Through a strange mutual consensus—one in which both sides understood each other perfectly while also completely misunderstanding each other—the subsequent talks over Easy Goer's transfer, and even the outlines of future cooperation, went far more smoothly than anyone had expected.
Sakuraba had originally prepared a number of favorable terms and cooperation frameworks, hoping to use clauses that looked generous on the surface but would likely increase operating costs in practice to draw the other side in and pave the way for future international money-losing. Yet before he could truly show his hand, Secretariat was already smiling and nodding, accepting almost everything wholesale. In some areas, she even showed an unusual degree of generosity and trust.
"As for custom training equipment for Miss Easy Goer? No problem. Nishikino can provide top-of-the-line custom models, and we'll cover the cost."
Sakuraba tentatively threw out one money-burning item.
"Thank you very much. That is exactly what we were hoping for."
Secretariat's smile did not change as she accepted readily, as if such expensive custom equipment were only a matter of course.
"Considering the adjustment period that comes with transferring overseas, perhaps we could establish a special fund for cultural and daily-life support. As for the amount..."
Sakuraba continued raising the stakes.
"A very thoughtful consideration. The specific amount can be set however you feel is appropriate, Mr. Sakuraba."
Secretariat did not even ask for a number. She simply nodded with elegant composure.
"If, in the future, there is interest in launching a short-term exchange student program between America and Nishikino, the initial investment may be rather large..."
Sakuraba began sketching out an even more distant blueprint.
"That is a very constructive proposal. American Academy would be willing to actively cooperate and promote it together."
Secretariat's response was so positive that even Sakuraba started to feel guilty.
The negotiations proceeded so smoothly that Sakuraba could not stop muttering to himself. Looking at Secretariat across from him, who maintained that proper smile from beginning to end, her gaze clear yet seemingly bottomless, he wondered for a moment whether he had accidentally awakened some kind of hypnosis skill.
I really don't have a hypnosis app?!
Why is she going along with everything I say?
What exactly is this American GOAT, this student council president... thinking?
Why does it feel like she's even more eager than I am to send her sister and more resources over here, like she's afraid I won't spend enough money?
Sakuraba tried to read something from Secretariat's beautiful, flawless smile, but apart from sincerity and goodwill, he could see nothing.
"Then, shall we consider the preliminary intent settled?" Sakuraba confirmed at last, still feeling a little uneasy.
"Of course. The details can be followed up on by specialists later."
"I believe this will be a perfect beginning, both for Easy and for broader cooperation between our sides in the future."
Secretariat stood and took the initiative to extend her hand, her tone firm and full of expectation.
Sakuraba took it. Her palm was warm and dry, but he still felt as if some undercurrent he could not quite understand was surging beneath her calm exterior.
The cooperation had been reached, unbelievably smoothly at that, but why did he feel... a chill down his back instead?
"Here's to a pleasant cooperation, Miss Secretariat."
Sakuraba forced out a smile.
"Here's to a pleasant cooperation, Mr. Sakuraba."
Secretariat's smile remained brilliant, but the light in her eyes grew even deeper.
"I'm very much looking forward to seeing... what astonishing performance Nishikino Academy will bring to the international stage."
To Sakuraba, that line somehow sounded like she was raising a flag.
As for what kind of flag, he had no idea...
He shook his head and decided not to dig too deeply into it for now.
In any case, his grand scheme to lose money internationally had taken a solid first step. As for what this unfathomable student council president was plotting...
He would deal with it when the time came.
...
Once the cooperation matters were settled, Secretariat was just about to take her leave politely when Easy Goer lightly tugged at her sister's sleeve, then walked up to Sakuraba alone.
She lifted her head slightly. Her gaze was clear and serious, no longer as shy as before, replaced instead by a persistence that wanted an answer.
"Mr. Sakuraba, you... know that I once lost to Sunday Silence on the track, don't you?"
Easy Goer's voice was very soft, yet it reached Sakuraba's ears clearly.
Sakuraba nodded, his expression calm. "I know."
Easy Goer took a deep breath, as if making up her mind, then continued.
"Then, from what I can see, you are someone very close to Sunday Silence. So I feel you may have an answer..."
"What do you think the difference between me and her really is? I mean... aside from things like talent and condition. Something deeper. Something decisive."
The question was somewhat beyond Sakuraba's expectations.
He froze for a moment, then instinctively turned to look at Secretariat, inquiry in his eyes.
Was it really appropriate to discuss something that might involve an inner comparison right in front of her older sister?
Secretariat merely gave an elegant shrug, a hint of encouragement and permission flashing through her amber eyes.
Her gaze clearly conveyed the message.
Answer her. This is her own question.
I don't mind.
Receiving her tacit approval, Sakuraba withdrew his gaze and looked once more at the young Umamusume before him, the one who longed to become stronger.
He thought for a moment. Instead of answering with flowery words or vague encouragement, he chose an almost blunt honesty.
"If I had to say..." Sakuraba's tone was very calm, as if he were stating a simple fact. "It's probably that Sunny... wants to win more."
Easy Goer froze slightly.
Sakuraba continued. His gaze seemed to pass through the girl before him and see that black figure on the racetrack, drenched in sweat, eyes burning with some kind of flame.
"She wants to win, but not only for victory itself."
"She wants to repay the people who believed in her and gave her a new environment. That may include me as well."
"But I think, deeper down... part of it is probably also a kind of 'revenge' against those harsh, perhaps not entirely pleasant days she experienced in America."
"To use victory, to use undeniable strength, to prove herself. To answer the past."
He paused, then brought his gaze back to Easy Goer. His eyes became especially sharp, as if he were looking straight into her heart.
"Those complicated, heavy, even somewhat obsessive thoughts have become the nearly burning will she carries when she runs."
"She runs with all of that on her back. That is why she wants to cross the finish line more than anyone else, and why she is less able to accept defeat than anyone else."
Sakuraba leaned forward slightly. His voice was not loud, but every word was clear, carrying the force of an interrogation.
"So, Miss Easy Goer, answer yourself honestly—"
"Do you truly want to win more than Sunday Silence?"
"Deep in your heart, is your desire for victory strong enough to overpower everything else, including possible failure and even the pressure your opponent brings?"
"If the answer is not an unwavering 'yes,' then..."
Sakuraba straightened again. His tone returned to normal, but the weight of his words did not lessen in the slightest.
"A half-hearted resolve won't be enough to beat her."
Easy Goer stood in place, as if Sakuraba's words had pinned her there.
She did not answer right away. Only in those eyes of hers, which had always seemed gentle and even a little evasive, there burned for the first time a fierce, struggling light, one that seemed to be desperately searching for an answer.
Beside them, Secretariat quietly watched without saying anything.
She knew this was a question her sister had to face and answer for herself.
And Sakuraba's merciless words, cutting straight to the heart of the matter, might be exactly what Easy Goer needed to hear right now.
---
T/N: hello i am back from japan, and i am sick heres some chapters i remembered you guys exist
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