A trainer for a good opera senior?

Compared to Hokubu Genkoma's debut race, the weather on this race day was a bit cloudy, but the track conditions were excellent.

This was the second time racing at Tokyo Racecourse, and Hokubu Genkoma was noticeably calmer than last time. As Yasui Makoto led her into the paddock, she didn't look around with the same curiosity as before.

Since the race was scheduled as the 7th event at 1:25 PM, they proceeded through the usual track acclimatization, warm-up, and parade before heading to a private dining room for a meal.

That's when they encountered three unexpected Uma Musume.

"You don't even know the restaurant windows have changed? And you call yourself familiar with Tokyo Racecourse?"

"I did race here quite a bit back in the day. Besides, I've been studying in Europe these past few years. They wouldn't specifically notify me about renovations at Tokyo Racecourse."

"Europe? Ha—Hahaha! What a coincidence. I've been doing frequent tours in Europe these past few years. Did Vodka happen to catch any of my shows?"

"I've heard about your performances, senpai. I was actually planning to go, but a certain research project reached a critical stage... However, if you have any more performances in the future, I'll definitely be there to support you."

"Ha—Hahaha! It's a deal then. I'll reserve the best seat for you."

"I'll be there to support you too, senpai!"

"No problem, leave it to me!"

"Hey, are you always going to copy me?"

"How am I copying you? Besides, I'm going to be free for a long time from now on."

"As if I'm going to be busy..."

"Well, you two still get along as well as ever. Should I arrange for you to have a private room together?"

"Absolutely not! And! I'm not that close with her!" x2

From a distance, they could hear the conversation and arguments, and Yasui Makoto couldn't help but freeze when he looked over.

Beside him, Hokubu Genkoma had already cried out in surprise.

"Ah! It's Good Opera senpai! And Yamato-senpai and Vodka-senpai!"

...So how did these three Uma Musume end up together?

As Yasui Makoto pondered this, the three Uma Musume at the other table heard Hokubu Genkoma's voice and looked over in unison.

"What a coincidence, Xiao Bei. We were just thinking of finding you later... Come sit with us."

Yamato Akagi waved with a smile before turning to the other two Uma Musume at the table.

"Good Opera-senpai, these are the kouhai I mentioned would be cheering for me, Hokubu Genkoma."

As she spoke, Hokubu Genkoma excitedly walked over with her meal tray, Yasui Makoto following behind her thoughtfully.

"Hello, the three senpai! My name is Hokubu Genkoma, a freshman at Tracen Academy this year! This is my Trainer, Yasui Makoto!"

"Hello to you all. My name is Yasui Makoto. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please take care of me." Yasui Makoto also introduced himself.

"You all know Good Opera-senpai."

Yamato Akagi continued the introductions.

"I don't need to say more about myself. As for this one..."

With a hint of disdain, she glanced at the short-haired brown Uma Musume beside her.

As if unfazed by Yamato Akagi's dismissive gaze, the brown-haired Uma Musume brought her index fingers together at her temple, struck a cool pose, and nodded with a smile at Hokubu Genkoma.

"Yo, Xiao Bei, long time no see."

Then, she turned to Yasui Makoto.

"Hello, Trainer Yasui. My name is Vodka. It's a pleasure to meet you... Hey, could you make some room for them, please?"

The latter part was said with disdain towards Yamato Akagi.

Not to be outdone, Yamato Akagi glared back.

"I did make room, didn't I? Also, have you gained weight in Europe these past few years? It's so cramped."

"I train every day, okay? You're the one who's gained weight."

"You train every day and you're still this fat? What kind of training is that?"

"Don't believe me? Tokyo Racecourse is right outside. Want to go for a lap?"

"Heh, you think I'm afraid of you? Let's go!"

Seeing the two Uma Musume about to roll up their sleeves and head to the track, Good Opera on the other side looked as if she was used to it and had no intention of stopping them.

Hokubu Genkoma twitched the corners of her mouth in awkward helplessness, while Yasui Makoto, with a calm expression, felt a strange sensation in his heart.

Vodka was the Uma Musume who, along with Yamato Akagi, was known as the "Peerless Duo."

During their racing careers, they had jointly shattered the prejudice of "Male vs. Female" and were also genuine rivals.

The first time they met on the racetrack, they dueled for hundreds of meters in the final straight, taking first and second place, and finishing a full 6 Horse Lengths, or 15 meters, ahead of third place.

This Tulip Sho was Vodka's victory, but in the subsequent Oka Sho, Yamato Akagi immediately won back.

Then, in the Shuka Sho, Yamato Akagi was still the winner.

And by the following year's Autumn Emperor's Prize, Vodka had become the winner again, even improving Special Week's finish time by a full 0.8 seconds.

Such a legendary career naturally spread widely throughout the industry and was a constant topic of discussion among fans.

Yasui Makoto had paid attention to these things before, but at the time, he thought that two Uma Musume who were rivals on the track would also have some friction off it.

As it turned out, seeing their relationship firsthand, how should he put it? They looked like they were arguing fiercely, but he always felt...

Like they were flirting?

"...Trainer, don't be scared..."

As Yasui Makoto was secretly finding it strange, Hokubu Genkoma quietly tugged his sleeve and whispered:

"The two seniors have always been like this. They're actually very close, they just look like they're fighting..."

"We are NOT close!" x2

"...Uh, so that's how it is."

Alright, they were indeed flirting. Yasui Makoto nodded silently.

At this moment, one of the Uma Musume across from them spoke.

"Hokubu Genkoma... I remember now, you're in the 1:30 PM race, right?"

"Yes! That's right, Good Opera-senpai!"

Like answering a question in class, Hokubu Genkoma immediately sat up straight, then looked confused.

"How do you remember my race slot...?"

The Uma Musume called Good Opera had a glamorous aura and attire, with two jewel earrings on each ear and a dazzling crown on her head.

"Because I have a junior in that race. I came to cheer her on. Satono Diamond, do you know her?"

"I do. We often play together, but..."

Hokubu Genkoma hesitated, "I don't think Diamond-chan mentioned knowing Good Opera-senpai...?"

"She should have heard my name, but I haven't actually met her yet," Good Opera nodded naturally, a flicker of helplessness and melancholy in her eyes. "So, to be more precise, I came to cheer on her Trainer."

"Trainer...? Good Opera-senpai... knows Diamond-chan's Trainer?" Hokubu Genkoma's ears twitched.

"Of course, I do. After all..."

With a very faint sigh, Good Opera smiled and stood up.

"She was, in a way, my Trainer before.

"Alright, it's about time for me to meet her. I'll be going now.

"For the upcoming tour performance, you guys... oh, I mean the four of you, can all come if you're interested. I'll save seats for you.

"Don't worry, it will absolutely be a world-class spectacle, ha--hahaha!"

(Here's a shot of Overlord Vodka, just be cool Peerless Duo )