Vodka's story

Well, I'm outta here. Catch ya guys later.

Wait, Vodka?! Where do you think you're going?

Ugh, she's such a wannabe delinquent!

I'm concerned for her... I know she's got the talent, but tryouts are coming up. Will she be okay?

Oh uh, you don't need to worry about her performance. She'll be just fine.

Why don't we just go ahead and start practicing? The other students are waiting for your directions.

You're right. Well then, let's get started, shall we? We'll begin with a 2000-meter jog.

Hmph. "Until you all find a trainer, you'll be following the instructors' training regimen!"

As if I have time for that generic crap!

I'm gonna do things my own way!

Huh? Who are... Oh, you're one of the academy's trainers.

Yeah, got a problem? I'm a lone wolf, and that means I don't mingle.

Besides, the teacher's plans are waaaay too chill for me. My body'll get weaker at that rate.

Anyway, we're done, right? I'm gonna go do my thing now.

Pheeeew! Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

But I'm just gettin' started!

Huh, still here? Damn, you must have nothin' better to do.

What? Me? Skip training? Do I look that lame?

Listen up, I'm gonna be the coolest racer in the Twinkle Series, the kind who leaves everyone in the dust!

If I do the same as everyone else, then I'll be the same as everyone else.

It's just like gettin' buried in the middle of the pack. You get stuck in there with no way out.

I'm gonna train harder, so I can be faster than everyone else! I'm not gonna get stuck behind anyone!

Yep. Got a problem?

H-hey, whatcha doin' starin' at me like that?

Coo?!

A-ahem! Sorry, can ya say that again? I couldn't hear ya!

Ya said somethin' 'bout me right? C'mon, say it one more time!

Hey, what's with that weak answer? Put some oomph into it!

What did ya call me?

...!

Hehehe! You've got a good eye for things!

I'm gonna keep training... but you can stick around for as long as ya want!

Because I'm so cool and generous!

All right, I'm pumped! Let's up those reps!

Graaaaah!

Ngh!

Vodka is pushing ahead! Vodka is pushing ahead! Daiwa Scarlet is fighting with all her might...

But the gap is too big! Vodka finishes in first, Daiwa Scarlet in second!

Your running's a bit rough around the edges, but you've got great potential, Vodka! Why don't you come and join me?

No, come join me instead! I've amassed plenty of data on the racers I've trained in the past. I'll be able to design a training program specifically for...

Sorry, but I'm not interested that kinda thing.

Oh, it's you from the other day! Hehe, whatd'ya think about my racing?

For real?! Yes!

Hey hey, you're not training anyone yet, right? How 'bout joining forces with me?

Hell yeah! Looking forward to workin' with ya, Trainer!

Pant, pant... That's interval training done!

Trainer, what's next on the list? C'mon, hurry up and tell me!

Yeah! Bring it on! I gotta show off how cool I am!

Oh, crap. I forgot to turn in my application for the Tracen Meet. Better get that thing in quick...

Huh, ya don't know? Oh right, there hasn't been one yet since you joined the academy.

It's basically this big event that happens twice a year. Everyone signs up and gets to pick the type of race they wanna run.

We get people from all over the place comin' to watch!

Plus, it's a chance for us pre-debut runners to test ourselves against those who've already debuted.

The best part of this event is that if you get assigned to the same group, it doesn't matter who's debuted or not, all you gotta do is run!

Man, I can't wait! I need to make sure everyone sees my cool side!

And y'know what, Trainer? I think today's an awesome day to get some grub outside!

I'm glad we're on the same page! Wait right here, Imma go get changed!

Daaang, I ate so much! I know I gotta watch my weight, but it's nice having a cheat meal like that once in a while!

...Huh? Whoa!

D-do you see that super cool poster over there?!

A movie, huh... Oh man, it'd be so cool to see that huge bike on the screen...

Wait, are you for real?! Hell yeah!

That... was... the coolest thing I've ever seen!

Didja see how close they were to the ground while roundin' those curves? That was such a cool chase scene!

How could anyone not be?! I just can't get 'nough of the engine's roar or the sleek body!

Y'know, my pops owns one of those bad boys. When I was little, he'd always give me rides around town.

