Eishin Flash's story

Average daily minimum air temperature, minus two degrees. Average monthly sunshine hours, forty.

As indicated by the data, December in Germany is dark and cold. Simultaneously, it is a period when lights of 2,700 degrees Kelvin illuminate the night.

The holiday season is one of the most important times of year for many Germans, and is one of the busiest for my parents' cake shop.

My father would skip sleep to prepare. I remember those bloodshot eyes measuring every cup of sugar to the gram, the love and labor that went into the mix.

...A gram over. This requires a slight reduction.

To my young mind, his excessive devotion must have seemed concerning. I asked him a question which I now realize had been utterly misguided.

Papa, why do you have to be so exact? A small mistake won't make your cakes any less yummy.

Flash, listen carefully. An error of even just one gram...

...can throw everything off.

One minute, fifty-eight point one seconds. Goal achieved.

At 11:45, a five-minute break, I'm right on schedule. After that...

Whoa, look at her... That's Eishin Flash, right? Isn't she from Germany?

Yeah, it's been about a year since she came here, I think? Not that I've ever talked to her...

...

Shoot, did she hear us? L-let's go somewhere else.

...Time to start again.

Hah!

Hey, Flash, hey! A small favor to ask, super small! Come watch me perform real quick, 'kay? ♪

"Real quick." How many minutes is that?

Huh?

Smart Falcon, please be precise with your language. Approximately how many minutes and seconds is this performance scheduled to last?

C'mon! What is this, elementary school? Don't be a meanie!

That was not my intention. I've simply set a schedule for myself down to the second and don't have much time to spare.

Ah! There you go again with your schedule! You can be just a little late, right?

No, I cannot permit myself to be off my schedule by even a second. That would not be following things properly.

I have constructed a schedule that accounts for everything I do down to the second, including transit. I made it to be the perfect schedule for my improvement.

So long as I stick to it, I'll be able to achieve the proper results at tryouts.

I mean, I get that this upcoming race is a super big deal for you, but still...

A big deal? No, it's simply what I must do.

Umm... You're not pushing yourself too hard, right?

Yes, no problems here. Everything is proceeding without hindrance.

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's already five minutes and fifty-five seconds past my allotted transit time.

Please inform me of your next performance beforehand. I'll slot it into my post-tryouts schedule.

Ah, Flash!

Sigh. Well, there she goes. Now then... You there, I saw you watching! You're coming with me. ☆

I could feel your passionate gaze from a mile away. ♪ C'mon, you get to see my concert. ☆

<I>Pant, pant...</I> Break time.

Pant, pant... Break time... over.

Huff... Next is...

Huh? ...Who are you?

No, I... I'm just fine. The short break times are accounted for in my schedule.

It's 3 p.m., and my fatigue is at predicted levels. I plan to catch my breath during the thirty-minute break coming up.

Of course, I have included a certain amount of buffer time. For example, your talking to me has caused a delay of four minutes and twenty-five seconds.

No, it's all right. If I scratch my next five-minute break, I'll be back on schedule.

It's pushing my limits, I am aware. As I have an immediate goal to accomplish, my current schedule is tighter than usual.

And following it perfectly is my top priority. If I don't, I...

...It's been five minutes and forty-five seconds. I can't afford to lose any more time, so please excuse me.

I forgot to say, I appreciate you showing concern for me. I'll be going now.

Why, hello there. ☆ Have time for a quick chat?

Flash is my roommate, you see. So I know all about just how hard she's been training.

Hehe. Of course! But keep all this off the record, mkay?

So for the upcoming tryouts, her parents are apparently coming all the way from Germany to watch!

Her family runs, like, a popular cake shop, right? So they're taking time out of their super busy schedule to visit, that's why Flash is trying so hard.

At any rate, that's just about all I can say.

Mmm, my Falco senses were just telling me I should. ☆

When I saw the two of you talking, I got this feeling, maybe you'd be able to understand how amazing she is. ☆

You're curious about Flash, aren't you? Make sure you keep your eyes on her. ☆

Toi, toi, toi...

Ah... We met the other day.

It's this German good luck charm my parents taught me.

You tap your desk three times while chanting, "Toi, toi, toi." The noise wards off evil and brings good luck, supposedly.

I know it probably doesn't actually do anything, but I want to make sure everything goes according to plan tomorrow.

No, not exactly. It's just... my busy parents have made time to come watch my race tomorrow.

I have to perform my job properly and achieve perfect results, it's my duty, as their daughter.

