The way Uma Musume looks at me is so scary!

In a dark, unknown corner of Kasamatsu Tressen, everyone except Xiu Xingmeng gathered there by chance.

As if they were imitating some kind of ritual, they covered their heads with thick black robes, hiding their faces in shadows and making them look incredibly mysterious.

"The Japanese derby is coming soon, but seeing A-Meng training like this every day, I don't know why, but I always feel a little uneasy."

One of the figures, a black-robed man with a noticeably protruding belly, spoke up. His identity was self-evident; he was none other than Principal Haibara.

"The best thing is to have a balance between work and rest. Every summer, Central Tresson organizes its female racehorses to train at the beach, which allows them to relax and exercise at the beach."

"It's a pity we don't have that capability."

A young man in black robes standing next to Haibara Kotaro said with some trouble in his eyes. It was not hard to tell from his familiarity with Central Treson that this person was Kitahara Yutaka.

"If there are no conditions, then create them. Even Meng defeated that Golden Master with her own strength. Are we, as teachers, just going to sit idly by?!"

"With the prize money from everyone's previous wins, plus the money A-Meng donated to the school, and the spontaneous sponsorship from all the enthusiastic spectators in Kasamatsu, can't we even organize a trip?"

"The Japanese derby is just around the corner, and we must take it seriously."

Another figure in black robes stepped forward and spoke, pointing to another figure in black robes huddled idly to the side.

"Sato! Take your car and go buy supplies right away. We can't let Amu stay so tense any longer. We need to let her relax a bit before the Japanese derby starts."

After speaking to Takeru Satoh, Chizuru Haibara immediately grabbed Kotarou Haibara and Yuzuru Kitahara and stormed off, seemingly to find a place nearby for a relaxing outing.

After all the teachers left, the remaining racehorse girls looked at each other, and one of them helplessly shrugged and said...

"So why are we dressed like this?"

Hearing her question, a figure noticeably shorter than the other racehorse girls said with a hint of smugness.

"Because it's cool!"

The speaker was none other than Golden Ship, known for her playfulness and mischief. Upon hearing that everyone was going to talk about Xiu Xingmeng's recent condition, she volunteered and pulled out a bunch of large black robes from who-knows-where and handed them to everyone.

Everyone treated it as if they were coaxing a child and didn't refuse, which led to the rather mysterious scene just now.

"If there's nothing else, the meeting is adjourned. It's my turn to be on duty today."

Just after Golden Ship finished speaking, another racehorse girl who clearly stood out from the crowd raised her hand and said, "As the largest racehorse girl among them, Nishimoto Musashi's identity is so obvious that it doesn't even need to be guessed."

Just as everyone was about to leave, one of the racehorse girls casually remarked something.

"Chizuru-nee said she's going on a trip. Does that mean we're going to the beach too? What kind of swimsuit will A-Meng wear?"

Perhaps influenced by the loose black robe, the racehorse girl unconsciously uttered her innermost thoughts.

As soon as the words were spoken, the scene fell silent, and all the racehorse girls stopped in their tracks.

Apart from Golden Ship and West Birch, the height difference among the horse girls present was not significant, and with the addition of the wide black robes, they were even less distinguishable from each other.

Therefore, it was impossible to determine who said the previous sentence. Perhaps after listening carefully to a few more sentences and analyzing them, it would be possible to identify them, but the horse racing girls present inexplicably and tacitly ignored this possibility.

"As for A-Meng, I think she'll wear a more conservative swimsuit, something like a racing swimsuit?"

After a moment of silence, one of the horse racers spoke first.

"A racing swimsuit? It looks pretty good. It has that... well, let's just say it has that... sharp and clean feel to it?"

"It's less about being decisive and more about being straightforward. I said many things even though I knew I would regret them later."

"But for some reason, I always feel that Ah Meng has a kind of gentle feeling. Maybe she would look good in a plain white two-piece swimsuit."

Before they knew it, the racehorse girls had started discussing among themselves. In this environment where no one knew who was who, some topics that would normally be impossible to discuss became possible.

"I think red is better! Isn't it cool that A-Meng's ribbon and cape look like a shooting star on the field? Like a red comet or something!"

"A kid who doesn't know anything! Red looks sharp and cool on the field, but it feels completely different on a swimsuit!"

Gradually, the discussion among the horse racing girls became more and more intense, and even Golden Ship, who wanted to interrupt, was refuted after being lightly chopped in the hand.

Ultimately, unable to convince each other, the racehorse girls had to temporarily stop arguing, and the scene returned to its previous silence.

Just then, the Golden Ship, who had just been knocked on the head, raised his hand and said.

"Since neither of us can convince the other, let's prove it with facts!"

All eyes were drawn to the golden ship, and she, feeling she had once again displayed her extraordinary wisdom, proudly announced with her hands on her hips.