Man, now those were good times! I'm telling you, big bikes are where it's at!

That reminds me, the first time I went to the Japanese Derby, I was on the back of my pops' ride.

Yep, he loves it! He'd always tell me, "Vodka, those racers are the coolest of the cool."

I didn't get it at all the first time he told me. But once I saw a race for real...

When the gates opened, I instantly got shivers down my spine. You could just feel the tension in the air.

I don't think I blinked once from the beginning till the end. It was the craziest thing I'd ever seen!

Every racer had these insane auras that were saying stuff like, "I won't back down!" "Get outta the way!" "Victory is mine!"

I remember screamin' my head off about how cool it was during the ride home. I couldn't really see his face from the back, but I bet my pops was grinnin' ear to ear.

Yup. I wanted to be just as cool as those racers!

Hehe, I had a blast today. Thanks for lettin' me tag along with you to the movies, Trainer!

Oh, but y'know that scene before the climax... um, the romantic one...

That, well, y'know... kinda caught me by surprise.

I'm definitely more into action. I'd prefer folks comin' in guns blazing rather than that uh... k-ki...

D-don't just say it! Ughhh, now I'm rememberin' everything!

Agh?!

G-got a nosebleed...

Excuse me, Vodka! You're in Group 10 for the 2000-meter turf race at the Tracen Meet, right?

Huh, me? Yeah, what about it?

I just wanted to check if you were planning on changing your group... You still have enough time.

What? Change? Why would I need ta do that?

What do you mean, "why"? Didn't you see who's in it?!

Narita Brian is in your group!

What?!

I'm gonna race against Brian?!

Hey, did you hear? Pretty much everyone dropped out of Group 10 for the 2000-meter turf race after they heard about Brian entering.

Right, right! That group is full of G1 racers now. I'm so glad I got out in time...

Hmm... So that's what's goin' on.

Huh? Why d'you ask?

Don't tell me you're gonna ask me to drop out too.

Whatever the other racers do is none of my business. I'm no chicken!

Sure, Brian is one hell of a runner. Calling her G1-class doesn't even cut it.

Plus, tons of folks are gonna be watchin' the race. I know the other runners don't wanna damage their reputation right outta the gate.

But I'm not givin' up.

Heh, that's right. I'm glad ya get me.

Cool racers like me don't back down from a challenge!

Anyway, ya ready, Trainer? The event'll be here before ya know it, so we better get workin'!

Listen to the crowd going wild! Only one racer can create such a reaction, the G1 star of Group 10...

The fearsome beast, Narita Brian!

How noisy.

Damn... Talk about havin' a presence.

Getting cold feet all of a sudden? It's okay if you want to chicken out, I can put in a word with the committee.

Wha?! As if! Don't you dare!

I'm gonna win. Just watch me!

Yeah, yeah, I'm all eyes... Geez.

That's... an ambitious statement. Does Vodka actually think she can beat Narita Brian?

Vodka's got potential... but nowhere near that level...

...

Huff, huff...

(I can do this! If I win against Brian... That'd make me so cool the track'd freeze over!)

Let's go!

Vodka has made her move! She's smoothly accelerating and making her way up the group!

Pant, pant...

(Crap... My vision... is getting blurry...)

Damn it!

Game's over.

Narita Brian makes her move! Look at that speed! She's cutting through the pack and establishing her lead!

Daaaaamn it!

Vodka's accelerating again, but the gap is already tremendous! Narita Brian has put five, no, six lengths between her and second place!

(I can't do it... She's too fast!)

Impossible... There's no way...

Narita Brian finishes in first! What an amazing show of power! What a beautiful run we all just witnessed!

Vodka put up a good fight... but it was reckless of her to take on such a challenge.

Yeah. If only she picked a different group, she would've easily been the star of the show.

Whoa there! What're ya lookin' so scary for, Trainer?

It's fine. There was nothing I could do about it.

I'm just... lame as hell...

Oh hey, you're Vodka's trainer, right? Don't tell me... has she not shown up?

Hmm, she's probably at the riverbank. Ever since she read this one manga, she's all, "if I'm gonna be brooding, it has to be by a riverbank."

