I Admire Young People Like You

After asking the question, Kitajima Saburo suddenly sighed before Yasui Makoto could answer.

"Sorry, that was an excessive question. After all... G1 races aren't something you can just win whenever you want."

The old man then started rambling.

"Haha, I won't hide it from you, Mr. Yasui, but I've been a long-time fan of the Shining Series.

"When I was young and tired from practicing singing, I often listened to race broadcasts or looked through discarded newspapers for race reviews.

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

"But then I became increasingly busy.

"Some of my siblings' children, as well as friends, disciples, and their students' children, have already debuted and run in many races.

"Yet, I, as an elder, haven't really been to see them in person. For many, I only found out long after the race was over.

"It's precisely because of this that I understand that winning a G1...

"No, winning a Major Race is incredibly difficult for these children."

Hearing this, Yasui Makoto nodded unconsciously.

In the Shining Series, the top 5 finishers in a race receive prize money, with higher rankings earning more.

For example, Xiao Bei's debut race, as the champion, earned her a prize of 6 million.

This race had an even higher first-place prize of 7.2 million.

However, these races were not Major Races.

Taking Yamato Akagi and Vodka, who had just left, as examples.

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

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

Races of this prize money level are what are called Major Races.

Correspondingly, the higher the prize money, the stronger the competitors' abilities, and the more spectacular the level displayed in the race.

And those eligible to be called Major Races, simply put, are only G1, G2, and G3 level races.

Out of tens of thousands of races held annually in Japan, only a little over 300 are Major Races.

Whether one can win or not aside, simply being able to participate in a Major Race means one is already among the top 1% of Uma Musume.

Once a Major Race is won, even if it's just a G3, the lowest tier of Major Races, the prize money alone is enough to change everything for an Uma Musume and her Trainer, not to mention the subsequent fame and prestige.

But precisely because of this, winning a Major Race is by no means something that can be achieved just by talking about it.

Let alone the Major Race among Major Races, G1 level competitions.

"So, regarding what I said earlier about G1, please consider it the ramblings of an old man, Mr. Yasui."

Kitajima Saburo said with a self-deprecating yet comforting laugh, then waved his hand behind him.

"I'm not good at encouraging people, but I admire young people like you, Mr. Yasui, who are full of vigor."

As he spoke, a middle-aged man in a black suit approached, took out a jet-black card from his pocket, and handed it to Yasui Makoto with both hands.

Seeing Yasui Makoto accept the business card, Kitajima Saburo explained:

"This is my business card.

"In your future training, Mr. Yasui, if you encounter any problems you can't solve, you can take this card to Ono Trading.

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

Yasui Makoto took the business card with both hands, feeling a bit puzzled.

He vaguely recalled some information about Ono Trading.

This trading company had only recently entered the Shining Series in the past few decades and had supported Uma Musume participating in races.

However, whether due to bad luck or unprofessional race managers, none of the Uma Musume they supported seemed to have ever won a Major Race.

Hearing this now, Kitajima Saburo seemed to have some connection with Ono Trading, perhaps as one of the investors.

This wasn't uncommon in the music industry; many musicians owned businesses.

What puzzled Yasui Makoto was that if such a trading company existed and Kitajima Saburo was so supportive of his granddaughter, why had he never heard Hokubu Genkoma mention it before?

However, he didn't ask. After taking the card, he nodded.

"Please rest assured, Teacher Kitajima. I will do my utmost to train Xiao Bei and will not disappoint you."

"I'm relieved to hear you say that."

Kitajima Saburo smiled with satisfaction and waved his hand.

"I apologize, but I'm old and can't stand for too long.

"And Mr. Yasui probably has things to attend to, so I will take my leave now."

Nodding, Kitajima Saburo walked towards the Winner's Stage, followed closely by the black-suited security personnel who had been responsible for his protection.

After walking a short distance, the middle-aged man in the black suit who had handed out the business card quickly stepped forward.

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

Kitajima Saburo paused his steps, then continued forward.

"He's very steady, I'm quite surprised by that."

Musing, the old man slowly said:

"When I first found out such a young Trainer was going to be in charge of Xiao Bei's training, to be honest, I wasn't without my worries.

"First, this is a matter of training, and we parents, as amateurs, shouldn't interfere.

"Second, the Academy's President thinks highly of him and even called me personally. I have to give him that face, and I trust the judgment of an Uma Musume like her.

"Third..."

He sighed.

"You've seen the performance of our other children, and we've tried to hire excellent Trainers for them, but the results...

"Alas, I can only say it's enough if our children can run races. How well they run...

"It depends on luck.

"Besides, the famous Trainers are all older and older, and more rigid than I am, and their training is more and more strict.

"Xiao Bei is so lively, how could I bear to have her spend her days running and running at this age?

"I just want her to grow up happily and cheerfully.

"As for the races, as I said, it depends on luck.

"And it's good that he's younger. He and Xiao Bei should have common topics, so she won't become old and listless at such a young age because of training.

"Furthermore, speaking of races, despite his youth, his qualifications for becoming a Trainer are not fake.

"He's also much more steady than the average young person, unlike some who become incoherent when they see me, or try to fawn over me in a panic.

"He doesn't bat an eye at the mention of G1 or Major Races. Even if he's young and spirited, it's better than being timid.

"He's good.

"Let Xiao Bei follow him. We'll deal with things later."

"I understand. Everything will be as Father commands."

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

"Then if he takes Xiao Bei to the hot springs again this time... and the commotion caused by that song...?"

Kitajima Saburo's steps paused again. This time, he stood still for a while.

"It's fine.

"His parents are conventional and decent people, and his upbringing is quite good.

"He's been diligent and hardworking since he was young, with no bad habits.

"If I had to point out a flaw, it's probably that he doesn't like interacting with children 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 you arrange for someone to handle it?

"Don't worry too much, and don't do too much. Otherwise, scaring Xiao Bei would be contrary to our intentions.

"As for the song, give the necessary warnings, handle it as you see fit, and remember not to make things difficult for the Association or the Academy.

"As for the rest...

"I didn't expect him to have that kind of musical talent.

"Alas, it's a bit of a shame... but still, let him focus on teaching Xiao Bei."