Chapter 15. Future Planning
"Actually, it was alright. I held back quite a bit." Shuta An shrugged. "You two need to get ready for the winning live, don't you?"
"The winning live starts after the Dubai World Cup ends. Top three from each race sing one song together, winner sings solo. The group song's designated by the URA Association here—we choose our own solo."
Tokai Teio's eyes sparkled.
"I asked Curren-chan to pick a song for me. Practiced it tons at karaoke. Trainer, you better listen carefully later!"
"OK, OK."
Shuta nodded. He was watching the winning live anyway. Not like he could tune out.
Mejiro Dober stepped forward.
"I've practiced a new song too. Got it from the URA Association."
Shuta An hadn't paid much attention to what kind of singing practice everyone in Team Sadalsuud had done.
Didn't really matter.
All the Uma Musume in the team, except Oguri Cap, were natural performers—singers and dancers born ready.
It wasn't like Team Spica.
Nishizaki Ryu had complained to him before about how hard it was to train Special Week in singing and dancing.
Tokai Teio, though, thought Special Week learned fast.
Of course, she also believed Special Week learned fast because she taught well.
Admire Vega stood silently behind Shuta An, listening to the two seniors and their Trainer discuss the winning live.
She'd watched plenty of winning lives before. She felt nothing special right now; just curious about these "new songs" both seniors kept emphasizing.
Teio-senpai and Dober-senpai's meanings behind those words—they're probably different, right?
—
The main race of Dubai World Cup Race Day, the Dubai World Cup itself, ultimately went to Curlin from the United States. Her Trainer, Aimon, had finished a respectable third-to-last in the Trainer's race earlier. But seeing his Uma Musume win the Dubai World Cup, his mood flipped from cloudy to clear in an instant.
After watching Curlin's victory from the sidelines, Shuta An led Admire Vega to the winner's stage area, wanted to find the best vantage point in the VIP section.
They hadn't arrived particularly early, but a few good spots remained. Shuta An studied them for a moment, then led Admire Vega to a position slightly left of center.
"Lighting directly below the stage is pretty dazzling," he explained.
"I know."
Admire Vega's reply stayed brief.
—
After the winning lives for the earlier races concluded, it was time for the Dubai Turf.
Mejiro Dober and two other Uma Musume chose "Anything is Possible" for their chorus song.
Mainly to make it easier on the two singers.
As for Mejiro Dober's own English level—despite practicing with Shuta An for long hours at night, it was still only slightly above average.
Shuta An watched Mejiro Dober on stage, a little distracted. More than the chorus song, he was focused on what she'd chosen for her solo.
A song obtained from the URA Association.
He knew it was Mejiro Dober's new single; most likely to be recorded and released in Japan.
She'd receive 20% of the after-tax income.
The rest split between the URA Association and distribution channels.
Twenty percent~
Professional singers would probably cry hearing that split.
In Japan, if a singer only sings, they get less than 5% of record income. Dober, just by singing, would earn more than five times that.
When the chorus song ended, the two backup Uma Musume exited. Mejiro Dober gripped the microphone stand in front of her, adjusting her emotions while waiting quietly for the BGM to start.
" You Are The Only One I Can't Leave," she softly recited the title of her new single.
Then the BGM began.
"I long to see you, on this sorrowful night. Feeling this breeze, missing you."
"On sleepless nights, I am so lonely. Walking on the streets, missing you."
—
"It's a love song."
Shuta An nodded lightly along with the drumbeat.
"It is a love song."
Admire Vega echoed in a low voice.
Her words were completely drowned out by Mejiro Dober's singing, only she could hear herself.
As the drumbeat quickened, as Mejiro Dober sang about embracing the starry sky, as she gradually emphasized her enunciation toward the end, the chorus arrived as promised.
"You are the only one I can't leave! Yesterday filled with tears. Repeating your words until I smile and fall asleep."
While singing the chorus, Mejiro Dober's gaze locked onto her lover in the audience. This wasn't a sweet love song. But after hearing the demo at the URA Association, she'd quickly decided to take it.
"You are the only one I can't leave" expressed her inner thoughts better than anything else.
When the second verse of the chorus came, Mejiro Dober used her previously free left hand to grip the microphone stand, then tilted it. Her voice carried more resolve.
"You are the only one I can't leave. Yesterday filled with sadness. Flowers blooming riotously under the moonlight, you must hold my hand and never let go."
