Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Ines Fujin's story
7 scenes, 401 lines
1. Hey, Hey! When Fate Knocks, You Answer!
45 linesNone of this would've happened if you hadn't put me up to that insane training!
I did it for you, your dream! I thought there was no other way to win the Classic Triple Crown!
Shortly after becoming a trainer, I come across a heated exchange between a trainer and a runner carrying a large bag.
If I had known it would end like this... I wish I had never met you!
In that moment, a sobering realization hits me like a ton of bricks, an Umamusume can only soar as high as her trainer can take her.
As she leaves the academy gates behind, I catch another glimpse of her tear-streaked face, an image that continues to haunt me.
Welcome! What can I get you for today?
Two regular ramen.
Okay! Two regulars, on the double!
A few days later, I find myself at a ramen joint with a fellow trainer.
I heard you're really dragging your feet finding a trainee. What's up? Getting cold feet or something?
It's just... we hold their lives in our hands, you know?
Yeah, I feel ya. Students come here to stake everything on winning big in the Twinkle Series.
So trainers have it rough too, huh...
Well, just keep your chin up. You shouldn't turn tail and run before giving it a proper shot!
Yeah...
He's right. Starting tomorrow, I'll buckle down and focus on recruiting a trainee. With renewed determination, I begin walking towards the train station...
Wait, waaaaait! You forgot something!
The waitress from earlier runs up to me, handing me a familiar-looking phone.
Pheeew, glad I caught up... Geez, don't you know how dangerous it is to leave your phone lying around like that?
S-sorry, I must've spaced out...
You're lucky some weirdo didn't pick it up! Be careful next time, 'kay? See ya!
Before I can thank her properly, she's already hurried off. I hastily turn to chase after her, but...
Bonk!
Ow!
I crash headfirst into the pole behind me, bouncing down flat on my back.
Wh-what was that sound just now?!
I... I bumped my head...
Wait, you walked... right into that pole?
Are you... Heh, hehe... Geez, first the phone and now this, you're like a walking disaster! Hahahaha!
After giggling for a bit, Ines Fujin holds out her right hand.
Phew... Anyway, can you stand?
She gently pulls me back on my feet. A few days later, I find her again in an unexpected place.
Huff, huff, huff...
Ines Fujin is leading the pack in a small scrimmage. As the pack rounds the final corner, the trailing runners kick into high gear.
Haaaaah!
The moment she's overtaken, the happy-go-lucky girl I remember vanishes, her eyes widen and a beastly grin spreads from ear to ear.
Hraaaaagh!
"The lead is mine!"
Her mad dash is so powerful, it's almost like I can hear her shouting.
She's the one. I want to be her trainer. I want to help her soar. However, as I step forward to approach her...
(...Am I good enough for her?)
Hesitation washes over me, and the gut-wrenching words from that day begin ringing in my ears.
I wish I had never met you!
My mind races, freezing me in place. By the time I return to my senses, Ines Fujin is nowhere to be seen.
2. Vroom, Vroom! I Won't Let Anyone Pass Me!
51 linesThe next day, still feeling lost, I wander back to the track. A scrimmage is in full swing, and it's livelier than usual.
Whoa! I can't believe C.B.'s really racing! They're almost at the final corner, which means...
Yeah, here it comes... Her lightning dash to the front!
Haaaaah!
Wooooo!
Even after the race ends, the crowd is teeming with excitement, including one particularly enthusiastic Umamusume.
That was... amazing! So, so, sooo AMAZING! Now I wanna run! I wanna ruuuuun!
C'mon, guys! What're you waiting for? Let's gooooo!
Waheeey!
Seein' that got me all hyped up! Get ready to eat my dust, Ines!
Yeah, you're going DOWN!
Whoa, look at her go! They're doing 2,400 meters, right?! She's getting faster and faster... Won't she run outta gas at this rate?!
(200 meters to go! I can hear Palmer and Helios catching up! Three meters behind? Two meters? No, they're even closer!)
(My legs feel heavy, and my chest hurts... But I don't care!)
(I'll push my body to my limit, right here on the turf! I'll keep running faster and faster, and further than anyone else!)
Heh... Heheheh!
Haaaaah!
Huff, puff, huff... Pheeeeew...
