Uma Musume: To The Top!! Chapter 8 - 115-120

After leaving Central Tracen Academy, Kuroha returned straight to his rented training grounds.

There, Inari One and Fujimasa March were still working hard, their training in full swing.

By now, they were already mature Uma Musu. When it ca to training, even without supervision, they could carry out his plans with diligence.

Watching his girls sweating and pushing themselves, Kuroha paused in satisfaction, then sat down on a chair, lost in thought.

"Since I've already entered Central, the first thing I need to plan is the roster."

He thought carefully.

According to his earlier plan—Inari One and Fujimasa March were naturally his aces.

Next were the two little ones: Tokai Teio and jiro McQueen. Their transfers had already been approved, with both Rudolf and the jiro family's blessing.

Then there was Obey Your Master. After the Japan Cup, he would definitely contact her trainer to discuss transferring her over.

The troubleso ones were the last two: Sakura Chiyono O and jiro Ardan.

Chiyono O, as a Derby winner, was heavily prioritized by her trainer. Even if she wished to join his team, the process would be anything but simple.

And then—Ardan.

Just thinking about her gave Kuroha a headache.

Getting her to transfer was technically easy.

But there was one unavoidable obstacle—her mother.

"…Looks like when Ardan arrives later, I'll have to bring it up. I need to find a chance to et her mother face-to-face."

Kuroha wasn't one to procrastinate. After so short consideration, he made up his mind.

By 4:30 that afternoon, the jiro family's car had arrived, carrying Chiyono O, Ardan, and the two little ones.

The schedule for his girls was now routine.

As his formal ace runners, Fujimasa March and Inari One usually trained alongside him after their midday nap.

Chiyono O and Ardan, however, often had their official trainers' arrangents to handle first.

anwhile, Teio and McQueen had to attend classes.

So, most days, the four would arrive together around 4:30.

Once Ardan arrived, Kuroha explained the situation.

"…That's how it is. Ardan, what do you think?"

"Eh? Trainer, you want to et Mother?"

The crystal-eyed girl clasped her hands by her cheeks, a delighted expression on her face.

"I can arrange it right away~"

"If tonight works, do you have ti?"

Kuroha blinked, not expecting her to be so proactive. But after a thought, it really was the fastest way to resolve things.

He nodded. "Tonight works."

"Great!"

Ardan's eyes sparkled with anticipation, then she teased playfully:

"But you'd better be prepared, Trainer. Mother can be very strict."

"…I figured as much."

Kuroha sighed inwardly. No mother would hand over her daughter so easily.

But since he had already decided to bring Ardan onto his team, he was ready to face it.

"Ardan's mom wants to et Trainer?"

At that mont, Tokai Teio leaned over, her big round eyes curious, her little moon-shaped bang swaying as she moved.

"It's about the team transfer," Kuroha explained honestly.

"Eh? Is Trainer going to propose marriage to Ardan's mom?" Teio blurted innocently.

Kuroha: …?

Ardan: …!

McQueen's cheeks flushed red as she tugged Teio's sleeve. "S-Stop saying weird things!"

Chiyono O couldn't hold back her laughter, quickly covering her mouth, though her crinkled eyes betrayed her mirth.

Kuroha rubbed his forehead helplessly.

"Not a proposal. It's a formal discussion. When the ti cos, you and Ardan will both officially join my team."

He turned to Ardan.

"Then I'll trouble you to arrange it."

"Of course, Trainer."

With elegance, Ardan nodded and began tapping on her phone.

That evening, after a simple change of clothes, Kuroha rode in the jiro family's car toward their estate.

Night had fallen, and lanterns glowed softly along the quiet streets.

The car rolled to a stop before a vast, imposing Japanese mansion.

Lanterns hanging from the eaves cast a dignified glow, silently declaring the long history and prestige of the jiro line.

Stepping out of the car, Kuroha gazed up at the main house and drew a deep breath.

Ardan alighted beside him, smiling warmly.

"Trainer, are you nervous?"

"…It'd be a lie to say I'm not."

He admitted honestly.

"After all, it's like… eting the parents."

Ardan's cheeks flushed pink. But quickly, she smiled brightly, trying to reassure him.

"If it's you, Trainer, it'll be fine. You're… the best in the world."

Her straightforward words left Kuroha's face red.

Before he could reply, another voice chid in teasingly:

"Oh? The best, is he?"

Turning, Kuroha saw a breathtaking black-haired woman.

Wearing an elegant deep-blue gown, her hair neatly styled, her noble bearing exuded refinent. A single tear-shaped beauty mark at the corner of her right eye only heightened her allure.

Kuroha blinked—she looked familiar.

Ardan, on the other hand, nearly turned into steam.

"…Ramonu-nee, eavesdropping isn't very ladylike."

Ardan chided softly.

"Oh my, I was caught."

The woman—jiro Ramonu—covered her lips with a smile. In the lantern light, her beauty mark seed even more alluring.

With leisurely steps, she approached, her eyes glinting mischievously as they flicked between Kuroha and her flustered junior.

jiro Ramonu… that's right.