How could I let go? Shuta An muttered to himself. Did something make Dober uneasy recently?
It's just that Rice Shower is also about to welcome the Satsuki Sho. I can't just leave Rice Shower alone at the academy and accompany Dober out for a stroll.
He sighed silently.
—
When it was Tokai Teio's solo turn, she straightened the microphone, gripping it tightly with both hands; like holding an Ehomaki roll.
"Although I haven't tasted defeat in the Twinkle Series yet, I feel the mood of this song really suits me."
The next second, the BGM started. Tokai Teio loudly sang the first line.
"It doesn't matter if there's no chance of winning. Because I have a place I want to reach. It doesn't matter if I don't get praise. Look up, walk on this road where there is no road."
As expected, it doesn't sound like a song Teio-senpai should sing.
Admire Vega mused in her heart.
But Shuta An understood Tokai Teio's unspoken meaning from just this.
Teio wants to try a high-difficulty racetrack, even if it means losing her undefeated streak?
First interpretation.
Teio still wants to challenge the Spring Tenno Sho next year, even if she loses, she'll be content?
Second interpretation.
Comparing the two, Shuta An preferred the first. For an ultra-long-distance racetrack like the Spring Tenno Sho, he would absolutely, absolutely not sign Tokai Teio up.
High-difficulty races, in fact, referred to those two highly prestigious turf G1 races in England and France—the Epsom Derby and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Shuta An thought of these two races that he and Tokai Teio had challenged together in his dream world.
Both achieved good results; so no problem with Teio running these two races. But I must ensure Teio can fully utilize her abilities.
He pursed his lips.
And this year, Teio must defend the Japan Cup. If it's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe followed by Japan Cup—
The young man sighed softly. Fortunately, Teio still has a year.
Regarding Tokai Teio's racetrack for this year, listening to her performance, Shuta An had new ideas.
"It doesn't matter if there's no chance of winning, because I have a place I want to reach. The winding road is a bit difficult to traverse, reach out your hand, create a path where there is no path."
When singing the chorus, Tokai Teio reached out her hand towards Shuta An's direction.
Create a path where there is no path?
Shuta An narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.
—
After all the winning live performances ended, Shuta An met Mejiro Dober and Tokai Teio at the entrance of the underground passage.
"Let's go, back to the hotel. I've booked the celebration party."
The young man took the luggage from the two Uma Musume.
"In Dubai, there's guaranteed dedicated car service throughout. I think Japan should learn from this. If they want to attract more overseas Uma Musume to participate in the Japan Cup, this kind of service needs to keep up. Otherwise, why would everyone run to Japan to race on turf they're not accustomed to?"
"Then this needs to be discussed with the URA Association or the President."
Teio chimed in. "If it's from Trainer, this proposal would definitely pass easily."
"I'm not confident." Shuta An pouted. "Making the URA Association pay more money would probably make them miserable."
Then he changed the subject.
"Dober and Teio's new songs are both great."
"Mine isn't really my own single." Tokai Teio stuck out her tongue. "Maya-chan chose it for me. I don't even know where she found the song."
"Maybe Mayano Top Gun-san wrote it herself,"
Shuta An casually suggested.
"Maya is always sleeping in the dorm. That's impossible."
Teio didn't believe it at all.
"Dober's song is also great. I think if it's released, it has a good chance of becoming a big hit."
Shuta An shifted the topic to Mejiro Dober.
"Yes, I think so too. And the URA Association said an anime wants to tie-up with this song. There's additional income." Mejiro Dober took over the conversation. "I plan to give that money to Ardan-nee. Help her renovate her training grounds, buy some new training equipment and such."
"Dober is really good to Ardan-san,"
Shuta An muttered. Seemed none of this money would be used for himself.
"After all, Ardan-nee ran away from home. Now only Ramonu-nee and I know her location. We two absolutely have to help her out."
Mejiro Dober explained the reason.
Shuta An reached out and pinched Mejiro Dober's cheek.
"Okay. Just making a casual remark."
Admire Vega, standing at the very back, said nothing. But she'd already seen through everything.
Come to think of it, Curren-chan~ I should definitely talk to her.
Although she was usually quite cold towards her roommate, Admire Vega wasn't someone who couldn't distinguish who was good to her. She naturally felt Curren Chan's kindness.
At this moment, she decided to reciprocate.
