Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Yaeno Muteki's story
7 scenes, 411 lines
1. Dance by Dusk
66 linesAfter an afternoon shopping, I start heading home as the sun does the same for the night. I'm walking past the riverbank when...
...Hah!
Wha?!
The shout rings in my ears, like the sharp clang of an expertly wielded blade. My feet stop, and my head unconsciously turns to the source.
Inhale... Exhale...
If I'm not mistaken, that's Yaeno Muteki.
...Hup! ...Hah! ...Sei! ...Tah!
Each punch, each kick... Her every movement cuts cleanly through the evening air, punctuated by that same resounding, thunderous voice.
I'm so awestruck, I hardly catch myself staring. Her form perfectly balances ferocity with composure... I can tell she's devoted countless time to refining her art, and it... it's beautiful.
(It's almost like she's dancing...)
Pardon. May I have a word?
Huh? Oh! Uh, y-yeah!
I notice that you don a Tracen Academy badge. Did you need me for something, Trainer?
No, uh... I was just passing by and became captivated by your forms. Sorry...
You really... Ahem. That is far too high of praise for one so inexperienced as me.
Even now, my heart was not clear of distractions. Tomorrow's tryouts linger in my mind, no matter how I try to recollect myself through training.
Still, an amateur though I am, I will apply all my abilities to the race. It would be an honor to see you there, should your schedule permit it.
Th-the honor would be all mine!
Why am I being so formal? I feel like I'm talking to a wise old martial artist, not a student!
And then, out of nowhere...
Hey, hey, HEY! Who do you think you are? We don't need some little princess from the academy stinkin' up our turf!
If you wanna use our spot, you're gonna have to pay up and make it worth our while!
...I turn my head to see two delinquents sauntering over to us.
Your turf, you say? To my recollection, this field is part of the public park.
Can it! You know what I damn mean, smartass! Hey boss, this Uma's bein' all uppity!
...Yeah, she's uppity all right. But how long's she gonna be able to keep the smug act up? Just saying, but if you don't want trouble, pay up or go back to playin' tag on your school playground.
The "boss" of the pair scowls at Yaeno Muteki with an intimidating leer... But I can't let her get away with this!
You there, stop this at once!
The hell?! You stay outta this!
HAH!
Ah?! Gulp...
Yaeno Muteki's cry shocks the pair like a bolt of lightning. They stop still and look at her wide-eyed.
Now then... Are you going to press this matter further?
Her voice is light and calm, like the quiet surface of a lake. At the same time, though, there's a cold, unfathomable depth to it.
...Nah, we're leaving. I can see we're outmatched.
Huh? Boss, wait! D-don't leave without meee!
(There they go...)
I apologize for raising my voice. I thought only to resolve the situation at hand, but I am sorry if I startled you.
Oh, I'm fine. Thank you so much!
I'm just amazed by the way she demonstrated such raw power without letting her composure slip for a second. There wasn't even a hint of anger on her face!
That was so cool!
...You flatter me.
Now I'm really curious what her running is like. I excuse myself for the evening, bubbling with excitement for the tryouts tomorrow.
And, come the next day, that excitement only builds. I head to the track to watch Yaeno Muteki's race, and start looking around.
That one there, Super Creek, she was amazing out there! She's already made such a strong impression on everyone.
Oguri Cap stood out too. I can see why they call her the Beast. She's still rough around the edges, but there's definitely a real gem hiding in her.
There are so many promising racers at the tryouts this time. We're in for some wild races when this generation hits the big tracks.
...I'm here too. This time, I'll prove myself. I'll reap the fruits of my training and win glory today, I swear I will!
Panting...
...All right, here goes. Haaaah!
Hehe, she really did fall for it!
(Hold on!)
Yaeno Muteki... Looks like she took the bait. If she doesn't regain her head quickly, she'll burn all her energy before the last spurt.
To think she'd make the same mistake again... She had so much potential, but if she can't keep cool in races, that's the end of it.
I can't believe my eyes. The Yaeno Muteki I saw yesterday was so composed. She wielded the fiery spirit within her like a tempered blade, keeping it quiet in its sheath until the moment she struck! But now...
She rampages with a wild ferocity. Unable to temper the flames within her, Yaeno Muteki burns up her energy and loses the race.
Pant... pant...
How could I... let this happen again?!
Amateur! I keep making such... such amateur mistakes! I won't be able to restrain the blaze within me like this!
I can see frustration written all over her face, and yet, I can't summon the words to speak up. Silently, helplessly, I watch as she leaves...
