Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Narita Taishin's story
7 scenes, 430 lines
1. No One Knows Me
61 linesWhat, so just 'cause I'm small, I don't even get a chance?!
An outburst of anger cuts through the cafeteria's idle lunchtime chatter.
The room is stunned silent... until a whisper of voices begins to buzz, and students nervously turn their eyes to the offending table.
The student who shouted stands up, hardly taller than when she was seated.
Wh-whoa! Waaait, wait, wait! I didn't mean it like that, Taishin! I swear it's not about your height!
Ticket does make a valid point, Taishin.
Sufficient nutrition is certainly essential to physical growth, but what you have there is far more food than you require.
Heaps of food lie on the table next to Narita Taishin. There's no way she'll finish it all.
Who asked you...
Just listen, will you? I don't want a repeat of how you ate yourself sick the other day. You're a naturally light eater...
I said, SHUT IT!
T-Taishin! Come on, can't we just...
The scene leaves a bad aftertaste that lingers in the back of my mind.
On my way home from a long day's work, I hear footsteps from the darkened training course.
Pant... Pant...
(Someone's doing laps? At this time of night?)
Pant...
Furiously running around the course is the petit racer from lunch today, Narita Taishin.
Pant, pant... Grrr... Raaagh!
Through gritted teeth, she lets out an agonized shout that echoes throughout the track.
The frustration, the desperation, in her steps... It almost hurts to watch.
Several days later... runners line the track for tryouts, eager to show trainers their hard-won skills.
For many of the determined athletes, it represents the chance of a lifetime and the first step toward the big leagues.
Whoa!
Sorry, I didn't see you!
Narita Taishin, barely visible, struggles to stand out among the many debut hopefuls.
Yikes, look at that tiny one over there. Hm... To be honest, I'm not seeing anyone promising.
Agreed. Usually we get at least one from a good family, or even just someone with a nice, athletic build.
Hey now. We won't really know anything until we see them run. Look, they're about to start!
Hmph... I'm gonna do this. They'll finally see!
Here we go! The racers are lined up at the starting gate... And they're off!
Haaah!
Huh? That tiny kid's trying to get out of the pack! She's not gonna try and push her way through to the front, is she?
Mhm. But with that small frame of hers...
Ugh!
I knew it. The middle's too much for her. She's at a total disadvantage stature-wise.
Damn it!
Geez, the others are just brushing her off... There's no way she has enough stamina to keep up.
Pant... Pant...
The leaders have rounded the fourth corner! But what's this? A challenger is fast approaching!
Aaaaagh!
It's Narita Taishin! Narita Taishin rushes ahead with tremendous speed! She's going for the lead!
Pant... Pant... Ugh!
She wasted all her energy at the start. What reckless running... It hurts to watch.
There's no doubt her break for the front was a sight to behold. But in the end, Narita Taishin slipped down in position... and finished in tenth.
After the intense race...
Pant... Pant... That sucked... My head is pounding.
Hey, Taishin, do you have a moment to, oh dear, are you okay? Still can't catch your breath?
Hm?! No, I'm fine. You need something?
No... That race told me everything. I hate to say this, but... You just aren't built for racing. You should do yourself a favor and give up.
What?
You're too small. If you pulled a stunt like that in the Twinkle Series, you could get yourself seriously hurt.
For your safety... Start looking into other career paths. There are plenty of choices for Umamusume besides racing.
...Buzz off.
Listen to me, Taishin! Please, I'm saying this for your sake. Would you at least...
Just shut up already! You're saying it for my sake? Hah! What a load of crap!
I'll show you all! I'm going to win if it's the last thing I do!
Narita Taishin spits the words out and runs off in a huff. The crushed look in her eyes as she passes me, it's heartbreaking.
2. No Pain, No Gain?
62 linesPant, pant... Phew...
Crazy trainer. She should learn when to keep her mouth shut.
(People have always been such a pain. I can't stand any of them.)
Your shoes? Oh yeah, I saw 'em! Up in that tree!
But wait, you can't reach that high. Guess you've just gotta jump!
Poor Taishin, stuck sitting all by herself. Who wants to go try talking to her?
Ewww, not me! She's so weird! Let's rock-paper-scissors for it.
Making fun of me and bullying me for the dumbest reasons. Like I'd ever wanna be friends with them.
Every single day was such a pain in the ass. But then... I found racing.
It was the only good thing I had.
Pant, pant...
Aaaaagh!
