"Sorry, sorry, I lost it!"
He struggled to contain his shock.
…Damn, with that description, and in the US… it has to be the "Great Dad" horse!
Sunday Silence nicknamed "Big Daddy."
Record: 14 races overseas, 9 wins, 5 second-place finishes, never finishing below second in her life.
But that's not the most impressive "record."
The most remarkable "record" of the original horse is the quantity and quality of her offspring.
Career offspring: 1,526 horses.
Well-known ones include Fuji Kiseki, Stay Gold, Silent Suzuka, Special Week, Admire Vega, Heart's Cry, Manhattan Cafe, Daiwa Major, Agnes Tachyon, and others.
The most famous is Deep Impact.
Deep Impact: 14 races, 12 wins, 1 second, undefeated Triple Crown, seven G1 victories, hall-of-fame-level, hailed as the crystallization of Japanese horse racing.
And it doesn't stop there; Sunday Silence's grandchildren are also powerful.
Goldship, Orfevre, Dream Journey, Daiwa Scarlet, Gentildonna, Kitasan Black, Almond Eye and Contrail and Duramente.
It's no exaggeration to say that Sunday Silence's "record" is unprecedented and unlikely to be surpassed.
In nearly 20 years of racing, no matter how far you trace the pedigree, you'll see Sunday Silence.
"…It's actually Sunday Silence…"
He felt a bit envious of his uncle's luck; the teacher casually recommends, and there's such a legendary horse…
Ah, no, such a legendary horse girl…
I don't understand…
At that thought, Kitahara suddenly paused.
Wait, in this world, if Sunday Silence is a horse girl, how is that kind of "record" represented?
Could it be like Northern Taste… ah no, like Yayoi Akikawa, later becoming chairman of the Central Tracen Academy?
Very possible…
If that's the case, he must strongly persuade his uncle to "bring Sunday Silence back"… cough, invite her back.
After all, regardless of how her "record" manifests, she is a horse girl of great importance in Japan's horse girl world; without her, many problems could arise in the future.
Yes, he must persuade his uncle to "bring back" Sunday.
Decision made, Kitahara was about to speak when Musaka Ginjirou had already recovered from his earlier shock.
"You little brat… forget it. I can't deal with you now, I'll settle it when you're back."
Musaka Ginjirou slowly exhaled.
"Anyway, that's how things are."
"In a few days, I'll be heading to the U.S."
"As I said, if you need anything after coming to the central, just ask Ashiro. I've already asked her; she doesn't plan to go abroad with me."
After saying this, Musaka Ginjirou hung up.
Kitahara only then realized that he had been so surprised by his uncle going abroad and the matter of Sunday Silence that he had forgotten his original purpose.
He had planned to ask his uncle what to do if his horse girls had to compete against each other.
But learning about these two things through the video made him suddenly understand.
In a sense, the current generation isn't the most outstanding era of Japanese horse girls; rather, it's the beginning of their rise and the start of moving toward the world stage. The truly flourishing, exciting, and competitive era comes after Sunday Serenity's generation.
In other words, by that time, competition among horse girls under one owner would be normal, so there's no need to worry excessively.
At the very least, he shouldn't waste too much time fretting.
More importantly, Kitahara felt there were other tasks he needed to focus on.
He planned a trip to Nagoya.
According to the previous arrangement with Tomomo Konan, this pragmatic businesswoman had gradually completed various preliminary plans. Her regular communications with Kitahara showed that she had registered the company, secured sufficient funding for the production of weighted equipment, parachutes, and other lines, and was now negotiating with banks in Nagoya for a new round of production.
In another industry, Kitahara would not have agreed to start multiple production lines in a short time, as it could destabilize the cash flow.
But he approved of Konan's second production line plan.
This line produced merchandise—dolls, posters, pendants, figures—of Oguri Cap, Super Creek, and Belno Light. Super Creek and Belno Light didn't have many fans yet, but Oguri Cap was a hot star in Nagoya. With the right sales strategy, all three series would sell well.
Konan also mentioned that the merchandise line had not been fully established, and investment hadn't been finalized, but several department stores, toy stores, amusement parks, and arcades had contacted her, hoping to get distribution rights for the Oguri Cap line.
With this smooth progress, Kitahara was naturally pleased. Training and competitions had just concluded, so he intended to visit Nagoya to check the situation.
Although a bit of a spontaneous decision, during the trip he reflected on many business cases and came up with new ideas to discuss with Konan.
