Chapter 10. Only the Capable Reside in the Clubroom
On January 5th, Shuta An woke up early. Although he had previously discussed with Symboli Rudolf that the onboarding procedures could be completed in March, after reconsidering Silence Suzuka's future plans, the young man decided to move the schedule forward to today.
There was no need to inform reporters or make any public announcement. After breakfast, all Shuta An had to do was drive to Central Tracen Academy, locate the Student Council office, and sign the contract.
Only after Shuta An signed his name did Symboli Rudolf finally let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"With this, all the relevant information for Team Sadalsuud can be fully processed," she said. "Teio and the others are officially members of a team now."
"By the way," she continued, "aside from the colleagues you knew back in Kasamatsu and Trainer Tojo, you probably don't know many other Central Trainers, do you?"
"That's not the case," Shuta An waved his hand lightly. "I had Kitahara introduce me to a few Central colleagues beforehand, so I do know some. And—"
He shifted the topic.
"To be honest, this job doesn't require knowing too many people. For me, as long as I know enough Trainers to arrange training races for the team, that's sufficient. The Uma Musume have their own social circles. Most of the time, I don't need to be involved."
"You may think so," Symboli Rudolf replied with a soft chuckle, "but I imagine many Trainers at the Academy would still very much like to meet you. After all, you're widely recognized as the most outstanding Trainer of recent years."
"But surely there are also plenty of people who think I only achieved that because of Oguri Cap," Shuta An pouted, mercilessly puncturing her praise.
"After all—" Symboli Rudolf was about to explain, but the young man interrupted her.
"I know," Shuta An shrugged. "Humans are like that. But I'll train Silence Suzuka and the others properly and let their results speak."
Symboli Rudolf noticed that Shuta An never once mentioned "proving himself."
'So it's because those rumors don't even register in his heart,' she realized. She couldn't help feeling a trace of envy—she herself was still troubled by similar whispers. Even though Maruzensky often comforted her, they would resurface whenever her mood dipped.
After leaving the Student Council office, Shuta An raised an eyebrow.
Standing in the corner was Tokai Teio, her back turned toward him—though, logically, she shouldn't have been visible. Yet her tail peeked out from behind the wall, swaying gently back and forth. For a Trainer, recognizing the Uma Musume he was responsible for by her tail alone was basic instinct.
Shuta An lightened his footsteps, turned the corner, and spoke first.
"Teio, who are you waiting for?"
"Whoa!" Tokai Teio jumped, spinning around with a pout. "Trainer! You scared me!"
"I was just a little curious," Shuta An smiled faintly. "Seeing you lurking here like that, I couldn't help wondering."
"Of course, I'm waiting for Trainer!" Tokai Teio replied without hesitation. "Who else would I be waiting for at this time?"
"And what are you waiting for me to do?" Shuta An countered. "I only came today to sign the contract. Your and Dober's tests don't start until next week."
"Oh—" Tokai Teio's shoulders slumped slightly. "I thought Trainer was officially transferring to Central today, and we could start testing right away."
"Suzuka returns in the middle of the month," Shuta An explained, spreading his hands. "Given the current situation, it's more convenient for the three of you to stay in sync. That said, even though testing won't start for over a week, both you and Dober should begin recovery training. Once Suzuka's vacation ends, I'll definitely increase the training intensity for you two."
"I have no problem with that!" Tokai Teio patted her chest confidently. "Trainer, just go ahead and arrange the plan. I'll definitely do my best!"
"I believe you," Shuta An said gently, reaching out to stroke her head. "For now, just accumulate your foundation. When full-scale training begins—you'll be the key that lets Team Sadalsuud take another step forward."
"I'm the key—" Tokai Teio fixated on that sentence.
She clenched her fist, looked up, and met his gaze. "I won't let Trainer down!"
After soothing Tokai Teio, Shuta An bade her farewell and headed toward the parking lot. Tokai Teio wanted to see him off, but a simple "It's time for training" was enough to send her running.
'She's good in every way' Shuta An thought helplessly, 'but sometimes she puts an unbelievable amount of pressure on me.'
When he reached the parking lot, Shuta An froze.
By his car stood Mejiro Dober, her back to him, gently running her hand across the window.
"Dober?" Shuta An hesitated before calling out.
"Trainer!" Mejiro Dober turned around quickly, smiling awkwardly. "Your car window is really shiny—I was using it as a mirror."
"Well…it's been parked in the garage the whole time," Shuta An got straight to the point. "Did you need something?"
"Taiki Shuttle-san said she saw Trainer enter the Academy," Mejiro Dober explained. "I wanted to meet you, but I didn't know where I could definitely find you, so I waited here."
"Are you also asking about the tests?" Shuta An guessed.
"Mhm!" Mejiro Dober nodded—then froze. "Did…did someone else ask too?"
"Teio," Shuta An replied calmly. "I ran into her at the Student Council office."
Without waiting for a response, he repeated what he had told Tokai Teio, adjusting the phrasing slightly for Mejiro Dober.
"If everything goes smoothly, I plan to arrange your debut in June," he added. "Our first goal will be the Niigata Nisai Stakes. After that, I'll consider sending you overseas."
This was the first time Shuta An revealed these plans to her.
"So…before the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, I'll have a chance to compete overseas?" Mejiro Dober asked, seeking confirmation.
"That's exactly what I mean."
"That's wonderful~" Mejiro Dober could hear her own heartbeat. "The Mejiro Family has never conquered the overseas Twinkle Series…"
She took a step forward and grasped Shuta An's wrist. "Trainer—please train me strictly!"
