"I heard... that Margaret Nearl has an uncle?"
A rather intriguing piece of information suddenly flickered through Easy Goer's mind.
Lin Anran!
Judging by the name, he should be Chinese, right?
But he's the uncle of [Margaret Nearl], a very close blood relative.
"Dr. Lin, he probably has another name, something like [XXX Nearl], similar to Margaret's, right?"
"They say that Margaret's uncle is quite skilled in medicine."
"At such a young age, he's already capable of treating major injuries like fractures, and not just one type of severe injury at that. Within just a year, he's become quite famous in Japan."
"Even Senior Sham constantly praises his medical skills."
As a top-tier Uma Musume from a prestigious family, it was natural to have access to important information about [Uma Musume] collected by her family.
This inevitably included the "treatment" and "doctors" capable of extending an Uma Musume's career lifespan.
Generally speaking, in Europe or the United States, where both the medical industry and the Uma Musume world are highly developed, there are a very few top-tier Uma Musume doctors. There's also a chance they might achieve good treatment results for Uma Musume who have suffered major injuries.
However, as the saying goes, "specialization leads to mastery." Those few highly skilled doctors often have their own focuses and areas of expertise.
Even broadly categorized "fractures" include an enormous variety of specific injury types. Yet, fractures sustained on the track or during training can be bizarrely diverse, and Uma Musume have extremely high requirements for recovery levels.
Even if you seek out a famous fracture specialist for Uma Musume, you might need to consult three or four, or even more, before finding one who happens to be good at that specific type of injury. Achieving [perfect treatment] is incredibly difficult.
Therefore, even excellent doctors with considerable reputations in the American Uma Musume scene might not be able to provide perfect treatment for an Uma Musume after a [Major Injury], even after consulting several.
This is precisely why major prestigious families specifically gather information to understand the areas and specializations of these excellent doctors.
Then, when a young filly from the family unfortunately gets injured, and it reaches the level of a major injury, it's time for the intelligence to take effect and for the files to be pulled out immediately.
And on the [list of famous doctors], Lin Anran was undoubtedly the most special and unbelievable one, causing many to feel skeptical.
Because... his range of expertise was simply too broad, and he was far too young.
First, regarding fractures—injuries so precise they could be divided into several categories—Lin Anran seemed to have mastered them all perfectly. Last year in Japan alone, several treatment cases could be found.
Besides that, he even had cases of perfect treatment for injuries that surpassed conventional [Major Injuries], reaching devastating levels: "tendonitis," the most terrifying nightmare in the eyes of countless Uma Musume!
It could be said that his medical skills were absolutely extraordinary, defying common sense.
Such miraculous, excellent, and unbelievable medical skills, possessed by someone so extremely young—compared to other old doctors with thinning or graying hair—did indeed seem to have a slight, subtle hint of doubtfulness...
So, initially in the American Uma Musume world, some prestigious families, after assessment, believed the treatment results might have been fabricated.
But until some time ago, when Lin Anran completed Sham's perfect treatment, allowing that genius Uma Musume to return to the track and easily win a G1 race championship!
Those more or less skeptical voices vanished into thin smoke in an instant!
Not only that, the number of top-tier Uma Musume coming for check-ups or treatment showed a daily increasing trend.
As subsequent batches of young ladies from prestigious families were successfully treated, that Dr. Lin had firmly established himself in the American Uma Musume world, which is considered first-class globally!
And all of this had happened in just a few months. The level of recognition Dr. Lin had achieved was already extremely high, with invitations from various famous Uma Musume schools or international hospitals.
Even Easy Goer, as a young lady from a prestigious family, was amazed after checking the latest information about Dr. Lin.
"Dr. Lin as the uncle, or Margaret Nearl as the niece..."
"One is a doctor, the other is an Uma Musume, yet both have reached top-tier levels in their respective fields."
"This uncle-niece pair... they're both so incredible it defies common sense."
Therefore, in Easy Goer's view, she could try to seek out that legendary Dr. Lin for her physical check-up.
Maybe if she got injured in the future, and it was within Dr. Lin's treatment capabilities, she could ask him to treat her.
The red-haired young lady shook her twin tails. She didn't think she'd reach the [Treatment Stage] that quickly.
Right now, it was just a simple check-up!
"With my excellent physical condition, not to say I can match the first or second generation Big Red Monster seniors, but at least..."
