Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Mejiro Ryan's story
7 scenes, 420 lines
1. Let's Get Swole!
67 linesOne morning, while on a stroll along the river, I notice a certain runner out of the corner of my eye.
Huff, puff... Ah, good morning!
Morning! Someone's energetic today.
Hehe, you bet! How could I not be when it's so nice outside?!
I feel like I could do laps forever in this weather. Anyway, I'll let you get back to your walk! See ya!
Our short exchange now over, Mejiro Ryan takes off. Her jog seems to be more for fun than sport, but her form is still consistent. It's honestly impressive.
But that thought is quickly replaced by another, more immediate concern... Shouldn't she be headed to school?
Huff, puff... Ah!
(Maybe she realized the time.)
Right, right. I wanted to try out that new running routine! Better do one... no, five more laps!
Wait!
Whoa! Ah, it's you again... What's up?
You're going to be late...
Huh? Late? For wha, aaah! School! I gotta go, and quick!
Aw man, thanks for the heads-up! It was so nice this morning, I totally zoned out!
Anyway, gotta run! Thanks again!
Mejiro Ryan dashes off towards the school, once again displaying her flawless running form.
That same day, after classes...
Huh? You're the person from this morning!
Wait, that badge... Ah, that's how you knew I was running late! You're a trainer here, huh?
Thanks again for the save! And don't worry, I made it to school in time!
Good to hear.
I'd like to pay you back somehow, but how... Ah, I know!
Um, could you come with me for a second?
All right, we're finally here! As thanks for helping me this morning...
We're gonna work out together!
This is how you're thanking me?!
You bet! As far as thanks go, this is probably the best I've got!
I've always loved moving my body, you see. In fact, exercise might be the only thing I'm good at.
But hey, that just makes me the best kind of coach, the kind that shows you how fun workouts can be! I'll even come up with the perfect routine for you!
Ah... Suddenly being asked to work out must be kinda strange, right? Sorry, I can come up with something else if you like...
My hesitation clearly has Mejiro Ryan feeling down. I decide to step up.
Well, this is certainly a rare opportunity...
Seriously?! Awesome! In that case, let's get changed and pump some iron!
Phew! How's that, Trainer?! Feelin' the burn yet?!
Oh yeah... I'm feeling it, all right...
Hey, don't sweat it if you're having trouble keeping up! We've just been waking up your muscles!
All right, time for the real workout! Well hydrated?! Great! Let's get SWOLE!
That's it! One more rep! One more! Hm? Can't keep going? Okay, just one more to finish out the set and... Yeah! You did it!
Great job! Do you feel that, Trainer? I bet your heart, your pectorals, your whole body's screaming out in gratitude!
Y-yeah... You're right! I can hear them!
Perfect! Then let's scream back and show your body what it's made of! On to the second round!
Okay, Trainer... This is it! The final stretch! Come on! Count out the reps with me!
One!
Twooo!
Threeee! Woohoo! You did it!
Exhaustion consumes me... but it's accompanied by a strong feeling of accomplishment and pride! After all, that was one intense workout!
Do you do this every day?
Nah, today's workout was made with you in mind. I'd say I usually do... about four times more in total.
But any exercise is good exercise as far as your muscles are concerned! Keep it up, and you'll see results in no time!
Nothing beats seeing your time go down, even by a single second. And when your hard work shows on the track... Man, that's something entirely different!
That moment when you're the fastest on the track... when you cross that finish line before anyone else...
Feeling your muscles burn and that heat spread throughout your body... No better experience than that.
Is that why you run? To feel that?
(...?)
Ryan's reaction to my question is a bit perplexing, but before I can continue, another Umamusume approaches her.
Ryan! Where are yo, ah, there you are! Figures you'd be in the gym!
Oh, Ines! What's up?
The tryouts are coming up, remember? I figured you'd be training for that, so let's run together!
Whoa, really?! That'd be amazing! Wanna get started right now?!
I knew you'd say yes! ♪ I'll go get changed!
Judging from that conversation, Mejiro Ryan's running in the tryouts... Which means I'll be able to see how she runs at her best.
With something to look forward to, I pack up and leave the gym with a spring in my step. Or... I would if I wasn't so sore.
2. Why...
57 linesThe day of the tryouts arrives. All the participating Umamusume busy themselves warming up, hoping to show their true prowess to prospective trainers.
