After waking up, Shuta An opened his computer and specifically checked Tamamo Cross's current race record. Aside from the fact that she began winning graded races earlier thanks to his reminder about switching back to turf, her results this year were exactly the same as those he'd seen in the Dream World.
"Next is the Takarazuka Kinen, huh" he murmured. "I definitely need to pay attention. Tamamo Cross should be the biggest rival for the Autumn Tenno Sho."
He leaned back, exhaling lightly. "Although I did notice her potential last year, I didn't expect her to come this far."
With that thought, he began gathering all race footage from the start of her winning streak up to the Spring Tenno Sho.
"Let's start studying now. It'll pay off in autumn," he muttered, gently tapping the table.
———
Elsewhere, Tamamo Cross was also watching the French Derby. Even though days had passed, she still brought up that electrifying duel whenever she chatted with her Trainer, Miss Komiyama.
"I really didn't expect it!!! That girl who dominated on dirt at Kasamatsu could go overseas and win something like that." Tamamo Cross stretched lightly. "In the final stretch, she was running with the same intensity she shows when she's eating."
"When exactly did you two first meet?" Miss Komiyama was puzzled. "I don't recall you seeing each other when Oguri Cap came to Tokyo."
"That was long before this year." Tamamo Cross grinned. "Last year. When I met her, Oguri wasn't even a graded Uma Musume yet."
Komiyama blinked, then snorted. "But Oguri Cap became graded earlier than you, didn't she?"
"Well~" Tamamo Cross looked away, embarrassed. "I was a Central Uma Musume! And Oguri wasn't even recognized as the strongest back in Kasamatsu yet!"
Komiyama let out a sigh. "Anyway, Oguri Cap isn't continuing her overseas expedition, right?"
"Most likely not." Tamamo Cross shrugged. "I heard she's thinking of returning to challenge the Central Twinkle Series."
"Calling it a 'challenge' is an understatement," Komiyama muttered. "It should be 'dominate,' shouldn't it?"
Tamamo Cross snorted proudly. "Hmph! I won't hand over victories that easily."
"That's the spirit!" Komiyama immediately relaxed and encouraged her. "Starting with the Takarazuka Kinen at the end of the month, let's prepare to face Oguri Cap! She won't lose to anyone!"
"Of course!" Tamamo Cross gave a bright thumbs-up. "I'll topple Akitsu Teio at Hanshin! For my Trainer, for everyone at the ranch—so I can face Oguri in perfect condition at Tokyo!"
Komiyama crossed her arms thoughtfully. "Everyone says gray Uma Musume can't run fast, yet this autumn's stars might just be Oguri and Oguri Cap— two gray Uma Musume."
After Symboli Rudolf's retirement, she wondered aloud, "Who will represent this generation?"
Naturally, her answer had to be Tamamo Cross.
———
A week passed quickly, and Berno Light and Oguri Cap—having explored Paris thoroughly—followed Shuta An as they prepared to return to Japan.
"To avoid unnecessary trouble, I booked a direct flight," Shuta explained while leading the way. "If we took the cheaper one, we'd be stuck in Dubai for nineteen hours."
"So how long is this flight?" Berno asked.
"Under fourteen hours. More expensive, but much faster."
"But we're landing in Tokyo, right?" Oguri Cap tilted her head. "And then we still have to travel all the way back to Kasamatsu"
"I know." Shuta raised a finger. "We should land around 5 PM Tokyo time. Instead of pushing ourselves, I booked a hotel near the airport. We'll rest one night and return tomorrow."
"And I've already informed Kasamatsu," he added. "No one will be waiting around confused."
"That's good." With everything arranged, Oguri and Berno followed without concern.
At Charles de Gaulle Airport, reporters blocked their path—predictably. This time, Shuta let Oguri Cap take the lead.
After a few questions, a French reporter asked:
"If the opportunity arises in the future, Miss Oguri Cap, would you consider coming to France again for another expedition?"
Oguri Cap glanced back at Shuta; seeing him deliberately avert his gaze, she sighed softly and answered:
"Maybe. The future is uncertain."
"I wish Miss Oguri Cap win many more G1 victories, and may she become a legend of the Twinkle Series," the reporter said respectfully before stepping aside.
Shuta glanced at the badge hanging from the reporter's neck and muttered silently, "Sky Sports reporters are much more professional than those Paris Turf guys."
He wisely kept that to himself.
———
Thirteen hours later, they landed in Tokyo.
"Reporters might be waiting," Shuta warned the two half-asleep Uma Musume. "I'll handle everything."
"Mmm~." They nodded lazily, barely awake.
Sure enough, Japanese reporters approached immediately. But Shuta stepped forward and blocked them.
"I'm sorry, this was a ten-hour flight. Both Uma Musume need rest right now. If you want interviews, please visit Kasamatsu Tracen Academy in a few days."
Months ago, these reporters might have ignored him. Now, no one dared—Japan's first and second overseas G1 victories carried weight.
They backed off instantly. Watching them retreat, Shuta murmured:
"Achievement really does give you confidence."
