I Really Admire Young People Like You

After asking the question, Kitajima Saburo let out a sigh before Yasui Makoto could answer.

"Sorry, that was a bit much to ask. After all... how could anyone expect to win a G1 race just like that?"

The old man then rambled on.

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

"When I was young, whenever I got tired from practicing my singing, I'd often listen to race broadcasts or look for discarded newspapers to read the race recaps.

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

"Then, as time went on, I found myself with less and less free time.

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

"But I, as their elder, hardly ever went to watch them in person. In many cases, I didn't even hear about the races until long after they were over.

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

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

Hearing this, Yasui Makoto nodded without realizing it.

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

For example, Xiao Bei won 6 million yen for taking first place in her Debut Race.

The winner's purse for this race was even higher: 7.2 million yen.

But neither of those races was a Major Race.

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

The former's retirement race was the G1 Arima Kinen, where the winner took home more than 180 million yen.

One of the latter's most famous victories was the Japanese Derby, one of the Triple Crown races, where the winner's purse was more than 190 million yen.

Races with prize money at that level were known as Major Races.

Naturally, the more prize money a race offered, the stronger its competitors were, and the more spectacular the racing became.

Simply put, 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 300 were Major Races.

Even setting aside whether a girl could win, just qualifying for a Major Race already made her one in a hundred.

Winning a Major Race—even the lowest-ranked G3—could change an Uma Musume's life and her Trainer's, thanks to the prize money alone, never mind the fame and prestige that came afterward.

But for that very reason, winning a Major Race was by no means something one could accomplish just by saying so.

And that was before even considering the most prestigious of Major Races: G1 events.

"So, about what I said earlier about a G1—just put it down to an old man losing his wits, Mr. Yasui."

Kitajima Saburo added a self-deprecating, consoling chuckle and waved a hand behind him.

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

As he spoke, a middle-aged man in a black suit stepped forward, drew a pitch-black business card from inside his jacket, and offered it to Yasui Makoto with both hands.

When Yasui Makoto accepted the card, Kitajima Saburo explained:

"That's my business card.

"If you run into a problem you can't solve during your training, Mr. Yasui, take that card to Ono Trading.

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

Yasui Makoto took the card with both hands, somewhat puzzled.

He vaguely remembered hearing a few things about Ono Trading.

The trading company had only gotten involved with the Shining Series in the past few decades, and it had supported Uma Musume in races.

But whether it was bad luck or a lack of expertise among the people in charge of its racing program, none of the girls it had supported seemed to have won a single Major Race in all those years.

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

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

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

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

"Please don't worry, Teacher Kitajima. I'll do my utmost to train Xiao Bei. I won't let you down."

"If you can say that, then I'm relieved."

Kitajima Saburo smiled with satisfaction and waved a hand.

"Sorry, I'm getting old and can't stand for too long.

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

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

After they had walked a short distance, the middle-aged man in the black suit who had handed over the card hurried up beside him.

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

Kitajima Saburo paused, then continued walking.

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

The old man pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly.

"At first, when I realized that such a young Trainer would be in charge of Xiao Bei's training, I'll be honest—I did have my worries.

"But first, training is the Trainer's business. We parents are outsiders, so it wouldn't do for us to meddle.

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

"Third..."

He sighed.

"You've seen how the other children in our family have done. We even tried to find outstanding Trainers for them, and yet...

"Ah, I suppose it's enough if our girls can compete at all. How well they do...

"That's up to luck.

"Besides, the well-known Trainers are all getting older, and every one of them is as old-fashioned as I am. Their training is stricter than the next person's, too.

"Xiao Bei is so lively. How could I bear to make her spend every day doing nothing but running at her age?

"I just want her to grow up happy and carefree.

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

"And it's good that he's young. He and Xiao Bei should have things in common, so she won't turn into a gloomy little adult from training at such a young age.

"Besides, when it comes to racing, he may be young, but he earned his Trainer qualification fair and square.

"He's much more composed than most young people, too. He's not like some who stumble over their words as soon as they see me, or rush around trying to flatter me.

"When he heard 'G1' and 'Major Race,' he didn't even blink. Even if that's just youthful boldness, it's still better than being timid and hesitant.

"He's a good one.

"Let Xiao Bei stay with him. We'll deal with whatever comes later when the time comes."

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

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

"What if he takes Xiao Bei to that hot spring again this time...? And what about the uproar caused by that song...?"

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

"It's fine.

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

"He's always been earnest and hardworking, too, 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 no real problem. It's only natural for talented people to have a bit of a temper.

"As for that hot spring inn, didn't I ask you to arrange for someone to handle it?

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

"As for that song, give the necessary warnings and keep an eye on how things are handled. Just make sure it doesn't put the association or the academy in a difficult position.

"As for the rest...

"I had no idea he had that kind of musical talent, too.

"Ah, what a shame... But he should still focus on training Xiao Bei."