The stands are filled to the brim with their fans and friends alike, ready to cheer them on. Among them are the sharp-eyed trainers, eager to scout the next star.
Ryaaan! You've got this in the bag!
Show 'em what those legs can do! Make them eat your dust!
Whoa, thanks, guys! Don't worry, I won't let you down!
Wow, someone's as popular as ever.
Ahaha... I just go for runs around the school a lot, so I naturally bump into a lot of people. Never hurts to say hello to someone you see every day!
Yeah, and doing that is what got all these people to come out for your big day. ♪
It's a bit embarrassing when you put it that way... But I can't say I don't appreciate it! Better make it worth their while!
Yeah, that goes for me too! I won't lose to you! ...Even if I'm not taking part in the tryouts this time.
Ahaha, we'll have to save our head-to-head battle for some other time! Anyway, I better head down to the track. See you soon, Ines!
Yeah! Knock 'em dead, Ryan!
From the stands, I see Mejiro Ryan walk onto the track and start prepping for the race among the other Umamusume.
This is it! How far will my legs take me today? Hehe, I can't wait!
What are you laughing about? This is an important race here, which some of us are actually taking seriously.
Huh? Ah... S-sorry!
...Hmph.
Hey... Sorry about her. She's from a pretty famous family, so she's worried about making them proud.
Making her... family proud...
And with that, every Umamusume is at the starting gate!
(Making them proud...)
Bam!
Huh?! Ah, crud!
What's this?! Mejiro Ryan leaves the gate late!
Huff, huff, huff! Nngh!
Come on, Ryaaan!
That's it! You can still catch up!
And we've reached the final stretch! Mejiro Ryan has managed to recover from her delayed start and made it all the way to second place! Will she make it to first?!
Ah, the racer in first is... the one from before...
They're approaching the finish line! Ryan's gaining speed and catching up fast! Will she make it?!
And... It's no use! The front runner crosses the finish line, with Mejiro Ryan coming in a close second!
Huh? Hmmm...
What's wrong?
It's just... something's off about Ryan...
Indeed. Her running form was different from usual. It was missing her usual energy.
Ah, McQueen! I didn't know you were here!
I'll be running in the next tryouts, so it is only natural that I be here to prepare myself. But never mind that...
I think I need to have a talk with Ryan.
Huh?! W-wait for me! I wanna talk to her too!
As Mejiro McQueen makes her way to Ryan, Ines Fujin and I trail behind.
Huh? Ines, McQueen, and... the trainer from before? What's going on?
That's what we'd like to know! What's wrong, Ryan? That race wasn't like you at all.
I-I just...
I guess the tryouts weren't as easy as I thought. The rest of the runners were super serious. I bet they were trying hard to make a good impression.
Their passion won out in the end. I mean... running's just another way for me to do what I love, exercise.
I don't have any big dreams or reasons to run. I'm just... practicing my hobby.
Wh-why would you say that! You train harder than anybody I know! No way you're doing all that for a simple hobby.
Ah, what I mean is... I-I was so busy preparing my body, I forgot to prepare my spirit too. Guess I'll have to work even harder!
Ryan.
...Yes, McQueen?
Why did you come to Tracen Academy in the first place?
Wh-why? That's...
...I'm sorry. Perhaps that was an insensitive question. I shall be on my way.
What?! McQueen, wait!
With that, a dejected Mejiro Ryan takes her leave before I can talk to her.
3. Watching from Behind
67 linesThe day after the tryouts, I'm about to head home when I spot a frantic, and familiar, student.
Ah! You're the trainer from yesterday, right?!
What's wrong?
I haven't been able to find Ryan since classes ended...
She's always training, so I figured I'd find her on the course or in the gym...
But she wasn't there! And after that weird race yesterday, I'm starting to get worried.
Got it. I'll help you look.
Really?! Thank you so much!
Ines Fujin and I take a quick moment to decide where we should each look, and then we split up to search for Mejiro Ryan.
After checking the school grounds, I head to the nearby river, parks, shopping district, and even the station. Just when all hope seems lost...
...
There you are.
Huh? What are you doing here?
I tell Mejiro Ryan about Ines Fujin's search for her and how I offered to help.
Gotcha... Aw, man, sorry about that. I'd better apologize to Ines when I get back.
I just really wanted to run outside today. I was planning to be back before anyone started worrying, but I guess that was a bust...