Kuroha finally placed her. A senior to Tamamo Cross and Inari One, she was from the previous generation.

Just two years ago, during her Classic Year, she had achieved what none had before—winning all three fillies' Triple Crowns and additional major titles like the Queen Elizabeth Cup.

Her unmatched feat was rembered as the "Complete Triple Crown."

That was why she had seed so familiar.

"Alright, Ardan… and Trainer Kuroha."

Ramonu smiled knowingly.

"Co. The lady of the house has been waiting for you."

Ardan took a deep breath, forcing down her blush, and offered Kuroha an apologetic smile.

"Trainer, this way."

They entered a tea room deep within the estate.

The décor was elegant and refined, every object steeped in history.

At the low table sat a woman in a dark kimono, her eyes closed, her mare ears twitching slightly—marking her as Uma Musu.

This was jiro Hiryu.

Ardan's mother.

A retired Uma Musu known to history, though her racing record had been modest.

Still, she carried herself with noble grace, her beauty preserved far beyond her years.

"Trainer, I'll leave you here."

Ardan smiled softly, then pulled Ramonu with her into another room.

"…."

Kuroha stood in silence for a mont, then stepped into the tea room.

"Nice to et you, Trainer Kuroha."

The voice of jiro Hiryu was calm, her smile gentle. "Please, sit."

"Nice to et you, Madam."

Kuroha followed her instruction and sat properly across the low table, his posture formal yet composed.

He could clearly feel the weight of her gaze.

But it wasn't the gaze of a superior scrutinizing soone beneath them.

There was sothing else in it—sothing hard to describe.

Clink.

Hiryu lightly pushed a cup of tea toward Kuroha.

After a slight pause, she suddenly spoke:

"So, when are you two planning to get married?"

…!

The words hit like a thunderclap.

Kuroha's brain short-circuited instantly.

Wait… are all the jiro girls this straightforward?!

"C-cough, Madam, marriage is…"

Kuroha choked on his tea right in the middle of drinking.

Hiryu didn't reply right away.

Instead, she gracefully lifted her own cup, sipping with flawless elegance.

"Trainer Kuroha, I know why you ca here. It's about Ardan's transfer, isn't it?"

She set her cup down, smiled, and continued:

"If it's only that… I'll allow it."

Her tone shifted, her words trailing long and deliberate:

"But the relationship between trainer and horse girl… is not a trivial thing~"

Even if Ardan had been the one to take the initiative, Kuroha had no excuse here.

After a mont of silence, he spoke up:

"Madam, Ardan is an exceptional horse girl. Her future holds infinite possibilities.

As her trainer, my greatest responsibility right now is to help her shine with the brightest light on the racetrack, so she never regrets her racing career.

As for the more distant future…"

He paused, eting Hiryu's gaze head-on, and said each word firmly:

"As her partner, I will take responsibility for her."

Hiryu listened quietly, nodding from ti to ti.

The smile on her face grew wider.

"To take responsibility for her…"

She repeated his words slowly, savoring them as though tasting a fine tea.

"…What a reassuring promise."

Her eyes lingered on Kuroha for a mont, then she suddenly chuckled.

"Alright, no need to be so tense."

"Well then, I'll leave Ardan in your care, Trainer Kuroha."

Kuroha nodded seriously. "Thank you for your trust, Madam."

"Good."

She gave a satisfied nod before raising her voice slightly:

"And as for the two little mice at the door—haven't you heard enough? If you're so curious, why don't you co in?"

Click!

From the crack in the door ca a startled gasp and the sound of hurried fabric rustling.

Kuroha turned his head, stunned, just in ti to see the door swing open further.

Standing there awkwardly were jiro Ardan and jiro Ramonu.

"Cough, cough."

Ramonu cleared her throat, then casually shoved her younger sister forward before shutting the door behind her.

That left Ardan alone at the entrance.

"Mother…"

Hiryu looked at her daughter's flustered expression, her eyes softening with affection.

"Ardan, co here."

Taking a deep breath, Ardan walked over and sat beside Kuroha.

"…Does Ardan not love her mother anymore?"

When her daughter didn't sit closer, Hiryu put on a teary, pitiful look.

"Mother, please mind your image."

Ardan quickly regained her usual composure and answered softly.

Kuroha, watching the mother and daughter banter, felt warmth rise in his chest.

After their playful exchange ended, Hiryu once again regained her elegant posture.

"Well then, Trainer Kuroha, since the main matter is settled, let's discuss a few conditions.

First—since Ardan will beco your horse girl, I have only one requirent of you."

She spoke softly but firmly:

"When she retires, I want to see her co back healthy, happy, and beautiful.

That is all. Can you promise that?"

Kuroha blinked, struck by the depth of her request.

But imdiately, he replied with unwavering resolve:

"Of course. Ardan will never suffer any grievance under !"

Hiryu nodded, smiling as she poured more tea.

"Good. That's enough."

After setting the teapot down, she suddenly clapped her hands.

