Nice Nature's story

Ah! You there! Yes, you. Could you help me with a tiny little favor?

Yup, yup. If anyone comes by asking questions, just tell them, "Nature? Nope, haven't seen her!" and send them on their...

Ah, Natie! She's here, we finally found her!

Ugh...

What, so you were here the whole time? You weren't at the track, so we thought you mighta overslept or summat.

Uh, just for the record, I'm not that laid-back. If anything, I've been getting up earlier and earlier lately.

Haha, you should hear yourself, Natie! You sounded just like us old folks there!

More importantly, the tryouts! We're all here to cheer you on, so go get 'em, Natie!

Um, I appreciate all of you coming out here... But don't get your hopes up too much, 'kay?

I know my name makes me sound like a natural winner, but to be honest, my talents really aren't all that.

Like, the best I placed in my scrimmages was third. And it's not like I've got any grand ol' dreams either.

Now, now, don't say that. Well, we gotta get ready too. Make sure ya warm those muscles up, Natie!

Haha... Yeah, 'preciate it.

...Hey, so um, sorry about that. Totally left you hanging there.

Nah, it's nothing like that. They're just some folks from the local shopping district who're here to support me.

It's just, I can't really live up to their expectations, so I wanted to avoid them if I could.

By the way... Hm? That badge on your collar...

Wait, are you a trainer here?

Whoa, really?! Yikes, then I totally flubbed my elevator pitch! Even if I did say nothing but the gospel truth...

Um, haha... Hey, the name's Nature. I'm running in today's tryouts, so guess you'll be seeing me kinda...

Anyways, catcha 'round.

Pant, pant, pant... All right, first place!

S-simply immaculate! Such beautiful and refined running, Tokai Teio!

Looks like the rumors about her being the second coming of Symboli Rudolf were true! Teio, please let me scout you!

Now, now, wait your turn! Line up before me, okay? ♪

Man, that's Teio for you. Always stealing the show...

She's got the talent, the skill, and the looks. And on top of that, she's got her big dream of following in Rudolf's footsteps.

Man, she radiates main character vibes. We might as well be living in different worlds.

Girls like her... really are something else.

Nice Nature! Please get ready for your race!

Right, roger that. Well, time for my turn!

Natieeeee! Yeah, just like that! You go, Natieee!

Pant, pant, pant...

They're rounding the fourth turn and entering the final stretch! Can our front-runner maintain her position?!

...!

But look at who's giving chase, it's Nice Nature! Nice Nature has closed the gap in an instant!

Aaand, it's too little, too late! Nice Nature, finishing in third place!

Pant, pant... Phew. Well, that's just how it goes.

Even when I go all-out... third's all I get.

Huh?

Ummm... Ah. Someone's a bit of a ditz, huh? Teio's line is thataway, 'kay?

H-huuuuuh?!

But like, um... Oh, I'm not saying no, okay? If anything, thanks for picking me and all that.

It's just, well... You sure you want me? I guess if you get fed up with me... just tell me, all right?

Still, until then... At least for now... I-I'm in your hands.

Whew, my arms and legs are all wobbly! Guess that's a personalized training menu for you, no punches held.

I'm definitely feeling this in the morning... But what's next? Whatcha got prepared?

Hm? Cat got your tongue, Trainer?

Huh?! N-nah, it's like... I gotta do what I gotta do, you know? For what it's worth, I am a Tracen student.

C'mon, stop with the sappy stuff and tell me what I gotta do next.

Pant, pant... Phew.

Third again...

Even with my own personal trainer, even after that much training, third is all I got in me, huh.

Haha, looks like third place is where I belong, isn't it?

Goals like staying undefeated or conquering the Twinkle Series, they're not meant for me.

No way, what're you even saying? I told you when we first met, remember? I haven't got any talent worth writing home about.

I'll still do all the training, and I'll obviously try my best to win the races you sign me up for.

But I understand myself all too well. My talents as a racer, and my limits too.

Okay, that's enough out of me! Look, I think it's time for me to head o...

Oh? Was that you, Trainer?

Haha, don't sweat it! A growing youngster's gotta eat, after all.

