Chapter 18. Deep Impact's Questions
The next day, Shuta An picked up Kurofune and Admire Vega from the Academy early, then rushed to Nakayama Racecourse. The rain had already started, a steady drizzle that turned the turf a darker shade of green.
"Last year at this time, Teio-senpai was the biggest favorite, and everyone's eyes were on her,"
Kurofune explained, walking beside Admire Vega.
"And Teio-senpai did not betray people's expectations, taking the victory."
"I know. Because I watched the live broadcast,"
Admire Vega responded softly.
"Ahaha, that's true. After all, the classic three crowns is the most anticipated series of races in the country."
Kurofune scratched her head, then added with a pout,
"But today's protagonist isn't our Sadalsuud team—it's Mihono Bourbon-senpai. Her Trainer is really too much, slandering my Trainer's race schedule for Teio-senpai after just one G1. It's a pity I haven't reached my full potential yet, otherwise I would definitely go up and have a good talk with him."
"There's nothing to talk about."
Shuta An walked in front, but his attention stayed on what was behind him.
"Your Teio-senpai is also coming to watch the race today, so don't bring up these irrelevant things."
"Mhm mhm!" Kurofune nodded vigorously.
—
Tokai Teio had gotten the specific Box location from Shuta An last night, so when he pushed the door open, the Undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume was already sitting on the sofa with her friend.
Compared to Tokai Teio, who looked quite relaxed, her friend appeared much more composed, sitting perfectly straight in a formal posture.
"And this is?"
Shuta An asked, surprised that Tokai Teio's friend wasn't Mayano Top Gun.
"My name is Deep Impact. Nice to meet you, please take care of me."
The bay Uma Musume stood up, bowed deeply toward Shuta An, and spoke in a childish voice.
"I begged Teio-nee-chan to bring me to Nakayama Racecourse today to watch the Satsuki Sho."
"A name I haven't heard of in the Dream World,"
Shuta An thought to himself. Of course, he wouldn't look down on Deep Impact because of this—strictly speaking, Silence Suzuka hadn't been heard of in the Dream World either. Considering the different situations in the two worlds, he had reason to believe that Deep Impact in the Dream World hadn't appeared yet.
More importantly, the young man felt that an Uma Musume who could make Tokai Teio ask him to bring her here must have considerable talent.
"But in her current state, I can't even tell her talent." Shuta An shook his head. "This is still a child who can't even get into elementary school; it's too early to think about other things."
"Deep-chan is amazing!" Tokai Teio finally spoke up. "Now, in their kindergarten, she's not only the fastest runner, but she can also pull ahead of the second-place by more than ten horse lengths!"
Admire Vega's pupils contracted. Others in the Box might not have understood, but as an Uma Musume with extensive experience in PONY Cup races, she knew exactly what this meant. To lead the second-place runner by nearly twenty meters in a hundred-meter race—and at such a small size—was extraordinary.
Because of Admire Vega, Shuta An had watched several PONY Cup replays, so he quickly realized that Deep Impact had already shown considerable talent.
But more than that, something else concerned him.
"Teio, you brought Deep Impact-chan here; did you contact her family beforehand to confirm?"
The young man looked at the Undefeated Triple Crown and asked.
"Of course, I wouldn't forget something like that,"
Tokai Teio pouted.
"That's good." Shuta An turned his head. "It just so happens that Ayabe and Deep Impact are about the same age. I imagine you two will have more in common."
Leaving that remark, the young man took a can of sparkling water from the refrigerator and stood by the window, gazing at the Nakayama Racecourse track.
"I've already studied it," Tokai Teio began. "Although there should be a light drizzle later today, Nakayama Racecourse's drainage system will ensure the turf isn't too bad—but it definitely won't be a purely good track."
"Trainer, is this good news or bad news for Rice-chan?"
After stating her prediction, Tokai Teio continued to ask.
"It's barely good news. Her heavy track adaptability is also an unknown, but I think it might be a bit better."