Clap.

A side door opened.

A maid entered carrying a folder, bowed, and stepped forward.

"This represents the sincerity of our jiro family."

Hiryu gestured for the maid to hand the folder to Kuroha, smiling as she explained:

"Since you will be the trainer of a jiro horse girl, naturally, the support you receive will not be lacking."

Puzzled, Kuroha accepted the folder.

It wasn't a contract, but a list.

—A monthly discretionary fund of ten million yen.

—Authority to use one of the jiro family's private training grounds.

—Dedicated nutritionists, physicians…

As Kuroha scanned the long list of staggering resources and numbers, even with ntal preparation, he couldn't help but suck in a breath.

Finishing the page, he was montarily at a loss for words.

"…Am I really… just living off a woman here?"

The thought struck him hard.

Then Hiryu seed to recall sothing and added with a chuckle:

"Ah yes, McQueen is also in your team, isn't she?

In that case, this arrangent may need to be adjusted.

I'll discuss it with Aurora—ah, McQueen's mother.

If all goes well, this support will be doubled."

Kuroha fell silent.

Since the Sumr Island incident, he was once again reminded of just how overwhelming wealth could be.

"Madam… such generosity is truly overwhelming."

He spoke carefully.

But Hiryu only smiled, lifting her cup with elegance.

"There's no need to feel burdened. This is not charity—it's an investnt.

I trust your ability, and I trust Ardan's judgnt even more.

These resources are to ensure that Ardan—and perhaps McQueen, if she joins your team—can run with no worries, chasing their dreams to the very peak.

So take it. And fulfill your promise."

"…Thank you."

Kuroha froze for a mont, then bowed his head in gratitude.

"Well then, with business concluded, you must be tired."

Hiryu set down her teacup, her gaze shifting toward Ardan.

"Ardan, see our guest out."

"Yes, Mother."

Ardan rose gracefully, bowed to her mother, then turned to Kuroha with a smile.

"Trainer, shall we go?"

Kuroha also stood, bowing once more.

"Thank you again, Madam. I'll take my leave."

"Go. I look forward to hearing Ardan's good news."

Hiryu's smile was radiant.

With Ardan at his side, Kuroha walked down the corridor toward the exit.

The cool night wind drifted through the courtyard, carrying the fragrance of grass and trees.

Moonlight spilled across the carefully tended stone path, casting their side-by-side silhouettes.

"Trainer…"

Ardan's voice broke the quiet.

"Thank you so much for tonight.

I know Mother can be overwhelming at tis, but truly… she's happy that I chose this path."

Kuroha turned his head toward her, his voice steady and warm:

"It's who should thank you, Ardan.

I won't let either of you down.

Whether it's you or McQueen, I'll give everything I have to make sure your brilliance lights up the track."

Ardan's steps faltered for a brief mont before she smiled brightly.

In that instant, her radiant beauty could outshine even ti itself.

"Mm!"

She nodded vigorously, laughing softly.

"I believe in you, Trainer!"

Their footsteps echoed through the serene courtyard as they continued walking side by side.

In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.

...

Tokyo, Chiba Prefecture—Narita International Airport.

At the arrival gate in the first-floor lobby.

Other than Tokai Teio and jiro McQueen, Kuroha and all the other horse girls in his team were waiting for the flight to arrive.

Originally, Kuroha had intended to co alone.

But Inari One and the others were far too curious about who this future teammate might be, insisting on tagging along.

Even jiro Ardan and Sakura Chiyono O pushed back their afternoon training sessions to join.

Unable to dissuade them, he had no choice but to bring them.

Of course, beyond that, Kuroha also thought ahead—since they'd all be training and living together in the future, introducing them early wasn't a bad thing.

Ti ticked by as the terminal bustled with voices.

Announcents about flight arrivals and departures mixed with the chatter of travelers.

Inari One leaned excitedly over the railing, eyes locked onto the electronic display of flight statuses, muttering to herself:

"By the way, Trainer, how did you even et that… um…"

She suddenly paused.

"You can just call her An."

Kuroha reminded her with a chuckle.

"Ah, right! An."

Inari nodded. "So, how did you et her?"

"How we t…"

Kuroha thought briefly, then told them the general story of how he had first encountered Obey Your Master.

"I see… so it was back then."

Fujimasa March nodded knowingly.

Back when she herself had just transferred to Oi Tracen Academy, Kuroha often walked and chatted with her, sotis sharing little stories.

He had even ntioned "that dirt-eating horse girl" in passing before.

Of course, this ti he left out certain details.

Sakura Chiyono O nodded with a thoughtful hum.

"So, she'll only join after winning the Japan Cup? What a magnificent dream."

As the only one in Kuroha's team who had already captured a G1 title, Sakura understood exactly what it ant to add the word "International" to that prefix.

Especially since the Japan Cup wasn't limited to the Classic generation.

Classic Year horse girls, Senior Year horse girls… even those who had already completed their True Blooming, at the absolute peak of their form, could enter.

It would be a gathering of monsters.