The meeting place was a typical office building. Konan had rented it as a temporary office. Once all matters in Kasamatsu were arranged, she planned to follow Kitahara and Kokurimame to Tokyo for business.
"Sorry, Kitahara, it's a bit messy here."
In an office room stacked with paper and packaging, Konan apologized with a wry smile. "This is temporary. The other office is nicely decorated for guests, but not suitable for discussions. Sorry to trouble you here."
Before entering, Kitahara saw the main office she mentioned—bright, clean, with decent furniture, tea sets, and plants. Not luxurious, but presentable.
"No problem. In the past… I've watched TV shows where businessmen talk about maintaining appearances."
He almost mentioned his experience as a general manager, but wisely refrained.
"Konan-san, you've done fine. And as you said, you didn't treat me as an outsider; I'm honored."
Konan smiled. "I knew you'd understand, Kitahara."
Then she asked, "So, are you here to check work progress, or to join me in some negotiations to gain experience?"
"My thought is, since you own shares in the company, and you're a shareholder, you may have business talent, but it's good to get involved in these things as well."
…Not really necessary for me; I've seen plenty of business settings.
Kitahara chuckled silently.
He was indeed a shareholder of the registered "Kawawan Enterprises," through salary, bonus, and part of equity.
This is the usual way horse girl industry shares are divided: business personnel contribute funds or technical expertise, and trainers' skills count as technology. The value of that skill determines the shares.
Kitahara then mentioned the idea he had on the way to Nagoya.
"Check if these manga have commercial value."
He handed over some sketches he drew on the road: "Hatsusura," "Tamamo Godzilla," "Super Mosura," and "Inari Don."
Based on Kokurimame and the others, combined with the classic four Godzilla monsters, creating "moe-style monsters."
"What? These are…"
Konan looked at them and burst out laughing. "Aren't these Oguri Cap and the others? So cute! Did you draw them yourself?"
"Yeah, just something I thought of and sketched casually."
Claiming another world's images boldly, Kitahara smiled. "They like Godzilla movies, so I thought—maybe we could cooperate with the Godzilla copyright company to launch a 'moe monster' series."
Konan's eyes lit up.
"That's feasible! Godzilla is already a major IP, and so are horse girls. Combining two IPs alone may not be novel, as it's been done before. But you've drawn the original sketches, so we might really pitch this to Nishijin Co., Ltd."
In this world, the Godzilla series' copyrights are held by Nishijin Hōjō Film Company. Kitahara had checked the counterpart's info in the other world. Seeing Konan approve, he explained his plan.
"This 'moe monster' series could have good commercial value."
"Godzilla films were originally for children, but in recent years became more adult-oriented. Nishijin's official interviews also mentioned wanting to reach young audiences again."
"Horse girls are naturally appealing, so combining the two could yield excellent results."
"The benefits are secondary. What I really want…"
Pausing, images of Kokurimame and Kohama appeared in his mind. Kitahara quietly said:
"I want them to gain a lot of fans outside of competitions, so they can freely participate in any races they want…"
…Win or lose…
Kitahara added silently in his mind.
Konan approved.
"Yes, for smooth growth, Oguri Cap and the others must perform well. To perform, they must race, and races require fan numbers. If they appear in media or merchandise, many things become easier."
She smiled with admiration. "Perhaps because you're a trainer, I didn't think of this. Only someone like you, both a trainer and commercially savvy, could come up with this."
"This generation, and the next few, are in danger. Kitahara's arrangement reduces obstacles for his horse girls outside the track."
Kitahara smiled modestly.
"If you fully approve, we can start," he thought.
"First, register the 'moe monsters' with the URA association. Using Oguri Cap and the others' images should be within the association's protection; as long as not for business, URA will support us."
"Second, negotiate with Nishijin Co. With URA's backing, it's smoother."
"Finally, content. I have a rough plan."
After thinking, Kitahara said: "I suggest the 'moe monsters' not mimic Godzilla's style, but use daily, casual, comedic style. Start with four-panel comics and short episodes, then consider a feature film."
"I have ideas. Konan, you can contact recent art graduates—they're capable, inexpensive, and can produce drafts for us to buy out."
"We'll take the final product to Nishijin and URA."
Kitahara had plenty of material; in the other world, there were many horse girl fan creations and official four-panel comics. Just a dozen or so would suffice for initial negotiations.
Thinking of the official originals, he had a bold idea.
