O let out a defeated whimper.

"…I understand."

"Ara ara~"

Maruzensky finally laughed, breaking the heavy air. She stepped forward and teasingly rubbed Chiyo-O's drooping horse ears.

"Alright, alright, Kuroha-trainer's right. You're just too dull sometimes, Chiyo-O-chan! But it's fine—you've got an expert here, don't you?"

Maruzensky was convinced bringing Chiyo-O here today had been the best decision she could've made.

"Not exactly an expert…" Kuroha replied helplessly, then waved to the girl.

"Get dressed. We're heading to the training track to see how well you've recovered."

"Send me your trainer's contact info, too—I'll explain it directly to her…"

Halfway through, he paused.

Right—he was still only a local trainer. Giving orders to a Central trainer wouldn't hold much weight. So, he turned to Maruzensky.

"I'll need you to handle that part."

Maruzensky nodded without hesitation.

"Leave it to me! For Chiyo-O-chan, I'll help however I can."

The three of them headed to a nearby training track.

It was afternoon training time, and many Uma Musume were already hard at work under the sun.

Thankfully, Sakura Chiyono O wasn't wearing her Central Tracen Academy uniform today—otherwise, she would have drawn all the Ōi girls' attention instantly.

They stopped by the trackside.

"Ōi's track is basically all dirt—so make do."

"This training isn't about running faster—it's about letting your body adapt to its power. Just run at your usual cruising speed."

Kuroha switched into training mode immediately, his presence naturally commanding respect.

Sakura Chiyono O instinctively stood at attention.

"Yes, Trainer!"

[Uma Musume Registered: Sakura Chiyono O (Temporary)]

Sakura Chiyono O

Track Aptitude: Turf A / Dirt G

Distance Aptitude: Short E / Mile A / Medium A / Long E

Running Style Aptitude: Front Runner B / Pace Chaser A / Late Surger F / End Closer G

Unique Skill: Beyond the Dream of Sakura Lv. 2

Domain: None

Skills: Spring Girl, Prepared for Overtake, Medium Distance Cornering, Corner Acceleration, Frontline Trick

Speed: 714 / Stamina: 621 / Power: 554 / Gut: 464 / Wit: 517

(End of Chapter)

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