———
Clearly, one night wasn't enough to adjust to the time difference. When they woke up the next morning, both Oguri Cap and Berno Light were sluggish and unfocused. But there was no reason to linger in Tokyo any longer, so Shuta An led them onto the journey back to Kasamatsu.
"Let's sleep on the Shinkansen first. Once we're back, Berno can rest, but Oguri—you'll have a lot of events to attend."
"I already went through that after winning the Hokkaido Shimbun Hai and the Yayoi Sho." Oguri Cap patted his shoulder. "Ann, don't worry. I'm prepared."
"Really—" Shuta murmured. He felt Oguri still didn't fully grasp just how enormous the impact of her accomplishments was—not just for Kasamatsu, not just for the Tokai region, but for all of Japan.
After all, the economic bubble had inflated national pride to an unprecedented level. People were even shouting boldly, "Sell Tokyo, buy the entire United States!"
And now, in this atmosphere, the news of Oguri Cap winning the French Two Crowns was like adrenaline injected straight into the collective heart of Japan.
"Oguri might get elevated to a symbol of the era."
Shuta didn't consider that a bad thing. Even though he knew this feverish bubble wouldn't last long—and even if a market crash happened during Oguri Cap's active years—he already had a plan to turn her into an "inspiration icon."
As long as Oguri maintains her condition and keeps producing results.
That was the foundation of everything. He didn't mind using public enthusiasm as a stepping stone to build Oguri Cap's pedestal. No one else needed to understand his intentions.
———
After getting off at Nagoya Station, they were immediately greeted by a large crowd of fans—exactly as Shuta had anticipated. This time, he had Oguri Cap walk in front before they disembarked. Unlike yesterday, where the first line of defense was reporters, today it was fans:
"Star of Kasamatsu!"
"Queen of Tokai!"
"Strongest of Showa!"
"Oguri Cap! Oguri Cap! Oguri Cap!"
Different chants, but all equally loud. Oguri, who had been half-asleep moments earlier, instantly lit up under the roar of the crowd.
"These are the cheers Oguri deserves," Shuta muttered. Berno Light overheard and nodded.
"After all, Oguri worked so hard and sacrificed a lot for these two G1 titles. This kind of welcome is normal."
"The first and second overseas G1 victories in Japan's Uma Musume history were both won by Oguri," Shuta added. "Honestly, I even have a bit of confidence the third one will be hers too."
"The third? But Trainer, aren't you not planning any overseas expeditions for Oguri this year?" Berno asked.
"Not just this year—next year too. No expeditions. Oguri will cement her legacy at home." He crossed his arms. "With Oguri's current talent, she'll definitely enter the Hall of Fame."
"A Hall of Fame Uma Musume" Berno closed her eyes. "It sounds incredible."
"When that day comes, Berno will need a Hall of Fame logistics title too."
Shuta almost reached out to pinch her cheek, but restrained himself due to the occasion. After Oguri Cap bowed repeatedly to the fans and delivered a short speech, the trio finally managed to leave the station.
"This crowd is much bigger than yesterday," Oguri whispered once they got inside the car.
"Yesterday it was only reporters. I had Miss Symboli Rudolf request that they not publish the exact date of our return. They only released it after we got on the Shinkansen." Shuta tapped his phone. "See? These fans gathered in just a few hours."
"So many in just a few hours~" Berno's mouth twitched. "If everyone had known our schedule earlier, we wouldn't have slept properly these past two days."
"No helping it. Oguri's achievements are simply too significant." Shuta shrugged. "Two French Classics— for the next few decades, Oguri will be at the very top of Japan's overseas achievement history."
Berno couldn't imagine decades ahead—she could only smile wryly. "I can't picture the future. I can only hold onto the present."
"That's enough," Shuta said quietly. "Cherish each moment. That alone is happiness."
———
After returning the two Uma Musume to the Academy, Shuta An was immediately swarmed by his colleagues—
"Shuta-kun became a French Two Crowns Trainer! A real big shot now!"
"I can say I'm colleagues with a Derby Trainer!"
"You just came back from France, right? Are you sure you're working today? It's fine to rest!"
After he finally extricated himself, Shuta was surprised to find Mr. Kitahara missing. He checked his phone, saw the news, and slapped his forehead. "Ah—today is the Central Trainer Ability Test. No wonder I don't see Mr. Kitahara."
He sent a quick encouragement message through Line before heading to the Director's office.
The moment he entered, the Director stood up energetically. "To think that during my tenure, Kasamatsu Tracen Academy would produce an Uma Musume like Oguri Cap"
"It's because the Director trusted me," Shuta replied politely.
Then he handed over his leave cancellation form. "I came today to cancel my leave."
"Leave?" The Director blinked innocently. "What leave?"
Shuta stared, confused. "Didn't I take leave—?"
"No, no." The Director smiled like a fox. "Shuta-kun was on a business trip with his team. He was simply in too much of a hurry to take the paperwork. I'll handle it retroactively. Tomorrow, go to the Tokai URA Association to request reimbursement."
"True, I was in a hurry," Shuta admitted.
The Director simply chuckled.
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