This fic release day:
Monday/Tuesday/Friday/Saturday with 3 chapters each day.
But recently I got some free time after finishing my work, that's why I'll try to update one or two chapters in Sunday/Wednesday/Thursday.
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The next day, Shuta An and his group began their journey back to Kasamatsu.
Team Rigil and the others would remain in Hokkaido for another week before returning to Central Tracen Academy, but Shuta An insisted that only they and Miss Sachiko, the inn's owner, accompany him as far as the roadside leading to the main road.
"After today's farewell, we'll meet again in Central," said Tojo Hana, pushing up her glasses with a smile.
"That'll be a few years from now," Shuta An replied, turning to glance at Oguri Cap standing behind him. He smiled faintly. "I hope Miss Tojo will take good care of me when I go to Central in the future."
"I wouldn't dare call it 'taking care,'" Hana shook her head modestly. "I lack too many things compared to Shuta-kun. By then, it'll be me learning from you."
Meanwhile, Miss Sachiko addressed Oguri Cap directly. "Oguri, if you come again next year, I'll give you a fifty percent discount!"
"I'm not sure if Trainer plans to come again," Oguri Cap replied carefully. She was used to letting Shuta An decide such matters.
"It's fine! As long as you want to, Oguri, I'm sure Shuta-kun will make the arrangements," Miss Sachiko said knowingly, clearly confident in her understanding of their relationship.
"Hmm…" Oguri Cap hesitated, uncertain.
Berno Light stepped in. "That depends on Trainer's plans—it's not something we can do just because we want to."
Miss Sachiko blinked, then turned toward Shuta An and repeated her offer with a playful look. As she expected, though Shuta An had been very satisfied with the Yukara Hot Spring Inn, he didn't immediately agree.
"To be honest, there aren't any suitable races for Oguri Cap to challenge in Hokkaido next year," he explained. That, more than anything, was what held him back.
"Well, even if you don't come next year, there'll be chances in the future," Miss Sachiko said cheerfully, waving her hand in a carefree gesture.
"If I choose to come to Hokkaido again in the future," Shuta An replied politely, "I'll definitely bring the Uma Musume under my care to stay at Miss Sachiko's place."
At that, the innkeeper's smile brightened with satisfaction.
After more than four hours on the road, Shuta An and his group finally returned to Kasamatsu. Once Oguri Cap and Berno Light were safely dropped off at the Academy, Shuta An headed straight to his apartment.
The room hadn't been touched in two months, so he spent some time cleaning before intending to rest. But as he lay down, a thought resurfaced—the matter Oguri Cap had asked him about the night before last.
"I don't really understand these things," he muttered. "Better to ask someone knowledgeable."
So, he dialed Mr. Kitahara's number.
An hour later, the two Trainers met at a fast-food restaurant.
"That's amazing, Ann-san!" Kitahara exclaimed, patting his friend on the shoulder. "After just one summer vacation, you've become a graded-winning Trainer—leading Oguri Cap to win a National Local Exchange Stakes race and making history for our Academy."
"It's mainly thanks to Oguri's efforts," Shuta An replied modestly. "I bet Mr. Kitahara didn't let Fujimasa March rest all summer either, did you?"
"Well—" Kitahara scratched his cheek, smiling sheepishly. "I can't compare to you, but Fujimasa March and I did win two open-class races in Nagoya. We're adjusting her condition now and planning to aim for the Youth Crown Race and Chukyo Hai later this year."
"The Youth Crown Race and Chukyo Hai…" Shuta An quickly ran through the dates in his mind before replying. "I'll probably only have Oguri Cap enter the Chukyo Hai. The Youth Crown Race is just ten days before it, and I don't want to overwork her."
"So it'll be Oguri Cap, well-rested, against Fujimasa March in the Chukyo Hai," Kitahara mused. A flicker of uncertainty passed through his eyes, but he soon firmed his resolve. "Even so, I won't change my race schedule. The Youth Crown Race is a local stakes event for Kasamatsu, and Fujimasa March needs those experiences to build her record."
"There's still over a month before the Youth Crown Race," Shuta An said with a smile, steering the talk back to his main reason for calling. "But I didn't ask to meet today just to talk about racing."
"Oh?" Kitahara leaned back curiously. "Then what does Ann-san want to talk about? Surely you don't think I can solve problems you can't?"
"I actually think you might be able to," Shuta An replied, shrugging. "Tell me—do you think it's a good time to buy property in Kasamatsu?"
"Buy a house?" Kitahara blinked in surprise. "Why would you suddenly think of that? I thought you weren't planning to settle here."
"It's not for me—it's for Oguri Cap," Shuta An clarified. "She wants to buy an apartment in Kasamatsu and bring her family over."
"Oguri Cap only has, what, less than twenty million yen right now? That won't buy much." Kitahara frowned. "Housing prices keep rising every year, and industrial material costs are high. Most people are throwing their savings into the stock market these days."
"What about you, Mr. Kitahara? You're not joining in?" Shuta An asked. "I heard people are making good money from stocks right now."