Heeey, you all good, Ines? You really put the pedal to the metal, don't you!
Phew... Heheh, I'm fine, I'm fine! In fact, I couldn't be better!
Haha, I bet! You're totally giving off that vibe!
Hehe, that Ines... She really does become a totally different person in the heat of the race.
My heart pounds uncontrollably, the way she ripped through the turf like a wild animal has me completely mesmerized.
(A switch must flip in her when she runs...)
But I'm not about to be outdone! All right, time to hit the gym and pump some iron!
Unable to take my eyes off Ines Fujin, I silently watch as she takes a breather... until she notices me and walks over.
Ah, I remember you, from the other day with the phone, right? I had a feeling you were a trainer here!
You've been spying on me for a while now, right? Need something?
Oh, uh... I was just thinking that you must really like racing.
Hehe, yep! I love it more than anything!
When I run, my heart goes craaazy like thump-thump! I can't help but wanna go faster and faster!
Then the moment I pull ahead, my whole body tingles, it feels amazing! I can't get enough of it!
It's hard to explain... But if you were an Umamusume, you'd totally know what I'm talking about. I'm sure of it.
No, I get it... Just watching you race gets me excited too!
Haha, is that so? Oh, by the way, since you watched the scrimmage earlier...
How did I do? Personally, I think I could be even faster, so I'd love to hear your feedback.
I recall Ines Fujin's races from the past two days. There's no doubt, with her raw speed and relentless drive to stay ahead, she's got the makings of a front runner.
That said, not all front runners are the same. Some like to take control and manipulate the pace, while others just continuously race ahead without concern for the others.
In order to help her improve, I tell her that I'd need to see her run a lot more. That way, I can come up with a strategy that will work for her.
Huh?!
Hear me out, this could be a solid opportunity for you! The thing is, I'll be competing in the next Tracen Meet.
The Tracen Meet is a school event where runners choose their own races to test and showcase their potential.
My family will be there, and I really want to show them the fruits of my hard work!
But since self-training has its limits, I've been thinking about turning to the pros for help. And besides...
...You're not feeling super confident about being a trainer just yet, right?
H-how did you know that?!
I kinda overheard you at the restaurant... Anyway, if we work together, it might just give you the confidence you need!
Which means this is a win-win deal for both of us! So that settles it, let's start tomorrow! ♪
And that's how, in a surprising twist, I end up making a short-term contract with Ines Fujin.
3. Grind, Grind! Let's Get Stronger, You and Me!
65 linesTemporary trainer or not, I'm determined to make full use of this opportunity to show off my training skills. That being said...
(This isn't about me.)
This is about Ines Fujin. I need to be careful not to push her too hard or make her feel boxed in. With that in mind, I carefully craft a training regimen.
Whoa, this is a ton of training!
This set's all about speed, and this one's focused on stamina...
Isn't this a bit overkill?! Haha, I think you're getting a little too excited!
Heh... That was a good laugh. Anyway, I understand your enthusiasm, but can we really get through all of this before the big day?
You don't need to do everything.
By experimenting with different training methods, I can better understand where she truly needs to improve.
So I lay it all on the table and tell her she's free to make her own decisions.
Huh? You want me to choose?
Well... okay then! Let's see... Maaaybe I'll pick one that'll have you working the hardest! ♪
Thus, our training begins!
Phew, my whole body's burning! But I'm not done yet! Gotta keep pushing!
Huff, huff... H-hold on... Timeout!
Huff... puff... huff...
Pheeew... I can't stand anymore... Hehe, it feels sooo goooood...
Day after day, she chooses a different workout plan, and day after day, I help her through it. Then, finally...
Really?! You figured out what my best running style is?! Tell me, tell me!
It's clear from watching her train, she's the kind of runner who gives it her all, even in practice.
She pushes herself to the point of collapsing; that's not something just anyone can do. So we should use that to her advantage.
We'll turn the race into a battle of endurance.
Start strong, lead early, take a breather before the final sprint, then burn everything to the finish line... The perfect strategy for her.
As long as she stays calm and keeps her pace steady, her explosive speed will be her trump card to victory.
Got it... Leave enough gas in the tank, then let it rip...
If I can just hold the front and never back down... No, I know I can. That's why, I will win!
