Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories

Satono Diamond's story

7 scenes, 397 lines

1. Diamond on High

44 lines
Skilled Trainer A

Finally... We get to see her in a scrimmage! What a bang to start off the new year!

The winter holidays have wrapped up, and I'm attending a trainers' meeting in the gym. The atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation, even more so than usual.

It's no wonder. Tomorrow, the rumored debutante runs her first scrimmage. But the question remains, who will be her trainer?

Satono Diamond

It's a pleasure to be running against you today, everyone. Especially you, Kita. Thanks for coming! ♪

Kitasan Black

Ehehe! I threw my hat into the ring as soon as I heard you'd be here! I couldn't miss your first race!

Since I've debuted already, you get to practice against the real deal!

Satono Diamond

Hehe. I'd ask you to go easy on me, but you never hold back when it comes to racing.

Kitasan Black

Yeah! I'm never more serious than on the track! Especially when I'm up against you!

The star today is Satono Diamond, whose family runs the Satono Group. Her main competition is no doubt her close friend, the natural-born leader Kitasan Black.

Everyone wants to know how good Satono Diamond is, and we're about to find out, because the race is on!

Kitasan Black

Haaaaah! All right, I broke ahead! Now I've just gotta keep my lead!

(Still, I'd better watch out for Dia catching up. If there's one thing I can count on, it's her being hot on my heels!)

Satono Diamond

(Kita's so far ahead already! I knew she wouldn't hold back.)

(Meanwhile, I'm stuck in the middle. Ngh, they're hemming me in. Left or right, there's no way ahead... But!)

Young Dia

Father, Mother, I'm going to make you a promise. I'll make our family's dream come true, just wait and see!

Satono Diamond

(I've trained my whole life for this, learned from so many teachers. I've practiced and studied so much... and so many people have high hopes for me!)

(Be patient. Not yet. I want to dash ahead, I have to, but I need to wait for my chance...)

Kitasan Black

(All right, it's the final turn! I hope I didn't overdo it. Dia's good, but I've been running like I do in real races...)

Satono Diamond

(Ah! Her pace slowed! Now's my chance!)

Yaaaaaahhh!

Kitasan Black

Huh?! Whaaat?!

Trainers

Woooooo!

Skilled Trainer A

She overtook Kitasan Black... and beat her by a nose! I can't believe she's still pre-debut, she's incredible!

New Trainer A

She really is a diamond waiting to be polished! I have to be her trainer!

Satono Diamond

Huh? Wh-why's there such a big crowd? Kita?

Kitasan Black

They're the trainers who came to see you, silly! Sigh... I'm glad you got the spotlight, but losing still kinda stings.

Satono Diamond

They're all prospective trainers? Really?! I didn't think so many would be interested in me!

It's an honor, everyone, thank you. I'll take this as a sign to work even harder!

What an incredible racer. She has the instincts to spot just the right moment to strike and the innate explosiveness to seize it.

It's clearly the result of natural talent and a gifted education. I could tell the latter left her with a few blind spots... but even those only speak to her potential to grow.

Kitasan Black

Oh, you're a trainer too, right? You looked really into the race. What do you think? Wasn't Dia amazing?

She's always been fast, but there's an edge to her lately that's only getting sharper! I would know, 'cause I'm her number one fan!

As I listen to Kitasan hype up her friend, I watch Satono Diamond from a distance. She's the ideal trainee and an infinite well of potential. But...

She's also out of my league. Her family runs a massive conglomerate, they wouldn't give an ordinary trainer a chance, no matter how passionate.

Satono Diamond

Oh? Who's that person Kita's chatting to in the stands?

(A trainer... who really wants to talk to me, it looks like. But then, why not come over? And there's something different about...)

Teacher A

Okay, settle down, settle down, trainers! I know you all want Satono Diamond to sign with you.

After today's races, the Satono Group will be holding trainer trials. Participation is open for those wishing to apply.

