Wonder Acute's story

Goodness me, I've never heard a sigh so heavy.

Did we hit a little bump in the road? When you're feeling down, it's no good to stew on it all alone.

Me? Well, if you want to know, Wonder Acute's the name. I don't believe we've met before.

Hope I didn't startle you just now. You looked like you were about ready to burst into tears, so I thought I'd ask what's the matter.

Oh, you poor thing, let's get that lost puppy look off your face. Maybe you just need a bite to eat. How about some crunchy munchies?

Well, if your taste buds are still working, you'll be all right yet. Now, why don't you tell me what happened? Take as much time as you need.

Wait, you're changing my routine again?

I just... I don't like how we're doing something different every time. I've asked around, and everyone else's routines sound way more balanced.

...Can I really trust this trainer? Like, I'm sure winning whatever award at trainer school is a big deal, but still, this is a fresh graduate we're talking about...

Mmm, sorry, but could we forget about the whole training contract thing?

Oh dear, maybe it just wasn't meant to be? But surely just one rejection is nothing to fuss over.

Now that's a load of baloney. You take your job serious enough to get all tore up over it, that's got to count for something if you ask me.

Oh, I know, how about we try a little something? Trainer, do you have time to spare right now?

Well, I'm going to be competing in the upcoming Tracen Meet, you see. And I figured I might as well do my best to prepare.

Having a trainer to guide me would be a big help, don't you think? Though you might not get much satisfaction watching a runner like me...

Oh dear, you look awfully anxious about this. Don't you worry, I'm tougher than I look, so I know I can handle anything you throw at me.

For starters, why don't I go and run a quick lap? If you notice anything I can improve on, you can tell me after.

Hmm... Hehe.

See? I knew it in my bones you'd make a trustworthy trainer! We only just met, and you're already looking out for me.

Of course not, dear. You're only saying it for my sake. Not to mention, I do notice that my right leg is more liable to give me trouble.

So you're saying I should be giving it an extra stretch before I run. Well, you learn something new every day.

And a one, nice and low, and a two, there we go.

Oh, Trainer. You're quite the early bird today, aren't you?

Well, I wouldn't want to let what you taught me go to waste, you know. Got to make sure I'm all ready for another intense workout.

I've been excited to see how you train me, it's all I could think about. Now then, I say we get right to it.

Huff... puff... Aaand done. Hm, I'm getting through these exercises much faster than before.

And I know who I have to thank for that. All I've done is train just like you tell me to, but I can already feel the difference.

Plus, you're always changing up the routine, so I'm learning so many new things. If we keep this up, my 2,000-meter dirt race should be no problem.

If you didn't tell me I had my very own secret weapon, I never would've known. Just another thing I owe you for.

Oh my, sounds to me like you're cooking up another new training plan. I'll be waiting! There's nothing you can give me that I can't do.

Hey, you're Acute's trainer, aren't you? If you're looking for her, she's right over here.

Whoa, Acute, you really went and signed on with a trainer?! If you've found the yin to your yang, count yourself very lucky and happy! ☆

Oh, no, I'm afraid I haven't signed anything just yet. I'm just borrowing a helping hand for the Tracen Meet.

Really? That's too bad. I mean, even I've heard the rumors, a promising new trainer who graduated trainer school with top honors in seven subjects?

Is that right? I didn't know you were such a distinguished trainer.

Oh, you're always so humble. You should give yourself more credit, you know. Thanks to your help, I think I'll be able to put up a good fight at the Tracen Meet.

A good fight... I don't know. I mean, considering who you're up against...

Wait, so you haven't heard? Acute's 2,000-meter dirt race is also going to have...

Woohoohooo! Falco, taking flight. Here I gooo! ☆

Dwah!

Whoa, look at her! This is incredible! It's almost like she's drawing qi straight from the dragon veins into her legs!

Explosive acceleration, speed that picks up even more at the end... She's just different, no one can outshine Falco on the dirt.

The field hasn't been announced yet, but I've heard she'll be running. Besting Falco on dirt would be nearly impossible for anyone right now.

Also, fire conquers metal. Our Acute here may have a resolve of steel, but Falco and her fiery running will be a menace according to feng shui!

...

Pant, pant... Phew. I'm not done yet!

Trainer, remind me what I'm doing next? ...Oh? Trainer, dear?

...Come on, Trainer, no need to be shy, now.

I know full well I won't stand a chance at this rate. So if I'm to put up a fight against Falco, you'll have to make me a tougher routine.

I know that, but I wonder if there isn't something else I could be doing. Like... honing my body for the race, for example.

