Hishi Akebono's story

Heeey! You okaaay?

You must've had it pretty rough, huh? Well, you don't have to worry anymore. Here, drink up. ☆

Ahaha, look at you gobble it up. I'm glad I brought some homemade miso soup with me.

But what a surprise this was. I never thought I'd find a trainer from school collapsed on the beach.

I contacted the return ferry by radio just now, so don't worry. We'll both be back home in no time. ☆

Guess what, everybody! As of this morning, I'm officially over 180 centimeters tall!

To celebrate, I'm going to give this race my aaall!

Each racer has entered their gate. The Tracen Meet 1,200-meter turf race... begins!

Huff, huff, huff!

Hishi Akebono just keeps growing more and more. She's got to be the biggest Umamusume at Tracen now, right?

I believe so. And she knows how to use that big body of hers in races... I've heard lots of trainers have their eyes on her.

Graaaaah!

Passing the finish line by a huge margin, it's Hishi Akebono! She's taken first place in today's race!

Why, gathering kombu seaweed, silly! I'm buddies with the old fisherman, so he let me hitch a ride with him.

You see, the kombu seaweed here is filled with lots and lots of minerals, making it perfect for buono dashi stock!

Speaking of food, you must be starving. Why don't I throw something together for you real quick?

Sure! ☆ I brought my outdoor cooking kit with me after all. ♪ Oh, and I think I have some wild herbs too... I know! Let's make a seafood hot pot!

Just imagine all those delectable fishies soaking up all that dashi stock... My tummy's rumbling just thinking about it!

That settles it. Better get started on the fire! ☆

Ow, hot, hot! Ahaha... Starting a fire never gets any easier, huh... Ah, a crab!

Mmm! Now that smells good! Too bad I didn't bring any udon noodles to sop up the extra broth!

All right, eat up! ☆ I'm sure it tastes extra buono.

Ahaha, happy to hear it!

Is it buono?

Ehehe... I can tell from your face. I love watching people enjoy my food. If only I could find a trainer who understands that...

But when I explain that to the ones scouting me, they all look at me like I have three heads.

And because of that, I still don't have a trainer...

Ah, wait a minute! What about you? Would you like to be my trainer?

If you say yes, let's see... I'll make you miso soup eeevery single day!

Wow! Really?! Yippee! ♪

Ehehe, I'm so glad I came here today. I can't wait to start training with you!

I know! To celebrate, how about I make your favorite food? What would you like? Well? Well?

Yup, yup, these look juuust right! I bet they're super, Ah, but I shouldn't pick too many from the same spot!

Let's run over to the next mountain to forage some more! Come on, Trainer! Hurry, hurry! ♪

Hey Trainer, are you free this weekend? I want to make a hot pot sumo wrestlers eat called chanko, and I need ingredients.

I've always wanted to gather ingredients together with my trainer.

Okay, that should do it. Next stop is the sea!

Ahaha! With all those mushrooms, it's gonna be real heavy! Just leave that basket to me.

Up we go! ☆

DRAAAUGH!

Look at the size of this sea bass! Trainer, can you keep watch over the cooler? There's a lot of hungry kitty cats in the area.

Ah, I spy an even bigger fish! Come here!

Uh... Sorry, did that girl just catch a fish with her bare hands?

Yahoo! Look at this huge fish!

Oh come on, you must be seeing thi, huh? Wait, you're right... But, like, literally how?

All right, next stop is the butcher!

Yup! There's this butcher I like that sells the most scrumptious ground chicken. We can't have our hot pot without that!

It's a tad far from here, but the view on the way is totally worth it! Come on, let's gooo!

Mmm! That country air smells so good! W-wait, is that a boar?!

Awww, it is! What a cute little piggy.

...Wait, why is it getting closer?

Eep! Wh-wh-whoa! Trainer, run away!

Are you okay, Trainer?!

No, I'm more worried about you than some silly food. Besides, we can just buy extra meat instead! No worries! ♪

Huh?! They're closed?!

We missed the last bus?!

It's so early! Did they change the timetable? I swear there was a different one when we got off... I'm sorry, Trainer.

Let's see... the first bus arrives at six o'clock in the morning, so that meeeans... we have twelve hours?! For real?!

So we're camping, huh?

Oh well, these things happen! Ah, look here! I've got some canned food and rice, so why don't I make us some mixed rice? ☆

Hehe, it's not every day that we can go camping. Might as well enjoy ourselves. ♪

Wow! Look at the sky, Trainer! The stars are so pretty!

