Dormitory Administrator Election

Uma Musume are divided by bloodlines, such as bay, chestnut, gray, and white.

For example, Hokubu Genkoma is a bay.

In Japan, there has always been debate or prejudice regarding bloodlines, such as the "common knowledge" that "gray Uma Musume are slow."

Of course, this so-called "common knowledge" has now been shattered by outstanding gray Uma Musume like Tamamo Cross, Oguri Cap, and Mejiro McQueen.

There are similar divisions and prejudices, such as the "male/female distinction."

From a biological perspective, the genes related to Uma Musume are mostly recessive.

If the mother is an Uma Musume, the daughter born is highly likely to be an Uma Musume.

If it were humans, this probability would be much lower, essentially considered a coincidence.

Corresponding to these two situations, Uma Musume are divided into "Male Uma Musume" and "Female Uma Musume."

Just like "gray Uma Musume are slow," the industry and outsiders once believed that "Female Uma Musume" were weaker.

This even led to many races restricting participation to "Female Uma Musume," ostensibly as a form of protection.

This prejudice persisted for a long time, and even the emergence of outstanding Female Uma Musume like the "Empress" Vodka and the "Great Woman" Hishi Amazon did not change it.

Until the appearance of the "Peerless Duo."

Both of those Uma Musume were Female Uma Musume. At the time, most of the competitors in major top-tier races were still Male Uma Musume, yet these two swept almost all of the most prestigious races.

Coincidentally, after them, more and more Female Uma Musume demonstrated astonishing strength, to the point where few people mention the "male/female distinction" anymore.

One of those two Uma Musume was Yamato Akagi, whom Alice Speed mentioned.

More importantly, through various observations and tests, Yasui Makoto was convinced that Hokubu Genkoma's most suitable running style was Escape, followed by Front Runner.

Coincidentally, Yamato Akagi's specialty throughout her career was Escape, followed by Front Runner.

He couldn't find any reason to refuse such a running partner.

Thus, after agreeing to Alice Speed and understanding the situation with Tokai Teio, Yasui Makoto delivered the news to Hokubu Genkoma during the afternoon training session.

"Senior Ooh-hoo is going to be my running partner? That's too great!"

"...How many times have I told you, finish what's in your mouth before you speak? Aren't you afraid of choking?"

Looking at Hokubu Genkoma, whose cheeks were puffed out like a hamster's, Yasui Makoto sighed helplessly and then pondered:

"It sounds like... Xiao Bei, you already knew Yamato Akagi?"

"Mmmph... Wait a moment, Trainer, I'll finish eating and then talk..."

Gobbling down a large plate of fried rice, Hokubu Genkoma casually wiped her lips with the back of her hand. Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly saw Yasui Makoto sigh and pull out a pack of tissues.

"Sometimes I really feel like you're not a girl, so clumsy... Don't move, let me wipe it for you."

"...Trainer, that's a bit harsh..."

She complained with a hint of grievance, then became a little flustered as Yasui Makoto reached out.

"N-no need, Trainer, I, I can do it myself!"

Snatching the tissues, she haphazardly wiped her mouth and hands, then quickly changed the subject.

"Yes, I've known Senior Yamato for a long time.

"Before Senior Yamato retired, she was on the same team as Senior Teio. After Senior Teio retired, I often went to watch Senior Yamato's races.

"It would be absolutely wonderful if Senior Yamato were to be my running partner!"

After a burst of excitement, she blinked curiously.

"By the way, how did you get to know Senior Yamato, Trainer?"

"It wasn't me who got to know her."

Yasui Makoto shook his head. "Dr. Speed helped introduce us."

"So that's how it is."

Hokubu Genkoma realized.

"I remember Senior Yamato was very close with Senior Speed.

"After Senior Speed suddenly announced her retirement, many people spoke ill of her online.

"Senior Speed never paid attention to those rumors, but Senior Yamato was very angry and kept defending Senior Speed.

"Since Senior Speed helped introduce us, it makes sense."

Yasui Makoto understood.

He had heard about the controversy surrounding Alice Speed's retirement.

With four wins in four races to claim the Satsuki Sho, her strength undoubtedly gave her the potential to challenge for the Japanese Derby and the Kikuka Sho.

However, after winning the Satsuki Sho, the highly acclaimed Alice Speed swiftly announced her retirement.

The stated reason was "tendinitis in her left foreleg."

This condition is extremely troublesome for an Uma Musume, but not entirely impossible to cure, though the probability is extremely low with the current medical standards of this world.

This was difficult for many fans to accept, and with the instigation of some people who seemed to have ulterior motives, public opinion was in chaos at the time, with many unfavorable rumors about Alice Speed circulating.

Come to think of it, the claim of human experimentation was precisely what was being spread the most at the time.

However, regarding the details behind this matter, whether it was the truth of her retirement or Yamato Akagi's righteous indignation, Yasui Makoto did not know.

Hearing Hokubu Genkoma's explanation now, he somewhat understood why Alice Speed was able to invite Yamato Akagi.

"So there's this kind of connection... but no matter what, it's a good thing for you."

After a moment of recollection, Yasui Makoto nodded and said:

"I discussed Yamato Akagi's current situation with Emperor President.

"She completed her second graduate degree abroad last year and is now considering research directions for her medical doctorate.

"She probably wants to learn from Doctor Speed.

"In short, she seems to have hit some kind of bottleneck recently and wants a change of environment by coming back.

"Coincidentally, the Academy needs her help with some affairs, so she will be working at the Academy for a period of time."

"Yamato-senpai is indeed so outstanding."

Hokubu Genkoma exclaimed:

"Back when we were at the Academy, she always had the top grades. She's even completed two graduate degrees in the past few years; her mind is truly brilliant!

"Oh, right, what kind of work will Yamato-senpai be doing at the Academy? Could it be the school doctor?"

"That's not it."

Yasui Makoto shook his head:

"She hasn't obtained her physician's license yet. She's coming to the Academy to replace Fuji Kiseki as the administrator of the Kuritano dormitory.

"As an administrator, she can interact with active Uma Musume like you every day, which might be a form of data collection research.

"I think Yamato Akagi probably thinks this way, seeking inspiration for her doctoral research from active juniors."

"A, an administrator?"

Hokubu Genkoma was stunned, "Then... then I won't be able to see Fuji-senpai at the Academy anymore?"

"Not entirely."

Yasui Makoto shook his head:

"Emperor President said that Fuji Kiseki applied for a research program last year, and it was just going through the procedures. It was only recently approved.

"She also needs to progress, so you'll still be able to see her if you go to the university department."

"I see..."

Hokubu Genkoma understood and then became excited.

"So, I'll be able to see Yamato-senpai often from now on, and we can race together frequently?"

"That depends on her schedule."

Yasui Makoto smiled.

"However, Emperor President is still busy with the handover, so Yamato Akagi will have more free time these few days.

"Prepare yourself these next two days, and in three days, you'll be able to have a race with this senior."