Just as Sakura finished speaking, the announcent rang out:

The flight from the United States had landed.

Ardan smiled gracefully. "At last, it's here."

The girls quickly straightened their outfits.

After all, this was their first eting with a future teammate—they all wanted to leave a good impression.

Kuroha stood at the front, eyes fixed on the arrival gate, a faint smile curling on his lips.

Soon enough, the crowd began to stir.

The sound of rolling suitcases and footsteps filled the hall as passengers erged.

They didn't have to wait long.

A tall, beautiful blonde girl stepped out, pulling a suitcase behind her.

Her striking presence shone like a star even amidst the bustling crowd.

She wore a simple gray outfit layered with a light coat, her golden hair cascading down to her waist.

Obey Your Master scanned the crowd before her gaze locked onto Kuroha.

Her lips curved slightly upward as she quickened her pace.

She stopped before him and spoke softly:

"Long ti no see, Trainer."

Kuroha took her suitcase with a warm smile.

"Welco back, An."

"…"

Obey Your Master gave a small nod.

Her chest rose and fell sharply a few tis, emotions welling up inside her that nearly burst free—but she steadied herself.

Only Ardan, with her keen eye, noticed the tremor and responded with a knowing smile.

After leaving the terminal together, Kuroha began the introductions.

"This is Fujimasa March—my very first horse girl."

"Then there's Inari One… jiro Ardan… and Sakura Chiyono O…"

After going through each na, Kuroha added with a smile:

"There are also two younger girls who haven't reached True Blooming yet. They're still in class, but you'll et them later if you want."

Finally, he stood formally by her side and declared:

"And this is the horse girl from the United States, Obey Your Master.

After the Japan Cup, she'll beco an official mber of our team!"

"Everyone, let's welco her."

At once, the four horse girls clapped and laughed.

"Welco!"

"Please take care of us!"

"An, let's get along well from now on!"

"Welco!"

The blonde girl stood frozen, staring at the warm faces before her.

Her long ears twitched, catching the sincerity in their voices.

It was so different from the biting sarcasm she had endured back in the States.

This pure warmth and kindness pierced straight through the icy walls she had built around her heart.

Already happy to see Kuroha again, she now felt her throat tighten, her nose sting.

A long-forgotten warmth—called "companionship"—rose quietly inside her.

The emotions she had been suppressing nearly spilled over.

After a mont of silence, she drew a deep breath, calming herself.

At last, she answered firmly:

"Yes. Please take care of .

From now on, let's work hard together."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly to every ear.

Kuroha watched, smiling in satisfaction.

With his team growing, he valued harmony more and more.

And seeing Obey Your Master start off on such a good note with Fujimasa March and the others filled him with a quiet pride.

Clapping his hands lightly, he said:

"Alright, enough chatting. Let's head back to the academy."

Then, sothing struck him.

"By the way, An… where's your trainer?"

"I ca on my own."

She answered naturally.

"…?"

Kuroha raised a brow.

"This is your first overseas expedition, isn't it? They just let you co alone?"

Seeing his displeased expression, An gave a wry smile.

"Mostly because he knew you were here… Trainer.

Besides, with my record, I was never treated well in his team anyway…"

The United States—over there, the horse girl world was survival of the fittest.

Strength ruled, and races were wild and ruthless.

So very different from this distant island nation.

And that atmosphere had been shaped by the strongest horse girls of that land.

anwhile, in Japan, the Central Tracen horse girls were so harmonious thanks to Symboli Rudolf.

As the nation's "strongest" and its "role model," Rudolf had embodied what it ant to be a "perfect horse girl."

Her influence had shaped the culture itself.

Kuroha frowned, then relaxed again.

If mory served, in the original tiline, Obey Your Master's trainer only started accompanying her after she won the Japan Cup.

It wasn't that he didn't care—it was simply how their culture worked.

"…Forget it."

Kuroha sighed softly.

From today forward, An was his horse girl.

He wasn't about to waste ti fixing another's bad habits.

"Alright," he said gently to the group, "let's go ho."

Not long after, their car pulled out of the airport parking lot.

After bringing back Obey Your Master,

Kuroha arranged for her to stay in a small villa generously provided by the jiro family.

It would serve as her temporary residence until the Japan Cup concluded.

The next day.

Kuroha brought her to a brand-new private training ground.

Hmm…

This was one of the resources Madam jiro had offered him a few days earlier—

a state-of-the-art training facility.

From now on, Kuroha no longer had to burn through funds to rent training grounds as before.

At this ti, Inari One and Fujimasa March were attending their classes.

Inside the training grounds—

Kuroha stood at the edge of the track, his gaze sharp as he watched the gallant golden-haired figure sprint past.

When the girl dashed by, he tilted his head up to glance at the precision automatic tir.

"Trainer, how was it?"

Obey Your Master panted lightly as she walked over.

For so reason, during her ti training on the West Coast, she had never cared much about the evaluations of other trainers or Uma Musu.

But now, when asking Kuroha about her performance, her voice carried a faint pressure of expectation.

