The actual execution regarding the industrial and academy plans would still require negotiations before a clear direction could be determined.
After returning to Japan, they spent a day or two adjusting the jet lag, and Eisei returned to his regular routine of studying and training.
There was a little more than half a month before the break, followed by Tamamo Cross and Inari One's Takarazuka Kinen, and the Takamatsunomiya Kinen.
The two weeks spent in Europe had caused slight fluctuations in the condition of the two horse girls, but that was within expectations.
Since their basic ability levels hadn't changed, some targeted adjustments would suffice.
For example, taking advantage of the fact that Hanshin Racecourse had no races scheduled from Monday to Friday, Eisei brought Tamamo Cross to run on the track more often—this helped her re-adjust to Japanese course conditions.
Here, the benefit of Eisei's team having many horse girls became clear; using others to run alongside her greatly accelerated the adjustment process.
Inari One's plan was similar. Both the Takarazuka Kinen and the Takamatsunomiya Kinen were mid-distance races. The tracks differed, but with enough horse girls available, securing proper sparring partners was not an issue.
With the races approaching, most plans were already prepared, and Kitahara and the others assumed they would head to Nagoya for a training camp afterward.
However, on the day before the race, something unexpected occurred.
"These two kids want to join Eisei…?"
Standing outside the office where they were about to discuss race strategy, Kitahara stared blankly—first at the hopeful-looking Symboli Rudolf, then at the similarly expressioned Mejiro Takanami beside her.
As the association coordinator assigned by Central Tracen Academy, Symboli had returned to her student council responsibilities after returning to Japan and had rarely visited Eisei lately.
Maruzensky and Mejiro Ramonu had been staying with the Eisei team most of the time, just like before their Europe trip, and Maruzensky had already arrived earlier to prep for the meeting.
Takanami had said she had something to handle first, and Kitahara told her not to rush. He hadn't expected her to return in time—much less with Symboli Rudolf in tow.
What was even more surprising was the two smaller horse girls standing behind them:
Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen.
"I think it's pretty obvious, isn't it?"
Smiling like a proud father, Symboli Rudolf gently patted Tokai Teio's head, his voice even sounding like a doting parent.
"Before we went to Europe, she already heard about the trip."
"During those two weeks, she kept clinging to me, asking nonstop about what I saw there—European horse girls, the races, everything."
"I didn't tell her much about training, just briefly mentioned the exchange match."
"And the moment I came back, she wouldn't let me go—asking question after question."
"After asking all that, she then asked if the Eisei team had requirements or exams for joining, saying she wanted to give it a try."
"To be honest, she caught me off guard, but I feel this kid has excellent talent and won't hold you back."
"So I brought her here today to ask what you thought, or maybe you could discuss it with Komiyama and Yubara—to evaluate her ability."
Hold them back? How could that ever happen?This was Tokai Teio, after all.
Kitahara nearly blurted out that if it were Teio, joining Eisei would never be a problem.
But immediately he remembered—only he could make such a confident judgment, because unlike other trainers, he had the advantage of foresight.
Other trainers evaluated talent through long observation, data collection, and experience—not by cheating with knowledge of the future like he did.
Just like Coach Oono in Season 1 of the anime—risking death to touch Special Week's calf muscles and observing her test race performance before concluding she had extraordinary talent.
Most trainers wouldn't go that far, of course—but observation, recording, and analyzing were indispensable.
What Kitahara did—dragging Oguri Cap home from Hokkaido before Special Week even fully developed—was truly one-of-a-kind.
Such actions could not be openly shown or explained.
Therefore, a proper, standard evaluation process was necessary.
And before that, the academy's standard Three-Party Conference (teacher, guardian, student) would also be required.
Affinity between trainer and horse girl was important, but not everything.
Whether training philosophy, talent, and development direction aligned properly to maximize results was critical.
Kitahara could guarantee Eisei's system was advanced even by global standards—but could not promise it would work equally well for every horse girl.
If someone couldn't adapt to the method, it wasn't impossible.
In short, even for Teio, jumping to a decision based on emotion would be irresponsible.
Of course—setting process aside—Teio's talent was unquestionable.
Her most dazzling results were "Undefeated Two Crowns" and the legendary Arima Kinen victory as her retirement race.
The first nearly equaled Symboli Rudolf's undefeated Triple Crown, and the second convinced countless fans that at the moment she won, she surpassed the Emperor and became the true sovereign—The Emperor.
