In this life, Yasui Makoto's parents had always been patient and supportive toward their uniquely independent and unusually mature son, rarely interfering with his choices.
Over time, he gradually accepted this familial warmth he never experienced in his past life, even becoming open to listening to others and sharing some of his own thoughts with his parents.
Recently, spending time with Kitasan Black—her energetic and cheerful nature—had deeply touched him, allowing him to unconsciously taste something akin to youthful exuberance.
Thus, he now felt inclined to communicate more with his Uma Musume, wanting to hear her opinions as well.
"My answer…? Ah! Oh no!"
After a moment of confusion, Kitasan blurted out in surprise, scratching her cheek in embarrassment.
"I meant to tell you the day after I spoke with Dia-chan, but I got distracted by that pebble and totally forgot…"
Taking a deep breath, she met Yasui's gaze with newfound determination.
"I've made up my mind, Trainer-san."
"I want to challenge the Classic Triple Crown."
Yasui wasn't particularly bothered by his Uma Musume's minor oversight.
Nor was he surprised by her decision to pursue the Classic Triple Crown.
Among prestigious races such as the Tenno Sho (Spring), Tenno Sho (Autumn), Takarazuka Kinen, and Arima Kinen—all top-level competitions, even within G1—the Classic Triple Crown was unquestionably the most exceptional.
Only once-in-a-lifetime—this fact alone elevated its significance immeasurably.
Over nearly a century, out of countless Uma Musume, only seven had claimed all three Classic crowns, with fewer than twenty managing two.
Tokai Teio herself was one of these rare talents—a two-crown champion who remained undefeated through those victories.
Considering such a legendary Uma Musume was her idol, it required no deep analysis to guess Kitasan's ambition.
"The Classic Triple Crown, huh… Understood."
Nodding calmly, Yasui started scrolling through his tablet.
"Then, I'll apply first for the Spring Stakes, and we'll prepare your debut race accordingly."
"Yes! Sounds good…wait a minute!"
Kitasan instinctively nodded before suddenly freezing.
"…Wait, Trainer-san, we're already signing up?"
"Why not?"
Pausing on the application screen, Yasui glanced at her.
"It's January now. Your debut will happen this month."
"Depending on circumstances, in February we might arrange another race to accumulate the necessary fans."
"In March, the Yayoi Sho, Spring Stakes, and Wakaba Stakes—the three prep races for Satsuki Sho—take place."
"The Satsuki Sho itself is in April. If we don't sign up now, are we supposed to waste money on late-entry fees later?"
The "late-entry system" was relatively new in the Twinkle Series, becoming standard practice only in recent generations.
Previously, missing the registration deadline meant losing the chance altogether.
This rigid rule had long been controversial, but the URA association had ignored complaints until a particular generation—the legendary "Eternal Top Three"—shook the industry, prompting reforms.
One protagonist of that controversy was Oguri Cap, the same legendary Uma Musume who'd delivered meals to Yasui and Kitasan earlier.
Due to her origins in local races, neither Oguri Cap nor her trainer initially planned on entering the Classic Triple Crown.
However, her immense talent was noticed by former student council president Symboli Rudolf, who invited her to compete at the Central Academy level.
Without a late-entry system, Oguri Cap missed her chance at the Triple Crown races. Had she been mediocre, it wouldn't have mattered—but instead, she repeatedly defeated Triple Crown winners in other major races, proving her strength beyond doubt.
The resulting backlash from fans and industry insiders finally compelled the URA association to introduce the late-entry system.
This system later prevented other regrettable scenarios, like the case of the Uma Musume known as the "King," T.M. Opera O, who'd also missed the initial registration and utilized late-entry.
From what Yasui remembered, even Kitasan Black in a parallel world had low initial popularity, causing her team to belatedly enter the Satsuki Sho through the late-entry route.
Though possible, late-entry fees weren't cheap—around two million yen per race, which was also true in this world.
Not that Yasui lacked the money.
Living independently in Tokyo, aside from the support from his family, he'd earned a substantial amount through part-time jobs since his first year of high school. All of Kitasan's recent training equipment had been purchased out of his own pocket.
However, since he was confident Kitasan would perform admirably in the Classic races, there was no reason to waste money on unnecessary late-entry fees.
"Oh…I'm sorry, Trainer-san."
Upon hearing Yasui's explanation, Kitasan looked remorseful.
"I didn't understand these things very well…I should have paid closer attention…"
"It's not your fault," Yasui gently reassured. "You just entered school recently; many things haven't been covered yet."
"Besides, this is technically the trainer's job. I'll slowly explain everything to you as we go, and you'll also learn these details in class."
After clarifying, Yasui returned his attention to the registration interface.
"So, we'll proceed with your debut race in January, a conditional race in February, the prep race in March, and the Satsuki Sho in April."
"If there's no issue, I'll officially submit the schedule now."
"Alright! I'll follow your lead, Trainer-san!"
Nodding obediently, Kitasan curiously leaned in closer.
Watching Yasui fill out the various application details, she tilted her head in confusion after a moment.
"Oh, Trainer-san…why the Spring Stakes instead of the Yayoi Sho or Wakaba Stakes as the prep race for Satsuki Sho?"
"Actually, I…"
She paused briefly, licking her lips expectantly.
"I was hoping that maybe in the Yayoi Sho, I'd get to race against Crown-san."
"Satono Crown?"
Surprised, Yasui looked up, thoughtful for a moment.
"You two didn't promise something like a showdown, did you?"
"No, nothing like that," Kitasan laughed nervously, rubbing her head sheepishly.
"It might sound a bit pessimistic, but Crown-san is way better than me."
"She comes from a prestigious family, with many relatives working in the URA or the academy, and she even has senpais who are active racers."
"She has wonderful manners, great grades, and is always among the top of our class."
"She debuted last year and has already won two consecutive races."
"So, if I did race against her, I'd honestly feel a lot of pressure."
"But…!"
Kitasan suddenly shook off her embarrassment, eyes blazing with determination.
"If I backed down just because of pressure, how could I ever become an Uma Musume like Teio-senpai?"
"Compared to my worries, what Teio-senpai experienced was infinitely harder and more painful."
"Even those challenges didn't defeat her—how can I give up before I even begin?"
"So don't worry, Trainer-san. No matter who my opponent is, I promise I'll always give everything I have until the very end!"
…I never expected she'd have this side beneath that carefree exterior.
"Good."
Yasui smiled warmly, answering solemnly:
"As your trainer, I promise I'll be right beside you until the end."
"Yes!"
Eyes sparkling with excitement, Kitasan nodded eagerly.