Grass Wonder's story

Excuse me. I'm sorry to intrude.

Would you happen to be a trainer at Tracen Academy?

Ah, I knew it. I believe I've seen you at school several times. I recognized your face.

Incidentally, you seem to be having some difficulties. What troubles you?

Now, that's a predicament indeed!

If you do not object, I would be pleased to guide you to the school.

Of course. I was just on my way back, and as they say, "No road is long with good company." ♪

I often come this way to buy items for my hobby, so I'm familiar with the area. Just leave everything to me.

Shall we be on our way?

Phew... We're almost there now. Tracen is only a short distance from here.

Oh my, the sun is already setting. I must have been walking too leisurely... Forgive me.

Is that right? You must have an appreciation for the fleeting nature of things.

...When the evening comes, the sky remains beautiful, its crimson hues ever-changing.

I could keep on watching forever... I'm afraid that's what kept me at such a dallying pace.

Oh, could it be?

Hehe, not to worry. It was a long walk. You must be famished.

Here, I have the perfect thing for that. May I trouble you for a bit more of your time?

If you'd like, I would be pleased to thank you by performing a Nodate.

Yes, an open-air tea ceremony. It's the elegant tradition of enjoying tea while feeling the warm sunlight and fresh air.

Tea ceremony is one of my hobbies. I made the long journey today to order matcha tea and sweets at my favorite store.

I have all the necessary items with me. What do you say?

Wonderful. ♪ Then I'll get everything ready.

How was it?

Heehee, I'm glad to hear that. ♪

The wonder and joy of tea is in its ability to satisfy both the body and soul.

Yes, since I was a child.

Tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy, Japanese dance... And a bit of the naginata polearm as well.

Hehe, they're just hobbies of mine that I take immense pleasure in indulging.

I was born in America, but both my parents dearly love Japan.

They explained the elegance of Japanese culture to me often... So I naturally came to have an interest in it.

There were fine instructors back home, so I asked my parents to let me learn all that I could.

Yes, that I do!

I owe many important lessons to it, from civility and sincerity, to consideration for others.

Though of course, I yet have much to learn.

I train every day to be polite and refined, to one day reach the Japanese ideal of Yamato Nadeshiko.

Oh... I'm sorry. I've been going on and on about myself.

Let's make our way back to the academy. ♪

Oh? You must be... the lost trainer I met the other day?

Hehehe, forgive me. I couldn't help it, that was quite a memorable day.

I presume you're here to watch the tryouts? I'll be running in the final group, so I'd be happy if you stay to see it.

Well, I must be off to get prepared. It's rather sunny today, so do take care to keep in the shade.

Ahhh! My group's up next... I-I'm so nervous!

Hahaha! Spe, you need to loosen up. Careful, or you'll turn to stone before the race starts, ya know?

Stone?! I-I won't be able to run very well like that!

It's all right, Spe. Remain calm... Stay relaxed...

Remember, "Do your best and let the heavens do the rest." You've trained with all your might for this day, have you not?

You need only trust in yourself, run true to your heart, and the outcome will surely be glorious.

Aw, Grass! Thank you!

Think nothing of it... Hm?

Ummm... El? Might I ask you to move over?

Qué? Uh, like this?

What's this about, Grass? ...Whoa!

Oh nooooo! Gosh, sorry!

Are you hurt? You should have someone check on you, to be safe.

Yeah, I will... I'm really sorry about that!

Uh, take care now...

Dios mío! She almost scared me to death!

But, Grass, that was amazing! I don't know how you could stay so calm!

Hehe, it's nothing. I'm simply glad El wasn't injured.

That's Grass Wonder, right? This is such an important day, but she's totally chill! That mindset of hers could be a killer weapon.

She's not just mentally strong... Judging from her record, she's a force to be reckoned with. No wonder she's the most anticipated in the final group.

...?! Tch!

Whoa, Grass Wonder just jumped out front! But... isn't her running kinda... strange?

