"But I refuse!"

Although Mejiro McQueen's offer sounded quite reasonable, Mizuno Sora still decisively rejected it.

"Eh? But why?" Mejiro McQueen asked incredulously.

It was such a perfect solution, so why was Trainer Mizuno still unwilling to accept?

Mizuno, of course, had his reasons.

Even though the veteran trainer from the Mejiro family had coached another Uma Musume to [Arima Kinen] victory, it didn't necessarily mean he could achieve the same result with Urara.

That particular champion must have possessed innate talent, coupled with some good fortune, allowing her to succeed under skilled guidance.

But Urara was different. She didn't have natural gifts like other talented Uma Musume; she had to work several times harder just to barely keep up with them.

No matter how accomplished that trainer might be, helping Urara win the [Arima Kinen] seemed practically impossible.

Rather than trust an unknown trainer, Mizuno would sooner trust the Basement-senpai who wrote [From Getting Started as a Trainer! (Basement Ending)].

Could your so-called veteran trainer instantly understand an Uma Musume's physical condition and create tailored, foolproof solutions for any scenario?

Basement-senpai didn't just manage it himself—he wrote a whole book teaching others!

As the saying went, teaching efficiency could never reach 100%; even one-on-one lessons often fell short, let alone teaching solely through a book.

Yet, Mizuno had instantly grasped everything from Basement-senpai's book. Clearly, Basement-senpai had long reached the pinnacle of skill, becoming the world's number-one trainer by far!

Basement-senpai is unmatched!

Apart from him, Mizuno refuses to acknowledge anyone else!

But obviously, Mizuno couldn't directly say this to Mejiro McQueen—it would offend her whole family. He needed a more tactful reason.

"That's because…training Urara is my responsibility," Mizuno said solemnly, hand over his heart.

"From the moment I recited my vow as her trainer, it became impossible for me to abandon her."

"Even if I'm just a rookie trainer, even if my experience is limited, for Urara's sake, I'll push myself to the limit. No matter how difficult it becomes, it's a burden I'm honored to bear."

"Besides, isn't the true joy of a trainer to strive together with your Uma Musume, facing setbacks side-by-side, overcoming hardships together, and finally enjoying the glory of victory together?"

"That's why I will never entrust Urara to someone else."

"Urara and I are united as one!" Mizuno proclaimed dramatically.

His heartfelt words deeply moved every Uma Musume present.

"Trainer-san~!" Urara emotionally embraced Mizuno again. However, remembering she'd accidentally hurt him last time, Urara hugged him gently this time.

"Onii-sama really is gentle," Rice Shower murmured softly with a gentle smile.

I really wish Onii-sama could become my trainer someday, Rice Shower secretly made a quiet wish. The lucky charm hanging from her neck gently quivered.

"He really puts so much effort into caring for Urara-chan…" King Halo gazed jealously at Mizuno, eyes flickering with complicated emotions, but soon sighed in resignation.

"Oh well…I suppose I'll acknowledge him, just a little bit…"

"Responsibility, huh…" Tokai Teio remembered Symboli Rudolf's words to her from long ago:

"Teio, do you know the most important quality in a trainer?"

"It's responsibility."

"Experience and strength are secondary. Only a trainer who clearly understands their responsibility is worthy of your trust."

"One more thing, Teio—when choosing your trainer in the future, avoid anyone who acts overly familiar. Holding hands and kissing—those kinds of romantic gestures violate school regulations. A good trainer always maintains a respectful distance from their Uma Musume."

Teio watched as Mizuno subtly extracted himself from Urara's embrace yet again, and she couldn't help but smile.

Urara has really found herself an excellent trainer.

But when would she find someone like that herself?

While the three other Uma Musume praised Mizuno's dedication, Mejiro McQueen wore a complicated expression.

"But…But…" Mejiro McQueen furrowed her brows.

Though Trainer Mizuno's passionate speech had certainly touched her, the thought of losing access to her daily honey drinks was still unbearable.

Would she really have to resort to using the family's resources to kidnap Trainer Mizuno back home?

Noticing Mejiro McQueen's increasingly dangerous stare, Mizuno broke into a cold sweat.

Help! Why do I suddenly feel like she's about to summon a bunch of thugs in black vans to abduct me?!

"How about this?" Mizuno quickly interjected. "I'll make you honey drinks every day—however many you want—as long as you accept two conditions."

He raised two fingers clearly.

"Please, name them!" Seeing hope reignited, Mejiro McQueen immediately became respectful.

Mizuno nodded and laid out his conditions:

"First, you can drink as many honey drinks as you like, but you cannot share them with anyone else or reveal my talent to others."

"Second, you must accompany Urara during her training—just on the five weekdays is enough. If you ever can't make it, you can pay instead: just…five thousand yen per missed session."

"Can you agree to that?"

Mejiro McQueen considered Mizuno's conditions seriously.

Honestly, she wasn't losing anything—in fact, she'd be benefiting greatly.

All she had to do was join Urara's training sessions, nothing difficult. And even if she couldn't make it occasionally, five thousand yen was trivial for a Mejiro—the cost of one meal easily dwarfed it by dozens of times.

The only downside was having to hide these delicious honey drinks from her family and friends, secretly drinking them every day like a criminal.

Wait, why did that thought suddenly feel strangely exciting?

"Well then… I agree," Mejiro McQueen finally consented.

And thus, another member joined Urara's friendship training squad.

"Yay~! Urara loves running with friends the most!" Urara cheerfully laughed, extending her hand to McQueen.

"Let's work hard together, McQueen-chan~!"

"I look forward to training with you, Urara-san." McQueen politely shook Urara's hand.

Seeing Urara's healing smile, Mejiro McQueen suddenly realized that accompanying Urara might just be the best deal she'd ever made.

"Then let's begin today's cheerful training session~!"

With Mizuno's professional guidance and the supportive training of Rice Shower, King Halo, Tokai Teio, and Mejiro McQueen—four incredibly talented Uma Musume—Urara's strength rapidly improved.