Mejiro Dober's story

How do you do, Trainer? I am the chief trainer of the team you will be joining from this moment on.

I'm not sure how much pep I've got left to keep up with all these ambitious runners at this age... I do hope that I'm able to impart all the insight an up-and-coming assistant trainer could need.

Hehe, now that's the spirit! I'm expecting great things from you. I've actually been keeping an eye on all your efforts. You're here for a very good reason!

Enough chatter, though. I want you to meet a real go-getter. Let's go outside.

Huff... huff... I've finished with the regimen you passed me this morning, Trainer. What should I do next?

Well done out there, Bell. I had some partner running planned for you next, but before that, would you mind? This is our new assistant trainer we spoke of the other day.

...Good day.

Allow me to formally introduce you, Assistant Trainer. This is Bell, Mejiro Dober. She is our team's precious star.

I can only imagine that she will be the final runner under my own guidance. I've become quite the old lady, haven't I?

Trainer...

Oh, just listen to me prattle on. Don't worry about a thing, Bell. I don't plan on going anywhere just yet, so let's bring a smile back, okay?

Pardon me. I'm here for some partner running. Are you all ready?

Oh, yes! Thank you for taking the time, Air Groove. Are you prepared to start. Bell?

Yes! I'm ready whenever you are.

Huff... huff... huff... Haaaaah!

Heh, not bad!

Keep going, keep goooing! Aaaaah!

Huff... huff... huff... Thank you... very much!

Don't mention it. I must say, Dober, that was quite the showing. Very impressive speed.

But even so... I've still much room to improve my positioning and timing. I wasn't able to overtake you even once...

Haha, well, I don't yield my lead quite so readily. Still, I could definitely feel your presence creeping ever closer. You're certainly paired with an excellent trainer.

That's right!

I'm still so very weak, but I have noticed at least a bit of improvement. I owe all of that to my trainer.

Good, good! That was a wonderful run.

Oh, what's this? Is that a twinkle in your eyes that I see? I just knew that you would be one to understand.

Isn't Bell just amazing? She's practically overflowing with talent.

I do hope I can stand by her and help her realize all of her wildest dreams, but I'm not sure I...

Um, Trainer? I still have some energy, so would it be okay if I accompanied Air Groove for some extra training?

Well now, it looks like someone is feeling extra motivated recently! I don't see why not, if it's just one more lap or so. Take it a bit slower, all right?

I will. Thank you very much!

As for us, why don't we start cleaning up?

Hm? Wait, Dober.

What is, Ah.

Ryan! Ryan! Please look over here, Mejiro Ryan!

Mejiro Ryan, you had another terrific race the other day! What do you have to say to all your fans who are looking forward to your next race?

Umm... I'm so thankful for all your support! I'll keep training hard to make sure I live up to all your expectations!

...

We'll go back this way. Let's go, Dober.

All right...

(It feels as if all of the blood coursing through me freezes to a stop.)

(Yet, my face always feels so hot. My legs quiver, and my whole body begins to throb. It's so deafening, and I just want it to stop...)

(Stop, stop, STOP!)

ber... Dober!

Dober!

Gasp!

Dober, is something the matter? They've already called your group to the starting gate.

Ah, s-sorry. I'll get going.

...You're looking a little pale, Dober. If you are not feeling well, then...

I'm fine, really.

I'm fine. Don't worry about me. It's just a scrimmage race.

This is nothing for me.

Indeed, but let's observe carefully. They're about to start now.

The inside! Head for the inside! Save your energy! Keep it up! Go for it, sis!

Huff... huff... gasp!

(Don't look, don't look! Don't you even think about looking at the stands! I have to concentrate... Concentrate on the race, and then...)

Wooooo!

Gasp!

Bell... It would seem that as a young child, she had a number of bad experiences that caused her to become quite nervous around others now.

Even so, she dedicated herself to her training while avoiding prying eyes. The Mejiro estate has plenty of open space that afforded her the opportunity.

She became so used to training only around her maids and family members... Now she struggles to compose herself in front of large crowds and especially men.

So on a day like today, I understand why she wasn't able to show off the fruits of her training.

Wanting to enter these races, wanting to win as badly as she does... It must be so tough for her. But then again...

She never gives up, that girl.

Is it okay if I sit here?