Kitasan Black

G-go figure. I guess Dia's family is making a test out of it. Hey, are you going to sign up?

Wait... what's wrong?

In the end, I don't go to the trials. I thought about it... but I'm just not good enough to be her trainer.

Satono Group Examiner

Onto number twenty-eight, our last candidate. Please enter.

Satono Diamond

(Um... If this person's the last, then that means...)

(That one trainer didn't end up coming. I could've sworn they wanted to talk to me though... What happened?)

2. From Invitation to Discovery

69 lines

One day, we gather in the gym for an announcement from Mejiro McQueen on behalf of her family.

Mejiro McQueen

Dear students and esteemed trainers. It is my pleasure to bring you an announcement from the Mejiro family.

In the near future, we will be hosting a party to help foster exchange and camaraderie. There will be no dress code, so feel free to come as you are.

New Trainer A

Huh. So the Mejiro family's throwing a casual party. It's cool how they're always running events for us. Are you gonna go?

Your choice

I guess...

New Trainer A

I'll see you there, then. Oh, by the way, did you hear? A lot of folks tried out for Satono Diamond's trainer trials, but...

They say nobody passed. Makes you wonder what she'll do now.

Today's the day of the party. As I'm walking around, I spot Satono Diamond and Kitasan Black playing a board game.

Kitasan Black

Huh? In reversi, you need to take the edges or you'll lose! Are you sure you want to go there, Dia?!

Satono Diamond

Mhm! Everyone says you'll lose if you don't get the corners, but...

That's just a superstition! Jinx, curse... whatever it be, I'll win and prove it wrong!

Kitasan Black

Aw, here we go, you've found another jinx to break! I know exactly how this'll go...

In the end, Satono Diamond takes a convincing win. Turns out the mild-mannered young lady has an unexpected side to her.

It seems whenever she encounters a jinx or superstition, she's driven to prove it wrong. It's hard to nail down just what kind of person she is, but I think...

Satono Diamond

Um, may I have a moment? I saw you the other day, didn't I?

Your choice

Satono Diamond?

Satono Diamond

You were watching me at the scrimmage, right? Um... I'd like to ask you something.

Is there a reason you didn't come to my trainer trials? You seemed interested, so I thought you'd be there.

If I didn't pass muster in your eyes, can I ask why? Is it just that I lack potential?

Your choice

Not at all! If anything, it's because...

I tell her the truth, while she has the makings of an incredible racer, I'm just a run-of-the-mill trainer. It's a wide gap I'm not good enough to cross.

Satono Diamond

A wide gap? But that's not...

Mejiro McQueen

Hehe. I can understand why you'd be hesitant, but humility in excess is only self-deprecation.

Satono Diamond

Oh, McQueen! ♪ Good evening. Thank you for having us!

Mejiro McQueen

Good evening. I bid you welcome, Satono, as well as your young trainer acquaintance. May I intrude upon your conversation?

Satono's family does run a major conglomerate, but I wouldn't say she's difficult to approach. Her trainer trials might have sounded intimidating...

But that only means she's taking it seriously. Isn't that so, Satono?

Satono Diamond

Yes, that's right. My trainer has to be someone I can entrust with my dream, the Satono family's dearest wish.

The Satono family isn't as historied as others, but we have a deep love for Umamusume racing and want it to flourish.

We help with events, charity work, and whatever else we can. But we're young compared to the Mejiro family, and the greatest contribution of all has always been beyond us.

Your choice

The greatest contribution?

Satono Diamond

Yes. Producing a G1 race winner from our family.

Mejiro McQueen

Skilled racers are the lifeblood of our sport. There is no greater contribution one can make than producing a renowned racer.

Satono Diamond has accepted the weight of that grand ambition. Through her trainer trials, she hoped to find someone who would bear it with her.

The Satono Group isn't chasing status, but a goal it's never been able to grasp. Isn't that right, Satono?

