"These are the profiles for the Group A trainees. Please take a look, everyone."
Kobayashi had now brought over the data of those who participated in the simulation race. These materials, combined with what was shown during the race, allowed Trainers to better choose suitable Uma Musume by integrating data with actual performance.
Todo took them and glanced through, then couldn't help but exclaim, "A height of 1.4 meters, and a weight that barely meets the minimum standard for races... It's incredible that she could achieve such a result..."
Although it was just a simulation race, everything Tamamo Cross displayed was already enough to attract everyone's attention.
This was the reason for the existence of simulation races: to discover one's own abilities and racing compatibility, and at the same time, to showcase oneself and attract someone who could become one's partner.
"It seems this batch of freshmen is quite talented, Tojo, what do you think?"
Sasaki asked Toujou Hana, who was still standing in place, deep in thought, as he flipped through Tamamo Cross's profile.
"Hmm, indeed excellent. The talent and ability she displayed are worth noting, but one race doesn't explain everything. Furthermore, this was just a short-distance turf simulation race; further evaluation will be needed in subsequent simulation races. Please consider carefully before negotiating with the Uma Musume. Everyone should understand what a contract means for both parties, right?"
An Uma Musume can only contract with one Trainer. Unless under special circumstances, their racing career will basically be spent as a duo. Tojo's meaning for such selections was clear. A Trainer can be responsible for multiple Uma Musume, but an Uma Musume can only have one instructor. Blindly pursuing one's own achievements by excessively engaging with Uma Musume is, in fact, an irresponsible act.
Although many of those present were 'veterans' who had been employed for several years, Tojo still added a reminder just in case.
"Yes!"
Seeing their team leader speak, everyone quickly perked up and responded.
"Sasaki, I'll leave things here to you for now. I need to step out for a bit."
"What are they… doing?"
Kazuo looked at Tojo and the Trainers with some curiosity. They held various folders and were discussing something with very serious expressions.
But Kazuo wasn't confident he could join them.
"They're probably analyzing and discussing the Uma Musume from the race just now."
Yoshida glanced at them and then looked away. Unlike Kazuo, he didn't find everything novel; he was already accustomed to such sights.
However, more than these things, he had a question he wanted to ask Kazuo.
"Kid… what was your name again?"
Isn't this just being condescending?
Kazuo rolled his eyes internally, but still answered honestly and sincerely: "Kazuo, Asama Kazuo."
"Asama, huh… Hmm, after watching the race just now, what are your thoughts?"
Yoshida slowly asked, his eyes narrowed, while observing Kazuo's expression.
"Unbelievable—"
Kazuo looked at Xiao Hai Wan, who was playfully bickering with Tamamo Cross below, and couldn't help but whisper.
"I can't imagine this was just an in-school simulated race… and it was the first simulated race for new Uma Musume… the intensity was actually this high…"
He couldn't help but recall the local Horse Racing events he had seen at the racecourse in Wakayama Prefecture during his high school trip… the intensity was only comparable, if not greater.
This was the luxury of an elite institution, the abilities and talents of the students recruited by Tracen Academy, located in Central… even without systematic training planned by a Trainer, they still displayed excellent professional qualities… this was what they called genius.
"This is what an Uma Musume is. Even without polishing and sculpting, their brilliance cannot be hidden. Given time, these will be the new stars Shining on the track and stage tomorrow."
Yoshida sighed softly, but then changed the subject: "That being said, if they don't have a Trainer, they can't debut in races. Although there are special Uma Musume who guide Trainers, if you people don't work hard, what right do you have to stand by their side?"
"…You are right to lecture me…"
He couldn't refute it. Although it sounded harsh, he was right.
"Then, I have another question for you. After watching the race just now, which Uma Musume did you find most interesting?"
Was it Tamamo Cross, who displayed extreme power and absolute strength, or Fine Motion, who possessed impressive strength and outstanding standards in all aspects?
After all, both of them had fought fiercely until the very end in the race before a winner was decided.
They were undoubtedly the most Shining presences in the race, and although most eyes were on Tamamo Cross, the second-place Fine Motion also attracted the attention of the Trainers.
Honestly, it wouldn't be surprising to choose anyone from them, but Kazuo looked at the crowd below and unconsciously blurted out an answer that even Yoshida found surprising.
"…For me, it would probably be contestant number four just now… If I remember correctly, her name should be Eishin… Shining?"
He didn't even remember the name very clearly, but this answer—
Yoshida was first stunned, but then immediately became interested.
"Oh, why is that? Can you tell me the reason?"
Who would have thought that Kazuo also seemed a bit helpless, scratching his head and slowly stammering: "Actually… I can't quite explain this feeling… but the race just now made me feel there were some strange things…"
"Strange things?"
"Uh… how to describe it, I always felt that although that girl tried very hard to catch up and greatly narrowed the gap with the first and second places, but—"
"I always felt like she didn't give her full effort… or rather, it felt a bit deliberate."
"During the final acceleration phase, she inexplicably slowed down at the last hundred meters… even though she totally had a chance to overtake with that momentum… Uh, it's not just me who thinks so, don't take it seriously, really, maybe I saw it wrong, haha…"
Realizing what he had said, he quickly used a dry laugh to cover up the awkwardness, but Yoshida lowered his head and pondered in silence.
"Hoo-oh… Is that so? Interesting—"
"Eh?"
Kazuo had thought his remarks would only be dismissed as nonsense, as he, a mere amateur, stood before this elder, clearly showing off his meager skills.
But unexpectedly, Yoshida showed a surprised expression instead, and the atmosphere between the two became subtle.
In the rest corridor outside the racecourse.
Beep—
The vending machine then clunked, dropping a bottle of sports drink.
"So you were here, Eishin Flash."
Toujou Hana slowly approached the girl from behind. Having noticed the girl heading straight to the rest area after the race, Toujou Hana had given a few verbal instructions and then followed.
The girl with short black hair, shoulder-length, slowly squatted down and took out the canned drink from the dispenser. Then she slowly stood up and turned around.
"Hmm? Is there something you need?"
The girl politely asked. Despite having just experienced a short-distance sprint race, she showed no signs of excessive fatigue. Instead, she greeted the newcomer with a refreshing smile.
"I am a Trainer from Rigil. To be honest, I only came over to ask you why you didn't give your full effort?"
Toujou Hana asked with a serious expression. Her personality was like that; she was direct and didn't like beating around the bush, so she asked straight to the point.
The girl was first stunned, but seeing Toujou Hana's serious demeanor, she then nodded slightly in understanding: "I see… Is it because of that? I apologize, but if I have to say, it can only be attributed to a personal judgment."
"…Personal judgment?"
"I don't think getting first place would bring me any good. That's all."
The girl bowed slightly and said, "I'm sorry, although it might not be appropriate to say this, I have something else to do later. As for you, Trainer, isn't Group B's race about to start?"
"...Mm."
The girl's attitude was obvious. After a slight nod to indicate there was no problem, she turned and walked towards the exit.
Polite yet distant—
Leaving Toujou Hana alone, standing there and watching.
The sound just now was very soft, but she still heard it—
"My personal judgment is—"
I don't need a Trainer.