I've got it, come with me for a sec! There's a great place I know.

Mmm, smells good! Hey pops, you got any fresh meatball skewers?

Oh, it's Natie! We got meatball skewers all right, gizzard, too!

Oh, sounds great! Then maybe I'll take one, wait, no. It's not just me today!

I want my trainer to try the food here. Could you whip up some of your specialities for me?

No problem, comin' right up, wait, whaaat?! You're Natie's trainer?! Yer not pulling my leg, are ya?!

Ah, crud...

How rude of me! Trainer, wait right there! I'm gon' get the best food this here shopping district has to offer!

Uh, you don't gotta, aaand he's gone. Dang, he's fast. You think he'd run my races for me?

Yeesh, I knew this would happen, so I was trying to avoid saying you were my trainer. Man, that was a bust.

Well, you could say that... I mean, even at Tracen Academy, I try to be the girl everyone feels comfortable talking to, y'know?

Back home, I lived in a shopping district just like this one. My mom ran a little bar there, so I've been helping out since I was a kid.

Cause of that, I've talked to my fair share of grown-ups in my time, from regulars at the bar to other shopping district denizens.

That's probably why people tell me I act old for my age.

But it's also why I was able to meet so many friendly old folk, so all in all, I'm pretty grateful.

Which reminds me, I wonder how the lady who ran the sweets shop back home is doing? Hope her back isn't bothering her too much.

She's got a scary face, but she's actually really nice. When I was little, she'd always give me leftover candy from the shop.

Haha... Despite that, I've got no real talents worth writing home about.

In reality... everyone was just being nice.

I was a little bit faster than the local competition, so they cheered me on and hyped me up. And look, it got me all the way here.

You should've been there the day I left home. They put up flags and streamers all over the shopping district. Said it was a festival.

But now... just look at me, look at what I did with all those lofty expectations.

All I can get are decent results, like...

Trainer, Trainer, sorry 'bout the wait! Eat this and fill yerself right up! We're leavin' Natie in yer capable hands!

Haha... You heard him, Trainer. Better eat up before it gets cold, 'kay?

Ah, you're here! Heeey, Nature! Whew, I finally found you!

Hm, Teio? What's the matter?

Huh? Haven't you seen the race program? They put it up already, you know, for the Meet!

Oh, the legendary Tracen Meet! Tons of people come to watch every year. I can't wait!

And don't you worry, Natie, all of us are comin' to cheer you on!

Haha, I 'preciate it. I really do. But wow, I didn't think they'd have the program up this fast.

More importantly... Teio, you came all the way here just to tell me that?

Heh-heh, you signed up for the 2000m turf race, right? Well, I did too!

We got put in the same group! So I'm here to declare war! Nature, it's you against me!

Huh?

I-I'm racing... against you?!

Uma Attack! Good evening, it's your beloved trainee!

Sorry for coming by so late, Trainer. I forgot some stuff in the trainer office, sooo... mind lending me the keys?

Oh yeah, it'd be a hassle to return them tonight, so I'll unlock the room for you tomorrow.

Huh?! Ah, um, that's...

I-I'll be f-fine! Just who do you take me for? I'm not a damsel in distress, y'know?

That's that, so hurry it up! Gimme the keys already.

My thanks! And with that, a good night to you, Trainer.

Hello? Is this Nature's trainer? This is Fuji Kiseki, dorm leader of Ritto Dormitory, speaking.

It's already an hour past curfew, but Nature hasn't come back yet. Would you have any ideas as to where she might be?

Coming around from the outside is none other than Tokai Teio! It's the final stretch!

Tokai Teio leaps into the front! She breaks out of the pack... and across the line! Winning by two whole lengths, Tokai Teio takes home the gold!

Yawn... O-o-ow... neck... stiff.

Still... win after win after win. Her positioning near the end there was flawless, practically textbook.

Once she gets into her groove, there's no stopping her... Yikes, I'm getting the heebie-jeebies.

Huh? Wh-whooooa?!

T-Trainer! N-no way, why're you here?!

From Fuji?! Why did she... Ahhh! The curfew!

