Chapter 264: A Company-Paid Vacation?
After hearing Makoto's words, the Umamusume fell into thoughtful silence for a while. Just like at the beginning of the video call, Tokai Teio was the first to speak:
"Yasui-san, from what you've said, you clearly have a very well-defined plan."
"Following your line of thinking… it'll probably be quite some time before you consider an overseas expedition, right?"
"That's right. What I'm doing now is actually preparation for going overseas," Makoto replied frankly, without hiding anything.
"And not only that, when that day really comes, there will be even more things to deal with."
"If we want to win races outside Japan, we'll need targeted adjustments—not just for track conditions, but also time differences, dietary habits, and opponent styles."
"All of that requires a systematic training approach."
"And right now, I'm still relatively inexperienced, and the resources I have are limited. I really don't have the capacity to handle everything at once."
"Also, in a while, I'll likely be signing an agreement with Almond Eye. At that point, I won't just be training Kitasan Black anymore."
The implication of refusal in his words was already quite clear, and Tokai Teio and the others understood the difficulty involved.
An overseas expedition might sound simple, but in reality, the issues involved are extremely complex.
Racecourses differ across countries and regions—track surfaces, curve radii, straight lengths—all of which require prior adaptation.
Adjusting to time zone differences is no easy task either. A slight misstep could disrupt an Umamusume's biological clock and affect race performance.
Dietary habits are another major challenge.
Each region has its own food culture. Helping an Umamusume quickly adapt to new cuisine—while ensuring proper nutrition and avoiding digestive issues—requires careful planning.
As for opponent styles, taking Western Umamusume as an example: because their races tend to be more physically intense, their training focuses more on explosive power and strength, with higher training intensity and more varied race schedules.
By comparison, while Japanese Umamusume may not lag behind much in speed or technique, they are clearly weaker in terms of physical confrontation.
This means that to win overseas, one must deeply study opponents' styles and find ways to counter them.
"It seems exactly as we expected."
Narrowing her eyes slightly, Tokai Teio's gaze carried a hint of admiration as she said confidently:
"Yasui-san, you've already thought deeply and prepared thoroughly for overseas expeditions and all the related aspects."
"By the way, the Almond Eye you mentioned… is she a junior of Lord Kanaloa?"
Seeing Makoto nod, Tokai Teio nodded as well, a thoughtful expression appearing on her face as she continued:
"Vice Chairwoman Yukino actually mentioned this before. She even asked us specifically for our opinions about you."
Hearing this, Makoto was momentarily stunned, a trace of surprise flashing across his eyes.
He hadn't expected that the academy's vice chairwoman—who usually carried great authority and handled numerous affairs—would pay such attention to a relatively inexperienced trainer like himself.
However, he quickly composed himself and thought it through, concluding that it was most likely because of Almond Eye.
After all, the last time he had seen that black-haired, sharp and decisive vice chairwoman in person, it was when she had personally gone to receive Almond Eye.
He had even looked into it afterward and found that there was indeed some blood relation between the two.
In that case, it was only natural for her, as an elder, to care deeply about Almond Eye.
Tokai Teio seemed to sense Makoto's thoughts and smiled lightly before continuing:
"Yasui-san, all of us think very highly of you."
"So, when the vice chairwoman asked for our opinions back then, we even suggested that you could be considered as Almond Eye's trainer."
"And judging from the current situation, the vice chairwoman must have had in-depth discussions with Almond Eye's family—and they've agreed to it."
"If that's the case, then you, Kitasan, and Almond Eye should find some time to sit down and discuss things properly."
"See whether, in next year's training plans and race schedule, you can free up a period of time."
Hearing this, Makoto was filled with surprise, while also quickly thinking through the intentions behind those words.
He leaned forward slightly and probed:
"Free up time? President Teio, what exactly do you mean…?"
After exchanging glances with Mejiro McQueen and the others, silently communicating for a moment, Tokai Teio turned her gaze back to Makoto and spoke in a calm, consultative tone:
"Well, you've probably already guessed part of it."
"With the results you and Kitasan have achieved so far, the association and the board naturally hope that she can participate in overseas races. That would greatly boost the international recognition of our Twinkle Series."
"And it's not just Kitasan. For her peers, we'll also gradually reach out and discuss this with them."
"However, compared to other trainers, your training style is quite unique."
"And just as you said earlier, you still lack some experience, and the resources you have are relatively limited."
"So, we came up with a solution."
"For now, instead of immediately participating in overseas races, you and Kita could first go abroad to adapt to the environment and racing atmosphere there, and observe her condition."
"At the same time, you can take this opportunity to gain experience in overseas training and competition."
"Of course, once you've signed with Almond Eye, then it would be the three of you going together."
Go overseas together…
Makoto was even more surprised, and couldn't help blurting out:
"Isn't this basically… a publicly funded study trip? Oh right—so the expenses for going abroad would be covered by the association and the academy, right?"
Tokai Teio and the others had been waiting for Makoto's reaction to the plan, but they clearly hadn't expected him to focus on the cost. Each of them showed a look of surprise and confusion.
At that moment, Orfevre rolled her eyes and complained:
"Kitasan Black has already won five graded races, three of which are G1s—including the Arima Kinen."
"Just from prize money alone, you're already one of the richest 19-year-olds in Japan, aren't you?"
"And you're still worrying about whether it's publicly funded or not?"
"Or are you planning to do what that Gold Ship does—use 'adapting to the environment' as an excuse for a free overseas vacation?"
Makoto was momentarily speechless, then couldn't help but retort:
"Come on, Orf. Aren't you two from the same family? Is it really okay for you to talk about Gold Ship like that?"
"I'm just saying… hey, don't go tattling on me!"
Orfevre shot him a glare, then nodded and said:
"Anyway, that's the plan."
"Later, you, Kitasan, and… Almond Eye, right?"
"Discuss it among yourselves and give us your answer. We'll be waiting."
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Tn: I updated the story daily, but if you want to see more chapter of this story ahead of time, please go to my Patreon.
Latest Chapter: Chapter 314: Kita, You're Truly Amazing[1]
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