Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Tamamo Cross's story
7 scenes, 418 lines
1. Blue Skies, White Lightning
70 linesNext week is the long-awaited tryouts! For newbie trainers like me, this event is our first step on our journeys to bringing out the best in every racer.
At the tryouts, each runner does their best to show off their abilities to prospective trainers, who then scout them. It's an important event for both parties.
While there's still time between now and then, my nerves, and excitement, are getting the better of me. I decide to take a stroll to calm down.
As I walk through a park near the academy, I hear the sound of children playing. I turn towards the source of the noise, only to see an Umamusume.
Aw yeah! Time's up! Looks like I win again!
Y-you're too fast, Tama!
How're we s'posed to tag you when you're the fastest runner?! You're not playing faaair!
Nyahaha! Life isn't fair, squirts! 'Sides, ya wouldn't want me goin' easy on ya just 'cause you're smaller than me, yeah?
Oh, I know! Show us how fast you can run again, and we'll forgive you!
Yeah, yeah! I wanna see you go ZOOM! Do it! Do it!
What, again? Well, if it'll make you happy, I don't see why not. Back it up, everybody! Don't want any of ya gettin' hurt!
Okaaay!
All right, ready, kiddos? I'm only doin' this once, so keep those peepers peeled!
Hup!
Uraaagh! Whaddaya think of dis?!
...!
Whoooaaa! That's so fast!
Yeah, the speediest speedster ever!
Those kids aren't kidding. She's a powerful runner, but there's also this playfulness to it. And her acceleration! It's near instantaneous, almost like... like...
Lightning!
Did you just say, wait, who're you?
I suddenly feel everyone's eyes on me. The embarrassment sets in as I realize I just said that out loud.
S-sorry, I didn't mean to...
Sorry for what? You wouldn't be apologizin' if you didn't do anythin' wrong. And what're ya starin' at anyway? Get behind me, kids!
Before this misunderstanding gets out of hand, I quickly stammer out an explanation.
So you can't even take a walk without daydreamin' about racin'? Geez, you must love your job a helluva lot.
Talk about coincidences though. You're a rookie trainer, right? Well, I'm workin' towards my racin' debut myself.
Tamaaa! Hurry up! We wanna play hide and seek next!
Yeah, yeah, I'll be right with ya! Phew... Where do kids get all that energy from?
Anyway, the name's Tamamo Cross. Since we're both rookies, I get the feelin' we'll be seein' a lotta each other. See ya 'round!
Tamamo Cross... Once she makes her debut, how will her running evolve? I leave the park with something new to look forward to.
One week later...
The day of the tryouts is here. I scan the crowd of runners preparing to race, when I catch sight of one I recognize...
It's fine... You've got this in the bag... Just run as fast as you can... get ahead of everybody... and win!
(She looks nervous.)
Losin' here isn't an option. Not now... not ever!
Her demeanor seems completely different from the day we met in the park. I watch as she takes her position...
Huff! Huff! Huff! I gotta win dis! I gotta! I gotta win no matter what!
Tamamo Cross is losing steam! She's falling behind the leading racers!
Ugh!
As she slips back, so too does her chance to place high in the race... Confusion furrows my brow. What happened to the runner I saw at the park?
Tamamo Cross, huh? She showed a lot of promise in the beginning of the race, but she was way too hasty. She failed to maintain the very pace she set.
Yeah, she's clearly got the drive, but with that teenie body, there's no way she can keep up with the competition in the final stretch.
Dammit... Dammit, dammit, dammit! The hell's wrong with me...
Excuse me, Tamamo Cross? You must be exhausted after that run, but do you have a moment?
Huh? Y-yeah, sure...
I'll cut straight to the point, I want to scout you. You might be rough around the edges at the moment, but a bit of refining will surely have you shining in no time.
R-really?!
Really. With me as your trainer, you might make it to the graded races. In fact, you might even place in the top five. What do you say?
...
Whaddaya mean, "top five"? Give it to me straight, you think I can ace a G1 race or not?
Well... I can't promise anything. If you work hard, you might have a chance, but...
Then get outta my face!
I'm lookin' to WIN! No ifs, ands, or buts about it! Top five's nowhere near good 'nuff!
But your punk ass thinks that's all I got? Well, screw your stupid offer! Take your wishy-washy ways and find some other chump!
...Hmph. What an unruly racer.