"Everyone just needs to create their own swimsuit based on the image of what Ah Meng would wear, and then it will be clear who truly understands Ah Meng!"

The moment the Golden Ship finished speaking, the scene instantly went from silence to excitement. The horse racing girls left, eager to prove themselves the ones who truly understood Embroidered Star Dream during the upcoming trip.

Finally, after watching the whole scene, Xiyuan Pasture could only pat the head of the still smug Golden Ship before leaving.

Because her figure was too obvious, she did not participate in the previous discussions, but that does not mean she did not want to participate in this selection process that best understands Xiu Xingmeng.

"I noticed when A-Meng helped with farm work before. She's the kind of good girl who doesn't complain even when things are hard, so I'm confident!"

With the departure of Xiyuan Mucao, who had made up her mind, only the still smug Golden Ship remained on the field, completely unaware of what she had just said.

Chapter 103 Failed Exit

Two days later, when Xiu Xingmeng was stuffed into the car with a blank look on her face, she finally learned about this. She really didn't expect that even though Kasamatsu Tresson was so poor, he could still organize a spring outing.

Oh wait, it's already May, it should be called summer vacation now. Are they trying to emulate the summer training at the beach in Central Treisen?

Xiu Xingmeng shook her head, looking at the scenery passing by outside the window and thinking to herself.

However, she actually never participated in the summer training at Central Tereson. In the real world, the summer training had already ended when she was admitted to Tereson. In the first scenario world, she didn't even last until summer and collapsed prematurely at the Satsuki Awards.

"Could this be my first time participating in this kind of event?"

Xiu Xingmeng unconsciously began to look forward to it. She had heard about the summer training at the beach in Central Treson before, but she never expected that she would actually be able to experience it first in Kasamatsu Treson.

Moreover, the thought that this might be the last time she and Kasamatsu had a group activity together made Hidehoshi Yume cherish it even more. She was determined to create beautiful memories with everyone at the beach this time.

Meanwhile, in front of Kasamatsu School, a number of racehorse girls were also eager to compete. With the Hidehoshi Dream Contestant Championship about to begin, they glared at each other with dissatisfaction, snorted, and turned away, waiting for Sato Takeru to pick them up in his car.

There was no other way. After all, the old, beat-up truck only had seven seats. After cramming in a few more teachers and Xiu Xingmeng, and carrying the prepared supplies, there simply wasn't enough room for any more people. The group of horse racing girls could only wait for Sato Takeru to drive back to Kasamatsu and then take the second vehicle to their destination.

But they forgot.

Kasamatsu is located in Gifu Prefecture, which is an inland prefecture. The nearest point to the sea is about 70 kilometers away. Even if Takeru Satoh is a highly skilled driver, it would be impossible for him to make a round trip in such a short time.

But with their fighting spirit already ignited, they couldn't think about anything else. In their anxious wait, the image of the second-hand truck they had been hoping for gradually appeared before them.

Without saying much, the pre-race trash talk was over. If we were to use a racetrack as an example, then the people sitting in the cars now were like those who had entered a gate, ready to win the race.

Sato Shin, driving in the driver's seat, frowned in confusion, glancing at the air vents from time to time, wondering if he had turned the air conditioning up too high, which was why he felt so cold.

But since no matter how he tried to adjust it, it was no use, he had no choice but to drive to his destination in such a cold environment.

Before long, Takeru Satoh led the horse girls to their designated destination. The horse girls, who had been competing with each other in the car and hadn't paid attention to the changes outside the window, got off the car at this moment.

But when they got off the bus, they were stunned.

Sunlight shone on the leaves of the trees in the forest, creating patches of light that were divided into small, dappled patterns on the lush, green canopy. The golden ship could even hear birdsong coming from the woods.

Not far ahead, a crystal-clear stream flowed gently between the rocks, the smooth stones lazily basking in the warm sunlight. Xiu Xingmeng, with her trousers rolled up, was leisurely paddling in the water with her feet.

Hearing the noise, she looked back and saw a horse racer looking dumbfounded. She said with some confusion.

What are you all so shocked about?

Upon hearing this, Minamino Sumire, whose original plan had been completely shattered, subconsciously responded.

"We thought we were going to the beach..."

Saddler Rinne added.

"And the swimsuits are all ready..."

Upon hearing this, Xiu Xingmeng nodded in agreement, then helplessly shrugged and said...

"There's no other way. The beach is too far away, and the school doesn't have the money to book hotel rooms by the beach for such a large group of us, so we have to choose a place closer to us to play."

"Look, the principal and the others have prepared all the ingredients. We can start grilling the meat soon."

As she spoke, Xiu Xingmeng pointed to Haibara Koutarou, who was applying oil to the barbecue grill not far away.

Although it wasn't the legendary summer training at the beach, it was still pretty good. Xiu Xingmeng had experience with barbecues and spring outings in the mountains and forests in her previous life, so she had some experience that could help.