2. Question the Blaze
57 linesIt's been a few days since the tryouts, but I'm still hung up on what happened. Which, uh, potentially explains why I've wandered my way to the riverbank without realizing it.
Yaeno Muteki was like a different person in the race, compared to how she was when I saw her here.
(I wonder why she changed so drastically...)
HAH!
Ah! You're...
...The trainer who came to watch me at the tryouts. I apologize for not greeting you then, but I did notice you in the stands, and I'm most grateful that you attended.
I only wish... that I had not put on such a disappointing display after inviting you. I am deeply shamed by it...
You were like a different person out there.
...!
And it got me wondering, which is the real you?
...You are quite perceptive.
If I had to say which was more representative of my natural state, it would be the side of me you saw at the tryouts.
Recklessly charging at things, unable to contain the blaze in my heart... I was not born experienced, after all.
Argh, just shut up! I just... I'm so mad! I hate this! I hate how my vision goes all hot and red!
In my youth, I was no better than an animal, violently acting upon my every emotion and whim. I thought dominance... power was the solution to any inconvenience.
For I knew not any other way to achieve my will. I let the heat in me boil over, hurting others, and they shunned me for it.
Fine, then! I'll just take 'em down! I'll get rid of all those dumb weaklings, and... have fun by myself... alone...
"Weaklings," hm? I see. In that case, you'll never be alone, not with someone as strong as Grampa around.
Ah... G-Grampa.
Now then, it's already past time for your training, Yaeno. Let's get to the dojo.
He was the one person who stayed by my side, through all my naivety, my grandfather, head of the Kongo Yaegaki school of unarmed martial arts.
And he told me something about the blaze inside me... If I whipped that raw flame around like a weapon, it would burn me along with everyone else.
He taught me that Kongo Yaegaki forms can temper my once aimless rampages... And that controlling my strength will show me how water balances so perfectly even and still.
And that's how you learned to compose yourself.
Yes. Through daily training under his mastery, I learned techniques to restrain my aggressive instincts. And eventually, I learned to get along with others.
But though I tried to maintain water's tranquility, the fire was still smouldering within...
I was so terrified that it would flare back up and hurt the people around me. Until one day, Grampa asked me something.
There is a way to best others without harming them, to compete out of joy, not hate. It is a discipline where a raging blaze can become a beacon of light. Now, what do you think it is?
If I may, I'd like to pose you the same question. What do you think my grandfather meant?
A way to enjoy competition without harming others... I'm fairly sure I know the answer.
Racing!
You have a sharp mind indeed.
When I learned of racing, I was overjoyed, for I finally knew the path I was meant to take.
Martial arts would give me control over the violent blaze, and races would give me a place to wield it, a place where it would shine.
And then... I had a thought. If I performed well in races, if I achieved glory... then I could finally pay him back.
Grampa... I've caused him so much grief and worry. I wanted to show him something to be proud of.
And yet...
Even here! Even in races, the aggression overtakes me, bringing nothing but bitter humiliation!
Yaeno Muteki...
I have to beat this naivety back! I have to beat the blaze that stokes my temper!
Or else, I'll... I'll never be more than an amateur. I'll never repay the debt I owe!
I need to train more. I must train harder...
The lack of control pains her so, and yet Yaeno Muteki works diligently to overcome it.
Seeing her resolve, I reflexively speak up.
Can I help you train?
Huh?
...Why would you do that? From a trainer's perspective, I'm just an aggressive, unruly Umamusume. There's no merit to training someone like me.
This isn't about merit.
I'm completely sincere, looking her straight in the eyes as I continue.
Hearing everything made me want to see you succeed.
...
...You truly mean it. Your words, your eyes... they speak to your unwavering resolve.
If I'm honest, I recognize that I'm lacking guidance in this field. I humbly ask your assistance.
I wish to control the blaze inside me... Would you help me find the way?
Of course!
...I am most grateful.
A massive wall looms in Yaeno Muteki's path... But we'll think of a way to conquer it, together!
3. Pursuing Water Still
59 linesYaeno Muteki is struggling to quell the fiery aggression in her. That's our first hurdle, so I've been brainstorming solutions.
And now, I think I've got a lead.
You want to learn more about Kongo Yaegaki martial arts?
Yes.
The day I first met her, Yaeno Muteki was repeating forms to calm her mind before the tryouts, just like she said she did as a child.