The other trainers stand by as Tamamo Cross storms off, unimpressed by her temper. But that same temper shows how badly she wants to win...
(I better follow her!)
Dammit... dammit! What a low-down jerk! Treatin' me like a loser... but why wouldn't he? That's how I ran today...
Tamamo Cross!
I want to scout you.
...
You're a rookie trainer, aren't ya? What makes ya think a no-name trainer like you has what it takes?
Ya really think ya can take me on, train me up, and turn me into a champ?! I'm not just talkin' G1 here, I mean all of Japan!
...!
The rage Tamamo Cross feels boils to the surface, and she lashes out. I desperately search for words to quell the fire, but to no avail.
Drop the act. You're nothing special, and neither am I...
Tamamo Cross takes off, leaving me with only my regret as company...
2. A Brewin' Storm
59 linesIt's been several days since the tryouts took place, but I can't get Tamamo Cross's words out of my head.
You're a rookie trainer, aren't ya? What makes ya think a no-name trainer like you has what it takes?
Ya really think ya can take me on, train me up, and turn me into a champ?! I'm not just talkin' G1 here, I mean all of Japan!
It's clear she wants to win, and she's ready to make it happen. At the time, I wasn't ready to face her determination head-on.
(But this time, I am!)
Full of conviction, I search high and low for Tamamo Cross. After ruling out the academy buildings, I head to the training course.
Huff, puff! Huff, puff!
There, I find Tamamo Cross, running as if her life depends on it.
Tamamo Cross!
You again!
About the other da...
I'm really sorry!
Huh?
You went to the trouble of checkin' up on me, and I just threw it back in your face... Seriously, I'm sorry.
It's okay. I know you were upset.
Yeah... I was just frustrated, ya know? I ran like crap out there, and now all the trainers think I'm some third-rate chump racer.
People tend to take one look at me and assume I'm a weaklin' 'cause of my size.
Sayin' stuff like, "You'll get hurt." "Best in Japan? Not happenin', pipsqueak." "That dream's a bit too big for you."
I wanted to show 'em all what I'm made of. Show 'em I'm a winner too.
But, well... you saw what happened. I screwed it all up with that lousy runnin' of mine.
The whole reason I'm at this school's 'cause I've got a dream. And I needa be in the Twinkle Series to make it happen.
Just runnin' isn't gonna get me nowhere. I gotta win, and win a lot at that! I needa run faster than wind, faster than light!
Anyway, sorry 'bout the other day. I should get back to practice. I wanna win the next tryouts, ya see. So I gotta...
You'll win for sure.
Huh? Where'd that come from? If you're tryin' to make me feel better, don't. I'm fine.
I'm not.
C-c'mon, you saw my last race, didn't ya?! My form's pathetic... I couldn't even hit the board!
Sure, I may talk a big game, but... I can't back it up. And I don't know how to get better.
But you want to win. More than anyone.
...!
No one feels the bitterness of defeat stronger than Tamamo Cross. Her desire to leave it behind and race forward to win... matters far more than her size.
That attitude is what will make her the top racer in all of Japan.
I don't get your confidence. You've only seen me race once, and then we chatted for what, ten minutes tops?
You've got a screw loose, ya know that?
Anyway... Mind if we talk somewhere else? I'm all cooled down, and there are a few too many eyes on us here, yeah? C'mon.
As she invites me to talk, her demeanor seems warmer somehow. I nod, and the two of us head out in search of a place to chat.
So... you really think I can win the tryouts?
If you think I can do it, then let's make it happen.
Wait. Are you suggesting...
Yeah. If I'm bein' honest with ya, I'm kinda stuck on how to practice on my own. But I still wanna win, no matter what...
And to do that, I'm bettin' on you.
Besides, I wanna test you, see if there's any grit behind your words. And at the same time, you can see if I truly got the makings of a champ!
We'll just call it... a trial period of sorts! You can train me till the next tryouts, and then...
SAY NO MORE! I'M IN!
we could, hey, lemme finish! Do ya make all your decisions dis fast?! Whatever happened to hearin' a person out?!
SORRY! I'M VERY EXCITED!
Simmer down! Ya want the whole school to hear?!
But well, the spirit's appreciated. On that note, see ya tomorrow! Can't wait to see whatcha do!
With that, I enthusiastically enter my trial period as Tamamo Cross's trainer.
The next day, we have our first training session together.
Well, let's see whatcha got for me, rookie. Whaddaya want me to do first?