Whoa, awesome!
Hey, isn't that... Narita Taishin? That puny loner can run?!
So I lived to race. Because by winning, I could leave all the idiots choking in the dust.
If I could get away from them all, to the other side of the finish line... I knew I'd finally be able to breathe easy.
So I went full sprint ahead. I even imagined going for the Twinkle Series. But...
Pant, pant... Yes! I got first!
Pant, gasp. Crap!
Hey, your name's Narita Taishin, isn't it? I heard you're going to Tracen Academy in the spring. That true?
I don't see what it has to do with you.
More like, what does it have to do with you? You know it's an elite school for runners with talent, right?
What would they want a little runt like you for? You'll never get in!
...!
I wanted to tell her to shut up, or that I'd show her, or a million other things that came to mind.
But even now, I can feel the words still stuck in my throat.
Pant, pant, gasp...
(Damn... What the hell is going on? How can they be this much better?! There's not an inch to squeeze through to the front!)
(Tracen Academy... is no joke!)
Gasp, gasp... Agh...
(Can't breathe...)
(I can't... catch my breath...)
No.
No... I'm not letting it end here!
Long after the lights are out for the night, a small shadow crosses the course. With a gulp, I go to confirm my suspicions.
Sure enough, it's her again, Narita Taishin, looking somewhat distressed.
Pant... Pant...
She's clearly on the verge of collapsing. So without second thought, I call out to her.
You're pushing yourself too hard!
Huh? Who the heck are you?
You're going to get yourself injured.
Get lost. Why would I listen to you?
Please!
Uuugh! I said, beat it! I'm sick of you idiots!
"Don't be reckless." "It's too dangerous." Well? Go ahead! I know you're just itching to say it! "Racing isn't for you," right?!
"You're too short!" "You're too frail!" "You're not cut out to be a racer!"
All that junk, I'm sick and tired of hearing it!
Seeing her intensity, I freeze, unsure how to respond. Bitterly, she continues.
Okay?! I don't care what people say! I'm gonna stay right on the turf! I'll show all you whiny morons!
I'll show you exactly where I should be! And I'll be laughing when I tell you to shove it from the winner's circle!
...!
The look in her eyes is unmistakable.
It's the unquenchable thirst for victory, a terrible and unshakable drive.
Ah haaaaah! Found youuu, Taishiiiiin!
What are you thinking, staying out this late?! All the lights are off! It's dangerous!
Ugh... What the heck are you doing here?
What else! I'm here to come get you! I was sooo worried waiting in the dorm for you, Taishin!
I don't need you to worry about me.
Huh?! H-hey, wait up, Taishiiin!
The course goes quiet, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
(Narita Taishin...)
The fire in her soul ignites something in me, and my pulse refuses to slow down.
3. No Way, But Maybe...
65 linesNarita Taishin has a short stride, but the rush she gets in the homestretch is fierce. More than anything else, she longs to win.
A bit of searching reveals a video of a race she ran before applying to Tracen.
Pant, pant...
Her expression has no hint of impatience. She's running comfortably in the back, calm and controlled.
She takes it slow. Usually, letting the frontrunners save their energy for the final sprint would be a mistake.
But in one beautiful stroke, she flips those odds around.
Gaaaaagh!
With a burst of fearsome strength, she tears away from the pack.
She rages forward like a storm, and takes the win!
I scramble through Taishin's portfolio to check the times. Her speed in the first half isn't anything special, but the second half...
The last three furlongs are incredibly fast for this type of race!
(That's her real strength!)
She got impatient at the tryouts and wasted her energy early on, so she didn't have enough to sustain her last spurt.
(If she saves her stamina, she can do it!)
It's early to be thinking strategy, but I can't help tracking Taishin down.
You're the trainer from yesterday...
Oh! You're the trainer who was with Taishin last night! Could this be what I think it is?
You're here to scout her?!
Exactly!
She looks at me perplexed, and I tell her about the race footage I watched.
Your final sprint is amazing!
Uh huh... So?
I want us to seize victory together!
I'm so...
Oh no...
I-I'm, I'm... I'm sho touuuched!
Let's gooo! This trainer's got the stuff! Taishin, this one's speciaaal!
Please... You think everyone's special.
So?! Are you gonna accept?! Are you gonna team up?!
Wh-why would I pair up with this weirdo?
A shame. All would have sailed smoothly if only you were on board.
Wha?
Sorry to intrude. I have a pressing matter at hand, and I need your assistance, Narita Taishin.
