Wait, is this... an injury from the Arima Kinen?
Lin Anran's expression immediately turned slightly complicated.
The current Tokai Teio had just competed in the Arima Kinen not long ago.
And she ended up with a third-place finish—a pretty decent result.
On the surface, going from a third place in the high-intensity, heavy-ground Japan Cup to another third in the Arima Kinen just a month later might seem just okay...
But in terms of sheer intensity, both were extremely grueling, top-tier Grade 1 races in Japan with some of the highest prize money. To achieve back-to-back third places in such battles was actually quite impressive!
And for Tokai Teio, whose legs have always been somewhat fragile, running nearly 5000 meters in a month—half of which was on heavy ground!
Such a brutal schedule carries a risk of injury even for Uma Musume with tougher constitutions, let alone someone like Teio, who's already suffered multiple fractures.
Is my former top client really about to make a return to the infirmary?
Last year, shortly after arriving in Japan, the first star Uma Musume Lin Anran treated was none other than Tokai Teio.
And now, just a few days after the year-end Arima Kinen, right after the new year began...
The first client to be treated in the new year is Tokai Teio again!
It's her, it's always her!
Before Lin Anran's eyes, the system panel information materialized.
[Tokai Teio: Fracture (Severe Injury)]
[Treatment options available...]
"Teio, your body is..."
Lin Anran opened the door, took a step back, and frowned slightly, his concern evident.
Almost immediately, he saw the petite horse girl, Tokai Teio, nod with a mix of frustration and worry.
"Ugh... It seems..."
"I've fractured again."
Many Uma Musume appear completely fine during a race, right up until the finish line.
It's often only some time after the race, during normal training, that they realize something's wrong—that an injury has surfaced. So, it's quite common for Teio to notice it post-race.
This kind of situation usually stems from a fragile constitution, an overwhelmingly intense race, or... a combination of both.
Again?
This makes it the third... fracture.
The long-awaited top client has finally returned, and it's even a repeat customer thanks to word-of-mouth!
Come back to me, my benefactor, my proudest belief!
"Don't worry, I've got this."
Lin Anran immediately spoke in a firm, resolute tone, offering words of comfort.
No one could say those words with more confidence than him, having already healed Tokai Teio's fractures once before.
Although, the fact that he himself had transformed into a Uma Musume and pushed this little filly to the point of fracture...
Then ended the transformation, resumed his role as a doctor, and perfectly treated her so she could return to racing...
This peculiar, almost bizarre situation made Lin Anran wonder if Tokai Teio might go on to challenge Platinum three times and suffer a fourth fracture?
She... probably wouldn't be that stubborn, right?
The confidence and reassurance displayed by the unscrupulous young doctor made Tokai Teio breathe a sigh of relief.
Then, she slowly stepped inside.
"After resting for a day or two following the race, I started gradually resuming training to prepare for this year's Osaka Cup..."
"But halfway through, something felt off. It felt familiar and uncomfortable..."
The most painful thing is—that familiar feeling.
For most Uma Musume, suffering a severe fracture often leads to a significant decline in both ability and potential.
Many who once claimed G1 victories find themselves, after recovering from a fracture, reduced to fighting just for a placing in G1 races, or even struggling to secure a G2 win.
That drastic gap and decline can utterly break a Uma Musume, leading many to retire with regret and humiliation after a fracture.
After all, the speeds that once came so easily become impossible to achieve, no matter how hard they push...
Even rival Uma Musume they never lost to before might become difficult to defeat.
And the expectations of their fans... can only be trampled on, over and over again!
So, after a major injury that makes a return to peak form unlikely, many Uma Musume choose to retire—to save face for themselves and their families, or to avoid seeing the disappointment in others' eyes.
The number of Uma Musume who truly return to peak form after a major fracture is vanishingly small!
Tokai Teio wasn't sure if she could overcome this third fracture.
In the entire history of Japanese Uma Musume, in the treatment records of Tracen Academy's Uma Musume, how many have suffered three fractures and still demonstrated powerful performances on the track?
But she trusted the incredibly gentle Dr. Lin standing before her completely!
Dependable, so dependable!
If even Dr. Lin couldn't achieve a perfect treatment, then no other doctor could possibly do better.
"Dr. Lin, I'm in your hands..."
"Mm, don't worry. I've got this."
Dr. Lin reached out, about to touch Tokai Teio's delicate foot.
--+--
A short while later.
Lin Anran finished his examination and released Tokai Teio's flexible, soft foot.
"Mm, confirmed. It's a fracture."
"No need to worry. Treating it isn't difficult."
When he mentioned the confirmed fracture, the weight in Tokai Teio's heart finally... dropped.
