Let Those Cheers Roar! Tracen Cheer Squad

Traceeen! Academyyy! Cheer Squad!

Osu!

We, the Tracen Cheer Squad, have formed for the upcoming Spring Fan Fest!

Osu!

Our sworn duty: to cheer on the Umamusume who will run in the competition and boost everyone's morale!

Osu!

And to that end...

We will be sporting a new, high-performance costume! It supports abdominal breathing! It even has a built-in microphone!

Whoa... Wh-whaaaaa?!

Ohohoho! Great surprise, isn't it? I'm glad I kept it secret until the big reveal!

I wish you hadn't, then at least I could've stopped you! And please, what have you got Pearl doing?!

Much like fireworks or a disco ball, things that sparkle lift people's spirits! Besides, isn't it glorious? It's like this costume was made for Pearl.

Gooo fooor iiit. ♪

I have no idea what's going on anymore...

WHY YOUUU! KING HALOOO! Was it you who messed with the school speaker settings?!

A complaint came in to the disciplinary committee. The speakers suddenly stopped working, then some weird singing... wait, what's going on here?!

Agh! I didn't think the disciplinary committee would sniff us out this fast! Cheer Squad! Time out! Retreeeat!

Ugh... What have I gotten myself into? This is way too chaotic...

So, basically... Tracen Cheer Squad is a temporary team formed in the lead-up to the Spring Fan Fest.

Fan Fests are held twice a year, one in spring and one in fall. The Spring Fan Fest is a sports day, while the Fall Fan Fest is a cultural day.

In the Spring Fan Fest, students from all over the academy gather to take part in contests and events to entertain their fans.

Every year, a Cheer Squad is formed to liven up the event, and this time it's King who's in charge. Joining her are Pearl and I, along with the rest of the squad.

Right, Pearl?

That's right! Nice one, Nature. You summed everything up perfectly!

Then can you do me a favor and try not to make things crazier than they already are? You know King will go overboard if you give her the chance.

Oh? But why? I don't think her ideas are bad at all. Her way of thinking is...

Ngh?! Where's all this rowdy music coming from? I hope this isn't what I think it is...

...you think? On the... drums... whistles...

Aghhh...

Wh-what's going on here?! Who's responsible for this racket?!

Later this week, we'll be performing a special practice session for visitors from outside the academy, so I get why she's pulling out all the stops, but still...

The weird costume, the live music... She even made giant party crackers... Ahhh, why is she making everything so flashy?

Even if I asked her what she was thinking, I don't think she'd give me a straight answer.

I hear you'd like some answers?!

Waaah! Pearl?! You almost gave me a heart attack...

Sorry, I heard the voice of a lost child and my body moved before I could even think about it.

Anyway, about King. It all started one month ago, as far as I know.

It was the day that sign-ups started for the Fan Fest competitions. That's when King...

...And those are all the events and positions for the Spring Fan Fest. Have a look at the details and apply for your top choices by the deadline!

Okaaay!

I wanna go for an event that'll get me tons of new fans! How about you? Are you gonna enter that "race from hell" everyone's talking about?

No way! I'm more interested in applying for the Cheer Squad. But then I wouldn't be able to compete in the events... Hm...

...Cheer Squad, eh?

Heh. I know what I must do. The Fan Fest is a day to behave as my fans would want me to.

It will be the perfect stage for me to give a grand performance and prove my first-rate qualities!

Ooh, I'm going to make use of my intellect and enter the quiz run!

Ah, that's a good choice! You're taking the opportunity to show off your speed and your smarts!

I-I was thinking of entering the marathon. I don't know if I'm much of a marathon runner, but I want to give it a try.

Great idea! As the name suggests, the Fan Fest is like a festival, so it's a good chance to explore something new with no pressure!

I want to make my fans super happy! Which event should I enter?!

Oh, my! Hehe. Just look at the big picture and you'll get your answer. Your fans are people who have chosen to support you over countless other Umamusume.

