Taiki Shuttle's story

Wow, would ya look at this crowd! It's just like a party!

Since everybody's here, maybe we ought to have a barbecue after the race!

How 'bout you, partner? You in?

Huh? Um... I think I'll have to pass...

Aww, really? That's a shame. Maybe next week then.

Taiki Shuttle... The talent's definitely there, but she could stand to exercise a bit more self-control.

She does tend to bungle her starts, even in scrimmages. I wonder how she'll fare today?

Yeehaaaaaw!

And here comes Taiki Shuttle! Just look at her go! That is some awesome speed, folks!

Pant, pant... Huh?

Oh, what's this? Taiki Shuttle appears to be losing steam! She's slowly falling behind in the homestretch!

What?! Of all the times to get distracted! What is she thinking?

Hmm, it looks like her lack of focus is the main thing holding her back.

Urgh... My head is spinning...

Eek!

Daaash!

And caaatch!

Huh?

Good! Made it in the nick of time!

W-wait, what? Taiki Shuttle?

I thought ya seemed a tad under the weather earlier. It ain't good to push yourself too hard!

Y-you noticed?

Yes, of course I did!

Now, we'd better get ya to the nurse. Here, climb on up and hold on tight, okay?

Huh?

Okay, here we go! Make way, everybody! Medical emergency, comin' through!

Aaahh!

I'm so glad it's nothing serious! Take care now, ya hear?

I will! Thanks, Taiki! See you later!

See ya!

Hehe, I'm so happy to see her smilin'! Life's good when everybody's happy!

...Oh! How long have you been there?

Me? Wait, that badge on your collar...

Don't tell me... I'm being scouted?! That's gotta be what this is!

Yeehaaaaaw! Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! I'm so happy!

I gotta go send a letter to my family! And all my friends back home too!

Ooh, and this calls for a party! You're invited too, of course!

You can always count on some good eatin' at one of my barbecues!

Let's get all the details ironed out tomorrow! We'll be training partners from now on, after all!

Welp, see ya tomorrow, Trainer! I can't wait to get this show on the road!

Gulp... Okay, Fukukitaru, ready as I'll ever be! Tell me what ya see in your vision!

Sure thing! Here goes!

Pri-pri, mero-mero, starry-cup... O great Shiraoki, bestow upon me your wisdom!

...I've got it! Listen and be amazed, Taiki! Your lucky direction for this month is... east-southeast!

Ooh, yes! That's just the answer I needed, Fukukitaru!

So Suzuka, let's have the party somewhere to the east-south-south... east-east? Yeah!

The east-southeast, wasn't it? I'm not sure what direction the east-south-south-east-east would be...

Now, now, no use getting hung up on the details!

Whatever the case, Suzuka, it's gonna be a good time!

Come to my barbecue party, and I'll feed ya till your body's all soft and squishy!

Th-that's a kind offer, but I'm not sure I want to be soft and squishy...

Either way, I'm really happy for you, Taiki! Congratulations on finding a trainer!

Thanks, Fukukitaru! Hope to see ya there too!

I'm wanna invite as many friends as I can. 'Cause ya know what they say, the more the happier!

Howdy, Trainer!

Ehehe. I just wanted to tell ya how much I'm looking forward to our training session today!

And, well... People tell me I can be a smidge unfocused, but don't ya worry! I'm gonna give it the good ol' college try!

You bet! Thanks for taking me under your wing!

Oh, Suzuka! Howdy!

Ah, Taiki, wait, stop! Please don't pounce on me, okay?

Oh! Well, that's too bad. Hugs are a sign of affection, ya know.

Yours are a bit like being hit by a truck. Actually, aren't you supposed to be training right now?

Oh, I clean forgot!

Sorry for runnin' out on ya all of a sudden, Trainer! Soon as I spotted Suzuka, my legs just sort of went off on their own.

Ooh, I know! Since you're here and all, why don't we train together, Suzuka?

What? W-well... Would that be all right with you, Trainer?

Okay then. I was planning to do some distance training today, so would you mind if we ventured off the school grounds?

Off the grounds?! That sounds like fun!

No problem at all! Let's go, go, go!