She was, after all, the officially designated third generation by the great Secretariat herself!
Even if she might not be able to match those first two generations of monsters ranked first and second in history, and might be inferior in talent... her body shouldn't be that much worse, right? It shouldn't reach the point where she can't handle the grueling schedule of three races in two months, should it?
Actually, Easy Goer was sick, and she had known about it for a long time.
She suffered from multiple osteomas, often triggering quarter cracks. While it wasn't a terminal illness for Uma Musume like tendonitis, it frequently affected her racing condition.
Therefore, since her diagnosis, she highly anticipated she had to undergo regular check-ups and rest.
But because she aspired to win the American Triple Crown and had the talent to compete on the top stage, there wasn't much time left for Easy Goer to rest.
This proud young lady from a prestigious family once wanted to endure and overcome her illness, charging straight for the Triple Crown with dignity!
"With my legs, my physique, my fighting spirit!"
"Persisting through the five weeks of the Triple Crown should definitely be no problem!"
The red-haired twin-tailed young lady crossed her arms and nodded proudly.
--+--
The next day, in a clinic.
Inside the clinic, Lin Anran, his day off over, had returned to work.
Sitting behind his desk, he skillfully picked up the daily newspaper.
The headline on the newspaper read:
[Third Gen Big Red Meets Ultimate Pegasus! Snowfall's Monster-Like Great Escape Too Strong, Even Full Effort Can't Win!!]
Without a doubt, today's paper covered the biggest news in yesterday's dirt track Uma Musume world.
Across many states in the US, among the numerous events and dozens of GI races, the Kentucky Derby was unquestionably ranked at the top.
With the three-way rivalry, Snowfall's dominant front run, and the Kentucky Derby itself, it obviously became headline news in major US outlets and even in many countries overseas.
After gaining the ability to transform into a Kuranta, Lin Anran had gradually developed a habit of reading the newspaper.
After all, besides treating little foreign fillies for money, he could also use the news to keep an eye on strong opponents to watch out for recently and important future races worth participating in.
Anyway, reading the newspaper regularly couldn't hurt.
It also allowed him to casually cosplay as Margaret Nearl's real uncle, the newspaper-reading working man, Mlynar Nearl!
As Lin Anran lowered his head again, engrossed in the newspaper...
Footsteps from outside the clinic grew louder, momentarily interrupting his thoughts.
A visitor!!
Instantly, Lin Anran put down the newspaper and looked toward the door.
Within seconds—
It was a red-haired, twin-tailed young girl dressed in expensive brand-name clothes and incredibly fashionable attire.
The "tail" behind her and the characteristics of her ears unmistakably identified her as an [Uma Musume].
This was... the third generation Big Red Monster, Easy Goer, whom Lin Anran had just defeated on the track yesterday after transforming into The Radiant Knight!!
Easy Goer had arrived at the clinic entrance. This red-haired girl was like a ball of blazing flames, her hair as brilliant as a sunset, her twin tails swaying gently with her steps, exuding youthful vitality.
Her eyes were clear and bright, seemingly able to see through people, with corners slightly upturned, revealing a hint of playfulness and curiosity. With a certain interest, she looked toward the only black-haired young man in the clinic.
Easy Goer was wearing an elegant dress, well-tailored to outline her graceful figure. The dress was adorned with exquisite embroidery, interwoven with gold and silver threads that shimmered under the sunlight, exuding elegance and nobility.
From the visitor's attire to her identity, she was undoubtedly an Uma Musume that caught Lin Anran's attention.
Lin Anran never expected that the Uma Musume showing up now would be... this little foreign filly he had just overtaken yesterday!
Previously, he did encounter some Uma Musume who mentioned Nearl, but it was usually during or after treatment, casually asking about Nearl out of curiosity. Those conversations never lasted more than a few sentences before he brushed them off.
But someone like Easy Goer, who lost to his apparent "little niece Margaret" yesterday and came to find him, the uncle, today... this was a first for Lin Anran.
It caught him completely off guard!
Part of Lin Anran's surprise was also because he rarely saw Uma Musume coming for check-ups dressed like this.
After all, Lin Anran had spent the longest time at Japan's Central Tracen Academy and initially in the US taking care of that small group of "small fries."
In Japan, it went without saying; all of Japan's elite geniuses were gathered in one academy. The injured fillies who came to the academy clinic were always wearing training clothes; it was even rare to see them in casual wear.