Shuta An could only respond vaguely.
With the example of the Dream World, he didn't want them to place too much hope on Rice Shower before the race. This might also reduce some of Rice Shower's pressure.
Deep Impact stared at Shuta An's back, vaguely sensing that this famous Trainer seemed not so confident about the training Uma Musume who was going to compete this afternoon.
"But is he responding this way to keep everyone from worrying?"
Deep Impact pondered. Tokai Teio only knew she ran fast, but didn't know that Deep Impact herself learned quickly and had a very sharp mind. For a moment, she began to study him.
In the previous few turf races, Shuta An had confirmed that today's Nakayama Racecourse turf track was still as usual—suitable for front-running.
"Sure enough, the previous strategy was fine." The young man breathed a sigh of relief. "Now it just depends on how well Rice Shower can perform."
Even if the Trainer devises a flawless strategy, it still depends on how well the Uma Musume on the track can execute it—there are limits to the Trainer's role.
Shuta An knew that he could only wait for Rice Shower's performance now. Although he had participated in G1 stakes many, many times, the young man's heart was pounding, his heartbeat seemingly echoing in his ears.
I still get incredibly nervous.
—
"This is the Satsuki Sho race day."
Deep Impact got up and came to Shuta An's side, speaking softly, as if to herself, yet also as if deliberately starting a conversation.
"I also want to stand on this stage in the future, to make fans anxious for me, and then to rejoice in my victory."
"There will be a chance," Shuta An spoke, taking over the conversation. "But you have to enter Central Tracen Academy first."
"Does Trainer think I can do it?"
Deep Impact looked up at him. From her perspective, another mission besides watching the race today was to learn from Japan's best Trainer what level her talent had reached.
"You should be able to." Shuta An glanced at Deep Impact, then responded, "As long as you eat well and take care of your body."
As for training, it was still too early for Deep Impact. At her age, eating more was more beneficial.
—
At 3 PM, Nakayama Racecourse had been showered with rain for over three hours. After weeks of being trampled by Uma Musume and absorbing the precipitation, the turf had noticeably become heavy.
"Normally I would go down to watch the race, but it's raining today, so I'll go down with my own umbrella to cheer for Rice Shower, but you all should stay in the Box,"
Shuta An said, standing by the French window and turning around.
"There are plenty of umbrellas and raincoats in the Box, so we'll go down together too," Tokai Teio immediately added. "Rice-chan must really want to see us cheering for her from the sidelines!"
Shuta An found it hard to refute that statement, although he thought Tokai Teio going down would only put more pressure on Rice Shower.
"And if she loses..." the young man muttered to himself.
Of course, he couldn't say that out loud, so Shuta An could only nod.
"If you want to, then go."
As for the thoughts of the other three Uma Musume besides Tokai Teio, they weren't important—or rather, since Tokai Teio had already spoken, and it was proper to go cheer on a senior from the stands, Kurofune and the others wouldn't refuse. As for Deep Impact, a child of that age doesn't particularly like being alone in an empty Box.
Shuta An walked ahead by himself with an umbrella. Tokai Teio was very tempted by the spot next to Shuta An, but she chose not to rush forward a few steps to catch up, instead honestly wearing a raincoat and sharing an umbrella with Deep Impact.
Kurofune-chan and the others are watching from behind, Tokai Teio admonished herself. I can't go up there.
Although she knew this, seeing the empty spot but being unable to go over and occupy it still made Tokai Teio a bit uncomfortable.
It's okay not now, she silently told herself in her heart.
—
When Shuta An stood behind the railing by the finish line, no other colleagues had appeared in the VIP area yet.
"I won't go watch when the parade is happening later. If you want to go, leave now, otherwise you might not make it in time," the young man reminded them.
"I'll stay here with Trainer!" Kurofune immediately said.
"Me too!"
Tokai Teio also had no intention of going to the area near the parade ring to experience the unpleasant feeling of a crowded rainy day.
