Meanwhile, on the other side of the Mejiro Family mansion, Mejiro McQueen, who had returned home after a long time and was discussing everyday matters with her reunited sisters, never expected that in just an hour, their situation would undergo a drastic change… "…Gold Ship, Tosen Jordan, Nakayama Festa, what exactly brings the three of you to the Mejiro Family?"
Nakayama Festa, wearing a hat that she almost never took off, held a wooden sword and unenthusiastically said to McQueen, Ryan, Dober, and Hikari, the four Uma Musume of the Mejiro Family: "We were just asked by Gold Ship to come help create some Presence. Don't worry, we're not here to rob you. Although Gold Ship has been lawless for a long time, she wouldn't commit a crime… probably?"
"Is that so? Nakayama Festa and Gold Ship are on good terms, so that's understandable…" McQueen calmed down a bit. She was the only one who could remain composed at the moment. Mejiro Ryan had already sent Dober and Hikari back to their rooms and was poised to protect her sisters with action.
"But, Tosen Jordan, I remember you and Gold Ship didn't get along. Why would you…"
"Giant just asked me, that's all. It's rare for Giant to ask me for help, and even though it's for Gold Ship, I'm willing to lend a hand." The twin-tailed Uma Musume called Tosen Jordan smiled with interest. She also held a wooden sword, but it wasn't for self-defense; Gold Ship had given one to each of them, saying it would give them more Presence.
Sure enough, Gold Ship, who was now glaring fiercely at Mejiro Ryan and was the source of Mejiro Ryan's current tension, also carried a wooden sword with an imposing Presence. Although she hadn't removed her mask, the ferocity in her eyes alone was enough to make anyone wary.
At first, Mejiro Ardan was almost scared to tears by Gold Ship's gaze… and rushed to find Grandmother… However, in reality… Gold Ship's eyes looked fierce at the moment, but deep down, she had already started to panic.
"Wuwuwuwu… Gold Ship, you big idiot, hurry up and finish! If it really comes to a fight, I can't beat Mejiro Ryan…"
Gold Ship's hand, holding the wooden sword, trembled slightly. Gold Ship had specifically instructed Gold Ship when she arrived to maintain a fierce gaze no matter what, to ensure she could hold the fort. And Gold Ship, seeing such a formal Gold Ship for the first time, had no choice but to dutifully agree… Why was it like this… She was supposed to be the Big Sister Orfevre… Why was she so afraid of Gold Ship?
However, Gold Ship couldn't figure out the reason at the moment. Although Gold Ship also called her "Big Sister Orfevre," in times like these, she could only obediently follow orders… Damn it, so annoying, she really wanted to kick something… "…Child of the Gold Family, I remember, your name is Gold Ship, right?"
And at this moment, on the Mejiro Family Head's side, facing the imposing Gold Ship who had trespassed, the Mejiro Family Head was not flustered at all. This junior wouldn't dare to cause trouble here. Fighting a few bodyguards was negotiable, but if she dared to openly defy the Mejiro Family Head, that would be a huge problem.
Although Gold Ship was rambunctious, she understood what was important. On this point, the Old Mistress was very reassured.
"Since you are a junior, please take a seat first," the Mejiro Family Head said calmly, then looked at Imanami Takatoshi beside her and asked, "Mr. Imanami, perhaps you would like to excuse yourself?"
"No need, the Old Man is right here, there's nothing we can't say!" Gold Ship stubbornly shook her head, pulling Imanami with one hand and holding a wooden sword with the other, then sat down, staring at the Mejiro Family Head with a rather unfriendly gaze.
"…Junior of the Gold Family, if you wish to visit, you could call us in advance. Showing up uninvited now, isn't that a bit out of line?"
"Where is your Family Head? Where is Gold Trip? Have her come out and see me."
"Sorry, the Family Head is very busy, and I am temporarily in charge of the Gold Family's affairs!" Gold Ship said openly, "I'm here to announce to the Mejiro Family Head that the Old Man… Mr. Imanami Takatoshi, is a Trainer that our Gold Family reserved long ago, and we will absolutely not give him to the Mejiro Family."
"Reserved…" However, Imanami's mouth twitched slightly. How did he not know about this?
However, Gold Ship's anxious and fiery demeanor was something even Imanami found rare. But he had just arrived, and Gold Ship, who was still sleeping, had chased after him… Did she run all the way here?
"However, as the Mejiro Family Head, before your arrival, my discussions with Mr. Imanami were already quite harmonious. I believe we are about to reach an agreement." The Mejiro Family Head, however, was not flustered at all. Instead, she smiled slightly and looked at Imanami, asking, "So, regarding what I said earlier, Mr. Imanami, what is your answer?"
"Old Man?"
For a moment, even Gold Ship looked at Imanami with a subtle gaze, a mix of anticipation and reluctance. She pitifully clutched Imanami's sleeve and said aggrievedly, "Old Man, you wouldn't want to abandon me, would you? You wouldn't really want to abandon me to be the Mejiro Family's Trainer… would you?"
