Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Bamboo Memory's story
7 scenes, 401 lines
1. DESTINY CALLS, Meeting Bamboo Memory!
53 linesThe orientations for new trainers are taking up a lot more time than I expected... I'm reading through a manual as I walk when suddenly...
WATCH OUUUT!
Huh?!
Eep! Sorry, Trainer!
I stand there stunned as a student barrels past, missing me by an inch. If I hadn't stopped... Gulp...
ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?! You've gotta keep your eyes on where you're going. You could've got seriously hurt!
Yeah, you're right. Sorry about that, um...
Bamboo Memory! Tracen's one and only... Disciplinary Committee Chair!
From now on, don't walk while distracted, and watch out for other pedestrians! Let's keep the halls safe for everyone to use, okay? Bamboo, out!
With that, she tears away down the corridor. I guess the rule to "always run in the halls" is real, after all.
Bamboo Memory, though...
If I'm remembering right, she's a pre-debut student. Seeing as she helped me and all, I make a note to check out her running some time.
And that "some time" comes just a few days later. After the day's classroom lessons, I spot Bamboo Memory doing warm-ups by the tracks.
Sweet, looks like I'm good to go! Thanks for another perfect stretch session, Instructor!
No, thank you for always taking your warm-ups so seriously. Now then, I'm going to go help the others. Take care not to over-exert yourself.
Unlike us personal trainers, Tracen's instructors direct group lessons. Unfortunately, this means they have less time to devote to individuals.
After checking up on Bamboo Memory, the instructor moves on to another racer.
...Twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty! One down, eight sets to go!
This kind of fitness training is dull and repetitive, but she vigorously works through her routine without a single complaint.
(What a model student...)
A lot of the Umamusume here are so passionate about running, they gloss over the boring stuff like this. It's impressive to see a runner taking the basics this seriously.
Huff... Huff...
After her stretches and warm-ups, Bamboo Memory hits the dirt track.
(Those powerful strides are perfect for dirt! But...)
C'mon, go!
There's something about her... like her eyes are fixed on something far, far away.
Bamboo, it's about time for me to take the equipment back. It's getting late, so please wrap up your run.
Of course, Instructor! Do you have a minute to check one thing first, though?
Certainly. What is it?
I'd like to try going full speed on the turf for a lap! I'm in great shape today, and my nails are fine, see?
...Yes, they do appear to be in good condition. That said, I'm not a personal trainer, so I'm only qualified to give general advice. Is that all right?
ABSOLUTELY! I would appreciate any feedback a ton! ALL RIGHT! Look out, turf, here I come!
Huff... Huff...
Bamboo Memory flies down the turf track with light, but powerful steps. She's so fast!
(Turf suits her better than dirt!)
Way better. She's so clearly geared for turf, I'm confused why they've got her training for dirt.
Instructor! Take a look at my feet! My nails are completely fine, not even a crack!
That means they're strong enough for the Tracen Meet, right?! I can enter one of the turf races, right?!
The Tracen Meet is a large academy-wide event held twice a year. The big draw is that all students are welcome to enter all races.
It's an opportunity for pre-debut Umamusume to run with more experienced students, and it attracts a good amount of attention from racing fans.
...I won't stop you if your heart's set on it, but I wouldn't advise it. You know that your nails are weaker than others'.
But, but they're in such good condition now!
Because dirt puts less strain on them, compared to turf. If you switched tracks, your feet would require constant attention and care.
As much as I wish I could provide that level of guidance... I have a responsibility to guide all the students in my class, not just you.
Ultimately, it's your decision, but... I would recommend focusing on building up muscles for now, and leave the transition to turf until after you've debuted.
...Understood. Then just for now, just for now, I'll stick it out on dirt for a little longer and see how things go.
But I haven't given up on the Tracen Meet yet! I still wanna run a turf race, so... sorry, Instructor!
...Quite all right. Just promise that you won't push yourself too hard. Speaking of which, let's pack things up for today!
Roger that!
I'd imagine this situation is fairly common. A lot of the high-profile races in Japan are for turf, so racers have more opportunities there than on dirt.
Bamboo Memory almost seems more focused on the Tracen Meet than turf itself, though...
If she wanted to build up her legs for a long-term career, then I'd agree with her instructor, there's no need to risk turf this early.