I stopped here to take a break, but then I got caught up in the scenery... Brings back a lot of memories.
Does it?
Yeah... You see, there's a steep hill close to the Mejiro family home. Like steep steep. But if you make it to the top, you get an incredible view.
When I was young, we used to play on that hill all the time. We Mejiro kids would race up it to see who would be the first to see that breathtaking view.
That includes McQueen too, of course.
She's always been a fast one.
Are you two close?
Yeah... Out of our whole family, she's probably the one I'm closest to. I guess we're like childhood friends... Or maybe sisters?
But... McQueen's always been the model Mejiro, and I've been, well... me. So even though I'm technically older, I never really could act like a big sister to her.
She's just... always been amazing.
She knows what it means to be a Mejiro, and what sort of standard she's gotta set, both on and off the race course. And then she meets those standards.
Her manners are top-notch, and she always looks so elegant. She's everything the fans of our family want...
I really respect her.
She's completely different from me.
But you're just as amazing.
Ahaha, thanks... You're a good person.
But you don't need to lie. I know I could never be like McQueen.
I don't run with the Mejiro name in mind, and I don't think I ever will. Even if I could, I wouldn't be able to compete with her.
After all, I just like running. Nothing more... nothing less.
No one would ever look at me and think of me as a distinguished daughter of a noble lineage. Ahaha!
She laughs it off, but I can tell that her problems are eating her up inside. If only I could do something...
Her dedication to working out has forged her body into a powerhouse. She's clearly got more talent than she thinks.
In any case... it's clear that she's insecure about her motivation, and it's been hindering her performance.
As I try to puzzle out a solution to this conundrum, I head back to school.
Wow, so you're doing the 3,200 meter turf race, huh? What should I do... Oh, maybe the 5,000 meter freestyle race!
There is no such race in the Tracen Meet!
(The Tracen Meet?)
I quickly remember that the Tracen Meet, an event where students can run in a category of their choosing, will happen soon.
Why do you always gotta do the long runs, huh? Why not do the 1,200 meter and make the competition eat your dust?
My goal is to win the Tenno Sho, so I obviously need to prepare for that.
The Tracen Meet attracts all sorts of fans, so I must run in a way that does not besmirch the Mejiro name!
It sounds like Mejiro McQueen is aiming to win the 3,200 meter turf race.
Mejiro Ryan's problem seems deeply linked to McQueen. Perhaps this could be a solution.
Huh? You think I should enter the same race as McQueen?
Obviously I can't force you, but think about it, okay?
Well... It's not that I'm opposed...
How long has it been since she and I ran together anyway?
And why'd you decide to tell me this now?
I thought you might learn something from this race.
A few days later, I decide to check on Mejiro Ryan. I don't see her at the track or in classes, so I decide to check the gym.
Someone's hard at work.
Uh... I guess so, yeah.
Hey... I, uh... I did it. I signed up for the same race as McQueen. The 3,200 meter turf race.
I'll be honest, though... I don't really get why I decided to do it.
I'm training more than usual, but I think I'm just feeling a little antsy. Not much more to it.
But... I'm still determined to do it. Feel free to come check out the race.
With that, Mejiro Ryan returns to her workout, pumping out rep after rep.
4. Because...
58 linesFinally, the day of the Tracen Meet has come.
I see the stands are positively packed, as always.
Yeah, this is Tracen's big event, after all.
Ryaaaan! You can do it! We've got your back, Ryan!
That explains why your fans are more energetic than usual. However...
McQueen! Show 'em what a Mejiro can do! Get out there and do the Mejiro name proud!
As a fellow Mejiro, I must also uphold a certain standard. Do not expect me to go easy on you.
Yeah, you're really something, McQueen. You always do your best to meet everyone's expectations.
Is that justification for you to lose?
Huh?
Surely you don't think it would be acceptable to lose today because I have some grand, noble reason for racing and you don't... do you?
McQueen...
McQueen, Ryan! Please get ready for your race!
(I wonder...)
(When did I start wondering if it was okay for me to win? And... when was it that I started having that feeling every time I see you?)
Our runners have taken their places at the starting gate. The 3,200 meter turf race... begins now!
We've got a fantastic lineup today, but all eyes are on our two Mejiro racers, Mejiro McQueen and Mejiro Ryan!
