The First Team Outing of the New Year

Yasui Makoto thought for a moment. Recent considerations and all the problems he had encountered came to mind. He took a slight breath and spoke candidly.

"To be honest with you, there are actually some issues my team and I are facing right now.

"First, there are the feelings of fans back home. Xiao Bei is incredibly popular right now. She's an Autumn Triple Crown Uma Musume, and a lot of people have placed their hopes in her.

"In these circumstances, going overseas would mean she was out of sight of her fans back home for a long time. Some of the people who support her might feel disappointed."

After a pause, Yasui Makoto continued, a hint of helplessness in his voice.

"Second, there are the sponsors to consider."

"A lot of sponsors have supported us for a long time, and most of them are Japanese businesses. Naturally, they'd like Xiao Bei to appear more often on Japanese racetracks, to maintain and build her popularity.

"An overseas campaign requires a huge investment, and the outcome is uncertain. The commercial returns in the short term... might not be as immediate or significant.

"And then... Ono Trading is in a difficult position about this, too. Or rather... they're having a hard time deciding what to do."

He laid all his concerns bare. Partly, it was because he trusted Kitajima Saburo; partly, he genuinely hoped for the older man's understanding and support.

He even found himself hoping that Kitajima Saburo might be able to help resolve these problems.

Kitajima Saburo fell silent for a moment, his gaze settling on the shadowy trees at the far end of the garden. Then he spoke slowly.

"You've probably noticed what I'm like. You could call me traditional, or sentimental. But the truth is..."

He smiled kindly