Maruzensky gave her head a little shake, not bothering to delve into the reasoning behind it all.
After all, she was just a retired Uma Musume, not some kind of trainer or researcher. Things like this didn't really concern her.
"But still, you can awaken a Domain just by getting your head patted?"
She looked up and gave her own head a little rub. "No one's ever patted mine though."
Roughly another hour of quiet observation passed.
Maruzensky finally confirmed that Kuroha really did have world-class trainer ability.
"Graduated just two months ago and already a world-class trainer. What a genius."
The auburn-haired onee-san adjusted her sunglasses, smiled toward Kuroha, waved casually, then turned and left.
At the training grounds, Kuroha—who had been writing something—suddenly sensed something and looked up, only to see the bustling flow of people on the road.
Ding!
Just then, the ringtone from his phone snapped him out of his thoughts.
Tatsuko Yuzuhara: Kuroha, you free tonight?
my_little_horse: Yup, what's up, Tatsuko-nee? Got another party planned? I'm not drinking though!
Tatsuko Yuzuhara: No, it's about that kid Inari One.
my_little_horse: Got it. Where?
Tatsuko Yuzuhara: Meet me at Training Ground #3 at eight. I'll bring Inari One with me!
my_little_horse: ok.jpg
Lately, Kuroha and Tatsuko Yuzuhara had been in frequent contact due to Inari One. And since Tatsuko had a cheerful and open personality, it didn't take long for them to start talking casually without honorifics.
As Tatsuko herself had put it: Kuroha was like her little brother. If anything ever happened at Oi, just say her name—even when buying bottled water, you could get a five percent discount.
Sometimes, Tatsuko would genuinely consult Kuroha about Inari One's training and future path.
But tonight—bringing Inari One along specifically—was a first.
...
After training ended, Kuroha walked both Uma Musume back to the dorms. Then, glancing at the time, he saw it was just after six. Still two hours left until the meeting.
He stretched, organized his training notes, and decided to head back to his dorm for a short rest, while also thinking about why Tatsuko wanted to talk with both him and Inari One tonight.
Back at the dorm, he lay on the bed, eyes staring at the ceiling, but his mind gradually drifted toward Inari One.
This Uma Musume who appeared carefree and rough around the edges actually had a sensitive side underneath. After these weeks of training, her progress was significant.
Her physical fitness had improved, and even her mindset during races had become more composed. Kuroha knew well—Inari One was a racehorse with immense potential. With the right guidance and training, she could absolutely shine on the track.
"Could it be Tatsuko-nee is unhappy with her current training progress? But that doesn't add up. She always seemed pleased when we talked about Inari One's improvement..." Kuroha muttered to himself.
"Or... maybe there's something else important going on?" He couldn't figure out Tatsuko's intentions, so he gave up thinking about it for now and closed his eyes for a nap.
...
He didn't know how long had passed, but the ringing of his alarm woke him. Kuroha blearily opened his eyes and checked the time—7:30 PM.
He got up in a hurry, washed up quickly, and headed toward Training Ground #3.
Nighttime at Ooi Tracen Academy had its own charm. The lamps along the road cast a soft glow, and occasionally, groups of Uma Musume passed by, chatting and laughing as they returned to their dorms.
As Kuroha walked, he took in the pleasant evening scenery, and his mood gradually lightened.
Even before he got close, he saw a figure running on the track—Inari One.
Her strides were sharp and powerful, every push against the ground bursting with wind-cutting force. Her ponytail swayed rhythmically with each step.
Tatsuko Yuzuhara stood at the finish line, posture upright and dignified, stopwatch in hand, eyes locked on Inari One with unwavering focus.
When Inari One crossed the finish, Tatsuko clicked the stopwatch and a flicker of praise flashed in her eyes. She glanced down to jot something, her voice steady as she said, "Your pace control's improved a lot compared to last week."
Kuroha approached, quietly saying, "The improvement is obvious."
Tatsuko didn't respond right away. She raised her head and looked at Inari One, who was now sipping water with small gulps, a rare gentle look on Tatsuko's face.
"Kuroha, what do you think of Inari One?"
Kuroha paused, then followed her gaze.