So give them a moment that'll make them glad they chose you. People like to follow someone with a firm dream and charisma.

Ah! Waaah! You're the best, King! That was so helpful!

I understand now! I'll choose an event that lets me show off my dreams and my charisma to the max!

Speaking of which, which event are you going to enter?! I'd love to hear your thought process!

Naturally, I'll choose an event that allows me to express my charm to the fullest. A challenge that'll make the audience's palms sweat as I face up to it!

Though I must say, some of the options seem a little daunting even for me.

The scavenger hunt obstacle race is known as the "race from hell." Due to its intense difficulty, participants have dwindled and so has its audience.

Ohhhhh... "Daunting"... "Challenge"... Which means everyone will be smitten if you can complete it!

A lot of runners give up halfway, so to be able to entertain the fans and show off your skills in this race is a real test of aptitude.

It's not the kind of event just anyone can... Huh? Kawakami?

DAAAAAH!

I will... push... to the maaax!

What? Is Kawakami seriously taking on the 4,000-meter scavenger hunt obstacle race? The one everyone drops out of every year?

Even if she manages it, not many people will be there to watch. And hardly anyone's even entering this year, right?

That nincompoop!

Why did you choose that race?! You should've listened to what I was going to say!

Hey, Kawakami! We had a few chocolate taiyaki left over from dessert. There's three up for grabs, so they're doing rock, paper, scissors for them!

Really?! Let me pla... I mean, I'll pass!

Are you sure? You don't want them? I thought they were your favorite.

Ngh... I'm sure! I don't have a second to spare right now!

Pant, pant... If I overcome this challenge, I'll become a first-rate princess!

I too... I too...

Will become first-rate like King! So I can make my fans glad they chose to support me!

Wow, Kawakami's still practicing for the Fan Fest. Well... makes sense when her event is so hard to complete.

She's doing all this practice late into the night. It'd be sad if no one came to cheer for her on the big day.

...That nincompoop.

From what I hear, she's been turning down her favorite things to spend all her time on practice.

She's even started copying me, calling herself a first-rate princess.

You know, King, it's tomorrow. The deadline to hand in your choices for the Fan Fest.

Which event are you entering?

...The Cheer Squad can't take part in the competitions. I usually wouldn't even consider it.

But...

I am King Halo, now a member of the Cheer Squad!

The most appropriate position for me is at the top, meaning I would like to be the leader! To celebrate this meeting, I have made costumes for all of you!

Huh? Costumes? What? This is the first time the Cheer Squad is meeting, isn't it?

Yes. But I give everything my absolute best! Through my connections, I got us a custom-made design!

This year, we have only one goal! To maximize the fun at every event, even those that don't usually receive much attention.

Our cheers must be worthy of the competitors giving their all. That's why...

I will put together the most flashy and unique plan that I possibly can!

Wh-whaaa?!

(Since a certain fan of mine has chosen such a difficult challenge...)

(The least I can do is cheer her on. After all, the Fan Fest is an event for the fans, isn't it?)

...So that's why King made all these flashy plans, huh? To get people cheering louder at the Fan Fest.

Yeah. She has a vision. She wants her cheers to encourage all the competitors at every event.

Plus...

Guess what, King! I jumped 3cm farther than yesterday! That's a new record for me! I'm feeling confident I'll win at the real event!

She's prepared to do anything for her admiring fan, who also happens to be my precious roommate.

So that's why I don't think King would turn to me if she ever needed help.

Ah... You mean because...

Heh. I don't think she'd want to risk her biggest fan hearing anything even slightly uncool about her.

So if she gets too caught up in doing things her own way, it's up to you to show her a new perspective. All right? ♪

Sigh...

Awww, why me?!

We have a special cheer practice today. At the real Fan Fest, the squad will be cheering alongside huge crowds of visitors, and we have to make it a grand success.

That's why we've been granted this opportunity. With permission from the academy, we get to invite fans to join us and practice like it's the real event.

Uh, excuse me. Do you know which way it is to get to the track?