Here! Canned mackerel mixed rice, ready to eat! ☆

Doesn't that smell good? I think it turned out juuust right. And don't worry, there's plenty of leftovers, so eat your fill, okay? ♪

Ehehe, thank you. ☆

But I wouldn't be half the cook I am today without my parents. They're both amazing cooks themselves.

The soups and hot pots they make are filled with the sweetest of stocks, and their hamburgers and fried chicken are extra juicy.

Whenever people taste their food, a big smile follows each bite. It's absolutely amazing.

Seeing that, I could feel this desire well up inside me. I wanna be a racer that makes people smile too!

Huh?

How do I put this... Hmmm, you see...

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a big pot of chanko!

Today we'd like to highlight the hot pot sumo wrestlers often eat, chanko. Our guests today are former sumo wrestlers who made this dish regularly.

Chanko is something we wrestlers eat every day as a group. It fills our bellies while also giving us the energy needed to grow stronger.

But it's especially important after a hard-fought match. A satisfying meal enjoyed while surrounded by friends... Nothing gets you more ready to keep working hard than that.

W-w...

Woooow! Chanko's the best thing everrr! So that's why sumo wrestlers are so strong! They eat lots and lots of the heartiest hot pot ever!

When I grow up, I wanna be a pot of chanko! Then I'll gather everybody in the same place and get 'em ready to work hard too!

...Uh-oh. If I'm the hot pot, does that mean I can't have any?

Realizing that, I gave up on literally becoming a pot of chanko.

But even if I knew I couldn't actually be a hot pot, that special still stuck with me. I read books on the subject, made my own recipes...

And then one day, I heard something wonderful while watching a post-match interview on TV.

He was strong, all right, too strong. I can tell now that I wasn't ready for this fight, but... I still gave it everything I've got!

Mama, why is the sumo wrestler smiling? He lost, didn't he? He was crying just before...

Well... I'm sure he's proud of himself and what he managed to do.

What do you mean?

Do you remember what he said? He gave this fight everything he's got. Going up against a big, strong fighter is a lot harder than it sounds.

But he still did it. I'm sure he's very, very happy.

I get it... He's probably got a warm, full feeling in his tummy. That's... kinda like what happens when they eat chanko!

...What?

I think what little me was trying to say is that if I can go up against a strong opponent with everything I got, maybe I can become a chanko after all.

I want to be a runner that gives every race her all! That way, whether I win or lose, I'll still make people smile!

That's why I entered Tracen Academy.

Ah, hearing that must've been a bit of a surprise, huh? Well, I'm surprised too!

To be honest, I think this is the first time I ever put my thoughts into words. Obviously I knew I wanted to make people smile with my racing, but I never really thought about why.

Who would've thought a TV special could have such an effect on my running. Ahahaha!

Yawn...Finally back at school. What a trip, huh, Trainer?

Well, I've got a scrimmage today, so I should get going. Go home and get plenty of rest, okay?

Yeah. Huh? Didn't I tell you?

Today's 1,400-meter scrimmage has begun! All eyes are on Hishi Akebono and Biko Pegasus!

Huff, huff, huff!

Bono, you're really on fire today, huh? Weeell, so am I!

Hishi Akebono's the big racer over there, right? She always makes the tastiest food for everyone at the dorms.

Yeah, that's her! I knew she was huge, but next to Biko Pegasus, her size is extra obvious!

All right, the racers have entered the homestretch! In the lead is Hishi Akebono, followed closely by Biko Pegasus! Will Hishi Akebono outrun her, or will she be overtaken?!

(Huh? Why do my legs feel so heavy... Ah, right, I didn't get much sleep last night.)

Yeah, that's it all right. But so what?!

Don't worry, everybody, I'm giving this race everything I got!

And no one can overtake me when I give 100%!

First to cross the finish line is Hishi Akebono! Hishi Akebono is our winner! She managed to inch ahead for a narrow victory!

Huff, puff... Yippee!

You really are a force to be reckoned with on the track, Bono. You're such a gentle giant, I sometimes forget the giant part.

Ehehe. Well, it's a race, right? No way I could smile after a race where I didn't give it my all. Isn't that right, Biko? ♪

That's right! I know I'm in for a real fight when you're in the roster! ...But losing still hurts!