Inari One was wiping the corner of her mouth with her sleeve, and when she noticed them looking, she grinned brightly.
"Strong-willed, genuine, and at her core, she's got that gritty fire that never wants to lose." He hesitated for a beat and added, "Though she's a bit of a handful at times, she really is an outstanding Uma Musume."
That was Kuroha's honest judgment, based on his time spent with Inari One.
And honestly, even if he wasn't involved, just letting her grow wild would still produce one of the greatest racehorses of the era. One of the Heisei Big Three—that title was forever carved into history.
Tatsuko nodded slightly, unconsciously rubbing the edge of her stopwatch. "Yeah... she's a rough gem, no doubt. But..."
She paused with meaning.
"Even the best unpolished gem still needs a true artisan to refine it, Kuroha. I'm not as good as you."
Kuroha caught the subtext immediately. His eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
After going through Fujimasa March's transfer situation, there was no way he didn't understand what Tatsuko was hinting at.
A gentle night wind stirred, rustling fallen leaves around their feet. He sorted through his thoughts in silence before quietly replying:
"Tatsuko-nee... Inari One really respects you."
Tatsuko blinked and looked toward the track. Inari One was warming up again, clearly waiting for Tatsuko to give the signal for another run.
"...Maybe you're right." Tatsuko's expression softened.
Just like with Fujimasa March, this wasn't something a trainer could decide alone. It ultimately depended on Inari One herself.
So—what did she want?
Tatsuko raised her hand and waved at the twin-tailed girl a short distance away.
Inari One stretched and jogged over to them.
"Boss, are we still running? I'm dying over here..." She looked completely docile in front of Tatsuko, nothing like the fiery girl Kuroha was used to.
That habit of hers—always trying to get out of work—still hadn't changed…
"Kid, I've got something to ask you," Tatsuko said seriously.
Inari One blinked her big eyes and leaned against the fence casually, looking completely relaxed.
"..."
Tatsuko stared at her for a moment, then suddenly sighed and rubbed her forehead. "I'm getting dragged into your pace. What was I thinking trying to ask this dummy?"
Kuroha: "..."
Inari One: "..."
How did I get blamed again...
Kuroha felt like he got caught in the crossfire for no reason.
"I already talked to Kuroha. Starting tomorrow, you're transferring to his team. You're his Uma Musume now, got it?"
"?"
Inari One blinked, pointing at herself. "Me?"
"You!"
Tatsuko slammed her hand on Inari One's head.
"Ow ow ow! That hurts, Boss!"
"From now on, you listen to Kuroha, you hear me? If I hear you're throwing a tantrum again, I'll—!" She raised her hand again, and Inari One straightened up instantly, nodding like mad.
"Yes ma'am! I won't throw any tantrums!"
"???"
Next to them, Kuroha was thoroughly confused.
That's it?
This was way too easy. Not at all what he expected.
Shouldn't a decision like this involve deep bonds between trainer and Uma Musume, heartfelt discussions, a moment of truth...?
But instead...
He tilted his head, watching Tatsuko lecture Inari One with a nagging tone.
These two didn't feel like trainer and horse.
They felt more like... a mother and daughter.
Maybe a trainer couldn't decide a transfer on their own, but if the trainer also happened to be the "mom," then yeah... Inari One wouldn't have much say in it.
And just like that, Inari One's team transfer was settled, quick and simple.
(End of Chapter)
The next day, Kuroha and Tatsuko brought Inari One to the Ooi Tracen Academy's academic office to complete the transfer paperwork.
At the front desk, a young female staff member was swiftly navigating the system.
"Alright, Kuroha-sensei, Tatsuko-sensei—Inari One's transfer process is complete. Her data's been logged into the system!"
"Mm..."
Although she hadn't felt anything special last night, now that the transfer was actually done, Inari One couldn't help but show a hint of reluctance on her face.
Kuroha glanced down at the petite Uma Musume beside him and patted her head in reassurance.
"Oh right, there's one more thing."
The teacher turned to Kuroha and asked, "Kuroha-sensei, you haven't created your own team in the registry yet, have you?"
"My own team?"
Kuroha repeated the words before suddenly realizing what she meant.
