Hishi Amazon's story

Buckle up! Time for a one-on-one!

Oh! Hello, Trainer! Did you come to watch this month's "Battle of the Dorms: Pool Edition" too?

That's right! This one's a competition to decide which dorm's in charge of cleaning the pool!

Hahaha. It might be nice to clean it together once in a while as well.

Nope, the loser's gotta do it!

I mean, don't get me wrong. It's not that I don't like cleaning, even if it is hard work.

But as the proud leader of the Miho Dorm, I'll be damned if I lose to my Ritto counterpart!

Woo, that's our Hishiama! You've got this one in the bag! Hope you're ready, Ritto Dorm!

Hehehe. I should have known you'd see it that way, Hishiama.

Not that I don't share your sentiment. I couldn't bear to dampen the spirits of my darling ponies any further.

As head of Ritto Dorm, I shall rise up to this challenge!

Squee! You're the absolute coolest, Fuji! Get out there and show those Miho Dorm scrubs who's boss!

All right! Let's see how we'll be battling it out!

What?! A-a pop quiz showdown?

Oh no! Of all the things... That's the type of contest she struggles with the most!

Talk about a lucky break! Fuji's got everything, including brains! Miho Dorm doesn't stand a chance. Ritto's practically won already!

Argh...

No... You never know until you try!

I'm not gonna throw in the towel before we even start! It's you and me, Fuji, one-on-one!

Ahaha, I had a feeling you'd say that! Then without further ado, let's get this show on the road!

Hello, hello! You'll need a neutral party to ask the questions, and since I don't belong to Miho or Ritto, I'll do the honors!

Thank you for agreeing to help us, Maruzensky.

Oh, think nothing of it. This is fun for me too! ♪ Now then, let's kick things off with our first question!

When too many people are involved in managing or making a decision, it can end up complicating matters. In other words, "Too many cooks"...

Ooh, me! Me, me, me, me, me!

My, that was fast! Hishiama, your answer, if you please!

Heh. So basically, it's bad news when there's no clear leader to rally behind, right?

In that case... everyone can just follow me! I'll take any and all under my wing! That's my answer!

Hahaha! That sounds just like you. But as much as I adore your response, I'm sorry to say it's incorrect.

Hmm. I believe the answer is "Too many cooks spoil the broth." Right?

Correct! That's one point for Fuji! ♪

What?! Dammit... Bring on the next one!

Here comes the final question! "Many drops make a shower"...

Awww yeeeah! Me, me, meee!

The answer is "Every little bit helps"!

Whoa!

Oh my! Ding, ding, ding! That's one-hundred percent correct, Hishiama!

By the way, the full question was, "'Many drops make a shower.' What is the meaning of this proverb?"

Bwahaha, how 'bout them apples? I'm not too shabby at English lit! Plus, I just came across that phrase the other day...

Yes, I taught you that proverb when I was helping you study for your makeup exam. I'm so glad you remembered it, Hishiama! ♪

Sh-shut it! I still got the answer right!

Argh, I can't believe I lost! Sorry, guys! I was totally useless out there...

No! That's not true at all!

You refused to give up even when things weren't going your way, and you kept fighting right up to the very last moment. It seriously lit a fire in my heart!

Really? Hehe! You sure know how to make a gal blush.

Well, a loss is a loss. Let's get that pool spick and span! I'll spearhead the scrubbing, so try to keep up!

And you can bet I won't lose to Fuji next time around! I'll have my revenge, just you wait and see!

Clap, clap, clap...

All right, lookin' good! But I know you've got more where that came from!

You mentioned before about a rival you wanna defeat, right?

Then let that fire inside you burn even brighter!

Yes, ma'am! Will do!

Good, then it's time for another lap! Let's do this!

Go, go, gooo!

Thank you so much, Hishiama! I can't wait to train with you again!

You bet! Must be dog-tired, huh? Make sure to eat a good meal, and take a nice, hot bath afterwards.

Yes, ma'am! See you next time!

Careful, now! Don't want any tumbles! Heh... Her expression's really toughened up.