Before that retirement match, she had been absent from racing for 364 days—yet returned a year later to defeat the strongest field of the year at the Arima Kinen.
A miracle truly unprecedented and unrepeated.
Even more, people knew Teio from the anime version—but fans of real horse racing knew another achievement:
she won the Japan Cup.
Up to her time and long afterward, Japanese horses were significantly weaker internationally—seen most clearly in the Japan Cup.
Since Grass Wonder and Symboli Rudolf, no Japanese horse had won the Japan Cup for six years.
The saying "Japan Cup champions are never Japanese horses" was widely accepted.
The year Teio ran, the Japan Cup had been upgraded to international G1 and attracted many elite foreign horses:
Dr. Devious – last year's Epsom Derby champion
Naturalism – dual classic horse
Dear Doctor – Arlington Million winner, representing France
User Friendly - The 1992 European Horse of the Year
Not only were the rivals extremely strong, the heavy turf conditions favored foreign horses, and Teio drew the outermost post position.
With so many disadvantages, despite her undefeated double crown, she entered the race with only 5th most support.
And yet, Teio won.
Not only won—she set the fastest heavy-turf time in Japan Cup history: 2:24.6.
The closest since then was Suave Richards in 2019 with 2:25.9—over a full second slower.
All others were above 2:28.
Beyond personal meaning or the race's significance, it was monumental for Japanese racing as the first win at an international G1 in Japanese history—something even the Emperor, Symboli Rudolf, had never accomplished.
At that moment, Teio truly inherited her father's glory and defended the pride of Japan.
Its significance rivaled Mr CB vs. Symboli Rudolf and Special Week vs. El Condor Pasa.
Anime only briefly mentioned it at the end of Season 1 and cut it from Season 2 for narrative reasons, which was unfortunate—but regardless of portrayals, Kitahara knew this world's Teio possessed top-tier talent and potential.
While thinking, Kitahara fell silent, which Symboli was already used to and did not interrupt.
Tokai Teio, however, grew impatient.
"Hey hey! Old man, you're not planning to reject me, are you?!"
She sprang forward, raising a leg high and stretching an arm forward, balancing perfectly on one toe.
"My flexibility and balance are amazing!"
"I just broke the school record for the seated forward bend!"
"I always train seriously—and I even train extra in private!"
She struck a peace sign pose, squinting playfully—then clenched her fist before her chest, eyes sparkling.
"Well? Well?Aren't I amazing?Won't you consider it?"
Of course he knew she was amazing—more than anyone—and perhaps more than she herself could imagine.
But training privately…
That sounded familiar.
And then it hit him.
Last year in Kasamatsu, when Maruzensky visited for the UAA event, she had Sakura Chiyono O transport the exam documents via her self-arranged "highway sprint daily routine."
Well-intentioned but potentially harmful training without a trainer was risky—leading to muscle, periosteum, or meniscus injuries.
Teio's extracurricular training seemed similar.
In the anime, she trained late every day, staying long after everyone else left. Even between classes she found ways to train—such as frog-jumping up and down stairs to strengthen her legs.
The spirit of training without relaxing for even a moment is certainly admirable, but the method itself is not advisable.
No matter how exceptionally gifted horse girls may be, their bodies still have limits. The amount of training their bodies can withstand each day is finite.
Pushing extra training on top of the daily limit may indeed offer the possibility of breaking through one's limits—but if the price is injury, or even being forced into retirement, then it becomes a matter of gaining too little and losing too much.
Kitahara already intended to persuade Tokai Teio to adjust her training regimen, but he wasn't in any hurry to bring it up.
She had already revealed her intention of joining Eisei, and if that could be settled first, she would train according to their system afterwards. At that time, arranging any type of training would no longer be an issue at all, and any risks caused by overtraining could be completely avoided.
However, at the moment it was not only Tokai Teio who wished to join—there was another beside her.
He turned his gaze to the side, planning to listen to both perspectives before discussing things together.
"Chief Kitahara, hello. We meet again—your presence is still as impressive as ever."
Clearly noticing Kitahara looking over, Mejiro McQueen spoke with her usual refined lady-like demeanor.
"I heard from Sister that Oguri Cap and the others held an exchange race in Europe, where they competed with world-class horse girls and showed a remarkable performance."
"I long for something like that myself. I hope to one day challenge the world just like they did."
Her meaning was clearly the same as Tokai Teio's, and even her actions mirrored her. Teio came with Symboli Rudolf, while McQueen came with Mejiro Ramonu.