But when he calmly and confidently added the next sentence...
Rise again, my legs!
Tokai Teio finally showed a smile of expectation, even relief, as if she'd narrowly escaped disaster.
For many Uma Musume, things like treatment fees or even prize money splits hardly matter.
In fact, some extremely driven, racing-obsessed Uma Musume who value competition above all else—even their own lives—might not care about prize money at all. They only want to be in peak condition, surpass all opponents, and claim victory!
Such madly extreme Uma Musume, who live only to run all-out and care about nothing else, certainly exist.
Tokai Teio isn't quite that fanatical, but she still cares deeply about racing.
In her eyes, Lin Anran, who could significantly shorten her recovery time—effectively extending her career—was almost like her "savior"!
"Phew..."
"Then I'll trouble you, Dr. Lin!!"
Lin Anran gave a slight nod. His gaze turned to the floating system panel before him as he selected the treatment options.
[Intermediate Treatment Capability Target: Tokai Teio (Severe Injury) (Treatable)]
[Select treatment method(s) (can be combined): Surgery, Acupuncture, Medication...]
[Treatment duration: One day, One week, Half month, One month, Three months...]
After some thought, Lin Anran made his choice.
Last time, he used acupuncture on Teio. This time, he'll go with surgery.
Using acupuncture required multiple sessions. Surgery, however, would be a one-time procedure, followed by rest and medication.
Besides, that intense Arima Kinen might have injured more than one Uma Musume. If another severe injury case showed up... wouldn't that mean constantly treating injured fillies?
Given the choice, the unscrupulous young doctor opted for the easier, one-and-done approach.
[Treatment plan (combined): Surgery, Medication]
[Treatment duration: One month]
An injury that normally requires three to five months—or even up to a year—of recovery would seem too unbelievable if healed in just a few days.
So, Lin Anran rationally chose to cap it at one month. It was impressively fast, enough to move the little filly before him, but not so absurd as to raise eyebrows.
After finalizing his choice, Lin Anran picked up his phone, ready to check on the availability of an operating room at Tracen Academy.
As he prepared to make the call, Tokai Teio, who had just finished the examination and closed her eyes, bracing for the needles... immediately opened them, blinking in confusion.
"Huh?"
"Aren't you getting the needles?"
Tokai Teio remembered clearly that during her first injury, Dr. Lin had used needles for treatment.
She'd been afraid of the prickling sensation, so the memory stayed with her.
"No, no needles this time."
Instantly, Tokai Teio breathed a small sigh of relief.
"I'm contacting the operating room."
"I'll be performing the surgery. Don't worry."
"?!"
"Ah!!"
--+--
In the Chairman's office.
[Additional Clauses for Spring Triple Crown Benefits]
[Osaka Cup Ticket Pre-sales Start Early!]
The petite loli chairman, Akikawa Yayoi, glanced at the two documents on her desk.
This seemingly childish and cute loli chairman usually left most matters to her capable assistant, Hayakawa Tazuna.
But that didn't mean she was clueless or unaware of important matters.
Within Tracen Academy, ultimate authority didn't lie with any Emperor, nor the Student Council—it lay with her, the chairman!
"Hmph..."
Akikawa Yayoi frowned slightly, instantly seeing through everything.
Selling tickets so far in advance had an obvious reason.
It was because the current Platinum's victory in the Arima Kinen had shocked the world, reaching a point where her overseas popularity alone surpassed that of the entire Japanese Uma Musume racing scene.
Amid this peak hype and discussion, suddenly introducing new benefits for the Spring Triple Crown and starting advanced ticket sales for the first leg, the Osaka Cup...
Wasn't this just baiting Platinum to enter, aiming to fully capitalize on her popularity?
But in Akikawa Yayoi's view, this was far too grasping, to the point she temporarily dropped her usual verbal quirks.
"How can we possibly improve Japanese Uma Musume racing while working with these URA insects?!"
"Those old fools, are they already trying to profit off Platinum?"
"Before, winning the Kikuka Sho doubled the prize money, effectively turning 1 into 2. That was a visibly decent benefit."
"Now, running three races only adds one more race's worth of prize money? Turning 3 into 4?"
Going from 1 to 2 and from 3 to 4 are completely different concepts.
Moreover, the previous benefit was given to a world-class Platinum.
This clearly inferior benefit is for a historically significant, world-surpassing Pegasus!
On one hand, they want to maximize profits through Platinum, but on the other, they're skimping on the benefits that should be increased?
Such shortsightedness made Akikawa Yayoi sigh.
"But Platinum isn't some Uma Musume who can only run on Japanese tracks, all speed and no power."
