Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Kitasan Black's story
7 scenes, 387 lines
1. Our Clutch Captain!
61 linesAhhh! They're... gonna get our flag! I-it's over!
Frustrated screams echo throughout Tracen Academy.
Two teams are vying for victory in capture the flag. Unfortunately, it's not looking so good for one team...
Dang it, no matter how many times we try, we just can't get past their defense! Like, they've got no weak points!
Ahhh, speaking of defense, look at ours! We're... doomed!
Come on, team... Don't give up!
It's okay, we've still got a chance! Defenders, listen up! Dig your cleats in and make sure they don't push us any further back, I know you have it in you.
Next, I'll need three people confident in their strength to follow me. We can't hold out forever, so we'll just have to bring the fight to them!
Kita, you're planning on charging through them head-on, right? If anyone can do it, it's you!
Yup, I got this! I've been carrying portable shrines way heavier than me since I was a kid! So check this out, Dia!
Everyone, chaaarge! Today will be our victory! Haaaaah!
A miracle unfolds before my eyes. She breaks through the opposing defense before grabbing the flag and scoring. Now that's a comeback!
Way to go, Kitasan! Or should I say, our clutch captain?
Hehe, thanks! ♪ But I couldn't have done it myself. We won because of everyone's hard work! Let's keep this up!
As a trainer, I can't help but be entranced by her cheerful expression and that determined look in her eyes, not to mention her natural knack for leadership.
Hey hey, you're a trainer, right? You've got your eye on her, don'tcha?
Y'know, Kitasan Black, or Kita, for short! I can't wait to see where she'll go. Who would've thought she'd grow up to be such a leader?
You're... Tokai Teio?!
Heh-heh, so you know who I am. Makes sense. You'd have to live under a rock to not recognize the Invincible Teio!
Y'know, I wonder what kind of racer Kita will be. She used to always say she wanted to be just like me.
Ah! Teiooooo!
Did you see me back there?! Did you see how I ran?!
I'm still nowhere near your level, but I'm giving it my all every day so I can make my debut!
Mm-hm, that's the spirit! If you enter the tryouts, I'm sure you'll find a trainer in no time.
...Ah, speaking of, you must be a trainer. Nice to meet you, I'm Kitasan Black!
She deeply bows to me in greeting. Seems like she's got good manners, too.
Oh yeah, Teio! I'm entering an upcoming scrimmage, and my childhood bestie Dia will be there too!
We're running in different races, but we promised each other we'd both win. So, um... would you want to come watch?
Yeah, you betcha! But if I'm coming out to watch, then you better show me some great running, 'kay?
Curious myself, I make a mental note to go watch her at that scrimmage.
Finally, the day of the scrimmage arrives.
I can win, I've got this. All right, as long as I run with the pack, I'll eventually overtake them...
Wait, what? Huh?! Nobody's... falling behind?! You're kidding me, they're speeding up?!
Kitasan Black frantically tries to catch up to the runners in front. In the end... she finishes in third place.
Kitasan, nice going out there. We totally thought you had it in the bag, though... Are you feeling under the weather?
H-huh? I really thought that was my race, too... Ah! Dia's race is about to start!
The next race features Kitasan Black's childhood friend, Satono Diamond.
So this... is the pace of Tracen Academy. It's about what we expected. Wait for it, wait for it... Almost...
Now! This is my chance! Yaaaaah!
Satono Diamond bursts forward. Right before the finish line, she pulls slightly ahead and claims victory.
Wh-what was that, Dia?! Um, I mean, I'm happy that you won and all... But wasn't that different from how you usually run?
I totally flubbed up my own running, so I have to know, what's your secret?!
Well... the races at Tracen Academy are far removed from the amateur scene. I came in knowing that.
All I did was utilize what I learned from my family and coach. This is what've they've been preparing me for, after all.
We've all been working towards one dream, that one day, I'll win a G1 race. And I don't plan on letting their efforts go to waste.