"I'll pass," Kitahara said flatly, waving his hand. "I don't trust turning real money into numbers that can change at any moment."
"Let's get back to the main point," he continued, his tone more serious. "If Ann-san trusts me, my advice is to tell Oguri Cap to wait. If she really needs her family nearby, have her rent instead."
He paused, then added, "Something feels off about Japan right now. This boom—it feels like a bubble."
"A bubble…" Shuta An's eyes narrowed. "I've had the same feeling. That's why I couldn't decide. But if you think so too, I'll tell Oguri Cap not to buy."
He had already sensed what Kitahara feared. That was why he'd sold his old house earlier, exchanged the yen for a large sum of U.S. dollars, and only converted a small portion back for living expenses.
Even so, he hesitated at the thought of disappointing Oguri Cap.
'Will she think her Trainer can't even grant her a simple wish?' he wondered.
Yet when he finally gathered his resolve and told her the next day at the Academy, Oguri Cap simply nodded without hesitation.
"I'll listen to whatever Trainer says."
Seeing her unshakable trust, Shuta An could only tell himself, quietly but firmly, that he would take good care of this gray umamusume who believed in him so deeply. Oguri Cap had expected her Trainer to tell her she could resume training after a few more days of rest.
Instead, after Shuta An advised her not to buy a house, he turned to Berno Light and said calmly,
"Berno, I need you to take Oguri to a hospital in Nagoya."
"Huh?! I'm not injured!" Oguri Cap raised her hand in protest. "I feel perfectly fine!"
"That's not up to you to decide," Shuta An replied without even looking back. "The Hokkaido Shimbun Hai was a graded race. It's standard procedure to undergo a full examination afterward."
"The examination fee will be reimbursed," he added, glancing toward Berno Light.
The chestnut-haired logistical Uma Musume nodded energetically. "I understand! I'll take Oguri to the best hospital in Nagoya!"
"That's the idea," Shuta An affirmed. "I'll determine Oguri's race schedule through the end of the year based on the results of that exam."
Oguri Cap's ears twitched nervously. She silently prayed she wouldn't be diagnosed with any mysterious injuries she couldn't feel.
After watching Oguri Cap and Berno Light leave, Shuta An didn't return to his office. Instead, he took the race report he had written the night before and walked toward the Academy Director's office.
He knocked, heard a faint "Come in," and entered.
"Our Kasamatsu hero Trainer has arrived!" The Director beamed, rising from his seat to shake Shuta An's hand. "I truly didn't expect you to meet the year-end deadline by August. That's impressive, Shuta-kun."
Shuta An returned the handshake with a modest smile. "I've fulfilled my end of the agreement, Director. Now it's your turn."
"I know," the Director said as he sat back down. "From today onward, the Minami Kanto URA Association will no longer interfere with Oguri Cap's training or racing schedule."
"Still," the Director continued, "I'd like to hear about your plans for the rest of this year."
Shuta An had already considered that. "I've sent Oguri Cap for a physical examination today. If there are no issues, I plan to enter her in the Chukyo Hai in the third week of October. After that, we'll focus entirely on the Kasamatsu Youth Grand Prix at the year's end."
"No more long-distance expeditions?" The Director sounded surprised. "I thought you'd aim for another national challenge."
Shuta An shook his head slightly. "Next year, I intend for Oguri Cap to take on Central graded races. The only local exchange graded race at the end of the year is the All Japan Yushun Championship at Kawasaki. The Minami Kanto dirt runners there are far stronger than the Mombetsu field in August. I believe Oguri Cap could win—but the toll on her would be heavy."
He reasoned that Oguri Cap already had one G3 victory. There was no need to chase a G2 merely to prove her worth.
"I see your point," the Director mused. "So her first Central graded race challenge would be around February next year?"
"Yes," Shuta An replied, "but there aren't any suitable races then. I plan to test her middle-distance and turf adaptability first."
That explanation was more for formality's sake—Shuta An already understood Oguri Cap's stats better than anyone. The true reason was simple: every graded race in February used right-handed tracks.
"I need to see how Oguri Cap handles left-handed tracks," he thought aloud. His chosen debut for her Central challenge was already set: the G2 Yayoi Sho, a 2000-meter turf race held at Tokyo Racecourse in early March.
The Yayoi Sho traditionally took place at Nakayama, but renovations there had moved it temporarily to Tokyo—switching it from right-handed to left-handed.
"It's a godsend," Shuta An had thought when he first saw the change.
The Director, seeing the conversation pause, changed topics.
"By the way, do you or Oguri Cap have any difficulties? The Academy can help if needed."
Shuta An had been about to say "no," but a thought struck him.
"There is one thing," he said instead.
"Oh?" The Director's eyes brightened. "Please, go on."
"It's about Oguri Cap," Shuta An explained. "After winning the Hokkaido Shimbun Hai, she has some prize money. She wants to bring her mother to Kasamatsu, but… the housing prices right now—"
He didn't need to finish. The Director nodded knowingly.
"What a coincidence," the Director said, smiling. "I happen to have an apartment in Nagoya's Nishi Ward available for rent. Buying or renting is expensive these days, so why not use mine?"