At this rate, it won't be long before she turns into a formidable rival in her own right!

Huh? Who're you? Oh, a badge. So you're a trainer at the school?

And I don't just sound like it, I am having fun! There's nothin' better than seeing the youngsters get stronger right before my eyes!

After all, that just means I'll have my pick of opponents to race one-on-one!

Hoo boy, this is exactly why Tracen Academy is the best! There are super strong Umamusume everywhere you look!

And I'm gonna take 'em all on and get even stronger myself! I'll go one-on-one against everyone in the Twinkle Series if I have to!

That's just how I roll!

Time for a one-on-one, Fuji! This time, let's see who can hold their breath longer underwater!

Hmm, that sounds like a rather risky endeavor... Hey, I know! What say we include a rule that you're allowed to make your opponent laugh?

You little trickster... But sure, I'm cool with it! You know me, I never shy away from a challenge!

Cough, cough! Huff, puff... Damn you, Fuji! Resorting to tickling? That's playin' dirty!

Hahaha! Your sides are too easy a target to resist.

Huh? Hold up, Biko. Think you could repeat that?

I said, let's have a hero pose showdown, Hishiama! We'll see which of us is more like an ally of justice!

Huh... Not sure I get it, but if we're talkin' a one-on-one, then I'm all in!

Like this? Hup! Hngh! Haaah!

Whew... Oh, fancy seeing you again.

Well, tryouts are just around the corner. I can't be lazing around when my big debut's on the line.

I gotta show off my skills during the race and get myself a trainer with a fiery spirit!

Like I said before, it's not enough going one-on-one with students here at the school. I gotta throw down with the Twinkle Series crowd too!

Hahaha! Well, can you blame me at a school like this?

But I guess I kinda get it from my mom too.

Sure did! She only ever competed overseas though. Yep, that's right, you wouldn't know it, but I used to live abroad too!

My mom was pretty big over there, I'll have you know. I really looked up to her, that's part of what got me into racing.

But the first time I experienced a race firsthand was when I came to Japan to watch the Twinkle Series.

I'll never forget the thrill of watching those crazy speed demons battle it out!

I was all, "Whoa, awesome! Lemme at 'em! I wanna go one-on-one with those badasses!" And I leapt right out of my seat!

Haha! Nah, my mom grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and sat me right back down.

Boy, was she pissed. It's fun thinking back on the race and all, but I'd rather not remember that part.

Oh, what's this? Didja fall prey to my wily charms just now, hmm?

But I've got bad news for ya! I'm not gonna let myself be scouted 'til after tryouts.

There's no rule against it or anything, but that's what I've decided. I want you and the other trainers to witness what I can do in a real race.

Mark my words, you're gonna see somethin' real special!

You're leaving the school?! Whaddya mean?!

Do you know what you're saying right now? You can't be serious...

I am. I can't stick around and pretend any longer.

How can you say that?!

Remember what you told me? When you first came to see me in the dorm?

You said you had a longtime rival that you wanted to beat in the Twinkle Series!

What happened to all that fiery passion?!

...It's gone.

Huh?

The two of us aren't rivals anymore! The game's already over! She won!

Whaddya mean "over"?

Honestly, it'd been nagging at me for a while. After coming to this school, she just kept getting faster. But my improvement was little to none.

You were even kind enough to help me out... but it was no use. Yesterday, I lost to her by ten lengths.

Hmm, that is a pretty big margin...

But you never know! In the next race, you might beat her by ten lengths!

That's impossible, and you know it!

...!

I'm sorry for shouting, Hishiama.

But some contests are just obvious from the beginning. So I'm putting an end to this pointless rivalry between us.

Well, I need to go. Thank you for everything!

Wha, hey! Wait!

"Impossible"? "Over"? How can she say that?

Whoa! Oh, it's you...

Hahaha... I really dropped the ball there, huh? Some dorm mom I am, not being able to cheer up one of the youngsters.

I know for a fact that her goal's not impossible. But lecturing her isn't gonna help anything.

