Kagura didn't have much time to rest. After the Yayoi Sho, there was less than a month until the Satsuki Sho, so after only a few short days of relaxation, she once again returned to her normal duties.
Since the Satsuki Sho would be held at the same racecourse as the Yayoi Sho, Kagura didn't need to revisit the location this time; her work this month simply involved continuing her usual routines.
"Kagura—after the Satsuki Sho, you'll have some free time, right?"
Just before the Satsuki Sho, during her usual visit to Trainer Tojo's office to report on her work, Trainer Tojo suddenly brought up something she wouldn't normally discuss with Kagura.
"Eh? Ah… I suppose so."
Kagura technically always had time—her schedule was flexible, and the intensity of her work depended only on her own diligence, so she could easily make room whenever needed.
"In mid-April—there's the School Selection Race at Tracen. 2000 meters turf, or 1600 meters turf. Are you interested?"
"!"
Kagura paused in surprise. She hadn't expected Trainer Tojo to bring up the school selection races.
"Usually, we wouldn't consider this until after honkaku starts, but… Kagura, your situation is special. Your strength is already sufficient to participate. Once honkaku begins, you can debut immediately."
For a typical Uma Musume, Trainer Tojo wouldn't recommend competing at this stage. Facing already-honkaku girls when one hasn't reached maturation would normally be a disadvantage, compounded further by age differences—it simply wasn't a wise move.
But clearly, Kagura didn't belong in the "typical Uma Musume" category. Even without honkaku, her abilities already rivaled Rudolf's. Forget newly matured girls—even a professional Uma like Rudolf risked losing if she wasn't careful.
"I recommended the distances currently favored by most trainers. You prefer events that attract attention, right? These races would suit you perfectly."
Trainer Tojo knew from recent conversations that Kagura wasn't limited by race distance and cared more about popularity. Therefore, she'd done some research on distances popular among trainers recently. Compared to longer events, trainers mostly focused on Mile and Medium-distance races. If Kagura wanted to showcase herself through the selection races, these distances were clearly the best choices.
"Thank you, Tojo-san. Actually, I was looking for just this kind of opportunity."
"No need for thanks. You've been incredibly helpful in daily work; this small favor is nothing. But since you've already been paying attention to races, does that mean you actually plan to debut this year?"
"Yes. If I debut early enough this year, I'll still have a chance at those two G1 races at year-end."
This was also something Eclipse-san had requested. Back when Kagura had suggested Rudolf sit out those races, Eclipse had already hinted she should aim to win both year-end G1s. Initially, Kagura had lacked confidence, but after repeatedly racing against professionals like Mr. C.B. at school (and often ending up grilled fish), she had gradually understood the full extent of her own strength.
"Year-end… Two G1 races…"
Trainer Tojo was momentarily stunned. Having never coached an Uma Musume with such an ambitious schedule, it took her a moment to realize which year-end G1 races a freshly debuted Uma could even enter, especially back-to-back. Eventually, only one possibility remained.
"Let me confirm… Kagura, do you mean you want to challenge both the Asahi Hai and the Hopeful Stakes?!"
Since she started as a trainer, Tojo-san had never heard of a single Uma Musume setting such an ambitious goal—primarily because these two races were scheduled far too close together. Normally, racing once a month was already tough; these two events were less than two weeks apart, leaving almost no time for recovery.
Kagura herself wasn't entirely sure she could win both consecutively, given unknown opponents, but she believed that with her abilities, she wouldn't perform too poorly. At least getting into the top three shouldn't be a problem.
"Yes. That's why I hope to debut around July, after things have calmed down from the Derby, giving me some free time."
"July… I recall there are only two races suitable for newcomers then—the Hakodate 1200m GIII and the Chukyo 1600m Open."
Trainer Tojo knew Kagura's knowledge rivaled even trainers. She could practically train herself, plan her own races, and even handle her own preparations. If not for URA rules requiring trainers, Kagura would be a fully self-sufficient Uma. Tojo-san rarely had opportunities to discuss Kagura's personal race plans, so she had never noticed before that this soft-spoken girl was surprisingly bold when it came to race choices.