Next time, victory will be mine! I swear it!

Ah, Trainer! I thought you left to rest. You didn't have to come, but well, thank you!

That reminds me! I'm having a chanko party after this! Would you like to join us? ☆

Come and get it, everybodyyy! I promise the flavor is super-duper buono. ☆

That means you too, Trainer! I made more than enough, so be sure to eat your fill.

YUM! I could eat this all day!

Ooh, you added ginger and perilla leaves to the fish balls... And it's real good. I'm stealin' that idea!

Seein' y'all sittin' 'round the table and laughin' reminds me of home! This meal's delicious!

I-it really is... And the vegetables you used are so hard to come by.

Phew, everyone's got a bowl, right? Then it's my turn to dig iiiin!

Mmm! Freshly picked veggies really do make the best stew.

Ehehe, I sure did. I mean, the whole reason we were collecting ingredients yesterday was for this party.

After all, I wanted to give my friends a super-duper scrumptious bowl of chanko after a race.

Why? Because after giving your all, you've gotta eat buono food with your friends!

Tracen is just like a sumo dojo, Trainer! We only get stronger when we compete with everything we've got!

Arrrgh! I was right theeere! A little more, and I would've won!

Don't get too down on yourself. You showed some real guts out there. How about doing some stamina training with me?

Now that I think 'bout it, you've been really goin' at it in the mornings, Suzuka. How far are you runnin' these days?

Ummm... To the closest mountain... I think.

What?!

Hehe. ♪ I'm glad everyone's having a good time.

Trainer, Trainer, what's wrong? You're really spacing out today.

Huh? Where did that come from?

...!

Ehehe... Okay! Thank you, Trainer!

Ah, that's right! As thanks for tagging along with me yesterday, I baked you some cookies!

I baked them with lots and lots of love, so I can promise a buono taste! ♪ Say "ah"!

Mmm! That sun feels so good! The perfect day for seaweed harvesting!

By the way... That's a lot of luggage, Trainer! What exactly did you bring?

A bunch of water, a fire striker... Ah, you even brought an encyclopedia of edible plants!

Ahaha, I almost forgot how we met. I found you collapsed in this very area!

That sure did surprise me. If you hadn't woken up, I'm not sure what I would've done.

Ahaha! Oh, you charmer, you!

I wonder if the goddess you saw is as big as I am. I guess I'll have to ask around to see if anyone else has spotted a giant goddess.

Anyway, put down that stuff and... let's get going! I wanna harvest lots and lots of kombu seaweed!

The fisherman said we could grab some fish while we're at it! Trainer, you guard our baskets so the birds don't steal anything!

Trainer! Sorry for the wait!

I found some really big shellfish and fish! With these, I can make us some lunch!

That's what I brought this big earthen pot for! I'm sure it'll make it eeextra good!

Ah, no, Trainer, you can sit back and relax! You must be tired, right? Keeping watch can really wear you out.

Just wait a teeeensy bit longer. A good, hearty meal will fix you right up!

Trainer! Traaainer!

There you are! Thank goodness! What happened? Did you get lost?

Huh? Ah, wait, are you that hungry?

Well, don't you worry! I'm not just making hot pot. I'm making some skewers and grilled fish too!

It's almost done, so just wait a liiiittle bit longer, okay?

Was it good?

Well, I'm glad you liked it.

I love seeing you eat with that big smile on your face. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

I sure am glad you became my trainer!

If you get hungry again, just let me know, okay? I'll whip up something in a jiffy!

Ah, Trainer! Fancy meeting you here! Are you doing some shopping?

I was just taking a peek at all the sweet and savory options here. If I notice anything new, I want to give it a try!

Yeah! I had some raspberry macarons! After I found a spot in the sitting area, I gobbled them right up. ☆

But not before I took a picture, of course. I have to send something along with my review to my parents.

You see, whenever I find a new tasty treat, I send them a pic and a review.

Both my parents work in the culinary field, so they really enjoy reading about my finds.

Mm-hm, that's right! My dad is a chef at an Italian restaurant, and my mom is a patissier.

So even though I loooove cooking, I also enjoy searching for new dishes to share with my parents!

Huh? Why do you ask?

WHAT?! You don't need to pay me back for that! I get all the repayment I need watching you eat my food!

You always have such a big smile on your face when you eat my cooking. That's more than enough.

