I Really Admire Young People Like You

After asking the question, before Anjing Zhen could answer, Saburo Kitajima suddenly sighed.

"Sorry, that was a bit much to ask. After all... how could you just say you're going to win a G1 race and then do it?"

The old man then began to ramble.

"Haha, to be honest, Mr. Anjing, I've been a fan of the Shining Series for a long time.

"When I was young, after tiring myself out practicing songs, I often listened to race broadcasts or looked for discarded newspapers so I could read the race recaps.

"Later, when I could afford tickets, I often went to watch races in person.

"After that, I somehow had less and less free time.

"Some of my siblings' children, as well as the children of my friends, disciples, and students, have already made their debuts and run in plenty of races.

"But as their elder, I haven't been to many of their races in person. I often didn't even hear about them until long after they were over.

"That's why I understand how difficult a G1 is...

"No, I should say that winning even one Major Race is incredibly difficult for those girls."

Hearing this, Anjing Zhen nodded without thinking.

In the Shining Series, the top five finishers in each race received prize money, with higher placements earning more.

In Little Kita's Debut Race, for example, she won 6 million as the champion.

The winner's prize in this race was even higher: 7.2 million.

But neither of these races was a Major Race.

Take Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka, who had just left, for example.

The former's retirement race was the G1 Arima Kinen, whose champion's prize was over 180 million.

The latter's most famous victory was in the Japanese Derby, one of the Triple Crown races. The champion's prize in that race was over 190 million.

Races with prize money at that level were considered Major Races.

Naturally, the higher the prize money, the stronger the competitors, and the more impressive the racing.

Put simply, only G1, G2, and G3 races qualified as Major Races.

Tens of thousands of races were held across Japan each year, but only a little over three hundred were Major Races.

Whether or not they won, just qualifying for a Major Race already made a horse girl one in a hundred.

Once a girl won a Major Race, even one at the lowest level, a G3, the prize money alone could change everything for her and her Trainer—not to mention the fame and prestige she would gain afterward.

That was exactly why winning a Major Race was never something you could accomplish just by saying you would.

And that was even more true of the greatest Major Races of all: G1 events.

"So, about what I said earlier about a G1, just think of it as an old man losing his marbles."

After saying that, Saburo Kitajima gave a self-deprecating yet consoling smile and waved behind him.

"I'm not good at encouraging people, but I really admire young people like you, Mr. Anjing. You're full of energy."

As he spoke, a middle-aged man in a black suit approached, took a black card from inside his jacket, and handed it to Anjing Zhen with both hands.

After seeing Anjing Zhen accept the card, Saburo Kitajima explained:

"This is my business card.

"If you run into something you can't resolve during Little Kita's training, take it to Ono Trading Company.

"The people there will find a way to meet your needs."

Anjing Zhen took the card with both hands, feeling somewhat puzzled.

He vaguely remembered a few things about Ono Trading Company.

The company had only gotten involved in the Shining Series in recent decades, and it had sponsored horse girls in races.

But whether they'd simply had bad luck or the people in charge of racing weren't very capable, none of the horse girls they'd supported had ever won a Major Race.

From what he'd just heard, Saburo Kitajima seemed to have ties to Ono Trading Company. Perhaps he was one of its investors.

That wasn't unusual in the music industry. Many musicians owned businesses.

What puzzled Anjing Zhen was that, if such a company existed and Saburo Kitajima was so supportive of his granddaughter, why had Kitasan Black never mentioned it?

Still, he didn't ask. After accepting the card, he nodded.

"Please rest assured, Teacher Kitajima. I'll do my best to train Little Kita. I won't let you down."

"Knowing you can say that puts my mind at ease."

Saburo Kitajima smiled with relief and waved a hand.

"Sorry, but I'm too old to stand for long.

"And I imagine you have things to take care of, Mr. Anjing. So, I'll take my leave."

Saburo Kitajima nodded and headed toward Winner's Stage. The men in black suits who had been handling security hurried after him.

After they had gone some distance, the middle-aged man in the black suit who had handed over the business card hurried forward.

"Father, what do you think of that Trainer...?"

Saburo Kitajima paused, then continued walking.

"He's very composed. That really surprised me."

The old man pondered for a moment, then slowly said:

"At first, when I realized such a young Trainer would be in charge of Little Kita's training, I'll be honest—I had my concerns.

"But first, this is a matter of training, and we parents are laymen. We shouldn't interfere carelessly.

"Second, the Academy President thinks highly of him and even called me personally. I had to do her that courtesy, and I trust the judgment of a horse girl like her.

"Third..."

He sighed.

"You've seen how the other children in the family have done, and you know we've tried to find excellent Trainers for them. But the results...

"Ah, all I can say is that it's enough for our children to be able to race. How well they do...

"That's up to luck.

"Besides, all the famous Trainers are older than the next, and more old-fashioned than I am. Their training is strict as well.

"Little Kita is so lively. How could I bear to make her do nothing but run every day at her age?

"As long as she grows up happy and carefree, that's enough.

"As for racing, like I said, it's up to luck.

"And it's a good thing he's young. He and Little Kita should have things in common, so she won't turn into a little old lady from training at such a young age.

"Besides, when it comes to racing, he may be young, but he didn't pass the Trainer exam by chance.

"He's much more composed than most young people, too. He isn't like some people who become incoherent the moment they see me, or else panic and try to flatter me.

"When he heard 'G1' and 'Major Race,' he didn't even bat an eye. Even if it's just youthful confidence, that's still better than being timid.

"He's a good one.

"Let Little Kita stay with him. We can deal with whatever comes later when it happens."

"I understand. I'll do as you say, Father."

The middle-aged man in the black suit—or rather, Saburo Kitajima's son—nodded, then asked with concern:

"What if he takes Little Kita to that hot spring again? And then there's the commotion caused by that song...?"

Saburo Kitajima paused once more. This time, he stopped for a while.

"It's fine.

"His parents are decent, honest people, and they raised him well.

"He's always been diligent and hardworking, with no bad habits.

"If I had to name a flaw, it would probably be that he doesn't like spending time with kids his own age.

"That's not a problem. It's normal for talented people to have a bit of a temper.

"As for that hot spring inn, didn't I ask you to make arrangements?

"There's no need to worry too much, and don't do too much, either. We don't want to scare Little Kita.

"As for the song, give the necessary warnings and handle things as you see fit. Just make sure not to put the Association or the Academy in a difficult position.

"As for the rest...

"I had no idea he was so musically gifted.

"Ah, what a pity... But he should focus on training Little Kita."