Which leads me to think, there's more to this. There's something she's after, but I spend the rest of the day stumped as to what it could be.
2. SPARK, A Promise Stokes Passion's Flames!
64 linesstring
I wake up unusually early, but my morning brain can't come up with anything to do, so I just head to my office early. On the way there, though...
OH! You're the trainer I met in the hallway the other day! This is sudden, but are you free right now?
If you wouldn't mind, could you help me with my morning practice? I know this is out of nowhere, but please!
She's working this hard first thing in the morning, and I am free, so I let her sweep me into an impromptu training session.
HAAAH! Get fired up for the red-hot training routine! Step five!
Push those limits! Unleash a storm of squats!
TYAAAAAH! Get that blood boiling for a red-hot step ten!
Now make those muscles burn, we're doing hyper-galactic knee-ups!
DRAAAAH! The fire's still blazing strong! Red-hot routine, STEP FIFTEEEEN!
R-real quick, can I ask what all the "red-hot" stuff is about?
Oh, I'm glad you asked! It's a workout my dad taught me to get pumped up for the day!
He calls it the "X-TREME RED-HOT ROUTINE!" What do you think? Super cool, right?!
Wait, is your dad a trainer by any chance?
Nope, not quite! He used to do kendo, but now he teaches kendo classes for elementary schoolers. Running's a bit out of his wheelhouse.
That didn't stop him, though. Back in preschool, I was super weak and a total scaredy cat, but Dad worked hard to train me into who I am now.
He did all kinds of research on racing and took me out to run every single day. I love him so much, and I've always wanted to grow up to be just like him!
...And there he stood. I was face-to-face with my old rival! We both made it to nationals, and to the final match of the tournament!
A-and then what?! What happened next?!
A beam of light lit up the bamboo blade we once vowed upon, then, oops, it looks like break time's over! The rest will have to wait until you've finished your own red-hot training arc! C'mon!
Get that blood boiling for a red-hot step ten! ...And done! Huff... Huff...
Impressive. You wanted to hear the story, but you grit your teeth and finished training first! Good self-discipline is a powerful ally to any athlete!
If you keep working toward your goals a little each day, I promise, you will face rivals and tournaments just as exciting as mine!
Yeah! I can be super patient, and I'll practice every day! And then... I'll be super strong like you, Dad!
I loved hearing Dad's wild stories about kendo, his friendship with his rivals, and all the competitions they went to. They filled me with so much inspiration!
That's why I enrolled in Tracen, so I could experience it all myself! Meeting life-changing rivals... and challenging them to passionate, red-hot duels!
That's a nice dream to work towards.
YEAH! And the thing is, I'm...
Ack, it's already been this long? Sorry, I gotta get back to the routine!
We wrap up the break and I supervise the rest of her warm-up. When we finish, the sun's fully up and other Umamusume are starting their morning training.
Um, if you've still got time, I'd appreciate a spotter for a lap around the turf track. How about it? Can you watch?!
...Um, would that put strain on your nails?
HUH?! How do you know about that?!
Sorry, I overheard your instructor yesterday.
Bamboo Memory definitely has a talent for turf. I'm sure training on dirt for now wouldn't prevent her from switching down the line. There's no rush.
I tell her that, and I also pose the question that's been on my mind: why is she so fixated on running turf at the Tracen Meet?
Oh, that? Don't worry, it's actually pretty simple! I want...
(Whoooosh!)
Bamboo Memory's train of thought is cut off by something, someone rushing past like a blast of wind.
Dirt blows at our feet as we stand frozen, looking over the fence to see a racer glide smoothly over the neighboring lane's dew-tipped turf.
Oguri!
...
Hah!
Bamboo?!
As though to race Oguri Cap, Bamboo Memory takes off down the dirt track.
Huff, huff... Tch!
Try as she may, though, hitting high speeds on dirt takes more work than on turf. Oguri Cap's lead grows and grows...
Despite the massive gap between them, Bamboo Memory continues charging after Oguri Cap, running the full track.
Hey, uh... Sorry I took off like that without answering your question. See, that runner just now...
She's the reason you want to run turf?
Ah, you could tell? I mean, Oguri's amazing, right? She's so fast!