Oh! You must be here for the practice session! I'll take you right there!

(We only get to hold two of these practice sessions. I have to work everything out perfectly during practice so that on the big day...)

Hooray! Hooray! Tracen! Fight, fight, Umamusume! Go!

You truly are a first-rate cheer captain! Thanks to you, I got first place and totally smashed the Tracen Academy record!

Heh heh, I will make sure it's an undeniable success!

Ooh, so this is where the practice session is going on. I've got to cheer loud enough to match the girls!

Hehe, I brought along the megaphone I used last year! I hope our cheers will be as great as last year's!

Looks like everyone is here! In that case, let's get right into it. Get your cheer on so everything's perfect for the big day! Come on!

Whoa, the music is booming! Wait... That person on the trumpet, haven't I seen them on TV?!

Ohohoho! I hired a first-rate brass band for the occasion! Whatever it takes, there's no stop I won't pull out!

Now, everyone! Cheer loud, cheer proud, and have some fun! I grant you all the right to match my enthusiasm!

Sigh... There she goes again...

After putting in all this effort, there's no way it could go wrong! From the very first practice to the big day, we're guaranteed to be a hit every time!

Everyone, let's try one more time with the trumpet! Aaand...

Ahhh...

Um, were we all chanting in time?

Uhhh... kind of?

Y-yes, you were all great! Those were some fiery cheers! Ohohoho! I've still got lots more tricks up my sleeve!

So... off I go!

That sure is a lot of pretty balloons you sent up into the sky...

It's not a cheer without balloons, that's what I saw online! Doesn't this make you all want to shout out loud?

Go ahead, feel free to shout out your encouragement! Go for it!

G... go for it?

That's it! Go...

Cough, cough, cough!

King!

Let's take a break here. I know you want to do your best, but you've been shouting at full volume this whole time...

No, I can't. Look, they're not excited at all! As the leader, I have to take charge and get everyone fired up!

Huh? Where you going? Wait, King?!

Wh-what's going on?! A spotlight?!

Everyone, let's get into the groove! Come on, put your hands up!

Whaaaaa?! You were hiding another one of your crazy ideas from us?!

HEEEEEY! Loud noise and light pollution are PROHIBITED!

Thanks for today. Thank you. Thanks for having us.

That was... a bit of a mess.

Well, it was only the first session... Hope it goes better on the big day...

...

Hi, King. Good work today. Are we going ahead with tonight's practice? I'm happy to help iron out any kinks!

Oh, um...

Ahhh, I messed up the choreo and the chant...

We've got a regular practice session tomorrow, too. Let's make sure we rest up properly for it.

...No, let's cancel. I imagine we're all tired from dealing with so many people today.

Next time for sure, let's get it right! Well, see you tomorrow!

...

So if she gets too caught up in doing things her own way, it's up to you to show her a new perspective. All right? ♪

... Sigh...

If it went like that at the real event...

The cheers are... dreadfully lacking!

Ahh... I see how it is. No one wants to support me. I feel kind of... weak...

No, King! You promised yourself you'd make the cheers a success! You can't lose hope after just one or two failures!

I have to lead the crowd better. I have to step up and cheer in a way that will stir everyone around me.

That's it! I'll get an electric display board! That way I can show everyone when to chant! Then with the music...

Out on a night walk too?

Nature?

Why don't we walk together for a bit? I could do with the change of pace too.

Come on, King.

Let's go see things from another perspective.

Look, I know you became cheer captain because you want to support Kawakami.

What? I never said that! A f-f-f-first-rate cheer captain would never show such bias to just one competitor!

Yeah, you're not fooling me. And you won't fool the others for long, either. ...But we can see how hard you're working to be a great leader.

And it's because you're working so hard that I want to tell you something. A secret just between the two of us.

Huh? What do you mean?

I mean this is an embarrassing story about me! You see, the reason I wanted to join the Cheer Squad this year is...