Satono Diamond

...Yes. Everything I do is to fulfill my family's dream. So I'll exhaust every option to find someone capable of chasing it with me.

I want your opinion as a trainer, what did you think of my racing? That look in your eyes when you were watching me, I can't stop thinking about it.

She looks me in the eye with such intensity, it feels as if my answer is the most important thing in the world to her right now.

It would be disrespectful to not be honest with her. I start by praising her incredible talent, then move on to the areas I think she could improve in.

Your choice

I think you're inexperienced with real competition.

Satono Diamond

Real competition? What do you mean?

Your choice

During the race, you felt pressured, right?

Satono Diamond

Oh. I did, now that you mention it. I've never been marked so hard before, it was difficult to run how I wanted.

But I've raced against training partners since I was little. I always told them to never hold back.

Your choice

They might have held back subconsciously.

Mejiro McQueen

I can see that. It's common for those of our status. Since we're in positions of power, others hesitate to run aggressively against us, even if they don't realize it.

Satono Diamond

I-I see! I've never thought about it like that. No wonder I felt so hemmed in...

Your choice

Another thing, you get worked up too easily.

Satono Diamond

Huh? Worked up? No one's ever told me that before. What do you mean?

I tell her what I saw. Around the halfway mark, she needed to bide her time, but she felt pressured to speed up by those closing in on her.

She let herself get worked up. Under her mild-mannered demeanor, she has a natural competitiveness waiting to rear its head.

Satono Diamond

I do remember that! In that moment, my legs were itching to break ahead...

But I regained my composure right after. At least, I thought I did. To think you still noticed...

Just... who are you? Why were you able to gleam so much about me from a single race?

Your choice

Because your running captivated me.

That fascination let me see past her family name and grasp who she really was as a runner, both her strengths and weaknesses.

Satono Diamond

Nobody's... ever told me that before. Not even the trainers at the trial. But you...

Mejiro McQueen

Hehe, what a stroke of luck. To think you'd find such a promising candidate at a party.

Satono, might I suggest holding a trial for this trainer? I know the Satono Group has high standards, but...

Satono Diamond

You're hired.

Your choice

...Huh?

Satono Diamond

You're hired! From now on... you're my trainer! You're the exact person I've been looking for! So, you're hired!

Mejiro McQueen

Pardon?! Um, Satono?! Are you certain? You must know how momentous this decision is for your family.

Don't let your emotions carry you away! At least go home and talk to your...

Satono Diamond

No, I've made my decision. As much as I respect you, McQueen, I won't budge on this.

My trainer is right here, nobody else will do! Normally, I'd consult my family first, but...

If diving in headfirst is ill-advised, then it's just another jinx, which means I have to break it! No matter what anyone says, you're my trainer!

I've decided, and that's that! You'll accept, right? Right? Right?!

Her firm insistence is a stark contrast to her usual mild-mannered self. In the end, she doesn't let me go until I agree to be her trainer.

3. Trial to the Top

51 lines

I've borrowed the student council room today to meet with Satono Diamond and her parents, representatives of the Satono Group.

Satono Diamond

Father, Mother, please meet my trainer! There's nobody with a better eye for racers. If you could just give your permission...

Dia's Father

I respect your enthusiasm, but we can't approve of someone we don't know anything about.

Your trainer will need to take a test... No, I suppose you'll be taking it together.

Your choice

A... test?

Mejiro McQueen

As such, Satono, Trainer, I shall be your examiner. You'll be racing me one month from now, so show me what you're capable of.

Satono Diamond

Huh?! You're testing us, McQueen?! That's quite the tall order... But why is it you?

Mejiro McQueen

It's quite simple really. I just couldn't say no to a request from your mother. The distance will be the same as the Japanese Derby, 2,400 meters.

That distance won't simply test your accelerating abilities, but your stamina and pacing too. I hope you two will convince me that you're the perfect team.

