"Make Debut," played in the ears of the URA Chairman, as Riku bobbed his head back and forth, listening. If you were to ask the Chairman of the URA what he thought of Maruzensky's performance, he'd say spectacular. Umazing even. He's definitely not listened to her song several times. Not him.
It's been a few weeks since the Yayoi Sho, which Maruzensky dominated. The current date is Friday, April 11th. Two days before the first leg of the Triple Tiara, the Oka Sho, and one day before the New Zealand Trophy and Hanshin Himba Stakes, a pair of G2 races to qualify for the NHK Mile G1 race. In just a few days, Maruzensky would have her introductory conference for the Satsuki Sho, which would take place a week after the Oka Sho on Sunday. (Disclaimer: I could not find Oka Sho winners before 1990, despite Ramonu winning it in 1986.)
Riku continued to file the paperwork in front of him, a veritable mountain that seemed never to grow smaller. Popularity had increased with Maruzensky's win over a favorite in Azuma Hunter, and high expectations were set for the Satsuki Sho. Her introductory meeting, which he was handling and planning for now, was of the highest priority.
Furthermore, his initial plans with his colleagues had produced results as well. The Uma bodyguard system they'd put into place seemed to be well-received so far; he had no complaints yet about their capabilities. The staff now included well over one thousand security-oriented Uma in various parts of the URA, and that number would hopefully continue to grow with more people learning of opportunities here.
Reiko was still searching for candidates to fill the board, as some of her previous candidates still had ties to old board members and had spotty records as well. They're still dealing with the minor fallout of the forced retirement of those board members, as they had a hand in every part of this company. Riku can only hope they don't stir up more problems for him, but he's ready if they do feel particularly vengeful towards him.
Meanwhile, Yasuyuki, now head of the Medical department, seemed to be thriving. He received regular enthusiastic updates from the man on advancements and ideas they're having in the field. Already, several Umamusume have been flagged for probable injury risk and have been closely monitored to prevent that. Honestly, it scares Riku what they've been able to come up with in terms of medical care. With research into the nature of Umamusume, being part human and part horse (though that word and definition do not exist here), it's been discovered that different medical solutions apply to them. They might not be able to do it yet, but Yasuyuki believes that injuries, ones that could end the careers of these Uma, could become a thing of the past. Riku certainly hopes that's the case. Some of his favorite Uma of all time had their careers ended by injuries.
With his last task to Executive Director Akira, they had already managed to find a decent number of retired Uma struggling in the field, and the first batches of aid had already been distributed to them. A mixture of the security Uma they've hired, as well as candidates from Tracen's different academy branches, have been recruited to help meet and help these retired Uma. Specifically with Tracen, it's considered an exchange program to meet retired Uma that these students might look up to, and to also see the different situations they come from, and help them accordingly.
"Knock Knock," a pair of knocks on his door broke him from his thoughts. "Yes?" Riku called out. It was not his assistant, Hiromi, who would have notified him via phone before coming up to see him.
"Hello, Chairman Riku." Akira, head of foreign affairs, and the one he had just been thinking about, popped his head in. "I recall you wanted to see personally how we're doing in the outreach program." His smile was as present as ever, if not a little more smug than usual.
"So soon? I wasn't expecting to hear back from you for another week." Riku blinked as he leaned back in his chair. Riku had asked if he could potentially meet some clients himself to further help the PR of their outreach program. Riku's second reason for doing so was a little more selfish; he wanted to see if he could find any future Uma he'd recognize among those children and mothers being helped. Several Uma, such as Special Week, Oguri Cap, and Tamamo Cross, are known examples to have come from more humble and struggling backgrounds.
"As it turns out, we have an opening for you ready today, if you have nothing else planned." Akira offered as he took a seat on one of the couches in front of Riku.
Riku looked down at the papers he was currently writing on before shrugging. "I have a few more days to finish this; I'm well ahead of schedule." He stood up before sitting across from Akira directly. "Where am I headed?" He looked questioningly at Akira, who merely chuckled before answering.
"Kasamatsu."
SCENE BREAK
"This area is pretty nice, huh?" The voice of Buckshot rang out, her southern twang ringing out distinctly. They had all dressed a little more casually to be more incognito. As incognito as a man could be with two Umamusume bodyguards, that is. Buckshot was dressed in a pair of short-shorts, a tank top, and a leather jacket combo, with boots. She also wore a black satchel slung over her shoulder.