This is our family's dream. Everyone's been waiting for this day, and for all the races still to come, since long before I was even born.
Maybe that's why I feel more relaxed now. I took my first step, made my first ripple in this vast ocean that I must traverse.
Dia...
(I always assumed... that we were the same...)
(We were inseparable, playing together, competing with each other, supporting one another... But...)
(I was wrong. Whenever it got dark and we said our goodbyes... Dia was still putting in the work to improve herself afterwards.)
(Dia didn't just get lucky today. She and her family worked hard to get here. That's why she won, and I...)
I see Kitasan Black gritting her teeth in frustration as she gazes at the sky.
And yet beneath her frustration, I can sense her determination and strength of will.
I... didn't notice... at all. I didn't understand anything...
But... but... it's only uphill from here! Sure, I might've lost today, but...
Um!
H-huh? Hey, aren't you that trainer from the other day?
For some strange reason, one that I can't even explain myself, I feel like I have to say this now, or never.
Please, let me be your trainer!
Huh? Whaaaaat?!
2. My True Strength
60 linesW-wait a second! Why're you trying to scout someone who just lost big-time?!
I try scouting Kitasan Black right after her loss in the scrimmage. Rather than excitement, she responds with bewilderment.
Y'know, I did lose and all, so what about me got you interested?
...I liked the look in your eyes.
Huh?! You picked me for my looks? Um, I'm happy you were watching me that closely, but I was sort of hoping you liked my running...
Anyways, I don't even have the right to be scouted yet. I'm just a newbie...
Ah, but you're a trainer, so that means you're a specialist, right? Could I ask you some stuff about my running? Please!
It's a shame about my scouting offer, but I agree to hear her out some other time.
The appointed time comes and goes, but Kitasan Black is nowhere in sight. She didn't seem like the type to break a promise...
Huh? Mr. Sumo Wrestler, did you twist your ankle? I guess lending you my shoulder won't help much, will it...
I've got it! Here, I'll carry you. Don't be shy, I've got good shoulders!
Huh? Your puppy ran away?! Wait, is it that German shepherd over there? All righty, here I go...
Huuuh?! Your truck won't move?! And inside... you've got relief supplies?! Then we have to hurry!
How about this, I'll carry the supplies! Don't worry, it's only twenty kilometers round trip! Piece of cake!
I'm so sorry... It's already this late, too... Whenever I see someone in need, I just can't stop myself from helping them out.
What happened?
Well, I gave a sumo wrestler a piggyback ride, caught a puppy, and carried some relief supplies. None of them took too long, but all together... I'm so, so sorry.
D-don't sweat it...
Seems like Kitasan Black isn't just well-mannered, but an altruist, to boot. I decide to let her tardiness slide and hear her out.
So how can I run better during races? The races here at Tracen are different from what I'm used to, and I feel like I'm completely out of my element.
I know I have to change something, but I don't know where to start, or what I should even work on...
Well, for starters, what do you think your strengths are?
My strengths! Right... Hmm, I've always acted based on my instincts, so I've never thought about that!
Hm, which means... I need to learn more about myself. And to do that, I need...
Strong rivals to compete with.
Strong rivals! Got it! In short... I have to race against lots of tough opponents!
I organize a scrimmage for Kitasan Black, inviting only the cream of the crop.
Kita! Today, I'm racing you.. and another, right? You know, the legend herself!
Yeah... If I want to figure out what my strengths are, then I've got to race against the best of the best.
Apologies for the wait, Kita. I was informed that you wish to learn what your own merits are.
A fine motive, I will lend you my assistance. We have a 3,000-meter run ahead of us, so please show me all the abilities in your arsenal.
And so, Kitasan Black's scrimmage with Tracen Academy's top stayer, Mejiro McQueen, kicks off.
(W-wow... She hasn't slowed down this whole time... That's McQueen for you!)