If a Japanese filly trained exclusively for Japanese tracks, prioritizing speed over power...
She would likely struggle to adapt to foreign tracks during overseas expeditions, often ending in crushing defeat.
Even with power, adapting to unfamiliar environments is tough. Japanese Uma Musume might only venture overseas once or twice in their entire careers.
But Platinum was completely different.
In the past, no matter how much Japanese commentators praised local genius Uma Musume—even those who won in stunning, dominant fashion—
Even with titles or adjectives like "Genius," "Monster," "Emperor," or "common sense-defying," they almost never gained recognition outside Japan.
Emperor? Monster?
Not impressed!
Whenever they went overseas, the result was always the same: defeat, a crushing return!
Compared to those European and American powerhouses accustomed to international competition and frequent expeditions, Japanese Uma Musume—lacking power, or even with power but little overseas experience—were simply outmatched in too many areas.
But what about Platinum?
She had already ventured overseas, winning the Epsom Derby—the origin of all Derbies—by a huge margin, defeating Galileo!
A proper British Epsom Derby champion couldn't possibly be unadapted to overseas competition. In fact, she might perform even better abroad than at home!
Among the various Triple Crowns worldwide, there's almost always a race around 2400 meters, often the most prestigious and influential of the series.
This distance tests both endurance and burst speed, making for visually spectacular races.
Platinum's "Irregular Triple Crown" consisted of the 2400m Oaks (from the Classic Triple Tiara), the 2400m Japanese Derby (Classic Triple Crown), and the 2400m Epsom Derby (British Triple Crown)!
One could say Platinum effortlessly prevented the possibility of any Triple Crown winner emerging in those three series, becoming the unique Irregular Triple Crown winner!
Moreover, she won all the 2400m races across the three major Triple Crowns!
Such an unprecedented, outstanding Pegasus, and now the URA is rushing to profit from her?
"After all, Platinum will likely begin her overseas campaign in the second half of the year."
"She might not just challenge the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe; she could compete in other international races too. Her adaptability is truly astonishing and fearsome."
Hayakawa Tazuna, standing nearby, pointed out a major reason behind this.
"The URA is probably worried she'll leave for overseas and not return, so they're eager to start profiting from and boosting their influence through Platinum during the Spring Triple Crown."
Understanding this, Akikawa Yayoi listlessly put down her folding fan.
"How boring... Platinum isn't the type to be bound by family honor, forced to win numerous races before embarking on an overseas campaign."
"A free Pegasus is unconstrained."
"The URA will bring trouble upon themselves. I have a feeling Platinum isn't the obedient type who will follow all the URA's directives."
"So... once Platinum leaves, it might turn out like this."
"Millions, even tens of millions of Japanese fans will demand, [URA, what have you done? Without Platinum, how can we compete against foreign Uma Musume?]"
Akikawa Yayoi's gaze then shifted to an invitation inside her office drawer.
It was for—
[Japanese Uma Musume Annual Awards Ceremony]
Held several days later, after the Arima Kinen, to award various prizes to star Uma Musume based on their yearly performances.
The so-called "Horse of the Year," the Japanese champion, is typically the one who wins the most prestigious award.
And this year's Horse of the Year was undisputed.
In fact, it was already beyond doubt after her Epsom Derby win in the middle of the year. Even if Platinum hadn't run the Japan Cup or Arima Kinen, she would still have been the champion!
Let alone now, with her six G1 victories in a year—a staggering achievement even by European and American standards.
By then, Platinum will undoubtedly take the stage to receive her awards, and she'll probably win a lot, right?
"I look forward to it. With the nationwide broadcast, perhaps she'll give the URA a little [surprise]?"
"Tazuna, shall we go watch the show together?"
"Mm."
--+--
Some time later.
"The surgery went smoothly, and the medication is prescribed."
"Teio, you need to rest properly now. Even after the full month of treatment, you should still take it easy for a while."
Having successfully completed the surgery, Lin Anran waved to Tokai Teio, who was already familiar with using crutches, her leg bandaged, and offered a reminder.
"When you return to the track, you'll still be in good form."
"Remember to rest well. No staying up late or losing sleep—it affects recovery."
His words made Tokai Teio, getting reacquainted with her crutches, nod gently.
This wasn't her first fracture. After confirming the surgery was successful and she'd recover in due time,
Her earlier tension had vanished, replaced by relief.
The doctor works miracles!
She'd recover soon, then gradually regain her condition and slowly return to training.
She'd definitely miss the Osaka Cup, but that wasn't important. That G1 wasn't particularly prestigious, and Tokai Teio wasn't very interested anyway.
She'd definitely make it in time for the Spring Tenno Sho or the Takarazuka Kinen later!