I think the racer alongside her got shaky. Look at the course, it's in bad shape after that last race.

It looks like Grass Wonder ran up ahead to avoid a potential collision.

Pant, pant...

Grass Wonder's in the lead with only 200 meters to go! The competition's not far behind!

Can she stay ahead?! And the winner is...

...!

Hey, nice work, Grass! You, well...

Oh, how unfortunate! I lost it by a mere step.

But this experience will serve me well. I will endeavor to make the next race a first-place victory.

Uh, y-yeah! Let's both try real hard!

What a bummer for Grass. Without that hiccup in the middle, I bet she had the skills to pull off first place!

But that blink-of-the-eye response was brilliant. I'd love to have her on the team!

Grass!

Oh, El? What's the matter?

Training tonight? I'd be up to join you.

I think not... Today's race has taken a toll on me, so I plan on resting up.

If you'll excuse me.

...

Thank you for the sincere remarks, but I must apologize... I will have to decline your offer.

B-but why?! If there's a problem with my methods, you can tell me! I'll do anything to fix it!

I am pleased to hear such generous words. However... my mind remains unchanged.

I will not be accepting any offers from trainers right now.

I see... That's a real shame, but I hear you.

Hm? Ah, it's you...

Might you have come to scout me as well?

Yes... I'm sorry about that.

But please, don't misunderstand. It's not that I see some fault within you.

The problem lies solely within me.

That's right. Now... if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way.

Grass Wonder... What a pity. That problem she mentioned, I'm sure it's because she isn't cut out for competition.

Oh, because she's so calm and laid-back that she lacks the drive to debut and compete with others?

Geez, I guess if she herself doesn't care about winning, there's not much we can do...

Pheeew... It was really simpatico of you to run with me, Grass! I think I've about finished.

I see. It was nice spending time with you. I'll keep running a bit more.

I wish to improve my stamina with a little more training.

Huh? Why stamina? I didn't think you had any big issues in that area...

Oh, far from it... I still have quite a ways to go.

One more step... When my stamina is all but gone on the final stretch, I need to be able to push one more step forward.

Huuuuuh...

What is it, El?

Nothing much... Just, you really don't want to accept any scouting offers?

Ah, that... Haha, oh, El. How many times have you brought that up?

As you seem to forget so often, shall I write it on your forehead? "I decline."

H-h-hey, gimme a break, por favor! And would you leave my forehead outta this?!

Very well. But that's the truth of it. This discussion is over.

Hmmmm?

...You know what's funny though? The trainers are saying that you're not a competitive person.

They say you don't accept any offers 'cause you lack fighting spirit... That your calm and gentle nature isn't good for racing!

Hilarious! Hahaha! Maaan, it's amazing how much they don't get you!

Because the Grass I know...

El? If you've the spirit to speak this much, I think you can accompany me a while longer, don't you agree?

Ah, I know. How about some stretching? Here, let me help. Ready and streeeeetch...

Eep?!

I-I'm really leaving this time! If I stay any longer, I feel like I might get my joints twisted in ways that'll make a Romero Special look tame!

Adiooos!

That El sure is something.

...Now, back to stamina training.

I will not...

I will not relent a second time.

Ah... Good evening. What are you doing here at this late hour?

Hm?

I... Well, I lost track of time looking up at the night sky. Hehe, how silly of me.

But I should return to the dormitory now... Was there anything you needed of me? If not, then good night...

Oh, that... I believe I've explained before that I'd refuse...

A terrible shame though it may be, my mind is unchanged. I'm sorry.

Well... Forgive me, but it's a personal matter... That's all I can say.

Oh?

What drew you to that conclusion?

My eyes?

You understood that... just from my eyes?

...

A Yamato Nadeshiko is always modest, a soft expression coupled with a calm demeanor. She must always remain unflappable and solemn.

That is the ideal to which I strive, but...