Augh, I totally lost track of the time. Oh man, that's so dumb!

Um... Sorry about lying to you earlier. Here's the key. I'll go apologize to Fuji too.

Huh?! Nah, it's not...

...It's not that simple.

I told you plenty of times, haven't I? That... I'm not built like the others.

I'm not like those dazzling stars, I can't shine like they do. I'm not the main character of this story.

Of course, there was a time when I thought I was, y'know? I wouldn't have come to Tracen otherwise.

But now... I know the the cold, hard truth.

No matter how fast I run, there's always someone out there who's faster.

Everyone cheered me on, even threw me a send-off fit for a queen. But when I'm next to real stars, there's no way I can compare to their radiance.

To put it simply, I'm just one of those extras you see all the time in movies.

I'm not cut out for the leading role... I know that better than anyone.

An extra like me has no business aiming for first... It's pathetic, isn't it?

...

...I-I can't shine like the others. So stop it, Trainer.

Please... just stop.

Hey, Trainer? After this, you mind if I check out some Teio footage again?

Oh, um, don't get me wrong, okay? It's not because I'm super pumped about facing Teio. Not even close.

It's just... well...

Even if first place is out of reach... even if victory is impossible... I-I still want to say that I tried my best...

Mhm. Well, let's get going!

Ahh... Aw man, they're all here...

The guys from back home. Even though it's only a school event, it looks like they've come all the way here to cheer me on...

What's more, they're all buddy-buddy now with the folks from the local shopping district sitting next to them.

And their current topic of choice? Me. They're getting on like a house on fire.

Wha, et tu, Trainer?!

Oh maaan, you better not have any expectations!

Pant, pant...

The runners have rounded the first turn! In fourth, Nice Nature! Trailing behind in fifth by one and a half lengths is the fan favorite, Tokai Teio!

(Ugh, I'm already feeling the pressure! ...Even though I bet Teio isn't even trying to do so!)

(But... I've got her exactly where I want her!)

Heh-heh... Time for me to go all-out!

What's this? Tokai Teio is making her move! She's blazing past the competition in an instant!

Huh?!

(Not good, Teio's in the zone! If I don't act now, she'll leave me in the dust!)

Tch!

Nice Nature rejoins the pack, and she's got her sights locked on Tokai Teio! Now for the final turn...

Tokai Teio! Tokai Teio leads the pack! Nice Nature in third! She's speeding up and giving fierce chase!

Pant, pant... Aaaaah!

Tokai Teio, leading by two lengths! Wait, make that two and half, now three! There's no stopping her now... and she's past the winning post!

Tokai Teio claims first place with a flashy finish!

Pant, pant... Ugh...

Aw, I got real close today!

Well, third place isn't bad, right? Nothing to get down in the dumps about.

If anything, I'd say this is perfect for me. Yup, yup, this is just right.

Really... this is my limit, that's all...

Sorry to interrupt. Is Nature here by any chance?

Huh? Y-yeah, why? You need something from me?

There was a delivery for you. Mind if I drop it off here?

Huh?

"Dear Natie..."

"You were great in today's race, as usual. It's a shame how it ended, but to us, seeing you run is already more than we could ever ask for."

"Even when you're not here with us, talking about you always puts big ol' smiles on our faces."

"Meeting you and watching you grow into such a fine Umamusume has been the pleasure of our lives."

"We'll always be cheering you on, so don't forget to cheer yourself on too."

What's... up with that?

What... What are they talking about? Smiles? Me? I'm not...

...!

Aaaaargh! Augh! Ah, ngh!

D... dammit! Dammit, dammit, damn it!

What's up with me and third?! Every! Single! Time!

I tried my best? It was close? It wasn't that bad? There's no way that third's all I'm good for!

I kept taking the easy way out, telling myself that I wasn't built for it, that I was an extra! Wallowing in self pity to protect my petty pride!

I didn't want to be disappointed, I didn't want to disappoint... I was afraid of getting hurt again, so I tried to make everyone give up on me!

But... but still!

I don't want things to end like this.

