Chapter 37. Dober's Future Races and Silence Suzuka's Challenge
By the time Mejiro Dober stepped onto the Winning Live stage, bathed in lights and applause, Shuta An had already suppressed the heaviness in his expression. The solemnity was gone. In its place stood the composed Trainer the public expected to see.
Mejiro Ramonu, however, had noticed.
"Did you discover a problem?" she asked at last. "If necessary, the Mejiro Family can assist."
Shuta An waved it off lightly. "I'm only concerned she consumed slightly more than ideal. If recovery isn't managed carefully, it could affect her condition heading into the Hakodate Nisai Stakes. Nothing insurmountable. I'll extend her rest period."
Since the next race would be held at Hakodate, Ramonu offered smoothly, "After the post-race check, I can suggest to Grandmother that you use the family's summer villa in Hokkaido."
"There's no need." His refusal was gentle but immediate. Bringing Dober north was one thing; staying in the Mejiro Family's private villa was another. The Sadalsuud team's budget was more than sufficient. A comfortable hotel near Hakodate for the summer posed no difficulty. And in truth, Dober was not destined for a leisurely vacation this year.
After a brief pause, he asked instead, "Miss Ramonu, if Dober were to lose a race before the Triple Tiara—how would the Mejiro Family view it?"
Ramonu frowned slightly. In her eyes, he was not the sort of Trainer who entered unwinnable races. "I'm not sure I follow."
"What I mean," he clarified, "is whether the family places importance on the honor of being 'undefeated.' After Hakodate, I was considering arranging a European start—purely exploratory. If she adapts well, then from her senior year onward, I would schedule a measured number of European races."
Silence lingered between them for a moment.
"I cannot speak for the entire Mejiro Family," Ramonu said carefully. "But if you ask my personal opinion—I hope she does not lose a single race before the Shuka Sho."
"I see." He nodded once. Decision made. "Then the European expedition will wait until her senior year."
"But North America remains on the table," Ramonu said evenly.
"Yes." His answer came without hesitation. "Frankly speaking, the competitive level of North America's turf Twinkle Series is relatively modest. I believe Dober can secure meaningful results there."
Ramonu shifted the topic slightly. "I never went myself, but I've heard of Rudolph-chan's experiences overseas. Still—I trust your record there more."
He placed his right hand over his chest. "An undefeated Triple Tiara. I will do everything in my power to help her achieve it."
"Then I leave her to you."
Ramonu's gaze returned to the stage where Dober stood beneath shimmering lights. Her voice softened.
"She has always wanted to bring honor to our family. When she learned she lacked long-distance aptitude, she cried very hard. I told her then—even if you cannot win the Spring Tenno Sho, any G1 victory is still our pride. Later, she chose to follow my path. The Triple Tiara."
She extended her pink fist and lightly struck his shoulder.
"Dober-chan's future is in your hands."
Though gentle, the blow caught him off guard. He stumbled half a step, rubbing his shoulder with a rueful smile. "In a few years, Miss Ramonu—Mejiro Dober will be the most dazzling diamond of the Mejiro Family."
"That would be best."
Ramonu did not voice the unspoken concerns weighing on the Mejiro Family's future. But if Dober could shine as he promised—if other family members contributed as well—then even without another prodigy emerging, the foundation would hold. The name Mejiro would endure.
Later, at Yasuda Kinen, Taiki Shuttle dominated as expected, claiming victory by three lengths. During the post-race interview, she declared her intention to embark on an overseas expedition.
Then she added, almost mischievously, "I won't be the only one going—so please look forward to it!"
After watching the footage, Shuta An turned toward Mejiro Dober, who was carefully savoring a parfait with delicate concentration.
"Dober. Did you inform Taiki Shuttle about an expedition?"
She nodded briskly. "After Winning Live, I mentioned the possibility."
"You didn't specify the destination?" He raised a brow. "No wonder she looked so excited."
Dober met his gaze without flinching. "Trainer, even if I wanted to run on European turf, you wouldn't register me locally, would you?"
"If you had asked yesterday, I would have said 'I'll consider it.' Today—" He shrugged lightly. "You are correct."
She stood abruptly, leaning forward. "Was there a problem with my performance?"
Realizing how close she had drawn, she stiffened and quickly retreated back into her seat.
"It's not your performance." He gave a small, wry smile. "Miss Ramonu hopes that for the next two years, we prioritize one objective—an undefeated Triple Tiara."
"I understand." She settled quietly, then after a pause asked, "After the Shuka Sho—we can challenge overseas?"
"Dober," he countered, "are you not concerned about losing?"
He did not see in her the reckless confidence of someone like Tokai Teio.
She considered carefully. "I dislike losing. Very much. But after achieving the first goal—I want to see landscapes beyond the Academy."
Her voice lowered.
"It would also help with my creative work."
He had intended to reach out—perhaps to rest a hand on her shoulder in reassurance. But remembering the delicate boundaries he observed with his Uma Musume, he stopped himself.
"That will be for when you are older," he said instead, his tone steady but warm.
Beyond the Academy. Beyond Japan.
But first—An undefeated crown awaited.