This is the regimen we'll be doing.
I pull out the training plan I wrote out last night. It took me a while to come up with the perfect plan to win the tryouts.
Whoa... Now this is a lotta exercises. And the detail... You really made this last night?
Yup! I was up all night making it!
Dat explains da eye bags! I get that you're excited, but get some shut-eye...
Well, at least one thing's clear, you're takin' this as seriously as I am! Okay, let's get this practice started! Don't you dare go easy on me!
3. Distant Rumblin'
57 linesTime flies by as I enjoy my trial period as Tamamo Cross's trainer.
Phew... Well? How was that lap?
You beat your best time again!
Aw yes! And I'm not tired at all! Lookin' good, me!
It seems our hard days of training are paying off, and she's feeling herself get stronger. But before the tryouts, I want to try one more thing.
How about testing your skills in a scrimmage?
A li'l test before the real deal, yeah? Good idea! I wanna see what I'm really made of!
Considering her growth, she should have this in the bag, but we can still use this opportunity to refine her form and strategy.
Or, at least, that was the plan.
Gotta win, gotta win, gotta win! If I don't, I'm just a...
It's the final stretch, with our lead still setting the pace! Will anyone be able to overtake her?!
No! Why?! C'mon, legs, don't give up on me now! We gotta do dis!
Tamamo Cross speeds up, but she can't pass the lead! Has she run out of energy?! The lead remains the same and... we have a winner!
What was supposed to be an easy warm-up before the real deal turns out to be a fight to even place fifth...
What the hell... Why, after all that work, am I still garbage?
Hey, now...
Sorry, but I'm callin' it a day. I needa cool off.
I decide to take a walk. As I stroll about, I try to figure out the reason behind Tamamo Cross's inability to unleash her strength during that last race.
As I look up, I realize I'm in the same park where I met Tamamo Cross. And just like that time, I can hear the sound of children playing.
Over here, Tama!
Hurry, hurry!
Geez, I didn't come here to play, ya know. You're all lucky you're adorable. Can't say no to...
Ah...
Do you come here often?
I guess. This park reminds me of the one near my house back home. So when I'm down in the dumps, I'll come here to clear my head.
Tama? Whatcha doing?
Gimme a minute, guys, we're havin' a chat over here! Go on, have fun without me!
...The kids here are around the same age as my siblings.
I wonder how the little scoundrels are doin'... Same goes for my folks... Hope they're holdin' up okay.
Sounds like family's important to you.
Yeah... More than anythin'.
If I'm bein' honest, we're not exactly swimmin' in money, but that didn't matter to us. Everyone was always smiling, and every day was a blast.
Thing is... supportin' us costs money, so Mom and Dad work themselves to the bone every day... I couldn't just sit around and let them handle everythin'.
Hey, Tama! Let's buy some candy! I'm super hungry right now!
C'mon, ya know we can't afford it. 'Sides, tonight's dinner is... grilled fish cakes! You sure you wanna fill up on sweets?
Wow! Tama's makin' grilled fish cakes?!
All right! You're right, Tama. I gotta save room!
That's what I like to hear! Now let's get goin'. Mom and Dad are waitin' for us back home!
(Just you wait, kiddos. Someday I'll buy you as much candy as you want, and we'll be chowin' down on grilled steaks for dinner!)
After that, I got to thinkin' up ways I could make my family's dreams come true. And eventually I landed on the Twinkle Series.
If I can win all the races, I'll be super famous, right? And with that comes cash. After that, I'll be able to buy whatever my family wants!
My folks worked hard to get me into this academy, so I gotta make it worth the price! That's why I gotta win! But...
With my crappy runnin', not only am I losin', but I'm losing bad. I gotta admit it's a li'l... frustratin'.
...Tama? What's wrong?
Huh? Whatcha doin' here, ya little rascals? I thought I told youse guys to go play.
But we wanna see you run! Show us how fast you are!
For cryin' out loud... You just think of me as a toy, don'tcha? A'ight, but just this once. Back up, everybody!
Ready, set... Hup!
Tamamo Cross blasts off with a ferocity that seems to send a crackle through the air. Yes, just like before... she is the lightning disrupting the evening sky.
Whoooa! Tama, you got even faster! You were like, "BOOM!"
Yeah! And it looks like a blast!
It sure does, yeah?! Dat's why they call me "White Lightning!"
Who is "they?"