Pre... President?!
To cut straight to the point, I have received multiple reports that you are unfit for Tracen Academy.
The reasons are many: your recent lackluster results, concerns for your wellbeing, and, however noble the intention, your repeated disregard for curfew.
I presented counterarguments on your behalf, but as matters stand... I must ask you to aid me yourself.
My... self?
Yes. You see, the concerns about you were voiced predominantly by academy faculty.
The simplest way to convince them is to offer proof of your abilities.
Please, endeavor to dispel the accusations against you, Narita Taishin.
("Dispel the accusations," she says... How the hell am I supposed to pull that off?)
NOOOOO! We can't let them expel you, Taishiiin!
T-Ticket, you... Don't tell me you were eavesdropping!
I'd NEVER! I was just listening intently!
That's exactly what eavesdropping is...
Indeed. But the situation is more dire than I expected.
Hayahide?! Not you too!
What should we do?!
I'm surrounded...
Now, if we are to achieve what the president indicated, there is but one path available.
Whoa, there's a way?! You're amazing, Hayahideee! Just say the word! How can we help?!
I really don't see why you're so worked up about this.
If we are to inspire high expectations of your racing potential, it follows that we must demonstrate it on the track.
We need to gather people for a scrimmage. The two of us will join as well.
Yeeeah! That's perfect! Let's do this, Taishin!
You think I need your pity? That I need you to throw a race just to get a win?
Not for a second. Putting me aside, you should know well that there's one racer here who doesn't know the meaning of holding back.
Well... I guess...
The reason we are trying to help is quite simple. Though that which is simple is often difficult to put in words.
So forget it. I look forward to seeing you at the scrimmage, Taishin.
4. No More Waiting
71 linesHey, did you hear? You know, about the scrimmage this weekend.
Right, the one Narita Taishin's going to race in. "Another chance to see what she's really made of," was it?
Everyone at the academy knows about the scrimmage thanks to Winning Ticket and her days-long spree of shouting all around campus.
But the reactions to the big news are mixed.
Biwa Hayahide is precise, and Winning Ticket runs like a rocket. And it isn't just them... The other racers have been training just as hard.
There's no way Taishin's winning this. I just hope she doesn't overdo it and get hurt.
Taishin?
I try approaching the glum-looking racer.
She's close with Biwa Hayahide and Winning Ticket, so she probably knows more about their much-talked-about abilities than most.
You must be feeling the pressure.
Who asked you?
She looks grim, but I still remember that video, her fiery sprint down the homestretch.
You don't need to get caught up in the fight for position.
Excuse me? Who do you think you're talking to?
You mean I'm already a disgrace? So I should just lose without making a damn fuss?!
Wait! I mean, if you don't fight, you can win!
Huh?
Take it slow in the beginning.
That's insane... If I let the big runners like Hayahide get ahead, I'll never catch up!
With your breakaway speed, you can overtake anyone!
I'm not sure if she really got my advice.
But it's too late now, the gates are opening!
Clank!
Wow... Biwa Hayahide's off in excellent form. She's got a nice position in the front.
Winning Ticket too. Must be in a good mood 'cause she knows so many of the racers! I can't wait to see her in the last stretch!
Huh? Narita Taishin's way in back... I wonder if she tripped up her start.
...!
Huff... Puff...
(Crap, I can't take this. The front's getting blocked off... It's like a wall.)
(But...)
"You don't need to get caught up in the fight for position."
"Take it slow in the beginning."
"Wait! I mean, if you don't fight, you can win!"
"With your breakaway speed, you can overtake anyone!"
Fine.
Here it is, the last corner! Ah, Winning Ticket's coming up fast!
RAAAAAGH! FULL SPEED AHEEEAD!
Heh, as I predicted, Winning Ticket!
It's Biwa Hayahide and Winning Ticket! Will it come down to a fight between those two powerhouses?!
Wait! From the outside!
Haaaaargh!
Narita Taishin?! Look at that burst of speed!
(This is it, don't lose focus! Keep your eyes on me! Watch me do this!)
(I'm Narita Taishin, a trueborn racer!)
Aaaaagh!
She's even more focused than in the video... Like a blade forged from all her willpower and perseverance, she cuts straight to the front.
Everyone holds their breath as it ends, and Narita Taishin wins a close finish. Following her are Biwa Hayahide and Winning Ticket.
It's more than enough to make her full potential known, a truly stunning race.
