Chapter 16
For his uniquely independent and extremely "mature" son, Yasui Makoto's parents in this life had always been patient and understanding, never interfering too much.
Over time, he gradually accepted this kind of familial affection that he had never experienced in his previous life. He also became more willing to listen to others and even opened up his heart a little to his parents.
During this period of getting to know Kitasan Black, her lively and energetic personality had deeply touched him. Unconsciously, he also began to experience what people called "youth."
Because of this, he was willing to talk more with his horse girl and listen to her thoughts.
"An answer… Ah! Oh no!"
After a moment of confusion, Kitasan Black scratched her cheek in embarrassment.
"After I talked with Diamond-chan that day, I planned to tell you the next morning, but I got so distracted by the stone that I completely forgot…"
Then she took a deep breath and looked at Yasui Makoto seriously.
"I've made up my mind, Trainer.
"I want to challenge the Classic Triple Crown."
Yasui Makoto didn't mind his somewhat scatterbrained horse girl's small oversight.
He also wasn't surprised by the answer "Classic Triple Crown."
The Tenno Sho (Spring), Tenno Sho (Autumn), Takarazuka Kinen, and Arima Memorial were all top-tier G1 races, but even among G1s, the Classic Triple Crown was exceptionally special.
If asked to name the most special races, every horse girl would unhesitatingly say the Classic Triple Crown.
Having only one chance in a lifetime was enough to infinitely elevate its significance.
In nearly a hundred years, among tens of thousands of horse girls, only seven had ever won the full Triple Crown. Those who won two of the three numbered only in the double digits.
Tokai Teio was one of the two-crown winners — and an undefeated two-crown winner at that.
Since her idol was such a horse girl, Kitasan Black's ambition was easy to guess.
"The Classic Triple Crown, huh… I understand."
Yasui Makoto nodded and began scrolling on his tablet.
"Then I'll first register you for the 'Spring Stakes,' and prepare your debut race around that."
"Okay! No problem… Wait!"
Kitasan Black nodded instinctively, then suddenly froze.
"…You're registering me now, Trainer?"
"What else would I do?"
Yasui Makoto paused on the race application screen and looked at her.
"It's January now, so a January debut race.
"In February, depending on the situation, we'll enter a conditions race to accumulate the necessary fans.
"In March, there are three major prep races for the Satsuki Sho: the Yayoi Sho, Spring Stakes, and Wakaba Stakes.
"In April is the Satsuki Sho itself. If we don't register now, do you want to waste money on a late entry later?"
The "late entry system" was a relatively new addition to the Sparkle Series in recent generations.
In the past, if you missed the registration deadline for certain races, you simply missed them — there was no second chance.
This had long been criticized, but the URA Association had ignored it for years.
It was only after the "Eternal Three Strong Generation" shook the industry that proposals were drafted and the system was perfected over the following years.
One of the central figures of that upheaval was Oguri Cap, the legendary horse girl who had delivered takeout to Yasui Makoto and Kitasan Black.
Because she came from a local circuit, Oguri Cap and her trainer had never initially planned to challenge the Classic Triple Crown.
Later, in a local race, the previous student council president Symboli Rudolf noticed her talent and invited her to Central for higher-level competition.
However, without a late entry system at the time, Oguri Cap never participated in the Classic Triple Crown.
If she had performed averagely in Central, it might have been fine. But she repeatedly defeated the champions of the Satsuki Sho and Kikuka Sho, proving her strength beyond doubt.
This caused great regret and dissatisfaction among fans and the industry, which finally led the URA to introduce the late entry system.
This system later prevented many more regrets. For example, the horse known as the "Tyrant," Good Opera, also entered via late registration after missing the deadline.
From what he remembered, the Kitasan Black of the parallel world had also entered the Satsuki Sho via late registration because she lacked popularity at debut.
Although late entries were possible, the fee was not cheap — a full 2 million yen. This world was the same.
Yasui Makoto wasn't short on money.
Since moving to Tokyo alone, besides the living expenses his family provided, he had earned quite a bit through part-time jobs since his first year of high school. All the training equipment he had bought for Kitasan Black so far had come from his own pocket.
But since he was confident he could help this horse girl achieve excellent results in the Classic Triple Crown, there was no need to waste money on late entry fees.
"I see… Sorry, Trainer."
After hearing Yasui Makoto's plan and question, Kitasan Black looked remorseful.
"I didn't know much about these things. I should have learned about them together with you…"
"It's not your fault. You've only just enrolled, and many topics haven't been covered yet."
Yasui Makoto shook his head.
"Besides, this is the trainer's job. I'll explain it to you slowly later, and you'll also learn it in class."
After adding that, Yasui Makoto continued operating the registration interface.
"So, debut race in January, a conditions race in February, prep races in March, and the Satsuki Sho in April.
"If there's no problem with this schedule, I'll submit the applications in this order?"
"Okay, I'll follow whatever Trainer decides."
Kitasan Black nodded obediently, then curiously leaned closer.
Watching Yasui Makoto fill in various information on the application form, she looked for a while, blinked, and asked in confusion:
"By the way, Trainer, if we're registering for a prep race for the Satsuki Sho, why not the Yayoi Sho or Wakaba Stakes?
"I actually…"
She bit her lip, looking a little expectant.
"I actually thought about whether I might get to race against Crown-chan in the Yayoi Sho."
"Satono Crown?"
Yasui Makoto looked up slightly surprised, then thought for a moment.
"You two didn't make some kind of rivalry pact or anything, did you?"
"No, not really…"
Kitasan Black scratched her head, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Although it sounds a little discouraging… Crown-chan really is much better than me.
"She comes from a big family, there are many people from her family working in the association and academy, and she even has active seniors.
"She's well-mannered, has excellent grades, and is always among the top students in our class.
"She also debuted last year and has already won two races in a row.
"If I really raced against Crown-chan, I'd feel… quite a lot of pressure.
"But!
"If I back down just because of pressure, how can I say I want to become a horse girl like Emperor-senpai!"
The previous embarrassment vanished as the black-haired girl spoke with unprecedented seriousness:
"Compared to the pressure Emperor-senpai faced, mine is nothing.
"If even those hardships couldn't defeat senpai, how could I give up before I've even started?
"So don't worry, Trainer. No matter who I face, I will fight with everything I have until the very end!"
…Unexpected. Usually she looks so carefree, but she can show this side too.
"Good."
With a gratified smile, Yasui Makoto said solemnly:
"As your trainer, I will stay with you until the end."
"Mm!"
Kitasan Black smiled excitedly and nodded vigorously.
---
Bonus chapters
200 Stones - 1 chapter
400 Stones - 2 chapter
600 Stones - 3 chapters
And so on