She always talks about how cool it is... Heh, what a dummy.

I might have my complaints about her, but I'm not my best self when she's not around... So please, bring her back.

Oh... 'Sup, Trainer.

Ugh, I know that already. I'm skipping today, no buts!

Ughhh, shut up already! Get lost, just leave me alone!

Leave someone as... lame as me alone!

I thought I had it in me. I was really goin' all out, I was gonna be the rising star that took down Narita Brian!

But... when we started actually running, I could feel the huge gap between us. I felt like I was gonna pass out halfway through!

I thought to myself, "I can't do it."

But those racers I grew up watching... the ones in the Derby, not a single one of them ever gave up!

Trainer... am I just no good?

If this is how I am pre-debut, then how am I ever gonna be cool?!

I might have my complaints about her, but I'm not my best self when she's not around... So please, bring her back.

Huh? No, like I said...

Hey! Stop pushin' me! What're you doin'?

Huff... Ah, it's Vodka.

...Scarlet.

Why are you here? You told me you wanted to take a break after the Meet.

Hmph. I changed my schedule. You have a problem with that?

It's all because some dummy decided to go up against the big leagues... Yet despite her opponent's breakneck pace, she kept up just fine.

And she even accelerated during the straightaways... Made me think, "I can't let myself be left behind."

Scarlet, you...

Anyway, I need to get back to training now.

The hell is she talkin' about? Lookin' up to me like that... Meanwhile, I... I'm here being super lame!

Yeah... but I gave up in the middle!

The future?

Up... to me... I... I...

Trainer! I got a favor to ask!

Please... help me redeem myself!

There you are, Scarlet! C'mon, let's race!

Huh? I can't, I already have plans...

Don't sweat the small stuff! C'mon, it's just one lap! You ready? Here we go!

Wait! Get back here!

Lookin' forward to it, Brian!

Hmph. Bring it on. I'll make you regret it.

Hmph!

Uuurgh!

(Holy craaaap! She's fast! How the hell am I supposed to catch up?)

(But I...)

Arghhh!

(I won't give up! Not ever again!)

(I'll do whatever it takes to be cool!)

Yaaaah!

Not bad. Let's do this again.

Oh! Th-thank you so much, Brian!

Trainer... Hehe, thank you!

I'm gonna be even cooler from now on, so watch carefully, 'cause ya won't wanna miss it!

C'mon, you and me, let's race fair and square! I don't need no head start!

Vodka's been challenging the seniors to races left and right these days... I wonder what's gotten into her.

Here we go, last corner! It's make or break time, and I'm gonna caaatch uuup!

Pant... pant... Well, I'll let you have this one...

But it won't happen again! I'm gonna leave all you pace chasers in the dust, so watch out! The soon-to-be world's coolest racer is comin' after ya!

(Aw yeah, I'm so cool! Now everyone knows that no matter how many times I lose, I'm gonna get back up and keep goin'!)

Okay, whatever you say. You're cute when you're so hyped up. Anyway, catch ya later.

Hell yeah! Wait a sec... Aren't you intimidated at all? Like, I have hidden powers, y'know! Hey!

Hey, Trainer, I wanna talk to you about something. Did you catch my race just now?

I was all like, "I'm gonna leave you in the dust!" to be super cool, but...

Now that I think about it, wasn't that kinda lame? I bet all the seniors think I'm just a kid with a big mouth.

Honestly, it sounds like something a clichéd villain would say. Like, "You haven't seen the last of me!"

You serious?! Oh man, it wasn't like this before I entered the academy. For starters, losing in a race wasn't a thing for me...

But Tracen's got tons of talented folks, so of course I'd lose on occasion. And every time it happens, I can't help but feel sore about it.

Yeah, I suppose. I could give that a try. All right, lemme do a quick practice sesh.

Ahem, ahem... Okay, here I go. "Heh, looks like I lost. I accept my defeat. See you later."

.........But I'm gonna get ya next time! I'll utterly destroy you!

Ughhh, I came off as an actual villain this time! How the hell do people casually accept defeat and move on?!

...Sorry. I think I'm gonna go. This is pathetic...