(McQueen... You're like the ideal Umamusume to me... You're elegant and proud, just like a Mejiro successor should be.)
(For as long as I can remember, I've been by your side. I've seen it all, your willpower, your hard work... I've watched you fall down, only to get back up.)
(So, when I race you or others like you...)
(Maybe... I feel like it'd be okay for me to lose. Is that it?)
We've reached the final 1,000 meter mark! McQueen is among the leading pack, while Ryan trails behind. Is her heart not in it?!
(I... I...)
Huff, puff...
I did it! I won!
...!
Mejiro Ryan kicks it into high gear! That acceleration is crazy!
(No! No, that's not it at all! Sure, I've wondered if it would be fair for me to win, but...)
(I never EVER thought it would be okay for me to lose!)
(No way, no how! Even when we used to race up that hill together, I...)
Aaaargggh!
Ryan!
They're entering the final stretch! McQueen is in the lead, with Ryan in fast pursuit! They've both got their eyes on the finishing post, but only one can cross it first!
Urrraauugh! Haaaaah!
Finish! What a close call! The two Mejiros had the crowd on the edge of their seats! Listen to those cheers!
In the end, the winner of the race is... McQueen, by the thinnest of margins.
Huff... puff...
Sigh... Aaargh! I was so close too!
Ryan... you...
You asked me why I came to Tracen Academy, right?
If I just liked exercising, I could do that anywhere. There's no need to enter races if I'm perfectly satisfied with gains from the gym.
But now I know... I came to Tracen to win.
I'm here to hone my body and skills, race against the others, and come out on top... I'm here to beat strong racers like you, McQueen.
Heh... Then I too shall give my all as your opponent. As a Mejiro, I have no intentions of losing to anyone, especially you.
Ha! Yeah, well, when it comes to the gym, I know I've got you beat.
These muscles of mine will carry me wherever I need them to!
That's the spirit, Ryan! We'll be right there with you the whole way!
That's right! We've got your back, now and forever!
Whoa... Ehehe... Thanks, guys!
Hey... Thanks for recommending this race to me. It really was a valuable experience, just like you said.
Um... actually... There's something I wanted to ask you, b-but you can say no if you want...
Would you... be my trainer?! My one and only trainer?!
Of course!
I grin from ear to ear. I'll have my hands full with such an enormous talent, but I can't wait to see where the future takes us both!
W-wait... "My one and only" kinda sounds like a... l-love confession, doesn't it? A-ah... Aaaah!
Waaah! Please forget I said that!
5. The Power of Protein
42 linesWith after-school training complete, I head over to the water fountain. There, I spot Mejiro Ryan.
Ahhh! Now that feels good!
You're soaking wet! What happened?
Ahaha! I just put my head under the faucet! Nothing beats a cold shower after training!
Wanna give it a shot?
No, I'm good...
Aw, man... But it feels so good on the shoulder muscles.
As she smiles back at me, I notice her eyes look a little red...
Were you crying?
Tears well up in her eyes as she struggles to remain calm. I decide to give her some space until she settles down.
Phew... You've got sharp eyes, you know that?
You see... I keep losing to McQueen in scrimmages.
No matter how hard I try, I just can't catch up to her. It's just so... so...
Frustrating... Guess winning isn't as easy as it seems.
Looking closer, I notice that Mejiro Ryan appears more gaunt than usual.
On top of our training, she also works out on her own. If she's not properly fueling her body...
Are you eating enough?
Huh? Uh... I think so? At least, I'm pretty sure I ate breakfast today.
Well... That makes it abundantly clear. As her trainer, there's only one thing for me to do.
The cafeteria is mostly deserted this late in the day. I notice Mejiro Ryan idly looking about the room, perhaps out of boredom.
Before long, the XXL pork cutlet curry I ordered is placed before her.
Whoa! T-Trainer, what's going on?!
Eat up!
B-but eating this late in the day isn't good for...
Forget about that and dig in! Just for today!
Mejiro Ryan devours the massive curry dish in the blink of an eye!
Mmm... mmmmm!
My tongue's screaming in delight... I can feel my muscles thanking me for all the extra protein!
I missed that smile.
Trainer...
Now that I think about it... I have been a bit too preoccupied with racing lately. I don't know how long it's been since I last sat down to a full meal.
I guess when I'm frustrated, I tend to forget important stuff like that.