That's a bit of an overreaction... Maybe it figures, though, given how I don't think we've ever even made direct eye contact before.

I just know that I would face a repeat of that scrimmage race if I just let things be, however.

So I was thinking that talking to you could be some good mental training for me! You can do that much as my assistant trainer, right?

...Thanks.

Why start with that...

This may... sound pretty cliché, but as a Mejiro, it was the world I grew up in close proximity to. It was easy to admire it, and I grew to want to succeed in it myself.

Ryan! Hey hey, Ryan! I want to race too! Let me race with you!

Wh-whoa, Dober? What's gotten into you all of a sudden?

I want to race! Just like you!

I felt that I was born to run and win.

If I can't even properly run in a race, though, then all this time and effort I've spent to realize my dream will have all been for naught. I have to become stronger.

My trainer's been doing everything she can to support me. I simply must hurry up and show her I can win!

What? How can you just say that so casually?

Gasp!

...Is that so?

Hey, so after we're done eating, can you come with me for a bit? I want to sign up for my next scrimmage race. That's another thing you can do as an assistant trainer, right?

I'll show you what I'm truly capable of this time.

"Excuse me, Trainer? Are we going to start the day's session, Trainer? Are you... sleeping?"

...?! Trainer? Trainer?! Are you okay?!

S-somebody! Somebody please help, Trainer's...

Fortunately, we were able to treat it early and it is non-life-threatening, but I cannot recommend that she continue work as a trainer.

I see... Well, I knew that this day would come sooner or later. I'm sorry, Bell.

I-it's nothing you need to apologize for!

If anything, it should be me for not getting any stronger this whole time...

Trainer, I'd like you to take over. I trust you.

If it's you, I know that things will be just fine.

Sorry, but can this wait? I'd like to focus on my training right now.

She placed all her faith in me, but I was never able to even give her one win. I need to change that before it's too late.

I only have two weeks, so I need to do everything I can right now.

Huff... huff...

Eh? You...

Shut up! Leave me alone!

I HAVE to push myself. Because I'm so weak!

I've always, always been so weak!

I thought I would be able to start winning right away. To be able to run with confidence like Bright... To be as strong as Ryan...

As a member of the Mejiro family, there's so much I want to prove. But I...

And we have our first-place finisher! The other runners follow close behind! Everyone, a big round of applause for everyone giving it their best!

Oh, number 8 Mejiro Dober is rounding the last turn! She was a little late out of the gate, but she hasn't given up!

Huff... huff... huff...

You're doing your best! Just keep it up! Just a little farther! You can do it!

Huff... huff... gasp...

Doing your best? "Keep it up"? "It's okay"? I've never heard anyone say those things to Ryan and the others...

They always yell about how fast and amazing Bright and Ryan are... But not for me...

That was a devastating day for me. I messed up at the start and finished practically a whole lap behind everyone else. I've felt that others have been laughing at me ever since.

I always feel ashamed and powerless... My heart starts to feel like it's trying to escape my chest, and my legs begin to feel like they're not even my own...

That's why I can't run properly in front of people anymore! No one else at the academy is like this!

I felt myself getting slightly better with Trainer's guidance, but now I'm going to lose her too!

So I have to do something! I have to win a race, even if it means pushing myself this hard!

I'm such a weakling, but I have to change that even if I have to do it alone!

What?

You mean to say that things will be okay if you take over as my trainer? That things will work out? Don't make me laugh!

Have you even been listening to anything I've been saying?! I'm a weakling, and I always have been!

Keep going, keep goooing! Aaaaah!

I just know that I would face a repeat of that scrimmage race if I just let things be, however.

So I was thinking that talking to you could be some good mental training for me! You can do that much as my assistant trainer, right?

She placed all her faith in me, but I was never able to even give her one win. I need to change that before it's too late.

I only have two weeks, so I need to do everything I can right now.

Gasp!

I... I'm not...

...

I-it's nothing too deep. I just want to win. I need to do this...

So please. Can you help me win?

This next scrimmage is my last chance to offer up a win to Trainer.

...Okay.

Oh? But still...

I'm worried about not being able to replicate these kinds of results in front of a crowd.

I'm going to go for another. Please time me again.

Huff... huff... huff...