But Minamino Sumire and the others couldn't accept it so easily.

They had put a lot of effort into matching the swimsuits they envisioned for the Embroidered Dream competition these past two days. They were fully prepared to win the Embroidered Dream Understanding Contest, but just as they were about to break through the gates, they were suddenly notified that the competition was canceled.

They immediately turned it into a barbecue party.

Who could accept this?!

Seeing the group suddenly looking listless for some reason, Xiu Xingmeng asked in confusion.

"The principal and the others said this was a surprise specially prepared for me. Shouldn't you have known about it beforehand?"

Faced with Xiu Xingmeng's question, the racehorse girls were speechless. They couldn't very well say that they had been busy choosing swimsuits and competing with each other for the past two days and hadn't asked the teachers about their travel destination at all.

Just then, Golden Ship, who had just failed in his attempt to catch a bird, patted the leaves off his shoulder, stood next to Embroidered Star Dream, and said with a weathered and profound expression.

"Humans always repeat the same mistakes."

Xiu Xingmeng raised her head and looked at the deep-set Golden Ship, speechless.

"Aren't we horse racers?"

"Really? I forgot!"

"When you speak, why don't you touch the horse ears on your head?"

Xiu Xingmeng shook her head, ignoring the golden boat that had gone off to play, and stared blankly at the babbling brook at her feet, resting her cheek on her hand.

Although it is very likely that this will be the last time she and everyone from Kasamatsu will have a group activity, Hidehoshi still can't figure out what she should do to make it a wonderful memory.

Are we having a barbecue for everyone?

Xiu Xingmeng glanced at Principal Haibara and Kitahara, who were busy at work, and she felt that if she went over now, she would definitely be pushed out.

Or perhaps we could try to catch fish in this stream using the racehorse girl's reflexes?

Xiu Xingmeng looked down at her wobbling toes beneath the clear water. Even if there were fish in the stream, she couldn't catch them and bring them to the back for everyone to eat.

Still unsure of what she should do, Xiu Xingmeng subconsciously recalled the memories of these days with everyone in Kasamatsu Tresen.

Whether it's the daily playful banter, being dragged to the city by Minamino Sumire and the others, helping Nishimoto Musashi harvest rice, or going to the shrine to pay New Year's respects with everyone on New Year's Day, it seems like she's always been being pushed around, except for the initial debut battle where she inspired everyone.

Just as Xiu Xingmeng was feeling sentimental that it was everyone who had left her with these memories, the horse racing girls, who had recovered, began to quietly formulate new plans.

Chapter 104 Maturity

Just as the horse racing girls were secretly carrying out their plan, Chizuru Haibara, who was also somewhat idle, discovered Yume Hideaki swinging her legs in the water.

She hesitated for a moment, but quickly made up her mind and walked towards Xiuxingmeng.

"Are you thinking about the Japanese derby? Since we're out having fun, why not put those things behind us and just have a good time?"

Upon hearing the voice, Xiu Xingmeng's ears twitched. She turned around, saw it was Haibara Chizuru, and smiled in response.

"How can a trainer tell a racehorse not to think about the races? That's really irresponsible of him."

Faced with this obvious joke, Haibara Chizuru hesitated for a moment for some reason before sitting down next to Xiuxing Meng and speaking.

"Maybe I really am an incompetent trainer, I don't even have the confidence to take responsibility."

Haibara Chizuru was referring to events before the Satsuki Sho, where she was misled by the power of the Golden Master and chose to have Hideyuki avoid the battle.

It wasn't until she actually watched the Satsuki Sho that Chizuru Haibara finally realized how pathetic she had been in the past. As a trainer, she not only failed to motivate the racehorse girls, but she even took the initiative to back down.

This trip may also be partly due to Chizuru Haibara's desire to make amends.

However, Chizuru Haibara did not expect that after hearing these words, Hideyuki would actually comfort her.

"That's the rational choice. After all, you know my basic abilities are no match for a Gold Master. If there's only one chance to win, the Japanese derby is definitely better."

"How could a trainer who can lead racehorses to victory be incompetent?"

As she spoke, Xiu Xingmeng even pointed to herself in a self-deprecating manner.

"It's me who's been too willful. I kept saying I'd use reason to win, but I always let my emotions get the better of me, making the races harder. It must be driving my horse-girl crazy."

Upon hearing this, Chizuru Haibara couldn't help but raise the corners of her mouth.

She had also heard from the horse racing girls that Xiu Xingmeng had actually gone to persuade her formidable rival, the Golden Master, and had deliberately increased the difficulty of the Japanese derby.

"You know you're putting yourself under too much pressure? Then why did you do it in the first place?"

Upon hearing Haibara Chizuru's words, Hideyuki thought for a moment and found it difficult to accurately describe her state of mind at that time, so she could only shrug and say...

"Perhaps there is some kind of connection between the horse girls."