Chapter 291: Exam Day
After spending the night at the Gold Family household, Makoto and Kitasan Black enjoyed another hearty breakfast carefully prepared by Imanami Takatoshi.
At the table, the Umamusume chatted and laughed, reminiscing about the fun from the previous night. Lucky Lilac, too, had completely shaken off her earlier nervousness and worry—her face now filled with a relaxed smile as she occasionally exchanged a few words with Kitasan Black.
After breakfast, Imanami Takatoshi personally led everyone to see Makoto and Kitasan Black off at the door. Makoto gave a slight bow and said with sincere gratitude:
"Imanami-senpai, thank you so much for your warm hospitality during our visit. We've gained a great deal."
Kitasan Black also bowed respectfully beside him.
"Yes, Grandpa Imanami, and all the senpai—being with everyone, I learned so much, and I truly had a great time!"
Imanami Takatoshi smiled kindly and waved his hand.
"Not at all. I'm just happy you came. You're always welcome here—Kita, keep doing your best on the racetrack."
Orfevre stepped forward and patted Kitasan Black on the shoulder.
"Kita, make sure you keep training hard after you go back. I'm looking forward to your performance on the track."
Gold Ship casually threw an arm around Kitasan Black and laughed.
"Kita, don't forget our deal! When you win a race, you've got to treat me to something good!"
The other Umamusume also offered their well-wishes, saying their goodbyes to Kitasan Black and Makoto.
After parting with Imanami Takatoshi and the others, Makoto and Kitasan Black returned to their training schedule with Almond Eye, which was the top priority during this period.
Based on what he had learned from Imanami Takatoshi, along with a deeper analysis of Almond Eye's characteristics, Makoto created a more detailed and targeted training plan for her.
Every morning, before the first rays of sunlight fully illuminated the training grounds, Almond Eye would begin her morning run under Makoto's guidance. Kitasan Black also joined, sharing her own training experience and techniques.
During breaks, the two of them also took time to gather information about other examinees.
They asked around, collecting all kinds of details—from training results to each competitor's strengths—recording everything carefully.
While doing this kind of analysis, Makoto sometimes felt that preparing for just a practice race with the same intensity as preparing for the Arima Kinen might be a bit excessive.
Especially considering Almond Eye's ability—even if she skipped the practice race entirely, her scores in the remaining events would still be enough for admission.
But thinking it over, once Almond Eye officially debuted, she would prepare just as thoroughly anyway. Getting used to it early wouldn't be a bad thing.
Moreover, given Almond Eye's personality, if she performed poorly in any part, she would definitely feel down for a while—and then he and Kitasan Black would have to find a way to cheer her up.
With only about a week until the exam, time flew by amid the busy training and preparation. Before long, the day of the exam arrived.
The exam was held at Tracen Academy. Not only the examinees and their families, but also the association and the board of directors took it very seriously.
At their request, student council members such as Tokai Teio had, two days in advance, led teachers and students in preparing the venue.
They carefully inspected every part of the track facilities to ensure safety and usability; thoughtfully arranged the surrounding environment with colorful banners filled with encouraging messages; and placed signs throughout the campus to help examinees and their families find their way.
As a result, on the day of the exam, the entire academy—while not as overwhelming as a G1 race with hundreds of thousands of spectators—was still incredibly crowded.
At the school gate, carriages and cars arrived in an orderly line, bringing young Umamusume full of dreams, along with parents filled with hope.
Inside the campus, the flow of people was constant. The examinees, dressed neatly in training outfits, had eyes full of both nervousness and anticipation, while their parents stood beside them, offering quiet reminders and words of encouragement, their gazes filled with care and support.
The different exam events were held in separate areas across the school. Although parents were allowed to enter the campus, they were not permitted to approach the testing zones.
Under the guidance of Umamusume volunteers wearing armbands, they could only wait anxiously yet patiently in designated waiting areas.
The waiting areas were neatly arranged with long benches, along with water stations and information desks to help parents feel a bit more comfortable during the long wait.
Among the crowd stood Almond Eye's parents. Her mother gently held her hand, reluctant to let go as she softly urged:
"Sweetheart, don't be nervous during the exam. Just do your best, we'll be waiting for you outside."
Her father nodded firmly beside her, his gaze filled with steady encouragement.
As a trainer, Makoto was not restricted in the same way, and Kitasan Black had already signed up as an exam volunteer.
After finding Almond Eye and her family in the crowd and reassuring her earnest, repeatedly thankful parents, the two of them led Almond Eye toward the examination area.
Even though the parents were left behind, there were still many examinees, accompanying senpai, and trainers moving through the area.
The crowd surged along the way. Makoto stayed close to Almond Eye, making sure she wouldn't get separated in the press of people.
Kitasan Black walked ahead, clearing a path for them.
At the entrance to the exam zone, strict security checks were in place. Every examinee had to be carefully inspected to ensure no prohibited items were brought in.
Makoto carefully straightened Almond Eye's training outfit and reminded her:
"Almond Eye, remember what we practiced. Stay relaxed, you'll definitely be able to perform at your best."
Kitasan Black stepped forward and gave Almond Eye a warm hug, smiling as she said:
"Ai-chan, do your best! We all believe in you. After the exam, I'll treat you to something delicious."
Almond Eye took a deep breath and nodded firmly, determination shining in her eyes.
"Mm, I'll do my best! Thank you, Yasui-san. Thank you, Kita-senpai."
Then, with confident steps, she walked into the examination area.
Makoto and Kitasan Black stood at the entrance, watching her figure gradually disappear into the distance, their hearts filled with concern and anticipation.
At that moment, an announcement rang out over the campus, signaling that the exam was about to begin.
Makoto and Kitasan Black exchanged a glance, then moved to carry out their respective roles.
Kitasan Black headed to her assigned volunteer post, preparing to assist and guide the examinees.
Makoto made his way toward the exam field where Almond Eye was assigned, intending to observe her performance closely so he could provide more precise guidance afterward.
Meanwhile, in the waiting area, Almond Eye's parents—along with the other parents—waited with uneasy hearts, silently praying for their children and hoping they would achieve excellent results in this important exam.
As Almond Eye moved forward through the bustling crowd, she looked at the lively scene around her, her fists clenched tightly, her palms slightly damp with sweat.
She had originally felt fully prepared, confident that today's exam would go smoothly.
But now, seeing so many examinees—many of them wearing expressions of confidence—that uncontrollable sense of nervousness began to rise within her like a tide.