"Art students or newcomers in the manga industry—Konan, you could contact them too."
"Maybe I'll have new ideas for anime… or more for the 2D industry."
…If—I mean if—he launched a "Horse Girls" mobile game, anime seasons one, two, and three and maybe a spinoff anime with someone who was an underdog and became loved by all in this world, who could respond? How would they respond?
Kitahara nearly shouted at the thought.
In the other world, the "Horse Girls" mobile game and anime were extremely profitable and influential.
The mobile game earned $130 million in the first month, achieving the official revenue target for the second half of the year. By March 2023, it earned over $2 billion globally—about 300 billion yen.
Equivalent to the total prize money of 300 Oguri Cap.
He compared with Kokurimame because he knew training and care couldn't rely solely on race winnings.
From the start, he aimed at capital.
He knew that talent is important for horse girls, but resources are even more crucial.
The saying in Uma no Setsu—"Without proper strategy, food cannot maximize potential, and sound cannot convey intent"—means resources are essential to achieve full potential.
Or simply, every horse girl has potential, but "a thousand-li horse requires sufficient feed." That feed is the resource.
He had calculated Oguri Cap and Creek's consumption, and understood the stress on Kasamatsu's cafeteria. Without his suggestion to increase funding, it would have collapsed.
Anime doesn't generate direct revenue like games, but indirect income is massive.
For example, season two of the anime topped platforms; official endorsements and anything involving horse girls multiplied in value.
Kitahara imagined the potential profits if Japan launched these "big weapons" like the mobile game and anime.
But he calmed himself; there's still a long way to go. For now, he must focus on training Oguri Cap and the others—the real responsibility of a trainer.
Business aspects like games and anime would be left to Konan.
She had no objection to contacting art students.
They quickly discussed the "moe monster" plan, and Kitahara handed over notable official four-panel comics and fan comics for reference.
Considering Konan's other tasks, Kitahara left the office, grabbed a meal at an izakaya, and unexpectedly received a call.
From Gold City.
…Last time at the Central Tracen office, this horse girl seemed cold; why is she calling proactively?
Surprised, Kitahara answered.
"Hello? Kitahara?" Golden City spoke first, tone casual but familiar.
"Ah… Ms. Gold City, hello…" Kitahara hesitated, trying to be polite.
"Call me Ashiro. These years, Uncle Roku has looked after me, so no need to be formal."
Ashiro yawned before speaking.
"Ha—ah… sorry, just woke up, still sleepy, forgive me."
Kitahara smiled wryly.
…Just like in the other world, loves to sleep in…
Generally, horse girls train early in the morning. Those like Oguri Cap wake at 4 or 5 AM to run.
Gold City apparently dislikes running with others, saying it saps motivation. She appears at the track around 10 AM, when most others rest.
Before that, she sleeps in.
Poor uncle, taking care of such a horse girl…
Kitahara sighed as Ashiro yawned again.
"Ha—ah… I have something to tell you."
Though still sleepy, she spoke seriously.
"Uncle Roku has left Japan by plane."
"Before leaving, he asked me to give you URA assessment materials. I had a junior deliver them; you should receive them tonight or tomorrow morning."
"Uncle already left?" Kitahara was surprised. "Why didn't he tell me? I wanted to see him off."
Ashiro shrugged casually. "He doesn't like farewells. I tried to see him off, but he refused."
Kitahara nodded helplessly. "Yes, he's like that."
Then he asked about the other matter.
"What materials? I mean, the ones you delivered."
Ashiro paused.
"Anyone else with you?" she casually asked.
…Could it be important?
Kitahara glanced around, noticing many people in the izakaya. He asked the owner to watch the seat, paid in advance, and stepped outside to a quiet spot.
"No one now, go ahead."
"Hmm, these are materials from past URA interviews," Ashiro said casually.
"In other words, the test questions for this interview."
Kitahara froze.
URA central trainer exams do have interviews, usually days after the second round results. The first two rounds' scores are confidential; passing is notified by the association. The interview is often considered a formality.
But apparently, not this time…
Kitahara frowned.
"Could there be something… unusual about this interview?" he asked cautiously.
"Not exactly unusual…" Ashiro muttered, then corrected herself. "Ah no, there is something a bit unusual."
"Anyway, I don't understand why those URA old-timers are so rigid; probably neither do you."
"So, in the interview, it's best to follow the standard answers your uncle prepared."