"Gold Ship…"
Suddenly, Imanami was truly in a dilemma. One hand gently ruffled Gold Ship's head as usual, helping her calm down a bit, but his heart was unsure how to handle the current situation.
On one side was the sincere invitation from the Mejiro Family Head, and on the other was the Uma Musume he cared for most. It was a difficult choice. Both paths offered prospects and required trade-offs. For Imanami, if he could truly choose, he would want to choose both paths.
But he couldn't split himself or conjure up a second person. Once he chose to accept the Mejiro Family Head's invitation, it would be impossible for him to have any spare energy to teach Gold Ship—at least the Mejiro Family Head certainly wouldn't allow him to continue teaching Gold Ship.
He also didn't know if the Gold Ship of this world was the Uma Musume who possessed both Gold and Mejiro Family bloodlines. At least for now, Gold Ship's stance still leaned towards the Gold Family side… And under the Mejiro Family Head's expectant gaze, and Gold Ship's pitifully tightening grip on his sleeve, Imanami didn't ponder for too long before making his decision.
"Alas…"
A sigh was heard from Imanami. The next moment, Imanami silently grasped Gold Ship's hand that was clutching his sleeve. Under Gold Ship's gradually brightening gaze, he calmly said to the Mejiro Family Head:
"I'm truly sorry, Madam Mejiro, but I must decline your request."
"I am just a small Trainer. I don't have the great ability to ensure every Mejiro Family Uma Musume avoids disaster, nor do I have the strong capability to serve as an exclusive Trainer for such a large family."
"I just want… these children to gallop on the Racehorse, and then return safely every day."
Has Imanami seen few Racehorses? Absolutely not. Whether personally riding them or later caring for their lives, Imanami has probably seen more Racehorses than people… But precisely because of this, he gradually understood one thing.
Honor is perhaps what every Jockey pursues, like Wada and Ikezoe. They are young, and they both have strong convictions and a fierce competitive spirit. They want to strive, to compete one more time. Imanami understands.
But Imanami now considers himself very old. He is no longer the Jockey who rode Racehorses to championships… His mindset has aged. He only hopes that the Racehorses that compete also return safely to their stables.
He has witnessed too many partings and too many ends of legends. What he pursues now is not victory and honor, but the hope that every Racehorse, like Gold Ship, can retire without pain.
They gallop on the Racehorse, bringing so much honor and pride. Shouldn't a safe and pain-free retirement be what they deserve?
And watching the Mejiro Family Head's gaze gradually dim, Imanami also showed a gentle smile and added:
"But… I might be able to bring you back a Mejiro McQueen without injuries or illness. I think I should still be able to do that."
"For me, bringing you back a Mejiro McQueen who has won the Tenno Sho and will not be tormented by illness should not be entirely impossible."
"…Really?"
However, under Imanami's eyes, the Mejiro Family Head's previously somewhat dim gaze gradually regained its luster. Imanami also nodded solemnly, indicating that his thoughts were correct.
The Mejiro Family's two fears are late development and broken legs, which are publicly acknowledged facts. But if Imanami could truly bring back a Mejiro McQueen who had won the Tenno Sho but was without pain or misfortune… then perhaps, the Mejiro Family still had hope.
"Trainer Imanami, if you can fulfill your promise, then I, as the Mejiro Family Head, give you my word: you will be an eternal friend of our Mejiro Family!"
"No need to be so hasty, Madam Mejiro, we have an understanding beforehand."
Imanami waved his hand. Seeing that the situation seemed to be resolved, he breathed a sigh of relief and said to the Mejiro Family Head: "I am just a Trainer. I help McQueen because Miss McQueen is my in charge Uma Musume, but this doesn't mean I will continue to teach the Mejiro Family's Uma Musume. My choices are very strict."
"Naturally." The Mejiro Family Head agreed without hesitation. She could tell that Imanami's unspoken meaning was that he might also put a lot of effort into teaching Gold Ship or other Uma Musume, and not necessarily focus all his attention on McQueen. But the Mejiro Family Head was very reassured.
She understood Trainers like Imanami. Strictness represented a sense of responsibility, and once he chose an in charge Uma Musume, he would definitely see it through to the end.
"So, there are many details we still need to discuss. Mr. Imanami, why don't you stay overnight?"
"I'm coming too!" Gold Ship, hearing this, immediately stopped making a fuss, threw her wooden sword aside, grabbed Imanami's arm, and laughed.
"Miss Gold Ship, your room has been arranged separately, but I don't know about the others…"
"Ah, them? I'll tell them to leave right away!"
The matter was resolved, and they were no longer needed to get in the way after their work was done. Gold Ship immediately ran out to inform Gold Ship and the others that they could go home.
However, she had to stay, lest that cunning Old Mistress Mejiro make any moves against the Old Man!