Oguri Cap's performance in the mock race completely reassured Kitahara. After gaining a direct understanding that Oguri Cap excelled more in actual races, he adjusted his training plan accordingly.
He found a moment to have Oguri Cap come to his dorm and explained his ideas simply.
"…Basically, here's the plan. Since your racing experience isn't very extensive yet, you might not fully grasp the demands of higher-intensity training. At this stage, I'll adjust your training according to your physical condition, trying to increase intensity as much as possible. But to truly bring out your talent, you need to rely on all kinds of races."
"In other words, I'll provide the most suitable training plan for you. As for the races, just go all out according to your own judgment."
This explanation was far simpler than a detailed lecture. Oguri Cap immediately understood.
"Oh! I finally understand what Kitahara means! If it's about going all out in a race, I'll definitely do it!"
She gave Kitahara two thumbs up, her eyes shining.
"Good," Kitahara nodded with relief, then added:
"As for accurately understanding your physical abilities… I'll figure that out. You don't need to worry too much about it."
Not discussing training details with Oguri Cap wasn't because Kitahara hadn't thought it through or didn't plan to. In fact, he had already organized a training plan for her and even shown it to her.
However, as he studied more in preparation for central academy training and gained a deeper understanding of the world of Uma Musume, Kitahara realized that although this world had these incredible Uma Musumes, the supporting technology was far behind.
For example, equipment used to train human athletes—heart rate monitors, glucose meters, testing devices—simply didn't exist for Uma Musumes in this world.
He guessed that the timeline for Uma Musume in this world likely corresponded to the 1980s or 1990s in the other world, the era just before and during Oguri Cap's active years.
Back then, Japan's racehorse industry was just beginning. Knowledge of health, athletic ability, exercise-related illnesses, fatigue management, injury recovery, and balanced nutrition was still quite rudimentary.
Translated to this world, knowledge and technology regarding Uma Musume were extremely basic. Almost all Japanese trainers relied on experience and the innate talent of the racehorses. Even Kitahara's small ranch back in his previous life had more scientific resources than this.
So when he talked about "accurately understanding Oguri Cap's physical abilities," it was actually a very long-term job.
This work required a huge investment of time and energy—and even money couldn't buy some of the necessary resources. Currently, he was only an obscure local trainer. Even supporting Oguri Cap's meals required help from the academy. Fully training her, or even establishing a more advanced training system, was impossible without significant resources.
Central academy… had those resources. Only the central academy. Kitahara reminded himself to work steadfastly.
Although he had decided to be completely honest with Oguri Cap, the thought of all the work involved was exhausting, and he didn't want her to worry about it yet. So for now, he kept this to himself.
Good. Oguri Cap had already understood and accepted the explanations about training, so Kitahara felt that matter could be considered settled.
He then asked about another matter:
"So, what about this Uma Musume?" pointing to the one behind Oguri Cap, he asked with curiosity.
Oguri Cap hadn't come alone—she had brought another Uma Musume, Belno Light, who had been close to her during previous training.
"Oh! She's Belno Light, a very good Uma Musume. I want her to join your team too."
Oguri Cap became excited. She turned and pushed Belno Light in front of Kitahara:"Here, give her the team roster to sign. Belno, this is my trainer, Kitahara."
"It's Kitahara Jo. At least remember the trainer's name properly," Kitahara said with a headache. He noticed that Oguri Cap, being naturally scatterbrained, had difficulty remembering names.
But the fact that she accurately remembered Belno Light's name showed how much she liked her.
Wait a second!
What about me?
We've known each other for so many days, and she still can't remember my name—does that mean she doesn't like me?
Kitahara felt a pang of grievance.
However, considering Oguri Cap's natural personality, he quickly comforted himself: "Maybe she's just teasing me." Then he looked at Belno Light, forced a smile, and extended his hand.
"Hello. I'm Kitahara Jo, Oguri Cap's trainer. Nice to meet you."
"Ah… please… please take care of me! I-I'm Belno Light!"
Earlier, standing behind Oguri Cap, Belno Light had her hands clasped in front, index fingers entwined, head bowed, looking at her toes—a very nervous posture.
Now pushed in front of Kitahara and hearing his introduction, she tensed even more, standing straight, hands snapped to her sides, fingers tightly together, as if facing an inspecting officer.
"You don't need to be so nervous," Kitahara smiled gently. "So, would you like to join my team? I'll take care of both you and Oguri Cap."
Shining Brilliant's eyes widened, hands instinctively rising to clutch her collar.
"C-Can I? B-But I'm not very fast… In the previous mock race with Oguri Cap, I came in last…"
Before Kitahara could respond, Oguri Cap reassured her:"It's okay if you're slow. I couldn't even run properly before, and now I can run fast. Kitahara is a very capable trainer; he can definitely help you run faster."
Hey, hey, don't make promises on my behalf!
Kitahara laughed quietly, but then a thought struck him. Recruiting Belno Light could have its benefits.
His goal was to become an excellent trainer. Even if he had never heard of Belno Light before, and even if she achieved nothing in the future, it was his duty to discover every Uma Musume's potential. A capable trainer shouldn't pick and choose.
"To strategize improperly, to feed without utilizing abilities, to instruct without understanding intent—this is called 'there is no horse!' Alas! Truly, there is no horse? Truly, they know nothing of horses!"
This world had no On Horses text, but Kitahara had taken this saying as his motto. Its lessons were very suitable for a trainer:
There are no unremarkable Uma Musume, only incompetent trainers. Tailor your guidance to the horse or Girl, and nurture every Uma Musume correctly—that is what I must do.
With this resolve, seeing Oguri Cap comfort Belno Light, who looked a little encouraged, Kitahara smiled and took the team registration form from the dorm bookshelf.
"So, would you like to join my team, Belno Light?"