Satono Diamond

I'm sorry. When I asked you to be my trainer, I didn't think it'd turn out like this...

Um, are you having second thoughts? Challenging McQueen with me won't be easy...

She's an amazing runner, and there are so many variables in a 2,400-meter race. It won't be easy to gain her approval.

But I know we can do it! When you watched my running, you saw me, not my family or status. I can't reach my full potential without you!

Please! Will you share your strength, and future, with me? We'll show everyone what we can do, so...

Your choice

...All right. Let's do this!

Satono Diamond

You... really don't mind?

Your choice

Yeah. Let's aim for the top together.

Our goal is clear, have Satono Diamond win a G1 and shine at the top of the Twinkle Series. But for our first step, we'll have to pass her family's test.

Dia & Kitasan

Yaaaaaahhh! Haaaaaahhh!

When Satono Diamond and I looked for a training partner, a certain close friend of hers leaped at the chance.

Satono Diamond

Huff... huff... huff... huff... Let's go one more, Kita! Please!

This isn't enough, not at all! I'll need more than just a burst of acceleration to keep up with McQueen over 2,400 meters!

Kitasan Black

Dia... You're so intense... A-all right. Let's go again!

Your choice

Remember, relaxed and steady!

Satono Diamond

Got it, Trainer! Keep watching me! Learn all you can, and tell me how to improve!

I want to be a diamond. I want to shine so brilliantly that I burn our family name into history... and make my parents proud!

Huff... huff... cough, cough! Huff...

Kitasan Black

Dia... that was incredible. I mean that. Endurance is my forte, but you kept up through the whole training routine.

But Trainer, we need to stop. This is too much for someone who hasn't even debuted yet.

We were meant to debut together, but I skipped ahead because my body became race-ready faster. She still can't push as hard as I can.

Satono Diamond

I can... I can keep going, Trainer! I haven't hit my limit yet, I'm just being weak!

I won't be a match for McQueen unless I do more, right? Winning as I am now would be a pipe dream, right?

Be honest with me. At this rate, will I stand a chance?

Your choice

Honestly? It... wouldn't even be close.

Satono Diamond

I knew it...

I'm her partner, so I can't lie to her. I explain her chances calmly and objectively.

Mejiro McQueen is one of Tracen Academy's best stayers. Meeting her standards in a 2,400-meter race will be far from easy at Diamond's current level.

Satono Diamond

I... I want to do this with you, Trainer. I want to take on the Twinkle Series together.

If we can't overcome this test together, my dream, the Satono family's dream, will remain out of reach. The very dream I was born to achieve...

So please! I can take it! Push me as far as it takes to gain McQueen's approval!

Kitasan Black

You can't keep going, Dia! You'll hurt yourself! Trainer, stop her!

Their pleas vie for my attention. This one decision could determine Dia's fate as a runner.

I need to ground myself. What's our first priority? Why did she offer me her hand in the first place?

Your choice

Satono Diamond. We need to talk.

It's been a number of days since my fateful decision. The test is finally upon us.

Mejiro McQueen

...! Satono, you're... you're covered in dirt. Are you certain you're fit to run?

Mejiro McQueen

I see you're too focused to hear me. Very well, so long as you're in running condition.

Use this race to show me how far you've come. Naturally, I won't hold back.

Satono Diamond

(I've done everything I can, everything I must. All that's left...)

(...Is to show McQueen what I can do!)

4. Distance to a Dream

54 lines

Our trial against Mejiro McQueen begins. These 2,400 meters of turf will determine whether I'm fit to be Satono Diamond's trainer.

Satono Diamond

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

Mejiro McQueen

(She's kept up so far, but it's still early. 2,400 meters is a considerable distance, the true test is yet to come.)

(We're almost at the final stretch! Soon, the true contest will be...gin?!)

Satono Diamond

Yaaaaahhh!