The first time I saw her run, just bam! I knew then and there, she was the rival I was looking for.
...I'm sure of it. She's my destiny.
I want to challenge her! I want to overtake her! Even now, I wanna run with her so bad, you have no idea!
So I've gotta switch tracks! Oguri's scheduled to run in the 1,600-meter turf race at the Tracen Meet, so I wanna face her there!
I know that my nails are fragile, and I understand why my instructor wants me to stick to dirt. I do trust her opinion, and I'm trying to follow all her advice, but...
It's just, I can't help it. My head understands, but my heart wants to run. Ever since meeting Oguri, I can tell, she's a part of my story!
...!
I can feel her passion. I know in my heart that nothing will stop Bamboo Memory now. She looks like a model student on the surface, but deep down, running's the only thing on her mind.
I wish I could see what inspires her so... And my curiosity won't smoulder away until I'm at her side, experiencing it all with her.
It's too late to go back, I'm already part of Bamboo Memory's story too.
3. DREAM ON, Show 'Em What You've Got!
58 linesThe next day, I purposely get up early and head to the grounds. I've got a plan.
Hmm... Much as I'd rather not, maybe I should skip the turf today. But then again, I wouldn't want to cut my practice session this short...
Bamboo!
Huh? You're that trainer! What are you doing here? Did you wake up early again?
I wanted to ask you... Would you let me help with your nail care?
Really?! I-I mean, you would do that? We just met the other day!
I want to see you compete on turf.
Me, compete on turf... Do you think I'll really be able to go toe-to-toe with Oguri?
I look her straight in the eyes, then nod. I'll handle all the checks and maintenance.
Gasp! Then I'll work as hard as I possibly can! Assuming that's all right with you, of course!
I can't wait to start practicing with you! And I swear, I'll bring you victory!
Later, after her classes, Bamboo Memory and I meet up to discuss our plans.
So basically, I can train, but foot care comes first! ...Or something like that?
Yeah, better safe than sorry.
There's a good reason she's been practicing on dirt. It's more difficult to gain speed on dirt, so it puts less strain on her feet.
On the other hand, it is easier to run faster on turf, but the tradeoff is that it puts more strain on the feet.
With how brittle her nails are, I can't switch Bamboo entirely to turf yet. We're going to take the transition gradually and focus on strengthening her nails first.
Gotcha! I mean, you know I'd love to get out there and run this instant, but still!
Learning to take care of my nails is still learning! I promise, I'll follow all your instructions to a tee!
It's a new day, and...
Whoa, Trainer! What's with the cutesy little bottles?
I got you some cuticle oil and top coat!
...Cuticle? Oh, is that the stuff for nails? Those'll make them stronger, right? Are you gonna teach me how they work?!
Yep, we're doing a lesson on nail care today!
Racers need to be in tip-top condition. I'm going to show her how to moisturize and shield her nails so she can keep them in good shape.
All right, sounds good! But just so you know, I've never done pedicures or even painted my nails before.
So please, explain it all in extra detail! I wanna make sure I can do it myself too!
And on yet another day...
We're turning up the heat with this one! Red-hot routine, step twenty! Lightspeed Launches and Falcon Swoop Sweeerves! ...And done!
Nice work!
Thanks, Trainer! The new-and-improved red-hot routine you made is working great!
The original workout was good already, so I just tailored it to racing.
Yeah! I can tell, the steps are new, but it's still got Dad's style! It really gets you pumped to work out!
The only critique I've got is that I kiiinda wish there were more laps on the track.
I know, but self-discipline is worth practicing too.
True! Heheh, Dad says that a lot too.
"You've gotta take red-hot breaks to stay in red-hot shape!" ...So I'm gonna rest harder than ANYONE!
Days later, I catch Bamboo Memory gazing wistfully at the Umamusume training on the track.
...Do you want to run more?
Well, yeah. Deep down, I'm feeling pretty restless!
But you gave me your word. You promised that you'd get me ready for turf, and I know you meant it.
So I'll trust your judgment. 'Cause a good athlete never loses faith in those they trust! Dad taught me better than to give up hope now!
...Thanks.
Wait, why're you thanking me?! I'm the one who should be grateful for all you do!
Oh, speaking of which! Remember the cuticle oil you got me? I'm almost out, so could you tell me where you got it?