"It is a nice change of pace from the capital." Opal's breathy voice was tinged with her Australian accent, as she gazed around. She wore a modest white sundress and white tennis shoes. Honestly, if she were put into a snow backdrop, she'd be impossible to find.
"It certainly does have its charms. I wouldn't mind living here." Riku remarked as he strolled slightly ahead of the two. He wore a long-sleeved shirt, a pair of jeans, and some tennis shoes. All lighter colors are to be as nondescript as possible. His glasses remained the same, and a baseball cap that said, "Umazing", was on his head.
"Who are we meeting here, boss?" Buckshot asked, as she peered down towards Riku. She dwarfed him with her nearly two-meter (six-foot) frame. Perhaps American Umas are just built differently in that way, as she stands at equal if not greater height than Hishi Akebono.
"Akira was stingy about the details, but it's a recently retired Umamusume who is guiding us today. She should be ahead of us at the local park." Riku shook his head at his Executive Director's antics. Apparently, who is guiding them is supposed to be part of the surprise.
"You weren't told?" Opal blinked in confusion at Riku. "That's a little worrying." She remarked offhandedly as she returned to gazing back around.
"I hear a commotion up ahead, that might be her, boss." Buckshot cut off his reply, as her ears perked up several times before she gazed straight ahead to the upcoming park. Her words proved to be true, as a small crowd of people gathered around an Uma dancing in the park. The Uma in question was on the smaller side, dressed in an elegant black ballerina dress. Her sleek black hair patched her dress, a small white streak present on her fringe.
"Huh. I never expected Tomei of all people to be our guide." Riku paused, his eyes on the Uma dancing.
"Never heard of her." Buckshot shrugged, missing the incredulous gazes of Riku and Opal as she did so. She did notice shortly afterwards. "What? Is she that big of a deal?"
"One of the best Uma we've had in the past few years. Sixteen wins in thirty-one races, with two of them being G1 wins in the Arima Kinen and Autumn Tenno Sho." Riku recited along, as Opal nodded alongside him. "A top-three finish in two of the Triple Tiara, she's definitely among the upper tiers of Uma. I'm confused why she'd take a job like this, though." He looked puzzled as he tried to figure it out.
"Total nerd moment, boss man." Buckshot laughed loudly, drawing more people's attention as they got closer. Riku did not react to her words; he wasn't ashamed of it. "You're a big fan too, Opal?" She looked curiously at the small Uma, whose eyes shone as she looked at Tomei.
"I'm a big fan of Uma, who ran in the Triple Tiara, and I rooted for Tomei to win during her career. She's an inspiration to me." Opal clasped her hands over her chest as she smiled.
"Meh. Triple Crown is where it's at. Triple Tiara isn't as hype to me." Buckshot flippantly remarked, receiving as angry a look as Opal could ever give. They had finally reached and started moving through the crowd, most of them dispersing after glancing worriedly at the Uma around Riku. Riku didn't comment on her opinion of the Triple Tiara, as it would take many years before people would take Uma, who ran in those races a lot more seriously.
Tomei gave one final twirl before opening her eyes to see an applauding crowd and a group of three interesting individuals at the front. Ah wait! She recognized him up front from Mr. Akira's description!
"Ch–" Tomei's words were cut off as Riku hurriedly walked forward and shushed her. This drew angry looks from the spectators. Riku glanced around sheepishly before responding.
"My apologies, everyone, we're here on official URA business." Riku waved to the crowd, who still gave him looks as they started to disperse. "Outing me already, Tomei?" Riku glanced down at the Uma, a look of mock affront on his face.
"Sorry!" Tomei repeatedly bowed. "It's my first time meeting you in person, sir!" She smiled elegantly as she curtseyed to him and his two bodyguards. Her gaze went to the two of them curiously, taking in Buckshot's tall stature and Opal's small elegance. "And might I know your names?"
"Name's Buckshot." The southern belle cocked her hip as she pointed a thumb at herself. "I'm the muscle."
"Opal. I'm very happy to meet you, Tomei." Opal smiled radiantly as she bowed to Tomei.
Tomei happily returned their greetings before turning to look at Riku as he lightly coughed to get things back on track.
"I'm curious why you're our guide, Tomei. What led you to take this job?" Riku tilted his head as he asked.
"Ah! I took the job when I heard the name of one of the Uma we'd be visiting." Tomei gave a small fist pump. "White Narubi is one of my first inspirations to race!" A fire blazed in her eyes. (Bit of a timeline discrepancy here. White Narubi was born well after Tomei's career was over.)