If something goes awry, and my results are... lacking, they won't have much to be proud of.

What do you mean?

That... No, that's wrong. It makes light of discipline and reason, nothing but empty flattery.

My schedule may have pushed me a little past my limits, but I did all I needed to improve.

Slight discomfort like this is within my margin of error. Besides, today is a rest day. I'll be fully recovered by tomorrow.

No, absolutely not!

I have no plans to take tomorrow off. I've worked hard to win my race, to achieve the perfect results!

I can't deviate from my schedule now, I do things as planned until they're finished. Or else... or... else...

Everything will be... thrown off...

Warm memories cradle me in a dream. Memories of childhood, of the holidays...

After prepping the ingredients, Father bakes us a special French holiday cake. It's so sweet and...

Mmm! Papa, it's amazing! How are your cakes always so good?!

Well, that's because I follow the recipe. And not just any recipe, the perfect recipe, tested and refined time and time again.

The ingredients, baking time, even the way I use this powdered sugar, everything is predetermined. I simply go through the correct motions.

Not a gram too much or too little. Precision is what makes my cakes taste good, and it's my source of pride as a patissier.

Do you understand, Flash? Our...

...Huh? Where... am I?

Sorry, could you tell me what's happened? Why am I in the nurse's office?

I see... I must have been more fatigued than I expected.

But if it's nothing serious, I'll still be able to race tomorrow. Am I correct to assume that?

I know. I won't be able to give my best performance like this. That's what you want to say, I'm guessing.

Still, I must race tomorrow, no matter what. I... won't get a second chance.

When I left for Japan, I made a promise to my parents. I promised that one year later, they'd see how I'd grown up properly on my own.

In return, I asked for just one day of their time. They've upheld their end of the deal and found time in their busy schedules for me.

So I have to respond in kind... and show them results befitting the daughter of two meisters.

Meisters, it's a system Germany has for certifying artisans. My father worked hard to earn the title of meister and achieved his dream of opening a cake shop.

My mother was once a racer like me, but she's since retired and, after earning the same qualification, started helping my father.

One worked steadily over years and years to open his own bakery as planned. The other raced her time on the track, then immediately moved on to starting a second life.

I have nothing but respect for my parents, and just like them, I want to follow my own proper path in life.

But what exactly is that path? When I asked myself this question, I thought of my mother's racing career.

There is no greater pride for an Umamusume than racing... So I decided that I, too, would run.

I decided I would train duly day after day and place as planned in every race. Then, eventually, I would win a G1, and stand as proud as any racer could hope to.

Afterward, having achieved all my goals... I would be a daughter worthy of my parents.

Passing out was unplanned, but nothing more needs correcting beyond this point.

Even if it were my own mistakes which led to this... I can't afford to turn back now.

...My feelings, you say.

First, you said they'd be proud of my hard work, and now this, you talk only in vague emotions. I guess our minds operate on different wavelengths.

Oh, I've forgotten to thank you. You were the one who carried me here, were you not?

I... have been curious. Why do you insist on looking out for me?

...I'm sorry?

...Me? Clueless?

I've never been told that before... But considering how far I've come, I don't think I'm clueless.

...

...Right. Thank you.

Ah, Flash! You're finally back! Jeez, do you have any idea how worried I was?

...

Are you ignoring me? Hello? Flaaash?

Falcon, do I strike you as... clueless?

Uh, yeah.

...How so?

I mean, you tend to get tunnel vision, and then it's like your head doesn't have room for anything else.

Like right now, for instance. You were probably too busy thinking about how you need to get back to your dorm or whatever, so you still haven't noticed.

...Noticed what?

The nice slippers from the nurse's office you've got on. ☆

...!

Hehehe, you really had no idea! Hey, you know what would be nice? Someone to point these things out to you. ☆

...Maybe so.

Anywho, as long as you're all right, I'm happy. Get some sleep, and good luck tomorrow!

All right.

Ah...

Sigh... Toi, toi, toi.

It's time! All runners for the 1,600-meter race, please gather round!

Auf geht's!

Ah... Trainer. You came to watch.

...Thank you.

No, my performance was hardly satisfactory. The results say it all.

...We really do perceive things differently, don't we? Actually, I...

I'd... like to ask a favor of you. I'm about to meet up with my parents. Would you come with me?

Yes. Given my results, I'm not confident I'll be able to keep calm in front of them. But...

You told me before that my feelings would get across. So I, um...

...Thank you.

...