It's our final day of training before the big event...
No way! Rain?! All day?! How are we supposed to train?!
D-don't worry!
Tracen Academy has tons of indoor training facilities. As long as they're not fully booked, we'll be golden.
I tell myself it'll all be fine as we head over to the gym and pool, but...
Bummer... Everywhere's completely full.
Sorry... I should've prepared better...
I can't believe we're cooped up in my office today of all days...
...Hey, Trainer. Wanna hear a special spell that'll cheer you right up?
"Breathe one and two, take in the view. Once that's done, just do what you can, one by one!"
...!
You like it? It's something my mom always said to me since I was a kid. Now it's my go-to charm whenever I'm feeling down!
You should give it a try. Just repeat those words, and I guarantee your shoulders will feel lighter.
It might sound like she's teasing me, but her eyes are sincere, she's genuinely trying to cheer me up.
Thanks. Your mom must be a wonderful person.
Yep! In fact, my whole family's amazing! They're super kind and super smart!
In fact, without them, I wouldn't be at this school!
Were they the ones who pushed you to apply?
Yeah... But it probably wasn't an easy decision for them.
My mom gets sick pretty often. When my sisters were smaller, I needed to help around the house more, so I ended up attending a regular middle school.
I still loved running, of course. Heck, I'd been on the track team since elementary school. But I planned to quit once I graduated middle school.
That's why... even though I knew I could start at Tracen from high school, I never seriously considered it.
(Tomorrow's the final track meet, huh... Since I'll be going to a vocational high school, I guess this will be my last race...)
...
No! Think happy thoughts! I'm sure I'll get over it after a while!
That's when my mom handed me a bundle of papers. To my surprise, it was an application to the academy.
Things at home are fine now, and your sisters can take care of themselves. Go chase your dreams and do what you love.
Mom...
She encouraged me to face my true feelings. I didn't want to quit, I wanted to keep running.
That was when I finally let myself hope... Maybe I could go to the academy! It took me a little longer to actually take the plunge, though!
I'm glad everything worked out.
Yep! Mom gave me the push I needed. And when I got accepted, Dad scraped together the tuition fees.
My sisters are helping out at home now, too. So I owe it all to them that I'm here!
My family will be there, and I really want to show them the fruits of my hard work!
From the way she speaks about her family, it's clear she treasures them dearly.
(In that case...)
Determination fills me, we must succeed at the Tracen Meet, no matter what.
We'll definitely make your family proud tomorrow!
...Hehe. Yep, yep! That's the spirit! Just what I expected from my trainer! ♪ Well, temporary trainer!
4. Sparkle, Sparkle! You're a Trainer!
65 linesIt's the day of the Tracen Meet, and Ines Fujin's family is among the throngs of excited spectators.
Ines has told us so much about you. We all came to watch her today, and... sniffle...
I-I'm sorry... I just can't help but feel overjoyed seeing her so happy here at the academy...
Ines has loved to run for as long as I can remember. She would run around all day if you let her. She even joined the track team...
However, as my health declined during her last years of elementary school... she began skipping practice to stay home and help me.
Hm? Track practice? Ummm, nah, it's fine! Family always comes first!
Even as I saw her fall behind her peers, I continued to rely on her. It pains me to say this, but... we would have struggled without her.
She always puts others above herself... So all I've ever hoped for is that she gets the chance to spread her wings and run freely.
The next moment, the crowd goes silent, all eyes on the starting gate, the race begins.
And the Tracen Meet 2,400-meter turf race kicks off! Ines Fujin takes the lead in an incredible start!
Huff, huff, huff!
Ines Fujin continues to control the race! Fan-favorite Mejiro Ryan trails behind, saving up her energy for the right moment to pounce!
"A Guide to Making Front Running Look Easy"?
As Ines Fujin flips through the training guide I wrote, I explain that this will be the blueprint to her success... All we need to do is make sure she has the skills to pull it off.
So that's why you made this. Haha, as usual, you really love going the extra mile!
Mmkay, let's see what we have here: improving running form to boost speed, breathing tips to recover stamina, and...
Huh, this one's new...
(Huff, huff, huff... Take big strides and keep your arms swinging... all while maintaining the lead, this is brutal!)
Hraaaaagh!
...I can do it!