I have no doubt that the source of her usual composure lies in Kongo Yaegaki teachings, so I'm sure it'll help find a way to control her blaze.
Well, I gather this interest in it has something to do with suppressing my blaze.
...I see your train of thought. Follow me.
Master. Adept. We are ready for the lecture. We humbly ask your guidance.
Thank you for accommodating this!
It's a pleasure to have you, Trainer. We're flattered to hear that you've taken an interest in the Kongo Yaegaki school.
I believe seeing it in action will explain more than words. I hope you'll enjoy today's lesson.
Yes, Ma'am!
Soon after...
Sei! HAH!
Y-yah!
Good, that's the idea. Next, try to punch without tipping your whole body's balance forward. Instead of raising your head up, let your body relax and dangle, like a puppet on a string.
Yes, I'll try!
Yaeno, let your waist sit lower! The motion should be sharp. Again!
Understood! Thank you, Master!
While the forms I'm practicing are admittedly much simpler than Yaeno Muteki's, I complete a basic training session, getting an overview of the school's style.
...That said, trying all those new moves has me exhausted. I rest for a bit, watching Yaeno Muteki practice.
Trainer, may I have a word?
Oh! Y-yes, of course!
Yaeno Muteki continues the lesson with her grandmother, while her grandfather, master of the Kongo Yaegaki school, softly approaches me.
Allow me to thank you for looking after my granddaughter.
I can guess what brought you here. The aggressive blaze in her is affecting her racing, and she seeks to extinguish it with the tranquility of water. Am I correct?
Completely, yes.
I thought as much. Her posture is stiff, her motions, shallow. I sense fear in her.
She's been scared of the blaze for so long, she has a tendency to overcompensate, trying too hard to be still as water. However, Trainer, it's not so simple...
Master both blaze fierce and water still, a guardian you will be.
Kongo Yaegaki is a school that emphasizes defense, you see. The saying about fire and water speaks to the importance of balancing aggressive and passive stances.
Hot-headed fighting spirit alone leads to hasty, sloppy actions, burning energy that could have been used to protect.
Likewise, having only the composure of tranquil water is no better, for overthinking causes hesitation. By the time one moves, it may be too late.
That is why the concepts of "blaze fierce" and "water still" are taught in tandem. A guardian must act immediately, but intelligently.
In Kongo Yaegaki, we use set forms, called katas, in order to channel wild, fire-like power into calculated, fluid motions.
I hope that makes sense. Extinguishing Yaeno's fire with tranquility is not the answer.
I believe that is true for both martial arts and racing. What she lacks is balance. That is what she must endeavor to master.
...!
So you'd like to brainstorm ways to balance blaze fierce and water still in racing? Hmm...
Well, as you've already heard from my grandfather, Kongo Yaegaki uses katas to channel wild power.
That begs the question, what is the racing equivalent of a kata?
In martial arts, katas are motions designed to combat specific situations. By repeatedly simulating the optimal response to hypothetical attacks, the user is prepared to face them for real.
With that in mind, the closest equivalent I can think of is...
Your racing strategy, maybe?
...!
I see! The "blaze fierce" is the determination to beat opponents. "Water still" is the composure to assess the situation!
And the "katas" that balance them in the world of racing... They're the various strategies we practice to adapt to unique race conditions!
That means... If I study the strategies, I'll be able to wield the blaze with water's poise!
You bet!
This is a great revelation. For now, my path is clear.
...I must learn from the wisdom of one experienced in the field.
Wait, do you mean...
As I understand, the title of "Trainer" is granted to those with deep knowledge of racing.
I ask that you continue to lend me your guidance.
Please teach me the katas, the many strategies of Umamusume racing. I wish to study them all!
I'd be glad to!
Thank you. I hear sincerity in your voice... and it rings true in my heart.
It remains to be seen whether strategies alone will give Yaeno Muteki the balance she seeks, but for now, they're definitely worth practicing!
4. Balanced Heart
59 linesArdan, Chiyono O. Allow me to express my gratitude for your cooperation, despite your busy schedules.
Oh, if anything, it is my honor to receive an invitation from you. I'll make every endeavor to aid you today.
Same here! I'm sure that the progress you make here will teach me a lot too!
It's great to have you two!
It's been a little while since we started practicing race strategies to balance the blaze fierce and water still.
Today, we're putting the forms to the test in a run with Mejiro Ardan and Sakura Chiyono O, who both debuted around the same time as Yaeno Muteki.
Thank you for all your sound advice thus far, Trainer. In this race... I will show you the fruit of our lessons!
