"...Is that so?"
Come to think of it, Zhou Yuang was still a little concerned. This was practically meeting the parents, after all.
It would be best if they could sit down and have a drink. If they ended up drawing swords, things would be difficult for everyone.
"After all, you trained his precious daughter into what she is now. Even he couldn't do that."
On the track, Bourbon had already passed the 1,600-meter mark. Her speed still hadn't dropped, and she wasn't even breathing hard.
She remained in the lead, setting an unhurried pace just as she had in her debut race. No one could stop her.
The two trainers, on opposing sides yet chatting together, watched Bourbon pass the 1,800-meter mark and launch into her final sprint down the home straight, holding nothing back.
The veteran trainer looked away from the other Uma Musume. None of them had a finishing kick that could keep Bourbon from claiming her first crown.
Perhaps some did, but certainly not at 2,000 meters. The veteran trainer had a keen eye, and his judgment was sound.
"Well, congratulations to you and Bourbon... I hardly know how to describe it. Someone who can keep going and challenge herself is worth admiring, whether she succeeds or not. If she claims two crowns undefeated, it'll be an astounding miracle... No. For an Uma Musume who lacks aptitude for middle and long distances, one undefeated crown is already a miracle to celebrate. Since you say you're a hot-blooded young man, be greedier. Don't fret over every gain and loss like an old man who only wants things to stay steady."
As he spoke, the veteran trainer watched Bourbon cross the finish line alongside Zhou Yuang, then wave to the stands as the commentator cried out her name.