The simulation battle ended, and the Emperor ultimately secured the victory.
The quality of this race was actually no less than that of a normal graded race. Watching these two, Kazuo couldn't help but exclaim, "This is what true Horse Racing is!"
The level of skill they displayed far surpassed any race Kazuo had seen before. Among the many simulation races at the school, only the intensity of this one was astonishing.
Maruzensky, Symboli Rudolf. They were undoubtedly outstanding representatives of the middle school division.
The surging emotion in his heart, even after the race ended, still echoed within him.
"So amazing…"
Kazuo's only exclamation at this moment was this.
.
"That was a beautiful sprint, President. You will definitely win this race."
While still walking slowly to regulate her breathing, Maruzensky had already approached. Although she narrowly lost to the Emperor, she didn't dwell on it too much; instead, she offered her sincere congratulations.
In fact, the two, whose strengths were evenly matched, already had a very good private relationship, in addition to being members of the same team. The competition just now, at its core, was merely the instinct of a competitor, that primal desire to win.
Now that the race was over, there was naturally no longer that confrontational Kiai (Fighting Spirit).
The Emperor looked at Maruzensky, but shook her head slightly and smiled helplessly, "You really went to a lot of trouble, Maruzensky. But if you weren't out of form, it might be hard to say who would have won…"
Her gaze unconsciously fell on Maruzensky's left ankle.
Although it was well covered by her pant leg, the slightly exposed white bandage was enough to prove one thing.
"Well~ it's just a minor injury. The medical staff also said I could try running a bit recently."
Maruzensky clearly wasn't too concerned about these things, even though she was the one who proposed this challenge to Toujou Hana.
However, she displayed such terrifying acceleration and high-intensity sustained running ability, and yet this was not Maruzensky's best condition.
The true her was known as an existence like a Super Car.
Seeing her say this, the Emperor also slowly nodded, looking at her seriously and saying:
"Hmm… if possible, I really look forward to racing against you again in the future."
"…Hmm, I look forward to it too."
The two of them were like this: both friends and rivals, and though rivals, they also shared a common goal.
Looking at these two, one couldn't help but feel that youth is about running towards the sunrise—
"This is the true intensity of Central Horse Racing events. Although these two have indeed raised the standard even higher, however—"
Toujou Hana paused, then said earnestly, "If you truly want your Uma Musume to reach a higher stage, then—you will sooner or later encounter monster-level Uma Musume like them."
At this point, Toujou Hana turned around, as if scrutinizing Kazuo.
"I said before that what I wanted to talk about today was responsibility and resolve. These are more important than textbook knowledge."
Toujou Hana adjusted her glasses, staring sharply at Kazuo: "I've also heard about you and Super Creek. Although she is willing to let you be her Trainer, is your own resolve up to par? This is why I asked you to come today."
"Asama, you think that for the current you, becoming a Trainer and getting your license is the primary goal… But have you considered what comes after?"
What comes after?
Kazuo was slightly stunned, not knowing what to say.
"Get the license… then, become Xiao Hai Wan's Trainer…"
"And then what?"
This question stumped Kazuo again.
He truly didn't know what to do next.
"We won't discuss the relatively systematic things for now, like training plans, systems, and so on. But there's one thing I want to ask you."
"Your resolve and responsibility. After becoming an Uma Musume's Trainer, these are the things you need to think about."
Toujou Hana said, her gaze returning to the people on the track.
"The Emperor is about to face an extremely crucial race, and this is not just her race alone. Truly, even I can't do anything when she actually stands on the track, but we still bear her 'weight'."
"We are behind the Uma Musume, and the Uma Musume carries the attention not only of us; they also have their fans, who also support them. As a Trainer, you are essentially guiding the Uma Musume by carrying their expectations. Her future, her career plan, every step, every footprint, is formulated together with the Trainer."
"A Trainer can be said to be essential, but also not very important. Even without me, the Emperor still has the ability to stand on such a stage. However, even the Emperor will have moments of confusion one day. At that time, if I can step forward, then that is my duty and resolve as her Trainer."
"You want to become a Trainer. How much have you considered what comes next? If you can face these things squarely, then just in terms of how you approach the role of Trainer, you are already qualified."
After a long silence, Kazuo nodded firmly.
"Thank you for your guidance."
"Although I still don't know what awaits me next, becoming Xiao Hai Wan's Trainer is a promise I made with her. After becoming a Trainer, no matter what challenges she and I face, I will do my utmost. This responsibility and resolve, I have already prepared for it."
Just don't make the same mistakes I once did.
Watching Kazuo speak like this, Toujou Hana couldn't help but close her eyes and ponder. As if thinking of Daijin's burst earlier, it seemed that perhaps why he could attract Xiao Hai Wan's reverse nomination, perhaps why he could guide Daijin to successfully break through at the end.
These incredible things now seemed not at all surprising.
This person—
Indeed has the potential to become an ace.
"By the way, Asama. What are you planning to do this Golden Week?"
After confirming once again that she and Yoshida hadn't mistaken the person, Toujou Hana became serious about guiding him.
Kazuo touched his head, a little embarrassed, and said,
"About that… Honestly, I haven't made any plans yet…"
…"So you don't have any arrangements yet?"
"Yes, although I've thought of a few methods, some things are indeed difficult to resolve. However, if it really comes down to it, I suppose I'll just find another capsule hotel and make do."
Although it meant seven or eight people crammed into one room again, and evening studying would be filled with snoring… for now, that was probably the only option.
Toujou Hana pondered for a moment, then took out her phone.
"Well, if you really don't have anywhere good to go, I can recommend a place. I wonder if you're interested?"
PS:
The poll held in the group chat:
Where the male lead goes during Golden Week:
1. Returns to his hometown with Xiao Hai Wan
2. Works part-time at Daijin's mother's flower shop
3. Visits the Mejiro Family with Fine Motion
4. Does all of the above on different days
5. None of the above
A bunch of people chose 'all of the above,' wanting the male lead to be a time management master (lol).
Didn't expect that, did you? Only two people got it right. The answer is five.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/TripleCrown07
If you guys wanna check it out.