But instead of asking her elder sister to speak for her, she expressed it herself—implicitly, and with polite phrasing.
Before Kitahara could respond to her subtle request, Tokai Teio burst out laughing.
"Hehe, McQueen, you're being way too reserved!"
"If you, like me, want Uncle Kitahara to recognize you, then you should show off your ability more!"
"Otherwise, he might just think you're here to drag us down~"
"Look—like this~"
Giggling mischievously, she suddenly struck a pose.
Not the balance stance she used earlier, but a running posture.
She didn't actually run, but began performing high-knee lifts on the spot.
Each foot lifted and landed four times.
For both left and right feet, every landing point was different from the previous one.
After four steps each, she had left four footprints—precisely forming a cross on the ground, whose ends pointed to the four cardinal directions.
Even more impressive, the cross traced by the left foot overlapped perfectly with the one made by the right, and throughout the alternating movements, neither foot nor leg collided even once.
Seeing this, Kitahara, Symboli Rudolf, and Mejiro Ramonu all widened their eyes in delight.
As trainers or legendary horse girls, they immediately recognized that such footwork was not something just anyone could perform.
Oh—so this is the legendary Emperor's Step. What a sight to behold.
Which means—once she masters Domain, it could evolve into the Ultimate Emperor's Step?
Kitahara suddenly felt excited.
The Ultimate Emperor's Step is Tokai Teio's unique skill in the mobile game, while the Emperor's Step is a special step she alone possesses in both the anime and her real-horse counterpart.
It actually originates from a historic equestrian art: Dressage.
Through specialized training, this step allows a horse to perfectly showcase power, speed, and beauty of movement.
For its history, aesthetics, and competitive nature, it is even an Olympic discipline in another world.
According to Olympic Committee standards, a complete dressage sequence contains twenty-two standard movements, and even more outside competition.
It is a "dance" exclusive to horses—and in this world, only horse girls can truly master it.
In theory, just like humans learning dance, any horse girl can learn dressage through continuous training.
But horse girls must participate in races—they don't have time to train solely in "dance."
And just like humans, while anyone can learn dance steps, only those with talent can grasp the true artistry behind them.
Tokai Teio is a natural-born dancer. The Emperor's Step is an innate talent.
Her exceptional flexibility and balance displayed earlier are the foundation of this technique.
For most other horse girls, reaching this level might take years—if they could ever reach it at all. This is her unique gift.
For comparison, in terms of flexibility alone, only Oguri Cap within Eisei could match her right now.
For balance, perhaps only Tamamo Cross could stand on equal footing.
This doesn't mean Oguri Cap or Tamamo Cross are lesser in talent—but that every field has different forms of excellence. Overall strength is another matter.
From this perspective, Mejiro McQueen is also such a genius.
In her debut race, she left the third-place finisher more than ten lengths behind, winning by a full length ahead of second place—her talent was immediately clear.
Her greatest gifts are endurance, long-distance adaptability—similar to Super Creek—and an exceptionally rare ability among Japanese horse girls: proficiency on heavy ground.
In terms of distance ability, looking at her Classic and first Older Horse year, there were simply no rivals who could match her in long-distance races.
Champion of the 3000m Kikuka-sho, consecutive wins in the 3000m Hanshin Daishoten, and unprecedented consecutive victories in the 3200m Spring Tenno Sho—these are indisputable proof of her talent.
As for heavy track adaptability—during the Kikuka-sho under heavy conditions, she recorded the third-best time in that race's history.
And from the horse world perspective, as an "old grandfather," McQueen's outstanding descendant Gold Ship was famous for his strength in heavy tracks too—undeniable evidence of inherited adaptability.
In this world, as a daughter of the Mejiro family, raised under strict education and proven excellence, the strategic style associated with Mejiro Ardan is fully applicable to her. She also possesses remarkable intelligence.
In short—even though the intentions of Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen to join Eisei came unexpectedly, Kitahara quickly formed an understanding of the situation.
However, this understanding was from his perspective; trainers and horse girls must understand each other. Which meant some things needed to be clearly communicated.
"I understand what both of you are hoping for."
Kitahara nodded, looking at the eager faces of Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen, then at Symboli Rudolf and Mejiro Ramonu, and spoke carefully:
"But there are things you must consider seriously."
"Eisei's training style is very different from other teams—this…"
"I already know that!"
Before he could finish, Tokai Teio jumped in impatiently:
"President told me so many times already—your training system is very advanced, unique, and scientific!"