Mejiro McQueen

(Huh? A final spurt already?! She broke ahead of me!)

An impressive burst of speed. But! Haaaaahhh!

(Oh my... your inexperience is showing. That momentum of yours won't last! This match is settled, Satono!)

Satono Diamond

Nnnghaaah!

Mejiro McQueen blitzes past Satono Diamond, and from then on, the gap only widens, all the way until the finish line.

Mejiro McQueen

Satono... may I ask what your intentions were? Why choose such a losing strategy?

Satono Diamond

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

Mejiro McQueen

(She's... not looking at me. It's like she can't even hear my voice. And...)

(There isn't a hint of regret in her eyes. She looks satisfied... like she gave it her all.)

(Ah. I believe I understand.)

Dia's Father

Very well, let's move on to the verdict. There was a significant gap toward the end of the race... but please give us your opinion, McQueen.

Mejiro McQueen

Before I announce my decision, there is something I wish to confirm first. Satono...

You weren't aiming to win today, were you? I suspect you didn't do any 2,400-meter training either.

Dia's Father

Not aiming to win? No training? What do you mean?

Mejiro McQueen's reputation isn't for nothing. She's seen through everything, just from Satono Diamond's running.

Mejiro McQueen

May I ask you two to explain?

Satono Diamond

Of course. You see, we...

Huh? Reduce my training? And to top it off, we're not prioritizing the trial? What do you mean?

If we don't pass, my family won't give us their approval! We have to...

Your choice

Achieving your dream is more important.

Satono Diamond's dream is to win a G1 race. Given her current physique, it's too dangerous to train her for 2,400 meters.

Her first races will be at the junior level, and the longest junior G1 is 2,000 meters. I can't ignore that to focus on this trial, not if I call myself a trainer.

Satono Diamond

Are you... saying I shouldn't even try? Because I might injure myself? But I...

Your choice

Don't lose sight of your true goal!

Satono Diamond

Our number one goal... is achieving our dream. Not passing today's trial.

So we only trained the qualities I need right now. Even if you might not like it...

This is the path I must take. I'll make our dream, our family's dearest wish, come true. Trainer and I were brought together for this purpose.

A 2,000-meter G1 demands speed. I may not have the all-around ability to win at 2,400 meters yet, but this speed will be key in all my future G1s.

This is what we wanted to show you. We've charted a course towards our dream, one that doesn't take unnecessary risks. Today, you saw how far we've come!

Dia's Father

Dia... You...

Mejiro McQueen

I see. That certainly explains it. I had thought your final spurt was too hasty, but you were treating it like a 2,000-meter finish.

Then there was the look in your eyes when you lost. It reminded me of my past self.

Your choice

By that, do you mean...

Mejiro McQueen

Yes. When I took part in the Classics, everyone competed with burning passion. You could tell each of us was chasing far-fetched dreams.

Others desperately chased the Triple Crown. But as a member of the Mejiro family, I had a different priority, the spring Tenno Sho.

Our racing careers are as fleeting as youth itself, yet there are still those who choose to devote their careers to their chosen path... That same resolve made me who I am today.

Only those who chase their dreams with wholehearted dedication may achieve them, even if they must abandon all else.

Mejiro McQueen smiles at us like an affectionate mother.

Dia's Father

I see... Yes, I see... My goodness, it... it all makes sense now...

Maybe we haven't been dedicated enough to our dream. We haven't won a G1 race because we've been too focused on fundamentals and reputation.

In that case, we need to change. My daughter has broken jinxes all her life. If her instincts tell her this is right...

Satono Diamond's parents look at each other. They nod slowly, and then...

Dia's Father

Trainer. From now on, we entrust Dia to you. She is our family's most brilliant gem...

...And our beloved daughter. We shall have faith in you as you have in each other.

Satono Diamond

Ahaha! We did it, Trainer! We really did it!