Sorry, Trainer. Didn't mean to worry you. It's just... I don't know what being "cool" even is anymore.

It's good that I'm facing tough opponents head-on, but I'm starting to wonder if I should be dropping one-liners.

It just comes out on its own! I... got it from my pops. He'd always say stuff like "you're lacking heart," or "looks like you're only second best."

He was the one who taught me that it's cool to drop one-liners after a match.

But if I don't win, it's kinda lame. I don't wanna be all talk and no show. That's why I need your help, Trainer!

Can you teach me what it actually means to be cool? You're the only one who knows how cool I really am.

Do you think you can help me grow even more?

Thanks! Just knowing that you're by my side makes me feel a lot better! I'm gonna discover what it means to be genuinely cool. Oh and...

I-I'll also need help to overcome my weakness. Y'know... whenever I see lovey-dovey romantic stuff, I get shivers down my spine.

I'm not sayin' I'm embarrassed though! Don't you dare get me wrong. You better not tell anyone else about this, or else I'll send ya flyin'!

Hey Trainer, whatcha doin'?

Eh, not much goin' on, just killing time. Can't help but feel restless on my days off.

Oh hey, I got an idea! You know what would be fun? Bikes!

Hell yeah! ...is what I'd like to say, but I don't actually own a motorbike myself... or proper protection for that matter.

Whiiich is why we're going to a motorbike shop! C'mon, let's go check out the new models!

Whooooa! Trainer, check this out! It's the UMAHA ZX750.

Would ya look at the size of that tank! And despite the bulk, such a streamlined, modern body design! Oh man, as soon as you rev up that engine, you'll become one with the wind!

Daaamn, this is awesome!

Wh-what? What's with that look? I'm passionate about bikes, okay?

My pops is a huge fan of 'em, and he'd always let me ride on the back.

But I guess it doesn't really matter 'cause I can't buy it anyway. Just like winning the Derby, it's not something I can easily get my hands on.

Win what? You mean like, the Derby?!

Whoa, whoa, whoa. So I can make my dreams come true and get a sick ride? I like the way you think!

It's a promise between us then! I feel like I can do anything with you!

Holy crap, I'm all fired up! I can't just stand still here... I'm gonna... I'm gonna...

I'm gonna charge straight down to the beach! I may not have my ride yet... but my own two legs will do!

Raaaaargh!

Whew, that felt good. It's nice runnin' on the road instead of the turf from time to time.

The ocean breeze feels so good... If this moment isn't the definition of cool, then I don't know what is.

...

Hey, Trainer, this might sound a little strange, but... is there a difference between being cool and being strong?

I've always aimed to be cool rather than strong. To me, being strong is already a part of being cool.

Like, you know that time everyone laughed at me 'cause I put on airs after I lost? It's been on my mind ever since.

When it comes to being cool, my pops takes the cake. As for being strong, well, that's my mom.

My pops is a biker. He didn't participate in races, but we'd always go out on rides together. Thanks to him, I got to go to a bunch of different places.

Pops certainly had a way with words, he'd always tell me to live my life on the edge, and let my tears dry in the wind!

But my mom was the total opposite! She basically ran the whole house, and would kick Pops's butt when he didn't have his act together.

When she ran, she was as fast as a motorbike! Dirt or pavement, she was always a contender for first.

They really are. But I always found myself following in my pops's footsteps. Well, I guess it was bound to happen.

Maybe it would've been better to chase after my mom instead, but I just couldn't see myself doing that.

Hey, do you think I've got it all wrong? Is it weird that my goal is to become the coolest?

Really? Well, if you don't think it's weird, then maybe I'm on the right track after all.

Sometimes I get dumb new ideas into my head, and they just bug me, y'know? Anyway, it's getting late, let's head back.

Pops used to take me on rides through streets like these. Just, like, to the factory where he worked, or the local eateries and stuff.

So it's not like we were goin' out for fun. But...

No matter where he was heading, he'd always bring me along if I wanted. All I had to do was ask.

Wha! Don't say embarrassin' stuff like that! But... I guess you're right, yeah.

My pops shaped me into the person I am today. It's thanks to him that I'm here now...