"He arranged everything. Based on your ambition, perspective, and achievements, if you speak your mind honestly, some old-timers may think you're overambitious."
"There were trainers who passed the first two rounds but failed the interview."
"Be cautious; memorize the materials."
Kitahara understood his uncle and Ashiro's intention.
"I see. Indeed, if it were my own plan, I'd likely tell everything to the interviewers, but that idea…"
Thinking of his plans to revolutionize the horse girl world, create the most advanced training system, and let all horse girls run freely, he realized it couldn't be shared with interviewers yet.
Those dreams were too far from present-day Japan, too far from the interviewers, and too far from him.
"Alright, I understand."
Even without Ashiro present, Kitahara nodded. "Once I get the materials, I'll memorize them carefully."
"Yes, Uncle said your fitness is solid, memorization won't be a problem, so I won't worry."
Ashiro seemed to nod. "Technically, you shouldn't have these materials yet, but once you become a trainer, having them is natural…"
"You… understand, right?"
…Wow, still not fully compliant…
Kitahara felt a mix of emotions, mostly gratitude.
As a central trainer, Uncle knew these materials shouldn't be shared, yet got them to him, taking great risk.
Ashiro, a horse girl, could have refused, yet delivered them, likely due to her uncle's instructions, but perhaps also showing trust in him.
"…I understand."
Kitahara said seriously: "I'll prepare well. Once I arrive at the central, please allow me to properly thank you, Ashiro."
"No need to thank me."
Ashiro's reply was casual. "If you really want, just take care of my junior when they arrive at Kasamatsu."
"Tell me the cost later, I'll transfer it to you."
"Don't spend any more; leave it to me."
Kitahara declined, curious: "By the way, which horse girl is your junior?"
"Oh, Sakura Chiyono O. You should've heard of her."
She casually mentioned the name, then paused.
"I'm going to the hospital to see her sister. That's all, bye."
After the call ended, Kitahara processed the information.
…Sakura Chiyono… and her sister… should be Sakura Hoshio…
Kitahara fell silent.
He sighed for Sakura Star O.
In the other world, Sakura Star O had 7 races, 4 wins, one aborted race, winning the Satsuki Sho at age 3, and was the 1987 Horse of the Year.
With such results, she should have shone in subsequent seasons, but, like the "brief bloom" of cherry blossoms, her career ended on December 27 at the Arima Kinen.
After the third turn of the second lap, a small hole caused a left fore ligament rupture and
the first phalange joint dislocated. Even after half a year of treatment, Sakura Star O ultimately ended up in another world.
In the original Uma Musume work, Sakura Star O had not yet been included in the project, but in this world, a Uma Musume named Sakura Star O unquestionably exists.
The Uma Musume that Gold City was going to see at the hospital should be Sakura Star O.
Last year, these two Uma Musume gave all their fans extremely exciting races.
In the Satsuki Sho and Kikuka Sho, Gold City narrowly lost to Sakura Seio twice—once by a head, once by half a length. Before these two races, all spectators underestimated the famously capricious Gold City, but unexpectedly, she was able to engage in such intense competition with the champion of the Yayoi Sho and Satsuki Sho, Sakura Star O.
…Perhaps Gold City just wanted to race against her friend and rival? That might explain her lack of interest in other races.
Kitahara could only think this way because that's exactly how Gold City behaved. Especially last year during the Arima Kinen, when Sakura Star O suffered an accident similar to the one in the other world, Gold City hadn't participated in a single race since then.
…Oh, right. No wonder the last time they met in the Central Tracen Academy Director's office, Gold City was looking at…
A medical journal.
Reflecting on Sakura Star O's misfortune and the friendship between her and Gold City for quite some time, Kitahara finished his meal at the izakaya and returned to Kasamatsu.
Before heading to Nagoya, he had already told Oguri Cap and the others that he had some matters to attend to and that they could go out and have fun by themselves. So, after returning to the academy, he didn't rush to find them but went to the academy's reception office instead.
He wanted to check whether the materials Gold City had entrusted had been delivered and also remind Sakura Chiyono O, who had come to deliver the items.
As a member of the Sakura family, Sakura Star O's misfortune was evident. In addition to retiring and passing away due to her leg injury, she had suffered from suspensory ligament inflammation early in her career.
Sakura Chiyono O's fate was equally troubled.