Argh, dammit! What am I supposed to do now?

There you are, Hishiama! I've been looking all over for you!

Well, if it ain't Biko. What's up?

We're racing on the same day of tryouts, right? The groups were just announced, so I thought I'd let you know the big news!

Get this, you're in the same group as Brian!

What?!

Got it. Thanks, Biko.

Talk about perfect timing!

Hnghyaaah! Huff, puff...

Huh? Did you follow me here?

What's it look like? I'm training! Guess I oughta start out with fifty or so hill sprints.

Actually, maybe that's not enough. I mean, this is Brian we're talkin' about. I'll have to train like hell to go one-on-one against her!

Course I'm not! Who do you think I am?

Besides... I'm not good with words like Fuji.

So the best I can do for somebody in a funk... is just to show 'em how it's done.

But even so, I'm gonna pull out all the stops.

Nothing out there is impossible right from the get-go! You never know the outcome of a match 'til you give it a try!

Wait, really? You sure? Haha, but you're not even my trainer, ya big weirdo!

I don't mind one bit, in fact, that'd be a huge help. Go ahead and whip me into shape!

Whew...

Ahh, that crisp acceleration! Narita Brian's raw talent truly is impossible to ignore.

She's still rough around the edges, but that just means she has endless potential. I'm looking forward to her performance during tryouts tomorrow.

Figures... The real race isn't even 'til tomorrow, but she's already snagged the spotlight. Oh well, that just gets me even more fired up!

Hishiama...

Oh... Were you watching Brian too?

She really is on a whole other level. Are you serious about going one-on-one with her?

Dead serious. You should definitely come check it out. It'll be a race to remember!

Hishiama... Why do you even care about some nobody like me?

Someday you're gonna have what it takes to toughen me up, so I can't just let you walk away. That's all there is to it.

On that note... Hey, Trainer! Quit staring at Brian and help me get some last-minute practice in! What's on the docket for today?

The last race of today's tryouts will be commencing shortly! All eyes are on Narita Brian, whose talents have won her high acclaim!

The Umamusume have all gathered at the starting gates. Let the 2,000-meter turf race... begin!

Narita Brian falls from fourth to fifth place, seemingly unconcerned by the widening gap in front of her! It's like she's out for a morning jog, folks!

Her movements are being carefully scrutinized by Hishi Amazon in seventh place! And with that, they're through the first lap!

Hishiama...

I'll tear this track up!

And there goes Narita Brian! Brian takes the lead! She's ahead of the pack by three, now four lengths!

...!

Hah, I don't think so. Time for a one-on-one!

Hishi Amazon is closing in from the outside! She's holding her own against Brian with her powerful stride!

Took you long enough. But don't get cocky!

With a fearsome burst of speed, Narita Brian increases her pace even further! She tries to give Amazon the slip, but...

Hyaaaaah!

...!

Brian can't shake her off! Amazon accelerates too! A fierce battle is unfolding before our eyes right here on the final straight!

H-Hishiama!

("Impossible" my ass! "Over" my ass! No matter how many times you lose, it doesn't mean a thing!)

(As long as you refuse to lose to yourself right up to the bitter end, the match is never over!)

Yaaaaah!

Dammit, I lost! But still...

Sniffle, sob... Hishiamaaa! Th... That... That was incredible!

C'mon, there's no reason to blubber like that. So? You still planning on leaving the school?

Forget I said anything about it! I'm so pumped up, I'm going to start training again from square one!

And someday... I'll be strong enough to go one-on-one with you, Hishiama!

Sure thing! I can't wait! ...Oh, huh?

Hey, Ama. I enjoyed that. Let's do it again sometime.

Hah! Next time I'll be the one to tear up your track. Don't say I didn't warn you, Brian!

Hmph.

Excuse me, Hishi Amazon! I was really impressed by that competitive spirit you displayed today. Please let me scout you!

Oh, about that... Sorry, but I've already found myself a training partner. Ain't that right, Trainer?

Absolutely. That training regimen of yours is part of the reason I was able to go one-on-one with Brian in the first place.