"Your performance…"

Kuroha thought for a mont before replying, "Not bad."

It was a fair and asured assessnt.

"First, let's talk about the fundantals."

During the period before Obey Your Master returned to the US, Kuroha had personally coached her for about a month on improving her running form and breathing rhythm.

Now, watching her again, there was no doubt she had mastered it well.

Her movents flowed smoothly, her breathing stable—

it was clear she had ingrained his coaching deeply into her mind.

However, with Body and Breath Perception,

Kuroha keenly caught the tiny flaws that weren't visible to the naked eye.

They ca from a lack of his personal guidance for too long.

Self-adjustnts made during races and training had caused subtle deviations to accumulate.

"Your center of gravity isn't sinking quite enough, so your power transfer during bursts isn't fully linear."

"And your breathing—though steady in rhythm— falters slightly at the tail end of your final sprint."

As he spoke, Kuroha stepped forward and gently adjusted her arm swing and running posture.

The girl's body was soft yet resilient, and each minor correction brought a tangible boost in efficiency.

Obey Your Master let him make adjustnts freely,

and a long-absent sense of satisfaction welled up inside her.

"So this is how it used to be…"

After Kuroha corrected her flaws,

the golden-haired Uma Musu took a short rest before sprinting again under his direction.

As her figure flew down the track,

Kuroha sat down and opened her status panel.

[Registered Uma Musu: Obey Your Master (Temporary)]

[Obey Your Master]

Track Aptitude: Turf A / Dirt D

Distance Aptitude: Short C / Mile A / dium A / Long B

Running Style Aptitude: Front Runner C / Pace Chaser B / Late Surger A / End Closer A

Unique Skill: Pour All My Glory Lv.3

Domain: Wild Joker

Skills: Turf God, Clairvoyance, Supre Step, All In, dium Distance Straights, Iron Will

Speed: 1121

Stamina: 976

Power: 944

Guts: 1013

Wisdom: 1104

"Compared to when we last parted, the changes in her stats aren't too drastic,"

Kuroha murmured.

From April to late November,

more than half a year had passed—

yet each stat had only grown by less than fifty points.

It was proof that Obey Your Master was approaching her growth ceiling.

Her True Blooming was almost complete.

Regular strength training no longer had much effect.

And aside from her stats, one key entry in her panel had changed:

[Domain: Wild Joker]

Half a year ago, it had still displayed "Awakening."

Now, it was fully unlocked.

With her current panel in mind,

Kuroha began forming a plan for her training.

First—perfect her running form and breathing again.

Second—integrate dium Distance Aptitude training into her routine.

Obey Your Master already excelled at high-speed turf running.

If she could gain greater adaptability at 2400 ters,

she would unleash unimaginable strength.

Lastly—her Domain!

Obey Your Master's Domain was still incomplete.

She couldn't activate it at will—

it only appeared in rare monts of extre focus or stimulation.

From what Kuroha understood, the conditions to trigger her Domain required:

High-speed turf.

Fighting spirit pushed to the limit.

Complete dominance over the intel of every competitor.

That third requirent—controlling all information on opposing Uma Musu—

included, but was not limited to, their trainers, their past races, their opponents, and more…

Such harsh conditions for an incomplete Domain would be a fatal disadvantage

when facing Tamamo Cross's complete Domain in the Japan Cup.

Even though history said Obey Your Master would defeat Tamamo Cross,

Kuroha wasn't going to gamble with his Uma Musu's future.

Thus, for this Japan Cup—

mastering her Domain would be the top priority of her special training.

As for scattered general skills like Professor of Curvature,

Kuroha decided to set those aside for now.

With only one month left until the Japan Cup,

he couldn't dump everything on her all at once—

that would only backfire.

Opening his notebook,

Kuroha's pen carved clear words across the page.

"Alright, this will be the plan."

After careful thought,

he selected the most critical, imdiately effective training items.

Limited ti would be poured only into the core areas that could boost her battle strength.

Over the following days,

as Obey Your Master's special training moved onto the right track,

Kuroha used his spare ti to personally visit the Uma Musu who would soon join his team,

along with their trainers and families.

For example, Tokai Teio and jiro McQueen.

He even went to et their families.

After all, they were still young, not yet in True Blooming.

If he were to bring them into his team,

he needed their families' consent.

Fortunately, the etings went well.

Their families were very satisfied after learning of Kuroha's achievents as a trainer.

The most ti-consuming case was Sakura Chiyono O's trainer—

the career woman he had briefly t after the Japan Derby.

When she heard that Chiyono O wanted to transfer teams,

she almost broke down crying on the spot.

A huge contrast from her usual composed image.

In the end, between sobs,

she still entrusted Chiyono O to Kuroha,

asking him to take good care of her.

Although, through Body and Breath Perception,

Kuroha could tell most of her tears were for show,

he chose not to expose her.

And so, with the addition of jiro Ardan,

the transfers of four Uma Musu were completed.

After the Japan Cup,

Obey Your Master would also join.