Well, looks like I still have some studying to do. How could I misjudge a racer like her?
Aaaaagh! I looost!
Knock it off. I can't deal with your painful whining so soon after a race.
But, but, but! I went all out! I really thought I was gonna be all like, "Yay, I won," like always!
But... I just couldn't keep up with you! I'm still burning with excitement!
That's why! We should definitely, no, ABSOLUTELY race again with everything we've got!
I believe we've communicated our reasons for wanting to help well enough.
Hayahide...
None of us can afford to lose our most powerful rivals here. We're in this together.
Enough with the touchy-feely talk.
The commotion dies down, and Narita Taishin hesitantly walks over to me.
Um... Hey.
So, Ticket put words in your mouth the other day, but uh... If you really, um, y'know... You can say it now.
That I'm "sho touuuched"?
NO, you idiot! I'll kick your ass! I mean, whether you want to...
Yes! I want to scout you!
5. Nobody Can Help
43 linesFor today's training, Narita Taishin asks for help building her strength.
Just as I arrive at the gym, I see the stern athlete about to lift a barbell.
All right, I've got this...
She yanks it up, but the weight's momentum throws her off balance!
So... heavy!
Be careful!
I help hold the barbell and slowly lower it to the floor.
Gasp... Gasp... Damn it.
It would probably be a good idea to warm up before she gets herself hurt.
Don't go overboard.
I'm not saying that.
It's clear the irritated trainee has enough strength to lift the barbell.
But she needs to slow down and warm up properly first. I try to explain why.
Though she appears reluctant, the stubborn student does as instructed for now.
I assign some light jogging on the treadmill to raise her body temp and heart rate, then cap it off with stretching to loosen her muscles.
Having finished the comprehensive warm-up, Narita Taishin once again stands before the barbell.
Hgh... Hng!
This time, she's a lot steadier, and she's able to lift the barbell with no problem.
I did it!
Looks like you've got the hang of it.
A little, I guess.
Her words express some doubt, but she's got it down.
Phew...
Dumbbell training is going smoothly, but it could be better if I adjusted her shaky posture...
Can you straighten out your upper body a little more?
...I'll try.
For the rest of the training, she seems to take my instructions more willingly than before.
With the workout finished, I go over the day's accomplishments.
How'd you feel with today's training?
Um... Fine, I guess.
Oh, right. Hey, um...
I think I might wanna do that warm-up you showed me from now on.
It made things... Well, my body felt easier to move, I think.
Really?! That's great!
I can't hide my excitement. I wasn't expecting such a positive response from her.
Ugh, what the heck... Chill out, would you?
Are we done wrapping up? Cause I'm gonna split.
O-oh, okay. Good work today.
Though training seems to be going well with her...
There are still some obstacles to overcome before we can truly be partners.
6. Nobody's Allowed In
69 linesNarita Taishin's training is going well, and she's getting into the swing of it. But something is still missing...
Really nice results today! You're almost ready for the next race!
For real?! Hehehe, guess I better get ready for my big reward, huh? ♪
Ah, there it is! Sure thing, lemme just make a reservation for that premium dessert buffet you've been dreaming about!
Seeing other trainers with their racers, I can't help but think...
(I might need to get to know Taishin better...)
For the most part, I only see her during training. I know next to nothing about Taishin herself.
Taishin, have a sec?
What? I did all my routines. Am I missing something?
Is there anywhere you'd like to go?
Huh?
Not really. I don't have time to keep you company anyway. I'm gonna cool down and head back.
And she's gone... Hopefully I'll get to know her better as we train more.
One day, a letter goes out to all faculty. It turns out to be a bonus from the academy, tickets to an aquarium.
I would've invited Taishin, but she turned me down last time I tried. So, I head off by myself.
It's a small aquarium in the suburbs, quiet and with only a sprinkling of visitors.
...One of whom I recognize.
(Taishin?)
While I debate whether to say something, she mumbles to herself.
...What's next?
(I've never seen her this calm...)
Something's different than usual. Perplexed, I watch silently as she drifts off to another area.
But it's a small aquarium, and as I stroll around, I wind up seeing her again.
She's standing by the "Fishy-Fun-Time" touch tank, staring down the doctorfish inside.
She cautiously checks if anyone is around, then gathers her courage and dips a hand in.
...!
Her worry melts away as the squirming fish tickles her fingers.
Later, as the sun begins to set...
There are barely any visitors now. The aquarium is still and noiseless as the deep sea.