"And I've run with Oguri Cap and the others before—I've seen their training and their races, and they're definitely different!"
"And besides—I think your training looks fun."
"Other trainers and horse girls always look like they're suffering."
"Even when they win, they still seem under huge pressure."
"And I sometimes heard seniors complain about their stubborn trainers."
"But how do I put it—Uncle Kitahara, you may look like a stubborn type, but Oguri Cap and the others always seem happy every day."
"That atmosphere feels perfect for me—so it's exactly because Eisei is different that I want your approval!"
"Wait—hold on!"
Halfway through speaking, her excitement abruptly surged.
"You're not trying to reject me, are you?"
"Do you think I'm not qualified to join Eisei?"
"If so—please say it directly! I'll work hard to fix it!"
Hearing this, the other three horse girls also appeared curious. Mejiro Takamine spoke:
"Indeed. I'm familiar with Eisei, but if there are restrictions or examinations, I will supervise McQueen through them."
"No, that's not it—you misunderstood."
Kitahara shook his head.
"Actually, it's Eisei's own concern."
"I'm worried that upcoming plans may not be suitable for you— or rather, they may not align with your expectations for your future."
"Expectations?"
Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen blinked, exchanging surprised looks.
Symboli Rudolf, however, seemed thoughtful.
"You mean next year's overseas expedition, Kitahara?"
"That's one part of it."
Kitahara nodded, looking seriously at the two.
"Since you've heard about our time in Europe, then you must also know a little about next year's overseas expedition."
"This hasn't been officially announced yet, but I can tell you now."
"Our current plan is to spend most of next year competing in Europe."
"And not just racing—we will move there several months in advance to adapt to local conditions."
"If you were still younger students, arranging to go with us wouldn't be difficult."
"We could simply apply for long-term leave from the academy."
He was thinking of Super Creek's situation last year, when he obtained long leave through Haruna Tazuna and took her to Kasamatsu for rehabilitation and special training.
But Symboli Rudolf brought up another matter.
"There's no need to apply for leave."
She shook her head, seeing Kitahara's surprise, and explained:
"I've been in regular contact with Dancing Brave these days, and have spoken frequently with Professor."
"Fortunately, he has experience researching the Marie's disease."
"Although there is still no complete cure, he has provided some treatment options."
"And he was inspired by your stem-cell approach."
"He is planning to combine it with gene therapy."
"With this, the chances of curing Dancing Brave increase dramatically."
"I've already discussed this with her and her trainer, Prince Khalid."
"Dancing Brave was calm, but Prince Khalid was deeply moved. He has already sent his team to Japan to collaborate on solving the technical challenges."
"And apart from that, there's one more thing."
Her voice grew excited.
"That is: international exchanges between Japanese academies and European academies."
"They are planning regular student exchange programs between British academies and Japan. The process should be finalized within the year."
"So—if these two wish to join Eisei, then even if you travel abroad next year, they can go as exchange students without needing to request leave."
Kitahara's expression brightened with surprise and joy, while Tokai Teio and McQueen stared wide-eyed in astonishment.
But then Rudolf continued, shifting her tone:
"But even if the logistics are resolved, the question Kitahara raised is still crucial."
"European racing—international-level competition—its training, preparation, and actual racing environment are entirely different from Japan."
"Overseas campaigns are extremely rare in Japan, and nothing like the usual Classic or Older circuits."
"You must seriously consider whether this is the path you truly want."
She hadn't planned to say this yet—the conversation had already turned into something very close to a formal three-sided negotiation. Personal wishes had to be respected, and students needed guidance to identify their true goals.
Though she wasn't Teio's guardian, for reasons she didn't understand, she felt unusually protective of the girl—almost instinctively speaking like a parent.
"Is it… really what I want…"
Tokai Teio repeated softly, thinking deeply.
McQueen looked instinctively at her sister; receiving a nod, she too fell thoughtful.
Seeing that, Kitahara continued.
"That is exactly what I mean."
"You stepped onto the racetrack because you hold dreams."
"To realize them requires your own effort, and a trainer capable of guiding you to those dreams."
"Just look at your senpais in Eisei."
"Oguri Cap wants to fulfill the expectations of her mother and sisters, to become an outstanding horse girl. And because she loves running, she wishes to run on more and more stages."
"Super Creek is similar—her parents sacrificed so much to send her to Tracen Academy, and she has worked tirelessly in return."
"Ardan hopes to uphold her family's honor and be a great role model for younger sisters such as yourself, McQueen."