And initially treating American "small fries" like Secretariat and Sunday Silence was even more needless to say; it had evolved into the same situation, with everyone training hard to get stronger, aiming for the Triple Crown or even becoming the strongest.
It was only after Lin Anran returned to the US a few months ago that he gradually started seeing some Uma Musume coming for check-ups in casual clothes after training.
As for Easy Goer's meticulously dressed appearance, it gave Lin Anran the impression that this young lady was on her way to some party, just passing by, and decided to pop in for a physical check-up.
After all... generally, nobody would specifically dress up and put on makeup for a routine physical check-up, right?
But what Lin Anran didn't know was that there indeed were such people.
And this rare "eccentric" was none other than the red-haired, twin-tailed young lady before him.
The young girl, Easy Goer, was looking at the black-haired doctor with curiosity.
'So this is... Margaret Nearl's uncle?'
'He's even younger and more handsome than I imagined.'
'It's hard to believe that in the precise medical treatment industry, which requires a long time to hone skills and gain experience, such a young yet capable doctor could emerge.'
Easy Goer suddenly understood why her family, and many other American prestigious families, had initially been somewhat skeptical of this young doctor famous in Japan and didn't immediately send their Uma Musume for check-ups or treatment.
After all, most people couldn't help but feel puzzled and surprised at first glance.
The US was different from Japan, with various states and many prestigious families. It wasn't like Japan, where the nation's most talented individuals were all in one academy, and curing one or two geniuses would immediately spread the word to all Uma Musume in the academy.
'Now, the family's doubts have been completely dispelled. It's clear that Dr. Lin's medical skills are indeed as superb as the intelligence suggested.'
'It's one thing for Margaret herself to be amazing, but how is her uncle also so young, handsome, and talented?'
Gazing at the black-haired young doctor who made an excellent first impression on her, Easy Goer couldn't help but complain internally.
'You call this a down-and-out humble family??'
Even if it was...
In less than two years—no, even now—it was impossible to describe them as "down-and-out" or "humble" anymore.
Just based on Dr. Lin's current fame in the US and Margaret Nearl winning two G1 races, their [Nearl Family] was already enough to be considered a "somewhat famous prestigious family."
In the future, as Dr. Lin's influence expands and Margaret Nearl's results improve, reaching the level of a second-tier prestigious family wasn't out of the question.
As for first-tier, in Easy Goer's view, that was hardly possible. That level usually required decades, producing nearly double-digit, or even full double-digit, GI champion Uma Musume, achieved through the passage of time and the accumulation of results.
A single, overpowered, exceptional Uma Musume couldn't carry ten others!
Unless [Margaret Nearl] could reach the heights of the Pegasus Platinum or the Big Red Monster Secretariat, then she could single-handedly propel the Nearl family to the level of a "well-known first-tier prestigious family."
But how likely was that?
Dismissing this possibility, Easy Goer toned down her curious gaze.
"Dr. Lin, hello."
"My name is Easy Goer. I just... finished a very intense race with your niece yesterday."
"She's really amazing. It's my first time facing such a genius in a race."
Easy Goer looked directly at Lin Anran, openly stating that she and Nearl had just finished a race.
"[Uncle], do you have time to check my body? I want to see if it can hold up through the Triple Crown."
"My legs have had some issues before. I want to see how serious it is now."
"I still want to prepare properly for the Preakness Stakes in ten days."
As she spoke, Easy Goer's crimson pupils remained fixed on him.
The faint, inexplicable fragrance emanating from the young doctor made her breathing slightly quicken.
'Dr. Lin smells so good...'
After listening to Easy Goer, Lin Anran nodded gently.
In his field of vision, a line of injury assessment appeared.
--+--
[Uma Musume: Easy Goer]
[Injuries: Osteoma, Quarter Crack (Worsening) (Approaching Major Injury)]
[Treatable]
[Treatment Methods and Cycles Available...]
--+--
Another little gold master?!
And one with not-light injuries, definitely requiring more than short-term treatment for a chance at perfect recovery?
Instantly, the black-hearted young doctor's eyes lit up.
The next second, maintaining a serious expression, he prepared to begin his examination.
--+--
A short while later.
The handsome black-haired young man, habitually wearing a white lab coat, was now frowning slightly as he carefully released a certain young lady's delicate foot.