(Huh?! She's getting farther away? And I can't... catch up?! Nnngh!)
Now! Kita, you're on!
(Dia?! Was she just biding her time in the back?! No way!)
I don't want to lose, not again! Haaaaah!
In the end, Kitasan Black finishes in third place.
Ugh... I'm pathetic. I lost to McQueen in stamina, and Dia in terms of strategy...
Meanwhile, I haven't figured out anything! If this keeps up, how will I ever inspire others through my racing?
Running like this won't encourage anyone. I'll never be like my dad at this rate...
Your dad?
Yeah. My dad is an enka singer. He's got fans and pupils that really respect him...
Dad's popular for a reason. He knows when others are going through rough times, and he's never afraid to extend a helping hand.
Singing and racing are different, but I still want to be like him. I want to be someone who can inspire others and brighten up their day...
But if I can't even figure out my own strengths, then there's no way that'll ever happen. All I'm good for... is helping others with small chores.
I think that's quite respectable already.
But anyone can do stuff like that, right? Basically, I'm just a bit of a busybody.
My heart aches seeing Kitasan Black get so down on herself. Sure, her shortcomings might've been exposed in today's race, but...
How about this, I'll carry the supplies! Don't worry, it's only twenty kilometers roundtrip! Piece of cake.
She was late to our meeting because she helped a few people out along the way. To her, it wasn't anything special...
But those small chores might conceal the hint she's looking for. Following this train of thought, I decide to tackle the problem with a new approach.
Hm, this is quite troubling... Either I wait for warmer weather, or...
McQueen, what's on your mind? Ah, I know, didn't you race Kita the other day? Is it about that?
That case has already been settled. Currently, I'm worried about our mountaintop villa.
It appears that the generator there is malfunctioning. Were it not for the snow, I could have carried over a new one as part of my training...
Hey... can I ask for a favor?
Hm? You're... that trainer from last time. What's up?
About your problem, could you let Kitasan handle it?
Sorry?! You want Kitasan Black to do it? But what for?
3. Up the Snowy Mountain!
41 linesWhoa, look at all this snow! That's a long climb to be carrying precious cargo...
(Trainer told me that this was a trial to help me find my strengths. Not to mention, McQueen is waiting for this generator at the summit.)
All righty! She helped me out at the scrimmage, so now it's my turn!
Well then, all that is left for us is to wait. I'm quite surprised. I never expected someone to ask for such eccentric training with this much fervor.
I suppose this is proof of how badly you wish to discover Kita's abilities... However, she will not complete her journey.
Climbing a snowy mountain with a generator in tow is a task that would exhaust most Umamusume by the third station. And since Kita hasn't even debuted yet...
Huff, huff... So... heavy... This might be tougher... than carrying portable shrines.
But... I won't give up. This mountain won't beat me!
Taking Kita's current faculties into account... I believe she will make it up to the fifth station.
So she's above average?
Yes. Though as she is now, she possesses no exceptional abilities. Still... I sense something within her that I cannot express in words.
Something akin to natural talent. That alone will bring her to the fourth station, and her fortitude will bring her to the fifth. But that's it. Still, it's plenty respectable.
Urgh... Getting dizzy... I'm only about halfway, too. Is this... my limit?
Trainer... went out of their way to arrange this training for me. McQueen's waiting for me. Can I... stop here?
(No, I have to keep going. I have to return the favor. Dad and his pupils would never leave a debt unpaid.)
(Repay your debts. Put one foot in front of the other. If I'm not going all out, all the time, then I'm not being true to myself! All righty...)
Haaaaah! I won't give up heeere! I'll keep going, going all out, until the very end! Hi-yaaah, grrr-raaaaah!
The sun has already begun to set... It is about time for us to bring this to a close.
In all likelihood, Kita has retired near the fifth station. I will contact my support staff and have them bring her down to the base camp.
Is that... It is!
