After leaving Central Tracen Academy, Kuroha returned straight to his rented training grounds.
There, Inari One and Fujimasa March were still working hard, their training in full swing.
By now, they were already mature Uma Musume. When it came to training, even without supervision, they could carry out his plans with diligence.
Watching his girls sweating and pushing themselves, Kuroha paused in satisfaction, then sat down on a chair, lost in thought.
"Since I've already entered Central, the first thing I need to plan is the roster."
He thought carefully.
According to his earlier plan—Inari One and Fujimasa March were naturally his aces.
Next were the two little ones: Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen. Their transfers had already been approved, with both Rudolf and the Mejiro family's blessing.
Then there was Obey Your Master. After the Japan Cup, he would definitely contact her trainer to discuss transferring her over.
The troublesome ones were the last two: Sakura Chiyono O and Mejiro Ardan.
Chiyono O, as a Derby winner, was heavily prioritized by her trainer. Even if she wished to join his team, the process would be anything but simple.
And then—Ardan.
Just thinking about her gave Kuroha a headache.
Getting her to transfer was technically easy.
But there was one unavoidable obstacle—her mother.
"…Looks like when Ardan arrives later, I'll have to bring it up. I need to find a chance to meet her mother face-to-face."
Kuroha wasn't one to procrastinate. After some short consideration, he made up his mind.
By 4:30 that afternoon, the Mejiro family's car had arrived, carrying Chiyono O, Ardan, and the two little ones.
The schedule for his girls was now routine.
As his formal ace runners, Fujimasa March and Inari One usually trained alongside him after their midday nap.
Chiyono O and Ardan, however, often had their official trainers' arrangements to handle first.
Meanwhile, Teio and McQueen had to attend classes.
So, most days, the four would arrive together around 4:30.
Once Ardan arrived, Kuroha explained the situation.
"…That's how it is. Ardan, what do you think?"
"Eh? Trainer, you want to meet Mother?"
The crystal-eyed girl clasped her hands by her cheeks, a delighted expression on her face.
"I can arrange it right away~"
"If tonight works, do you have time?"
Kuroha blinked, not expecting her to be so proactive. But after a thought, it really was the fastest way to resolve things.
He nodded. "Tonight works."
"Great!"
Ardan's eyes sparkled with anticipation, then she teased playfully:
"But you'd better be prepared, Trainer. Mother can be very strict."
"…I figured as much."
Kuroha sighed inwardly. No mother would hand over her daughter so easily.
But since he had already decided to bring Ardan onto his team, he was ready to face it.
"Ardan's mom wants to meet Trainer?"
At that moment, Tokai Teio leaned over, her big round eyes curious, her little moon-shaped bang swaying as she moved.
"It's about the team transfer," Kuroha explained honestly.
"Eh? Is Trainer going to propose marriage to Ardan's mom?" Teio blurted innocently.
Kuroha: …?
Ardan: …!
McQueen's cheeks flushed red as she tugged Teio's sleeve. "S-Stop saying weird things!"
Chiyono O couldn't hold back her laughter, quickly covering her mouth, though her crinkled eyes betrayed her mirth.
Kuroha rubbed his forehead helplessly.
"Not a proposal. It's a formal discussion. When the time comes, you and Ardan will both officially join my team."
He turned to Ardan.
"Then I'll trouble you to arrange it."
"Of course, Trainer."
With elegance, Ardan nodded and began tapping on her phone.
That evening, after a simple change of clothes, Kuroha rode in the Mejiro family's car toward their estate.
Night had fallen, and lanterns glowed softly along the quiet streets.
The car rolled to a stop before a vast, imposing Japanese mansion.
Lanterns hanging from the eaves cast a dignified glow, silently declaring the long history and prestige of the Mejiro line.
Stepping out of the car, Kuroha gazed up at the main house and drew a deep breath.
Ardan alighted beside him, smiling warmly.
"Trainer, are you nervous?"
"…It'd be a lie to say I'm not."
He admitted honestly.
"After all, it's like… meeting the parents."
Ardan's cheeks flushed pink. But quickly, she smiled brightly, trying to reassure him.
"If it's you, Trainer, it'll be fine. You're… the best in the world."
Her straightforward words left Kuroha's face red.
Before he could reply, another voice chimed in teasingly:
"Oh? The best, is he?"
Turning, Kuroha saw a breathtaking black-haired woman.
Wearing an elegant deep-blue gown, her hair neatly styled, her noble bearing exuded refinement. A single tear-shaped beauty mark at the corner of her right eye only heightened her allure.
Kuroha blinked—she looked familiar.
Ardan, on the other hand, nearly turned into steam.
"…Ramonu-nee, eavesdropping isn't very ladylike."
Ardan chided softly.
"Oh my, I was caught."
The woman—Mejiro Ramonu—covered her lips with a smile. In the lantern light, her beauty mark seemed even more alluring.
With leisurely steps, she approached, her eyes glinting mischievously as they flicked between Kuroha and her flustered junior.
Mejiro Ramonu… that's right.
Kuroha finally placed her. A senior to Tamamo Cross and Inari One, she was from the previous generation.
Just two years ago, during her Classic Year, she had achieved what none had before—winning all three fillies' Triple Crowns and additional major titles like the Queen Elizabeth Cup.
Her unmatched feat was remembered as the "Complete Triple Crown."
That was why she had seemed so familiar.
"Alright, Ardan… and Trainer Kuroha."
Ramonu smiled knowingly.
"Come. The lady of the house has been waiting for you."
Ardan took a deep breath, forcing down her blush, and offered Kuroha an apologetic smile.
"Trainer, this way."
They entered a tea room deep within the estate.
The décor was elegant and refined, every object steeped in history.
At the low table sat a woman in a dark kimono, her eyes closed, her mare ears twitching slightly—marking her as Uma Musume.
This was Mejiro Hiryu.
Ardan's mother.
A retired Uma Musume known to history, though her racing record had been modest.
Still, she carried herself with noble grace, her beauty preserved far beyond her years.
"Trainer, I'll leave you here."
Ardan smiled softly, then pulled Ramonu with her into another room.
"…."
Kuroha stood in silence for a moment, then stepped into the tea room.
(End of Chapter)
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