As a trainer, once you had more than one assigned Uma Musume, you were required to create your own team within the system.
Apparently, it was a rule set by Central to accommodate group-based races.
Group races for Uma Musume?
What is this, the Youth Cup?
Kuroha inwardly griped but still nodded, saying he'd decide on a team name within the next few days.
...
Just like that, Inari One officially became Kuroha's Uma Musume.
And with her, Kuroha's workload also increased significantly.
Before, her training had been more like fulfilling a collaborative agreement with Tatsuko—to help Inari One adapt to heavy track conditions.
But now, things were different. He had to give her a proper, comprehensive training plan.
That evening, in the gym—
Fujimasa March was lifting a barbell, and just seeing the weight made Kuroha raise his brows.
"Every time, I'm reminded how huge the physical difference is between Uma Musume and humans," Kuroha muttered, seated nearby.
He hadn't been too bothered by this before, but ever since Fujimasa March hinted at wanting to pounce on him... he'd been acutely aware of that strength difference. Just the thought sent a chill down his spine.
On the other side, Inari One was doing sit-ups on a machine, her ponytail bouncing with each motion.
"Speaking of which, we still haven't decided on our team name yet. You two got any ideas?"
At the mention, Inari One perked up instantly, popping upright and exclaiming, "How about Blazing Explosion Team? Sounds super fast!"
Fujimasa March gently set down her barbell and took a sip of water. "That sounds bad."
A blunt, honest review.
"Then what would you call it?" Inari One said with arms akimbo.
"I'll go with whatever Trainer picks."
Kuroha looked at the two playful Uma Musume in front of him, and his mind suddenly wandered to memories of the Uma Musume anime from his past life.
He remembered the motto hanging in the student council room of Central Tracen Academy:
"When one horse leads, all others fade."
Back to reality, his eyes turned toward the blank "Team Name" section on the form in front of him. After thinking for a moment, he spoke:
"How about we call ourselves Chasing Light?"
"Chasing Light?"
Inari One tilted her head. "Kinda plain. Doesn't sound exciting when you cheer for it."
Kuroha scratched his head. "Well, it's simple and easy to remember. Plus, the meaning's solid—chasing after the strongest goal, becoming a light that others can't catch."
He wasn't about to admit he kinda sucked at naming things.
But also, Chasing Light...
After the three goddesses, wasn't the first ancestor of all racehorses said to be the legendary Eclipse?
This name held a deeper meaning tied to Kuroha's own ambition.
"Hmm..."
Inari One thought for a second, then turned to ask Fujimasa March, "What do you think?"
Fujimasa March answered earnestly, "It's a lovely name. I really like it."
"...You!"
Inari One glared at her teammate, who looked like she was about to grow little sparkle bubbles of joy. She suddenly felt like she was the one being blinded here.
"Fine, then we'll go with Chasing Light! When we win, and people ask us why, we'll say it's 'cause we want to be the strongest out there!"
Seeing his two Uma Musume in agreement, Kuroha picked up the pen and wrote down the team name on the form: Chasing Light.
"Alright, it's settled then. Team Chasing Light. Let's train hard and show results."
Inari One laid back on the machine and resumed her sit-ups. "I'm gonna print our team name on my training outfit! Gotta let the whole school see it!"
Fujimasa March gave a soft laugh, exhaled slowly to steady her breath, and resumed her barbell lifts.
Under the lights of the gym, those two ordinary-looking characters—Chasing Light—rested quietly on the form.
Yet somehow, they held something a little more.
...
The next morning.
After finishing their early morning training, Kuroha once again wandered into the small park, bored out of his mind.
He parted the branches like clockwork and—sure enough—a slender girl was lying flat on the ground, eating dirt...
"Amei, every time I see you, you're eating dirt..."
Kuroha was exasperated. He walked over and grabbed the girl by the arm, helping her up.
"I'm not eating dirt! I'm feeling the heartbeat of the grass!" Obey Your Master protested indignantly.
Ever since they met more than a week ago, every time Kuroha had some free time and came to this park, Obey Your Master would inevitably show up, always on this same patch of grass.
Like some kind of regularly spawning NPC.
"Still going at it today?"
"Of course!"