Let's make our dream come true! Nobody's ever broken my family's jinx, but I know we can, as long as we work together!

Your choice

Count on it!

We've managed to pass the Satono family's trial and gain their approval. But this is only the beginning.

We're still a long way from achieving Satono Diamond's dream, our dream. But one day, she'll win a G1 race and shine at the top of the racing world.

5. Inspiration from Home

41 lines

It's been some time since I became Satono Diamond's official trainer, but each day comes with new surprises.

Satono Diamond

Trainer! I'm appointing you vice director of the School-Wide Floral Makeover Project!

Your choice

Come again?

Satono Diamond

Oh, you're not familiar? Um, the School-Wide Floral Makeover Project is...

As its name suggests, an annual event where volunteers decorate the whole school with flowers!

And I'm directing the project this year! ♪ It's a big responsibility!

To guarantee success, I'll need a vice director with a cool head and eye for detail, that's you, Trainer! I can think of no one better!

Your choice

Happy to help.

Satono Diamond

Aha! Thank you! Let's brighten up the school and put a smile on everyone's faces!

We'll hang colorful baskets everywhere, and make a whole mini ecosystem out of the courtyard... Oh, there are so many options!

Your choice

Dreaming big, huh?

Satono Diamond

Oh, you think? I was just picturing the western-style garden my family owns...

But now that you mention it, we might not have the manpower. Hmm... What's something else we could try?

Your choice

Let's scope the school out for ideas.

Satono Diamond

I've already seen so many places that could use some floral decorating. Let's check the school building next!

Oh! I'm sorry, we didn't know someone was already here.

Student A

Um... sniff. I-it's okay. Hic! Excuse me!

Satono Diamond

She left...

Your choice

What was she doing here?

Satono Diamond

A lot of students come here when things get tough. Some alone time can help sort out your feelings.

I know! If there were some flowers...

What do you think, Vice Director?! We could put a planter here!

Flowers are soothing for the heart, no matter how down you're feeling. They're sure to cheer the students up!

Your choice

That's a great idea!

Satono Diamond

Isn't it just? It's genius, if I say so myself. Hehe, you know, this really takes me back.

Your choice

It does?

Satono Diamond

Yes. Do you remember when my parents and McQueen gave us their approval?

Our number one goal... is achieving our dream. Not passing today's trial.

So we only trained the qualities I need right now. Even if you might not like it...

Just like back then, what we need right now isn't to pretty up the school...

It's to brighten everyone's day! Once again, you've helped me realize what's important.

Vice Director! Let's prepare our presentation right away! With our teamwork, I just know we'll create a plan that will knock everyone's socks off!

We spend the rest of the day working, barely finishing in time for curfew. The next day...

Satono Diamond

...And that's our proposal for this year's project! What do you think, everyone?

Upperclassman A

I'm for it! I think it's great!

Upperclassman B

Yeah! Great job, Dia! I can't believe you put all of this together by yourself!

Satono Diamond

Oh, no, this wasn't all me, I couldn't have done it without my trainer's help!

We worked in the library until late last night. I couldn't have asked for a better assistant!

Upperclassman B

No wonder! I'm impressed you can be so open and, like... proactive! I always feel bad asking adults for help.

Satono Diamond

...You think so?

The older student's words don't quite seem to click for Satono Diamond. Her earnest nature ensures she never hesitates to ask for help, or give it in turn.

6. Innocent Indecision

66 lines

I'm taking a stroll through town on my day off when I spot Satono Diamond. She looks somewhat troubled.

Your choice

Hey. Is something wrong?

Satono Diamond

Oh, Trainer! You came at just the right time!

Would you like to go to an amusement park?

Wow! It's so busy when you haven't booked the whole place out!

Ehehe, thanks for coming on such short notice. I had a VIP pass set to expire today, so it would've gone to waste. ♪

Kita had something urgent come up, so I was thinking I'd have to come alone!