Wh-what is the matter? Something happen?
I never doubted her for a second.
McQueen, sorry for being late! Here's... your generator! Huff, huff, huff...
K-Kita! You made it here... all by yourself?!
Yeah! It was way tougher than I expected though, so it took me some time. Hopefully, I've returned the favor a little bit now!
Trainer, thanks for letting me do this! So, um... do you think you've figured out what my strengths are?
Yeah, I have.
Thanks to this rather intense trial, Kitasan Black's strengths are clear to me now.
She has the physique to climb a mountain with heavy baggage, the recovery speed to rely on only short breaks, and the will to never give up. In other words...
Your strength is your unyielding grit!
Grit! So that's my strength!
There is no doubt about it. I have never seen an Umamusume with the grit to complete a mission as ridiculous as this one.
I see, I see. But, will grit be useful during races? It doesn't have to do much with speed, right?
We're going to utilize it before you race.
Before she races? If it involves preparing for a race... Ah! I believe I understand.
You wish to have Kita go through rigorous training, during which she can create her own secret weapon, correct? Just like Bourbon did?
Exactly! Let's make a weapon just for you, Kitasan!
Yay! Sounds good to me! Train me to your heart's content! I want to become someone who'll never lose again, ever!
Trainer, McQueen, thank you both so much! I feel like I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!
I'm going to train like crazy and develop my own weapon, something only I can use. And once I have that, I want to try it out in a race against her.
I want to see if my weapon will work against my idol, Tokai Teio!
4. Show Some Festival Spirit!
62 linesTeio, please... race me! I want to see how I match up, please, just this once!
Sure, bring it on, Kita! Let me show you just how amazing your idol really is! ♪
Teio accepts the challenge. With that in mind, we get straight to work...
Haaaaah! More... I can still run more! Ten more laps, no, a hundred more laps!
I'm gonna find my weapon, one only I can use! Pant, pant... Yaaah!
Her grit is undoubtedly impressive, and she tackles any exercise head-on. Instead of getting tired, the more she trains, the more she gets fired up.
Pant, pant... When it comes to incline running... I have to train at least three times harder than the others. I can keep going, I can still run...
How many laps are you going to run?
As many as it takes. As far as my legs allow, heck, even if they give way. The Teio agreed to run with me. That's why...
I'll win! I want to win! I've been given this big chance, so I want to show off something amazing and make everyone smile!
Actually, there won't be anyone watching this time... But, you know... there is someone I'd like to make smile...
Wait, you mean me?
Of course! Trainer, you've done so much for me already!
It's thanks to you that I'm here now! So even if you're the sole spectator, I want to make you smile! And to do that, I need to train more, I need to train harder!
I think back to when Kitasan Black talked about her dream. She said she wanted to inspire others through her racing.
And now, she's placing her bets on this single race, this first step. If this upcoming race was a festival, she'd be a firework lighting the way.
Trainer, please! Help me create my weapon, one made just for me! And make it more powerful than anyone else's!
Yeah, you got it. Let's get to work!
The two of us are perfectly in sync. I prepare the toughest training I can think of, and she puts her all into completing it. After training day in, day out...
The big day finally arrives.
Haaaaah!
Huh? Kita... is sprinting out of the gate?! She usually holds back at the start. Did her trainer tell her to try front running?
No, that is not the case. This is...
(This... is my weapon! Trainer and I made it together! I call it, Outpace the Pace Chasers!)
(I'll set the pace of the race, and as long as I don't get tuckered out, it's my win! This race is mine for the taking!)
(Pant, pant, pant... I see... the final stretch! If I can hold out just a little longer...)
(Wait, Teio's closing in! And she's not tired at all?! Which means... this'll be a speed showdown.)
Is this all you've got?! Then it's time to end this! Haaaaah!
Ahhh, Kita's falling behind!
It's unfortunate, but her opponent is Teio. And if the race comes down to a final burst of speed, then her chances are slim...