—
After returning to the Burj Khalifa hotel, the four temporarily separated, returning to their rooms for a quick bath. After changing into casual clothes, they would meet at the restaurant entrance.
Shuta An was the first to arrive. Standing at the entrance, as one of tonight's big winners, he naturally had many colleagues, local dignitaries, and URA Association officials from other countries and regions coming up to greet him.
So many people coming to greet me. I'm a bit unaccustomed to it for a moment.
Shuta An muttered to himself while dealing with the New South Wales URA Association official in front of him.
The main purpose of this New South Wales URA Association official approaching Shuta An was to invite Tokai Teio and Mejiro Dober to participate in their Twinkle Series in New South Wales this year.
As an entity that stood in opposition to the Victoria URA Association, the revenue Mejiro Dober brought to the URA Association after participating in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes last year made all local URA Associations incredibly envious.
According to hints from reporters, the Victoria URA Association planned to send Shuta An numerous emails this year, inviting the Uma Musume of Team Sadalsuud to participate in their races.
New South Wales, having had a taste of success, certainly didn't want to share with the Victoria URA Association. Which is why he proactively sought out Shuta An, hoping to fill up the schedule with his own races and send the Victoria URA Association away empty-handed.
Unfortunately, Shuta An had no plans to travel to Australia this year. So he politely dealt with all the various offers made by the staff in front of him.
When Tokai Teio and Mejiro Dober arrived at the restaurant entrance, the staff wisely excused themselves.
If he didn't leave, Shuta An would have to tactfully persuade him to go.
The group of four sat at a table by the floor-to-ceiling window, chatting while waiting for the staff to serve the food.
Shuta An hadn't intended to discuss anything related to the Twinkle Series at the party. But Tokai Teio obviously didn't think so.
"Trainer, do you have any thoughts on my next race? Is it still the Takarazuka Kinen?"
Tokai Teio took a sip of honey grapefruit tea, frowned at the bitterness of the grapefruit, then asked, using the question to distract herself.
"Are you not satisfied with the Takarazuka Kinen, Teio?" Shuta An countered. "It's the most suitable turf Classic in the first half of the year. Otherwise, the level of overseas turf Classics during this period is generally mediocre. There's nothing worth running."
"I have no problem. I just thought that since you were chatting with that Australian just now, you might consider letting me go to Australia. Because Dober-senpai had previously confirmed she would return to Japan to participate in the Victoria Mile, right?"
Teio stuck out her tongue, explaining.
"Australia or anything like that, let's forget it." Shuta An shook his head. "The autumn races in Australia are pretty much over by this time. I can't let Teio race at a high frequency. So with at least two months between races, Australia only has some G1 races with no status or prize money left to run."
"Then it's indeed meaningless to go on an expedition there."
Tokai Teio expressed understanding.
Mejiro Dober's main goal for her expedition to Australia was the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, which is considered a top Twinkle Series G1 in Australia. As someone more prominent than Mejiro Dober, would she go to Australia and not attempt the Cox Plate, but instead run some Higashi-Nippon Championship?
The Undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume felt such a race was not suitable for her at the moment.
Although they say powerful Uma Musumes determine the status of a race, I don't have that kind of appeal yet—I still need a high-level main win race in the world. Tokai Teio thought to herself.
However, she knew her Trainer would definitely have plans to arrange such a race for her. So Teio was not in a hurry at all.
Time was on her side.
Although Shuta An initially didn't plan to discuss Twinkle Series matters at the party, since Tokai Teio opened the conversation, the young man simply didn't deliberately avoid the topic.
"Dober's next race is still the Victoria Mile. After that, if the race intensity isn't high and the consumption isn't great, I wonder if Dober could try to win the Yasuda Kinen for the second consecutive year?"
Before this, only two Uma Musumes in Japan had achieved consecutive Yasuda Kinen victories. The most recent one being Yamanin Zephyr. However, it is said that this year, like Mejiro Dober, is her last active year in the Twinkle Series. So she might consider going out to chase her dreams.
"But there should be many strong rivals in the Yasuda Kinen." Mejiro Dober tilted her head. "I'm also not sure if I can run well after finishing the Victoria Mile."
"So we'll see then." The young man shrugged. "If you can, we'll try it. After the Yasuda Kinen, we won't consider going abroad this summer for Dober. We'll give you a vacation until October."
"October?" Mejiro Dober was stunned. "Then after two more races, I can prepare for my retirement ceremony, right?"
