Recently, the single most significant event in Central Tracen Academy—no, in the entire racing world—was Super Creek's retirement.
As one of only two powerhouses capable of facing Chasing Light's active top Uma Musume head-on, her final, everything-burning charge in the Spring Tenno Sho may not have won her the crown, but it earned her the respect of countless people.
And yet, the severe leg injury that followed declared the end of her career, leaving fans and industry professionals alike clenching their teeth in regret.
For a time, the entire scene was drenched in mourning. Every major forum and media outlet was full of sighs and lamentations.
However, human nature was ultimately forgetful—if not simply… addicted to whatever was newest.
In less than a week, that sorrowful atmosphere was swallowed up by a different wave, one even more feverish.
Because—That monster had returned.
Right now, the only ones left who could stand against Chasing Light's two active apex Uma Musume were the Ashiya Karuyo from Mitsumatsu, and Oguri Cap.
Ever since last year's Arima Kinen, when she came to truly understand herself and fully awakened, Oguri Cap had displayed a suffocating degree of dominance this year.
In a just-finished G2 graded race, facing the Satsuki Sho Uma Musume Yaeno Muteki, she crushed the finish with an almost bullying ease—opening a terrifying gap of a full six lengths.
A declaration to the world that she was back at full power.
No—More frightening than full power.
And when her trainer, Ginjirou Musaka, calmly announced in the post-race interview—
"Next race, we're entering the Yasuda Kinen."
Central erupted.
Because everyone knew exactly what that name meant.
The Yasuda Kinen.
It was the race the current "strongest active runner"—Fujimasa March—had already filed to enter.
Which meant that, after last year's earthshaking Mile Championship…
These two monsters at the very summit of the Mile division would clash on the Yasuda Kinen stage once again—for the third time.
A new carnival rapidly replaced old grief, and all eyes locked onto the coming month of May.
…
Mejiro training grounds.
The sun was perfect. The breeze was gentle.
Leaning against the outer wall of the training building, Kuroha scrolled through racing news on his phone.
On the screen, discussion threads about "Oguri Cap VS Fujimasa March" had already been pinned to the top.
A glaring red "TRENDING" tag looked particularly sharp.
He flicked the screen casually, and more replies popped up.
[No way! Half a year later and we're actually getting them on the same stage again!]
[Hahaha! This time March is definitely winning! I watched her recent race footage—her form is insanely good!]
[Nonsense. If you don't know what you're talking about, stop running your mouth. It's Oguri Cap's win for sure! Didn't you see that race a few days ago? Six lengths on Yaeno Muteki! That was a Satsuki Sho Uma Musume! I swear Oguri Cap is even stronger than last year!]
[Hehehe… Fight! Fight! Win or lose, if I can watch gods throw hands at this level, I'd die happy in the stands!]
[Who let this bloodthirsty spectator in here? Get out!]
"…"
Watching the fire-filled, high-octane excitement, Kuroha shook his head, amused.
"Tap-tap-tap—!"
Just then, rapid, rhythmic footsteps cut through the air, carrying a soft gust in their wake.
Kuroha looked up.
On the track, a silver-white streak was running with a perfectly stable cadence.
Fujimasa March.
Her posture was sharp and athletic. Each step carried a sense of power and clean beauty—she was clearly in excellent condition.
"Sensei! Sensei!"
A bright, energetic voice called out.
Kuroha turned to see Aoi Kiryuin jogging over with a thick record book hugged to her chest, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
"March's condition has been really steady lately! All her metrics are stable!"
She thrust the record book toward him, eyes sparkling.
"Look—These recent numbers are practically on par with her peak data from last year's Arima Kinen."
"At this rate, in a few days at the Yasuda Kinen, she'll be able to race in perfect form!"
"…Yeah. I can see that."
Kuroha skimmed the data, nodded with a smile, then looked at the girl overflowing with drive.
"Good work, Aoi. Your records are thorough."
"Hehe, it's nothing!"
Aoi smiled sweetly, then scratched the back of her head in embarrassment.
For someone born with a "workaholic" attribute, being able to learn real things at Kuroha's side made this kind of tedious data tracking feel more and more rewarding—more and more energizing.
Even 996 or 007 wouldn't feel like hardship.
Kuroha watched her for a moment, then put his phone away.
"By the way, Aoi. You mentioned before… you want to apply for early graduation?"
At the mention of business, Aoi sobered up and nodded seriously.
"Yes, Sensei."
"I'll basically finish my required credits and electives this semester. There isn't much theoretical knowledge left at the academy that can really teach me anything new."
"But day to day, I still get buried under club work and administrative chores. It's a waste of time."
Her gaze sharpened with resolve.
"So I've decided—I'll apply for early graduation next year and get into real practice as soon as possible."
Next year.
So, during her third year.
Kuroha considered for a moment, then nodded.
"If that's your decision, fine. With your ability, staying there really is wasting time."