Oh, hello, Natie and... is this the cheer captain you told us about? I hear you're both giving the Cheer Squad your all. I'm cheering for you!

Cheering for the Cheer Squad... isn't that a funny thought! Hehe. Oh, how about some juice for the road? Here!

Haha. Thanks, both of you.

Don't mention it! All of us here are on your cheer squad, Natie! You can do it! Woo!

Cheer squad?

Haha... Well, they don't have any uniforms or musical instruments...

But this "cheer squad" here is the reason why I wanted to join the Tracen Cheer Squad.

...I had this goal I knew was beyond me, but I still didn't want to give up. I found out what it was like to get up on the wrong stage.

When I looked around, I realized how big the stage was. That's when regret finally sank in. I felt frozen in place.

My hands even started shaking, but then...

Natie! We believe in you!

A wave of encouraging cheers washed over me, pushing me forward.

They make the best cheer squad, the people here. They're so good at it, they made me want to cheer for others and pass on the encouragement.

So since we're here, why don't you get a few tips from an experienced cheer squad? They might just teach you something useful!

So that's why you brought me here...

And now I'll pass the floor to the folks here! ...Don't look at me like that. I'm not used to these kinds of talks, okay?!

Hm... the secret to supporting others? Let's see... I'd say it's sincerity that matters. What do you think?

Hmm... I know! If you both need help, this calls for a strategy meeting! Gather round, guys!

Wha? N-no need for a meeting. I was just looking for a few tips.

What's this? Are we putting our heads together? Then I'll go and get some coffee going...

Oh, nice! We'd love some of your coffee! All right, let's do this, folks!

Yeah!

So this is Nature's cheer squad.

Heh. Excuse the noise we're making at this time of night. When it comes to Natie, we can't help but get worked up.

...Oh. No, I was just thinking how your voices were in unison like a real squad.

Really? I'm glad you think so. That's the one thing our shopping street has going for it.

Does anyone lead your group? Have you ever organized something special to support Nature?

Haha, I can't say we have. We don't have a leader, and we've never prepared anything extravagant either.

We just got to chatting, leaned on each other, and since we all wanted to support Natie, our voices came together naturally.

... You just got to chatting... and leaned on each other? That's all?

Heh. Sorry to state the obvious. I'm sure you already knew that, as cheer captain.

...No, you've given me a much needed reminder.

Nature!

Oh, King? Did you get any good advice?

Yes, very. So...

...Let's keep trying our best together.

Sorry?

...Mm... It may be boring, but I realized that we should start with the basics!

We're a squad, so we ought to hear each other out and show more appreciation for each other. Because at the end of the day...

People don't team up by deciding to follow one person, but by wanting to build something together.

Oh... Heh... Hehehe! I see. So this is a little token of your appreciation.

Hahaha, you're so awkward, and way too serious. This is like a scene from a drama. The classic coworkers bonding over a coffee on the roof.

But... yeah, you're right. Let's do our best to create something that'll inspire all our friends in the Fan Fest.

...Pah, you got me sounding all corny too. I'm way out of my depth here.

I appreciate it all the same. So, here. Will you accept this?

Of course. Hehe. Red bean soup, though? That's an interesting choice!

Wh-what's wrong with it?! Of all the drinks in the vending machine, this one looked like it'd warm you up the most!

Thank you all for today. I feel I got some hints from speaking with you all.

Oh, glad to hear it! Good luck, cheer captain! Oh yeah, if you need any more help...

You should try speaking with last year's leader, Bamboo. She did a fantastic job!

Ah, that's right! Seeking guidance from last year's leader is a great idea! I'll ask Bamboo!

Wait, Bamboo?!

...So please, help us!

For all the trouble I've caused you so far, I will apologize as many times as it takes! But I need your cooperation to make the Cheer Squad a success!

Hm? Sure thing. The records of last year's performance should be over here somewhere.

...I know it's a lot to ask after her recent behavior, but King is, wait, whaaat?! Are you sure?!