Hold on, Taiki. That was a question for your trainer...

Then it's off to the races! Yeehaaaaaw!

Hey, wait! S-see you in a bit!

Pant, pant... We're back.

Huh? Wait, what?! I was sure she was right behind me!

S-sorry! She has a habit of stopping to talk to everyone she meets, so I meant to keep a close eye on her...

But I have my own habit of getting tunnel vision whenever I run... I-I'm really sorry!

Bang! Yes, another bullseye!

Oh, I just heard her! I think she's over this way!

Ooh, me next! I wanna try! Show me how it's done!

Just leave it to yours truly! Once ya learn my sharpshootin' skills, you'll be just like a hero in a Western, toy pistol or not!

There you are, Taiki! Thank goodness we found you!

Oh, if it ain't Suzuka! And Trainer too! Why're ya both so out of breath?

Ohhh, sorry! I totally forgot I was in the middle of running!

Taiki...

Well... I made some cute friends, so... can ya p-please forgive me this one time?!

Heeelp! Help me, please!

Oh, my Trainer! Help me! You gotta save me!

See, the thing is... I'm bein' chased right now!

Really and truly! My pursuer's none other than the ever-so-scary Umamusume, no! The Umaboss...

Ahaaa! There you are, Taiki!

Nooo! Umaboss, you're way too fast!

Who're you calling Umaboss?!

Help! Trainer, please help me!

So you're Taiki's trainer? Sorry, but I'm gonna have to ask you to turn her over to me.

This little troublemaker tried to sneak out of the dorm after curfew. As the Miho Dorm leader, I can't let that slide!

Now, hand her over!

No, no, nooo! Don't hand me over, pleeease!

What! How could ya, Trainer?!

Ahahaha! You found yourself a real sensible trainer, Taiki! I approve!

Now, let's get a move on! Prepare yourself for an earful!

Nooooo!

Nope, I can't find either of them!

This isn't good...

Oh, you there, excuse me! Have you seen Amazon or Taiki around here?

Ahhh, so we're too late! Talk about dropping the ball!

Amazon got the wrong idea about Taiki, and it's our faults...

Taiki did sneak out of the dorm after curfew... But it was all for our sake.

See, me and Grass's parents live overseas.

Since Taiki's in the same boat, she threw a party for us so we wouldn't be lonely!

We were all having so much fun, but then the refreshments ran out halfway through.

So Taiki said she was going to slip out and buy more.

Urgh... Cross my heart it won't happen again... Wait, huh?

Trainer!

Oh, it's you.

What's all this about?

Ahh, so that's what happened. No wonder you wouldn't tell me the reason. Didn't want the others to take the blame, huh?

W-well...

To be honest, you did mention something about a party a few times during your babbling, so I figured there was more to the story.

No can do. 'Fraid I'm not that soft. She needs to be properly punished!

Eep!

There's a box full of candy and snacks on a shelf in the dorm kitchen. Just so you know, it's reeeally heavy.

Carry it to my room, and then bring El and Grass there too, pronto!

Huh? Wait, you don't mean...

We're going to continue that pick-me-up party of yours! Hearing your story actually made me a little nostalgic for home myself.

Let's get together with our fellow Americans and make this a night to remember!

Gasp! Oh, Amazon! Thank yooou!

Ehehe... And thank you too, Trainer! I'm so, so happy that ya came to my rescue!

Oh, I know! Why don't ya come party with us? It's sure to be real barn burner!

Uh, trainers aren't even allowed to set foot in the dorm. So that's not happening.

Nooo! Say it ain't so, Trainer!

Nooooo! Traineeeeer!

Sob...

...!

Wahhh! Traineeer!

Sob...

Yes... Sorry for breaking down on ya like that, Trainer.

I just can't handle flyin' solo. I get so lonely that the tears start flowing nonstop.

Everything was fine while all my friends were here training and I had people to talk to...

But eventually, everybody else went home, and I was left all on my lonesome. And you were nowhere to be found...

Sob...

Sob... Oh?

Sorry. Guess all that crying made me hungry.

Ooh, a sit-down restaurant!

Look at all the food and drinks to choose from! It's like I've died and gone to heaven!