Kuroha's envisioned team was finally taking shape.

From here on,

all that mattered was focusing everything to ensure Obey Your Master

could et the Japan Cup in peak condition.

As for the move from Oi to Central Tracen,

he would follow his original plan—

step by step, beginning with the Tokyo morial.

Fuchu Station.

At this mont, only three days remained until the Autumn Tenno Sho.

A figure walked out of the station, lifting his head slightly as he looked around at the bustling tropolis.

"T-This…?"

"This is even grander than Kasamatsu Station."

Shielding his eyes from the sunlight with one hand, he sighed with emotion.

It was none other than an acquaintance of Kuroha from Kasamatsu—Kitahara Jou.

At this mont, he was dragging along bags stuffed with gifts, looking every bit like a country bumpkin stepping into the big city for the first ti.

With every step, he was stunned anew by the sheer liveliness of Tokyo.

"Seven hundred yen for just a cup of coffee?"

He muttered complaints under his breath as he walked, finally letting out a sigh.

"Seriously… I don't even know how Kuroha managed to survive in a place like this."

Looking down at the heavy gift bags in his hand, Kitahara once again found himself at a loss.

Back when they heard Fujimasa March had taken the South Kanto Triple Crown, the companions at Kasamatsu had wanted to send soone over to celebrate.

But they also rembered that Oguri Cap was about to run in the Autumn Tenno Sho.

So they thought—why not prepare gifts now? That way, not only could they celebrate March's victory, but also cheer on Oguri Cap.

Two birds with one stone.

"But… why did I have to be the representative? Couldn't that guy '483'—March's forr trainer—co instead?"

Kitahara wore a bitter face.

Normally he'd have no problem with it.

He actually quite liked the idea of coming to Tokyo to see Oguri Cap.

But in the middle of this month, the Central URA Association had released the results of the written exams for central licenses.

His own barely-passable scores already embarrassed him.

And compared to his forr colleague Saya's outstanding results…

Even with his thick skin, just thinking about eting them filled him with sha.

"Should I go see Oguri Cap first… or just go find March straight away?"

Smiling bitterly, Kitahara shook his head and gripped the heavy gift bags tighter as he walked.

At Central Tracen Academy.

Kuroha walked out of the Academic Affairs Office, exhaling softly as he glanced at the ssage on his phone.

It was the official notice that Sakura Chiyono O had successfully transferred into his team.

"Done!"

A bright smile appeared on Kuroha's face.

His team was now complete.

All that was left was to find the right ti for them to formally get together.

But since his team didn't yet have any imdiate races lined up in Central, there wasn't much urgency.

As he headed toward the parking lot, a figure stepping off a bus caught his attention.

"…Kitahara? What's he doing here?"

Surprised, Kuroha quickly crossed the street toward the familiar back facing the bus stop.

"Hey! Kitahara!"

The man carrying bags of gifts froze in place.

Turning around and seeing Kuroha, his face lit up in sheer joy.

All the hesitation and awkwardness from before vanished instantly.

What remained was only the joy of seeing an old friend.

"It really is you!"

Kuroha walked closer, his eyes sweeping over the heavy bags cramd with gifts. He chuckled.

"What's with you showing up in Tokyo all of a sudden? Couldn't even give a heads-up first?"

Kitahara scratched the back of his head with a sheepish smile.

"Well, since March took the Triple Crown, and Oguri Cap's about to run the Tenno Sho, everyone chipped in and sent here as the representative to celebrate and cheer you on."

He lifted one of the bags, revealing the outlines of neatly wrapped confections and toys inside.

Kuroha laughed softly at that.

He had always thought well of his forr colleagues at Kasamatsu.

Whatever else could be said about their skills, at the very least, they were truly good friends.

"I'll give March her share later. As for Cap's…"

He gestured toward the academy gates with a light smile.

Kitahara nodded quickly.

"Yeah, I already told Musaka-ossan about it, so… let's head in together!"

As they walked the campus paths side by side, mories of their training days ca flooding back.

"Gotta say, Kuroha, you're really thriving here at Central."

Kitahara let out a sigh of admiration.

"And your exam results were so high, too. Just what kind of brain do you have to study like that?"

Kuroha chuckled.

"What kind of brain? The exam wasn't even that hard."

"You damn humble braggart…"

Kitahara groaned and shook his head.

"Just wait until I bump into Ryuujirou-ossan. He's definitely going to chew out."

Kuroha smirked.

"Well, if you actually call him 'Ryuujirou-senpai,' maybe you'll be fine."

"No way!" Kitahara waved his hand frantically.

"He's just Ryuujirou-ossan, and that's that!"

"You really never change…"

They arrived at a training ground.

"I called Musaka -ossan earlier. He said it was this one."

Confirming, they stepped inside.

At the center of the track, a grey-haired Uma Musu charged forward with steady power.

Her gallop resounded like rolling thunder, shaking the air with every stride.

Beside the track, Ginjirou Musaka stood alongside two other horse girls, watching the run closely.