Pant... Pant...
Mid-race, Sakura Chiyono O has the lead. The old Yaeno Muteki would've rushed to the challenge, but...
(...First, one must account for their lap time.)
(I've committed the appropriate speed and pacing to muscle memory. I'll not let others distract me, and I'll maintain my ideal form!)
Pant... Pant...
Hah!
...!
Mejiro Ardan makes a move to get into a good position at the corner, but Yaeno Muteki calmly reads the situation and blocks her.
(Second, one must study their opponent and anticipate the events of a race before running it.)
...As expected, Ardan is extremely skilled. Even her most minute actions are calculated to cover for her physical weaknesses, and she executes them without haste or hesitation.
(I must visualize how she'll perform, examine every possibility... and then formulate my response to each.)
And now...
Haaah!
(All that's left is to let the blaze burn! And burn! And BURN! There's no need to fear it, just let it combust like an engine, rocketing me straight to my goal!)
(I won't surrender the lead, not to anyone! This victory... will be MINE!)
AAAAAAH!
Yaeno Muteki makes an impressive spurt, surging across the finish line first.
Yaeno. That was most impressive.
Ah! ...Pardon my rudeness, shouting like that before expressing my gratitude for the run.
No worries! You were so... so cool just now! I think that was the most intense running I've ever seen from you!
Agreed. Intense, yes... and deeply frightening to witness as a rival. It seems our generation has much to fear.
...!
Now then. Chiyono O, shall the two of us be off? I believe a reflection is in order, to ensure we don't lose to Yaeno again.
Ooh, count me in! You better watch out next time, Yaeno!
...They make good points. I cannot bear to lose real races either. I'll need to reflect on this run to seize victory in the Twinkle Series.
(And to that end...)
Great job out there! You ran so well!
I follow Yaeno Muteki, who leads me to the riverbank where we first met. She turns to me, and then...
Do you remember the Kongo Yaegaki katas you studied before?
Huh? Y-yeah, I remember a few.
Excellent. With those forms in mind... I would like you to spar with me, please.
...Whenever you're ready.
I hurriedly get into stance, and...
Hah! Sei!
Tah! Yaaah!
Hup! TAAAH!
Seiyaaah!
The exchange is far from a proper sparring bout. My motions are weak and hesitant, without the sharp, fluid energy Yaeno Muteki has.
But even so... as we trade blows, I start to feel a connection with her, an unspoken understanding I can't quite explain.
Thank you for the bout!
Did, um... Did you feel what I was trying to show you?
I don't know how else to articulate it, but I tried to demonstrate through each strike and each catch...
I trust you unwaveringly.
Yaeno! You...
Your teachings led me to the balance of blaze fierce and water still. For future lessons, I would like to officially become your pupil.
Trainer. As master and apprentice... I am eager to study more about racing under your tutelage!
I look forward to your growth too!
And with that, I'm named Yaeno's official trainer for the Twinkle Series!
5. Schedule of Steel
41 linesWe're in the quiet lull after a major race when summer rolls around.
Time... off?
Yeah. I think it'd be good for you to rest and refresh!
I see now. This is all part of your plan for my growth. In that case, I will put my full heart and soul into relaxing.
It's just for a few days, and she's still got class like normal, but I'm hoping this'll give her some extra time to have fun and unwind.
But then, the very next day, when I pass the track on the way back to my room...
...Whew. That was a fruitful session.
Yaeno?!
Ah! Um, this is... How should I put it?
I'm sorry, Trainer. I understand that I'm supposed to be relaxing, but I just couldn't bring myself to without practicing first!
...Yaeno's directness is one of her best traits, but this isn't the time for it. She needs a breather!
No more training during break, okay?
Yes! I'm sorry to have concerned you. I'm embarrassed by the lack of restraint I've displayed...
I swear to use this mistake as a learning experience. I'll get changed and return to the dorm at once. Please excuse me.
I watch as she heads away, but I can't help but wonder if Yaeno really understood the part about not training.
The following day...
She's not here...
Not here either.
And... no Yaeno.
Given her reaction yesterday, I end up doing a sweep of the various training facilities around campus, just to be sure Yaeno's relaxing.
I don't see her, so she must've gone back to her room after class, or maybe she went out with friends. Either way, she doesn't appear to be training, so I head out to get some shopping done.
On my way home, I decide to swing by the riverbank. It's kind of become a special place for me, what with the time we've spent here.
