The Arc de Triomphe… that's a grand ambition. Even in my time, I never took any Racehorse out of the country, Ikezoe. You should have more confidence in yourself.
A few days later, the group returned to Tracen Academy. It was as if nothing had happened; everything was normal training, just like any other day. But only the three Trainers, reunited, knew of each other's troubles.
Imanami and Wada immediately saw Ikezoe's worries, as he couldn't keep things bottled up. Today, during their joint training, the two proactively brought up Ikezoe's concern—the Arc de Triomphe.
This was a race that, even before they transmigrated, had driven many organizations and Japan Central to an almost obsessive degree of relentless pursuit. This 2400-meter race held in France had seen countless Jockeys and famous Racehorses fall short, seemingly an insurmountable chasm.
And Gold Ship, who had once been just a step away from winning the Arc de Triomphe, was also Ikezoe's biggest regret—of course, his regret wasn't just that Gold Ship hadn't won the race, but that he hadn't been able to personally ride Gold Ship in it.
"The people at Shadai told me that my qualifications and ability, compared to top international Jockeys… are still far from enough." Ikezoe recalled the events surrounding the Arc de Triomphe. He, who was usually very optimistic, seemed a bit down, slowly saying:
"I canceled all my domestic activities and races, went to the Arc de Triomphe early to observe the venue, and asked Jockeys about the important points of the Arc de Triomphe. I wanted Gold Ship to get familiar with the venue during her time in France, so we could prepare in advance and win the Arc de Triomphe—that's what I planned."
"But later, Shadai reminded me that my skill level was too far off… so they replaced me with a stronger Jockey."
Speaking of this, Ikezoe was a bit exasperated. He considered himself to be, if not among the very top Jockeys in Japan Central, then at least a very capable one. In any GI Races within Japan, who would dare say he wasn't qualified to participate? Even for the international Japan Cup, the Racehorse he rode would definitely be a favorite to win.
But only at the Arc de Triomphe in France did Ikezoe hit a wall that he had never been able to get over. It was the first time he had ever been judged as "lacking in ability" and unable to compete with Gold Ship.
Then, Gold Ship narrowly lost, coming in second. To this day, Ikezoe still doesn't know how to evaluate Japan Central's decision… or perhaps, they thought that if Ikezoe had ridden her, she might not even have placed second?
"Have some confidence, Ikezoe. Since you know why Japan Central refused to let you ride Gold Ship back then, it's not too late to work harder now."
Imanami and Wada were, of course, aware of this matter. Imanami, who had a closer relationship with Shadai and thus understood the demeanor of those at Japan Central better, actively comforted him: "I don't want to discourage you, Ikezoe, but your skill level still needs more refinement if you want to challenge the Arc de Triomphe. At the very least, you need to have the capital to participate in international races."
"Look, Wada-kun is also constantly refining himself. I think he, like you, is someone who wants to challenge the Arc de Triomphe."
"Huh? Wada, you're going to the Arc de Triomphe too?"
This was the first time Ikezoe had heard this news, and he instinctively looked at Wada-kun beside him. Wada-kun, who had kept this goal hidden in his heart, was speechless for a moment before shrugging and saying:
"Yes… It's truly embarrassing. Even Ikezoe-kun couldn't participate in the Arc de Triomphe… but I really want to give it my all at the Arc de Triomphe."
"I also want Opera O to embark on the distant expedition to the Arc de Triomphe—although I've never done it before, this time, I want to try."
It must be said that Wada-kun himself was indeed a bit of a "poor player who loves to play." His technical and theoretical skills were arguably the worst among the trio—although his record in Japan Central was indeed good, and he later grew into a Jockey worthy of such honors, this still didn't change the fact that he was indeed not as good as Ikezoe, and certainly not as good as Imanami.
But Wada-kun didn't give up; he was diligently learning. Even though his actual psychological age was already over 40, he was still incredibly enthusiastic about learning to improve himself. He understood the principle of the slow bird flying first.
"Wada, have you thought this through? The Arc de Triomphe is no joke."
However, Ikezoe, who had already suffered a setback at the Arc de Triomphe, also said with a troubled expression: "Many of our famous Racehorses have had bad experiences at the Arc de Triomphe, and quite a few retired not long after returning home."
"Are you really planning to let Opera O go all out there? Then you don't have much time to prepare. Although Gold Ship, by any calculation, wouldn't be able to challenge the Arc de Triomphe until next year…"
"…To be honest, I don't even know if I have the qualifications." However, Wada-kun merely shook his head at the remark. He had simply brought up the regret he had wanted to make up for a long time ago, and hadn't had time to think that far ahead.
After all, back then, let alone competing in the Arc de Triomphe, even when riding Opera O, he hadn't even seen the qualifications for the Arc de Triomphe. But this time, if he could successfully win the Classic Triple Crown, and a few more GI Races… perhaps he and Opera O could reach a height comparable to Gold Ship.
At least Wada-kun had a clear understanding of himself: his skill level was definitely not enough to guide Opera O all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. He just wanted to make up for these regrets, and the Arc de Triomphe… was the type where merely participating counted as a success.
More than winning, he preferred Opera O to safely finish the Arc de Triomphe race, just like Gold Ship back then—he absolutely did not want Opera O to be the next Uma Musume from Japan who retired immediately after returning home from a race in France.
"What about Imanami-senpai? Are you also aiming for the Arc de Triomphe? Although I remember Mejiro McQueen didn't go on a distant expedition, Gold Ship also had the potential to achieve a better placing, didn't she?" Wada-kun couldn't help but turn to Imanami, the most skilled among them.
"Yes, Imanami-senpai, you definitely have the qualifications to participate in the Arc de Triomphe! Don't you want to win the Arc de Triomphe?" Ikezoe also realized belatedly. Although both he and Wada-kun believed they had drawn the best cards, the two Uma Musume in Imanami's hands were also not weak at all.
Whether it was Mejiro McQueen or Gold Ship, they both had the potential to challenge the Arc de Triomphe. For the three Trainers who all had future sight, the chance to do it again was enough for them to avoid most difficulties and reach greater heights.
"Let the stage be for you young people. I, an old man, will just guard the rear for you."
Imanami smiled and shook his head upon hearing this. He clearly understood the regrets of his two juniors, and he knew their strong desire to try again was understandable. After all, they were still young, and after an emotional reunion with their beloved Racehorses, it was very normal to want to challenge the future once more.
But he had already come to terms with it. The Racehorses he had once ridden had long been lost in the river of time. Even the Uma Musume who were considered his predecessors in this world were merely children in his eyes… with no thoughts other than affection.
"However, it's still too early to talk about these things, Ikezoe. Now, focus your attention on guiding Gold Ship. Try to take her to a higher level."
"Even if you say so, Imanami-senpai…"
However, for a moment, a troubled expression appeared on Ikezoe's face. His gaze unconsciously drifted towards the track, where Gold Ship was currently undergoing parallel running training within the team.
Even with one experience… but, guiding Gold Ship… Ikezoe felt that this time, it might be much more difficult than his guidance in his previous life.