"Yes, I'm planning to participate in one of those two races."
Kagura hadn't yet decided exactly which one; she planned to wait until the situation became clearer.
"Alright… Then, I'll quickly arrange a training schedule for you—"
"Tojo-san, you still have Rudolf-ojousama and the newcomers to focus on, right? Please don't worry about me right now—I can arrange my own training plans."
Kagura hurriedly interrupted Tojo-san, her eyes shining with determination.
"After the mid-April selection race, I'll prove with my strength that I'm worthy of receiving your guidance fair and square, Tojo-san!"
"…"
Trainer Tojo stared at Kagura for a long moment, finally defeated by her unwavering gaze. Though Kagura usually seemed gentle and reserved, she was exceptionally stubborn on certain points, especially regarding accepting help. Given Kagura's resolve, Tojo-san had no desire to dampen her spirit. With a resigned sigh, she smiled softly and reached out to pat Kagura's head.
"Such incredible determination… I'll be looking forward to it."
...
After finishing her report and leaving the trainer's office, Kagura headed toward the track to train while she still had time today. Soon after reaching the field, she noticed a chestnut-haired Uma Musume approaching from the central courtyard—the same rival who would soon face Rudolf in the Satsuki Sho: Bizen Nishiki.
"Ah! Kagura-san! Good afternoon!"
Seeing Kagura on the field, Bizen Nishiki excitedly ran over, bouncing cheerfully as she greeted her.
"Good afternoon, Bizen Nishiki-san! Are you here to train as well? Where's Trainer Narumiya?"
"I have a day off today, so I just wanted to come and take a look. Trainer-san didn't come with me. I recently raced, so I'm not doing anything intense today—just walking around to get a feel for the track."
"That's good. Overdoing it right before a race wouldn't help at all; it would negatively affect your performance tomorrow."
Kagura nodded approvingly. In a sense, races were similar to exams, and she supported the idea of relaxing before important events. It was best to train diligently normally and rest adequately before big competitions.
"What about you, Kagura-san? Why are you here?"
"Nothing special. I'm just free and wanted to run a few laps as daily training. Didn't you say you wanted to familiarize yourself with the track? Not running today?"
"Well…"
Bizen Nishiki laughed awkwardly. She couldn't admit she'd mainly come hoping for a chance to talk to Kagura more.
Ever since Kagura had comforted her before, she had been quietly longing to spend more time with this gentle, adorable classmate. However, since they belonged to different teams, she rarely had opportunities to approach Kagura, who was always busy supporting Rudolf and handling other duties.
Rudolf-san must be so lucky, always having Kagura-san by her side, quietly supporting her…
"If you're not going to run, I'll get started first?"
"Ah, y-yes… Go ahead, Kagura-san. I'll just watch from here."
Though tempted to join Kagura on the track, Bizen Nishiki really hadn't planned to run today and regretfully stayed put, prioritizing rest for tomorrow's race.
She watched as Kagura briefly stretched before starting her laps. Initially intending to only watch casually, Bizen Nishiki gradually realized Kagura's speed was somewhat… unnatural?
Is this Kagura-san's regular training speed?
Although not currently racing, Bizen Nishiki could roughly estimate Kagura's speed using her experience as a professional Uma. To her surprise, she realized she might not be able to catch Kagura at this pace—even though Kagura was clearly holding back, since no one went all-out during casual training.
Isn't she… just Rudolf-san's support Uma…? This is…
For some reason, a quiet sense of unease began to grow in Bizen Nishiki's heart.
...
...
I feel like people don't enjoy watching very long or very short races lately. Is medium distance really that popular?
——Yeah, makes sense. Long races become tests of stamina, dragging on forever. Short races finish before anyone gets excited. Medium-distance races are just right—tense and thrilling. Of course they're popular.
That makes sense…
——Anyway, you can run any distance. Just pick the biggest, richest ones! Make lots of money—I'm counting on you to rebuild my shrine!
Ahahaha…
---
T/N: those little things are just extra scenes ^_^
bonus chaps
100 stones -> 1 chapter
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300 stones -> 3 chapters
and so on
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