(I've still got... fuel in the tank. But I can't run any faster than this... I can't win, I can't win, I'm gonna lose...)
(This is... just like last time. Even though I trained so much... Am I... going to lose... again?)
It feels like time has stopped. No matter how much grit she has, she still can't win. But at the moment when all hope seems lost, I find myself standing up.
I want her to know she can do it, that her grit is the real deal. Driven by my belief and desire to encourage her, I instinctively shout...
Kitasan Black!
(Trainer! You helped build me up, even though I'm just a nobody...)
(Am I going to let this end without returning the favor? Am I going to let all that time... all those memories... go to waste?)
(I... can't let that happen. I won't let that happen. Because if I did...)
Then I, I wouldn't be me!
You think I'll let you wiiiiin?! Grrraaagh!
Huh?! What the?!
What... what is happening?! She's actually surpassing Teio in speed! And in the final stretch at that!
Haaaaah!
Th-that was a close one! For a second there, I thought I was actually going to lose!
Hehe, but I still pulled through. Nice try, Kita, but I'm not ready to lose to you yet.
Wait... Kita?!
Daaang iiiiit! Waaaaah!
Kitasan Black surprises everyone by bursting into tears, but I understand why. She might normally be a well-mannered up-and-comer, but...
There's a burning blaze inside her, an unrivaled urge for victory. Not a glittering spark, but a flame a hundred, no, a thousand times more brilliant.
Trainer... I, I couldn't make you smile!
But... I can't give up! I don't want to give up! Next time, I swear I'll win!
Yeah, that's the spirit, let's keep on training!
Yeah, of course! I'll keep working hard from now and forever, and even after that, too! So please be my official trainer!
First, I'll make you smile, Trainer! Next, the world, and then the universe! The sky's the limit!
I'm confident that she'll reach great heights in the future with that kind of unwavering conviction. Perhaps... I misjudged her at first.
I thought that Kita's strength was her grit. But what was that explosive power she showed off in her race against Teio?
Maybe, just maybe, her most powerful weapon might simply be... her ability to work hard for the sake of others.
I must say, that race was extraordinary. What an inspiring show of emotion... And to think that I have her as my underclassman, no less.
Hehe, you've finally spread your wings, Kita.
You've found it, someone worth fighting for. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us!
5. A Nighttime Call
38 linesHuh? You're carrying all that to the science lab? By yourself? Here, let me help out!
Thanks for always cleaning up! I'm going to go throw out this trash!
Whew! That was some good training! Not only did it feel great, but it was fun to boot.
Good work today!
As always, Kita can't turn a blind eye to those in need. Meanwhile, her training is going as smooth as butter.
Oh, that reminds me! I wanted to ask you something, Trainer... When I make my break for the finish line, um...
I see! In the end, it all comes down to posture. If I can keep my legs and upper body in line with each other while lowering my center of gravity... Mm-hm.
Um, do you mind if I run for a little while longer? I want to try out some of the things you just taught me.
Well, if it's only for a little bit.
Thank you, thank you! All righty! Time to shave some time off!
Kita begins running again, and I can't help but be fascinated by her charming, yet fierce, side profile.
Kita is always looking forward and searching for ways to better herself. Her presence alone raises the morale of those around her.
(I need to work just as hard!)
I rub my eyes and force myself wide-awake. I want to help Kita, not because of my job as her trainer, but because I truly believe in her potential.
Get this, Dad, my trainer is amazing!
The training we do is really tough, but I can feel myself improving every single day!
Whenever there's something on my mind, they always come up with great tips and fresh ideas for my training!
Mhm, that's right. I can fret about a problem forever and ever without finding a solution, but Trainer...
Agh, it's no use! The more I try to not think about them, the more I end up thinking about the people behind me.
It's just, when I try to focus only on what's in front of me, I get all antsy...
How so?