"Oh—And before the end of this year, apply early for the local trainer license qualification exam. Don't miss the registration window and make things complicated."
"Uh…"
Aoi's firm expression suddenly turned shy. She twisted her fingers around the hem of her clothes, like she wanted to say something but couldn't quite force it out.
"What is it?" Kuroha raised an eyebrow. "Say it."
"Um… Sensei…"
Aoi gathered her courage, looked up at him, and her eyes filled with hopeful light.
"After I graduate next year, and after I pass the license exam… could I apply to come here, and keep learning at your side?"
"…"
The air went silent for a beat.
Kuroha stared at her for a moment, then answered without mercy.
"Absolutely not."
"Ah…"
The light in Aoi's eyes went out instantly. Her whole posture drooped.
Seeing her look so pitiful, Kuroha sighed, reached out, and firmly rubbed her head—messing her neat hair into a bird's nest.
"What are you thinking?"
"You're still in university. Coming here as an intern trainer to learn means you can build experience without delaying your studies. That's reasonable."
"But once you graduate and get a formal license, it's different."
Kuroha drew his hand back and explained seriously.
"By association rules, if you have a license and you don't go build results on the local circuit, and instead stay with me as an 'assistant' to learn, then you'll be forced to grind seniority—You won't be able to apply for Central certification for a full three years."
"Three years, Aoi." His tone softened. "For you, that's a golden window that you can't afford to waste."
"Don't be stubborn."
Generally speaking, once a student graduates from the trainer academy, they can immediately apply for the local license qualification.
But after that, if they want to test for a Central-level license…
Either they do what Kuroha did—build up achievements on the local circuit and raise a heavyweight Uma Musume under their guidance—
Or, like most mediocrities, they grind seniority and wait three full years to even qualify to apply.
What Aoi was proposing was similar to what many so-called "top graduates" do after finishing school.
They feel unprepared, and want to cling to a big name for "one more period of study," playing it safe.
For example, over at Oi, there was Tatsuko Fujiwara's son, Tenshi Fujiwara.
After graduation, while taking exams, he ran off to the White Eagle Nation and worked as an assistant under Obey Your Master's former trainer—dragging his feet until nearly thirty before returning to Central to lead a team on his own.
Aoi's reasoning might not be identical.
But from Kuroha's perspective, it was likely she'd simply grown comfortable—learning something new every day—and didn't want to leave.
Still, in Kuroha's eyes, Aoi wasn't like those "top graduates."
She was a true genius.
Relentlessly hardworking, and after more than a year of being properly cultivated at his side, her vision and capability had already outstripped her peers by far.
She was raw jade—meant to be carved on the track, not hidden beneath his wing.
Besides, it wasn't as though he was dead.
This island nation in the Far East wasn't that big. If she had questions or needed advice, her words would reach him the same day.
If they were both near Tokyo, it would be even faster.
There was no need for her to remain constantly at his side.
Hearing Kuroha break it down like that, Aoi immediately lowered her head in shame, clutching the record book tightly as she apologized in a small voice.
"I'm sorry, Sensei… I didn't think it through. I was being simplistic…"
Seeing her look so wronged yet genuinely repentant, Kuroha sighed, his heart softening.
He hesitated, then added.
"However… I never said I'm not going to look after you at all."
"Huh?" Aoi snapped her head up.
Kuroha crossed his arms, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
"I'll be training at Mejiro grounds most of the time anyway. After you graduate, apply to the Oi Racecourse."
"O-Oi?"
"That's right. Oi is arguably the best local circuit in Central," Kuroha said. "And I moved up to Central from Oi myself, so I've got some connections there."
"When you go, I'll put in a word. It'll be better than you walking into an unfamiliar place completely alone."
He paused, saw Aoi's eyes brightening again, and smiled.
"And Oi isn't that far fromyo. When you have time, you can bring your trainee Uma Musume here and train together with us."
"Really, Sensei?!"
Aoi instantly revived to full power, so excited she nearly jumped.
She could build results on the local circuit and still receive Sensei's guidance—best of both worlds.
"I'll work as hard as I can!!"
She clenched her fist, blazing with determination, and shouted.
"I'll pass the local license exam in one shot, and I'll raise a local graded-race Uma Musume as soon as possible! I won't let you down, Sensei!"
"Good. That's the spirit."
Kuroha smiled and patted her shoulder.
"Alright. Go give Teio a smack—her form's getting sloppy again."
"Eh? O-Okay!" Aoi snapped to attention.
Watching her run off full of energy toward the slightly unruly Tokai Teio, Kuroha let out an appreciative breath.
But soon, the smile on his face faded.
Turning back, Kuroha's gaze settled on the silver-white figure on the track.
"On par with last year's Arima Kinen…"
He recalled what Aoi had just reported.
A deep, eerie phosphorescence suddenly rose—quietly swelling into the air.
(End of Chapter)
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