Chapter 26

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)

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