Hehe.
And all alone, joyfully snapping pics of the energetic sea creatures, is Taishin.
For someone who hates groups, she has an awfully big smile looking at the school of fish.
I freeze like a deer in headlights. A wave of embarrassment washes over me as I struggle to reply.
Oh, h-hey. What a coincidence.
Smooth. If she realizes I was watching her, I don't even want to think how mad she'll be...
It's always like this here, you know.
She smiles, not a hint of anger to be heard in her voice.
Maybe it's the tranquil blue ambience... but she seems so gentle.
There's another bigger, fancier aquarium nearby. So pretty much everyone goes there now.
That's why it's always quiet here. Most come by themselves. And they're all fish-lovers, so they just stare at the tanks the whole time.
They don't give a second thought to me.
She pauses, her words fading into the background music.
For all the time we've spent together, I've never seen her make a face like this.
But how about you, fishies? I wonder if they notice me... Hehe.
Whatever, it doesn't matter. They aren't really watching. They're just around.
It's fine... I like it that way, makes it easier for me.
Hm? Hey, what's that grin for?
Huh? Oh, nothing really.
That so? You're kinda weird sometimes.
Well, I gotta go. This place closes pretty early, so watch out.
I look on as the mysterious aquarium-goer disappears into the distance.
(This turned out to be a pretty great day.)
Hopefully, it's a sign of progress.
Whoo-hoo! A new record! Hey, maybe it's time to make reservations for the premium dessert buffet, huh?
Hold on a minute! Breaking your record's amazing, but the dessert's your big prize for when you win the race!
The banter between trainer and trainee looks fun, but this time... I feel a little less envious.
Huff, puff... Phew...
Nice work, Taishin.
Yep... Enough chitchat though. Let's keep it moving.
You got it!
Umm, is it me, or are you crazy happy today?
I've come to realize that I'm happy the way things are.
7. No One Can Change Me, But...
59 linesHuff, huff... It's friggin' hot...
Hraaaaah!
Hah! Yah! Hyah! Hiyaaah!
Don't overdo it!
Yeah, yeah. It's just one more.
All the runners are charged up for the biggest part of summer camp. Even Taishin is getting really into it.
She's starting to worry me. I wish there was some way to make her take a break and ease the tension...
YES! We did all the drills! I'm going to get ready for the festival like we promised!
Ah, yeah, the festival. Then let's meet up right before the fireworks start at seven.
(There's a festival?)
I had no idea, though something tells me Taishin wouldn't enjoy the crowds.
But still, it feels like a waste to sit it out. Think... Something fun, but relaxing...
(That's it! The fireworks!)
Glug. Ahhh...
Where'd everybody go? Oh right, there's a festival or something today.
No one's here. Perfect. Now I can push it to the limit.
Actually, let's try something different.
Huh? Like what?
Want to head closer to the forest?
On the way over, the sun sets to reveal a star-filled night...
Here should be fine. Just wait a second.
Wait for what?
The fireworks begin at seven o'clock. Which means they should start in five, four, three, two...
Whistle... Bang!
Me? No way. What a coincidence, huh?
Sigh... I should've known you were up to something.
Boom! Bang!
Fireworks light up the sky one after another and fill the night with a rainbow of colors.
For a minute, we listen to them crackle with the breeze. Then, Narita Taishin softly begins to speak.
I can't stand them. Festivals, I mean.
Crowds of people all jammed together. How could anyone want to be in a place like that? Not that I ever tried.
Thought so.
You know, your know-it-all attitude really gets on my nerves.
But the fireworks... They're not bad. And no dumb jerks blocking the view.
I feel less pressure when nobody's around.
Just as she says, she looks completely relaxed now. Being away from judgmental eyes is important to her...
But I hope she can make one exception to that.
I'm here though. Is that okay?
Huh?
Geez, don't be so weird.
You're, you know... different.
You're like one of those fish. Doesn't matter whether you're around or not.
But how about you, fishies? I wonder if they notice me... Hehe.
Whatever, it doesn't matter. They aren't really watching. They're just around.
It's fine... I like it that way, makes it easier for me.
You can hang around if you want.
So apparently, I'm on the level of a fish. But from her, that's the best thing there...
Hey, quit it. You're staring like an idiot.
Oh, am I? Sorry.
Darn right, you dummy.
Despite Taishin's rude words, the light from the bursting fireworks illuminates her decidedly gentle smile.