Riku nodded along, accepting her reasoning. It did bug him a bit, though. Why did White Narubi's name sound so familiar? "Well, let's get to it then. Might as well head there first. Please, lead the way." Riku gestured with his hand, smiling as Tomei led the trio. Perhaps he could figure out, as they went along, why he felt a sense of deja vu.
Their trek carried them through a residential neighborhood in Kasamatsu. The buildings around were not as well-kept as those they had passed earlier. Likely a lower-income neighborhood. As they drew closer to White Narubi's home, the Uma heard a discussion taking place nearby.
"I'm going to be the fastest there is, promise!" A small high-pitched voice rang out as the group rounded the corner. A few houses down was the home of White Narubi. Just outside, a house down, was a pair of Umamusume speaking to an older, haired woman. The voice belonged to a smaller child, Uma, with ash white hair and a blue/red headband on. An older Uma stood beside her, smiling indulgently, with similar features.
The rest of their conversation was missed by Riku, who had completely frozen upon seeing the Uma. Riku recognized that little Umamusume. How could he not? Distinct ash hair, a spunky attitude, and that red/blue colored headband? There was no doubt, that's Tamamo Cross! Part of him wanted to rush over, meeting the young version of the legendary rival of Oguri Cap, but his mind was working a kilometer a minute to process this. This looked exactly like a scene in Cinderella Gray. Which means…
Riku glanced sharply upwards to the right, meeting the startled eyes of an older Uma looking through the window of her house down at them. Ash gray hair and a golden headband. White Narubi. White Narubi was Oguri Cap's mother. He could slap himself for forgetting such an important detail. He glanced away, realizing he had been acting improperly. The group present with him gave questioning looks at his sudden stop and actions. He waved them away briefly before striding along to the group in front of them.
Tamamo Cross was crying dejectedly, as they had been denied yet again at a possible home to move into. Her mother patted her head, smiling, before turning her head curiously looking at the group behind them. A short man in a baseball cap waved as he approached, flanked by three Uma that could not be more different if they tried. One towered above the group, with tan skin, bright red hair, and almost glowing green eyes. Another looked almost half her height, looking ethereal with her white features and attire. Lastly, there was one she felt she vaguely recognized, in a black ballerina dress. She patted her daughter's head one more time before turning her to look at the approaching group.
"Hello there. Can I help you at all?" She asked as she placed her hand behind her daughter's head.
"Ah, yes. Sorry." Riku coughed lightly to collect himself. "Miss, would your name happen to be Green Chateau?" Riku smiled as he placed both of his arms behind himself. The now-named Green Chateau blinked confusedly at him.
"Yes, that is me. Do I know you, sir?" She tilted her head confusedly, revealing her sparkling blue eyes to him.
"Not yet, I imagine. My name is Riku Yoshida. I'm here with the URA to help promote our outreach program for retired Umamusume. You happen to be on our list, so I was hoping to speak to you about potential aid we could give out." Riku gave a thumbs up to the shocked woman, who glanced down at her daughter, looking confused. Tamamo took that chance to glance at the man with a frown, before a look of awe came over her face, and she gazed at the three behind him. Buckshot in particular.
"Hey! Hey! You're huge! Can I grow as big as you?!" Tamamo jumped past Riku, hopping up and down before Buckshot as she asked energetically.
"Tama! Manners!" Green attempted to chastise her daughter, interrupted by a barking laugh from the Uma in front of her.
"Hahaha! I like your spirit, kid! If you train hard, you can grow big and strong, just like me!" Buckshot kneeled, pulling her jacket sleeves back enough to show her flexing muscles. Tamamo's eyes sparkled as she patted and pinched the muscular Uma, utterly in awe.
Riku sighed before getting Green Chateau's attention once more. "I'd love to give you more details if you're able, Miss Green." Riku held his hand out before pointing behind them to a nearby house. "But first, if you don't mind, we had another candidate around here. If possible, I can give you both a rundown at the same time. If that's okay?" Riku asked, tilting his head at the pensive woman.
"I.. yes. Please, thank you." Green shook her head before smiling cautiously at the man. Honestly, she could use any good news or help right now. For her and her daughter's future.
"Perfect. I'll go notify our little eavesdropper then." Riku smiled as he turned around and made eye contact with the still-watching White Narubi. He walked towards her front door, which startled the woman as she moved away from the window, quickly towards the front door. Opal and Tomei fell into step behind him as Buckshot continued to entertain the Mother-Daughter duo.