Time to get revenge on Meisho McQueen, who caused last year's fracture by winning the Spring Tenno Sho!
Or get revenge on Platinum, who caused this year's treatment!
"Thank you, Dr. Lin!"
--+--
Not long after.
Lin Anran walked back to the corridor outside his infirmary.
As he approached, the unscrupulous young doctor's pupils suddenly constricted, as if he'd seen a rare sight.
It was the back of a girl in a white coat, her brightly colored tail swaying slightly in confusion behind her, seemingly surprised the doctor wasn't in.
"Tachyon?"
Lin Anran named the Uma Musume waiting at his door. Agnes Tachyon turned around.
"Here for a check-up?"
Lin Anran asked casually as he pulled out his keys, approaching to unlock the door.
"Didn't you usually come after training or research? Why so early today?"
After he spoke, the calm-faced Uma Musume Scientist said quietly,
"No training for now."
"What do you mean?"
"My leg seems fractured. I can focus on research again."
"???"
This brief exchange left Lin Anran stunned.
Seriously, guys...
Are you all forming a fracture club?
In the unscrupulous young doctor's initial plan, building a good reputation was supposed to attract a steady stream of top-tier Uma Musume clients.
How did it turn into this cycle of treat-run-injure-treat again?
"It's just as well. Training and racing have been exhausting lately. This is a good chance to rest."
"I can't show up at the Annual Awards Ceremony looking terrible."
Agnes Tachyon's gaze fixed seriously on Lin Anran's face, and she smiled faintly.
Dr. Lin's medical skills were reassuring.
"Dr. Lin, I'll trouble you with the treatment again."
The unscrupulous young doctor said smoothly,
"Don't worry, no matter what, I will definitely heal you."
Then, he took hold of Agnes Tachyon's delicate foot, ready to begin the examination and treatment!
--+--
Several hours later, night had fallen.
Lin Anran, resting in his room, felt satisfied with landing two big clients during the day!
"Teio, Tachyon... what a satisfying round of treatments. I don't think I'll ever forget you two!"
Unlike the perfunctory comfort Platinum offered to those defeated fillies, Lin Anran's current muttered words... were utterly sincere!
As he sighed, his drawer suddenly rang—the phone he used when transformed into Platinum.
Then...
"Pegasus, activate!"
The next second, Platinum took the phone from the drawer and instantly absorbed it.
"Huh? A foreign call?"
The silver-haired girl glanced at it curiously, then answered.
She heard a nervous, excited, and hopeful voice.
"Hello, may I speak to Ms. Platinum? I'm an official representative from the [Dubai World Cup]."
"We'd like to extend an invitation to you. You may choose your race; the event takes place in late March."
"All expenses—round-trip airfare, accommodation, etc.—will be covered by us. Would you be interested?"
Dubai?
Dubai World Cup?
Platinum was momentarily stunned. She initially felt little interest, ready to decline. It was too far, and she couldn't be bothered to travel that distance for an extra race outside her schedule.
But before hanging up, she casually asked,
"What's the prize money for the races in Dubai?"
There was a brief pause on the other end.
Within seconds, the voice returned, filled with absolute confidence, as if the representative possessed immense pride.
They might not know much about training Uma Musume in Dubai, but they certainly knew how to show respect through treatment and prize money.
"Allow me to introduce two of our signature races for the Dubai World Cup, and their prize money."
"The Dubai World Cup is a day where several G1 races are held simultaneously. Qualified Uma Musume may choose which to enter."
"The most famous and lucrative are the [Turf, 2400m: Dubai Sheema Classic] and the [Dirt, 2000m: Dubai World Cup]."
"The most suitable race for you would naturally be the Dubai Sheema Classic. The winner's prize money... converted to yen and compared to Japanese G1 prizes, is approximately equivalent to—"
Ms. Platinum perked up her ears slightly.
"The combined total of two G1 races from the Spring Triple Crown."
Platinum's pupils sharply contracted!
"The highest is the Dubai World Cup on dirt, 2000m. Its prize money is equivalent to..."
"Double that of the Dubai Sheema Classic. In other words, it's higher than the combined total of all three Japanese G1 races in the Spring Triple Crown."
???
Platinum was suddenly dumbfounded. She couldn't comprehend it and was greatly shocked.
What? One Dubai turf G1 is worth at least two Japanese G1s?
And the premier Dubai World Cup dirt race is worth more than the entire Spring Triple Crown combined?
Osaka Cup? Not even worth a dog's time!
Ms. Platinum immediately gritted her teeth and decided to take on the extra work!
"Alright, I'll participate!"
"The race I want to enter is—"
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.