Well, it started with something my dad said. He told me seein' me zoomin' around havin' a blast was like watchin' a streak of white lightning.
My whole family's convinced White Lightning's gonna destroy the competition to become the fastest in Japan... And I don't wanna prove 'em wrong.
(Zooming around... having a blast...)
Could those words be the key to what's holding her back?
4. Now That's White Lightning!
55 linesTamamo Cross and I continue to train hard for the tryouts. One day after practice, I ask her if we can talk.
Okay, cooldown's done. So... whaddaya wanna talk about?
Just a final piece of advice before tryouts.
Final? Whaddaya mean by that? Don't tell me... ya think I don't got what it takes?
I shake my head in disagreement and explain that she's got what it takes to win. Which is why this is my final piece of advice as her temporary trainer.
Enjoy the race, okay?
Wh-what're ya talking about?! Dis isn't the time to be havin' fun! I needa run for my life!
That's not true!
What're ya...
Up until now, Tamamo Cross has never been able to race to her full potential, and I think I know why. I begin to tell her what I've noticed after observing her...
Huff! Huff! Huff! I gotta win dis! I gotta! I gotta win!
My folks worked hard to get me into this academy, so I gotta make it worth the price! That's why I gotta win! But...
Tamamo Cross's desire to win for her family is a strong one... Perhaps too strong.
Instead of serving as motivation, it's making her nervous. Once those nerves get the better of her, she loses sight of her goal, and her performance suffers.
But that isn't to say her love for her family is a bad thing. If anything, it should be cherished. So I tell her...
Introduce the rest of us to White Lightning.
...!
If she can combine her love for her family and the joy she feels from running, Tamamo Cross will have all she needs to win. At least, that's my theory.
You've got a point. Dad only called me that when I was havin' fun, but... shouldn't I be focused on winnin'? Is that really the time to play 'round?
Who says you can't do both?
...
Haha... Seriously, since when am I so blind? When you say it like that, it's preeetty obvious, huh?
It's never been my body holdin' me back, it's my mind. I've been freakin' myself out 'bout winnin'. No wonder I'm slowin' down.
But that's not the real me. And that's not White Lightning!
Uraaagh! Whaddaya think of dis?!
Cooool!
I swear, Tama, I'll never get sick of dat smile on your face when you're runnin'! Go, White Lightning, the fastest in Japan!
Thanks for that last tip, and consider it done. Hope you're lookin' forward to the tryouts! 'Cause, well... I sure will be!
That's what I wanted to hear!
Finally, the day of the tryouts arrives.
The racers are approaching the last corner before the final stretch! The racers in the back are making moves, but is it too late?!
(The wind whizzin' past my ears, the earth beneath my feet... the crazy thump-thump in my heart! Gotta say... been a hot minute since I felt like this!)
(Guess I really was in my head, huh? I even forgot how good runnin' feels!)
(Now I'm itchin' to let loose! These legs could outrun anything right now! Better keep your eyes peeled, 'cause I'ma blow you away!)
Urrraaaauuugh!
Tamamo Cross is picking up speed and gaining ground! She's flying past the competition!
Tamamo Cross takes the lead and... That's it! With that terrific dash, Tamamo Cross rushes in to claim first place!
Yeaaah! Now DAT'S what I'm talkin' about! Dat was White Lightning, aka... TAMAMO CROSS!
Hm? Her pacing was much steadier this time around. Maybe I misjudged her...
That tremendous sprint at the end... I thought her small frame would hold her back, but I guess not.
Yes, yes, YES! Didja see dat?! I blew 'em all away!
You sure did, White Lightning!
Hell yeah! But you know, you're the real star of the show. Seriously, I couldn't have done this without ya!
Well, you're the one who ran the race.
Hehe!
You know... with the tryouts done, your trial period's technically over. You're free to scout and train whoever ya want.
But... well, unless you've got a certain racer in mind...
THE ANSWER IS YES!
I'd like to, OH, COME ON! I'm talkin' here! I swear, ya need a serious lesson in manners. Seriously, lemme finish for once...
BUT THIS IS SO EXCITING!
Tone it down, will ya?!
...Pfft! Ahahaha! Baaaahahaha!
For cryin' out loud, I feel so dumb. I was so nervous, but here ya are, giddy as hell! I swear.
But well, I'm glad you're on board! Put 'er there, Trainer!