If her destiny followed the same path as in the other world, Sakura Chiyono would win the Japanese Derby, but after achieving this once-in-a-lifetime honor for a Uma Musume, she would suffer from tendonitis—effectively a death sentence for a racehorse—and could never truly shine on the track again.
Kitahara knew his abilities were limited. He had been aware of Sakura Star O's situation when he watched the races earlier in the year but had no power to change it—at least, not yet.
However, Sakura Chiyono had not yet participated in the Japanese Derby. Doing something now—like giving a reminder, asking Kyoko to check on her condition—might help prevent future misfortune.
Changing the unfortunate destinies of the Uma Musume and giving them a better world doesn't start from the future…
With this in mind, Kitahara went to the school reception office.
And then he froze.
"Oh, Kitahara, you're here! We were just talking about you."
Oguri Cap and Super Creek were both in the reception office, and it was Komahime speaking. "We just met a new friend. She said she has something to give you."
Another Uma Musume was also in the reception office.
She had short cherry-red hair, with small, slightly pointed long ears that looked more like tiny cow horns than horse ears. Beside her right ear were two small cherry blossoms—one pale, one deep pink.
Her tail was long, reaching the ground if she stood upright.
She wore a red-and-white tracksuit—the standard uniform of the Central Tracen Academy.
Her face was lively, and her cyan eyes were full of energy and vitality. She was smiling brightly while chatting with Super Creek.
Hearing Komahime's words, the Uma Musume's ears twitched, and she instantly stood up.
"Y-You… hello! Kitahara-san! I-I'm Sakura Chiyono O! I'm here on the request of Gold City-senpai to deliver something!"
After a deep bow, Sakura Chiyono O pulled a package from behind her and handed it over with both hands.
"…Oh, oh, thank you for your trouble."
Kitahara hadn't expected to encounter Oguri Cap, Super Creek, and Sakura Chiyono O together. He paused for a moment, then smiled and took the package, observing Sakura Chiyono O from head to toe.
He noticed that her tracksuit was covered in dust, and there were traces of sweat on her forehead and cheeks—she had clearly just run.
"Huh? Did you guys go running just now?" Kitahara asked, a little surprised.
"Huh? No," Oguri Cap answered, puzzled. "Creek and I were just on the road and happened to meet Chiyono O asking for directions. We heard she was coming to Kasamatsu to see you, so we brought her along."
"Is there something wrong, Kitahara?" Creek nodded in agreement, looking curious.
"Uh… if you didn't run…"
Kitahara glanced at Oguri Cap and Super Creek's clothes—they were casual and showed no signs of exercise—and was puzzled.
"Then Chiyono O, what's with your outfit…?" he asked, pointing at her tracksuit.
"Ah… ah, this…"
Sakura Chiyono O, who had also looked puzzled before, now brightened and smiled energetically.
"It's because I ran all the way from Tokyo to Kasamatsu!"
"Wha… cough, what?!"
Kitahata almost swore, then couldn't help but be stunned and confused.
"Wait, you said you ran from Tokyo to Kasamatsu? That's over 300 kilometers, right? How long did it take you?"
Oguri Cap and Super Creek's presence startled Kitahara even more, and he didn't know what to say for a moment.
After a while:
"…Uh, so Tokyo is 300 kilometers from here."
Oguri Cap scratched her head. "But, 300 kilometers—is that really far?"
Super Creek looked thoughtful.
"300 kilometers is 300,000 meters, or the distance of 100 Kikuka Sho races. At full speed, we definitely couldn't do it. But at a normal pace, with breaks as needed, I think I could run it comfortably."
Sakura Chiyono O smiled admiringly.
"Amazing! I was exhausted after running 300 kilometers, and Little Seaway could still do it easily. I'm really looking forward to competing with you in the Kikuka Sho."
"Ah… no, I'm just saying that. Chiyono, you actually ran the equivalent of 100 Kikuka Sho races."
"Yeah, I remember you said it took just over eight hours from Tokyo to Kasamatsu, including breaks."
"Yes, yes. On the expressway, there are rest stops along the way, so you can take a break whenever you get tired. Oh, by the way, if Oguri Cap and Creek are participating in the classic triple crown, maybe we can run together on the expressway sometime?"
"Oh, that sounds fun. I can do it."
"Eh? Really? Then Kitahara-san…"
"No!"
The moment the word left his mouth, Beihara realized how stern it sounded, and the three Uma Musume were startled.
"Cough… sorry, I got a bit carried away. But running on the expressway? I don't approve."
(End of chapter)