The racers round the final corner into the backstretch! Ines Fujin is still in the lead! But here comes Mejiro Ryan's explosive break!
Hraaaaagh!
(Ryan's still got a lot of gas left... If it were the old me, she would've dusted me by now, but not today!)
(I worked my tail off with my trainer! I'm stronger than ever! No chance I'm gonna lose... I will win!)
This is my race!
Ines Fujin refuses to slow down! Can she take it all the way, or will Ryan catch up?! It all comes down to this! And the winner is...
Hraaaaagh!
Ines Fujin!
Huff, puff, huff... Phew... I reeeally looove this feeling... Heheh...
Ineees!
Guys! Huff, huff... Did you see the race? Was I awesome, or what?
Yep, yep! You were amazing! Super cool! I've never seen you run so fast!
Uh-huh, uh-huh! I wanna see you run again!
I'm glad you found such a wonderful trainer. I'm sooo proud of you!
(Whoa, déjà vu... Seeing my family rushing over, laughing and crying... It's just like that day.)
Ines Fujin takes the wiiiiin! A remarkable conclusion to her junior high track team career!
Amazing, amazing! You were so cool, Ines! The best!
Hey, you're not really gonna stop racing, right? You're still gonna run, right? Right?
(I remember their sparkling eyes. They were practically begging for me to keep running. Maybe that's why...)
Mom, I'm sorry... I...
I promise I'll work part-time and send money home! I'll visit often too! So... please let me go to Tracen Academy!
...
Hey, um...
I'm gonna keep doing my best and run even faster!
Of course, dear! We'll always be cheering for you!
Hey, Trainer, I won! Oh, and my mom wants to tell you something.
Thank you for doing so much for our daughter. I hope you'll continue to guide her as her trainer.
Ah, no, I'm just a...
Ines Fujin looks at me, and the words "temporary trainer" stick in my throat.
Y'know, I want a trainer that radiates confidence. After all, they're gonna be my partner in crime!
I want someone who knows just what to say to get me motivated! Someone I want to follow to the ends of the earth!
And you were that person in the lead-up to this race. I know you were scared before, but... surely you can say it now, right?
There's no doubt she's grown significantly. Most of it's due to her hard work... but I guess I did play some part in it.
I...
Go on...
I want to stay by your side and watch you run!
...Hahah! Yeah, perfect answer!
After saying goodbye to her family, Ines Fujin playfully pokes my shoulder.
Wh-what's up?
Hehe! I'm surprised! You were like a lost puppy before, but look at you now, dropping bold lines like that!
It just made me smile, is all. Anyway, can't wait to start training with you! Trust me, you're gonna be sick of seeing me run by the end! Hehe! ♪
Her bright smile brims with hope, and her round eyes sparkle with confidence. As for me...
(I'm finally a true trainer now.)
I no longer feel lost.
I've finally found my place, running alongside this happy-go-lucky racer as she races down the turf.
5. Sweep, Sweep! Let's Clean!
39 linesEarly summer is here, and bit by bit, I'm hitting my stride as a trainer.
Haaaaah!
You got this! Keep it up!
I'm just getting started! Lemme show you what I can really do!
No change in my time, huh... Guess I hit the gas a little too late.
You want to do one more lap?
Can I?!
Ah, but... Hmmm, I think I'll stop here.
It's almost the end of the day, and I've still got stuff to do... Yeah, let's continue tomorrow!
I'll go put the equipment back. Catch you later, Trainer!
She takes off with a smile, yet I can't quite shake a nagging feeling...
Maybe it's just me, but I'm pretty sure she wants to continue running. Just what could be more important?
Hm? I thought you would've gone back by now.
I wanted to finish something up.
M'kay, guess I'll clean your area later then.
As if on autopilot, she begins cleaning my office like she's done it a million times.
Let's see... Ah, we're almost out of printer paper! I better swing by the supplies room before heading back.
Uh-oh, so many dust bunnies! I'm coming to get ya! ♪
Now that I think about it, the office is always clean, and the supplies never run out...
Have you been maintaining the room all this time?!
I couldn't help it, clutter gets under my skin! I wanna keep our shared space spick and span, y'know?
It's not that I don't appreciate it, but I'd rather she use this time to hit the track instead.