Your choice

You were really looking forward to this, huh?

Satono Diamond

Yeah, I could hardly sleep a wink last night, and, Oh! Look, it's Uma-kun! We have to get a photo!

Your choice

Ah, slow down!

Satono Diamond

Hurry, hurry! Come join the picture! Okay, say "cheese!"

Next, let's... oh, over there! That line's so long! Come on, let's go join it!

Your choice

You want to line up?

Satono Diamond

Yes! I'm always being let in right away, so I want to try savoring the anticipation!

We spend an hour or so chatting in line. When our turn finally comes, we enter the attraction.

Zombie

Groooaaar!

Your choice

Are you okay?!

Satono Diamond

Ehehehe! What a fright! This is so fun! ♪ Where did it even come from?!

Your choice

(I-I guess she is.)

Satono Diamond

Oh, is that a hidden door? That's it! I bet the zombie was waiting behind there. Let's go see!

This haunted house is so cutting-edge! I have to get a look behind the scenes!

Your choice

What, hey, wait!

Satono Diamond

Hnnng! That was so fun! Every attraction was a blast!

Your choice

We must've covered the entire park!

Satono Diamond

Hehe, we're not done yet! Next up is the park's game plaza! Come on, let's go!

They have a number of claw machines here from my family's conglomerate.

Oh, look! That one has the park's merchandise! They're all so cute!

Still, given their position, we should wait until they reset them. Let's warm up on the other machines first!

Your choice

You really know your stuff.

Satono Diamond

Yes, claw machines are my specialty! I've been playing them since I was little!

I often accompanied my parents when they made visits to our affiliate game company.

The claw machines were a fun way of passing the time while I waited for them to finish work.

Well, more like I tagged along because I wanted to play on the machines! Hehe! ♪

Your choice

Then let's see what you can do!

Satono Diamond

Yes, just sit back and watch! ♪ I'll win you whatever you want!

In no time at all, Satono Diamond wins me a whole armful of prizes!

Satono Diamond

Ehehe! ♪ See? Told you it was my specialty! And I'm just getting started!

Your choice

W-wait, let me put these away first!

I pack the prizes into a large shopping bag, but with so many, we'll probably have to carry some home in our arms...

Satono Diamond

Ehehe, I might've gone a little overboard. Shall we call a taxi later to take us back?

I didn't mean to get so carried away again... Ah...

(Come to think of it, this happened with the Floral Makeover Project too. Trainer is always going along with what I want.)

(Is this what my upperclassman at the meeting meant? Am I taking advantage of Trainer's kindness?)

...

Your choice

Dia?

Satono Diamond

Oh, um, don't worry about getting those home, I'll manage somehow! I do have Umamusume strength, after all.

Your choice

That's true. Thanks!

Satono Diamond

It's nothing. I'm sorry for getting carried away.

Although she's smiling, she looks bothered by something. Maybe brightening up the mood would help her open up.

Your choice

I think I'll give these claw machines a shot.

Satono Diamond

Yes! Do your best!

I'll aim for... the prize she called cute earlier!

Satono Diamond

Oh, that's the park's merch...

Wow! You got it! Congratulations!

Your choice

Here, it's for you.

Satono Diamond

...! Wow, are you sure?!

Your choice

Fair's fair, since you got me so many.

Satono Diamond

But I only did that because I wanted to...

I know! I'll get the same one so that we're match...

...!

Your choice

Dia?

Satono Diamond

U-um... never mind!

It's nothing!

Thank you. I'll take good care of it.

Satono Diamond's smile looks a little unsure. I've seen many new sides to her today, but I'm not sure what to make of this one.

7. Diamond in the Sky

72 lines

The annual summer training camp has begun. Although I designed Satono Diamond's regimen to be demanding, she's tackling it with enthusiasm.

Satono Diamond

Phew! My time improved again. I'm not that tired either, does that mean my stamina's gotten better too?

