"Next stop, final destination, Tracen Academy. Next stop, final destination, Tracen Academy..."
As the bus pulled to a stop, Kazuo got off alone.
Since it was still March, Tracen Academy, like other schools, was on holiday. Therefore, the academy, from its exterior, exuded only silence and an ancient, profound beauty.
Standing alone at the academy's entrance, Kazuostared at everything in disbelief.
On the tall, heavy jade wall, there was a plaque with the unique Chinese characters for "Tracen Academy" engraved on it, and above it was a huge horseshoe.
Tracen Academy, established over a decade ago... This was the advanced educational institution for Uma Musume, the place where all Uma Musume in Japan dreamed of studying.
And now, Kazuo himself was standing here... as if in a dream.
"Amazing..."
Even having seen such introductions on television, being truly present, this sense of shock... was absolutely incomparable... Of course, even now, Kazuocouldn't believe everything that was happening to him.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Asama Kazutomi...?"
A melodious voice rang out, and only then did Kazuonotice the girl who had appeared beside him at some point.
Wearing a sharp, bright green uniform, the beautiful woman's elegant demeanor was fully showcased. She kindly asked Kazuo,
"Ah, yes... Um, I came here because I received this..."
To avoid being mistaken for a suspicious person, Kazuo quickly showed the email on his phone to the woman.
After carefully verifying it, the woman nodded and said:
"Yes, that's right. This is the invitation letter Tracen Academy sent to you. Let me introduce myself, I am Hayakawa Tagana, Chairman's secretary of Tracen Academy. Now, I will take you to Tracen Academy."
In response, Kazuo could only look on blankly, nodding mechanically.
So—
This... really wasn't a scam email after all! To Whom It May Concern:
Our academy was deeply impressed by you, Mr. Asama Kazutomi, during the interview a few days ago, and we cordially invite you to participate in a second interview at our academy.
.
When he saw this email, Kazuo simply couldn't believe his eyes, but—
He had to take this step.
With this mindset, Kazuo finally strengthened his resolve and followed Miss Hayakawa into the academy.
Looking in from the main gate, the ancient architecture and aged school buildings constantly showcased its heritage and prestige.
Under Miss Hayakawa's guidance, Kazuo successfully entered this advanced institution that had nurtured countless Uma Musume.
Upon entering, the first thing he saw was a giant, towering ancient tree, a century-old tree so thick it would take over a dozen people to embrace, with branches spreading out like an umbrella.
However, the academy was quiet at this time, with only cherry trees, about to bloom, lining both sides of the street.
"From tomorrow, the academy's faculty and staff will gradually report to school, and the freshman entrance ceremony is in early April."
Seemingly noticing Kazuo's confusion, Miss Hayakawa thoughtfully explained to him.
"Is that how it is...?"
"Then please follow me this way."
Within the vast academy, all kinds of facilities were available: gymnasiums, swimming pools, libraries, dining centers, and multiple teaching buildings. Most importantly, there was a racetrack as large as six football fields. It was truly an academy specially designed for Uma Musume, exuding professionalism everywhere.
And it was several times larger than the Tracen Academy seen on television!!!
"Tracen Academy was initially founded by Mr. Yoshida Zenya, with the original intention of investing in and creating it to revitalize Japan's horse racing industry. The current Chairman of the academy is Ms. 'Northern Taste', who is now Chairwoman Akikawa."
"Huh... that name, I feel like I've heard it somewhere before..."
Kazuo paused slightly, muttering softly.
Who would have thought Miss Hayakawa would turn around and smile, "There would be no modern Uma Musume without Northern Taste... right?"
"Ah! Could it be that the Chairman is that legendary Uma Musume!"
Miss Hayakawa said nothing more, only smiled maturely and nodded, then continued to lead Kazuotowards the academy's administration building.
Chairman's Office—
"Chairman, I've brought Mr. Asama."
"Okay, thank you for your hard work, Miss Hayakawa!"
A very energetic, vibrant voice rang out. An orange-haired girl, looking like a doll, wearing a Western-style dress like an elegant young lady, directly jumped down from the Chairman's seat and, without a word, walked straight towards Kazuo.
"Hmm..."
She covered her face with a folding fan, revealing only her fluttering eyes, and scrutinized Kazuo for a long time.
"You are…Asama Kazutomi?"
After observing him for a moment, the Chairmansuddenly folded his fan and held it in his hand, asking Kazuo with unconcealed curiosity, "So, you're the one he spoke of…"
"Uh…excuse me, Chairman, I didn't quite understand what you just said…"
Seeing the renowned Northern Taste, Kazuo, who was initially unsure how to react, instinctively questioned the Chairman upon hearing his somewhat nonsensical words.
"No, it's nothing…just talking to myself."
However, the Chairman completely ignored Kazuo's question and turned to walk towards his desk.
"Since you received the email, I presume you already know why we called you here, don't you?"
"Yes…"
"Then that makes things easy!"
Sitting in his lounge chair, the Chairman suddenly revealed a meaningful smile: "Let's get straight to the point. After discussions by our academy, we do not intend to hire you as a Trainer for the academy."
Although he had mentally prepared himself, Kazuocouldn't help but feel a little disappointed upon hearing the result.
But what followed was an inexplicable confusion.
The final interview process was skipped…why would they specifically call him to the company to inform him of the result in person? And they even mentioned a re-interview or something…"But—"
The Chairman said, pulling out a prepared document from his drawer.
"Given your performance at the interview, we have specially decided to offer you an intern Trainerposition. Are you interested?"
"Intern Trainer?"
"Simply put, it's a registered intern Trainer position, essentially giving you a training opportunity to study under other Trainers at the academy. After an actual performance evaluation, we will discuss and process your full-time conversion. So, are you willing to accept these terms?"
He couldn't help but hold his breath. This condition, placed before him, undoubtedly gave him immense hope!!!
"First, let's be clear about the salary. We have a contractual relationship with you, and no salary will be provided during the internship period. However, the academy provides staff dormitories. Of course, you will need to cover your own meal, water, and electricity expenses. If you are able to become a full-time employee in the future, Ms. Hayakawa will renegotiate the terms of your compensation with you. Do you understand now?"
"I understand…"
Taking the pen handed to him by Ms. Hayakawa, Kazuo looked at the Chairman with determination.
"I'll sign!"
Thus, Asama Kazutomi, as Tracen Academy's first intern instructor, affixed his seal to this contract.
The Chairman smiled contentedly, but it was clear he had other plans in mind.
"Then, welcome to Tracen Academy."