"It might be just one." Shuta An didn't hide anything. "A reporter previously told me that most public opinion locally hopes Dober can run her retirement race at home. Without considering non-G1 races, the most suitable for Dober would be the Queen Elizabeth Cup."
"Teio will go abroad in the summer, right?"
Mejiro Dober suddenly shifted the topic to Tokai Teio out of the blue.
"She will indeed go abroad for an expedition. She will defend the Japan Cup in the second half of the year. So if she wants to contend for more honors, she'll have to go to Europe in the summer."
Shuta An laid out the facts.
Tokai Teio's lips couldn't help but curve into a smile after receiving this response. She was very happy to get this information. Teio felt that her new song from the winning live earlier had indeed been useful.
"Then I won't take a vacation this summer either. I'll go with you."
Mejiro Dober's single sentence made Tokai Teio's ears droop.
"Going to England together?" Shuta An raised an eyebrow. "That's fine too."
Anyway, there were suitable races in England during that time. Running between various European countries was no more troublesome than internal expeditions in Japan. Arranging summer races for Mejiro Dober was not difficult.
Admire Vega was a bit of an outsider. But that was fine for her. Not being the center of attention suited her perfectly at the moment.
But Shuta An felt it was impolite not to talk to her. So after a while, he initiated a conversation. "How are you feeling today, Ayabe?"
"Very good."
Admire Vega was concise.
"Good is good then."
Shuta An nodded, not expecting Admire Vega to say more.
"Once Ayabe fully matures, I also plan to have you race in Dubai during your senior year."
Admire Vega was somewhat shocked. An expression of surprise appeared on her usually calm face. She pointed to herself.
"Can I really do it?"
"Of course, you can." Shuta An had great confidence in Admire Vega. "You can do it."
"No problem at all!" Tokai Teio patted Admire Vega's shoulder. "Ayabe-chan is a member of our Sadalsuud team, so an expedition will definitely be fine!"
"But Rice Shower-senpai..."
Admire Vega spoke half a sentence, leaving Tokai Teio at a loss for how to reply.
"Rice is different." Shuta An wagged his finger. "She will also go on an expedition, but that will be at the earliest in the second half of next year."
"I see."
Admire Vega breathed a sigh of relief upon understanding.
The promise I made to my sister, I can now get help from the Trainer in the future.
She thought silently.
But can I also sweep the field like Teio-senpai and receive thunderous cheers?
Admire Vega shook her head. No, not me receiving them, but my sister receiving them.
She again denied her initial thought.
I cannot be that selfish.
Admire Vega raised her cup, concealing the small gesture of biting her lip.
Everything I have does not truly belong to me. I cannot take it for granted and forget all of this.
—
After the party ended, Admire Vega chose to sit on the top-floor observation deck again.
Teio had never seen it at night, so she followed along to take a look.
Mejiro Dober watched Tokai Teio and Admire Vega leave, letting out a silent sigh of relief. Then she was led away by her lover's hand.
"Tonight is still very long," she whispered.
"But not a single second of it can make me hold back," the young man replied.
Mejiro Dober, her cheeks flushed, nestled obediently beside Shuta An. After hearing his response, her heart pounded. She felt her body temperature rising.
Does it excite you that much? she thought.
As Tokai Teio followed Admire Vega into the elevator, she looked back at the tightly closed elevator doors after they shut.
Given Dober-senpai's mood tonight, she probably wants to sketch by the floor-to-ceiling window. Perhaps I should also learn a skill as a hobby?
Only Admire Vega was almost completely focused now. Her mind was entirely on sitting in a corner of the top-floor observation deck to admire the night sky, tainted by neon lights.
The next time I want to see it, it should be after I've fully matured. While there's still time, I should look at it a few more times.
—
Upon reaching the observation deck, what captivated Tokai Teio wasn't Dubai's nightscape or a night sky not much different from Tokyo's, but rather the variety of specialty drinks offered there.
For Tokai Teio, who had a sweet tooth, it was paradise. More satisfying than restaurants and other dessert shops.
Holding a super-sweet cocoa, Teio thoughtfully chose a seat away from Admire Vega. She watched her junior, who was looking up at the night sky above the dome, and noticed an atmosphere of loss around Admire Vega.
It feels like she's missing someone. She squinted, muttering to herself. I'll talk to the Trainer about it later if I get a chance. He definitely knows how to solve this kind of problem.