"Then let's watch the parade segment on the big screen here."
Seeing this, Shuta An said no more.
Deep Impact softly asked, "What is the purpose of the parade segment?"
"To show their mental state, to check their physical fatigue from small movements, and to interact with the audience—these are all functions of the parade segment,"
Shuta An responded.
"Especially the last point. The Twinkle Series is essentially a race that can only continue thanks to all the fans. It is precisely because of countless fans that the Uma Musume's running can fulfill their natural desires while also being given new meaning."
"New meaning."
Deep Impact was momentarily stunned. At her age, she had never considered such things.
"It's too early for Miss Deep Impact to think about these things." Shuta An smiled and waved his hand. "You just need to wait for your own growth."
"If Trainer is optimistic about Deep-chan, there's absolutely no problem,"
Kurofune chimed in.
"My good friend Curren-chan was also favored by Trainer and easily entered Central Tracen Academy, passing that exam with a less than 20% acceptance rate!"
"Curren was also..."
Although Admire Vega knew that Curren Chan had a good relationship with Team Sadalsuud, she didn't know that they were already very familiar before her enrollment.
"That was also thanks to Oguri,"
Shuta An said, seeing through Admire Vega's thoughts and explaining softly.
—
During the parade, Rice Shower was in excellent spirits. As an undefeated Uma Musume, she was also one of the favorites for today's Satsuki Sho. Although the audience almost overwhelmingly favored Mihono Bourbon, sixteen percent of the audience had cast their main vote for Rice Shower in the pre-race poll.
"Today's attendance at Nakayama Racecourse reached 85,710. That's quite a lot."
Listening to the announcer's report, Shuta An said,
"Even with the rain, it doesn't dampen everyone's enthusiasm for watching the Satsuki Sho."
"This is the Satsuki Sho!" Tokai Teio smiled. "Everyone also wants to witness the Uma Musume who can surpass me, her contemporary, by the end of the year."
"So Teio had already heard that interview."
Shuta An wasn't surprised. He reached out and flicked Tokai Teio's forehead.
"You don't need to pay too much attention to what they say. You are now a genuine Undefeated Triple Crown, and they haven't even started yet."
"No." Tokai Teio unusually denied the young man's statement. "I care a lot."
Shuta An heard Tokai Teio's response, turned his head, and met her gaze.
"Under Trainer's guidance, I finally achieved the dream I had since childhood, and then some unknown fellow actually said some sarcastic remarks to my Trainer in front of reporters, rebuking the results we worked so hard to achieve together."
Tokai Teio clenched her fists.
"I hope Mihono Bourbon can participate in this year's Arima Kinen soon, and then I will give her my full attention, letting her Trainer understand that Teio does not allow such doubts to appear."
"Wow~" Deep Impact's eyes lit up. She felt that the words of "Teio-nee-chan" next to her just now hit her sweet spot.
I also want to have the confidence to say such things in the future.
Deep Impact coughed a few times due to her surging emotions.
"Are you okay?" Shuta An's gaze fell on Deep Impact. "If you feel cold, let's go back to the Box and get some warm air."
"No problem! This is an old issue for me." Deep Impact shook her head repeatedly. "I have some bronchial problems and have been taking medication. Actually, it's almost completely healed."
"It's better to treat it sooner rather than later," the young man admonished. "I remember that Juntendo University Hospital has antibody drugs for refractory bronchial asthma. You can discuss with your family about going there for a check-up."
"Mhm, I understand."
Deep Impact nodded, committing it to memory.
" Trainer seems to know a lot about the specialized departments of these hospitals,"
Tokai Teio interjected at this point.
"Because I'm always worried about you all getting injured or sick, I've always been paying attention to information about these hospitals," the young man explained. "If all of you can be very healthy, then I won't need to consider these things."
Teio silently stuck out her tongue, then turned her head to look at the racecourse—at this moment, Rice Shower was already preparing to enter the track.