I'm lookin' forward to even more hot-blooded battles from here on out, Trainer... Hmm. Y'know, that sounds kinda stuffy.

I know! How 'bout "Teach"?

Like "Yeah, I dig it, Teach"? Hahaha, that's not half bad! Definitely got a more friendly ring to it at least.

Now then... Who should I go one-on-one with next, Teach?

Oh, you've got a pretty good spread there! Which sides did you end up grabbing?

Wait, those plate colors look familiar... Is it just me, or do you get the exact same thing every time we come here?

Geez, I expected better from you, Teach! You can't let yourself fall into a routine like that!

That's not how you stay healthy. You gotta quit eating the same ol' things and broaden those nutritional horizons!

And working out is just as important. Speaking of, I've actually been wondering...

You are exercising, right, Teach? You're not making us bust our butts while you sit back and take it easy, are ya?

"Decent"? If you think that's enough for a trainer to stay in shape, you're way off base!

I can't just let this one slide. All right, leave it to ol' Hishiama! I'll get that bod of yours nice and toned up, or I ain't the leader of the Miho Dorm!

Now, c'mon, follow me!

We'll start off with some light jogging! But the lesson won't be over 'til you manage to pass me! Ready, set, hyaaaaah!

What're you walking for? ...Wait, you call that running? You're never gonna slim down creepin' along at a snail's pace like that.

Next up is strength training. And I don't mean some half-assed regimen where you do one set and call it a day. We're talkin' circuit training!

Arms, legs, abs! Arms, legs, abs! Just when you think it's time for a break, we work that back! Show me a bow pose!

What's with that lousy form? C'mon, you gotta bend more! Can't be a bow without loops!

Hey, what're you slacking off for? This is a one-on-one, not a lie-on-floor!

Wait, Teach?! Oh, for cryin' out loud. What gives? I've never seen such a sorry sight.

Hahaha. Okay, maaaybe I got a little too fired up. Sorry 'bout that, I'm just wired that way.

When I help somebody out, I've got to see it through to the very end. Otherwise it just doesn't sit right with me, y'know?

A-a wife?! Enough with the mushy stuff! It's not like I'm doing it out of the goodness of my heart.

I just always wanna take the lead. So I've got no clue what it's like to run a three-legged race with somebody.

Even when it comes to you, I still don't really know the right way to act together and build a friendship.

I may be a pro at one-on-ones, but this whole hand-in-hand thing is another story.

Little by little, huh? Yeah... Not sure if I can pull it off, but I'll have to give it a try!

After all, the two of us are just getting started!

Right on! Hahaha, looks like you've bounced back a bit.

And that means... break time is over! Let's get back to the workout.

Hey, what's with the look of horror? Like I said, once I've decided to help somebody, I never give up on 'em.

So lemme see those legs moving! Hahaha, it's hard to tell which one of us is the trainer at this point. Can't say I mind it though!

Let's see... "The Five-Star Italian Compendium" and "The Ultimate Chinese Culinary Challenge"? Hmm, these aren't really what I had in mind...

Oh! "Energizing Meals Made Easy"? That sounds in the right ballpark. Yeah, I think I'll check out this one today...

Whoa, Teach?! Why're you here? Didja come to stock up on stuff to read like me?

Oh, this? It's a cookbook. You can only grow your repertoire so much on your own, y'know?

Sometimes I check out stuff like this to really step up my culinary game. 'Cause I don't just read the recipes, I actually make 'em.

So c'mon, Teach! We're gonna go load up on the ingredients listed in this book!

'Kay, grab a shopping cart, and I'll start tossin' stuff in! First up is pumpkin, then fish sauce... Huh, I've never used that one before.

You bet! I do it every day! Then I give my power-packed provisions to the youngsters. Feels good to see 'em scarf them down.

A hobby? Well, I guess you could call it that. But it's not really about the cooking itself...

Actually, Teach, you seem really into this. Does that mean you cook too?

Huh?! So what you're saying is...

You've been acting all casual, but you're actually my rival! This whole time, you were just playing dumb!