It's not uncommon for runners to put too much focus on their failures, causing them to neglect their health.
Once she opens her eyes and realizes what she's doing, I'm sure Ryan will see what a disservice she's doing to herself and her potential.
Let's unlock even more of your talent.
My talent...
Mejiro Ryan stares out the window at the girls passing by, deep in thought.
6. Bench-Pressing Maiden
65 linesAs I take a short break in the trainers' office one late afternoon, Mejiro Ryan bursts through the door looking like a sweaty, nervous wreck.
T-Trainer...
What's wrong?!
This is bad... really, really bad! Not even the tastiest protein shake is gonna fix this!
Mejiro Ryan nervously pulls out a magazine to show me.
On the cover, drinking tea while striking an elegant pose, is Mejiro McQueen.
Oh, she looks nice here.
Yeah, she does... But that's not the issue! Look at this header on the next page!
"The Magnificent Maidens of Mejiro, Part One."
M-magnificent... Maidens...
Wait, is the second part going to feature...
Yeah, I just got a call from the magazine... But I'm not like McQueen at all!
They're probably picturing some lovely little lady who plays violin while longingly looking out the window! Like McQueen!
Are you going to say no?
Urgh... Well...
You and I have been talking about how I need to try things I'm not good at...
I'm still unsure how far my talents go, even after all this time... But to figure that out, I must open myself up to new possibilities.
And to do that, I need your help!
Okay, prepare yourself, Trainer! We're about to explore a world previously known to only McQueen and other elegant folks... The high-class mall.
Victoria, Mademoiselle, Prim & Preen... All of these are super fancy brands!
You sure know your stuff.
N-no, I don't! Those names are just burned into my mind after reading that magazine over and over again!
Um... Do you mind if I take a look?
Go right ahead.
Thanks!
Feeling the weight of the situation, Mejiro Ryan approaches the shop. After wavering for a bit, she takes a step inside.
Whoa, a tulle skirt?! It's even got a ribbon on the back! Ah, but...
M-my thighs are a bit too jacked for this... It'll look weird.
Frilly blouses like this suit McQueen perfectly. If I tried to wear them...
Gaaah, this is impossible!
This pattern continues for a while. Ryan picks up each piece of clothing with a smile on her face, only to put it down again with a dejected look in her eyes.
Suddenly, she stops before a knit sweater on display.
A pink sweater... bejeweled with pearls...
I would never ever pick something like this normally...
But I gotta push myself! Yeah, just pretend you're pumping out another set of chest presses... Excuse me, I'd like to try this on!
We finish up our shopping and head home. Despite our successful trip, Mejiro Ryan still seems antsy.
I did it... I bought a pink sweater.
Are you happy with it?
O-of course! I mean, it's so elegant, so it should work perfectly for the magazine. But...
For some reason... that just makes me more nervous. My heart's beating so hard, my pecs are trembling!
Huh? Was that a cat? Where'd it come from?
Whoa!
Before us stands one of the many tall trees lining the streets. However, hanging from this one is a kitten, its claws caught in the branches.
In the blink of an eye, the kitten's claws finally give out, and it begins to fall. It's at least a thirty meter drop!
I've gotcha, little one!
Mejiro Ryan rushes to the kitten, sweater in hand.
Come oooon!
Just as the kitten is about to hit the ground, Ryan manages to catch it in her sweater.
Phew... You're safe now.
The kitten wiggles around in the sweater, perhaps a little shaken, but otherwise unharmed.
I take the kitten in my arms, and my eyes go wide...
The kitten's claws had clearly gotten caught in the sweater. It's completely shredded...
Well, the sweater's ruined...
Oh?
Going shopping at a fancy mall and getting frilly clothes... It just didn't feel right to me.
I think I was trying too hard to be like McQueen. I really stepped out of my comfort zone.
But I realized something while I was running towards that kitten.
I... am Mejiro Ryan, not Mejiro McQueen.
I think frilly stuff is cute, but it's not ME, you know? What is me is dashing in to save a kitten! Nobody can beat me when it comes to taking action!
And... I'm okay with that!
Sounds like you found another talent.
I sure hope so! And you know... I think I'm gonna do this photo shoot in my gym clothes!
Mejiro Ryan beams with pride and confidence. A few days later, I ask about the interview. She tells me it went off without a hitch!