Father, Mother. It's good to see you. Thank you for upholding your end of our promise and coming to watch me race.

But I couldn't uphold mine. I wanted to show you that your daughter had grown up correctly, but I...

Flash, you did well.

Huh?

Yes, your results were not perfect, but your effort was evident. I remember how you used to get overly tense, but it's apparent you've learned to control it.

You've put in countless hours of hard work for our sake, didn't you? Just like we taught you. We are proud to call you our daughter.

Thank you for this gift, our dear Schatzi.

...!

(It's coming back to me now. That holiday eve, Father said to me...)

Flash, our dear Schatzi, you must never forget this, one reason we do not tolerate error is, of course, to ensure quality.

But there is another, more important reason. We do what we do properly, and with care, for the sake of bringing happiness to another.

To bring... happiness?

If not for this, anyone with the recipe could do our job. The meaning of our work comes from the care and love we put into it.

But those things don't add any flavor. Your recipes don't say to include them either...

Heh... Fair enough. You don't need to understand the difference now. But you will one day, when you are capable of work you are proud of.

(It was never just about winning according to plan. Everything I put into improving for their sake has led to the happiness we share now.)

(I was so terrified of throwing everything off course, but I never needed to be. There was something more important all along.)

Father, Mother, thank you. I... I tried my best.

Japanese, okay. I learned with her, so I know a little. Flash, who is this?

This is my trainer.

Or rather, the person I'd like to be my trainer. Nothing's final yet.

...?

...!

I see... Please, take good care of my daughter. Flash, work hard together.

Yes, Father!

The schedule I made was perfect, and I wasn't wrong to follow it. But...

I didn't have what it took to carry it out. I was naive and pushed myself too far.

It seems I really am clueless... I can draw a line for myself to follow, but once I step off, I don't know how to get back on.

But I now understand how important it is to have someone with a different perspective who can determine where that line is going.

Yes... And why did you agree?

Huh?! Wait, you have been?

...!

No, this can't have been planned. At least, it was never part of any of my plans.

And so, a correction is needed. From this point forward, I must race to my utmost and improve myself as a runner.

I'll work you into my schedule, and together, we'll accomplish this goal and do work we can be proud of.

Okay, our next training session is at 3 p.m. See you in six and a half hours.

Did you hear? Best Crepe is gonna be at the gates after school!

For real? That's super rare! We have to go!

Best Crepe...

It's a food truck for crepes, they don't have an actual store. Their crepes have been all the talk amongst the students for about half a year now.

The owner does things on a whim, meaning the shop can pop up at any time without warning. It's known as the "phantom crepe shop."

If those two are correct, it's coming here after school.

Not possible. We have training from 3 to 8 p.m., and there's no record of it ever staying that late.

...No, we don't need to change anything. We've set our schedule, so we should stick to it.

That's the proper way of doing things. Now then, I have class in fourteen minutes, so I should get going.

Pant, pant... Phew...

Yes, thank you.

I'll be heading out early today.

...

...Trainer.

Going by hashtagged posts on social media, it left somewhere between an hour and an hour and forty-six minutes ago.

...Best Crepe has come to the school three times now, and all three times, it hasn't fit into my schedule.

I know you're trying to be helpful, but I can't do that.

I am curious about it, but I can't let a simple curiosity throw off my perfect schedule.

Following it to the letter is what makes me stronger. So no, I can't adjust it.

...Next time, I'll try to find out when it'll be here before I make my schedule.

Well, I'm going back to my dorm. See you tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Mm. ♪

Oh, Trainer. I didn't expect to see you here.

Just taking notes on the cake shops I've visited today. They were all excellent in their own way, so I wanted to write their special traits down while it was fresh in my mind.

Well, as you know, my family runs a cake shop. Back home, I made a hobby of going around to different stores and learning about the craft.

It wasn't just about flavor. I'd check interior design, the variety of cakes offered, location, customer makeup, fifteen criteria in total.

So yes, I do like cake, but it would be more accurate to say I like cake shops.

There's still another shop on my itinerary. Well, a cafe, not a cake shop.

It's my main destination for today, the Moon Cafe. It's just around the corner two streets behind you and through the residential area, about a fifteen-minute walk.

...If you have three hours to spare.

Yes, it's a popular cafe, so at around 3:35 on a Saturday there's on average a forty-five minute line.

...I've factored the wait time into my plans, but is that all right with you?

Okay, well, let's get in line then.

...

I've decided. My favorite was the Sachertorte, a type of chocolate cake, at the fifth shop I visited.