Let me tell you about the time I ran for Tracen's entrance exams. The nerves got to me, and I showed up on the day weighing a good bit less than usual.

But somehow I felt better than ever, if you can believe it. My legs felt so free, like they might carry me off to the ends of the earth.

If I could hone my body like that again, I'd have a puncher's chance, I just know it.

Well, I wouldn't say that. Who I'm up against doesn't matter to me. It's more that...

A win in this race would mean an awful lot to someone I know. So no matter what, I need to earn this win for that someone.

And that, Trainer, is why I need you to be tougher on me. I trust you, so you go on and trust me to keep up.

I hear you. You can count on me!

Pant, pant... Mm, I'm feeling great. Whatever drills you put me through, my body can keep up just fine.

Now to hammer all these lessons home, I think I'll go for another run before the morning's over. The big day's almost here, so there's no time to waste!

I'm doing no such thing. Now that I'm light as a feather, see?, nothing can bring me down.

Hey there, Acute. Mind if I have a word with you real quick? ☆

Well I never! Falco wants to have a word with me? Is something the matter, darling?

Well, it's just, and sorry if this is overstepping, but are you maybe on a diet right now?

...?

Your lunch is just so small I couldn't help but notice. And you haven't been eating much for dinner at the dorm lately either.

Don't get me wrong, as an Umadol, I like to be mindful of how I look too. But you know, I don't think it's good to go too far with a diet either.

I see now, you were just worried for me, weren't you? I'm all right, just getting into shape for a race is all.

Wait, by a race, you mean the Tracen Meet? Oh that's right, you're running in the dirt 2,000-meter too, aren't you?

Hmm... but Acute, you haven't had your debut yet, right? I'd still be worried about pushing yourself too hard before you're race-ready.

But you see, if I want to get first, it's the only way, isn't it?

Huh?

The thing is, there's a certain someone I want to win for, so I'm going to do everything I can to do just that.

To win... Right, of course.

Silly Falco! I know how much winning means to me, but it completely slipped my mind that you'd feel the same way!

Forget what I said! ☆ We're rivals now! And I won't settle for anything less than center stage either. Let's both give it all we've got, Acute!

Hehe, let's. I'll make sure to get my body into shape so I can run my very best race.

Hehe... Look at you, already growling up a storm so soon after eating. Hang in there just a little longer, okay?

Once the race is over, you can have all the crunchy munchies you want. Isn't that right, Trainer?

You really are the biggest worrywart around. You were listening to my little chat with Falco too, weren't you?

The big day's just around the corner, nothing needs changing now. I'm only doing what I need to in order to win.

You see, I have a point to prove. I'm going to show a certain someone that they're not "unfit to be a trainer" after all.

That day, when I saw you looking all tore up, I couldn't just leave you be. But ever since you started helping me train, I've been thinking...

Just how many people like you are there? A trainer willing to stay up all night working on a training plan for someone who isn't even their trainee.

One willing to make tweaks to that plan over and over again as we grow. One who's ready to devote so much of their time, all of the time, for our sakes...

Now you tell me, how could someone like that be unfit to be a trainer? Just look how much I've grown since working with you, that's all the evidence you need.

So I'm going to prove it once and for all. If I do well in this race, you'll have no choice but to recognize how wonderful a trainer you are.

A win in this race would mean an awful lot to someone I know. So no matter what, I need to earn this win for that someone.

Well... I suppose it's because you remind me of someone.

You see, my daddy was a star boxer back in his day, won Rookie of the Year and everything. But after that, he couldn't quite find the same success.

He retired without any more big wins under his belt, and ended up in a dark place for a spell. But with my momma's support, he managed to get back on his feet.

Back in the day, Daddy did his fair share of shameful things. But your momma was there for me. That's how I got back up.

So now, it's my turn to be there for someone else. When life's trying to knock you down, having a pillar to lean on can keep you on your feet.

And now he's a role model, his boxing gym is full of people looking to regain their footing in life just like him.

Growing up watching them, I learned to always hold out a helping hand where I can. If there's a heart close to breaking, I want to be the brace holding it together.

If I can save someone with my running, then I'll run with all I have. That's reason enough to try my best, wouldn't you say?

Am I now? Flattery won't get you anything but pickles, I'm afraid. And besides...

I have a feeling that says I can get stronger and stronger yet. It tells me I can push myself harder, sharpen my skills even further.

You're the one who planted this feeling in me, you know? And it all started because I put my trust in you and worked to keep up.

So, Trainer, I want you to trust me too. Mark my words, I'll prove to you just how amazing of a person you are!

Oh, there you are, Acute!