7. Believe in Your Muscles!
64 linesOne morning during Tracen's summer camp, I notice Mejiro Ryan walking toward me, stretching her arms.
Morning, Trainer! Looking forward to another great workout!
Energetic as always, I see.
Oh yeah, my engines are rearing to go! Your training might have something to do with that. Ah, right, the morning meeting!
One after the other, trainees congregate in the lobby of the camp dorm. The head trainer then steps forward.
We've reached the halfway point of the summer camp, and I'm sure you're starting to feel the effects of your training. No doubt you want to test out your new skills.
Which is why we're holding scrimmages on the last day of the camp! If you're interested, let your trainers know, and they will apply in your stead!
At the moment, we already have one participant... Oguri Cap!
Wait, you're telling me I could race against Oguri?!
Are you interested?
Yeah, I've had my eyes on Oguri ever since she transferred to this school.
She doesn't have a fancy family name supporting her. She gets by on pure talent... She's the real deal.
Trainer... can you sign me up for the scrimmages? I want to race Oguri.
Consider it done!
Thanks! I'll show her everything I've got!
Speaking of which... we better come up with a workout routine if we wanna beat Oguri!
Oguri's acceleration at the end of the race is her secret weapon. She's a late surger, just like me.
But is it a good idea to stick to the same strategy here?
Hmmm... Good question...
Two strategies immediately come to mind.
We could refine our current strategy and face Oguri Cap head-on. Or... we could surprise her with a pace chaser strategy and try to get ahead of her.
I relay these options to Mejiro Ryan and tell her the choice is hers. After pondering for a while, she raises her head.
I want to try the pace chaser strategy!
That's a surprise.
Yeah. Normally, I'd want to face her head-on, make it a battle of the surgers. But I want to expand my horizons and try something new!
Her eyes are full of conviction, even more so than usual. I can easily tell how badly she wants to win this.
All right, then pace chaser training it is!
Yeah, let's do this!
Since our strategy requires keeping a steady pace over a long period, we need to work on my stamina!
A teensy bit of stamina training ain't gonna take me down! Come on, muscles, lemme hear you cry out! Your pain, my gain!
Huff, puff... Wheeze...
All right, let's take a break.
Just then, a sudden gust of wind hits the two of us. In that moment, I see a white blur out of the corner of my eye...
Wait... Was that Oguri?!
Oguri Cap?
Yeah, I'm sure of it! I'd never miss that silvery hair of hers! That sprint... She must be training like crazy too.
...Good. I wouldn't wanna fight Oguri if she wasn't gonna give it her all.
Moved by Oguri Cap's determination, Mejiro Ryan softly smiles. As I stand by her side, I notice a few trainees gossiping behind us.
Hey... Was that Oguri? I thought she was in a slump...
Yeah, I bet that's why she's training so hard.
A slump... Sounds like the pace chaser strategy was the right choice. We can definitely catch her off guard at this rate.
...
Ryan? What's up?
It was just for a moment, but I caught a glimpse of Oguri's face when she ran by. She looked so determined. No way could you call that a slump.
When you're prepping for a big race, you've gotta believe you can do it. Otherwise, there's no way you could run like that.
Believing in yourself... In that case...
The day of the scrimmage arrives, and from what I can tell, Oguri Cap is in tip-top shape, just like Mejiro Ryan predicted.
All right, racers, get into position. Ready, set... go!
Oguri, I've always looked up to you, but now... I'm gonna surpass you!
Oguri's in a great position! Ah, but so is Ryan! Ohhh... I can't wait to see the final dash for the finish line!
This is me... This is how Mejiro Ryan runs!
Oguri's pulled ahead, but Ryan's not far behind! They're doing it! They're facing each other head-on!
They're neck and neck! Who will win?!
Hehe... Rats. Thought I had her there, but she beat me good.
Sorry for changing our strategy midway through... Seeing Oguri take her training so seriously made me want to take her on as a surger.
Well, did you have fun?
You bet! That race was so intense! If I had just been a liiiittle bit faster, I bet I could've won!
I'm disappointed, sure, but I'm not sad at all. If anything, I'm proud of myself for doing things my way!
I want to get stronger, strong enough that I won't lose to Oguri Cap or Mejiro McQueen ever again!
Trainer... Will you... help me get there?
Of course!
Mejiro Ryan shows me the brightest smile I've ever seen. In that moment, my conviction to make her dreams come true grows even stronger.