"She's gradually getting used to running with company," said a red-haired Uma Musu softly.

Ginjirou nodded after a pause, though there was a faint sigh in his heart.

"If it's only this level… winning the Autumn Tenno Sho will be difficult."

As he brooded, an overly loud voice rang out from behind.

"Roppei-ossan!!!"

The sheer volu made veins bulge on Ginjirou's forehead.

"…Ossan?" The red-haired Uma tilted her head.

Grinding his teeth, the old man turned.

"How many tis do I have to say it?! It's Musaka!"

"Ahaha, still the sa as ever, ossan!"

Kitahara grinned broadly from the stands.

"You've even got the nerve to show up here with Kuroha?"

Ginjirou thumped Kitahara's head with his cane.

"Wait, wait! I brought gifts this ti!"

Though it didn't hurt, Kitahara still shrank his neck nervously.

"Hmph. At least you haven't forgotten your manners."

With a huff, Ginjirou lowered his cane.

Kitahara quickly set the bags carefully on a nearby bench.

As uncle and nephew settled down, Kuroha stepped forward with a smile.

"Roppei-senpai, long ti no see."

With his cane planted firmly, Ginjirou asked,

"You've finished the central transfer?"

Kuroha nodded.

"Probably about ten more days before I officially join."

"Much more reliable than this idiot, that's for sure."

"Hey, how'd I get dragged into that?!" Kitahara groaned.

They chatted for a while.

But when Kitahara glanced at Oguri, who had just finished her training, his guilty conscience welled up again.

"Uh… Kuroha, when I talk to Oguri later, can you… help put in a good word for ? Don't let her give the cold shoulder."

Kuroha couldn't help but laugh, patting his shoulder.

"Relax. Oguri's not the type to hold grudges like that."

Just then, Berno Light walked over with a stopwatch, intending to report Oguri's training tis.

But when the girl turned and noticed the group by the track, she gasped.

"Kitahara-san? And… Kuroha-sensei?"

Oguri's ears twitched.

She turned her head toward them, her eyes lighting up.

"Kitahara!"

Her clear voice rang out—followed by the thunder of heavy footsteps!

Kuroha instinctively took a step back as Oguri charged forward like a freight train.

The ground shook, dust flew, and then—

CRASH!

A slightly clumsy, ash-grey filly skidded to a halt before them, flusteredly bowing her head in apology.

Inside the Academy building.

"Why are you here today? Is your health okay? How is everyone back at Kasamatsu? How's the license studying going?"

Oguri fired off questions like a machine gun.

"Wait, wait! One at a ti!"

Kitahara laughed awkwardly, scratching his cheek.

"I'm studying for the license, of course. I want to beco a proper trainer here as soon as possible."

From the side, Ginjirou muttered darkly,

"If you can't even pronounce my na right, maybe study a few more years first."

Still holding a grudge…

Kitahara sighed helplessly, exchanging a smile with the cheerful Oguri.

Neither Ginjirou nor Kuroha ntioned his failed exam.

Berno Light leaned down, noticing the gift bags.

"Kitahara-san, are those…?"

"Oh, this?"

He knelt down, speaking softly.

"These are gifts from everyone back at Kasamatsu. They wanted to give them to Oguri for the Tenno Sho."

He dug into the bag, pulling out a long banner.

"Look at this!"

Oguri and Berno's eyes lit up as they unfolded the banner.

"Oh, and there's another one too!"

Kitahara pulled out a second banner, the handwriting slightly different, the ssage addressed to another.

Kasamatsu's Pride—Fujimasa March!

Oguri's eyes shone even brighter when she saw March's banner, almost more excited than for her own.

Kitahara turned to Kuroha with a grin.

"All the gifts are with you now. But I forgot to hand you this banner."

Kuroha accepted it, smiling softly as he imagined March sweating it out in training at that very mont.

"When March sees this, she's definitely going to be happy."

Aside from the banners, there were also so personal gifts.

Kitahara Jou stood by Kuroha's side.

He looked at Oguri Cap and Berno Light, smiling happily as he held the gifts and watched them.

A trace of relief appeared on his face.

"Kuroha…"

He suddenly spoke.

"What is it?"

"Central… how does it feel?"

Kuroha hadn't expected Jou to suddenly ask such a question, and was slightly stunned.

But then he chuckled: "It feels pretty good!"

"..."

Jou shot him a death glare, then sighed: "Shouldn't have asked you, you damn brat!"

Saying this, he raised his head and looked at the azure sky, where a faint white halo could be seen.

"After Oguri and Fujimasa March left, I also tried raising so horse girls."

"But the results… were all disappointing."

Jou's voice was heavy: "One of them always slacked off in training. No matter what I tried, I couldn't motivate her."

"There was another horse girl, diligent and hardworking, but she twisted her ankle before her debut race and had to stop."

"Even now, I don't know when she'll recover."

He shook his head with a bitter smile: "I used to think that training Oguri was my ability."

"Until the Emperor ca to , I realized… it was Oguri's ability all along."

