After explaining the broad outlines of his plans, Yasui Makoto refrained from giving a detailed breakdown of his training arrangements.
It wasn't that he intended to hide anything.
In accordance with the academy's procedures, overall training schedules—just like teachers' lesson plans—had been submitted well in advance. More specific adjustments depended on the Uma Musume's daily condition, making these finer points more of a post-training summary than pre-planned instructions.
Since these details would eventually be recorded and filed anyway, there was no immediate need to explain further.
Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen understood this perfectly, and the conversation quickly shifted back to the drone.
Befitting her role as council president, Tokai Teio had already figured out solutions to the problems Yasui raised earlier.
"To put it simply, the issues you mentioned earlier boil down to technical and practical applications."
As she spoke, the president sat at her desk, pulling out several forms and swiftly beginning to fill them out.
"I'm not exactly a tech expert, but it sounds like there are both hardware and software issues."
"For hardware issues, I'll submit an application to the university department. After approval, you can consult Department Head Shining Nova."
"Additionally, Vodka studied mechanical engineering abroad, so she might have some insight. You can talk with her privately; I'll mention this in my request too. If she's interested, she can head directly to the research department."
"For software issues, it would be best to talk with Department Head Air Shakur. I just remembered—during a previous fireworks festival, Shakur-san, who was an executive committee member, proposed using drones. Although her proposal wasn't ultimately approved, she undoubtedly has a deep understanding of drone software, and she might even have ideas for the hardware side."
"I'll submit these application forms as well, so once approved, you can approach them directly."
While briskly outlining her solutions, the student council president efficiently filled out several forms. Afterward, she handed them to Mejiro McQueen. Once her friend took them with a nod and moved to a separate desk to handle her part of the paperwork, Teio took out a fresh set of documents.
"As for practical applications, we already have established precedents. Since it's considered training equipment, ensuring it's only used at designated training grounds should be sufficient. I'll clearly define the permitted areas on these forms, so there shouldn't be any problems."
"These forms come in six copies. One copy will go to the URA Association, one to the Principal, and one stays here with me. The remaining three will be distributed to the administrators of Ritto and Miho training areas."
"Although the official handover hasn't happened yet, Hishi Amazon will be transferring soon, leaving Vodka in charge of Ritto. She and Daiwa Scarlet will explain everything to the students. Given their popularity and influence, I doubt there'll be any issues."
"The final copy is for you—keep it handy in case anyone has questions. I'll also post an announcement."
"You've truly been a great help, President Teio. Really…" Yasui began, sincerely impressed by her competence.
"You've made things so much easier for me. Although I've never personally seen President Rudolf at work, I'm sure your capabilities aren't any less impressive."
At that compliment, Tokai Teio's ears twitched in excitement.
"Right?! Right?! I've become just as capable as President Rudolf! Hehe, Yasui-san really understands me—"
Just as the delighted Uma Musume started flashing a childish, triumphant grin, an audible cough from Mejiro McQueen snapped her back to seriousness. Flustered, she quickly rubbed her cheeks, regaining her composure.
"Ahem! My apologies, let me finish these forms first. Yasui-san, please wait a moment longer. After McQueen completes the application process, she'll give you the two department heads' contact information. Once the request is approved, they'll get in touch with you."
Secretly marveling again, Yasui quietly turned away to pack up the drone.
The two Uma Musume Teio had mentioned were both familiar names.
Shining Nova was head of the Manufacturing and Engineering Research Department at the academy's university division, widely renowned in her field as a "technical genius."
Interestingly, she hailed from Kasamatsu in Nagoya, just like Oguri Cap. Both had studied at Kasamatsu Tracen Academy and debuted around the same time.
Unlike Oguri Cap, Shining Nova's racing talent wasn't exceptional. However, thanks to her outstanding technical skills and relentless hard work, she successfully transferred to Central along with Oguri. Later, she significantly contributed to Oguri Cap's training equipment and even her racing strategies.
Air Shakur was also celebrated as a technical genius, yet she possessed exceptional racing talent as well. Besides leading the Department of Computer Science and Technology, she was a two-time classic winner, having claimed victories in both the Satsuki Sho and Kikuka Sho. She was also named the best classic-era Uma Musume of her generation.
With assistance from these two respected figures, Yasui felt certain the drone issues would be easily resolved. He was confident that both would take great interest in his drone, particularly since its inventor was none other than one of the field's pioneers, Vijay Kumar—a distinguished scholar who currently served as dean of the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science, and an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering.
It wasn't exactly an accident that Yasui had connections with someone of Kumar's standing.
Extreme stunt performances always incorporated advanced technology, with drones being essential to capturing incredible footage. Additionally, combining innovative ideas and cutting-edge technology with the current timeline and posting about them online tended to quickly draw interest from industry leaders.
Even before coming to Tokyo, Yasui had left posts on specialized forums and official websites, quietly establishing connections with various prominent figures.
Those experts never knew that the person discussing "cutting-edge technology" with them was merely a teenager—not someone intent on pursuing a career in technology, but rather a young man laying the groundwork for his training career.
After all, from Yasui's perspective, humans had limits. He intended simply to become the best trainer he could be; beyond that, things would follow naturally.
Once the two student council presidents had efficiently handled all paperwork, Yasui thanked them warmly and returned to the common trainer's office, where he systematically completed his routine tasks.
By evening, as usual, he began Kitasan Black's training session.
Just after finishing her warm-up, the black-haired girl bounced excitedly toward him, grinning mischievously as she pulled a small notebook from her pocket and eagerly thrust it forward like it was treasure.
"Trainer, look at this!"
If Yasui hadn't seen Kitasan hiding in the bushes earlier at the student council office, he would have had difficulty guessing what exactly she was holding.
But now it was easy to assume—this was likely the intel she'd secretly gathered on her rivals.
In truth, Yasui didn't really need any additional investigations. Thanks to his foreknowledge, he'd long since collected more than enough information.
Still, faced with the girl's sparkling eyes, secretive yet hopeful expression, fluttering ears, and wagging tail, Yasui gently took the notebook, pretending to have no idea what it contained.
With a curious tone, he asked, "Hmm? What's this?"