It's finally time for our race! I've been so excited for this! And I'm definitely gonna beat you, so get ready. ☆

Well, we'll see about that. Just you wait, I'll catch you out there.

Hey, you have any idea who she is? The one talking to Falco over there.

No clue, but if the Smart Falcon sees her as a rival? That means she might be one to watch out for.

Oh, would you mind? That'd be wonderful, thank you.

What's this, a shoulder massage? Why, thank you. Don't go easy on my account, though. It'd perk me right up if you put a little oomph into it.

Ooh! Yes, that's more like it! Now I'm all fired up and ready to get that win!

We're blessed with clear skies for our tenth race, a 2,000-meter on dirt. They're all lined up in the gate... and here's the start!

Off to an excellent start as always is Smart Falcon. She shoots to the front like an arrow!

This is a runner who can fly away with a lead. Let the gap grow too big, and it'll be impossible to close it later on.

Hrryahhh!

Holy smokes! The dirt really is Falco's domain! No way anyone's catching up to her!

But look... see that one runner still hanging on? Wait, we saw her earlier, the one who looked like she had her head in the clouds!

Pant, pant...

(I won't lose... I won't be knocked down... I'll show that here!)

Whoa, hold up, is she nuts?! A pre-debut runner trying to keep pace with Falco is bound to end in disaster.

Yeah, but she is locked in... I mean, it's crazy she can even match that speed in the first place.

(I can do this... Trainer taught me all I need to know, with patience and sincerity... And it all pays off, now!)

(You would never see all of us runners as one and the same. You saw me for me, looked me straight in the eye...)

(You saw things I never noticed, showed me a strength I never knew I had. You honed it with me, so it would be my secret weapon.)

(You are... the most incredible person... and if you can't see that, then I'll show you.)

...You're still keeping up. You really trained hard for this, didn't you?

But sorry, 'cause Falco here... is just getting started!

Oh, they're past the final corner and into the stretch. Smart Falcon's lead only grows and grows, she's flying home!

Wonder Acute might be done! Little by little, the gap is widening!

Nooo, it's over. But she held on for so long!

Why are you surprised? It's Falco she's up against! If anything, it's wild that a pre-debut runner was able to keep up as long as she did.

You betcha!

I won't give up! I won't be knocked down! I'll run... till the very end! Hahhhh!

Here she comes! Wonder Acute finds a new gear! With the last of her strength, she bears down on Smart Falcon!

I... I can't believe my eyes. Are we really seeing this caliber of performance from a pre-debut runner?

Putting on a miracle spurt is Wonder Acute! Can she do it? Who'll it be?! It's Falcon! It's Acute! It's gonna be...

Smart Falcon!

I'm terribly sorry about today. I just couldn't pull through in the end.

And here I thought I could beat Falco and give you a nice little boost in confidence, but...

She lost... but, wow. I think she inspired me.

Oh? You mean to say... you'd be willing to stay on as my trainer, is that it?

Why, I'd just as soon be the one asking you. You really do like underselling yourself, don't you?

Well then, I hope to see you at training tomorrow. And don't you worry, I won't bend or break so easily, so be as tough as you like, you hear?

Oh, Trainer. Going to eat lunch?

That's right. I made it together with my breakfast.

Say, if you haven't had lunch yet, would you like to join me? I could use some help.

Sure as can be. I made a bit too much today, so I'd be delighted if you'd take some of it off my plate.

Oh, Trainer! A bunch of us were about to grab lunch, you want in? Apparently the new ramen place by the station is pretty good.

Oh! Trainer, you don't have to decline on my account.

I'm sure we'll have plenty more chances to share a bento again. If your company's wanted, you ought to go.

Oh, okay, didn't know you already had plans. Catch you next time, then!

My, my! Seeing such a look of delight on your face just warms my heart. Try the tea too. I put it in a thermos, so it's nice and steamy.

And for dessert, there's a cherry pie with your name on it. You can have as much as you like.

Ahh, now that was a satisfying meal. And the sun... is shining just right...

Days like this make you want to lie around in the sun and take a nice nap.

Oh, the birds are out. Look at that, what a cozy place for a nest. The little ones look full of life.

Trainer, thank you for spending time with me. And I'm sorry you had to turn down that invitation.

Hehe, you don't have to pretend. You really are the most considerate person, you know that?

Just like you did now, you always find a way to put me first in your mind. Looking back, it's been like that ever since we met.

You noticed my quirk right away and suggested a better way I could be stretching.

You looked at me with those keen eyes of yours and made a training plan tailored just so to my needs.

And to think, I get to have such an incredible person as my trainer, I count my blessings every single day.