—
After Mejiro Dober was exhausted, she still took a shower in her lover's room, then changed into her clothes and returned to her own room. If she stayed overnight here, Teio would definitely know everything. Although Mejiro Dober estimated she probably already knew most of it.
The Undefeated Triple Tiara Uma Musume was relieved that she returned earlier than Teio and Admire Vega, who were most likely still enjoying themselves on the top-floor observation deck.
I don't know what's so interesting up there.
She murmured softly, leaning against the floor-to-ceiling window, while watching the bustling traffic outside and gently rubbing her lower abdomen with her hand.
Good thing it's my safe period. Otherwise I might have had to announce my retirement directly.
—
On the other side, Shuta An finally had time to check his phone and reply to the blessings from his Line friends. Afterward, he received an inquiry from Tojo Hana,
"For the Dubai World Cup Race Day, Mejiro Dober and Tokai Teio's ratings will be done by our local team. Ann-san, do you have any thoughts?"
"Not many thoughts." Shuta An had just finished intense exercise and wasn't eager to think. "First, let's see how many points the second-place finishers in both races get. Then we'll calculate how many points we should give them based on the situation."
"Anyway, they'll definitely get high scores. Maybe Teio can even be world number one."
Tojo Hana teased.
"If Team Sadalsuud produces a world number one, Ann-san should treat us, right?"
"If it happens, I'll definitely treat you." Shuta An pouted. "But it's still early this year. Many important races haven't been run yet. Who knows if any strong contenders will emerge."
"That's true."
Seeing that Shuta An wasn't getting ahead of himself at all, Tojo Hana stopped talking about that topic.
After dealing with Tojo Hana, Shuta An put down his phone, charged it, pulled up the covers, and closed his eyes. Tonight, in the Dream World, he would challenge the Hanshin Daishoten with Rice Shower.
The biggest opponents in this race were Monsieur Shackle and Sengoku Silver. The former won the Nikkei Shinshun Hai this year, and the latter won the Diamond Stakes. But no matter who it was, in Shuta An's opinion, they were no match for Rice Shower.
Win steadily, and then challenge for a consecutive Spring Tenno Sho victory in top form.
Shuta An hinted to himself before falling asleep.
—
Upon entering the Dream World, Shuta An appeared in the jockey's waiting room at Hanshin Racecourse. Today, Nakayama Racecourse would host the Nakayama Kinen, and top Kansai jockeys like Yutaka Take had all gone there. Among the jockeys remaining at Hanshin, besides Shuta An, the strongest was Kawachi Hiroshi. And today he was riding his old partner, Yamanin Global.
It wasn't that Shuta An looked down on Yamanin Global, but its condition had clearly been declining. Retiring early would still preserve some dignity.
But he wasn't a Horse Owner, so he couldn't make such a decision.
It's a good thing the Uma Musume I train don't intend to run for more than three senior years. Otherwise, if they retired after losing too much face—their results would be slightly better than retiring after two senior years, but it would be even harder to enter the Dream Trophy Series.
Shuta An glanced at Kawachi Hiroshi and mused silently.
After careful consideration, the young man knew that if Rice Shower didn't get first place in this race, it would be a failure.
If I can't even win this, how will I deal with the even stronger Biwa Hayahide?
Shuta An closed his eyes to rest, adjusting his condition, preparing for the upcoming race.
"RICE SHOWER! CAN SHUTA JOCKEY WIN IT?! NEXT MONTH'S SPRING TENNO SHO IS INDEED THE DECISIVE STAGE FOR RICE SHOWER AND BIWA HAYAHIDE!"
Shuta An straightened up and waved his fist towards the stands.
Just as he expected before the race, without a single whip, Rice Shower easily pulled two lengths ahead of the second-place Monsieur Shackle, securing victory in this Hanshin Daishoten.
And Yamanin Global lost by a significant distance to the second-to-last place.
I feel like it's time to declare retirement.
He glanced back at Kawachi Hiroshi from a distance, seeing that he wasn't in a good mood.
But that's not my concern. Next month's Spring Tenno Sho, I have to deal with Biwa Hayahide.
Japanese media previously said that Biwa Hayahide was only slightly weaker than Tokai Teio, and losing the Arima Kinen was due to too large a gap in the saddle, hehe.
Shuta An's mouth curved upwards.
I wonder what excuse they'll find after he loses the Spring Tenno Sho.