Y-yeah, sure!
I'm at a bit of a loss for words. It's surprisingly hard to get students to maintain routines outside lessons. Most would've forgotten the tedious maintenance stuff by now...
The drugstore? Gotcha! I'll zip over and restock, so leave the nail care stuff to me!
It hasn't even been that long since we met, but Bamboo's so dedicated to everything I teach her... It just goes to show what a hard worker she is.
And most of all, it drives home just how determined she is to make her dreams come true.
We keep up our training, and several days later, around the time Bamboo opens her second bottle of cuticle oil...
Huff... Huff...
Her steps are light and smooth, and I'm pleased to see that she's cut down her time drastically from her early turf runs.
We've still gotta stay vigilant and make sure we're not putting too much strain on Bamboo's feet, but for now...
You're doing good, Bamboo!
All the effort she's been pouring into training and maintenance is paying off two-fold! If we keep this up, she's going to accomplish big things!
4. RUN, The Turf Track to Tomorrow!
58 linesHuff, huff... Well, Instructor! How'd I do?!
...I have to say, you did much better than I thought possible.
We invited the class instructor to watch a lap on turf. Bamboo was really hoping it'd reassure her that it's safe, but the instructor has a stiff, blank expression.
R-right? So, um... I know this goes against what you recommended, but still! I really think I'm in good shape to run turf at the Tracen Meet!
...That run demonstrated your strength, loud and clear. I see how passionate you are about turf. However...
I would like to hear your thoughts as well, Trainer. Are you confident that you can keep Bamboo Memory both safe and successful on turf?
I can't help but hesitate. If I switch Bamboo over too soon, it could affect the rest of her career. I know that, but... But!
She's ready. I'm confident that Bamboo can compete well on turf.
...Ah! YEAH! I'm ready! I'll be completely fine!
This is Bamboo's choice to make, not mine. She wants to run turf, so I'll do everything in my power to support that.
I see. You're a lucky one, Bamboo. It seems that you've found yourself an excellent partner.
Yeah!
With that resolved, we sign up Bamboo for the Tracen Meet's 1,600-meter turf race, the goal she's been working so hard towards.
We arrive at the Meet in pouring rain, but luckily it clears up in the afternoon.
Woooo!
(I can't say I'm surprised, but it kinda stings that Oguri didn't recognize me.)
Oguri! Good morning! Here's to a good match today!
Oh, are you running in the same race as me? Good luck.
When she leaves the track today, she's gonna know my name, I swear it.
Bang!
(Remember the plan, stick right behind Oguri! Don't jump to the lead yet, even if it seems tempting!)
(Just stay steady! Don't lose my cool! And don't forget what Trainer said!)
Bamboo Memory usually leaps ahead, but she's hanging near the back today! Is she playing things safe for her first ever turf race?
(She's right where she wants to be!)
Wait, why did you stop me? I was off to a super great start!
That's exactly why. I don't want you going full throttle right out of the gate.
Hmmm... Isn't that the best time to go all-out and shoot ahead, though? The start's when I've got the most energy!
Well, would you do your nail care like that? Splat the oil down and be done?
No way. I always do it just like my red-hot routine! Step by step, a little each da...
Oh. Wait! I've gotta take races step-by-step too, huh?
Bamboo's greatest strength is the red-hot passion she pursues her dreams with. I want her to hide it, to feint her rivals out, then blast past them at the end.
(We've been working towards this, day by day. The steady approach got me this far! So now...)
(Now I've just gotta believe! I believe in Trainer! My dreams! And myself!)
The front pack is still closely-knit as our racers begin rounding the fourth corner! They're almost at the final, oh?!
Show 'em, Bamboo!
Bamboo Memory shoots ahead on the outside! What incredible speed! She wasn't struggling on the turf, she was just biding her time!
...?!
(C'mon, c'mon! I've gotta catch her! I'm gonna reach my rival, and then surpass her!)
TYAAAAAAAH!
I'm standing just before the goal. There's a howling blast of wind as Bamboo charges past me.
And in that moment, I could have sworn Bamboo Memory was in front of Oguri Cap.
Is it Oguri? Or Bamboo?! It might be Oguri! And it is Oguri Cap, first to finish!
