After their warm-up, the three Uma Musume gathered at the starting line of the training ground.
"Oguri Cap will lead by half a second," Shuta An instructed from the sidelines. "The rest is up to Miss Symboli Rudolf and Miss Mejiro Ramonu."
"Since we've accepted Shuta-kun's invitation, Ramonu and I have no intention of holding back," Symboli Rudolf replied with a light wave before moving into position.
Once Fuji Kiseki confirmed that Mejiro Ramonu and Oguri Cap were ready, she raised the small red flag in her hand. A crisp motion cut through the air as she swung it down.
(At first, I am a little confused here about Fuji Kiseki. However here a little trivia from https://umamusume.fandom.com/wiki/Fuji_Kiseki. In the Beginning of a New Era movie, she was trained by Trainer Tanabe alongside Jungle Pocket. But in the main seasons of the anime, she was in Team Rigil. This causes a continuity issue, as Special Week was already in Tracen Academy in the movie, meaning that the movie happens somewhere after Seasons 1 and 2. Jungle Pocket's career was after Special Week's but Fuji Kiseki was in Tanabe's team instead of Team Rigil, it could be assumed that the movie takes place in an alternate universe.)
"Start!"
Oguri Cap launched forward at once, with Symboli Rudolf and Mejiro Ramonu following in sequence. The three dashed off from the starting line, their steps thundering rhythmically across the track.
Tojo Hana glanced at the timing machine beside the field. "It really is exactly a 0.5–second lead. Rudolf and Ramonu's time control is as precise as ever."
"Well, both of them are active contenders in the Dream Trophy," Shuta replied without surprise. "If Teio were the one chasing today, I'd have Oguri lead by a full second. Otherwise Teio probably wouldn't keep the timing accurate."
"Trainer, you're teasing me again!" Tokai Teio puffed her cheeks. "Sure, I'm not as good as the President at controlling pace, but I'm not that bad!"
Shuta didn't answer, simply continuing to watch the three runners on the track.
"The acceleration phase for the first 200 meters is ending now. They're entering the timed section," Tojo Hana explained.
"So now Oguri will feel what it's like to be marked by two top-level Uma Musume at the same time." The young man narrowed his eyes. "I just hope she doesn't fall into a misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?" Tokai Teio tilted her head. "What kind of misunderstanding? When dealing with mark tactics, isn't it enough to just—not be caught?"
"Teio, that's exactly the misunderstanding," Shuta muttered. "I'm just worried Oguri might think the same way as you."
"Eh? Ehh?" Teio pointed at herself in confusion. "Trainer, did I say something wrong?"
"Of course." Shuta sighed. "When dealing with mark tactics, the most important thing is not to think like you do."
Tojo Hana nodded in agreement. "Shuta-kun is right. The key is to stay calm. Don't panic and try to shake off the opponent too early."
"If you try to break away prematurely, you'll waste strength, stamina and ruin your rhythm entirely," Shuta added. "You should grasp that much if you think about it, Teio."
Tokai Teio wasn't untalented. After only a few seconds of thought, realization dawned.
"That's true." She looked up at him. "So, Trainer, you want Senior Oguri to stay composed and just run her own pace?"
"Exactly." Shuta nodded. "That's what I want to see."
"And right now" His gaze remained on Oguri Cap. "It looks like she's managing just fine."
———
At first, Oguri Cap ran without issue. But around the fifteenth second, a faint pressure prickled at her back—like eyes fixed on her from behind.
"That's right—this is the feeling of being marked." Recognition flashed instantly. "So from here on, I'll be targeted by Symboli Rudolf and Mejiro Ramonu"
Being marked by two Triple Crown Uma Musume simultaneously was an experience no active Twinkle Series runner at Central Tracen could casually obtain. Only now did Oguri Cap fully understand why Shuta An insisted on this chase-up practice today.
"So, this is the kind of marking I'll likely face in the Japan Cup." Her steps didn't falter as she pondered. "Honestly—it's kind of annoying!!!"
Her expression tightened into a slight pout before she re-centered herself.
"I've never been marked before, but should I say it's worthy of 'The Emperor' and the 'DemonicTurquoise Hair'? The pressure they give off is ridiculously strong."
A flicker of impatience rose within her.
"If I'm targeted like this for seven whole furlongs—won't I be exhausted by the end?"
But she didn't accelerate.
"No. Trainer wants me to adapt to this feeling—and he specified the intensity. That means he wants me to restrain this impatience. If I let it push me into speeding up now, I'll ruin the whole purpose of the training. I have to endure it and run my own pace!"
—
Behind her, Symboli Rudolf and Mejiro Ramonu ran side by side, matching strides effortlessly. Shuta had invited Rudolf specifically—but when Ramonu heard about it in the Student Council room, she volunteered to join. Though they were both in the Council, Ramonu had never met Shuta An in person until today. Still, she'd heard the stories.
"More capable than the average academy trainer." That was her preconception.
She hadn't spoken to him yet, but she had a faint feeling. Maybe this Trainer might be able to meet my expectations.
"I'll ask him after practice," she reminded herself, focusing back on Oguri Cap.
Symboli Rudolf, meanwhile, had already seen through Shuta's intentions. She understood perfectly why this type of training was arranged at this timing.
"But, will just one session be enough for her to deal with Tony Bianca?" Even now, she doubted Oguri would be able to withstand the European champion.
