Just like in the other world, Uma Musumes use specialized running shoes equipped with "horseshoes" on the soles to further enhance performance. Some horseshoes even have special effects.
Belno Light, coming from a "Uma Musume specialty sports store," clearly had a lot of knowledge about this. At the "horseshoe section" near the shoe racks, she rummaged through the selection, muttering to herself yet sounding as if she were instructing Oguri Cap:
"Our training horseshoes are generally made heavier for durability. They often use extremely soft steel that's hard to wear down."
"Competition horseshoes should be as light as possible, so they're basically made from alloy materials. Their weight is at most one-third that of soft steel!"
"But that makes them less durable. With Oguri Cap's leg strength, a few full sprints might wear them out, so it's better to buy a few extra."
"I think this 'Victory Iron' brand will do. The steel plate core is sturdy. Or the 'Queen Skirt' brand works too!"
Hearing Belno Light speak so confidently, Kitahara nodded quietly.
As a trainer, he knew how important horseshoes were for Uma Musumes, but if it were up to him to choose, he'd need to check references and still wouldn't know nearly as much as Belno Light.
"Even though she grew up in a sports store, knowing this much is impressive… unexpectedly, she has a talent for specialized equipment," he thought.
While speaking, Belno Light selected a few horseshoes, taking them from the rack. She turned to Oguri Cap with a smile:
"So, Oguri Cap, which one do you think is best?"
The dispirited aura had completely vanished. Oguri Cap stared blankly at Belno Light, her expression saying: "I don't really understand what you just said, but it sounds impressive."
Belno Light, feeling a little embarrassed under the gaze, tilted her head away and then looked back. "Uh… what is it, Oguri?" she unconsciously changed how she addressed her.
"…How should I say this… Belno Light knows so much," Oguri Cap said earnestly. "Just as amazing as Kitahara."
Belno Light blushed even more, curling her index finger and scratching her cheek. "Ah… I told you, my family owns a sports store. I grew up seeing all this, so I know a little…"
"And I hope what I've said can help you, Oguri."
"Kitahara is amazing, and your speed is amazing too!"
…Hearing Belno Light, Oguri Cap said nothing. She held the shoes Belno Light had chosen for her, hugging them gently and stroking them slowly.
…I must, I must win. This debut race—I have to win.
While the two racehorse girls talked, Kitahara quietly watched with a smile.
He didn't yet know whether he would one day achieve his dream and become an outstanding trainer.
But he believed that he would never forget this warm, heartfelt moment with the first two racehorse girls to join his team.
"All right, Oguri, talk more with Belno Light about the horseshoes," Kitahara said, turning. "I'll put the credit card over there. You can use it when you check out. Just bring it back to me afterward."
Without waiting for an answer, he walked straight to the register and handed the card to the cashier:
"When those two Uma Musumes check out, use this card… oh, right."
He gestured with his hand and pointed his thumb at the pink cat shoes Oguri Cap had wanted:
"Wrap those up first. Later, we'll give them to the silver-haired Uma Musume."
…
After buying the running shoes, both Oguri Cap and Belno Light were very happy.
Especially Oguri Cap. She was thrilled that Kitahara had bought the pink cat shoes she liked. She seriously promised Kitahara:
"Kitahara, when you teach me things from now on, I won't fall asleep… I'll try my best, I'll really try."
Kitahara was happy at first, but soon a headache crept in.
Not because of her lack of confidence, but because of the cost of this shopping trip.
Two pairs of running shoes for Oguri Cap, and five sets of plywood horseshoes—it cost him several months of his income.
The base salary of a local trainer wasn't high. Apart from race winnings, there were few subsidies. The monthly salary was only 50,000 yen, roughly 2,500 yuan.
As a previously idle bachelor in Hashima District, that salary was decent. But this shopping spree cost 140,000 yen at once, meaning Kitahara would have to be frugal for a long time.
After a brief moment of worry, he felt at ease.
He believed that once he trained a lot of outstanding Uma Musumes, money would never be a problem.
The Uma Musume industry was an integrated system, roughly divided into training, racing, and idol-related merchandise.
The main income for Uma Musume and trainers came from these three areas.
In training, Uma Musumes could receive scholarships and stipends from Tracen Academy, and trainers earned academy wages.
In racing, income came from prize money based on rankings, scores, and training achievements.
Idol merchandise was more complex.
Uma Musumes could hold concerts, fan meetings, endorsements, and licensed merchandise sales. Income from these came from company shares, with both racehorse girls and trainers getting a cut.
Additional income existed as well.
For example, Gold City, a currently active racehorse girl, was a well-known fashion model. Her gorgeous golden hair and elegant demeanor attracted countless designers. Just doing magazine covers guaranteed her income.
And her manager? Her trainer.
Other common career paths for Uma Musumes included jobs related to racing talents, such as trainers and researchers, and the safety sector, like police or firefighters.
Uma Musumes' physical strength and pure, kind nature made them ideal for protecting the public.
Their prominence in safety jobs earned them societal goodwill and trust.
These roles also provided income, and some trainers would become instructors for wages and subsidies.
In short, Kitahara firmly believed Oguri Cap would attract attention one day, and he wouldn't lack resources either.
Instead of worrying, he should focus on improving himself to give Oguri Cap better training and guidance.
After buying the shoes, under Kitahara's plan, Oguri Cap and Belno Light began their specialized training.
Oguri Cap practiced race details, like starting techniques, cornering, and her ankle strength exercises.
Belno Light's routine was simpler. As a racehorse girl in the early stage of "Seishun Phase," she needed to eat, sleep, and train well to build stamina and endurance, preparing for her debut race.
Kitahara didn't idle either. Besides coaching the two girls, he studied for Central Tracen Academy exams, even preparing notes to review during training sessions.
Time flew, and soon it was May.