Uma Musume: Rising From the Countryside to Legend!!

Kuroha walked alongside Kitahara Jou through the academy grounds, chatting as they went, exchanging insights on training.

As a veteran trainer, Kitahara had a deep and distinct understanding of Uma Musume. While some of his views felt overly rigid or one-dimensional to Kuroha, there was still much to be gained from the conversation.

In particular, Kitahara's real-world experience leading numerous Uma Musume into graded stakes was a goldmine of practical knowledge—something Kuroha sorely needed.

Kuroha also shared some of the common training oversights he'd observed while researching how trainers operated in Tokyo. Hearing this, Kitahara couldn't help but glance at him repeatedly, eventually chuckling, "I really am getting old."

All the while, Kuroha took careful note of the Central Tracen Academy's layout and its facilities.

As expected, despite both Central and Oi Tracen being in Tokyo, the difference in scale and sophistication was obvious.

The facilities here weren't just greater in number—they were more advanced, more refined. Even the number of tracks was more than double those at Oi.

This was, without question, the premier academy for all Uma Musume.

Eventually, the two arrived at Kitahara Jou's trainer office.

The room wasn't large, but it was lined with trophies, documents, and data all related to Uma Musume. It was simple, neat, and carried an air of discipline.

Kuroha stepped over to the trophy shelf. Aside from the numerous G3 and G2 trophies, he saw several G1s placed on the very top.

"Kitahara-senpai, you had quite the glorious career," Kuroha remarked with admiration.

Kitahara slowly made his way to his seat and sat down. He shook his head lightly.

"All in the past now. Besides…"

His thoughts trailed off to old teammates—horse girls whose dreams were broken after repeated losses, who walked away from racing altogether. His expression dimmed.

"What glory is there in that…"

Noticing the change in his mood, Kuroha didn't press the issue. He responded gently, "You're being too modest, senpai."

Then he sat down opposite him.

Kitahara took out his tea set and began brewing tea.

"How's life at Oi Academy treating you?" he asked casually.

Kuroha thought for a moment, then smiled. "Better than expected."

"Fujimasa March won her first graded stakes, and our team gained another member. Plus..."

He glanced up with a playful tone, "Compared to Kasamatsu, I can finally afford running shoes now."

"Hah! If the trainers hears that, they'd cough blood. Those idiots only saved up a few hundred thousand yen after years of training."

"But... right, a graded stakes win. It was the Keihin Cup, wasn't it?"

Though a bit old-fashioned, Kitahara still kept up with the news—mostly through newspapers.

"Yeah, that's right," Kuroha nodded.

"Impressive..." Kitahara murmured. Whether he meant Fujimasa March or Kuroha himself, it was unclear.

He carefully scooped some tea leaves—his brewing technique leaned more toward the Eastern style than Tokyo's usual formal method.

Soon, he poured out the tea and slid a cup toward Kuroha.

Kuroha took a sip. The taste was average—clearly Kitahara wasn't aiming for perfection here.

Then, Kuroha noticed a stack of papers on the table. One page had a line clearly circled.

"G3 Graded Stakes – Kyoto Daily Broadcasting Special Cup?"

Kitahara didn't try to hide it. He simply passed the materials to Kuroha.

"Since the Classic Triple Crown is no longer an option, we've got to set our sights elsewhere."

"That girl's talent is the strongest I've seen in my life. I refuse to let her go unrecognized."

When talking about Oguri Cap, even Kitahara Jou—an instructor with over 30 years of experience—couldn't help but speak with sincere admiration.

"Even the 'Emperor'—if they were in the same generation—might not be able to keep Oguri Cap down."

Though his tone stayed composed, his eyes sparkled with pride and unwavering belief.

Kuroha said nothing to refute it.

If it were based on stats and running ability alone, Oguri Cap really could rival Symboli Rudolf.

But Kuroha knew something crucial: Before the Classic Series even began, Symboli Rudolf had already entered the first stage of the Domain—True Self Mode.

And during the Japanese Derby, she would ascend further to the second stage—Blazing Heart Mode.

That meant Oguri Cap was at least six months behind in terms of Domain awakening. If she challenged Rudolf now, she'd be crushed without a trace.

The Domain's transformation wasn't something raw stats could overcome.

"I plan to have her challenge the Autumn Tenno Sho," Kitahara finally revealed.

Oh? A direct clash with Tamamo Cross? That's a bold move.

Kuroha raised an eyebrow in his mind.

Still, this wasn't the original story. At this point, Tamamo Cross had yet to win the Spring Tenno Sho or defeat Akiitsu Teio in the Takarazuka Kinen. She wasn't yet titled "Strongest Active Uma Musume."

So Kitahara hadn't yet considered backing Oguri Cap away from her.

"The Autumn Tenno Sho, huh?"

Kuroha murmured. Then nodded slightly. "Given the current climate, it's not a bad idea."

"Current climate?" Kitahara caught the implication, topping off Kuroha's tea. "You've got something else in mind?"

"Not quite... just a thought."

Kuroha waved his hand, then opened a news article on his phone and handed it to Kitahara.

"What's your opinion on... Tamamo Cross?"

The headline read:

[Tamamo Cross Wins G2 Hanshin Daishoten – Five Consecutive Victories!]

"Tamamo Cross?"

Kitahara read through the headline with a thoughtful look before offering a calm, objective assessment.

"A very strong Central horse girl."

It was true. With five straight wins and three graded victories, she definitely qualified as "strong."

That streak of white lightning was already beginning to illuminate the world of horse racing—though most people didn't understand what it meant.

Kuroha put away his phone and asked softly:

"You haven't seen any of Tamamo Cross's races yet, have you?"

"...I haven't," Kitahara admitted honestly.

"Have you heard of the term—Domain?"

Kuroha's tone was casual, but the effect was immediate. Behind the sunglasses, Kitahara's pupils shrank.

The room fell silent. Only birdsong filtered in through the window.

Kuroha waited patiently, not rushing him.

Eventually, Kitahara's expression relaxed, but the furrow in his brow remained deeper than before.

Kuroha knew the message had gotten through.

Oguri Cap was friends with Fujimasa March, and Kitahara had taught him many things. He still harbored some personal concern.

Even if today's warning wouldn't change much—

The gap between Domains was something even a veteran like Kitahara couldn't erase.

"It's getting late, Kitahara-san."

Kuroha stood up and broke the silence.

"Thank you for your hospitality and guidance today. I've learned a lot."

Kitahara nodded and escorted him to the door.

Just before they parted, the old man gave Kuroha a long, complicated look. He seemed like he wanted to say something...

But in the end, he only sighed and shook his head in silence.

(End of Chapter)

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