She acknowledged Oguri Cap's talent and strength. Yet Symboli Rudolf understood what the title this year "Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Winner" represented.
"A Tony Bianca in the latter half of the year in a 2400–meter race—is unquestionably among the world's strongest." Her eyes narrowed. "If she chooses to mark Oguri Cap, then with only this level of training—"
Her confidence in Oguri wavered. But then—
"Shuta-kun surely knows this. And he still arranged today's session—meaning he must have a reason."
She exhaled and steadied herself.
"Even if I'm worried about the gap between Oguri Cap and Tony Bianca—I can only trust Shuta-kun's plan."
———
When the chase-up ended, Shuta An immediately checked the timing equipment.
"7F 98.2 — 82.3 — 67.0 — 51.5 — 37.2 — 11.4."
"Oguri leads Rudolf by 0.5 seconds, first by 0.4. Leads Miss Ramonu by 0.5, first by 0.6."
After reviewing the numbers, he glanced at Oguri Cap, who was receiving a chilled towel from Berno Light nearby.
"Tsk, tsk. These results are better than I expected."
"Oh—these times will be submitted to the URA Association," Tojo Hana groaned lightly. "If Oguri Cap posts numbers like this before the race, every opponent will target her."
"Given her past performances, everyone aiming for the Japan Cup will target her regardless," Shuta said calmly. "This training was meant to get her used to that. Looks like it paid off."
"To be honest—" Tojo Hana admitted, "these results show Oguri Cap has a real chance."
"The Japan Cup hasn't been defended for some years. This time, it's our turn." Shuta spoke softly. "Even for the extra two million dollars—Oguri Cap and I will give everything."
Just as he finished, both he and Tojo Hana sensed someone approaching. They turned at the same moment. The dark bay Triple Tiara Uma Musume stood there, a damp towel draped around her neck.
"Hello, Trainers."
"Hello, Miss Ramonu," Shuta bowed politely. "Do you need something?"
Tojo Hana also bowed quietly. She could tell at a glance—Miss Ramonu wasn't here for her.
"I've heard quite a lot about Shuta-kun from Rudolf-chan, so I was curious and thought I'd come talk," Ramonu said with a smile. "And also—"
Her tone shifted slightly.
"I'd like to ask if Shuta-kun is interested in taking on a job."
Tojo Hana froze. "A…job?"
At first, she didn't understand. Miss Ramonu's Trainer should be quite good—she's never expressed dissatisfaction…so why would she suddenly change Trainers?
But then—
No… this "job" must be related to the Mejiro Family.
"Could it be—" Her gaze flicked between Shuta and Ramonu.
"A job?" Shuta also looked puzzled. He waved his hand lightly. "Sorry, but I'm satisfied with my current work. I have no intention of changing jobs."
He had no reason to give up his current position. And whatever Miss Ramonu offered, it couldn't realistically be better. Besides—he understood the implications. He wasn't the type to make that choice.
"It's not about you resigning," she clarified, touching a finger to her cheek as she smiled. "It's a part-time role."
"A part-time role?" Tojo Hana repeated under her breath.
"Yes. I'd like to invite Shuta-kun to provide training guidance to the young Uma Musume of the Mejiro Family who haven't debuted yet—similar to how he guided Tokai Teio."
As a fellow Triple Tiara Uma Musume of Symboli Rudolf's generation, it wasn't strange that she knew about Shuta's involvement with Teio.
"Miss Ramonu likely doesn't know, but Teio is basically set to join my team," Shuta said. "And usually, Uma Musume from the Mejiro Family require their Trainers to focus solely on them, right?"
"There's no such rule." Ramonu shook her head. "It's just that our Trainers usually don't have enough energy left to oversee other Uma Musume of average ability."
"That's impossible for me," Shuta said frankly. "I think Miss Ramonu can see the potential of Oguri Cap and Teio."
"I can," she admitted. "Which is why this is purely a part-time role. All you need to do is periodically check on our juniors' training progress and offer advice."
"That's manageable." Shuta nodded. But before agreeing, he needed to clarify one crucial point. "And the compensation?"
"For compensation—" Ramonu lifted her index finger. "I heard from Maruzensky that Shuta-kun is searching for a suitable house to help Oguri Cap prepare for races in Kanto. I can arrange for you to rent a detached house that will absolutely meet your needs."
"Oh?" Shuta raised an eyebrow. His requirements—and those of the two Uma Musume—were stringent. "Miss Ramonu should understand the house I want isn't just for living."
"I know. Maruzensky told me." Her smile deepened. "The house is in Mejiro-cho, Toshima-ku. Two minutes from the station. It has a 400–meter training track, a swimming pool, and a gym. I had it built for myself after winning the Triple Tiara—but since I'm active in the Dream Trophy now, I live in the Mejiro family home, so it's vacant."
Shuta thought briefly, then took out his phone. "I should add Miss Ramonu on Line. I need to discuss this with Oguri Cap and Berno."
"Of course." Ramonu took his phone, added herself, and handed it back smoothly. "Then I look forward to hearing your decision."
She bowed lightly and walked away.
Tojo Hana let out a small breath. "I didn't expect that kind of job—"
"Me neither," Shuta admitted.
"So, Shuta-kun, are you going to accept? Renting that house would save a lot of money. Staying in a hotel for so long must be expensive—"
"I'll ask Oguri Cap and Berno first," Shuta replied immediately—dodging the question entirely.
Tojo Hana narrowed her eyes. "How cunning."