Dammit! Then that means I just showed my whole hand to the competition! Argh!

Well, whatever. I'll lay all my cards down on the table and still score a crushing victory! That's how ol' Hishiama gets stuff done!

Isn't it obvious? The two of us are both whizzes in the kitchen. So there's only one thing to do! Have a one-on-one!

As fellow travelers down the path of cuisine, we won't be satisfied 'til we prove who's best, right?

Aww, c'mon, have some guts. Finding out that you cook too really lit a fire under me.

It's good for us Umas and our trainers to square off on the same field once in a while, don'tcha think? So let's have a cook-off!

We have the entire cafeteria to ourselves, so that means it's cook-off time!

In one corner, we have our dorm leader, the iron maiden of the kitchen, Hishiama! All of us can vouch for her cooking skills.

Just so you know, I won't be holding back.

And in the other corner, we have Hishiama's trainer. If you want to win, you'll have to serve up something that seriously tickles my taste buds! Ooh, I can't wait! ♪

Hey, don't hijack our match just to stuff yourself!

Ehehe, let my stomach get the better of me for a minute there...

Anyway, let's get back to it. In this battle of teacher and student, it's eat or be eaten! Let the cook-off... begin!

Aw yeeeah! It's on, Teach! Take that, and that! Gotta get that pot simmering! Bubble, bubble, bubble!

Wh-what's the problem? That's just the way I get into it. Doesn't it help heat things up?

You'd better get rolling too. Let's see what you can really do!

Now then, it's time to taste the submissions. Here we have the trainer's dish, cheese and carrot gratin topped with honey.

Whaaat?! You totally sold your soul, Teach! Look at you stuffing your dish with popular ingredients just to pander to the judge!

Curse you, junk food cook! Tch, whatever. Go on and taste it already.

Yes, ma'am. Munch, munch... Mmm, yum! It's melting in my mouth! ♪

Ngh... I'd better try a bite too... No, scratch that! My pride won't allow it.

Next up is Hishiama's entry, lightly simmered pumpkin and... mincemeat?

That's right! It's a brand-new recipe I found in a book. I know it looks plain, but just try it.

Yes, ma'am. Munch, munch... ...This flavor!

It's super plain! Not only does it look plain, it tastes plain too!

Hey, you don't have to say it like that! Argh... Guess it doesn't have much impact compared to Teach's junk food.

Oh... But wait a minute. The flavor...

It's plain, but there's something else there... Feels like I'm being warmed up from the inside...

Oh, looks like you finally noticed! That's my secret weapon.

You should try it too, Teach. I'm sure it'll strike a chord with you. Trust me.

Kn-knock it off! Did you forget I'm your rival? I dunno how I'm supposed to respond to that.

But yeah, that's what I was gettin' at earlier. You were right, my hobby is cooking. But that's not the whole story.

My real hobby is cooking up healthy foods that'll give people energy and motivation. That goes for you too, Teach!

Tweeeeet! The judges have reached their decision. The winner of this captivating culinary contest is none other than...

Actually, they were both delicious, so it's a tie!

Huh?! What the heck?! You made it sound like I was a shoo-in for first place!

But that melted cheese was just sooo good!

Grr, falling for such an obvious trick... Go drown yourself in boba tea or something!

Anyway, what do we do now, Teach? Our big one-on-one ended in a draw! How're we supposed to solve this?

A rematch? Oh, yeah! That's right! Even if it ended in a tie this time around, we can just do it again. We'll have plenty of chances from here on out.

Haha. You're going down next time, Teach! You and I are partners, but when it comes to the kitchen, we're rivals through and through!

All right! Time for a one-on-one with the sea! Catch ya later, Teach!

Huff, puff... I'm back, Teach! It took a while, but I did it!

I got caught in the outgoing tide while I was swimming, and it swept me out to sea.

I could've easily swum back by moving out of the current, but this was a challenge from the ocean to me, y'know?

So I faced it head-on! I swam against the current and made it all the way back by sheer grit! Hah, rip currents ain't got nothin' on me!