I firmly grasp Tamamo Cross's hand and give it a vigorous shake. From now on, we're working as a team!
5. Weatherin' the Storm
40 linesMm-hm, Dad's still the comedian as always. Haha, the kiddos even wrote comebacks to his dad jokes!
Well, at least it sounds like they liked the souvenir I sent 'em!
Is that a letter from home?
Yup. My family even mentions you here. Take a look.
Tamamo Cross hands me a page filled with the handwritten messages. I spot a few backwards letters in the mix, clearly the work of her siblings.
Every message is about the same thing, they're all brimming with pride after seeing Tamamo Cross run on the tv program "First Day at Tracen!"
Oguri, Inari and I had a race for this show, ya see. They said we didn't needa do it, but we all ran like it was the real deal!
Right, they used the whole race, didn't they?
They sure did. Dad's real happy with your training after seein' that. He said you made his little girl into a star!
"I better see my White Lightning and her trainer roarin' through the competition!" Got that? Better not disappoint him!
Oh, we won't!
Hahaha, All right, I'll let 'im know when I reply.
Oh yeah, and I wanna send my siblings some candy too. Mind comin' with me to the store?
That way you can pick out the candy we send. If anythin'll get ya into their good books, it's sweets.
I'd love to!
I've heard good things 'bout these chocolates. Ah, check it out. They've got a peach flavor for a limited time too.
Oh, look at the size of this box of cookies! The tikes'll love this! And the box looks so fancy!
Now that I'm lookin' 'round... There sure are a lotta choices. You ever had any of these, Trainer? Any standouts?
The fancy box of cookies is really good!
Her siblings no doubt have healthy appetites, so sending them something they can eat a lot of sounds like a good idea.
All right, then I'll grab these cookies and some rice crackers too.
Hmm... Maybe I'll grab the chocolates as well. If I budget my money this month, I can buy the regular and peach-flavored ones.
You shouldn't need to cut your own expenses for it...
It's not like I'm starving myself or anythin'. 'Sides, I'm used to livin' on a budget.
At that moment, I remember one of the many messages her family scrawled on their letter to her.
"Thank you for the tasty candy, Tama. Didja get a chance to try 'em yourself? Don't overdo it. You know we'd be happy with just a phone call."
Tamamo Cross's family explicitly told her to not overdo it. They know she can't be leaving much pocket money for herself.
Okay, that should do it! I'll get all four!
You're not going to buy something for yourself?
Why would I? Have ya seen Tracen's cafeteria? I'm eatin' like a queen every day!
Livin' any fancier than that would feel like a crime!
Anyway, I'd rather see my family eatin' somethin' tasty than eat it myself.
After that, I got to thinkin' up ways I could make my family's dreams come true. And eventually I landed on the Twinkle Series.
My folks worked hard to get me into this academy, so I gotta make it worth the price! That's why I gotta win! But...
It's clear to me that she feels indebted to her family for sending her to Tracen Academy. That's probably why she's putting them first here.
Okay, just don't overdo it on the budgeting.
You questionin' my skills?! I'll have ya know I'm a pro when it comes to livin' on da cheap! And what are ya, my mom?!
I'm just worried about you!
A'ight, chill! Geez, maybe ya really are my mom!
Tamamo Cross is clearly dedicated to her family, and it shows in her races. But I can't help but feel that she could stand to indulge herself every once in a while.
6. Sky-High Livin'
66 linesSeeing as it's my day off, I decide to head out and do some shopping. While at the mall, I spot Tamamo Cross, standing still as if in a trance.
Tamamo Cross?
T-T-T-Trainer!
Right on time! For real, ya got a gift there! Seriously! I can't thank ya enough for comin' all this way!
W-we didn't have plans today... did we?
No, but your timin' couldn't be more perfect! I'm in a real bind, ya see!
Look at all these fancy-schmancy stores! How da heck am I s'posed to know which one to shop in?!
But look, I NEED a present for my parents' wedding anniversary! So please, Trainer, ya gotta help me!
My siblings are makin' our folks okonomiyaki to celebrate, but I can't help since I'm here. That's why I thought I'd get 'em a present instead.
I don't got the cash for anything too crazy, but... ya got any ideas?
The "fancy" stores she mentioned would typically be considered pretty easy on a student's wallet. So if those are outside the budget...
How about getting them a box of chocolates?
Many budget-friendly chocolate brands look just as beautiful as the high-end stuff, and getting a box of chocolates still feels like an occasion.
