Chapter 115: Training Race Arrangements Before the Japanese Derby
Not long after, at a traditional Japanese-style restaurant near Nakayama Racecourse.
Popping a piece of cod sushi into her mouth, Tokai Teio savored it with a blissful hum before letting out a sigh of contentment.
"As always, no matter when I come here, the sushi at this place is just the best."
She then turned her gaze toward Makoto and Kitasan Black, seated beside her.
"So, you actually ran into Chairwoman Yukishiro… and Almond Eye too?"
"Mhm. I had wanted to bring Almond Eye along to the victory banquet, but she ended up leaving with the Chairwoman."
Kitasan Black sounded a little regretful, before tilting her head in curiosity.
"Still, I never would have thought that the Chairwoman was related to Almond Eye's family…"
She had indeed seen Yukishiro Sakuya once before—back during the entrance ceremony's opening speech.
Though her address had been short and concise, the Chairwoman's icy aura and clipped words had left a strong impression.
After that, Kitasan Black hadn't seen her again around the Academy, only hearing rumors that she had gone overseas for various official duties.
To meet her here, by sheer chance… once again she was struck by that same presence and manner of speech. At the same time, she couldn't help being surprised by her connection to Almond Eye.
From the way they spoke to each other, it really did feel like the relationship of senpai and kouhai—or perhaps elder and younger.
"Senpai would be more accurate, actually."
Teio corrected her matter-of-factly after swallowing another piece of sushi.
"Just like Chairwoman Akikawa, Yukishiro's family carries a lot of influence in the industry. Her parents and other relatives have ties with all sorts of prominent families."
"So, it's more likely that either she herself—or her family—have long been acquainted with Almond Eye's household."
"I see…"
Kitasan Black nodded in understanding, before her eyes lit up excitedly.
"Oh, that reminds me! The Chairwoman said my performance in the Satsuki Sho was excellent!"
"It really was excellent—though even without the Chairwoman's words, I would have said the same."
Teio gave an approving nod.
"But you know, her evaluations of races and Umamusumes are considered among the sharpest in the industry. Even veteran trainers can't always match her insight."
"If she says it was excellent, then it truly was."
Kitasan Black grew even more energized.
"In that case, I'll just have to give it my all in the Japanese Derby! There's no way I can let the Chairwoman down!"
"Oh! That's right!"
"Teio-senpai, Trainer said I'll be doing training races as part of my prep. Do you and McQueen-senpai have time to join in?"
Her words instantly sparked excitement across the table.
"Oho? If Teio and McQueen are both helping you out, then we might get to see a rematch of the legendary 'TM' showdown!"
Vodka straightened up, eyes gleaming.
"I've been waiting years for that! I thought the Dream Trophy might finally give us something similar, but the chance never came… and now it might actually happen."
Special Week joined in with a nostalgic smile.
"Yeah, back then everyone was agonizing over who to cheer for. In the end, we could only switch back and forth, shouting both your names."
"Of course," Gold Ship added thoughtfully, "Teio was undefeated with seven consecutive wins, while McQueen was aiming for a consecutive Spring Tenno Sho. But only one of you could be champion. We could only cheer for both."
They were referring to the one and only clash between Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen in their racing careers.
Before that race, Teio had never known defeat, boasting a perfect seven-win streak since debut. McQueen, meanwhile, had claimed a string of top-tier long-distance titles.
Their remarkable records had earned each of them immense support, making their long-awaited confrontation the most anticipated event of the year—and one of the most iconic long-distance races in history.
"Training races… so that's what Trainer Yasui has in mind?"
Rather than immediately indulging in her friends' excitement, Teio turned to Makoto for confirmation.
Without hesitation, Makoto nodded.
Makoto gave a calm nod before explaining his reasoning.
"This was the plan from the start."
"Kitasan's condition, as you all know, is quite remarkable. Her physical aptitude allows her to withstand an extremely high level of training."
"Especially compared to when she first debuted, her constitution has improved even further. In fact, the special training we conducted prior to the Satsuki Sho was already intense."
"But between the Satsuki Sho and the Japanese Derby, there's still a month and a half. If she keeps up that level of intensity the entire time, her peak form might actually decline before race day."
"So the better option is to ease back the daily load, and instead, as before, use training races to maintain her sharpness. I believe that's the most ideal approach."
Teio gave a small, approving nod, her eyes glinting with recognition. Once again, she found herself impressed with Makoto's competence.
As a dual undefeated Classic winner herself, she could deeply appreciate what had happened in the Satsuki Sho.
In her view, Kitasan's strategy in that race had been highly targeted, exploiting her opponents' overconfidence.
That 3-to-6-length lead had been a delicate one.
Normally, unless the gap exceeded ten lengths, most Umamusumes confident in their closing kick would simply gamble everything on the final stretch.
Front runners expend enormous stamina in the early and middle phases, and if their distribution falters, collapse before the finish line is common.
So rather than chasing down a front runner who might flame out, it makes more sense to focus on other rivals with equally strong closing speed.
That was the standard mindset of most pace chasers—and Teio herself was no exception.
Throughout her career, she had believed firmly in her ability to catch any front runner with her closing kick. She had won many races that way.
But racing's beauty lay in its unpredictability.
Through skill, through sheer willpower, or through something inexplicable—there would always be Umamusumes who defied logic and surpassed limits.
Like those who seized the lead from the start and never let go, accelerating all the way to the wire.
Kitasan Black had clearly done just that—through outstanding technique, yes, but also through sheer grit. It was that balance which had allowed her to hold off every challenger and seize the laurels.
Her natural talent and hard work were undeniable—but Makoto's guidance had been just as critical.
"…It's a good plan. But…"
After voicing her approval, Teio suddenly looked apologetic as her gaze shifted toward Kitasan Black.
"McQueen and I really don't have the time."
"Even being here today was only possible because the Chairwoman came back and took over some of our duties."
"With the Japanese Derby drawing near, our responsibilities will only pile up more, so…"
She bit her lip, hesitating.
"It's fine, Teio-senpai!"
Kitasan Black quickly shook her head.
"I was only asking. Of course your work is more important. I really didn't mean to—"
But before she could finish, a sharp ringtone cut through the air.
The sound of an incoming video call.
Instinctively, everyone turned to look. Before Kitasan Black could say anything, McQueen was already pinching the bridge of her nose, half exasperated, half amused.
"…Oi, Golshi, what do you think you're doing?"
"What do you mean 'what am I doing'? I'm helping think up training race ideas for Kita-chan!"
Golshi—better known as Gold Ship—waved her phone indignantly, clearly annoyed at being questioned.
"You and Teio obviously don't have time."
"I've got the Spring Tenno Sho coming up myself—much longer than the Derby—so I can't stick around either."
"But what you two just said reminded me of someone. I want to ask if she's free in the coming weeks."
"Oh, right. By the way—any of you know what time it is in Paris right now?"