The moment she heard that, her eyes lit up. She squirmed out of Kuroha's grasp, clinging to his arm and pulling him toward the park's exercise field.
"Kuroha-sama! Let's continue!"
"You sure take your vacation days seriously..."
"Isn't it totally normal for Uma Musume to take two or three months off? Come on, let's go!"
"Alright, alright, stop pushing..."
(End of Chapter)
Training with Obey Your Master was just a side episode. Kuroha's primary focus now was on Inari One's future development.
After dealing with that stubborn foreign mare, Kuroha returned to the trainer's office right on time and cooked up a hearty, nutritious meal.
Then, while waiting for his two Uma Musume to return from school, he sat at the table, deep in thought.
"Inari One's adaptation to heavy tracks has reached a solid milestone. She's even formed a skill to handle it. For the race in a dozen days or so, there shouldn't be any major issues."
April 13th—the OP-level race: the Tenno Sho (Spring).
This was an event Tatsuko had signed Inari One up for even before the team transfer.
In the original timeline, Inari One experienced her first-ever defeat on March 3rd—just shortly after Kuroha had transferred to Tracen Academy.
March 3rd, OP-level Kimpai Stakes, heavy track. Inari One, despite her strength, came in third, beaten down and frustrated.
But because of Kuroha's arrival, and perhaps some consideration on Tatsuko's part, the entry was canceled. Instead, she requested Kuroha to help Inari One build her adaptability for heavy tracks.
Which meant—in this altered course of events—Inari One was still undefeated.
"One of the Heisei Big Three… her talent is among the greatest of her era. On a track suited to her, defeat is practically impossible."
Kuroha tapped his pen against his notebook, then scribbled out three large characters: True Self State.
"Inari One's different from Fujimasa March. She's already quite familiar with the first step of the Domain. In fact, she's just a hair away from the second."
"The issue lies with her temperament. She's too reliant on stats and luck, so her Domain trigger is still unpredictable."
Kuroha recalled the times during their heavy track training where Inari One's temper flared too soon, breaking her rhythm. Her footwork would collapse, her stamina control gone—leaving Kuroha fuming more than once.
But occasionally, when she did explode—
That piercing red gleam in her eyes was far more intense and overwhelming than the unstable white glint Fujimasa March gave off.
At the height of her rage, crimson streamers of light even surged around her body.
This signaled that Inari One had already grasped the True Self State—the first stage of Domain—and had likely brushed up against the second.
But that hot-blooded idiot—despite having such deep mastery—still had to rely on luck to trigger it, sometimes failing completely.
It was embarrassing.
Unlike Tamamo Cross. During this same period, she had already completely mastered the True Self State, and could even release her Domain streamers outside of races.
Kuroha, being in Tokyo, would occasionally bring Fujimasa March along to experience high-level Central races firsthand.
Every time Tamamo Cross surged in the final stretch, her terrifyingly powerful legs would unleash lightning-like streaks from the corners of her eyes, radiating wildly in all directions!
At the time, Fujimasa March had said she didn't see any lightning.
But after awakening her own True Self State in the Keihin Cup, she suddenly began noticing the blazing red aura around Inari One.
Looks like only those with a Domain can perceive others' Domains.
Why Kuroha could see them himself—he still didn't know.
He chalked it up to either natural talent… or some system-related mystery.
"These next few days, Inari One's getting a round of special training!"
Kuroha murmured, "And I'll use this to help March stabilize her Domain, too."
Two Uma Musume, both with Domains—and both having overcome their personal hurdles!
One from the Classic Year, and one from the Senior Year!
In the local circuits, Kuroha was certain they were now unrivaled.
"My job now is just to help them progress step-by-step and avoid injury…"
"And then—rake in the cash!"
Yes. Kuroha was feeling poor lately. Especially after adding Inari One to the team, his finances suddenly felt stretched again.
Fujimasa March's earnings back in Kasamatsu had basically dried up—but after the Keihin Cup? She'd won big.
Twelve million yen in prize money, and even after taking out March's share, Kuroha walked away with several million!
Which meant—for once—he didn't have to penny-pinch on the girls' expenses.
Nutritious meals, regular full-body checkups, racing shoes, custom horseshoes, even weighted training gear—all of it, Kuroha could now afford with confidence!