Well, no, but isn't that normal? When I'm running, I just want to focus on the track.

Th-that's...

What... do you want to try?

What?! I-I can't do that... I'm just so...

B-but!

...!

Oh my! Just look at all these people!

It's undoubtedly due to the rumors of that famous trainer's retirement. There are likely many trainers looking to scout Dober themselves.

Even though it is known that she still encounters some difficulties, she is still a Mejiro after all.

I guess so... Will she be okay, though? She's been pushing herself way too hard, and I'm worried that she's going to get hurt.

Hmm... Ryan, I don't think you should worry. She will definitely be okay.

Right. I can tell just by looking at her that something is different today.

Bell...

(Trainer... She's definitely come to see me today, right? I want to win. I want to win! I want to win for her today!)

(But... It's all the same... My heartbeat is overwhelmingly loud...)

Gasp!

(Ah... I looked... Right toward the spectators...)

(Over there...)

What're you yelling out... Dummy.

Huff... huff... huff... huff...

(My heartbeat is still so loud... I still don't think I'm able to run exactly like I do while training.)

(I hate being the center of attention. Their shouts, their cheers, the very sense of their presence... I don't want to look over at those who are laughing at me...)

But still... Haaaaa!

(But still! There are some over there who do truly believe in me!)

I'm strong... I'm capable and strong!

I'm a strong Umamusumeee!

First place... Bell, that was a marvelous race. I'm so happy for you, and now...

Trainer. Thank you very much for coming today.

Hehe, I'm the one who should be thanking you! I'm so happy to have been able to see you win. Now nothing lingers on my mind before I retire.

Ah, wait, that's a lie. There is one thing. Bell, what do you plan to do now?

I...

I plan to keep training with our assistant trainer.

You won't say "no" after all this, right?

Hm, something's off... Maybe her nose needs to be positioned higher...

No good. I should probably go back to the outline.

Let's erase this... Oh!

Oh sheesh, now I've done it...

Oh, Trainer. Thanks...

H-hey! Don't you dare look!

You must think it looks pretty awful, don't you?

You aren't... making fun of me, right?

I tend to draw in more of a shojo manga style... I'm well aware that it doesn't really resemble her.

Oh come on, knock it off already!

Ahem... Please lower your voice in the library.

See? We got yelled at. Come on, Trainer. It's almost time for today's session.

I mean... I watched it when I was a kid.

It's just a coincidence. I simply like to draw.

I could draw characters from many other anime if I wanted to!

I just know that I would face a repeat of that scrimmage race if I just let things be, however.

So I was thinking that talking to you could be some good mental training for me! You can do that much as my assistant trainer, right?

Huh? Ah... okay. I'll remember that.

Eh? You've got the wrong person!

Oh, it's just you. Don't just shout out from behind someone! Of course I was surprised!

Well, that's...

I suppose I can tell you since you went ahead and looked that one time...

I was thinking of seeing this today.

I was actually supposed to watch it with Ryan, but something came up with her, so now I'm here alone.

And there are a lot more children here than I imagined... I'll probably stand out quite a lot.

Kawakami was telling me that the new "Pretty Fighters" movie was about half adults and half kids, so I thought this might be similar...

I don't see any other academy students either, so I feel like I'll definitely be standing out.

Maybe I should just wait until Ryan is free again...

Hm, but the limited-edition entry bonuses are sure to run out before then. I probably can't afford to wait.

Huh? You had to have come here because there's something you wanted to see. I'm positively sure that it wasn't Veggie Caroline.

Really now... Well, don't blame me if you're bored to death or something. Have it your way.

Seating has begun at screen 2 for "Veggie Caroline: Veggin' Out on Summer Vacation!"

Well, that's us... Let's go, Trainer.

Is that okay? Th-thanks. I was actually thinking that I might have to see the movie again to get another sheet.

Your stickers are white. Too bad it's still not my preferred color.

That may be so, but it's exactly because of that it would be nice to get your favorite color.

I bet that little kids can get really upset about it. In fact, I heard some parents talking about it.

I didn't... really do that. Ryan was always there to smooth things over or get me the color I wanted.

...Wait, this conversation is kind of silly.

Maybe I can ask the staff if I can exchange them for some green ones.

I'm sorry, but we're unable to allow color choice or exchange of the stickers. We ask for your understanding.