Sorry! I'll take care of cleaning from now on!
You mean... by yourself? Without any help?
Yeah, I don't want to take away from your running time.
Really? Well... let's see what you've got, then! ♪
It's just cleaning. How hard can it be?
Ah, the dustcloth is over there! And if you're looking for the broom and dustpan, they're over in the corner!
That goes on this shelf! It's best to keep them all neatly together!
You can find spares for those over there. If you run out, just ask the supplies guy for more!
Th-this is a lot harder than I thought!
Hehe, you got this, you got this! ♪
With Ines Fujin's guidance, I somehow manage to finish cleaning. But...
I ended up relying on you for pretty much everything...
Hehehe... Impressed? This is the result of years spent elbow-deep in chores! ♪
Anyway, I feel bad making you do all the grunt work, so let's do it together from now on. After all, this is our special hangout!
Yes, ma'am...
Geez, turn that frown upside down! C'mon, I made some tea, so let's take a break.
I wanted to prove that she could rely on me, but in the end, she's the one saving me like a knight in shining armor.
6. Fun, Fun! Our Awesome Day Off!
66 linesDuring a stroll downtown on my day off, I run into Ines Fujin. She usually buries herself in part-time gigs outside of training, so I'm surprised to see her out and about.
Are you not working today?
Oh, hey, Trainer! Yep! It's my day off! ♪
I don't get to go out often, so I gotta make it count! It's just a matter of deciding where to start!
Or at least... that's what I thought.
What's wrong?
It's just... I can whip up ideas to kill some time, but for a whole day?
Yeah, it's weird, I'm drawing a complete blank!
Considering her hectic lifestyle, I can't say I'm surprised. In that case...
How about I take the lead and show you around?
Huh? Really?
Think of it as thanks for all you've done for me.
All righty then! Guess I'll take you up on that offer!
Sooo, where will you take me first? Hehe, I'm counting on you for a super fun time!
Awww! The cranes and koalas are sooo cuuuuute! ♪
The local zoo back home doesn't even come close to this one! I'm sure my sisters will love it here!
Hoping to take her day up another notch, I whip out my phone to check online for the must-see attractions. However, when I look at the zoo map...
The petting area is... Huh? It's not here?
Really? Let me check. Hmm...
Seems like it got moved last week. It's on the other side of the penguin habitat now!
Wooooow! The view's amaaazing! I bet if we use that telescope, we can see the school from here!
Yeah, let's give it a try!
I make a beeline to the telescope next to Ines Fujin, eager to slide a coin in. But...
Ah, I'm out of spare change!
Oof! I think the change machine was over there somewhere...
Geez, slow down! The telescope isn't going anywhere!
Whoa, I feel like a real high roller here... It's giving me butterflies! ♪
I'm loaded with coins now, so let's go all out and have fun!
Ah! Hold on, hold on! There's a warning sign here!
It looks like you need special coins to play. Let's head to the exchange machine first, Trainer!
After that, we bounce from place to place. However, every single time, I find myself relying on Ines Fujin.
I made a total fool of myself today...
Don't sweat it, don't sweat it! Yeah, you made a few mistakes, but it wasn't all that bad.
I got to try out a bunch of new things, and I could tell you really did your best.
Honestly, it made me really happy!
As her trainer, I want to do better, I want her to know she can depend on me. But at this rate...
...Actually, I still have one more place up my sleeve that I'm sure she'll absolutely love.
(Woooo!)
Look, look! That runner's not slowing down at all!
We're on the edge of our seats watching the race, Ines Fujin's eyes locked onto the blazing front runner.
2,400 meters on turf... That's the same distance as the Japanese Derby, and she smoked everyone like it was nothing!
That's also the same distance as the race I first saw her run in, the one that reeled me in, hook, line, and sinker.
You'll be able to run just as fast, no, even faster.
You really think I can do it? Actually, yeah... I know I can!
I'm sure of it now, I just looove the thrill of leading the pack!
I wanna run full speed and rip through the turf faster than anyone!
The wild beast within her awakens, sparking fire in her eyes.
I can see it, the crowd going wild as she crosses the finish line, all chanting her name. The day her dream comes true.
Then we'll just have to take the lead straight out of the gate!
Of course! That's what being a front runner is all about!