Before Shuta An could reply, the Director tossed him a key. "Go take a look first. If it suits you, we'll sign the contract. I'll even add a clause—if Oguri Cap wins a G1 during her Twinkle Series career, I'll waive her rent for one G1. If she wins multiple times, I'll simply give her the apartment."
He added, "Provided she remains with Kasamatsu, of course."
"That's only fair," Shuta An agreed, catching the key. On this point, he and the Director were of one mind: Oguri Cap must remain part of Kasamatsu.
"Oguri Cap has made history for this Academy," the Director continued warmly. "Not only for us, but for all the local fans who are proud of her. To celebrate, the Academy will hold a ceremony at Kasamatsu Racecourse. You and Oguri Cap must attend."
"When?" Shuta An asked.
"Next week, on the 7th," the Director replied, then held out another key. "Also—about your car. Still driving that old Alto? People might think the Academy treats its Trainers poorly. We've bought several new Nissan BE-1s. Consider this your reward for the Hokkaido Shimbun Hai victory."
"Then I shall accept it gladly," Shuta An said calmly, pocketing the key. "I'll return to my office."
"Take care," the Director said, standing to see him out.
When the door closed, the Director exhaled softly. "It seems they'll both stay until Oguri Cap retires," he murmured.
That afternoon, just as Shuta An was preparing to leave work, the hospital fax arrived. Oguri Cap's medical report.
"Not bad," he said after a quick read. "No injuries at all—not even minor strains. Her body's as sturdy as ever."
Relieved, he began filling out Oguri Cap's entry form for the October Chukyo Hai.
As the name implied, the race would be held at Chukyo Racecourse, under the Central URA Association's jurisdiction.
Shuta An knew what it meant for Oguri Cap to appear there, but he wasn't worried.
"Even if Central Trainers take notice, the bond we've built won't be shaken."
He had just finished writing when he noticed his desk surrounded by fellow Trainers.
"What's going on?" he asked, glancing up.
"Congratulations, Shuta-kun, on conquering a graded race!" Confetti flew, echoing the celebration from the Hokkaido hot spring inn days earlier.
Brushing bits of paper from his hair, he offered a polite smile.
"Now that you've won a national exchange G3, when will you challenge the Central?" one Trainer asked, tone half-joking, half-teasing.
To many at Kasamatsu, a single graded race win was enough to coast comfortably for years. The idea of "challenging the Central," nearly impossible for local Trainers, was something they could delay indefinitely. Jealousy hung faintly in the air.
"Next year," Shuta An said firmly.
His colleagues blinked.
"I wasn't joking before," he continued, setting down his pen. "In the first half of next year, I'll take Oguri Cap to the Central graded circuit. One G3 win won't stop me from moving forward."
The room fell silent.
"I'll be leaving first," he added, standing with his bag and the completed entry form. He nodded once and left.
They could view the Hokkaido Shimbun Hai as a small victory. He didn't. If his determination soured a few relationships, so be it. Mr. Kitahara was still around, and Fujimasa March could handle training substitutions if needed.
After submitting the entry, Shuta An felt for the Director's car key in his pocket.
He hesitated—then decided not to pick up the BE-1 just yet.
He drove his old Alto toward the apartment in Nishi Ward instead.
"It's about thirty minutes away. Not bad," he thought, reading the property details the Director had sent him. "Two bedrooms and a living room… If Oguri wants, her mother could move in anytime."
Arriving at the building, he parked and went inside. The place was clearly new—barely two years old. When he opened the door to the 24th-floor apartment, he paused to look around.
"Once I rent it, I'll just need to buy some furniture," he murmured. "This is far better than my current place."
"Hmm… I'll go furniture shopping tomorrow," he decided. "Oguri still needs a few days of rest anyway. I'll get everything ready before she returns."
Locking the door behind him, he headed home.
After dinner, he sat at his desk once more. Pen in hand, brows furrowed.
"Now that we've secured our place, it's time to prepare for the Central circuit."
Oguri Cap would need training tailored to the new challenge—but she also couldn't forget dirt racing, since two local races still awaited her this year.
Her G3 win had made her Kasamatsu's hero—and a target. Ambitious Uma Musume now saw her as the perfect stepping stone to fame.
"As her Trainer, I can't let that happen," Shuta An thought, gripping his pen. "Not even from Fujimasa March."
Despite knowing Oguri Cap's high turf adaptability, he had to ensure she could handle real turf conditions. Morioka's grass track was too far—over ten hours away—but Chukyo, where her next race would be held, had one.
"When we go for the Chukyo Hai, I'll let her do a light run on the turf," he planned. "Let her feel what Central turf is really like."
He thought of Tokyo Racecourse in November—the Japan Cup, where even Europe's and America's finest came to compete. Only Katsuragi Ace and Symboli Rudolf had ever defended Japan's honor.
"If Oguri Cap could one day challenge the Japan Cup… that would be incredible."
He chuckled softly and shook his head. "No. One step at a time."
Then, with renewed focus, he began drafting Oguri Cap's detailed training plan for the second half of the year.