It's a little hard to explain, but... I can feel this warm, fuzzy feeling filling my heart to the brim when I watch you eat.

Ehehe, seriously, you don't need to worry about it. ☆

Hmmm... Then how about this? I want to see you eat my food again, so come over for dinner, and I'll make you something!

Okay! ☆ Time to get shopping! If we want ingredients, I think the shopping district is better than the mall.

I hope you're ready for a real smorgasbord!

I was thinking of simmering some chicken and vegetables in water to start, but other than that...

Ah! Sumo wrestlers!

What?! Where? Where?!

Oh wow, real-life sumo wrestlers! Trainer, do you think I can go talk to them?

Right, of course!

Excuse me! Hello!

Really? So that's what you put in your hot pot...

I see. A nutritious bowl of chanko really is the key to strength.

Haha, you know it! Without that hot pot, we'd never get this strong!

After all, it's food made with feeling. No way you can eat that and not get strong!

I bet whoever's making the hot pot really wants you to enjoy your food! I feel the same way when I cook for others.

Oh? It's not just the cook's feelings, you know!

Huh?

You can't have a true chanko without adding feelings from the people eating your food! Hahahaha!

A true chanko... The feelings from the people eating...

Hmmm, I don't get it. How are you supposed to add the feelings of the people eating to a hot pot?

I mean, they're not going to eat it until it's done, right?

So how can you add their feelings in... before...

A true chanko... Do you have any ideas, Trainer?

Huh? How?

Hm, maybe that'll give me some kind of hint...

Okay! Let's do it! I'm looking forward to a good meal, Trainer!

Another great day of training! This camp sure has been fun.

So, what would you like for dinner?! I know the lodges have food for us, but since this is our last day, I thought...

Wh-what?! What's wrong?

The thing... Is it something for work? Do you need help?

You were so helpful throughout the whooole camp, so I really think you should rest...

Oooh! Ahaha, I see, I see.

Well, I'm a little sad we can't eat together, but that's okay! I'll see you laterrr! ☆

You're treating Bono to a meal? Then we wanna help too! You're not the only one she cooks for, you know!

I know a good fishmonger! They were selling lots of delicious fish earlier!

There's a good vegetable stand around here too, so I'll go there. As for the meat... can you handle it?

Okay! I bet if we asked around, we could get more people involved. I'll go talk to everyone!

Oh, wow, wow, WOOOOOW!

Where did this feast come from?! Skewers, yakisoba, and pan-fried fish too! ...Ah, there's even chanko!

Huh? For... me?

Well, it was originally your trainer's idea, but we wanted to thank you too, so we joined in.

Thank you so much for always cooking such good food! Seriously, this has been a long time coming.

Eating your cooking always fills me with energy. It's like I'm recharged and ready to take on the next day of training.

You always work so hard to make us happy, but we want to make you happy too...

Aww, you guys...

Well, consider your plan a success! I'm so happy, and hungry! Can I dig in?

Ahaha, of course!

But before that... Ready? Go!

Thanks for the food!

BUONO! This dish, that dish! They're all super-duper buono!

Thank you, everyone! Thank you, Trainer! Eating tasty food made for you really does fill you with joy!

Ahhh... ☆ I'm sooo full! Thank you again for today!

Of course you did! I couldn't be happier!

And you know what? I think I get it now... I know what that sumo wrestler meant about the feelings of the people eating!

We said "thanks for the food" before eating, right? I think that little phrase is the finishing touch on every dish.

"Thank you" and "I'm so happy." A meal wouldn't be complete without those words sprinkled in beforehand.

Just like ingredients, you need lots and lots of feelings to make a chanko!

Up till now, I've been focusing solely on making other people happy with my cooking...

And while I certainly noticed everyone's gratitude towards me, I don't think I gave it the credit it deserves.

From now on, when people thank me, I'll listen. I have to realize those words are a sign that I'm offering them a truly satisfying meal.

If I do that, maybe they'll even give me a thank-you at the end of the meal too.

Ehehe... Hey, Trainer?

I've always wanted to be a pot of chanko and bring smiles to everyone's faces... But...

Now, I hope my food makes the people eating want to spread that smile to someone else. Only then can I be a true chanko.

Am I? ...I see. So that's how you see me.

Ehehe... Sounds like you're the dashi stock to my hot pot!

The dashi stock! The very foundation of any hot pot!

In other words, I can't be a pot of chanko without you!