"If we keep winning until October, once I pass the Central Trainer Certification, I won't have to worry about money at all!"
Just as Kuroha was daydreaming about that bright future—
SLAM!
"Trainer, we're back!"
The door burst open. Even before stepping in, Inari One's unmistakable voice rang out, followed by the arrival of the two Uma Musume.
"Wah! Smells amazing!"
Inari One immediately swapped into indoor shoes and ran over to the dining table, sniffing the aroma with stars in her eyes.
Fujimasa March, meanwhile, walked up behind Kuroha and began gently massaging his shoulders.
"Trainer~"
Her tone was calm, but her voice carried a slight pouty lilt.
"What is it?" Kuroha leaned back in the chair, closed his notebook, and smiled.
"My legs feel a little sore lately… I was hoping… you could give me a massage."
Fujimasa March let go, then wrapped her arms around Kuroha's shoulders, her head resting gently behind him. Her soft breaths tickled the air.
"Sure. However you want it, March."
Kuroha raised a hand and gently stroked her snowy white hair, like calming a little cat.
"Alright, time to eat. Inari One, go wash your hands—don't grab meat with your fingers!"
"Hmph, I knooow—!"
...
After the meal, the three of them lounged on the sofa, clutching their full bellies in satisfied silence.
"This afternoon, let's take a break and hit the shopping street," Kuroha suddenly said, as if recalling something.
"Shopping? I'm in! I'll lead the way!"
The moment she heard they were going out, Inari One shot up with surprising energy, hand raised high. "I know every good shop around Oi!"
(Info: Oi is in Kanagawa)
"My recommendations are super delicious!"
"We're not going to buy snacks..." Kuroha rolled his eyes. "We're getting you two new running shoes."
"Back then we couldn't afford much. But now that your trainer has money, it's time we get you proper shoes for both racing and training!"
"Aw… not snacks..."
Inari One wilted instantly, puffing out her cheeks and flopping dramatically by Kuroha's legs.
Fujimasa March simply leaned quietly against Kuroha's shoulder, eyes closed and resting.
"Well… snacks aren't completely off the table—"
Kuroha deliberately stretched his sentence.
"If during tomorrow's training—"
"I'll absolutely totally definitely follow every single order you give, Trainer!!"
Before he could finish, Inari One shot up and saluted while lying down, voice loud and pitifully sincere.
Kuroha couldn't help but laugh and gave her cheek a playful pinch.
"Alright then. No slacking tomorrow."
"Mm… understood!"
(End of Chapter)
Central Tracen Academy.
Inside the Student Council President's office—
Symboli Rudolf sat at her desk, face twisted with a bit of conflict as she read the newspaper in her hands.
"Ah... these reporters, honestly..."
She pressed a hand to her forehead and set the paper down. On the front page were two massive photos: one of Yayo Invincible, the other of Oguri Cap.
"Two wins, two flawless victories—Yayo Invincible! Versus Oguri Cap, riding a nine-race winning streak..."
"A high-stakes clash between two titans—who will triumph?"
Phrases like these were plastered all over the page.
"They always love doing this—using these confrontational headlines to draw attention and manipulate public opinion..." Rudolf sighed.
Maruzensky placed a freshly brewed pot of tea on the desk and smiled gently.
"I've never really liked them either."
"Who would?" Rudolf sighed again, nodding her thanks. Just as she was reaching for her teacup—
"PRESIDENTTTTT—!!"
BANG!
The office doors burst open, and a lively little figure dashed in like a rocket, leaping into Rudolf's arms!
Despite being built like a child, the little loli showed off jaw-dropping agility—easily clearing three or four meters to dive straight into Rudolf's flustered embrace!
"..."
Maruzensky stared in mild astonishment at the Emperor snuggling up to Rudolf, who wore a look of helpless indulgence.
"Rudolf, this kid is...?"
"Ah, this is Tokai Teio. She hasn't debuted yet..."
Rudolf pulled the overly energetic loli—who was about to climb onto her head—into her lap. "Teio! Settle down!"
Gripping the back of her collar like fate's hand, Rudolf added helplessly, "For some reason, this kid's really clingy to me..."