(I can still hear it... The exhaust pipe of my pops's 250. The warmth of the arm revving the engine...)

No doubt about it, this is my path forward. 'Cause...

At the end of this road lies the coolest me there'll ever be!

C'mon, let's race! Whaddya say to a two-furlong sprint on the sand? Think you can match my speed?

Hmph, who do you think I am? I'm already G1 material! Do you really think you'd win against me?

Absolutely, with my brand-new "explosive running" technique! Watch me, Trainer!

Raaargh! Look at the way I launch off the sand! Man, this technique's so cool! I'm right behind my opponent!

W-wait a second. Why is the gap getting bigger again?! Crap, I can't close it! G1s are seriously in a whole 'nother league...

Daaammit! Why?! I could swear I had way more power!

Heh, looks like this is the best you can do. ♪

This sucks! Nah, you better watch me. By the time this camp is over, I'm gonna be the king of this beach...

Oh, crap, I'm doing it again. Trying to prove how cool I am is totally backfiring on me!

Hm, what's up, Trainer? If you're here to try and make me feel better...

Huh? Kicking the sand... Oh, you mean my "explosive running" technique? But if I don't kick, then I can't get enough power...

Hang on! I think I got it! Sand is different, if I keep kicking it, I'm actually gonna lose power instead. In that case, I should... Hm...

I'm sure there's a better way to run. Mom was super fast even on dirt, but she was never flashy. I bet I can try to pull something like that off too.

I think I got it... Um, excuse me! Can we run it back? Please?

Wh-what the?! What's with your speed?! You're like a totally different person now!

This is it! I just needed to lower my center of gravity and drive my feet into the ground!

From now on, this technique'll be called my "slashing style"! I just need to concentrate all my power into my feet and push forward! Raaargh!

I... lost... to this complete amateur...

I did it! ...Hey, thanks for racing against me! You're seriously a tough opponent.

Let's meet again... in the Twinkle Series. With your skills, I'm sure you'll easily climb to the top.

Vodka, you...

Man, festivals are great. I sold tons, too!

I ate a bit, but I was also super busy serving up food. I was helping out at one of the yakisoba places.

Did ya know that I'm actually super good at making noodles? When I was little, my pops's buddy let me help out at his street stall.

But that's beside the point, isn't it? Trainer, thanks for helpin' me out during summer camp.

And as for the type of coolness that I wanna aim for, I think it finally clicked. That beach race made me realize that it's okay to have both types.

Yeah! I can borrow from both my pops's coolness and my mom's strength.

I'll be the coolest runner who never loses! And when I win, that's when I'll drop my cool one-liners! That way, I'll never come off as a sore loser.

Of course, that's easier said than done, but I got this!

Yeah. I got this baseless confidence from my pops. Oh, speaking of which, my mom told me a story about him.

It was about his reckless confidence. Back before they started going out...

Pops confessed his love to Mom during the summer festival.

At the time, Mom was a rising star and busy as any racer could ever be. Pops, on the other hand, was your run-of-the-mill guy.

Do you wanna guess why my mom agreed to date him?

Sorta, but not quite. Apparently, Pops started saying all kinds of stuff. Like how he'd become famous, or how he'd make her the happiest person alive.

My mom thought it was funny how he talked himself up that much. He pretty much got her to say yes through sheer grit.

Yeah. I got my heart from my pops, and my legs from my mom.

That's just who I am! And with both of these strengths combined, no challenge is too great for me.

Because I've gotten a hell of a lot stronger since meeting you!

Of course! I used to get all flustered just hearin' love stories, but now I'm totally fine... I think...

(Come to think of it... Mom said that after she agreed to date Pops, they rode his motorcycle home together.)

(Riding tandem, huh... What if I went back to the dorm with Trainer like that?)

Huh, you'll give me a ride? Hop on? O-okay... Don't mind if I do...

Wh-what? Grab onto your waist? I-if you say so...

Bfgldskdf!

Y-yeah, I-I'm totally fine. Th-this is 'cause, um...

Chocolate bananas! That's it! I ate too many chocolate bananas earlier! Believe me, damn it!