Anyway, I worked up another good sweat today. Let's get going, Teach.

Hmm, what a pickle. We're really getting down to the wire here. I've got to figure something out...

Huh, sounds like that guy's in a jam. Must be one of the locals. Hey, you there. Something wrong?

Ah... Well, you see, we're supposed to be holding a karaoke contest at the summer festival this evening.

But as it stands now, we simply don't have enough participants. I guess everyone's too embarrassed to do karaoke out in the open...

Ooh, yeah, that sounds like trouble. And I can't ignore a person in trouble. But as much as I'd like to help...

There's probably no point trying to invite people if they're all too shy to begin with. You got any bright ideas, Teach?

Oh, nice one! There'll be plenty of competition if we all join in together. I get it!

That was some quick thinking, Teach. An Umamusume karaoke contest! Just the idea is gettin' me all fired up!

Thank you all for cheering me on!

Not too shabby. Well, just keep the stage warm for me. I'm gonna be the one to take the crown.

Course I do. After all, I've got these powerful pipes that you helped me perfect!

On an outdoor stage, the sky's my only limit. Who could possibly take me down? As long as nobody busts out with some secret weapon...

Hello, I'm entry number seven! I'll be performing a duet with Kenta, a student at the local junior high. Hope you enjoy this special collaboration!

Ooh!

Wh-what? A duet?! Didn't see that one coming...

And the audience is just eatin' it up! You gotta be kidding me...

Thank you, thank you! Let's see what we scored...

Yay! Ninety-eight points!

Ninety-eight?! Th-th-that's crazy. There's no way I can top a duet with a local if I just stick to my usual routine.

So what now? This ain't just about skill anymore. I gotta come up with a game plan...

Actually, wait. I'm the absolute worst at hashin' out strats... Anything pop into your mind, Teach?

Whaddya mean? An eye for an eye? So, like, a tooth for a tooth... A duet for a duet...

Oh, so that's what you're gettin' at! If I sing a duet too, then that levels the playing field. Now I just gotta find the right partner!

Yeah, it'd make sense to team up with another Umamusume since concerts are kinda our thing...

But I'm gonna mix things up and go with my gut! My duet partner is gonna be... you, Teach!

That's right. I mean, sure, us Umas sing all the time, so we might have a slight edge...

But you're pairing up with me here! We have something special between us that goes beyond comprehension.

Come on, remember our cook-off? The two of us went pedal to the metal making totally different kinds of grub.

That's the feeling I'm gunning for. We were dishing it out left and right, but it was like we were still a team. That kind of feeling.

I want a one-on-one, in duet form! Where we can tussle and tangle in song and really heat things up!

You're the only one who could possibly keep up with me. So whaddya say? Let's sing my song, together!

Haha, I knew you'd come around! With you on board, this contest's as good as won!

Let's go, partner!

Ladies and gents, it's time for the main event! A tag-team performance is great and all, but how 'bout a sizzling hot session for that whole summer vibe?

Here comes a special duel, er, duet, from ol' Teach here and yours truly! Play that music loud and proud!

A toast to our epic win, cheers! Haha, I had no idea you could sing like that, Teach!

We fought tooth and nail, and stole that sweet summer spotlight! Guess our burning passion gave us the edge.

Heh. Please, what're you on about? Keep spouting crap like that, and I'll put ya in a headlock.

In the end, we couldn't match each other, just like always. So we both started doing our own thing, and it turned out great.

That's the path we finally found. One that belongs to us, and us alone.

So don't pull your punches, Teach. Keep comin' at me. We'll keep serving up those one-on-ones, together!

We'll lock horns, duke it out, and then laugh when we win after charging in guns blazing. So whaddya say? Want a piece of that action?

Teach...

Wait, what's with that wording? I think maybe you're getting a little too into this. But, well...

Heh. All right, it's a promise! This victory is only the beginning!

I won't lose to you, so don't you dare lose to me! We're gonna keep this one-on-one rollin'! I'll be running at full speed, just try to leave me in the dust!