Well, um... Like, what if they're about to overtake me? Or what if there's someone who's come up right behind me?
And when that happens, I can't let them pass me, now can I? But when I think about this stuff too much, it starts to affect my running...
What do you think defines your running?
What defines my running? Front running, of course. I run, run some more, and fly to the front of the whole pack.
From start to finish, I keep up my pace so that even if someone were to try and catch up, I'd simply be too fast and too far in the front.
Basically, I keep my distance from the main pack and cross the finish line first. That's how I run!
Then why are you worried about the racers behind you?
...Ah.
Trainer always listens to me and helps me out. But that's not all, either.
Whenever I'm dealing with a problem that needs a solution, they'll give me a bunch of advice so I can find the answer for myself.
One day, I want to be just as cool. I want to be able to respond to people's problems without a second thought, just like that.
...
Kitasan Black realizes something from her father's words, tightly clenching her fists with newfound resolve.
6. Crimson Leaves in the Wind
60 linesIn addition to her early morning sessions, Kitasan Black has been dedicating every minute of her free time to training.
Pant, pant... I can still run! Come on, Trainer, just a little while longer!
You should take a breather.
It'll be fine! See, I'm fit as a fiddle. I won't waste even a second of your time, Trainer! So let's keep going!
Haaaaah!
Kita runs off with tremendous speed. Underneath her hyped-up attitude, I can also sense a hint of desperation.
"I won't waste even a second of your time," huh.
...Maybe the training program I created for her ended up backfiring and putting pressure on her instead.
(I can't let things stay like this...)
I don't want her to feel pressured to run. I want her to improve slowly but surely, running in the way that best suits her.
Huh? Tomorrow, you want to go see... the autumn leaves? Weren't we going to train? What happened?
I was thinking it'd be a nice change of pace.
A change of pace...
...Ah!
I-I get it! You must be exhausted! Right, that totally makes sense.
Aw, maaan. I can't believe I didn't notice until now!
I understand! Let's change our pace, pronto!
Like blam, relaxation! Just leave it all to me!
I start to wonder if Kita knows how to relax. Putting that aside, the two of us make plans to go see the autumn leaves tomorrow.
Huh? That person over there...
Excuse me, are you okay? You look like you might be lost...
Ah... Th-that's right.
I had my friend draw me a map, but since I'm not familiar with this area, it's not helping me out much.
Give me one second. This is the station, sooo... Ah, this might be a bit tricky. It's a little ways away, so I'll...
We'll show you the way.
...!
You will? Thank you so much!
Hah... Upsy-daisy... Wh-whoa there...
Wh-whoa! Careful! You're carrying an awful lot of stuff, mister.
Oh, sorry for the scare. I thought I'd buy some gifts for my grandchildren, but I may have bitten off more than I can chew...
You want your goods on the luggage rack, right? Don't worry, I got this...
There we go!
Ah...
Let us know when we're at your station.
Hey, I appreciate it. Thank you very kindly.
...
Whoa, so pretty! And so many colors, too!
I love that crunchy sound the leaves make underfoot! Come on, Trainer, let's go check out over there.
The view from here is amazing! Wait! I see a dango stand over there!
Do you see it, Trainer? Right on that hill...
Looks like going to see the autumn leaves really did make for a nice change of pace. That said, it's tough at times to keep up with Kita's bubbly energy.
Ahhh, you're drenched in sweat... H-how are you holding up, Trainer?
I'll be fine with some rest.
...I'm so sorry!
Huh? What for?
You're only tired because I dragged you around today!
And before we even got here... You know, um... I made you help those people out.
Since I was already there, it only made sense for me to help out where I could. Not to mention...
I was happy to help out.
Trainer!
...Wait, that's not the issue! I mean, I am super-duper happy to hear that, though!
It's just... I wanted you to rest up more today, since I'm sure you're tired from training me...
True, I might have to work on my stamina...