The chocolate fondant was particularly well done. The texture was a bit firm, but it split apart just right when I bit into it.

Fondant can also be soft, but I prefer it with more of a crunch.

The tang of the Aprikose, apricot, also rounded out the flavors well.

...And that's why it was the best cake I've eaten today. Is my answer satisfactory?

We're ready to seat our next customer.

Already? ...Oh, it's been fifty-five minutes. I'd lost track of time.

...Shall we?

Let's call someone over in ten minutes. I've already decided what I'm getting, but you take your time.

Seasonal tarts are what they're known for, so I'll be getting the seasonal tart and coffee set.

...Could I see?

"An original cake from our sister store. Not announced anywhere due to short supply. If you see this, consider yourself lucky!"

I see. An original... No, I've already decided on the tart for today.

Are we ready to order?

Oh, um...

Ah...

Very good. I'll be right back with your order.

Trainer...

...Yeah.

Sorry to keep you waiting. One seasonal tart set and our one-day-only spécialité set.

The spécialité is... a chocolate and caramel two-layer cake. It's beautifully constructed, almost like an old German castle...

I'm sure it'll melt in your mouth...

Huh? Why are you slicing it in two? It'd be more even if you centered, wait, you mean half for me?

Oh, that's why you got the spécialité set? But that's your order. I couldn't...

Ah... Right, well, if you insist.

Mm! It's... rich. Each bite feels so heavy, but not to the point of being oversweet. It's...

Delicious! It tastes like glücklich... happiness.

To make it even, you can have half my tart. Hold on, I'll measure the exact center and...

No, that won't do. I've got measuring tape, so I can get it perfect.

That was delicious.

Even more so than I expected. Next time, I'll have to extend my allotted time by thirty minutes and order another item.

...And all because of an unplanned event.

I mean how we just happened to meet earlier. Without you, I wouldn't have gotten as much out of coming here.

It's just... I can't bring myself to admit that the best results depend on pure coincidence. So instead, my best course of action is...

Making plans to do another round of visiting cake shops soon... Would you like to come along?

Thank you. I'll make a note of it in my schedule.

Trainer, I have a favor to ask.

These two hours after training on this day, no, two to three hours, could we keep this time slot open?

And, just to clarify, I mean for both of us.

I have some... plans, yes. And I, um... I just need you to be there.

Would you be willing to help out?

Pant, pant...

Yes... Thank you. And, um...

You've remembered to keep two to three hours open after this... right?

Right, then please meet me at the shrine in an hour and thirty-five minutes. I need to get ready, so I'll meet you there. Bye, for now.

Right on time. I can always count on you to be punctual.

Not right now, no. Trainer, are you fond of festivals?

The summer festival's very lively, isn't it? And also... full of delicious aromas.

It was my roommate who told me that there'd be a traditional summer festival near the training camp.

I've been curious about Japanese festivals ever since coming here. And, fortunately, we had some time after training today, so...

...Well, it's not that I was trying to hide it. It's just, I wasn't sure when to tell you, and kept putting it off.

Surprised... that I'd be interested in festivals? My roommate also said as much.

Or, to give a proper quote, "You don't seem like the noisy festival-goer type."

However, in Germany we have Karnevals, which involve much more noise than this festival. They're wild fun, really.

During the event, everyone is free to laugh and get intoxicated by the festive mood, I don't mind it, actually.

And so, since summer festivals are such a wonderful part of Japanese culture, I put it in my schedule to enjoy one to the fullest. Come on then, let's go.

Did you know we have candy apples in Germany too? Holiday markets even have blue apples.

Ah... They're doing a festival dance over there. What a fascinating piece of culture.

They all look like they're having so much fun, hm? Wait, are they... waving to us? Does that mean...

Huh? T-Trainer?!

Oh no, I lost track of the time!

The fireworks will begin three minutes from now. If we don't hurry... No, the probability of making it on time is too low.

Well, you can, but according to what I found, you can't see all of them.

So, I found a better spot about ten minutes from here. If I ran at a jog, I'd probably get there in time, but...

But you...

...

I forgot my most important goal for the day.

We don't need to move. Change of plans, we'll watch the fireworks from here.

Yes, I'm sure. See, the...

Ah...

Wunderschön... It's so... beautiful.

I think this is the best spot after all. Here, I get to accomplish my initial goal...

"Having fun with you." That was my top priority for the day.

And I'm... having a lot of fun right now. Are you?

...!

Thank you. I'm happy too, properly happy.