The day I met Yaeno, she was here training. I was completely awed by her beautiful martial forms as I watched, frozen in place.
126... 127...
Her voice sounded so focused. Heh, I can almost hear...
Wait. Ya...Yaeno?!
...You were training just now, weren't you?
...I'm so sorry!
I came off campus so I wouldn't be tempted by any of the training facilities, and yet...
When I caught sight of this spot under the bridge, nostalgia and motivation overwhelmed me... And I unthinkingly disobeyed your directions. I am terribly, terribly sorry!
I don't know how to explain it, but it feels impossible to restrain myself from training. Whenever I laze around, I get this sense that I should be training...
She looks genuinely upset... I'm not entirely sure if it's because she wants to train, feels guilty about not resting, or both... But either way...
All right. Let's do some fitness training.
B-But you said that I need to spend time resting to replenish my strength.
I know, but I don't want to restrict you.
...! Osu! I'll continue where I left off, then!
Ultimately, we exercise until sunset. It seems like giving Yaeno breaks isn't as easy as I thought...
6. Trouble Changing Gears
61 linesHow did I end up here...
Whooosh!
...! This roller coaster... It's a tough one, to be sure.
However, I will accept its challenge and emerge victorious! Come, we ride to battle!
This chaos all started a few hours ago.
I'm spending the afternoon in town on my day off when I spot Yaeno reading flyers on a train station billboard.
Hello, Trainer. What a coincidence.
What are you up to?
Well, I thought long about the break I was supposed to take. I concluded that I should take action and start searching for activities that could distract me from training long enough to rest.
That said, I live by the discipline of martial arts. I'm embarrassed to admit that I am not familiar with many recreational sites in the area.
This is my chance to get her mind off training. I know just the place, somewhere anyone would enjoy.
How about the theme park?
The theme park... What an astute suggestion. I believe that may allow even one as myself to unwind.
It's settled, let us be off!
And now, here we are.
Whew... That roller coaster was formidable, indeed.
Did you have fun?
Fun? Naturally, I enjoyed the experience, but more than that... I was impressed by the acceleration on the downward slopes.
There are races with declines too. I've practiced for them, but this ride has given me new ideas.
Not gonna lie, I was expecting "Yeah!", not a deep dive into the racing applications of roller coasters. I've gotta get her mind off training fast!
Yaeno, quick! Follow me!
Huh?
It's too dark... Trainer! Where did you go?!
Hm, my eyes are slowly adjusting.
This is...
Heeeehehehee! None who enter this mansion will ever see the light of day again!
Hope you're ready for a spook!
A spook?!
(Heh. The haunted mansion's got her full attenti...)
HAH!
Ack?!
Do not think the dim light will hide you! Wretched spirit, you'll pay for whatever you've done to my trainer.
Hmm, it seems to have fled that way. Hehe... You can't outrun me!
BOO! Heehee! Bet that gave you a fright!
Not a chance! Now take this! Kongo Yaegaki's ultimate finisher...
EEP?!
YAENO, STOP!
Trainer, get behind me! I'll fend off this beast!
...Good. I kept a level head even before supernatural foes. That was an excellent exercise in willpower... Wait!
I... I almost tried to connect the experience to my training. I'm sorry! You invited me here to relax, and yet I betrayed your goodwill!
I'm supposed to be practicing restraint, not using every event as a learning experience. Ah, what an amateur mistake!
You just need more practice. You'll get the hang of relaxing if you keep trying.
Huh? But, I... I couldn't possibly ask you to help me practice not practicing. It'd be ridiculous...
I already caused you so much trouble over my break... And now I'm troubling you again.
Please don't worry about me. I swear to you that I'll overcome this trial myself!
Nope, I'm helping you until you get it.
I'm not backing down. This is the kind of guidance that trainers are for.
But...
And besides, it's fun watching you try to lighten up!
Huh? Um... It's... fun?
Yaeno looks at me, dumbfounded. It's getting late, though, so we decide to call it for the day and head home to the dorms.
On the train, Yaeno speaks up softly.
Is it truly okay? For me to keep trying and failing...
I recognize that I'm immature... and that's a large part of why I devote myself to practicing self-discipline.
I think it's also why, deep down, part of me was against your decision to let go of that training.
So now...
So now?
...No, nothing. Allow me to think it over a little more first.
Yaeno falls silent. She doesn't say another word the whole way back.
I understand a bit better now, though. She's been relying on training to harness her energy for so long. Managing herself without it could be a good experience for her.