Really?! Trainer, you're as givin' as the day is long!

Oh, did that not come across? Sorry! I just meant... you're really generous!

What should I go with? Steak? A hamburger? Or maybe the special deluxe parfait?

...On second thought, I'll take 'em all!

Whew! Thank ya, Trainer! I'm so full, and so happy!

But Japanese steaks are a little on the small side...

The steaks I used to eat with my family were twice, no, three times as big!

That sure takes me back. I always loved talkin' with my family and friends over a good meal.

I miss them all so much...

Gasp! Oh, Trainer!

Thank ya! Thank ya very much!

I'm not going home yet! Not till I win the Twinkle Series!

My precious family and friends are rootin' for me.

I love seeing their happy smiles every time I win!

Seeing everybody smile is my favorite thing in the whole, wide world! Nothin' makes me happier!

So I won't let a little loneliness stop me from giving it my all!

With you by my side, I can take on the world!

Yes! We'll make everybody happy, together!

Oh, look! I see Dober over there!

Howdy, friend!

Huh? What?

Dobeeer!

Wha, gyah!

Oh, sorry! ☆

Knock, knock!

Howdy, Trainer! It's rainin' cats and dogs out there, and on a training day, no less!

On that note, I've got a favor to ask!

Let's make sunshine dolls together!

My classmates were talking about how much they wanted to run outside earlier.

They were all so disappointed; it was like the gloom from the storm had seeped right into the classroom.

That's when it hit me, why not make a sunshine doll? A super big one!

If it's super big, it'll be super powerful too, right? Not even a hurricane will stand a chance!

So hand me that curtain over there, Trainer!

That's right! Just you wait, I'll bring the sun out of hidin' with the most powerful sunshine doll you've ever seen!

I'm sure this will bring a happy smile to everyones' faces! So come on, let's get started!

Wh-what? Bigger than a curtain?!

Now all that's left is to hang it in the window! So cheer up, Trainer! You've got this!

Whew! Hanging up such a big sunshine doll is back-breaking work.

But it sure turned out great! The cute smile on its face is the best part!

Yeehaaaw! Okay, lookin' good! This bad boy'll blow the rain clouds away for sure, oh!

Look, Trainer! The sun's coming out!

Amazing! Just goes to show what a true Japanese magic item and our power can do, Trainer!

That's some perfect training weather! Now everyone can run at full power!

Yes! I'm gonna go take a gander at everybody's smiling faces!

Hrm... Mngh...

Oh! Howdy, Trainer! Yep, don't ya worry, I got what I was looking for...

The best possible shot of this manhole cover! Photography's all about findin' the right angle.

Yes, that's right! Manhole covers in Japan have such unique designs. My family's gonna be tickled pink when I share 'em!

Hehe. ♪ See, yesterday my family said they wanted to see more of the city where I live.

That's why I'm on the hunt for some nice photo spots! But it's a lot of work for one person...

So come help me look, Trainer!

Aww, that's too bad. And after we bumped into each other and everything...

Think ya could do your shopping another time? I'd really appreciate it! Pretty please?

Yes! I'm so happy!

If we take lots of pictures, I'm sure my family will be happy too. Time to find all the nice spots Japan has to offer! Here we go!

Great! Japanese vending machines really are on a whole 'nother level. I mean, juice is one thing, but you can even buy food!

Oden, udon, ramen, the list goes on!

Oh, but I've never seen one that has sushi! Even though it tops the list of Japanese comfort foods.

Maybe I've just had bad luck? Lemme know if ya come across one, okay?

Oh! Is that a photo sticker booth I see? A true staple of Japanese pop culture!

It's got me on the edge of my seat! Let's go in, Trainer!

I'll count down for us, okay? Three, two, o...

Ahahaha! Silly Trainer! You hid behind me!

But this sure is cool! I'm gonna have to share this sticker with my family too!

Mmm! ♪ We really lucked out finding a taiyaki stand.

All right, Trainer! Hold on tight to that taiyaki for me, 'kay? I'm gonna snap a quick photo!

Sniff, sniff... Ahh, it smells so good.