"Knock knock," Riku had barely knocked twice before a shuffling of footsteps was heard behind the door, and a woman cautiously opened and peeked out with her blue eyes.
"Ahem.. yes?" White blinked sheepishly, trying to act like she had not been watching the entire spectacle outside. "Can I help all of you?" She offered politely.
"White Narubi?" Riku asked, receiving a hesitant nod. "I'm Riku Yoshida with the URA. We're reaching out to retired Umamusume to offer financial aid and other services. Do you have a moment?" He tilted his head as the woman blinked puzzledly.
"Financial Aid? From the URA?" White Narubi had trouble believing her ears. "What did I do to warrant that, sir?" It sounded way too good to be true.
"We're giving back to those who've helped us be successful. Without people like you, Miss White, we wouldn't be where we are." Riku nodded, giving a grateful smile to the woman. "I know it sounds unbelievable to even me. If you have a moment, could we step inside with Miss Green here and talk about it? It will affect both of you, so I'd rather only have to speak once."
White Narubi glanced over and met Green Chateau's eyes at that moment, a conversation taking place nonverbally. After a long pause, she gave a small but firm nod, opening the door fully and gesturing to the group. Riku stepped through the door first, taking off his shoes and bowing politely as he walked in. Opal and Tomei did the same, but not without Tomei glancing at White Narubi with glittering eyes. Buckshot almost strolled in, Tamamo Cross riding her shoulders as if she were her rider. Riku looked to Buckshot, who grumbled before removing her boots and grabbing Tamamos as well. Green was the last to enter, bowing politely to White Narubi before they all headed in.
Inside the small house, they met in the living room where a small Uma was already present. Riku was better prepared this time, but still felt the urge to fanboy upon seeing a young Oguri Cap sitting at the kotatsu. Oguri Cap, the Ashen Beast. Loved by all. Fatty. Too many names popped into his head about this little uma, and one was proven accurate as she was absolutely destroying the meal in front of them. Her little blue eyes looked curiously at the group before Tamamo Cross took the initiative and wandered up to her.
"Hey! Hey! How do you eat so much, neh?" Tamamo Cross rattled off excitedly, meeting the blank eyes of her fellow ash uma. The rest of the group found their seats, with Green Chateau seating next to her daughter, and White Narubi doing the same. Riku, Opal, Buckshot, and Tomei formed a loose semi-circle apart from them.
"It's really good," Oguri muttered, with her mouth full as she glanced curiously at Tamamo. She swallowed before looking down at her food, grabbing some gyoza, and offering it to Tamamo. Riku blinked incredulously. That was a monumental thing for Oguri to do. By her mother's surprised eyes, but indulgent smile, she knew it too. "Want some?"
"Don't mind if I do! Hey, what's your name? I'm Tamamo Cross! I'm going to be the strongest Umamusume!" The spunky Umamusume held out her fist to Oguri, who looked confused before bumping her fist as well.
"Oguri Cap. I don't know what I want to do. I want to run, though." Oguri nodded to Tamamo before looking uncertainly to her mother, who was smiling. Both mothers traded smiles as they watched the interaction. Seeing the two children in their own world and discussion, Riku decided to start his pitch.
"While they're busy," Riku smiled towards the two mothers as he nodded to the two Uma children, "Thank you for inviting us in. I'll pass the speaking here over to Tomei." He clapped his hands before gesturing to the startled Tomei near him.
"Ah! Uhm.. yes. The URA is offering monthly stimulus to retired Uma who are having trouble adjusting to their lives after their racing career." Tomei recited from memory, her eyes glittering as she looked at White Narubi. She glanced at Riku, receiving a nod, before continuing. "If you need help as well, help is being offered in relocating and securing employment of your choice." She smiled brightly as she finished, before derailing the conversation entirely. "Ah! More importantly, though, Miss White Narubi! Can I get your autograph?!" Tomei vibrated in place, missing the facepalm of Riku and everyone else's looks of amusement.
"A fan of mine? How cute. If you want this old woman's autograph, I'll happily oblige." White smiled demurely, her hand on her cheek as Tomei's full face was tomato red. She gave a surprised look as Tomei fished out an old picture of her racing from her purse. She signed it, "May you continue to shine, White Narubi." Tomei hugged the photo to her chest, her face a mask of bliss.