Yeah, I should have enough money for somethin' that looks fancy! Plus the kids would never say no to candy... Sounds like a plan!
With that decision made, Tamamo Cross and I make our way to the sweets shops.
N-no way... Please tell me they forgot to put a decimal point in this price somewhere...
I could buy five big boxes of regular chocolates for the price of this one piece of chocolate!
Who in their right mind would spend their entire snack budget on one piece of chocolate... WHO?!
I don't believe it... I don't! Do people eat this pricey stuff on the regular?
Most people save it for special occasions.
I explain that such luxurious treats are usually saved for presents to others, or for when you really want to treat yourself.
Treat yourself?
I've heard of the concept, but... people actually do it? Why? If you have that much extra cash, shouldn't ya save it? I don't get it...
But seriously, these prices... What's even a good deal? Do deals even exist here?
Let's take a break.
Good idea. I don't wanna jump into a decision with this kinda money on the line.
Phew... I feel like I can breathe again. Now, what should I get?
...
Since when are pancakes so pricey? I've gotta buy a present for my folks, so I can't spend that much here.
I'll just have a glass of water! I'm not that hungry anyway.
Excuse me, are you ready to order?
Two pancake sets with juice please.
Thank you. We'll have that out for you in a moment.
Hey! Why'd you order for me?!
Don't worry, I'm paying!
Tamamo Cross and I have been working hard on and off the track. So I tell her that I believe we deserve a reward, which is why I'm treating her.
Of course, it's not just a reward. These pancakes will also motivate us to do our best in our upcoming practices and races.
...I see what you're tryin' to do. You want me to experience this whole "treatin' yaself" thing, right?
I still don't get what the fuss is 'bout, but... well, guess it's too late to say no. Let's see what the hype's about!
Hehe... 'Sides, I'd have to be crazy to turn down a free meal of bougie pancakes!
Thank you for waiting. Here's your pancakes and juice. Enjoy your meal!
It's 'bout time! These things sure are fluffy. Let's see...
...Mmph?!
(The richness that only eggs can provide is filling my mouth! No, wait, it's fadin' into somethin' else...)
(It's the whipped cream! It goes so well with the saltiness of the butter... And the aftertaste is so light! I wanna eat moooore!)
DEEE-LISSSHHH!
Trainer, it's so good!
I definitely get wantin' to eat like this more often, even if it is tough on the wallet.
I guess there is somethin' to this whole treatin' yaself thing.
Still... I wish my family was here to taste these pancakes with me. The squirts and my parents deserve a treat too, yeah?
I bet that's how your family feels about you, though.
If her family is anything like Tamamo Cross, surely they want to see her thrive out here, eating delicious food and treating herself when she works hard.
They'd feel the same way 'bout me? Now that ya mention it...
Hey! How come Tama gets an extra croquette and we don't?!
Well, your sister took first place in the race, didn't she? She deserves a reward! Tama, eat up and recharge for your next race!
You're right... My folks were treatin' me all the time...
Which makes sense... Of course they want me to be happy. Geez... why didn't I realize it sooner?
Maybe it'd be okay to treat yourself more?
Well... This feels like more than enough for me, but I'll think about it.
Anyway, I better get back to these pancakes! I'm not leavin' a single crumb!
Newly free from the guilt of enjoying her fluffy treat, Tamamo Cross dives in with renewed vigor.
S-slow down, there...
Look, I want to finish these pancakes. I want to savor every bite! But I'm... I'm reachin' my limit... I needa slow down.
Oh? You're full?
No, it's just so rich, not just in flavor, but in price... I know you're treatin' me, but I can feel the money flyin' away. I'm gettin' chills...
Sounds like she doesn't have much tolerance for high-end dining, even if we're just at a cafe. Still, she makes sure to finish every last crumb of pancake.
7. The Sky's the Limit!
71 linesHuff, puff, huff... All right, that's ten laps.
Then we've finished this morning's training. Good job.
Aw c'mon, that was barely a warm-up. I feel like I could do ten more!
But we've got training in the afternoon too...
We're in the middle of the summer training program, right when racers start to get worn out. The blazing sun and white-hot sand don't help with the exhaustion.
But I'm so close to breakin' my old records. If I don't push through, How'm I s'posed to forge my body into a racin' machine?
I wanna go all out today!
Okay, but let's ramp up our routine one lap at a time.