I must confess, true serenity still eludes me. The anger I feel toward my own weakness is not so easy to quell.

I decided to run of my own volition. The path I mean to master lies on the turf. And to reach its end, to win, I cannot afford to stop running.

So... I should never have relinquished my hold on victory... no matter what the course of events.

And yet!

...I cannot.

The moment I begin to yield, the path to victory will crumble. In such a halfhearted state, I cannot in good conscience accept any offer.

Put more plainly, I'm being selfish. It is simply my preference.

My apologies, but I should leave...

What?

Again? You mean to say, you intend on trying to scout me again?

You'll wait for months until I race in the next tryouts?

Um... I...

How do I put this? Surely you can see I am... not the easiest racer to deal with.

I never compromise, and once I've made a decision, I never change my mind.

Because I was dissatisfied with my results, I've refused every offer just so I can take on the tryouts one more time.

Even knowing that, do you mean what you say? You will wait for me?

Trainer...

Hehe, are you absolutely sure? You do realize that should I keep failing to achieve victory, you'll be left without a student to train?

Well, how remarkable. What can I say to that? Hehehe.

I see you are skilled at motivating me.

Grass Wonder's going for it! She easily overtakes the lead and jumps to first!

She's ahead! What an astounding push! She's left the pack behind, Grass Wonder takes first plaaace!

You got first, Graaass!

Yes, I'm rather taken aback.

What a huge lie! You can't fool me!

Anyway, now you can debut with a clear conscience, right? Races are gonna be so much hotter! Burning hot! Scorching! Mucho calienteee!

Congrats, Grass! I'm so excited for the day we race together!

I look forward to it as well, hehe.

Thank you for coming, Trainer.

Hehe... yes. I've been waiting.

I should formally introduce myself... My name is Grass Wonder. I hope for your full guidance and support.

Please help me traverse the path I walk to its end.

Thank you for today, Trainer. I found some good tea, so I'd like to make you a cup.

Still, while I understand the need to recover after my last race, it seems a shame to shorten our training sessions to this extent.

For the past few days, we've been finishing before the sun even goes down...

Hehe, I know that, of course. I'll need a well-rested body to win... Right?

"The last drop makes the cup run over," as they say. I am always grateful for your kind consideration. ♪

Grass Wonder, please report to the student council president's office.

Oh, what could that be about?

I'm back, Trainer.

I was asked to participate in a scrimmage for the upcoming school orientation.

It will be quite an honor to show my racing to new students who hope to one day run in the Twinkle Series. ♪

I should start training immediately, oh? Is that a look of concern on your face?

Ah, that's right. I was swept up in the excitement of being selected for the race.

Well then, I will limit myself to some light running in preparation.

Please don't trouble yourself to accompany me. I'll be fine controlling my own pace.

Pant, pant, pant...

Phew... Three more laps... But faster this time!

Such incredible speed! Grass Wonder makes a huge final sprint!

And across the line! Grass Wonder takes first!

Heeey! That was awesome!

You look real nice, but inside you're a beast! You're super cool!

Heehee, what a privilege to be called a beast. ♪

Oh, Trainer. Do I have something on my face?

I really hope you race in the Twinkle Series! You gotta win, beast lady!

Don't worry, I won't fail. And when you're older, we can all race together.

Ah, Trainer.

What a coincidence, meeting you here.

I'm strolling around without a destination... Or put simply, I'm just taking a walk. I often spend my weekends doing so.

My friends like to say that I'm good at idling away time, but as an American, I find the scenery here to be a delight.

Besides, even on my days off, I grow restless if I don't get at least a little exercise.

I can enjoy the spirit of this country as I move through it... Walking is a form of entertainment for me. ♪

Still, I've seen all there is to see in this area, so I'm pondering where to go next.

Somewhere good for a walk? That would be wonderful.

I'm sure you know of some delightful areas that I'm not yet familiar with.