It has, which means it's the perfect time to build even more. I ask her which exercise she'd rather do next.

Your choice

Long-distance running, or long-distance swimming?

Satono Diamond

Well, since it's hot out, swimming sounds...

I mean, um... What do you think?

Your choice

...Let's go with swimming!

Something's definitely up. She's been acting a little awkward since our trip to the amusement park.

Trendy Student

Wait, there's a festival happening tonight?! Oh, I am so down! Let's all go together!

Satono Diamond

A festival? Oh, that sounds fun!

Ah! I mean, um...

Your choice

Want to go together?

Satono Diamond

Oh! Is that all right?!

Wow! It's so lively! And look at all the different stalls!

Oh, what's that one? They're scooping... not goldfish, but sparkly balls?

Your choice

Let's give it a shot!

Stall Owner

Step right up, step right up! Scoop as many sparkly balls as you can!

Satono Diamond

Um, are we supposed to use a bowl?

Your choice

No, you use a paper scoop.

Satono Diamond

Scoop? Oh, you mean that small round one!

But the paper's so thin. How do you stop it from tearing? Hmm...

Your choice

Here, I'll show you.

Satono Diamond

Oh, you don't have to...

Your choice

Hup!

Satono Diamond

Wow! That was amazing, you got a really big one!

Your choice

I'm just getting started!

Satono Diamond

U-um, you're getting really into this.

Your choice

I'm happy when you rely on me.

Satono Diamond

Happy? Do you mean that? I'm not just bothering you?

Trainer! Um, I-I...

I want to be honest around you!

Your choice

Huh?

Satono Diamond

That is, um... if I'm open about how I feel, would that be a burden on you?

It sounds like Satono Diamond has been holding back for my sake. She doesn't need to do that, though, because...

Your choice

Your honesty is your greatest strength.

Satono Diamond

My greatest strength?

(Oh. So that's how Trainer sees it...)

(Of course. It was the same back then, too.)

Be honest with me. At this rate, will I stand a chance?

Honestly? It... wouldn't even be close.

Satono Diamond

I knew it...

(As direct as I am, you always respond in kind. That's how we've come so far together.)

I can't believe I forgot something so important.

Once we've moved away from the hustle and bustle, Satono Diamond confesses what's been weighing on her mind.

Satono Diamond

You know how I don't hesitate to voice my thoughts, or act on them? I realized that could be inconsiderate, so I got worried.

That's why I thought I had to hold back. Just like the other day...

Your choice

You mean at the amusement park?

Satono Diamond

Yes. The truth is, I was overjoyed at the prize you won for me. I wanted to get you one too, so we'd have a matching pair...

But when it occurred to me you might not want it, I couldn't bring myself to say it.

Your choice

So that's why...

Satono Diamond

Hehe. I should've just been honest, right?

Your choice

There's always next time.

Satono Diamond

Yes, of course! It's a promise! I'll think of somewhere for us to go!

You'd better brace yourself. Since you said honesty was my greatest strength, I won't hold back anymore!

I'll suggest all manner of strange places and exciting things to do, and you'll come along for the ride, won't you?

Your choice

Bring it on!

Satono Diamond

Ehehe! Thank you. There's no one I can count on more, oh!

...! Wow!

Your choice

They're beautiful.

Satono Diamond

Yes... They really are!

Fireworks continue to light up the night sky. We can see them well enough here, but...

Your choice

Let's head back and get a better look!

Satono Diamond

Ah, Trainer!

Don't go...

Satono Diamond catches up and tugs on my sleeve.

Satono Diamond

I want to watch from here, just the two of us!

Your choice

...!

Satono Diamond

So don't go. Stay with me, just for a little longer.

Ehehe. Right now, those are my honest feelings! You don't mind, do you, Trainer?

Satono Diamond pulls me over to a place on the beach where we can sit side by side. Together, we watch the distant fireworks bloom into the night.