I'll be here to support her through it. Summer's right around the corner, so now's the perfect time!
7. Dance by the Waves
68 linesPant... Pant... And there's the last lap. I believe we've finished everything we had planned for today.
Yep. Great work!
It's finally summer camp! Yaeno is in high spirits and powers through our training schedule for the day in no time.
Now then, I'll get straight to goofing off!
To... what?
Goofing off, as I was meant to accomplish at the amusement park. I give you my word, I will forget about training during my downtime!
Especially... since there's something I want to check...
There is? Anything I can help with?
...No, I was just mumbling to myself! I'll let you know when I have a better grasp of it.
Amateur though I am, I will attempt a gleeful romp down the shore. I'll give my full concentration to splashing in the waves!
I just finished a game with the tide! I tried to zigzag along the water's edge without touching it, learning much about route-planning for, oh. I inadvertently trained again...
I went and played beach volleyball! I learned to read my opponents' body language and how they channel power into pinpoint spikes, which is sure to be useful for... Ah!
...Yet again, I've failed to forget my training.
This time... I went for a mindless run down the beach and back! Does that... still count as training?
I think it does...
Tch, then I'll just keep trying! I'm going to the festival this evening! If you can spare the time, I would appreciate the company, Trainer!
The waves of people are fierce as a storm-swept sea. Finding a way through this crowd will serve as good practice for breaking past the pack... No!
Tch, even the festival cannot tear my mind from racing?
Oh boy... Hey, Yaeno! Check out the shooting game!
Good choice. Shooting targets shouldn't be relevant to racing... Right? This may be just the activity I need for a breakthrough.
I thank you for your guidance, Trainer. Pardon, Sir! I would like to purchase a ticket for the shooting game!
Pop!
...Hm.
Pop! Pop!
Too bad! You didn't hit anything this time, kiddo. Better luck next time!
To miss every shot... My lack of precision is humiliating.
Aw, c'mon, there's no shame in losing a silly game. It's just for fun!
...!
She's allowed to make mistakes, that's how people grow. I'm trying to encourage her to take things easier, both in and out of training.
I know better than anyone how hard you work, Yaeno.
...Hehe. Somehow, I knew you'd say that. First at the theme park, and again now.
Thank you. I think I've finally gathered my resolve. Trainer, would you give me a little more of your time?
I mean, of course. I nod my head without thinking.
Pardon, sir! I would like to purchase five more tickets for the game!
...Aaand she's gonna be at this until she shoots something.
Urgh, what amateur shooting! To make this many attempts and still fail, it's almost laughable!
You can do it!
Thanks, I'm not throwing in the towel yet! I'm starting to get a feel for it. I have to be slow with the aim, and line it up just right...
Trainer, how is my form? Everything look okay?
Looks perfect!
I appreciate the support! Now I just have to hold the gun gently. Easy now... Have fun...
And shoot!
Pop!
With a soft thump, the cat plush Yaeno's been aiming at is knocked off its stand.
Bull's-eye! The prize is all yours! Nice shootin' there, kiddo!
Oh... Thank you so much!
That was great, Yaeno!
I really did it! I let completely loose and had fun playing the game!
On the way back, as we near the lodge, Yaeno stops me, saying she wants to talk about something.
At the festival, I felt like a little kid again. Playing with a toy gun, trying to win a stuffed animal...
Did you have fun?
Yes, I did!
...And I finally understood why it took so long. Why I struggle to stop training in times of rest.
I was afraid of the blaze in my heart, ashamed of letting it show outside races.
Deep down, I thought unrestrained, childlike play... was a shameful mark of immaturity.
And so I practiced self-restraint and hid all my idle desires. I tried to think only of training.
Yaeno...
But you taught me that it's okay to fool around and make mistakes. And that's why... That's why I was able to let go and have fun today.
Because you showed me that I don't have to fear the blaze. And that... it's nothing to be ashamed of.
...Yeah! Work hard, play harder! Right?
Right. I understand now. I can forget about training when I'm with you.
With that said, Trainer, I... I'd like to do some katas for you.
...For some reason, I feel that today's revelations will give me new strength.
I nod, and just as she begins, a firework bursts in the sky behind her. The summer festival must be drawing to a close.
Framed by sparks of light, Yaeno strikes and dodges with a new energy, performing the capricious dance of a flame.
...It's perfect. After a time, Yaeno's blaze simmers down to a warm crackle, and we close out the clear summer evening on a lighthearted note.