Huh? 'Course. It's rule fifty-six of the disciplinary committee! "When asked for help, act immediately"!

Oh, i-it's just, you seemed really angry with King this whole time...

That's because her actions were disturbing peace and order at the time. But right now, you're looking for help with the Cheer Squad, right?

So I have to help you! Simple as that!

Ah...

Thank you so much!

Well then, let's get right into it. King, what do you think is the most important thing when it comes to cheering at the Fan Fest?

Um, I think it's... joining together to support the competitors who are working hard in their events.

Ah, well that is important, but there's one more thing that's essential!

Keep in mind that you're the Cheer Squad for the Fan Fest.

We put on the Fan Fest to show our appreciation to the fans who always support us.

So the main goal of every event is to make sure our fans are having fun!

Same goes for the Cheer Squad!

The Cheer Squad's role is to have fun with the fans as you cheer together! It's not just about hyping up the competitors, but the fans too!

We want cheering to be fun for them! That's how the Cheer Squad shows gratitude to the fans!

In our world, there's usually a clear line between the ones cheering and the ones being cheered on.

But at the Fan Fest, the Cheer Squad and the fans join together as members of the same group!

The fans are also members of our group...

Now, everyone! Cheer loud, cheer proud, and have some fun! I grant you all the right to match my enthusiasm!

No, I can't. Look, they're not excited at all! As the leader, I have to take charge and get everyone fired up!

...I think I might have been too controlling. Rather than stand side by side with them, I tried to pull them along behind me.

Then that's something to bear in mind next time! You have the second practice session next week, don't you?

King. As cheer captain, your job is to make the Fan Fest a fun time for everyone there.

Your voice reverberated across the whole campus during practice. You're going to make the real Fan Fest just as memorable, aren't you?

...

...Yes!

Oh, you want us to make cue cards for the cheers? I think everyone in the squad has them memorized already, though...

I know, but we're not the only ones in the Cheer Squad. I want all the fans to be able to sing along too. So please!

Oh, that makes sense! We've only told them by word of mouth up till now. I'll get to it!

Thanks. I also want the fans to have a chance to give us feedback before the real event, so I'm thinking of holding an informal meeting.

Since it's informal, should we prepare some drinks and stuff?

Good idea! I'll get right to arrang... Um...

Sorry, could I ask you to arrange the drinks? You'd be doing me a great favor.

Ah! Sure! Leave it to me!

It looks like she's not so tense anymore, and her communication has improved. Nature, what kind of magic have you worked on her?

What? Oh, stop it. I can't do magic or anything special like that.

It was King's idea. She decided to lean on us more, even for the little things. So that we can all cheer with a smile.

Go, go, let's go! Tracen!

Ahhh, I can't wait for the big day to come around! We were all in sync today!

Yeah! I've got the cheers down now too! I'm ready to shout out loud for our Umamusume!

(The cheers this practice session were much more in sync than the first. Everyone looked cheerful too, like they were more confident it'd go well.)

(And our cheer captain next to me was laughing happily too.)

And so it begins, this year's Spring Fan Fest!

It's neck-and-neck in the Tracen marathon! Who will be first to the academy gates and past the finish line?!

Okay, everyone. Our next cheer is "Fight on!" Let's support the racers with our best cheering voices! Ready, and...

Fight on!

First place is in! Followed closely by the pack! And with that, the last racer is firmly past the finish line!

Pant, pant... Hehe! King, thank you for your support! I actually finished! Your cheers helped me keep running!

It wasn't only me cheering. All the fans here cheered for you to make it across the finish line!

Congrats! You did it! What an inspiring feat!

Huh? ...Hehe, you're right. I didn't realize I had so many people cheering me on!

...Well, you do. Let that sink in. Now... Cheer Squad, assemble! We're moving on to the next competition!

Hooray! Hooray! Tracen!

Oh, this year's Fan Fest is a blast as always! Even the people cheering look like they're having lots of fun.

You're welcome to join! ♪ I can sense you've got cheer spirit! Feel free to shout out anytime!

