When Tokai Teio made her request, Kitasan Black stared at Yasui Makoto in wide-eyed astonishment.
"Eh—?! Yasui-san training me? I…"
Makoto didn't answer immediately. Instead, he thoughtfully met Tokai Teio's gaze.
After a moment, Tokai Teio turned to Kitasan.
"What, you think he's not good enough?"
"Trainer Yasui may not look much older than you, but he's unquestionably talented."
"Passing the Central Trainer Exam at eighteen has never happened before…"
"No, more accurately, no one could have ever imagined it happening—it's as improbable as three runners crossing the finish line simultaneously in a G1 race."
"With talent like his, I'm confident he can fully bring out your potential."
"My potential…?"
Kitasan Black lowered her head, biting her lip. Her clenched fists rested tensely on her knees.
"But many trainers have told me I'm only slightly above average in strength, and just ordinary in everything else…"
"They say with my ability, it'll be very hard for me to achieve good results in races beyond short distances…"
"If Yasui-san is that talented, maybe I'm just—"
"Then, would you be willing to become my assigned Uma Musume?"
"Of course I'd be willing, but… Ehhh?!"
Kitasan responded instinctively before realizing it was Makoto who had spoken. Her ears quivered rapidly as she stared at him in shock.
Even Tokai Teio looked mildly surprised.
"Well, it seems there's no problem then," Makoto calmly nodded toward Teio.
"I'm confident I can train Kitasan Black properly, and since she's already agreed, I'll leave the rest of the formalities to you, President."
"But there's one thing I'd like to ask."
"As you mentioned, I've spent these past months looking for suitable trainees."
"However, those I considered suitable didn't believe I was qualified enough to guide them at this point."
"Many seniors also suggested I begin as an assistant, spend a few years learning, then consider coaching independently."
"So, President Teio, why exactly do you believe I can properly train Kitasan Black?"
Kitasan, who had just begun recovering from her shock, also turned curiously to Teio.
"Well, hehe..." Teio laughed softly, then proudly lifted her chin.
"Because I feel Kita and I are the same kind of Uma Musume—we're not limited by ordinary conventions or boring expectations."
"And I believe you're that kind of trainer too."
"To create miracles, don't we have to throw away all those conventional beliefs?"
"Don't you both agree?"
"Teio-senpai…"
Kitasan's eyes shone with admiration, her ears twitching excitedly as she clasped her hands tightly together.
Makoto quietly nodded to himself.
Teio's words matched exactly the image he held of her.
She had won the [Satsuki Sho] and the [Japan Derby] undefeated—two of the most prestigious races in Japan.
Despite multiple severe injuries, she repeatedly returned stronger. After a full year without racing, she famously returned to win her retirement race, defeating opponents at their peak—a genuine miracle that concluded her career perfectly.
Given such a legendary history, it was no surprise she'd discard conventional expectations so easily.
Uma Musume like her were born to break through limits and create new standards.
Thinking about it further, Makoto realized Kitasan Black might very well be another such miracle-in-waiting.
Extreme acrobatics were closely related to extreme equestrian sports in his previous life, so he'd gained some general knowledge about famous racehorses.
For unknown reasons, many Uma Musume here had names matching famous horses from his previous world, such as Tokai Teio and Kitasan Black herself.
From what he remembered, the original Kitasan Black had achieved remarkable results in her racing career.
If there was some mystical correlation between worlds, then from a superstitious perspective, this world's Kitasan Black might also become incredibly strong.
Yet similarly, both Kitasan Blacks hadn't been highly regarded before their debuts. In the previous world, it had been due to pedigree; here, it was apparently due to innate talent.
Makoto had never been a jockey or trainer before, so he had no idea how the original Kitasan Black transformed from overlooked to legendary.
However, he had an inkling why no one in this world was currently optimistic about her: They didn't have his advantage—knowing the outcome in advance felt like cheating.
Of course, knowing the outcome without understanding the process was useless.
If he had trained racehorses in his previous life, even champion horses would've been wasted under his guidance.
But here, it was different. Makoto had absolute confidence in the knowledge and abilities he'd quietly accumulated over the years.
He had meticulously studied data on current, past, and soon-to-debut Uma Musume, and knew Kitasan's current situation very well.
Firstly, her exceptional physical strength.
In entrance assessments for Tracen Academy, whether grip strength, pushing strength, or pure leg strength, Kitasan consistently ranked among the highest.
Secondly, her remarkable health.
Just like human athletes, Uma Musume faced fierce competition and rigorous training that often led to injuries. Yet Kitasan had never had any major injury or illness, with barely any medical records aside from minor colds—truly a rare trait among Uma Musume.
Lastly, her explosive burst power.
Whether saving that child earlier or unintentionally tearing the door handle from the door, both events had clearly demonstrated her astonishing instantaneous strength.
With these foundations and his careful guidance, Makoto was certain he could help Kitasan reach—perhaps even surpass—the greatness her counterpart had achieved in the other world.
With that thought, he nodded confidently.
"As expected of the [Emperor of Miracles]. Then, alongside Kitasan Black, I'll do my best to create a new miracle—"
"No," he corrected himself, smiling slightly at Kitasan's expectant yet nervous expression, "I mean, together with Kita, let's create a new miracle."
"Is it okay if I call you that?"
"Yes, yes! Absolutely!"
Excitedly jumping to her feet, Kitasan bowed enthusiastically.
"Then from now on, I'll be in your ca—"
Thunk!
"Owww!"
Makoto glanced helplessly at the shaking table, then at Kitasan, who held her forehead, tears glistening at the corners of her eyes.
Besides her strength control, her clumsiness probably also needs some work…
Seeing that both of them had agreed to her request, Tokai Teio smiled warmly.
The waiter brought their drinks at just the right moment. After placing the coffee in front of Makoto and the honey special before Kitasan, Teio happily raised her own extra-sweet drink.
"Alright! Then let's toast—to Trainer Yasui finding his Uma Musume trainee, and Kita finally finding her trainer!"
"Ohh! Cheers!"
Kitasan, flustered but overjoyed, eagerly raised her honey special.
Makoto chuckled lightly and lifted his coffee slightly in response.
...
That evening, Yasui Makoto's apartment building.
"Trainer, these are the materials the President asked me to bring over. Is there anything else you need?"