"Haaa. Seeing as she's in her own world, I'll take over for a bit." Riku commented, his eyes noticing Tomei was still in her own world. "Buckshot, the forms please." He held his hand out as Buckshot, who had been watching the conversation, reached over and plopped the whole satchel into Riku's hands. The man gave her a look of "Really?" in response. After shaking his head, he dug through and pulled out a pair of forms, before sliding them to White Narubi and Green Chateau.
"These forms cover some of the benefits you can receive, including a flat monthly stimulus, grocery budget, and relocation with employment." He pointed to some sections of the paper before leaving it to the duo. "You don't have to give your answer immediately, as you're free to contact the numbers on the paper for submission, help or support, or anything else you'd like to ask." He listed off with his fingers, noting the woman glancing from him to the paper.
"Mr. Yoshida," Green Cheatau called out, gaining his attention. "I heard your reasoning earlier, but why is the URA doing this? Why after all this time?" Her words were nodded along with by White Narubi, as Tomei also looked curiously for his answer. Buckshot and Opal looked slightly interested as well, but had heard some of his explanation before. Oguri and Tamamo were completely in a different zone, making grand gestures toward each other as they ate.
Riku scratched the back of his head as he looked away briefly before replying. "It's all in the name of helping racing in Japan as a whole." Riku steepled his fingers together as he looked at the pair of mothers. "Aside from the major families and those who make it to the top of the racing world, most Umamusume fade into obscurity after they retire. They are generally poorly prepared to live a normal life outside of running." Riku listed off, as the mothers nodded along. Their own situations reflected this, as both were successful racers, but not enough to live carefree afterwards.
"By helping those who put their trust in us before," He gestured with a hand towards the two, "we hope that they and their children will continue to flourish, and help us flourish in turn." He said his pitch as they both fell into thought.
White Narubi and Green Chateau did not say anything for a long time, both stopping to trade a look with each other, before Narubi took the lead to speak.
"This is a lot to take in all at once, Mr. Riku." Narubi used his first name this time, giving him a warm smile. "But thank you for taking the time to deliver it to us. If this is true, it could help me and my daughter tremendously." Chateau smiled and nodded in agreement.
Riku breathed a sigh of relief mentally. Helping these two in particular was one of the outlier goals of his proposal to do this to help all Uma. If they end up accepting, he wonders how it'll affect the future of Tamamo Cross and Oguri Cap. His gaze traveled to the two children, Tamamo gesturing with her arms about something massive she had seen, Oguri's small smile contrasting with her flat expression as she listened. An idea came to him as he looked at the two.
"Miss Narubi, Miss Chateau," Riku called out, as the mothers were quietly chatting amongst themselves. They both turned and gave him a questioning look. "Are you and your children free next Sunday?"
"Next Sunday?" White looked at Green, receiving a shake of her head in turn. "Aside from my usual grocery run, I'm free. Why?" Her head tilted as she tapped her cheek.
"I'd like to take you and your kids to the Satsuki Sho. I feel it'd be a good experience for them to see what their future could look like." Riku smiled at the astonished looks he received. In truth, it's not what the future could be, but would be. He can't speak for Tamamo Cross, who struggled early in her career, but Oguri Cap would definitely have a chance in the Classics while he was Chairman.
"The Satsuki Sho?!" Green Chateau blinked in surprise. "I appreciate the offer, but the cost of going there as well as tickets for the Satsuki Sho is too much for us right now." She shook her head, glancing briefly at her daughter Tamamo. White Narubi nodded along, her eyes softening as she looked at Green Chateau.
"Ah, don't worry about that." Riku shook his hand from side to side. "My job lets me cover all that hassle-free. I think it's a great opportunity for these two kids, and I'll regret not giving them the chance to see it firsthand." Buckshot and Opal gave nods to his earlier sentences. Tomei clasped her hands as she looked excited at the prospect for them.
"Your job lets you do so?" White Narubi tilted her head. "You must have a nice position within the URA, Riku." Her smile turned slightly teasing. "If you're that willing, then I don't mind. What job do you work that lets you do that, if you don't mind me asking?" Green Chateau also looked questioningly at him.
"Ah, did I never say?" He blinked before looking down at his casual attire and partial disguise. Did he successfully Clark Kent them? Or is his promotion not that well-known yet? "To properly introduce myself, I'm Riku Yoshida. Chairman of the URA. It's a pleasure to meet you both." He smiled after clapping his hands together and closing his eyes. Both women could only look at the man incredulously.
CHAPTER END