Bamboo Memory is second by just a nose! What a heart-pounding finish! In third, there's...
Huff... Huff... AAAAGH! I can't believe I lost!
You're... Bamboo Memory, right?
Nn? Wh-whoa! Oguri! That was some great running out there! But um, how did you know my name?
With the caster shouting it like that, it'd be hard not to remember... And... that was an amazing race. I hope to run with you again.
Of... OF COURSE! I promise, you haven't seen the last of me, Oguri!
Bamboo is her usual bright, sporty self for the rest of the Tracen Meet, but the second we get back to my office, she lets out a choked breath.
Trainer, I...
You put up an amazing fight!
Sniff... Sob! It's just, it's so, so frustrating!
We'll get her next time!
Yeah! We will! And you'll be with me as my trainer, right?!
I nod and meet her gaze. We'll take Oguri Cap down in the Twinkle Series!
The two of us have only just started our journey together, but knowing Bamboo, there'll be no shortage of red-hot battles ahead.
Well then, I'm lookin' forward to it, Trainer!
With the fire in her heart, she'll burn through any obstacles in her path.
5. DANGER, Defending Tracen's Discipline!
41 lines"Scandal at Tracen?! Not So Elite Now: Are Students Lacking Discipline?"
Wait, wait, wait, WHAAAAT?!
"The Bottomless Pit Claims Neighborhood Restaurant as Next Victim!" "Terrifying Ghostly Streaks Revealed to be High-Speed Umamusume!"
Oof, not this again...
This is the third time this month! But now it's personal, what do they mean we're "lacking discipline?!"
With more and more eyes on the Umamusume racing scene, we've had an influx of tabloids trying to capitalize on the boom.
Tracen Academy increased campus security and issued a warning to all students, so we haven't had any real problems... Though that hasn't stopped the media.
The stuff they're complaining about was just a misunderstanding, but still... As the one leading the disciplinary committee, maybe I am too lax.
We can't have that! I'm gonna double down on my disciplinary duties and keep Tracen safe!
I'm the chair, so it's my responsibility to fight off those vile tabloid villains! And fight I will!
You there! You're two seconds late to campus! That'd be a huge time loss on the track, so speed it up!
You there! Your skirt's a millimeter too short!
YOU THERE! Stay on your half of the court! You can't steal the other team's space just 'cause they're on break!
Argh, it's almost curfew! There's so many issues on campus, and so little time to solve them!
Maybe you could let some of the small things slide...
Nope, those small violations lead to bigger ones! I'll have to nip them all in the bud tomorrow!
Hang on. Why are those two leaving the dorm this late? That's dangerous, and it could lead to a real scandal! We've gotta catch them!
You there! This arcade excursion violates the Tracen Academy disciplinary code! Curfew applies to senior division too!
Yikes, the disciplinary chair?!
Now let's hurry and get back to the dorm! If you've got time to waste on delinquency, you've got time to work on your racing!
Like I don't work enough already! It's always work, work, work... You sound just like my trainer.
I have to run from dawn to dusk, and then they pile up ridiculous amounts of exercises to do on my days off... Is it such a crime to take a break?!
And then we've got the disciplinary committee nitpicking every stupid little thing... Being at Tracen is suffocating!
Su-suffocating?
But... that's no excuse to violate the rules! It doesn't matter what the problem is, delinquency isn't the answer!
It's my job to protect the rules.
Tch...
Now c'mon, we're leaving! As chair of the disciplinary committee, I can't let students stay out this late!
Trainer... Thanks for the help. I'm so sorry to have kept you past curfew...
What's eating at you?
Oh, um... I upheld the disciplinary code like I'm supposed to, but... something about that exchange felt wrong...
The stuff she said keeps echoing through my head. I know it's no excuse to be off-campus at night, but...
I think... if nothing else, you could have been more sympathetic.
Sympathetic...
I have to run from dawn to dusk, and then they pile up ridiculous amounts of exercises to do on my days off... Is it such a crime to take a break?!
Yeah... I've been shouting at people without hearing their side of the story. Both tonight... and earlier.
Now she's on track. I know Bamboo believes that the rules are "good," but that doesn't mean rule-breakers are inherently "bad."
Next time, let's try talking things over first.
Talk first, huh? ...You're right! On behalf of the committee, I'll try to encourage reform before demanding it!