She placed Teio on her knees and tried to sound stern. "Teio, why are you in the Student Council room again?"
"Because I missed you, Prez~"
The girl rubbed her cheek against Rudolf with a sweet, spoiled voice.
As a pre-True Blooming Uma Musume, Teio looked no older than eight or nine. Her childish tone felt just right for her age.
Rudolf's stiff expression instantly crumbled.
"Teio, you can't keep bothering upperclassmen like this, okay?"
Rudolf could never seem to get mad at her, so she tried to advise her seriously.
The little loli nodded obediently, still sneaking little cheek rubs against Rudolf's face.
"Prez, Prez, what were you two talking about just now?"
"About little Teio's debut race~" Maruzensky teased with a grin, catching on quickly to just how close these two were.
"Eh? Me?" Teio blinked, utterly missing the sarcasm—her undeveloped brain still stuck in grade school logic.
She hopped off Rudolf's lap and scurried over to Maruzensky, holding out her hands and making some gestures.
"But I'm not grown up yet..."
"Well, that just means you should prepare ahead of time! Your debut race will be the true starting line of your Uma Musume career." Maruzensky crouched down and spoke gently.
"You want to do your best in training, right?"
"Mm..."
After a brief pause, Teio suddenly clenched her fists, declaring loudly, "Right! I'm going to follow in Prez's footsteps and become the second undefeated Triple Crown winner!"
"Undefeated... Triple Crown?" Maruzensky raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Prez, Maruzensky-senpai! I'm off to train now!"
The excitable little loli waved, then—before they could react—sprinted toward the window and jumped out of the third-floor office!
"!"
"!"
Both Maruzensky and Rudolf rushed to the window in shock.
They saw Teio already landing on the ground below, skipping off with a joyful smile.
"That girl..." Rudolf wiped away a faint, nervous sweat.
"She's always so explosive."
"She's got real potential," Maruzensky chuckled, pouring more tea into Rudolf's cup.
Taking a sip, Rudolf glanced at the retreating figure of Teio, then down at the paper—at the faces of Yayo Invincible and Oguri Cap.
"Yes... she's got tremendous potential..."
...
Shopping District.
One man, two Uma Musume—happily spending an afternoon shopping.
Or rather, Kuroha was doing the shopping. Inari One and Fujimasa March were just nibbling on local snacks with blissful faces.
"Trainer, ah~"
Fujimasa March walked beside him, holding up a piece of takoyaki toward his mouth with a sweet smile.
"Mmm..." Kuroha took a bite, chewing as he glanced at his phone's map.
"This 'Penguin Sports Store' has great reviews. Let's stop by there next."
He turned to Inari One, "Oi, little Inari, you're our local expert—ever been to this store? How's the stuff?"
Inari One quickly gulped down her snack, stood on tiptoe to peek at his phone, and then puffed up with false confidence.
"No idea. My gear's usually picked by Boss. Everything she gave me worked great!"
"...Knew it. Shouldn't have asked." Kuroha sighed and pinched her cheek, making her yelp.
Before long, they reached the shop marked by a life-sized penguin plush out front.
Penguin Sports – Specialized for Uma Musume.
Since Uma Musume racing was the world's biggest sport, even sports equipment had its own sub-industry.
Their strength and speed were too absurd—human-grade gear was useless for them, and vice versa.
"Welcome!"
An automatic mechanical greeting rang out as a neatly dressed clerk approached to greet Kuroha.
A single glance was enough to guess he was the trainer of the two girls.
"You two browse a bit. I'll talk with the manager."
Kuroha waved the two glowing-eyed horse girls off, then turned with the clerk toward the shoe section.
"Waterproof, anti-slip, custom synthetic fibers—comfortable to wear. For Inari One, we'll also need reinforced resin tips since her power output is crazy."
"As for March..."
Kuroha came prepared, listing off their needs in detail while inspecting pair after pair.
"Three pairs each—for training and racing."
Fujimasa March, her curiosity satisfied, had already returned to Kuroha's side.
Inari One, meanwhile, was fixated on a pair of sneakers covered in elegant, traditional Japanese designs—her eyes practically sparkling.
"Geez..."