It's still fresh off the grill! Just look at that nice, crunchy tail. Feels like a shame not to eat it right away...

Urgh... B-but the photo comes first! I've got to be... strong...

Drool...

Urk! Sorry, Trainer, I'm gonna need ya to stand a little farther away!

Good! This is it, honest-to-goodness Japanese wabi-sabi-wasabi!

If only there was a samurai around... Oh, yes! Let's go take a picture of a samurai next!

Oh, when did it get so late? Guess we'd better call it a day and hightail it home!

Hehe. ♪ I got a bunch of great shots. I'm sure this'll be enough to, ah!

Stooooop!

I forgot the most important shot! Come over here, Trainer! Please?

Hurry and scooch a bit closer.

Say cheese!

Yes! I got a nice shot of the two of us!

Hehe. I've been wanting to introduce ya to my family for a long time.

You're really important to me. I know I can always count on ya to support me no matter what.

Oh! Ehehe... I'm happy too! Really happy!

We got a lot of nice shots, but I think this one's my favorite.

Thank ya so much for today, Trainer. Let's go lookin' for more nice spots around Japan again sometime!

Pant, pant... Across the line!

Pant, pant... Whew. Was that the last item on the training schedule?

Okay! There's actually something I'd like us to do together.

What goes hand in hand with summer camp? That's right, a barbecue! I've been itchin' to throw one for the longest time!

I was so fired up, I scoured every website and book I could find. There are lots of delicious foods out there in nature!

So let's gather up some of those super fresh ingredients and have a barbecue together!

Woohoo, good! ♪ Thank ya! Then let's get going!

Hm-hm-hmm... ♪

Make sure to look both ways, now. According to one of the books I read, there should be mushrooms growing around here.

I bet they're even fresher than the ones ya find at the grocery store. So let's get lookin'!

Ooh! Look over there, Trainer!

Look at those colorful red and white spots! Could that be one of those legendary mushrooms that turns ya into a giant when ya eat it?

Can't take your eyes off it, huh? Do ya really wanna eat it that badly? Okay, say no more! I'll go get it!

Poisonous?! Oh, that's a real shame. It looked so cool...

Oh! Then how 'bout that one? The rainbowy coloring makes it look really tasty!

Oh! We found the ocean, Trainer! Ya know what that means, shellfish and sea urchins galore! Let's go!

Whew! I found a whole slew of shellfish! I'm sure there are some you'll like in here!

Anywhoo, please follow me!

No! They gotta be fresh! Only the most delicious ingredients will do!

Now, let's continue the hunt! Here we go!

Wow! Look, Trainer, a crop field! We've stumbled on a real treasure trove here! Japanese veggies are downright delicious!

There just happens to be somebody out pluckin' the produce right now. I'm gonna ask if he'll share his haul if we lend a hand!

Let's go! Go, go, gooo!

Up we go... Whew. Okay, mister! I finished pulling all the weeds!

Hoo boy! Thanks for the help, you two. Go ahead and help yourself to those vegetables I promised.

Yay, thank ya! Hehe. Which veggies would ya like, Trainer?

Once we've decided, it'll finally be time for the grand finale!

Nah, it'll be no problem, trust me! Come on, Trainer! Hurry up and make your picks!

Welcome to our very own happy barbecue party! ☆

The truth is, I woke up bright and early to get it ready!

So I sure am glad ya didn't say no when I asked ya to help me hunt for ingredients.

We ended up getting our hands on a bunch of fresh ingredients, so this barbecue's sure to be a special and delicious affair!

Please accept this as a little gift from me to you!

Hehe. Thank ya for all your help, Trainer!

Whenever I'm feeling lonely, you're always there for me.

So even though I'm away from my family, my days are full of smiles!

And also, I realized something. You're not just my trainer...

You're my precious Japanese family!

That's why I want ya to experience a bona fide barbecue, just like I used to have with my family back home!

Hehe. Yes! Operation Surprise was a great success!

All right, Trainer! Tell me what ya wanna start with, and leave the rest to me!

I gathered each and every ingredient just for you! They're all here for ya to enjoy!

I'll pour my heart into grillin' em up real nice, so be sure to eat your fill!