It's actually…
Big Red, Secretariat?!
Though that girl, originally named [Big Red], had debuted under the name [Secretariat], she still preferred being called Big Red—after all, during those few months they'd grown close, that was the name they'd always used.
But unfortunately, despite showing decent strength in training races, Big Red had stumbled in her debut.
In the end, this black-hearted doctor chose to abandon the worthless small fry—Big Red, Dahlia, and the others—sneaking off to Japan alone to chase the Triple Crown.
And judging by the results of this spectacular debut victory, the black-hearted doctor couldn't help but gloat inwardly! Thank goodness he'd made the right choice!
Then…
The next moment, the transformation faded.
Lin Anran reached out, taking his phone and glancing down at the message on the screen.
[Big Red: Dr. Lin, settling in okay in Japan?]
[Big Red: It's not too late to come back~]
First, a polite greeting, then some cryptic warning?
Lin Anran couldn't care less. In fact, a smug grin stretched across his face—this black-hearted doctor felt zero guilt or shame.
'If I'd stayed in the U.S., even if Big Red and Dahlia had offered me a higher cut of their prize money, I'd still be starving!'
'A horse who couldn't even place higher than fourth in her debut race? Against a monster like Daiwa Scarlet? No way she'd win!'
'Meanwhile, I—transformed into Platinum—just beat the legendary Daiwa Scarlet! Isn't that way better than being some no-name's personal doctor?'
'Want me to come back to the U.S.? Keep dreaming!'
This black-hearted doctor had no plans to return to America anytime soon.
After all, in just one day in Japan, he'd already treated Tokai Teio for a hefty fee. And now, after winning his debut race as Platinum, prize money was on the way.
What an unbelievably perfect start!
So no, going back was not happening. Unless… Secretariat, Dahlia, and Ruffian actually managed to become the [Strongest], like they'd originally promised.
But was that even possible?
Rumors said the past couple of years had seen an explosion of talent worldwide—from America to Europe, monstrously strong horses had emerged. Even Japan had freaks like Tokai Teio and Agnes Tachyon.
So yeah, obviously that was a pipe dream!
After a moment of thought, Lin Anran tapped out a reply.
[Lin Anran: I'd love to see you again, Big Red.]
[Lin Anran: But sadly, I really can't return yet. There are so many racehorses here in Japan who need treatment.]
[Lin Anran: My promise to you wasn't a lie. When you become the strongest, I will come back and fulfill any wish of yours.]
But Lin Anran knew—that promise was impossible to keep.
Honestly, the odds of him—as Platinum—becoming the world's strongest racehorse were probably higher than Secretariat, Dahlia, and Ruffian combined!
After sending off that sincere but utterly empty message, he finally got a response from Secretariat.
[Big Red: Fine. But when that time comes… whatever that wish may be…]
[Big Red: Be ready for it.]
Lin Anran blinked.
…Huh?
Was she… still not giving up?
What a stubborn little filly.
Dismissing her vague warning as nonsense, he moved on—until the next message froze him in place.
[Big Red: Oh, and Dahlia left the U.S. too.]
Dahlia… left America??
In Lin Anran's memory, she was strong-willed—outwardly gentle but definitely a bit of a schemer. Always smiling, always organizing his medicines… she'd gotten along great with this black-hearted doctor.
Don't tell me she followed him to Japan the second he left?!
[Lin Anran: Where'd she go?]
[Big Red: Europe. She said she'd claim the title of "Strongest" there—properly—then come back to punish you, Dr. Lin.]
[Big Red: But—I'll become the Strongest before Dahlia does!]
The black-hearted doctor could only stare in disbelief.
Europe's racing scene? In his mind, it was "Modest Prizes, Terrifying Competition."
Europe dominated turf racing—the undisputed world elite.
America ruled dirt tracks—equally world-class.
So now… both Secretariat and Dahlia were aiming for the pinnacle of two different racing disciplines?? Did they really take his words that seriously?!
Reading the messages, Lin Anran couldn't help but marvel at how warm and youthful this world was.
Even total underdogs refuse to give up on their dreams of becoming the strongest!
Are they just naive… or is there actually some minuscule chance?
But Lin Anran was a grown man—a black-hearted doctor! Things like dreams, youth, bonds? Long since tossed aside!
[Lin Anran: Well… I hope you both grow stronger and achieve your goals.]
Fully convinced they'd fail, he offered hollow encouragement, congratulating himself on setting them up with the most impossible goal imaginable!
—And this would later become the one decision Black-Hearted Doctor Lin Anran regretted the most.
--+--
The next day, noon. School infirmary.
Several young, radiant racehorses bowed gratefully to the black-haired man in a white coat.
"Dr. Lin, thank you for the treatment."
"We'll head out now."
Seated at his desk, the man nodded and offered some final advice.
"Rest for two days first, then ease back into training based on how you feel."
"Whatever you do, don't jump straight back into full-intensity workouts!"
For normal patients, he'd tell them to stay in bed and avoid movement.
But these were Uma Musume—beings whose bodies and instincts for running far surpassed humans!
Plus, from his time in the U.S., Lin Anran knew all too well how easily Uma Musume would ignore recovery periods and push themselves too soon.
So he made sure to drill it into them—proper recovery meant better health.
And that meant better treatment results, which in turn boosted the strength gains from his Platinum transformation!
Besides, building a good reputation and securing repeat clients? Worth playing the kind, big-brotherly doctor for these young Japanese fillies.
Maybe I'll even treat some racehorses stronger than Big Red and Dahlia?
"Got it!"
"We'll remember!"
With one last bow, the girls slowly filed out.
And this… was now Lin Anran's daily routine as the school doctor.
Alone again, his thoughts drifted back to the race.
"Who'd have thought—even with a bad start, I still crushed Daiwa Scarlet!"
"That's Daiwa Scarlet—the genius who dominates Tracen Academy's internal races, always fighting for first place!"
"Winning the Irregular Triple Crown might actually be possible."
Now officially employed at Tracen Academy, he knew it gathered Japan's best talents. Daiwa Scarlet was undoubtedly a future star for next year's classic races.
And yet, Platinum—despite a slow start—had rallied from behind to steal the win. That alone proved her monstrous potential.
"Is Platinum… really this strong?"