Hehe, I'm glad you're here, Trainer! I never know what I'm doing, but you're always so mature.
Uraaaaah! I swear to you, I'll work hard to keep learning and growing!
6. FULL-THROTTLE, Blowing Off Steam!
62 linesTrainer! If you're free, I'd like your help with something on our day off!
Bamboo's got such a serious expression on her face, I agree to do what I can.
All right, let's do this! Today, we're getting the full student's-day-off experience!
Uhhh... Day off... experience?
Yep! Remember the other night at the arcade? I've been thinking about what those students said.
I have to run from dawn to dusk, and then they pile up ridiculous amounts of exercises to do on my days off... Is it such a crime to take a break?!
Yeah... I've been shouting at people without hearing their side of the story. Both tonight... and earlier.
You taught me that I should try being more sympathetic, so I'm giving it a go!
Today, I wanna research the things students are doing off-campus. I think that'll give me insight as to why the pair broke curfew!
You're such a hard worker.
Hehe! I just want to be a good disciplinary chair, y'know?
All righty, first up on our list is "looking at lip gloss."
WAIT?! What the heck are these colors?! Those are definitely against the dress code!
Oh boy... I get the sense I'm in for a weird deep-dive into the teenage psyche...
S-so that was Madonna's Memory...
I heard students gossiping about it being a "suuuper spicy romance," but what was that?!
The way she... A-anyways, it's definitely a bad influence on students! None of that was school-appropriate!
Why would they order the couple's special at the cafe?!
How is sharing a drink even a breaktime activity? Wouldn't they rather get their own?!
And yet, we're here trying it...
Of course! This is important research, so drink up!
After our pitstop at the cafe, we resume the whirlwind tour of teenage trends, but...
Hey, Bamboo? Are you actually enjoying this?
Enjoying this? We're not here to goof around. I'm trying to understand the student body's pastimes!
But I guess it is kinda, um... I dunno, I looked at makeup and watched a movie, but I still don't get why someone'd break curfew for stuff like this.
Does that mean I'm not sympathetic enough?
I think she might be getting too caught up in the details to see the full picture.
We're just looking at this wrong. Breaks are time to do things you enjoy.
Things... I enjoy?
Yeah, so let's go have fun!
Huh?! Wait! Wait for meee!
Hmm... So games help students get refreshed and ready for training?
The popular games don't seem to be her thing, but I've still got an idea up my sleeve.
Bamboo, let's play that one!
Kendo Blade? Whoa, they've got a kendo game?!
Press up to aim at the helmet, press the side keys to aim at the chest... Yeah, this one looks interesting! You're on, Trainer!
Nooo, you got me?! What was that smokescreen?! I couldn't see anything!
Yeah, my character's got defensive skills.
But that's not how kendo works! You can't just smoke bomb someone! That's cheating!
Maybe, but this isn't real kendo. If you wanna win, you've gotta play by the game's rules.
Mmph... The rules... The game's rules...
Challenge accepted! I'll beat you by your own rules, just you watch!
Gah?! A-again! I was just testing out the controls!
Noooooo... Gimme one more shot! I swear I'll get you this round!
...Now! HEADSHOT!
I got you! I GOT YOUUU! Did you see that?! I used skills and everything!
Even in a game, I would never lose a match of kendo!
Guess I'll have to get you back in another game, then!
Hehe, you can try all you want. Let's do a round of that game over there!
Whew... I suddenly feel tired! I haven't spent this long playing games in ages.
So, what's the verdict on downtime?
...Y'know, that was a lot of fun.
I really got in the zone and enjoyed myself. Next thing I knew, I'd forgotten all about my research and felt like my usual red-hot self again.
It's like the rush you get after winning a bout of kendo! ...And I think now I kinda get why those students needed a breather from all the serious stuff.
What I said the other day... It was definitely too harsh.
I know races and training are important, but there's more to life. I bet the two of them had other important things they wanted to do too...
And thanks to you, I was finally able to see that! I really appreciate everything you've done!
I'm... I'm gonna try talking things over with those two again. I can't promise things'll work out though...
I'm sure they will!
Hehe, y'know what? You're right!
Let's spend another day off together some time! It'll be a total blast! Okay?!