The next instant, she snapped back to herself, her cheeks flushing as she hastily stepped back.
"Even if you hadn't said that, I would have," Shuta An shook his head. "Overseas G1 races aren't something Dober can win easily."
That being said, Shuta An had not yet fully finalized Mejiro Dober's debut-year plan.
For an overseas expedition to even be considered, Mejiro Dober would first need to win both of her initial races. Whether she could perform well in short-distance events would determine whether her debut year could unfold according to Shuta An's boldest vision.
However, if she performed too well in the Niigata Nisai Stakes, it would also give him pause.
For Mejiro Dober, the true battlefield lay in next year's Triple Tiara. Among those races, the Japanese Oaks alone stretched to 2400 meters. Shuta An was not particularly confident that Mejiro Dober could smoothly adapt to 1200 meters and 2400 meters.
'According to the stat viewer, Mejiro Dober's short-distance adaptability was only E.'
To win the Niigata Nisai Stakes, she would need to display overwhelming ability and talent on that same track.
If not for Shuta An's belief that the earliest suitable overseas race for Mejiro Dober would not begin until September, he would actually have preferred sending her to the 1800-meter Sapporo Nisai Stakes rather than the Niigata Nisai Stakes.
'But I really want her to try adapting to overseas turf'
Starting with Saratoga—the most straightforward option—seemed ideal. The G3 1700-meter turf race, the With Anticipation Stakes in mid-September, was a very solid choice. If Mejiro Dober performed exceptionally well domestically, she could even take the risk of targeting the G1 turf race, the Natalma Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack in Canada.
'However, if we stay in North America, there are no further races to run.'
That meant transferring to Europe would be unavoidable.
Shuta An pondered silently.
'Considering only track conditions, Longchamp, Ascot, Epsom—all must be avoided. Ireland is out as well—the tracks there are almost never dry.'
After much deliberation, only York and Deauville were barely viable.
'But York has no G1 restricted to debut-year horses, and Deauville's race is in August—far too early.'
"There are still far too few races to choose from," the young man sighed inwardly, deeply dissatisfied.
Over the next few days, Shuta An gradually adapted to his new work rhythm. Ever since Oguri Cap transferred to Central racing, he had mostly remained at home during the day.
Taking commuting into account, Shuta An rented an apartment near the Academy, sparing himself the need to wake up early and drive long distances every morning.
The apartment was directly across from Central Tracen Academy. On workdays, he would stay there the night before, allowing him to arrive at the Academy at a leisurely pace the next morning.
Symboli Rudolf was also considerate of his situation and arranged his workstation in the same office as Mr. Kitahara.
On the 10th—five days before Silence Suzuka's return—Mr. Kitahara suddenly asked, "Ann-san, have you considered the location for Team Sadalsuud's activity room? In March, the Academy will ask teams to select them. If you have a preference, it's best to secure it early."
"I don't think there's much difference," Shuta An said after glancing at the map. "They all look pretty similar—But if I can choose now, I'd prefer the one closest to the training grounds."
"That room belongs to Team Rigil," Mr. Kitahara reminded him, looking at the spot Shuta An had pointed to.
"Then forget it," Shuta An replied immediately. He had no interest in competing with others. "Are these really the only available rooms? The Academy has a lot of teams—there clearly aren't enough rooms."
"Unfortunately…" Mr. Kitahara explained, "most teams aren't qualified to have independent activity rooms. Allocation depends heavily on team rankings. Only teams with concrete achievements are eligible."
"Then we probably won't get one this year," Shuta An shrugged. "Oguri has retired from the Twinkle Series, and the only active Uma Musume is Silence Suzuka. There's no way our ranking will be high."
"Well…precisely because of situations like this, the Academy introduced a special regulation long ago," Mr. Kitahara grinned. "Teams with G1 Uma Musumes are eligible for activity rooms regardless of ranking."
"Oh?" Shuta An raised an eyebrow. "Suzuka does happen to have a G1 win in America."
"If Ann-san still isn't satisfied with the locations, there's another option," Mr. Kitahara added, continuing his explanation of Central's unwritten rules. "You can pay to construct one yourself. There are strict material requirements, though, and comfort-wise, it won't surpass what the Academy provides."
"Forget it," Shuta An rejected the idea without hesitation. "I'll take what the Academy offers. Are the activity rooms next to Team Rigil still vacant?"
"Hmm…most Uma Musume feel pressured being so close to Team Rigil every day, so Trainers tend to avoid that area," Mr. Kitahara nodded—then paused. "Ann-san, you're not seriously considering that spot, are you?"
"Yes," Shuta An replied calmly, lips curling upward. "The location is excellent—close to the training grounds. As for pressure—I don't think the Uma Musume on my team will mind."
He smiled faintly.
"After all, when it comes to pressure, is there anything worse than being Oguri Cap's junior?"
Mr. Kitahara considered it carefully, then nodded. "You're right. The concerns that trouble other teams really don't apply to you."
"Then it's settled." Shuta An snapped his fingers and stood. "I'll go report it to Miss Rudolf."
Before leaving, he turned back. "Would Mr. Kitahara like something to drink? If you hadn't reminded me, I wouldn't have thought to secure a good spot. Today's on me."
"Ito En's barley tea," Mr. Kitahara replied instantly.
"Got it," Shuta An waved. "I'll grab it after submitting the report."
After watching him leave, Mr. Kitahara sighed deeply.
"Sigh~ Ann-san gets an activity room the moment he enters the Academy, while I still have to push my Uma Musume to race more just to maintain ours—"
"I really want to train a G1 Uma Musume someday…" he muttered, clutching his head.
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