Chapter 302: Preparing to Go to Dubai
Soft Melody was clearly the friendly, easygoing type. Almond Eye was naturally warm and cheerful, while Lucky Lilac was gentle and graceful, elegance showing in every gesture.
With such compatible personalities, the three quickly grew close. As they waited for the dirt-track mock race to begin, they exchanged their understanding of this type of surface.
"I've heard from some senpai I know that dirt tracks are quite complex. The humidity and how muddy the surface is can greatly affect both speed and stability," Soft Melody said thoughtfully, her brows slightly furrowed and her tone serious. "At the start, explosive power is important, but controlling your rhythm is even more critical. Don't go all out right away, or you might get bogged down and exhaust your stamina quickly."
Almond Eye nodded repeatedly and added, "Exactly! And on the turns, you need to lower your center of gravity as much as possible."
"At the same time, use centrifugal force to adjust your stride cleverly—that's how you maintain balance and get through smoothly."
"Lucky Lilac, make sure you remember these points."
Lucky Lilac listened intently, her eyes shining with curiosity as she committed every piece of advice to memory. From time to time, she asked her own questions, engaging in lively discussion with them.
When Tokai Teio's voice sounded over the broadcast, announcing Lucky Lilac's exam number, she took a deep breath. Under the encouraging and trusting gazes of Almond Eye and Soft Melody, she stepped forward with determination toward the dirt track.
Meanwhile, Makoto returned to the trainers' office.
The office was empty—most of the other trainers were still at the mock race venue.
For the Umamusume, this exam was a crucial step toward their dreams.
For the trainers, it was also a test of great significance.
An excellent trainer must not only possess refined training skills but also keen insight—an ability to identify those Umamusume with exceptional talent.
After all, while ability can be honed through training, talent plays a decisive role in any competition.
If a trainer can sign a contract with a highly talented Umamusume, it not only lays a solid foundation for achieving strong results, but also greatly enhances the trainer's own experience and reputation.
However, Makoto understood clearly that he neither needed nor was capable of guiding more Umamusume in the time ahead.
He had already decided that his next contract would be with Almond Eye. In his view, rather than searching everywhere for more trainees, it would be far better to devote all his energy to Kitasan Black and Almond Eye.
After all, meals are eaten one bite at a time, and roads are walked step by step—the same applies to being a trainer.
He lacked experience in managing multiple Umamusume at once. Even if he could identify others with great potential, signing too many at once would likely lead to spreading himself too thin.
That would not only prevent him from fully developing their abilities, but could also hinder their futures, while leaving him without meaningful progress.
Almond Eye, as one of the most outstanding talents of the next generation, was already a rare gem waiting to be polished.
One must not be too greedy—only by focusing on the present and carefully refining the gem in front of you can you truly move toward success.
With that in mind, Makoto sat at his desk, organizing Almond Eye's mock race performance along with her other test results.
His gaze was focused and serious as his pen moved across the paper, recording key details and his own analysis.
Every piece of data, every detail, felt like a key to unlocking Almond Eye's potential. He examined them carefully, hoping to chart the brightest possible path for her future.
Immersed in this work, time slipped by unnoticed. Before he realized it, night had already fallen.
Outside the office, the world that had been bustling with the excitement of the exams had quietly returned to calm.
A soft knock sounded at the door. Kitasan Black gently pushed it open and stepped inside.
Seeing Makoto still seated at his desk, surrounded by piles of documents, a trace of concern appeared in her eyes.
"Trainer, you're still working?"
She walked over and said softly, "You should take care of yourself too—don't overwork yourself."
Makoto raised his head, rubbed his sore eyes, and gave Kitasan Black a tired smile.
"Yeah… before I knew it, I ended up working this late… but I'm pretty much done now. Wait, it's already this late?"
He casually glanced at the time on his phone and looked surprised.
"Of course. Didn't you notice how quiet it is outside?" Kitasan Black said with a light laugh. Then she walked over to him and continued,
"Oh right, Trainer—I've already spoken to Almond Eye's parents."
"I told them you were busy reviewing her exam results. They understood and went back first, so you should find some time to contact them."
"And also, it's time for dinner. You must be hungry too, right?"
Makoto nodded. "Got it, thanks, Kita. I appreciate you taking care of that."
After saying that, he stood up, stretched his stiff body, and left the office with Kitasan Black, heading toward the cafeteria.
Along the way, the dim streetlights stretched their shadows long across the ground. The two chatted casually about the day's exams, with the conversation naturally centering on Almond Eye.
After briefly talking about the analysis he had compiled, Makoto couldn't help but ask about her whereabouts:
"By the way… where did Almond Eye go?"
Kitasan Black smiled warmly. "Ai-chan made some new friends and went out with them."
"She did incredibly well today—way better than I did when I first enrolled last year."
"A lot of people were talking about her at the track, and some trainers were even asking about her. I heard quite a few are thinking of signing her."
Makoto nodded unconsciously.
That was all within his expectations. If there was anything noteworthy, it was that other trainers were trying to sign Almond Eye.
But it wasn't really something to worry about. After all, thanks to their earlier encounter during that event, he and Kitasan Black had already reached an understanding with Almond Eye.
More importantly, with his experience training Kitasan Black, he was far more confident than the others in guiding and developing Almond Eye's talent.
As he thought about this, his mind drifted to their upcoming trip to Dubai next month.
"Oh right, Kita."
Makoto took out his phone. "While organizing Almond Eye's exam results, I also confirmed things with President Teio and the Dubai side."
"She said she had already sent over our information, and we'd probably get a reply within a couple of days…"
At that moment, he suddenly paused, surprise appearing in his eyes.
Kitasan Black, who had been listening, blinked in confusion. "What's wrong, Trainer? Did something happen?"
"Not exactly…"
After tapping on his phone, Makoto turned the screen toward her.
"We already got a reply from Dubai… and not only that, they've even prepared the flight tickets, hotel, and reception team."