"And now, after half a year since Oguri transferred, I still haven't produced anyone notable…"

"Perhaps, I really am just a third-rate trainer…"

Kuroha quietly listened to Jou's lants, not knowing what to say.

What could he say? That it wasn't his fault, that in reality almost every trainer in this country was top-class?

But then again… Jou hadn't even passed the written exam for a third-rate license.

If Kuroha said that, it wouldn't be comforting—it would just stab him deeper.

Kuroha's voice carried a hint of helplessness, but before he could speak, Jou cut him off.

"Don't bother comforting , I know my current ability."

He pointed to himself, smiling.

"I really am a third-rate trainer right now, but as long as Oguri keeps working hard, how could I possibly give up?!"

"If once doesn't work, then twice. If twice doesn't work, then three tis!"

"One day, I'll beco a top trainer!"

"..."

Once doesn't work, then twice. Twice doesn't work, then thrice…

Kuroha sighed inwardly, feeling a heavy sense of futility.

That he could even say such things…

Right now, he really was a third-rate trainer among third-rates.

Perhaps to most people, such words sounded hot-blooded and inspiring.

But in the eyes of Kuroha and Ginjirou Musaka…

They were hollow.

A trainer could take one or two years, even ten or twenty.

But a horse girl… had only three short years.

After the gifts were received and they chatted about so hotown stories, Oguri Cap soon returned to training.

Seeing this, Jou also bid farewell to Kuroha and the others.

At the training grounds, Kuroha silently watched his departing figure.

At his side, Ginjirou Musaka slowly stepped forward.

"He's still too young."

The old man's tone was hazy, sowhere between exasperation and sighing.

"Young indeed…" Kuroha's face was somber.

"... I almost forgot, you're still terrifyingly young yourself."

Ginjirou Musaka leaned on his cane, paused, then said softly:

"Ti, to horse girls, is more precious than gold."

"Jou's passion is good… but passion that can't see reality, passion with no clear direction—

is nothing more than the buzzing of a headless fly."

"A horse girl's ti can't wait for a trainer's slow growth!"

Kuroha fell silent at those words.

Harsh as they were, they pierced like needles—

a cruel truth.

A horse girl's career was short, her peak even shorter.

That kind of "failure leads to success" mindset—

in the brutal world of competition, the price paid was often a horse girl's youth and dreams, never to return.

He thought of Obey Your Master and how it had once staked everything for Japan's victory.

Not far away, Oguri Cap was sweating and grinding through her training, preparing for the upcoming Tenno Sho (Autumn).

Every minute and every second of their ti was already ticking down.

"Senior Musaka, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave first."

In the end, Kuroha said nothing more, only politely bidding farewell.

After all, this was a matter between Jou, Musaka, and Oguri Cap.

At most, he was just a friend and bystander.

And in the future, they might even beco rivals.

"Go on then. This old man also needs to think about how to handle the Tenno Sho."

Musaka waved him off, then turned back to watch Oguri Cap's training.

Kuroha nodded, then left.

Walking along the sidewalks of Central Tracen Academy, Kuroha thought back on what had just happened.

His heart was heavy.

It wasn't just Jou—

even Musaka's way of thinking and teaching had deep flaws.

In the original tiline—

because he saw jiro Ardan and Super Creek getting along well with Oguri, Jou subconsciously asked her:

"Are you happy in Central?"

And Oguri's answer was: "I'm happy."

But they all ignored her true wish—

what she wanted most at the beginning was simply the joy of running.

The joy of running freely, eating heartily, and living with her beloved friends.

Those three things made up all of Oguri.

At that ti, even if she lost a race, she might feel regret—

but she'd always remain full of fighting spirit and passion.

But later, as the years went by, Oguri was slowly buried under everyone's expectations of victory.

The horse girls' running carried not only their own dreams—

but also the ideals and obsessions of others.

The joy of running was forgotten by Oguri.

What remained in her body… was a monster chasing nothing but victory.

"From not wanting to lose… to being unable to lose…"

"From running equals happiness… to victory equals happiness…"

Kuroha stopped in his tracks.

In the distance, several young horse girls were doing sprint drills under their trainer's guidance.

Watching the bright smiles on their faces with every dash, every bit of progress—

he suddenly thought of the Oguri Cap from the original tiline.

The Oguri Cap who, after her peak had ended and her body began to decline, lost race after race.

The Oguri Cap who hid in the shadows, weeping in pain alone.

Kuroha tilted his head back, staring at the sky.

Could he really bear to watch her suffer through that again?

Taking out his phone, he looked at the ssage from the academic office—

the one confirming Sakura Chiyono O had joined his team.

He fell silent for a mont.

Then his lips curled upward.

"Didn't I already decide, back when I saved Chiyono O and Ardan's futures?"

"I have this power—the power to rewrite tragedies."

"Then why the hell am I still hesitating?!"

His eyes blazed, glowing as if they would overflow.

"What's there to fear?! Just charge forward!"

"If I don't like the ending—then I'll smash it to pieces myself!"

(End of Chapter)

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