Everyone's cheering me on. Everyone's telling me that even I deserve to dream. That's why...

I... want to make them proud. I want them to see me shine!

...Trainer.

Ugh... Ah, wait, um...

Agh... Gotta stop giving myself a way out. Once I start going down that slippery slope...

Sorry for being all wishy-washy. It'll take some time before I can muster up the courage to be more confident.

But... well, you know. If you're still fine with training me, then...

Yeah... You got it, Trainer!

Heyo, Trainer. I was just about to knock.

Of course, star students are always punctual... Just kidding. A friend of mine lent me this manga, so I've been flipping through it.

The title's "Beyond the Turf", you know it, Trainer? It's all the rage with the kids lately.

Looks like you don't.

That's no good, you gotta keep up with what the youngsters are into nowadays... Not that I knew about it till today either.

That's why my friend basically forced it on me, y'know. I can see why it's so popular, though, it really sucks you in.

It tells the story of an Umamusume aiming to be loved by all as she competes with rivals and friends alike.

And get this, I just got to the part where her dream of winning the Triple Crown gets shattered. Man, that was a real nail-biter.

"As long as I keep running, my dream will never die!" When she said that, I got the chills.

Yup, yup, she's the kinda protagonist you wanna root for. It's like, she's got that extra spark, y'know?

She's talented but also super hardworking and sticks to her beliefs. Pretty much the perfect Umamusume!

...Well, I guess that's to be expected from a fictional character.

But you know, girls like her really do exist. In fact, there's a few right here at this academy.

C-come on, don't try to pump me up like that!

If I was in this manga, I'd be the side character who's comforting the crying protagonist.

She even talks like I do. Like here...

"No matter how hard you try, there are hurdles you just can't overcome." That's so me.

Makes me wanna go tell her, "Stop being a wet blanket and suck it up." Haha, you know that feeling of disliking someone too similar to you?

Excuse me, is Natie, ah, there you are. I finished the latest volume of "Beyond the Turf," so I brought it over for you.

Ohhh, thanks!

I was just telling Trainer about this manga. You know that side character who's always hanging around the main character?

Oh, she really pops off in the newest volume! Every one of her lines really resonated with me!

"I'm not a prodigy... But I want to keep trying, keep winning, and see my happily ever after!" Like, sooo amazing!

Whoa, spoilers! For real, though? She said all that? Huh? As a side character?

N-no no no no! You think I'd ever talk about my "happily ever after"?

You know, Natie, recently you seem more serious, or like, I can feel your passion from the way you run.

Huh?! Not you too?! No way, no way, no way! Not a chance!

Ah, look at the time, we gotta start training! To the track we go!

C'mooon! I told you already, I'd never say something like that!

Man, I knew something was up.

Ah, it's about my cleats. They felt weird when I was running earlier.

And look, they're completely worn out. I'll probably have to buy a whole new pair.

Yeah, yeah, reel it in a little, will you?

Ah, speaking of! You free on our next day off? I want your help picking out a new pair of cleats for me.

Like, there's a ton of different types, right? I always end up buying the same ones.

But if you're there with me, we might be able to find an even better fit for me.

Oh, that was easy. Well then, guess we're hitting the streets.

I usually get everything I need from the school store, so coming to a pro shop like this makes me feel like a real athlete.

Though yeesh, there really are all sorts of cleats out there. Oh man, how am I supposed to pick just one?!

If only we were looking to buy a watermelon. Then we could just ask the old ladies running the stalls.

Whiiich is where you come in, Trainer. Help me find my perfect pair, m'kay?

Hehe, thanks for picking them for me. Can't wait to see how they feel after I break 'em in.

But I gotta say, you've really got your eye on me, don'tcha? You were talking about everything, from my best running form to my habits while running.

That's a pro for you. I guess I was just surprised, is all. In a good way.

Well, guess we should head back to the academy, ah.

I've seen this outfit in a magazine before. Wow, seeing it in person is way different.

Maybe a little too girly for me, though. Hm, but the color is right up my alley... Hmmm.

Ah, my bad! Left you hanging there, Trainer. Saw an outfit I liked, is all.