Nnngh! You already have plenty, trust me!
You're not only at all of my training sessions, but you also keep up with my running on your bike!
Of course. I'm your trainer, after all.
Th-that might be true, but I don't want to... take it for... Mmgh...
...What should I do? I'm always... the only one being supported...
(Sigh... Dad... It's hard supporting someone, isn't it?)
7. A Smile as Bright as Fireworks
65 linesToday is the last day of our summer camp. Everything's been going well, but there's something that's been on my mind...
Kita is clearly keeping an eye on me. What reason could she have to keep stealing glances my way?
Um...
Y-yes?! What is it? If you need help with anything, just let me know!
Oh, lemme guess, you want me to prepare the equipment for our next training session, right? Leave it to me, I'll have it done in a jiffy!
Without giving me a chance to reply, Kita dashes off towards our next training spot.
Pant, pant... Yaaaaah!
I miss my chance to ask her about the staring, so we get back into our training.
Recently, Kita's running form has been impeccable. Seems like this summer camp has worked wonders for her.
Right on, Kita!
Nice job out there! That was some good running!
Kita?
Um, nothing!
That night, Kita and I decide to go check out a festival happening nearby.
Um... sorry. Before we go to the festival, could we... talk for a bit?
Man! Running here was so much fun! This summer camp went by in a flash, didn't it?
...You know, I was only able to improve this much because of you, Trainer. No doubt about it.
Of course, I bet there's a ton of things I still haven't learned yet...
You improved because you gave it your all, Kita.
...Trainer, I...
I always thought it was amazing how you could solve any problem with ease!
Huh?
No matter what question I asked, or what worry I came to you with, you'd help me through it. In my mind, you were like a superhero with all the answers.
But... when I told my dad about you, he said...
"Not all hard work sees the light of day."
When I heard him say that, it reminded me of what Dia said.
All I did was utilize what I learned from my family and coach. This is what've they've been preparing me for, after all.
We've all been working towards one dream, that one day, I'll win a G1 race. And I don't plan on letting their efforts go to waste.
This is our family's dream. Everyone's been waiting for this day, and for all the races still to come, since long before I was even born.
...Yeah. It was the same for Dia.
It's obvious, isn't it? At least, it should be. After all, it's not like there's an audience watching your every move.
But... at some point, I forgot that simple truth. I got so absorbed in how amazing you both were, that I forgot about the hard work you put in to get there.
...Trainer, I know you've been trying your hardest. And I know it's all for my sake.
I'm doing it because I want to.
...Right. That's why I wanted to return the favor, to pay you back for your hard work.
That's when Dad told me...
"A song you sing for someone will always reach their heart."
...It's kind of funny. To be honest, I didn't really get what he meant at the time.
Even so, I knew that I wanted to show my appreciation. Instead of only you supporting me, I wanted to support you as well.
So that's why...
Yup. I went all out in training so I could show you improvement, did all I could to help you relax...
I thought real hard and tried a bunch of things... though none of them went the way I'd hoped.
But, just now... I found it.
I found what I was searching for. I figured out what I can do for you, Trainer.
...
I just... want you to be happy!
Kita...
Just now, when I saw your smile, it made my heart skip a beat!
Obviously part of it is wanting to repay my debts, and I also want to show my gratitude, but it's more than just that.
What I really want, from the bottom of my heart, is for you to be the happiest person in the world.
That's how I can support you!
Kita's honest and sincere words leave me a bit flustered. Still, I respond to her feelings.
Let's make each other happy, okay?
Yeah! It's a promise!
Kita's brilliant smile glows as bright as a fireworks display. The two of us want each other to be happy, and it doesn't get much better than that.
All righty! Come on, this is a festival! Let's make some noise!
Kita raises both hands into the air with a reenergized look on her face.
Egged on by the people around us, we end up getting on stage. Meanwhile, the beat of the drums echoes throughout the venue, filling it with festival cheer.