Works for me! 'Kay, be right back!
Looks like Tamamo Cross is feeling extra motivated today. With that in mind, I lead her through an extra intense afternoon training session.
Ah, there ya are! Trainer!
Hey, wanna check out the nearby festival? You're free right now, yeah?
Yup!
Awesome. Actually, I was thinkin' I'd give that whole treatin' yaself thing another try.
I mean, I worked my butt off today, didn't I? That regimen of yours was enough for two days... So you know...
Exactly, you deserve a reward!
Y-yeah! I mean, if you say so, then that settles it. I'm treatin' myself!
So what would you like?
I wanna walk around and stuff my face with festival food! I've wanted to do that ever since I was a kid! Those stalls better watch out, 'cause here I come!
Hmmm what to get... It all looks so good!
Chocolate bananas! Get your chocolate bananas here! Special deal! Win a game of rock, paper, scissors and get a second one for free!
Chocolate bananas! That sounds pretty good, but maybe I should get somethin' with more substance...
What happened to stuffing your face?
Right, but... shouldn't I spend my money more... wisely?
Then could you go buy me one?
Huh? Ah, you suck at rock, paper, scissors, huh? All right, leave it to me!
I'll take one chocolate banana, please!
Comin' right up! But before that... rock, paper...
You won, so I think you deserve the other one.
Huh? Ah... Guess that's only fair... Thanks.
Hm? Whoa! Lookit, they've got doteyaki!
White miso paste?! No way, most joints in and around Tokyo use the mixed stuff or soy sauce... We gotta eat here!
Dis girl gets it! Dis here's the real deal! How'd ya like a little snack, kiddo?
Ehehe, my dad's always eatin' stuff like this... Hey, wait, who're ya callin' kiddo?!
Oh, I thought ya were in elementary school. My bad, my bad. How 'bout a bowl on da house?
What? Really?! Ah, then how 'bout ya gimme two, and I'll pay ya half price?
Mmm... These beef tendons meltin' in my mouth... The subtle sweetness of the miso paste... I'm in paradise!
Now this is a worthwhile purchase! Two doteyaki for the price of one! Feels like I'm back home!
I'll take a bowl of simmered beef tendon, please.
Hahaha, nice choice! If I'm vouchin' for this place's authenticity, ya know it's good!
Next up is... takoyaki! You want some?
I don't know if I could eat a whole order by myself...
Then let's split one!
After receiving our order of takoyaki, we both dig in.
Where's the octopus? This takoyaki's all dough.
Yup. It's festival takoyaki, all right.
Yeah, I guess you weren't expectin' much either, huh?
Honestly, I never got it before. Why would people buy takoyaki at festivals when legit takoyaki joints are much better?
I think I get it now. It's the atmosphere, right? It adds this extra flavor you can't get anywhere else.
I think you're right.
Right? But ya know, if I hadn't tried these takoyaki, I woulda kept on wonderin' that for the rest of my life.
Guess the same goes for treatin' myself too.
That's the point of these little treats, right? Sometimes you need a little break if you wanna go even higher.
Tamamo Cross looks up to the sky as she continues.
Ya know what I thought after eatin' pancakes with ya? "I wanna eat 'em again."
Pancake mix's always been enough for me, but now? It's like that cafe's pancakes are a goal for me to reach.
But I gotta work hard if I wanna eat 'em, right? So this whole treatin' myself business works as motivation too!
Y-yeah, I suppose so.
All I wanted was to see her reward herself more often, but it seems she's taken it as a way to improve herself. That's Tamamo Cross for you.
And ya know what? Now I know 'bout all sorts of tasty things! Things I can show my family!
Maybe next time... I'll be able to actually buy my parents an anniversary gift myself.
I think back to the day we went shopping. Tamamo Cross was so overwhelmed by the prices that she actually ran away, so I picked something out for her.
You just need more experience!
Exactly! Which is why I gotta keep givin' myself treats every once in a while. I'll be countin' on your help, Trainer!
Ah, but no expensive chocolates, please. Just walkin' 'round and eatin' street food is luxurious enough for me.
You didn't actually spend that much money though.
Of course I didn't! Ya think dis proud Naniwa racer would ever pay askin' price for somethin'?! I'm not touchin' it unless I know it's a steal!
Yeah, hometown pride!
You got that right! And that pride is what's gonna take me to the top, with pit stops for treats along the way!