The whisper that was a nightmare to countless Uma Musume was spoken by Lin Anran with a sigh, getting straight to the point.
"Miss Easy Goer, you... your injury is worsening."
"To be precise, it's approaching the level of a major injury."
"If this continues, it might affect your racing condition in the future, even your career length."
After Lin Anran stated his examination findings...
Before him was the famous American third-generation Big Red Monster, Easy Goer.
"Huh?"
When Easy Goer processed this, confirming she hadn't misheard.
"Huh??"
"HUH!!!"
Two more sharp cries were uttered by this seemingly noble and elegant young lady from a prestigious family.
Even though she had some expectations and already knew she had an injury... now, Easy Goer felt extremely uneasy.
Because she had originally planned to finish the Triple Crown races first, then specifically set aside time for rest and recovery.
In her view, this wasn't a major fracture injury, let alone a terminal illness like tendonitis. She could still run and win graded stakes races; she had even won several before.
So, persevering through the American Triple Crown shouldn't be a problem. At most, she could rest and undergo lengthy treatment to cure the injury after the Triple Crown...
This was the original judgment and view of Easy Goer and her family.
But they never expected!
Now, the American Triple Crown had only just finished its first leg, the Kentucky Derby!!
"Dr. Lin, you... could you take another look?"
Easy Goer lost her previous composure and elegance, her voice trembling slightly, her twin tails quivering a little.
This kind of unbelievable and unaccepted reaction was nothing unusual for Lin Anran.
The black-hearted young doctor nodded calmly. This time, as he touched the red-haired twin-tailed young lady's foot again, he prepared to explain the situation, stating why he had reached that conclusion.
"Easy Goer. Your leg currently is..."
The explanation began.
But before two minutes had passed, lighter footsteps sounded again outside the clinic door.
However, Lin Anran was focused on explaining, and Easy Goer was utterly distraught, her entire being absorbed in Lin Anran and his words. Neither had time to notice.
Until—
"Dr. Lin?"
"Easy Goer?"
A cold, slightly puzzled, soft voice sounded from the clinic entrance, interrupting both Lin Anran's and Easy Goer's train of thought.
When they turned to look at the door, what they saw was...
The petite, cute, dark-haired young girl, Sunday Silence!
She, too, had finished her race yesterday and chosen to come for a check-up today. Sunday Silence had also arrived here!
The dark monster Sunday Silence's gaze was fixed on Easy Goer.
'???'
'Easy Goer, doesn't her family have its own doctors?'
'Why is she here to see Dr. Lin?'
Sunday Silence knew clearly that Easy Goer, known as the third-generation Big Red, was a genuine young lady from a prestigious family.
Had she also learned about Dr. Lin's superb medical skills and his gentle personality?
Danger!
'I hope Easy Goer finishes her check-up honestly and leaves quickly.'
'Having me alone pestering Dr. Lin is enough.'
'Huh? Dr. Lin's scent... why is it so strong now?'
'So strong... it makes me not want to let go.'
While surveying her rival, Sunday Silence didn't notice the change in expression on the familiar young doctor, Lin Anran.
--+--
[Uma Musume: Sunday Silence]
[Injuries: Foot Injury (Minor)]
--+--
The black-hearted young doctor's eyes widened.
Even he was somewhat surprised. Two of the so-called top three contenders, the favorites for the crown...
Were they both injured and coming to find him at the same time?
Could this be—double the happiness???
The horror of the top-tier American Uma Musume Triple Crown circuit truly dawned on Lin Anran.
Who would have thought that two of the top three—the dark monster, who grasped the Zone in her first race, and the prestigious young lady Easy Goer, the third-generation Big Red...
Would both have leg/foot injuries or illnesses simultaneously?
What was even more surprising was, this was only the [first leg]!!
No wonder the American Triple Crown's prestige was so high. The fame from just three races could surpass that of many G1 champion Uma Musume who had completed their older horse years.
After all, talent was one thing, but whether the body could hold up was another!
Only the era's top geniuses, meeting the standards in talent, physique, stamina, and many other aspects, could overcome the hellish schedule of the American Triple Crown.
'Thank goodness Pegasus don't get injured!'
'As for these two... will they start fighting?'
--+--
T/N: New Uma Musume Fic up!
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
There should be... around 70+ advanced chapters?
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.