Uh, uhh... B-but... I don't know the chants or anything...

Not to worry! I'll teach you the chants, and you can just follow along! Let's enjoy ourselves! ♪ C'mon!

Oh, Tracen! Tracen! Go!

Hehe, even the cheers sound exciting! Maybe I'll try shouting something!

Hehe! Please do! I'll give you some lyric cards if you like, so have fun cheering with us right up till the end!

This year's Fan Fest seems to have loud cheers everywhere you go.

I know, right? It's got me joining in too!

(...Everyone watching has a twinkle in their eyes. Wow... King's done a great job with the Cheer Squad!)

King, I promise...

I will see this race through to the end! No matter how hard it gets... I'll be just like you!

I will give the fans a race to go wild about!

Excuse me! All participants of the 4,000-meter scavenger hunt obstacle race, we have an important update to share!

This afternoon, there'll be a lot of events going on at the same time. There's the cycling race by the school gates, and the quiz run in the gym...

I think we'll have no choice but to split up. Can I leave the cycling race with you and Pearl?

Okay. So you'll be at the gym? After that, we have the 4,000-meter scavenger hunt obstacle race, so let's meet at the track.

Kiiing! I picked up some lost property for the Cheer Squad as I was patrolling around!

Ah! S-sorry! We've been rushing around all day...

Sounds like you could do with some deep breaths! That's what I did last year. I was told to calm down and take deep breaths!

Nature, we should start heading over soon.

Oh, sorry. Well, we'll be off, then!

Okay, good luck! All right, everyone. Time to split up! Let's go to our respective events and cheer with the fans!

Osu!

Thank you for lending your wisdom! I hope you'll be watching over us as we cheer!

Yup! Heh, look at you, getting more dependable!

Excuse me, Captain! I found this lost property while I was doing my rounds!

Oh, this is...

...They really have been rushing around, huh. Guess I'll take a little detour. Hm?

Hooray! Hooray! Go, Tracen! Wooooo!

(Gahhh, this is so embarrassing! But our captain trusted me with this, so I have to at least try and see it through properly!)

Everyone, between races, don't forget to hydrate and refuel with some sugar! We don't want anyone to faint.

This is an announcement from the Fan Fest Committee. Concerning the 4,000-meter scavenger hunt obstacle race scheduled for 1:30 p.m...

...Huh? Isn't that...

D-did that announcement just say... the 4,000-meter scavenger hunt obstacle race has already started?

Peep! The quiz run will now begin! All competitors to their starting positions, please!

...Okay, get ready to chant, everyone! Raise your voices as one with the Cheer Squad!

W-wait, Captain! Are you sure?

What do you mean? The competition has already started. Our only priority right now is supporting the racers in front of us.

But King, you've been set on cheering for Kawakami this whole time, haven't you?

H-how did you know that?

I-I can tell! We all can! We've been by your side this whole time, after all!

At first I... I wasn't sure about your methods. But seeing how you talked to us and encouraged us, I finally realized something.

Pearl's squad uniform includes an "SP" emblem. Nature's has an "NN" belt charm.

The uniforms you gave us have each of our initials on them. From the beginning, you weren't only thinking about the competitors...

You were thinking about us as well, trying to lift us up!

S-so this time, it's our turn to return the sentiment and make you proud! Please, go and be there for the person you want to cheer on the most!

...Don't be absurd.

Your voice is shaking, you know? If you lead the cheers like that, you'll only make everyone less confident.

Besides, I am a first-rate cheer captain. Leaving you all here like this and going off on my own would be far too irresponsible.

But...

In that case, how about another first-rate leader fills in for you?

The disciplinary committee found a cheer banner you must've dropped, so here I am! Bamboo Memory, former Cheer Squad captain!

Huh? Bamboo? What are you doing here? And what's with the outfit?

It's last year's squad captain outfit! Listen to this.

"Hey Bamboo! Are you at the gym?! Please convince King that you'll take care of the Cheer Squad!"