Kuroha glanced over and couldn't help but smile.
"That pair's design—could we add that same pattern to this one?" he asked the clerk, holding up the training shoes he had picked out for Inari One.
"Of course, sir! Our store has full customization facilities. It'll take about twenty minutes."
"Great. We'll go with these six pairs then."
With the shoes settled, Kuroha moved on to the horseshoe section.
Training horseshoes, light steel for general work. Aluminum alloy for race day. And of course, each one needed to be fine-tuned to the horse's foot structure.
He decided to get seven per girl.
Four light steel for training.
Three aluminum alloy for competition.
After reviewing their running styles, he made additional adjustments.
Nearly two hours later—
Kuroha finally emerged from Penguin Sports, flanked by two sleepy-eyed Uma Musume, both yawning wide under the afternoon sun.
(End of Chapter)
Fujimasa March and Inari One each held onto their newly purchased training gear, occasionally pulling out an item to curiously inspect it.
Meanwhile, Kuroha wore a pained expression as he stared down at the receipt in his hand.
Nearly 500,000 yen.
Absolutely ridiculous—equipment for Uma Musume was outrageously expensive.
And this was just mid-tier gear. He couldn't even imagine how absurd the premium-tier equipment must cost.
This single trip to the shopping district had wiped out nearly a tenth of his savings.
"But for the future of my girls... this isn't something I can skimp on."
"Just need to get through these next two weeks. Once Inari One finishes the Tenno Sho in April, everything will be fine!"
Kuroha gave himself a silent pep talk.
Before he'd transmigrated, he thought being a trainer would be fun—relaxing job, hang out with adorable horse girls, live the dream.
Then he actually became one—
And it turned out… he wasn't wrong.
Trainers in this world gave their Uma Musume an enormous amount of autonomy.
Running styles, training plans, schedules, intensities—trainers just gave suggestions. Sometimes they didn't even analyze race strategies. Everything was left to the Uma Musume themselves.
Take Obey Your Master—during the 1988 Japan Cup, she personally gathered all her opponents' intel by herself.
Tamamo Cross? She once overhauled her entire race strategy without even telling her trainer.
Oguri Cap, Tamamo Cross, and countless other top-tier Uma Musume—their trainers barely provided any actual guidance. At most, they gave vague advice.
Kuroha had seen it himself at the Pegasus Special when he took March to watch Oguri Cap. Her victory came from pure stat superiority.
But Kuroha wasn't like those trainers.
In his eyes—
These adorable girls had only a few short years to chase their dreams. Letting them figure everything out alone was nothing short of negligence.
Even Central Uma Musume only spent a few years—often just three in elementary division—before triggering True Blooming.
And once they bloomed, within six months they were thrown into the fire of professional racing.
How to train scientifically, how to boost their performance effectively, how to analyze each opponent, pick the ideal running strategy…
Most of them didn't even understand a fraction of it.
Yet they were expected to shoulder all of it—on top of performing in races. No wonder their energy was constantly drained.
This era's Central stars were frequently plagued by leg injuries or burnout. Most didn't even make it to their Senior Year before being forced into retirement.
There was a saying from Kuroha's past life:
"First-rate racehorses, second-rate jockeys, third-rate trainers."
And having crossed into this world, he'd found it painfully accurate.
Even at Central Tracen Academy—
First-rate Uma Musume. Second-rate strategy. Third-rate trainers.
Kuroha refused to be one of them.
So—
Nutritious meals, detailed training plans, recovery care, race strategy analysis—and now, even selecting and purchasing proper training equipment…
He would personally handle it all.
His girls didn't need to bear burdens they never should've been given. All they had to do was run—freely and joyfully, just like their hearts desired.
At the end of the shopping street, Kuroha took the gear from both March and Inari One and loaded it onto his electric scooter.
He might have G1-tier physical stats, but he was still human. Transportation was a necessity.
"Alright, it's only 4:30. Still plenty of time—we're not wasting it!"
He gave a light knock on Inari One's head as she tried to sneak onto the back seat.
"Ten kilometers of light jogging. Destination—Oi Tracen Academy! Let's go!"
"Yes, Trainer!" Fujimasa March responded instantly.