Nah, I'm all good now. Wasn't planning on buying it, anyway.

But man, even though it looked real cute in a magazine, actually buying it is a whole different story.

Like, the clothes only looked cute because the model wearing them was cute, y'know?

Haha, nice joke. Forget cute, I'd look like a brute.

Welcome! Are you interested in trying on this outfit?

Huh? N-nah, it wouldn't look good on me.

That's not true at all, miss. For this outfit, if you tie up your hair a little higher, it'll look perfect on you!

Oooh, I see, wait a second! I see what you're doin', employee of the month!

Whoa! You're on her side, Trainer?! Like I said, I'm... um...

Ah, that's right! We already bought new cleats today, so I gotta save my money!

That's how it is, sorry! Trainer, let's go already!

Sigh. I almost got roped into trying it on.

Sure wasn't expecting you to team up the store against me, Trainer.

Y-you're still going on about that?! Flattering me isn't gonna get you anywhere!

You mean during training, right?! Fashion's a whole different beast!

Ughhh... Who would've thought shopping for cleats could be this tiring?

Phew... Well? Has my time improved or what?

I can run pretty well on sand now, but I wonder if that'll transfer to the track.

Nah, no way it's gonna be that easy. For one thing, everyone's training just as hard as we are.

Oh, but I probably shouldn't be saying that in front of the trainer who's been helping me train from dawn to dusk every day.

Haha, let's just chalk it up to a defect in my personality. Old habits die hard.

I didn't know there was gonna be a festival, I should've brought my yukata.

Hey now, you can have fun at a festival no matter what you're wearing.

Huh, so there's a festival going on today.

Oh, good idea.

I've got a soft spot for festivals. Especially the smaller ones, like at the local park.

I used to go with my friends, and we'd get up to all kinds of hijinks. Man, good times, good times.

I may not look it, but they used to call me the dancing queen!

Well, not like anyone cares though. But hey, having festival dancing as one of my only talents is pretty on-brand, don'tcha think?

Anyways, that's enough about the past. Let's go see that festival!

Man, nothing beats a summer festival.

Now, where to first? There's noodles, grilled corn... Oh, grilled squid sounds good too!

Hehe, I've been training my butt off, so I think I deserve a little treat!

Trainer, you gotta let loose a bit more. I can't be the only one getting all excited.

You can register for the Festival Dance Grand Prix here!

The Festival Dance Grand Prix?

Huh?! No no no no, wait just a second now.

I said my friends thought I was good at dancing, not that I was competition material.

If I'm gonna dance, I'd rather it be in a small park with people I know.

Th-that's not the issue here...

Man, you really do lay it on thick when it comes to coaxing me into doing something.

Rather than dancing, let's go check out some more stalls! I haven't tried the butter potatoes yet! C'mon, chop chop!

Whew... I'm stuffed. Might've gotten ahead of myself on those skewers.

All right, I've done what I came here for, so wanna head back? We've still got training tomorrow.

Last call to sign up for the Festival Dance Grand Prix!

...

...H-hey.

You really want to see? My... um, dancing...

My friends said I was good, but it's really just your everyday festival dancing...

Haha... I see. Then I'll enter.

But don't get your hopes up too high, okay? It's been a minute since I've done any sort of dancing.

Were you even listening to what I just said?!

This year's Festival Dance Grand Prix winner is...

Number 12! Hailing from Tracen Academy, it's the Umamusume, Nice Natty!

It's Nice Nature. Wait, no way? M-me?!

Your enthusiastic performance went straight after our hearts. All the judges picked you unanimously. Congratulations!

Th-thank you very much...

Let's have a round of applause for our winner, Nice Natty!

Like I said, it's not Natty, Ah, thank you, thank you.

Wow... didn't think I'd win the whole thing.

Yeah, thanks. I'm still not sure what got into me, signing up for a contest like that.

Who knows... maybe your bottomless optimism has started rubbing off on me.

Yeah yeah, don't worry, I'm still the same wet blanket.

All right, tomorrow it's back to training! Maybe I'll be the winner in my next race, too. One can always dream, right?