It's only natural to step up when I'm being asked for help!

Hruoooghhh! I can barely contain myself! Will you all join me in this chant?!

Whoa, it's last year's squad captain! Her voice is so loud! What a fun surprise!

...Captain, please! Go on ahead!

Hey, let's encourage our captain too! Go for it! Leave the cheers here to us!

Gasp! ...Thank you.

We're now midway through the 4,000-meter scavenger hunt obstacle race! No one has dropped out just yet, but...

YAAAGH! RRRAAAH!

Pant, pant...

Ah, the girls in the back look exhausted. D'you think they'll make it?

I will... finish this ra... huff... I will! Puff...

DON'T LOSE THIIIIIS!

...!

Everyone! Now's the time to shout! In this difficult competition, they need your support to see it through to the end!

Each and every one of your voices makes it through to their hearts! Let's unite our voices in support! Ready, aaand...

Hooray! Hooray! Tracen!

Huh? Hooray... Hooray?

That's the spirit! Now let's try once more, but even louder! On the count of three, "hooray, hooray," okay? One, two, three!

Hooray! Hooray! You can do it!

Wonderful! Let's keep chanting to the same rhythm! Hooray! Hooray!

You can do it! Hooray! Hooray! You can do it!

...Let's gooooo!

Kawakami Princess darts forward again! The racers are making their way up the slope one after another!

Go on! You can do it! Keep pushing! Don't give up till the end!

Yes! More! Keep the cheers going! Anyone who's unsure of the timing, follow along with me! Ready? And...

Hooray! Hooray! Tracen!

All racers have climbed the slope! We're at the top! The final straight is a scavenger hunt! Each racer will aim to cross the finish line with a designated item in hand!

Kiiing! Your sash! Can you lend me your sash? The item I need is a sash!

What?! But this sash is sewn onto my top! Ahhh, guess I have no choice!

Go get first place!

...Thanks!

Ohhh! Go, go, gooo! Almost there! Come on!

Yes, go on! You can do it! Just a bit more to go!

(As long as you keep looking forward, I will shout for you even if it ruins my voice!)

(Because supporting you as you run towards this goal, and cheering you on towards your dreams...)

Is the greatest honor a fan could ask for!

GO OOOOON!

UUURAAAAAH!

Whew, this Fan Fest was terrific! Oh! Student over there! Please do your best next year too!

Will do! Thank you for coming!

Thanks for today, Bamboo. Sorry I asked you to step in at the last minute.

Course. It was no problem at all!

I gotta say though, when you suddenly called to ask if I still had last year's outfit, it sure did throw me for a loop!

You got in touch so quickly, too... You must've been looking out for King the whole time, huh?

...Oh, Hey Nature, good work! I heard from Pearl. You took charge of reorganizing the cheer locations!

Huh? Oh, it's nothing. Anyone could've done that. Besides...

Captain! The Fan Fest went amazingly, didn't it!

Let's all go out to celebrate! Are you good at karaoke?

By that point, I think the whole squad was on board with our leader anyway.

(Now that the Fan Fest is over, we've gone back to our normal, cheer-practice-free lives. We might not have a squad captain anymore, but...)

How many times, Sky?! Next time, I won't be so forgiving!

Hehe. Hey, King. These free spirit types giving you a hard time?

Oh! Good to see you, Nature.

I hear your rivalry with Teio is heating up. The people from the shopping district told me.

Urk... Those guys don't know how to keep a secret.

Hehe! If you ever need a training partner, let me know! I'm happy to help you out anytime!

In that case, how about you come for coffee with me every once in a while? Just having someone to vent to a little would be help enough.

And, while we're there, I can encourage a certain former cheer captain in all her hard work too. If she needs it, of course.

Why not!

Were you thinking of going to a cafe? Or the shopping district, perhaps?

I don't mind either way. The vending machine that sells red bean soup would work just fine too.

(...King and I still hold on to a little of the camaraderie we shared in those cheer squad days together.)