Inari One groaned and muttered a half-hearted reply before dragging her legs into motion.
With March setting the pace, she followed suit in a slow jog.
Kuroha rode the scooter behind them.
...
Central Tracen Academy, Elementary Division—school was just letting out.
The courtyard and hallways were filled with young Uma Musume joyfully racing about.
"Yay! School's out!"
Tokai Teio let out a cheerful yell.
"Teio, are you going to visit President Rudolf again today?"
A refined Uma Musume with a shoulder bag approached her gracefully.
Her large eyes sparkled under neatly combed lavender hair. Calm and composed, she was the polar opposite of the hyperactive Teio.
"McQueen! I visited Prez at lunch. I wanna train now—wanna come?"
Teio eagerly invited her friend for a jog.
"Train…?" McQueen brushed a hand over her neat bangs.
Mejiro McQueen—the young heiress of the prestigious Mejiro family.
Like Teio, she hadn't undergone True Blooming yet and was currently attending Central Tracen's elementary division.
They weren't in the same class, but they were good friends and often hung out together.
"But the teachers said we shouldn't train too hard before True Blooming—it's easy to get hurt. We're not allowed to train alone."
McQueen, ever the model student, offered a logical objection.
"Don't worry about it, McQueen~"
Teio leaned in close, pouting cutely.
"We'll just do some light jogging. A loop around the school. Then we'll get some honey water after. That's it!"
She grabbed McQueen's hands, shaking them wildly. "Please? Pretty please~~?"
"Just for drinks?" McQueen paused, then nodded. "Alright."
"McQueen's the best!"
Teio pounced in delight, and the two lolis giggled their way to the school gate.
...
After confirming their bags were packed, Teio and McQueen headed out toward their favorite milk tea shop.
Then, just as they turned a corner—
"BAM!"
"Eek!"
"Whoaaa!"
A very excited little horse girl slammed right into the waist of another Uma Musume with brown hair and twin-tails.
Teio bounced off the seasoned veteran's rock-solid body and fell flat on her butt. The one she hit groaned dramatically and clutched her side.
"Are you blind?! Flying down the sidewalk like that in a blind spot?!"
The older twin-tailed girl stormed over, picked up Teio like a misbehaving kitten, and scolded her.
"S-Sorry! We weren't watching—really sorry!" McQueen tugged on her sleeve, apologizing repeatedly.
Even Teio lowered her head in shame, knowing she was at fault.
"Inari, what happened?" came a calm voice nearby.
Inari One puffed out a breath and let go of Teio.
"It's nothing, Trainer. Just a couple of kids bumped into me."
As a Senior Year Uma Musume, Inari One's stats were nearly eight times that of a rookie—let alone a pre-Bloom loli like Teio.
The bump may have stung a bit, but it didn't even qualify as a scratch.
"Everything okay?" Fujimasa March had double-checked her teammate's condition and now approached the two flustered lolis, kneeling down.
"You two…"
Teio and McQueen both braced for a scolding, squeezing their eyes shut—
Only to be met with a warm, gentle smile.
"You're not hurt, are you?"
"Huh? Oh—nope! We're fine!" Teio waved her hands quickly.
Realizing these older girls weren't angry, McQueen gave a polite bow. "We're sorry for the trouble."
Kuroha had seen the entire thing from the scooter.
"These kids… dashing around at thirty kilometers per hour…"
If that twin-tailed missile had hit a regular human instead of Inari One… they might've been sent flying straight into another world.
March continued to soothe the two lolis, while Inari One, now aware of her own overreaction, joined in the conversation, a little awkwardly.
Kids being kids, they quickly moved on and began chatting cheerfully.
Their route even happened to match, so they all walked together for a bit.
"You two are from Central Tracen Academy's elementary division, right?" Kuroha asked, noticing their uniforms.
"Yup! I'm Tokai Teio!" Teio grinned and raised her hand high.
"I'm gonna be the next undefeated Triple Crown winner!"
"I'm Mejiro McQueen. Pleased to meet you, senpai." McQueen bowed gracefully to the three older figures.
Tokai Teio? Mejiro McQueen?
Hearing those names, Kuroha froze for a moment.
(End of Chapter)