"Is Ms. Hayakawa taking this boy on a tour of the campus next?"
Before leaving, the old man couldn't help but add another sentence.
"Yes… Mr. Asama only came to finalize the contract a few days ago. The original plan was for me to introduce the various facilities of the Academy to Mr. Asama."
"Hmm, Ms. Hayakawa, as the Academy Secretary, especially with the start of school approaching, you must have many unhandled tasks, right? As for touring, aren't there only returning High School students and teachers on campus today? He's a grown man, he shouldn't get lost, right?"
As he spoke, he looked over as if seeking confirmation.
Hold it in—come on, Kazuo, you must hold it in—
Forcing out a slight smile, Kazuo nodded: "Yes, I can handle it myself. I won't trouble Ms. Hayakawa."
Seeing that Kazuo had said so, Ms. Hayakawa could only give him an apologetic look, then bid farewell to everyone in the office and quickly left.
It was clear that as the Academy Chairman's secretary, she indeed had many important matters awaiting her attention.
Only—
"Well, if there's nothing else, everyone, please continue with your work, shall we?"
With the old man's words, everyone sat down. With the start of school approaching, every department had things to prepare and handle.
As for Kazuo.
Seeing that everyone else was busy, standing there alone wasn't doing him any good.
As he was thinking, his eyes met the old man's again.
"…When you're walking around the Academy alone, don't 'accidentally' wander into the girls' dormitory."
What to do?
He couldn't hold it in!
"I won't, please rest assured about that!"
Suppressing the urge to hit someone, Kazuo watched with twitching cheeks as the old man slowly departed—
What a truly… disaster-ridden career.
Because of the previous "interlude," the atmosphere in the office was too delicate. Kazuo could only follow them out of the room after they left.
However, as he left, he faintly heard their discussions.
Connections, rookie newcomer, and such… but at this point, he didn't want to bother with any of that anymore.
It had just begun, and he already felt that the future was fraught with difficulties… As Kazuo walked out of the teaching building alone, he was a bit lost on where to start his tour.
Then he heard someone calling his name again.
"Mr. Asama! Please wait a moment!"
Kazuo paused slightly, turned around, and saw Ms. Hayakawa had returned at some point.
She jogged over, perhaps a little anxious, her cheeks flushed.
"Is something the matter, Ms. Hayakawa?"
Facing this intellectual older sister, Kazuo had a very good impression of her.
"My apologies, I left in a hurry just now and didn't give you this."
Saying that, she handed him a prepared envelope.
"This is…?"
"Inside are the keys to your staff dormitory room, Mr. Asama, and your water card. After you've finished your tour, you can head to the dormitory building on the north side of the Academy. That's the staff dormitory, and your room number, Mr. Asama, is 412. As for the luggage you brought, Mr. Asama, I've already asked the gatekeeper to send it to the dorm manager."
Ms. Hayakawa concisely informed Kazuo of all these matters.
This meticulous attitude almost brought tears to Kazuo's eyes.
Ms. Hayakawa… is truly an angel!!
Under the oppression of the workplace, Ms. Hayakawa now seemed like a goddess glowing with golden light.
"Mr. Asama…? Do you understand?"
"Ah… yes! Thank you, Ms. Hayakawa! You've gone to so much trouble!"
"It's nothing, it's great if I could help you. Well, since I have other matters to attend to, I'll have to let you tour the campus alone."
"It's fine! I'm perfectly alright by myself!"
Thanks to Ms. Hayakawa, Kazuo now felt like he could face anything with a smile!
Seeing Kazuo so energetic, Ms. Hayakawa also relaxed and showed a sweet smile. After a few more words of caution, she left.
Bidding farewell to Ms. Hayakawa, Kazuo also perked up and began touring Tresen Academy with renewed vigor.
It must be said, as the most famous and well-funded Uma Musume training academy for Central Horse Racing, everything here exuded professionalism.
European architectural style covered the entire Academy. If one observed closely, they would find that the Academy avenue also encircled the teaching buildings in the shape of a horseshoe. As a professional Horse Racing base, all facilities were fully equipped. Even the Academy's infirmary was an independent building, a specially established medical center.
As for the dining center, it was a particularly luxurious two-story design, featuring an open-air restaurant, a European-style buffet, and a relatively affordable "commoner's" cafeteria.
The swimming pool, which he had briefly passed by when signing the contract, was a large swimming pool equipped with a ten-meter diving platform, even larger than many small water parks.
Not to mention the Academy's auditorium, sports hall, comprehensive building, and even the exhibition center specifically for idol courses, and the place where Trainers and Uma Musume grow together—the "Team Clubroom."
Standing on the viewing platform of the racecourse, facing the vast, seemingly endless giant grass track, Kazuo couldn't help but be awestruck by it all.
Just imagining the Uma Musume galloping across this track, the Uma Musume who emerge from this elite Academy might just be the future stars on the racecourse.
"This place… it's simply incomparable to local Horse Racing training institutions…"
The environment, the conditions, everything was too different. Most of the Uma Musume from local institutions participated in amateur events, and at best, low-level local events.
If they lacked talent, most would give up at the initial stage… Not all Uma Musume chose to participate in events organized by the JRA (Japan Central Racing Association) or the NRA (National Racing Associationfor Local Horse Racing). In fact, many didn't even set Horse Racing as their life goal from the beginning.
After all, Uma Musume exist in various fields—
However, in this place closest to Central events, these elites, who were highly anticipated from the start, were just one step away from the pinnacle. Their starting point… was simply too high.
"I must…"
"I must make sure my sister can enter this Academy."
To fulfill his promise to his sister, Kazuo once again strengthened his belief.
He must become a top Trainer!