This whole snafu ended up being a really good learning experience for Bamboo, and she looks a lot happier for it!
7. EVIL AFOOT, Bamboo's On the Case!
65 linesAs per yearly tradition, it's time for Tracen's summer camp. The change of scenery has Bamboo fired up more than ever.
Get that blood boiling for an extra red-hot step ten! Feel that summer heat and ruuun!
Haaah... So, what do you think of those sand sprints?!
They were great!
Yesss! Sand takes more leg strength to run than normal tracks, but it's nice not having to worry so much about my nails.
...Hm? Those two, aren't they the ones from the arcade that one time?
Haaaaah!
Hehe! ♪ At this pace, we'll smash through the assignment early.
Yeah! We did plenty of training, so I say we wrap up and have some fun!
Heh. Breaktime is important too.
I've still got plenty of energy for another lap, though!
Huh? They still haven't come back?
No... I've been messaging them, but they haven't replied.
Hrmmm, I've got a bad feeling about this! Did they say anything about where they were going?
Not really... But this afternoon, I saw a man start a conversation with them. He was saying he could show them around some fun places in the area...
THAT'S OUR PERP!
Rest assured, the disciplinary committee is here to keep students safe! I'll go save them!
Wait! We should tell an adult first!
We're supposed to get a trainer, right? Um, I think Bamboo's trainer was...
Umm... Are you sure this is okay?
It's fiiine. No one'll notice if you're back a bit late.
Stop right there! I know what you're up to!
And you two, you're not getting off with a warning this time! C'mon, I'm taking you back!
Not the fun police... Just leave us alone!
I'm not here to take away your free time. It's just as important as running, right? I know I wouldn't want to give up my kendo time...
Huh?
I reconsidered a lot of stuff since last time. And now, I get why having time to play is so essential.
But what you're doing right now is dangerous. That man could take both racing and leisure away from you! And I can't let that happen!
W-what we do is none of your business! We're not taking orders from some jerk who doesn't even know us!
...I'll admit, I may not know much about you or your hobbies.
But even so, deep down... I know you're just like me. You wanna run, and you wanna win!
If all you cared about was having fun, you could've quit racing. But you didn't. You stuck it out through all the rigorous training!
Because you've both got dreams! You've got races you wanna win! And if you invite trouble here, all the work you've done'll go down the drain...
I won't ever let that happen!
Chairman...
Blegh, am I watching a kid's show or something? That motivational sports crap was dumb, even for a toddler.
These little ladies here already said they'd rather be out having fun. C'mon, let's go.
Hey, wait! Stop!
Let go! ...Damn it, you made me drop everything!
What are all these notes? "Tracen Elites Ditch Camp for Local Nightlife"?!
It looks like his phone's been recording everything you said... I see how it is. You're some tabloid jerk trying to stir up trouble!
You brat... Give that back!
BAMBOO!
Put your hands up! This is the police!
Just as the man starts to lunge at Bamboo for the phone, our shouts startle him just long enough for the officer to grab him. I'm so glad we made it in time...
Trainer?! And a police officer?
A student told me you three were in danger.
I'm going to take this man in for questioning. ...And you are gonna have a lot to answer for at the station!
I-I was so scared!
It's okay now! Discipline and order have been restored!
Oh, this most certainly is not okay!
Huh?
I was worried sick! I thought something happened to you!
Oh, I-I'm sorry...
Heh, who's the rule-breaker now?
Sh-shut up! I wouldn't be out here if you hadn't...
It's fine, we get it. We messed up bad, and you really were just trying to help us.
Yeah, I think we learned our lesson with this one. And, uh... you're not exactly wrong... We do have dreams.
I'm glad to hear it! Let's all keep running strong and steady towards those goals!
Following the close call, the rule-breaking pair amend their ways. Everyone puts their heart and soul into training, and into enjoying the festival and fireworks afterwards!
Mm-hm! Y'know what? "Work hard, play hard" really is the way to go!
You've gotta enjoy your downtime to the max!
Yep! I'll uphold all the rules perfectly, get plenty of rest and relaxation, and then I'll win all my races when we get home from camp!
But, uh... If I do anything dumb like the other night, don't hesitate to put me back on track.
Got it?! I'm looking forward to LOTS more red-hot training with you!