We'll have to nail down our start dashes too.
Yeah, one of the runners just now fell behind because of a bad start. We gotta watch out for that!
There's also the risk of getting blocked or running out of gas...
Then we'll focus on power and stamina training!
Yep, yep!
(Wow, Trainer's really chatty now. I can feel the excitement and passion... It's kinda like...)
Our talk continues from there, and before I know it, we've been discussing training methods and strategies for hours.
I gotta say... You really picked the right career.
Sorry, I got a bit carried away...
I wasn't trying to be sarcastic or anything! In fact, I reeeally appreciate your dedication!
And I gotta admit, you sounded pretty cool!
So no need to apologize, 'kay?
Thanks a bunch for today! I'd love to hang out again if we get the chance!
I promise I'll be better prepared next time!
Yep! Looking forward to it! ♪
Thus, our day ends with a smile on Ines Fujin's lips. Despite a few hiccups, I'd say we managed to make the most of her rare day off!
7. Pinky Promise! You and Me, Forever!
70 linesHuff, huff, huff... And that's a wrap for the beach run!
The annual summer training camp has begun. This is our chance to really level up and gain some skills that'll pay off on the track, but just as we're getting started...
Ines? Is that really you, Ines?!
N-no way! Sandman?!
You know him?
Yep! He lived in my neighborhood back home. Last I heard, he moved. What a small world!
Small world, indeed! I knew you went to Tracen Academy, but I never thought I'd meet you here, of all places!
I'm runnin' the beach cafe over there now. Come drop by later!
You bet we will!
After training, we head to the beach cafe. But...
Hmm. Looks like they're really, really busy.
Oh, Ines! I'd love to catch up, we're just a bit swamped at the moment!
It's not usually like this, but the summer festival season brings in a stampede of folks, you see...
Gotcha...
...You want to help out, don't you?
Haha, is it that obvious?
I'll make sure it doesn't interfere with training, so can I please...
...
Actually, I want you to come help too! Pretty please!
Heeere you go! Two jumbo yakisoba, hot off the griddle!
Here's your grilled carrot and tropical drink! Enjoy!
Excuse me! I'd like to order!
Y-yes, coming!
Hey, I still haven't gotten my Blue Hawaii!
I'm so sorry! I'll go check right away!
Hey, kiddo, how you holdin' up? Kinda seems like you're a li'l green for this gig.
Nooo problem! I get you're a little worried, but just you watch.
It might not look like it, but my trainer's super dependable when it counts! ♪
(Ines...)
I can't let her down. No ifs, ands, or buts. With renewed resolve, I head back to the kitchen.
Time marches on, and before I know it, the day of the summer festival arrives.
Here's your ramen combo order!
Wow, that was quick! Thank you very much!
Gotta say, I had my doubts at first, but you're a real pro now!
Heheh! I told you so! ♪
Couldn't have done it without you two. I'll handle the rest, so go enjoy the festival!
Good work today, Ines.
You too, Trainer! Thanks for agreeing to help out!
I was surprised you didn't want to do it all yourself.
Yeah... The old me probably would have.
Not gonna lie, I would've assumed having you there would do more harm than good.
R-really?
Hahaha! But it's different now.
You might seem a little clumsy, but when push comes to shove, you always deliver!
That's why I figured it wouldn't hurt to rely on you a bit this time. Turned out to be a good idea, right?
You bet!
Honestly, when we first met, I didn't think I could count on you for anything. But look at you now! What changed?
I want to be your rock so you can always run to your heart's content.
It is really beautiful, isn't it?
Yep!
Y'know... if I'd been the only one helping out, I'd probably be too burnt out to enjoy the fireworks or this festival.
But thanks to a certain someone, I can enjoy these events to my heart's content.
Ines...
Trainer, I just wanna say...
I'm glad I came to the academy. I'm glad I came to the summer camp. And... I'm really glad I met you!
If I knew it would end like this... I wish I had never met you!
...Trainer?
It's nothing... Thanks.
Geez, what's with that frown? If you're happy, then smile!
Rather than happiness, it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I'm now more certain than ever, I want to be her trainer. I will help her soar.
Yeah! I'll always be here fho hyu!
Giggling playfully, she looks my way, and her warm gaze flutters my heart.