"Tamamo Cross races for her younger siblings."
"Inari One races for her family in Oi."
"Their dreams can only be realized through broader and broader stages—and most importantly, they face them with resolve."
"You must ask yourselves—what stage do you want to stand on?"
"And—what dream do you race for?"
He paused, then continued:
"And beyond dreams: training style."
"Yes, I believe Eisei's system is different—original, scientific, advanced. I don't believe it will harm you."
"But can you adapt to it? And more importantly—do you like it?"
"Just as Teio loves honey drinks, and McQueen loves sweets—only for what you truly love will you give everything."
"If training becomes something you force yourself to endure, merely to grow stronger, then I think that would be a tragedy."
As he spoke, Kitahara recalled the daily atmosphere within Eisei.
The relationships inside Eisei were uniquely harmonious—both among trainers and among horse girls.
On the trainers' side, Kitahara was the eldest and most experienced, yet never acted superior. Despite being the "Chief," everyone felt comfortable around him.
Komiyama once joked that their senior was simply a "horse-girl-obsessed eccentric shut-in," whose only interests were training and racing—an innocuous kind of nerd who was the easiest to get along with.
Yuzuhara and Miyamura Kyoko agreed wholeheartedly.
Oguri Cap and the others were similar—living, studying, training, and racing together daily. Their biggest conflicts were choosing breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The only quarrels were between Tamamo Cross and Inari One—who constantly bickered—but Oguri, Creek, and Ardan viewed that as proof of deep friendship.
After all, when faced with their common archenemy, Symboli Rudolf, the two's turtle-fist teamwork was perfect.
In such an environment, daily training proceeded harmoniously, and no internal conflict had ever disrupted practice.
Later, with the addition of Oguri Roman—Oguri Cap's younger sister, and a horse girl of gentle disposition—there were naturally no issues within the existing atmosphere.
However, for any new candidate wishing to join, their adaptability still needed to be confirmed.
"Adaptability, huh…"
Murmuring the word to herself, Tokai Teio pondered.
"This… I really hadn't thought about it."
"But if we're talking about dreams, I actually already have an answer!"
Pausing for a moment, she suddenly shifted her tone, her eyes sparkling with determination as she looked at Symboli Rudolf beside her.
"I want to become a horse girl like the President, a legend in URA history!"
"Whether undefeated, or a Triple Crown winner—I believe I can achieve it all!"
"Even… hehe…"
She became a bit shy, laughing lightly. She scratched her head, took a deep breath, patted her chest, and gave a thumbs-up.
"What the President couldn't achieve, I believe I can achieve!"
"Because of that, when I learned that Uncle Kitahara and the others would go to Europe, I became even more determined to come here."
"I want to accomplish the dreams the President couldn't, and aim for the pinnacle of this world!"
"But just thinking about this, thinking about the advantages you all have, and the overseas aspect…"
"…I haven't really considered whether I can adapt to it myself, hehe…"
She scratched her head shyly again.
Tokai Teio was, of course, referring to Symboli Rudolf's failed overseas expedition.
And among everyone present, she was the only one bold enough to bring it up so openly.
After all, heading overseas with full confidence, only to lose in the very first race—that would be a dark chapter a legendary horse girl like Rudolf would prefer not to mention.
At this, Symboli Rudolf looked clearly embarrassed.
She had still been smiling with relief when Teio had mentioned her initial determination, but upon hearing the latter half of her words, her expression became one of helpless amusement.
Clearly unsure what to say, she merely clasped a fist near her mouth and coughed lightly twice.
This "father-son" dynamic was truly something.
Observing the scene with a knowing smile, Kitahara turned his gaze to Mejiro McQueen.
"It seems Teio hasn't considered the adaptability aspect of the training method. And what about you, McQueen?"
"I've thought about it, of course."
Faced with the question, Mejiro McQueen gave an immediate and confident answer without hesitation.
As she spoke, she shot a glance at Tokai Teio, then straightened her chest and crossed her arms, wearing a slightly proud expression.
"My sister, Ardan, has always trained at Eisei. I've asked her many questions about training."
"In the process, I gradually became familiar with Eisei's methods. I don't think there's anything I would have difficulty adapting to."
"So, in that sense, I came to this realization even earlier than Teio."
She puffed out her chest proudly.
"Not just this realization—about what choices to make for my own dreams, I've already thought it through."
"As for the overseas expedition, my sister Ardan has already discussed it with Grandma, and she fully approved."
(End of Chapter)