When Yasui Makoto first stumbled across that Kitajima Saburou interview, he'd been deeply moved.
Even counting experiences from his previous life, Makoto never considered himself a genius. During his academy years, he'd met many students more talented than himself.
Some were ordinary kids with incredible gifts, others, like himself, came from families deeply rooted in the racing world.
There were even those born into prominent families, whose futures were secured before they'd even attended their first class. Yet, not a single one of these so-called prodigies ever surpassed him. Some transferred midway, others remained still studying at the academy.
Reflecting now upon those words from Kitajima-san—and his recent days training alongside Kitasan Black—Makoto finally understood where his assigned Uma Musume's unique temperament had come from.
Cheerful and enthusiastic. Open-hearted and lively.
Yet also easily anxious, prone to hesitation.
In training, meticulous to a fault—obediently fulfilling tasks not merely to the letter, but beyond expectations. Sometimes appearing a bit clumsy or slow, her strategy always seemed straightforward: head down, feet forward, steadily plodding ahead step by step without distraction.
But somehow, she always succeeded in the end.
Exactly like her grandfather.
"Thank you! Thank you, everyone, for listening to Grandpa and me sing— Trainer?!"
Interrupted suddenly by a joyful shout, Makoto reflexively turned toward the voice.
In a blink, Kitasan Black's delighted face appeared right in front of him, leaping forward to fling her arms around his neck.
"Trainer! Did you see that? My second race—I won again!"
"Yes, yes—congratulations, Kitasan," Makoto laughed weakly, feeling his neck strained by the sudden weight. "But… could you please get down first? I think you're going to snap my neck…"
At that moment, he couldn't help but silently think to himself:
Even though I've read the data before, she really is significantly heavier than other Uma Musume…
"A-ah! I'm so sorry, Trainer! I got a bit too excited again…"
Quickly releasing his neck, Kitasan nervously stepped back, her expression worried. "Trainer, is your neck alright…?"
"It was just an exaggeration. Don't worry," Makoto reassured her, rubbing his neck gently. Then, smiling warmly, he glanced behind her.
"But enough about me—Kitasan, this must be your grandfather, right?"
"Mm-hmm!"
Whirling around, Kitasan bounced excitedly over to grasp Kitajima Saburou's hand, energetically pulling him forward.
"Trainer, this is my grandpa!"
"Grandpa, this is my trainer—Yasui Makoto!"
Though undeniably one of Japan's most famous musicians, Kitajima Saburou displayed none of the airs of a celebrity. His eyes shone affectionately as he looked at his granddaughter, then turned toward Makoto, full of sincere admiration.
"Kitajima-sensei, I'm Yasui Makoto, Kitasan's trainer." Makoto bowed respectfully. "It's an honor that you made time in your busy schedule to watch her race."
"Haha, no need to be so formal," Kitajima laughed heartily, his voice strong and clear. "As a grandfather, of course I should come to see my granddaughter race. Honestly, I should've come last time, but this girl didn't want too much attention. Otherwise, no matter how busy, I would've been here."
"Well, Grandpa, you're just way too famous!" Kitasan giggled, half-teasing, half-complaining as she glanced around them. "Look, you've already drawn a big crowd."
Indeed, a sizable group had gathered near the lounge entrance, their gazes filled with excitement and admiration, mostly directed toward Kitajima-san. They maintained a respectful distance, partly restrained by their own discretion, partly because several intimidating men in dark suits stood protectively between them.
Even at a glance, Makoto understood these were well-trained bodyguards. Considering Kitajima Saburou's status as a national treasure and the crowd present, stringent security measures were inevitable.
"Yes, yes—it's all Grandpa's fault," Kitajima laughed apologetically, gently conceding to Kitasan. "Then, shall we move inside?"
"No way," Kitasan shook her head emphatically, suddenly serious. "Only Uma Musume, trainers, and staff are allowed in the lounge. Grandpa, you definitely can't go in."
"And besides, after a short rest, I have to prepare for the Winner's Stage. Grandpa, just wait at the stage—I promise you won't be disappointed by my performance!"
"Alright, alright! Grandpa will eagerly wait for it."
After nodding enthusiastically, Kitajima turned toward Makoto.
"But first, I'd like a few words with your trainer. Would that be alright, Kitasan?"
"Of course! No problem at all!" Kitasan nodded again, smiling brightly. "Actually, I've wanted to introduce you two for ages! Grandpa, my trainer is really amazing—once you talk with him, you'll see!"
"Of course, of course. Grandpa already understands—your trainer must be outstanding if you're able to win," Kitajima agreed warmly.
He watched fondly as Kitasan waved goodbye to Makoto, disappearing into the lounge. Only then did Kitajima Saburou politely incline his head toward Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka.
"Apologies—I got caught up talking with Kitasan and forgot to properly introduce myself. Still, I always follow the Twinkle Series closely. You two are Daiwa Scarlet-san and Vodka-san, correct?"
"You're far too polite, sir," Daiwa Scarlet returned his greeting quickly, smiling earnestly alongside Vodka. "We grew up listening to your songs. Really, we should've introduced ourselves first."
"That's right, sir," Vodka added enthusiastically. "Kitasan talks about you a lot, and we've always wanted the chance to meet you. Your singing has an incredible masculine spirit—I'm a huge fan! I—"
Mid-sentence, Vodka paused abruptly as Daiwa Scarlet subtly swept her tail against her, signaling gently.
"Since we're here to support Kitasan, we'll go help her get ready for the Winner's Stage now. Please excuse us."
Vodka quickly caught on. "Exactly! The Winner's Stage is important. We'll make sure it's perfect for Kitasan!"
With a respectful bow, the two Uma Musume hurried inside after Kitasan.
Throughout all this, Makoto had remained silent. He'd long anticipated meeting Kitasan's family someday, knowing there would inevitably be questions. But what might Kitajima Saburou ask him now…?
"Ah, it's wonderful being young," Kitajima Saburou reflected thoughtfully, smiling at Makoto. "Supported by seniors, surrounded by friends and rivals your own age, guided by mentors—such opportunities truly come only once in a lifetime. Haha…"
Pausing briefly, Kitajima's expression grew serious.
"Yasui-san, forgive my bluntness—but I think you'll understand my feelings."
He looked directly into Makoto's eyes, his voice quietly earnest.
"Tell me honestly—in your view, can Kitasan… become a G1 Uma Musume?"