But you know, I think it would do you some good to take things at your own pace too.

When I see you going about your business nice and slow, that's what really brings a smile to my face.

Well, time sure flies by. I'll see you after school, then. Remember not to overwork yourself, you hear?

I'm not up to anything in particular, just taking a stroll. I mean, how could I resist with such nice weather?

Oh! ...You wouldn't mind?

Is that so? Well then, in that case...

...Oh, that's right. While I have you, there's someplace I'd like to take you, so why don't you follow me?

Oh, no, it's my first time, actually. Rickey was saying she wanted to take us here sometime, you see.

But then I got to thinking maybe a trendy game like this would pique your interest too.

Come one, come all! Can you pocket the balls in this special configuration?! You get two chances! Winners will be presented with a luxurious prize!

A luxurious present? Look at that, it's a one-day free pass! Rickey would be over the moon... You think I could win it?

Well, would you look at that! You were so close. I whiffed completely, but you're a natural at this.

Hehe. Trainer, deep breaths now, deep breaths. In moments like this, it's best to pause and collect yourself.

Like this. In... and out...

Ohhh my!

And in they go, every last one! You're so good at this, Trainer!

Nonsense, I didn't do anything but watch. The credit belongs to you.

Now, this cafe I heard about from Falco. I figured you might like these places that everyone posts about on the Umastagram.

Here you are! One Pancake Mountain, with a big ol' dollop of whipped cream and extra fruit and butter!

Goodness me... I'm at a loss for words. Something this impressive is bound to give you all sorts of good luck.

Praise be, praise be!

Hehe. Now then, shall we dig in?

Ooh! It's so fluffy, this is to die for!

It was Tarumae who told me about this store. Trainer, you were talking about wanting a new jacket, weren't you?

Here, how about this one? The fabric looks of good quality, and the make is sturdy too.

Oh, Trainer, it looks wonderful on you! Now how about you turn around for me real quick?

Oh dear, there's a big old hole in the back. A bug must have gotten to it.

Fashion? So you're telling me it's supposed to be like that? Sigh. It's so hard to keep up with all these trends. But I learned something new.

Oh, you mean it? Well, if you're offering, then I suppose I'll have you give my wardrobe a trendy makeover. Hehe.

Well... I owe you a big thank you. Didn't mean to keep you all day long.

Oh, I didn't do anything. Everything was so new and unfamiliar to me, I'm afraid I only wasted more of your time. But, yes...

It really was a fun day. I learned so many new things from you, it was hard for me not to get all giddy.

You don't say?

...I'd like that. We'll have to find the time to do this again.

Hehe... We should "hang" again? Can you believe it?

My, my! Seeing such a look of delight on your face just warms my heart. Try the tea too. I put it in a thermos, so it's nice and steamy.

Trainer had that same smile again...

That's good... Glad to know I wasn't the only one having fun.

Trainer, would you happen to have some time after this?

There's somewhere I was hoping we could go together. If you don't mind, how about it?

What do you wanna do first? Maybe takoyaki and... oh, the shooting gallery! After we look around a little, we should hurry and save a spot! I can't wait for the fireworks!

Hear that? I guess there's a festival going on nearby. And they're doing fireworks too.

Hehe. That's us, that bus right there.

Phew, here we are. Reception is... ah, thataway.

Heh, I'm glad you think so... It seemed like something you would like, so I thought it might be fun to come out here together.

Now then, I wonder what I should wish for.

Ah, maybe this sort of thing is best kept secret. They say your wish is more likely to come true that way, don't they?

See that? There was a firefly just now. That means the stream must be gentle around here. Trainer, this looks like a good spot.

Okay, time to release them. And off we go.

Not a soul around. What a peaceful night. And...

Mm... You hear that?

Uh-huh... And you know what that means.

Mhm, it sure is...

...

Here, Trainer. Wet your whistle.

...Funny, isn't it?

Now, I hope you won't laugh at me for saying this, but being here with you, somehow I...

I get the feeling that you and I have been together for a long, long time.

Were you now?

...Hehe. Now how is it that we were both thinking the exact same thing? That seems a little strange.

Hehe, you're right. And you know...

(Well, I think I'm sure of it now. The bond that ties us together will...)

Hehe... Maybe I didn't need to write that after all.

Well, let's get going. Slowly, now... side by side, we'll take this road together.

Oh, it's water lanterns! They're so pretty... Haha, look! See those two over there?

"May the two of us run strong together forever after." "May the bond between my trainer and I remain strong forever after."

Hehe... Their wishes are the exact same. I guess that means they've already come true.