Hehe, I gladly accept your offer. Let's have a nice stroll, just the two of us.

To think there was a tea house tucked away so close by. I had no idea!

What a lovely slice of Japanese tradition, undisturbed by the trendy boutiques around it.

Look, so many items on the menu use my favorite ingredient, matcha. ♪

...Ah, but it may have been a mistake coming here. These sweet treats are so tempting... ahhh...

I enjoy my usual quiet walks, but today's outing has been delightfully stimulating too. You've shown me so many things.

Where shall we go next, Trainer?

An arcade? I can't say I'm very familiar with such places...

It might also not be the best place to have a calm and relaxing walk...

Something new...

That's true. In the course of our walk so far, I've made a number of such discoveries.

...All right. Since I'm on this rare walk with you, I shall trust in your advice.

It really is a lively place.

Trainer, what sort of game is this?

A game one plays by performing dance steps? It sounds not unlike a Winning Concert.

What? Who... me?

Well... I have been trained in dancing, so I suppose I might be able to...

All right, I'll do it. But please, don't laugh when you see me making a mess of things.

Um... Hm... A-ah?!

...

My winning concert experience... didn't exactly translate.

Oh, but I certainly enjoyed myself nonetheless. I even got some exercise out of it.

I didn't know there were games like this. I'm learning about many new things today.

This is yet another discovery I've made thanks to our walk together. Thank you very much for coming with me, Trainer.

I'd love it if you could join me for another walk sometime. ♪

Now, let me try this just once more...

"To speak without words"... Amazing, you understood my reasoning without the need for explanation.

Keep watching, I'm going to clear this next one.

Ohhh... This is more difficult than I anticipated.

My, are you jesting? Why, I've still barely begun to exert myself.

That's why I'm going to play one more time. For the exercise, you understand!

Good morning, Trainer.

Hehe, to train right after waking up each day, it doesn't get any better than this.

Summer camp is a valuable opportunity, and I intend to make the most of it.

I'm glad you're here with me. Let's get to work. ♪

Huff, puff... I cannot seem to... run at my best...

Trainer, I'm going to run one more lap... I'm not yet satisfied... with my results...

No, I'm fine... I can still run...

I... have to train...

...?!

Understood. Then I'll head back to my room. Good day, Trainer.

Trainer, there you are.

I'd heard there's a summer festival nearby, so I came to invite you. Would you like to join me?

Heehee, festivals are a staple of summer in Japan, so we can get an appreciation for the culture there.

I find quiet places more desirable for taking walks, but festivals have their own unique, vibrant mood.

Ah, look at this. They have whole candied watermelons. I trust you haven't spoiled your appetite?

Haha, that was merely in jest. We can still have fun without getting carried away.

Ah, look at that kitty plushie. It's adorable.

You've a good eye, miss. Care to test your skills?

You know what... Trainer, I'm going to try for it.

I did it! In a single shot, no less. ♪

What a hit! Congratulations!

Thank you! ...Now then, I still have some shots left.

Oh my, look at all these stuffed toys.

I-I'm blown away. You got every prize in one go... You some kinda hitman?

Oh, I'm nothing so sinister. I simply have a steady hand, thanks to the inner harmony I maintain. ♪

What fun we had at the festival. ♪ Even at training camp, it's vital to relax sometimes.

Hehehe, a part of me would, yes.

As you know, I don't like to yield or relent, so I've no intention of compromising on my goals.

But I'm only able to be so stubborn because I have a trainer like you to support me.

You're the only one who insists that I stop when I truly need to stop.

And I'll always run with all my heart. So, be it summer camp or whatever lies ahead, you have my complete trust.

Phew... I've finished the long-distance swimming.

I see you've incorporated some water training to keep the impact off my legs.

But... wait. Was that the last set? How strange, I still have plenty of energy to run.

Trainer, did you make a mistake with the schedule?

"To speak without words"... You always understand me better than anyone, hehe. ♪