The post-race examination left no room for concern. Mejiro Dober's debut had taken nothing from her body—no strain, no hidden injury. With that confirmation secured, Shuta An wasted no time. A plane ticket to Hakodate was booked that very evening.
"I've arranged a month at Yunokawa Nagisa Prince Hotel," he explained. "It's about a kilometer from Hakodate Racecourse. Once you arrive, rest for half a month. I'll send a low-intensity training schedule via Line. After the Takarazuka Kinen, I'll head north as well. Only then will we formally begin preparations for the Hakodate Nisai Stakes."
Dober listened attentively—then asked a question that briefly caught him off guard.
"Where will the Trainer stay?"
"At the same hotel," he replied after a blink. "Rooms are already booked. There's no need to worry about that."
She hesitated. "I could stay at the family's summer villa first. That would reduce the team's expenses—"
He lifted a finger and shook it lightly. "Our Sadalsuud team has more funding than it knows what to do with. Please spend it without guilt. If I don't demonstrate proper utilization, it becomes difficult to request further allocations from Miss Rudolf."
Dober paused, then nodded with quiet acceptance. "Then I'll graciously accept. I'll cheer for Suzuka-senpai from Hakodate."
"Cheering is secondary," he reminded her evenly. "That race will be your first true major test. It also affects whether we secure stable positioning for overseas campaigns. Rest well. Prepare seriously."
"I won't wander around," she assured him quickly. "Once I arrive, I'll stay at the hotel."
He smiled faintly. "There's no need to confine yourself. The hotel overlooks the sea. You can sketch from the terrace."
"By the sea—" She blinked—and silently resolved to pack her swimsuit.
After seeing her off at the airport, Shuta An returned to Central Tracen Academy. The debut victory was satisfying, but celebration was brief. A different weight had already settled on his mind.
The Takarazuka Kinen fan vote totals had been released.
Nearly one million votes.
He stared at the figures.
"Since winning the Turf Classic Stakes, Suzuka's support has grown exponentially," he murmured. "Even within her generation, neither the Two-Crown Sunny Briann or the Kikuka Sho winner Machikane Fukukitaru commands this level of appeal."
The projected field for Takarazuka Kinen appeared smaller than usual. The possibility of underfilled gates was real. That, at least, offered some tactical reassurance. Even if Suzuka drew wide, navigating position would not be overly complicated.
Silence Suzuka herself had already seen the vote count. She showed no visible pressure.
That surprised him.
If it were Oguri Cap, such composure would be expected; the Gray Uma Musume had long carried the burden of expectation. But Suzuka had not been particularly popular even months ago.
Tokai Teio, perceptive as ever, broke the silence.
"Suzuka-senpai understands that she's inheriting Oguri Cap-senpai's banner. Becoming the team's symbol means carrying that popularity. She prepared herself for it long ago."
Shuta An did not respond immediately. He simply watched Suzuka running smooth, measured laps on the track.
Teio pressed further. "Trainer, what are your expectations for Suzuka-senpai in this Takarazuka Kinen?"
"To win."
The answer came without hesitation.
"She needs this victory to solidify her position in Japan's middle-distance Twinkle Series. Only by winning can she travel abroad this summer with confidence."
"Europe?" Teio asked, though without much enthusiasm. She assumed she would not be included regardless.
"North America," he clarified. "And since Dober will likely campaign there as well, Teio—do you have summer plans?"
She blinked, then pointed at herself. "You mean—me?"
"Exactly."
His grin carried unmistakable intent.
"Final exams conclude after Takarazuka, correct? Come to Hokkaido with me. Support Dober at Hakodate. Then accompany Suzuka to North America. In autumn, you'll return with Suzuka and me."
"And Dober-senpai?"
"She remains in North America to prepare for the Breeders' Cup. I'll return after the Autumn Tenno Sho."
The year's blueprint was already etched in his mind.
"I have no other plans," Teio declared brightly. "If Trainer invites me, I'm definitely going!"
Yet neither of them fully grasped Suzuka's private thoughts.
That evening, although no additional training was required, Silence Suzuka returned quietly to the track. There, under dimming light, another Uma Musume jogged cautiously—both legs tightly wrapped, movements restrained but resolute.
Suzuka stood at the rail, watching.
She did not approach.
After some time, before the other noticed her presence, Suzuka set down a large, unopened sports drink beside neatly folded clothes. A note rested atop it.
Then she left.
Moments later, the jogging Uma Musume finished her session and walked over, visibly satisfied.
"There's progress," she muttered to herself. "Even after the fracture… and then bowed tendon… it's fine. Injuries aren't my opponent. I'll return to the Twinkle Series."
She noticed the bottle and note.
Her steps quickened.
Recover well. I want to compete with you at full strength again at Tokyo Racecourse. And next time, I won't yield you the lead.
Unsigned.
But unmistakable.
"Silence Suzuka~"
A brilliant smile spread across her face as she straightened.
"Very well. After I recover—Sunny Brian accepts your challenge."
(Talking about Takarazuka Kinen, I don't remember I watched it in the Anime? Please confirm this with me, since I read some discrepancies in the following story.)
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