The nice lady says we can't change them. Let's go with this color, okay? Look, it even has Caroline!

Nooo! I don't want green!

Huh? They're red.

Hm, hers are green all right. But how can you be so sure that she'd want red?

That worked out well... How on earth did you know that she wanted red?

I see... Well I guess that should be expected of a trainer. It's kind of your job to be observant.

That kid probably thinks you're a big fan of Veggie Caroline now.

I think you managed to stand out even more than me.

The movie turned out to be much more interesting than I thought.

I was pretty surprised to see them give so much screen time to some of the more obscure characters. The little ones at home must have been talking about them.

You know... I have a much younger sister and brother.

They both seem to really love Veggie Caroline. I wanted to know more about what they were talking about, so that's why I wanted to come see it.

Yes. I'm glad I was able to get their favorite colors. If it were just me, there would have been no way I could approach anyone else to exchange them.

So thanks... for watching the movie with me.

I was able to relax and not worry about any eyes that would be on me...

It was kind of reassuring...

So that's the long and short of it!

Huff... huff... Last one!

Hey hey! Where do you want to start at the festival tonight? I'm kinda feelin' some candied apples!

Don't forget about the grilled carrots! Oh man, nighttime can't come soon enough!

Why are you staring at me so much? Is there sand on my face?

What do you mean? Can you just make sure to time my next lap properly?

Oh, Trainer? What are you doing here?

I have something to do, and the quiet environment will help me concentrate on it.

Hey... By any chance, can you draw landscapes?

Not exactly... I'm working on making a paper play based on the Veggie Caroline movie.

The kids aren't able to go see it themselves. They're not at an age where they can sit still and quiet in a movie theater, you know?

So I thought I could turn it into a paper play that they can enjoy as well.

I've drawn all of the characters, but I'm nowhere near finished with the background landscapes. Even one takes a considerable time to draw.

Wait, pictures? What do you mean?

Are you really just a trainer? That's a great idea.

All I'll have to do after this is print the photos out in a larger size and hang them up as my backgrounds!

Okay, I'll have to cut out all the characters, bring them over to the beach, and then take the pictures. Can I actually do it all before everyone gets back?

...I figured you would offer.

And you're not the type to give up after I refuse any help. I'm starting to understand that.

Okay, let's meet in the common room in five minutes.

Trainer, scooch farther right! Stretch your arms out as far as you can, otherwise you'll be in the picture!

I feel like we need more realism for this running scene. Trainer, can you do some sprints for me?

I'll have to wait until tomorrow to take the daytime photos... So that means this will be our last photo of the night.

Try not to move, Trainer. Three, two, one...

Got it. Okay!

Fireworks!

I guess that festival's almost over, then.

If we went now, all the stalls would surely be closing up shop for the night. I asked Ryan and the others to get me some souvenirs.

I used to go to festivals with Ryan and the other girls quite often back in the day.

Wow, there are a lot of people here... Ryan, you better not let go of my hand, okay?

Oh, they have cotton candy! Ryan, over there. See the cotton candy? Hey, let's get some!

I would hold their hands and drag them all over the place...

My mother was often busy with work, so I would spend a lot of my time playing with the other Mejiro girls.

Ryan was the responsible one, and I always felt at ease around her. I have a lot of fond memories of the fun times we had.

So when my sister and brother were born, I decided that I would try to be the same for them.

If I can somehow make them feel just as happy and content as I felt back then...

My chances are few and far between now, however, as I spend most of my days at the academy and dorms.

When I do get a chance to see them, I often don't know how to best treat them.

I ended up drawing a Veggie Caroline picture last time I was there, and they started to beg me to draw more.

Right. It's something I can do fairly well and share with them. So now this is...

Palmer always brought out the paper play theater when we were younger. Luckily, she still had it around. I had to rely on one of my big sisters one more time.

Huh? Now just what does that mean? You're just playing around, right?

I don't think so at all! But maybe if they like the paper play, then they'll start viewing me as such, even if it's just a little bit...

Anyway, I do owe you my gratitude. I'll be sure to report back on how it goes after I return from my upcoming trip.

Let's get back. The fireworks seem like they're wrapping up.

When those two get a little bigger, I would love to be able to bring them along to some festivals as well...