Ten days had passed since Kuroha's visit to Central Tracen Academy.
After a few days of rest, his Uma Musume had once again thrown themselves into intense training.
The moment they learned he had officially signed with Central and become a registered trainer, their motivation and fighting spirit burned even hotter.
Just a few days ago, Kuroha received the official interview list and final notice from the Central URA website.
In other words, all that remained was for him to show up at Central Tracen, go through the formalities, and he would be officially installed as a Central trainer.
What's more, the recent announcement that Central Uma Musume could freely participate in local graded races meant he had nothing to worry about—there would be no awkward months of inactivity after transferring.
Everything was ready.
And today, after arranging his team's training schedule, Kuroha once again headed for Central Tracen Academy.
At the school gates, a familiar green figure was already waiting quietly.
Dressed in a neatly tailored green suit, her face bore a professional, gentle smile.
It was none other than the "Green Devil" herself—Hayakawa Tazuna.
"You must be Trainer Kuroha. Welcome," she said with a polite bow, her voice soft and courteous.
"I'm the director's secretary here at Central Tracen. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Kuroha returned the greeting.
"I'm Kuroha. Please take care of me, Miss Tazuna."
Instinctively, he activated Body and Breath Perception.
He glanced at her status—and the truth of those fan theories about her being a "phantom hall-of-fame Uma Musume" became clear.
Her stats were nearly identical to Inari One's current numbers.
All attributes hovering around 1100.
In this world, aside from himself, there were only Uma Musume with such figures.
But Tazuna had retired right after the Japanese Derby—before even completing half of her Classic Year.
Her inflated numbers were likely the result of her automatic growth still continuing after retirement.
The blessings of the Three Goddesses hadn't fully faded, and her True Blooming period wasn't yet over.
Even accounting for the 10% decline debuff that came with post-peak aging, she still carried the stats of one of the eternal "Top Three."
Kuroha even remembered stories of this "phantom Uma Musume" being compared to Pure Crown and the lightning-fast Daishoten Express…
"Trainer Kuroha?"
Tazuna's gentle reminder pulled him from his thoughts.
"Ah—sorry. Please, lead the way."
Following her, he reentered Central Tracen.
Though he had toured once before with Ginjirou Musaka, Tazuna's explanations were much more detailed.
She carefully introduced each facility, explained application procedures, and gave him a complete overview.
"Since classes are in session, we'll skip the teaching building today," Tazuna said softly.
"Of course," Kuroha nodded.
"That about covers the general layout of Central Tracen," she concluded.
"Next, let's head to the director's office. Director Akikawa is waiting to complete your entry procedures."
Guided through the sprawling campus, they arrived at the imposing administration building—the true heart of Central's power.
At the office door, Tazuna knocked politely.
"Please, come in!"
A clear, youthful voice answered.
The heavy door opened to reveal a grandly decorated room—luxurious, classical, and just as Kuroha expected.
But the figure seated behind the enormous desk was not some stern elder.
It was… a little girl.
Or more accurately—a "big-loli" would be the better term.
Her appearance was older than Tokai Teio, yet younger than Mejiro Ardan or Sakura Chiyono O.
Striking orange-highlighted hair, sapphire-blue eyes, a refined dress, and white socks covering slim legs—altogether she looked far too adorable to match the title of "Director."
Yet Kuroha knew well: this was Central Tracen Academy's director—Akikawa Yayoi.
"Welcome!"
As soon as he entered, the small director hopped off her chair, hands on her hips, speaking with a vigor that contrasted her appearance.
"I am Director Akikawa Yayoi! And you must be the trainer recommended by Rudolf, yes?"
Kuroha bowed slightly.
"Yes, Director. I'm Kuroha."
"Good!" She nodded with satisfaction, snapping open her folding fan with a swish. Her sapphire eyes gleamed with curiosity.
"Just as Rudolf said—quite the fine figure!"
"The paperwork's already been signed with her, so I won't meddle."
"What matters is this—" She flicked open her fan, showing the bold letters DIRECTOR.
"I'm counting on you! I hope you'll shine here at Central, bringing even greater glory to our Uma Musume!"
Kuroha answered calmly.
"Thank you for your trust, Director. I'll give my all."
"Mm, mm!" Yayoi nodded eagerly, smiling brightly.
"Don't worry, Trainer Kuroha! I'll give my all too—both for our students and for our trainers!"
"If there's ever something you don't understand after joining, come to me directly."
"Please, rely on me as much as you like!"
"Meow!"
As if echoing her words, a black-and-white cat suddenly leapt onto her head, pawing playfully at her hat.
The cheerful scene made Kuroha chuckle despite himself.
"Understood, Director. I'll remember."
—
Once outside, Tazuna took him through the actual entry procedures, then showed him his assigned dormitory, trainer's office, and related facilities.
"By the way, Miss Tazuna," Kuroha asked as they walked,
"besides me, how many others passed the Central trainer exam this year?"
After all, he'd be staying at Central for a long time. Knowing the circle of colleagues was inevitable.
"Eh?" Tazuna blinked, then thought for a moment.
"Normally, each year has about one to five new trainers. But this year is… a little different."
"Different?"
"Yes. On President Rudolf's proposal, stricter measures were put in place. Too many Central trainers lately have been… lacking. For the future of the Uma Musume, the exams must be tougher. And even current trainers will have to undergo regular professional re-examinations."
She tilted her head slightly, recalling the details.
"The proposal was submitted before summer vacation. The final ruling isn't out yet, but the outcome is almost certain."
Kuroha's brows lifted.
"So this year's new hires will be…"
Tazuna smiled gently.
"Most likely, you'll be the only one."
"…All because of Rudolf, huh."
So this was another of the president's privileges.
Submitted back before summer—right after his first move from Local to Tokyo.
As expected of the "Emperor." Swift, decisive, relentless.
(End of Chapter)
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