"Sorry about that, everyone… Inari—no, Mother, could you please keep an eye on Inari for me…"
"Hey, hey! Tarō, don't drag me away! I haven't even confirmed if that was Oguri Cap yet…"
"Inari."
"…Alright, alright, I get it, big sis…"
On the other end of the video, Taro Yusuhara wore a helpless look as he dragged Inari One out of the frame, while a frail, elderly woman's voice could be heard in the background — likely his mother, Ryūko Yusuhara.
On this end, Kitahara and the others were quietly chatting.
"…Kitahara, what is fūkei (atmosphere/flavor)?"
"…In this case, it means you pointing out how Inari One went all out with the confetti and streamers for her entrance — that's kind of like not giving her face (being a little tactless)."
"I see. I won't say it next time… I just thought, with all that confetti and ribbon everywhere, it'll probably be a pain for her to clean up afterward, right? Some even got stuck up on the ceiling — can she even reach that high?"
"Pfft." ×3.
Komiya and Tamamo Cross instantly burst out laughing, and even Kitahara couldn't hold it in.
Inari One was 1.39 meters tall; if she really had to clean the ceiling, it would be a bit of a problem.
Truly Oguri Cap — worrying about the most down-to-earth things.
After the laughter, Kitahara thought for a moment.
"Komiya, take those two with you over there for now. I need to talk to Mr. Yusuhara. If I need you, I'll call."
Once Komiya and the others had taken seats on the office sofa and started whispering, Kitahara looked back to the screen.
"I prefer to get straight to the point — hope you don't mind, Mr. Yusuhara?"
On screen, Taro Yusuhara nodded, brief and to the point: "I'm straightforward too. Please."
"Alright, first I want to confirm one thing."
Kitahara paused for a moment. "According to the records I found in Oi Academy's files, Inari One's assigned trainer is Ms. Ryūko Yusuhara. What's your current position in this, Mr. Yusuhara? Could you clarify?"
He wanted to confirm whether Taro Yusuhara had decision-making authority.
Taro caught the hidden meaning.
"Don't worry, Mr. Kitahara. My mother is getting on in years. Inari was the last Uma Musume she raised; after this, she plans to retire."
"I returned to Japan for exactly that reason — to take over my mother's work and continue as Inari's trainer."
"However…"
He shifted tone. "Since I just returned to the country, I haven't yet taken the Central Trainer Certification exam."
"The exam process for returning trainers is different from local candidates, so for quite some time, I'll only be acting as Inari's proxy trainer — or you could say, a temporary trainer."
So, like Komiya — also a temporary trainer, huh…
Kitahara thought for a moment and decided to be honest.
"Coincidence — though I'm already a regional trainer, I've only passed the written portion of the Central certification this year. I still haven't taken the physical test in January."
"Tamamo Cross's trainer, Komiya, just graduated as well — same situation as you."
Taro nodded, a small grin tugging at his lips. "Seems our situations aren't so different. Maybe when we train together, we'll have plenty to talk about."
Train together… Kitahara caught the phrasing.
"Right — train together."
Another nod. Taro's expression turned solemn. "Inari's words earlier were a bit exaggerated, but the meaning should have come through."
"We accept Mr. Kitahara and Oguri Cap's challenge, and we're preparing to enter the Kasamatsu Racecourse 'Shiwasu Special Cup.'"
"The paperwork is already in motion — we should receive the URA Association's reply this week."
"So, once this video call ends, we'll be taking the Shinkansen to Kasamatsu to get used to the track early."
"We'll be counting on your support, Mr. Kitahara — thank you in advance."
Appreciating Taro's clean, decisive style, Kitahara smiled with satisfaction.
"You can rest assured. Kasamatsu's dorm conditions aren't bad. But if you have any special requirements, I can arrange better accommodations."
Taro shook his head. "The dorms are fine. Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Kitahara."
"Well then, do you have any other questions, or anything you need from us? If not, we'll head to the station now."
"No rush, there's one more thing." Kitahara raised a hand, signaling he had something to say.
Earlier, when contacting the school, he had only mentioned a "challenge" in passing — he hadn't explained Tamamo Cross's situation, since it was complicated. He wanted to explain it in detail now over video.
"It's like this — earlier, besides Oguri Cap, there was another Uma Musume in the video. She has a certain condition that requires Inari One's help…"
He explained PTSD, the medical advice, the treatment plan — every detail thoroughly. Kitahara then looked sincerely at Taro.
"This request wasn't mentioned before, so it's a bit sudden now. I hope Mr. Yusuhara can forgive the abruptness."
"I hope you'll seriously consider this matter."
Kitahara thought Taro would take some time to consider or ask follow-up questions — but Taro's decisive answer caught him off guard.
"Then we'd better leave even sooner."
Nodding briskly, Taro already stood up. "Psychological issues should be addressed quickly — the longer they drag on, the worse they get. You should've told us this directly, Mr. Kitahara. Faced with something like this, I don't think any trainer would just stand by."
"Besides, I even have some experience."
Kitahara froze — then his eyes lit up with delight. "You've handled cases like this before, Mr. Yusuhara?"
"Regarding PTSD, I encountered similar cases during my studies in the UK."
Taro didn't deny it. "Allow me to gather those cases — bringing them along to assist should improve the effect."
"Please wait patiently for us, Mr. Kitahara."
Thanks to Taro's efficiency, the video call wrapped up quickly.
Though their contact had been brief, Kitahara could already feel that this young soon-to-be trainer possessed excellent professional standards and a deep passion for horse girls — even if his personality didn't express it outwardly.
After arranging for Komiya to take Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross back to rest, Kitahara quickly prepared accommodations for Taro and Inari, then went early to the station to meet them.
A small unexpected scene happened when picking them up.
"…Uh, what's this about…"
Pointing at Inari One, fast asleep on Taro's back, Kitahara couldn't help but smile wryly.
Taro looked equally helpless.
"After hearing about the challenge, she got so excited last night she stayed up, then pushed herself extra hard in training today — ended up exhausted."
"Sigh, once we got on the train, she was still shouting about 'showing Edo's pride,' 'spreading the name of Oi's Inari One throughout Kasamatsu,' then not long after — out cold. Can't wake her no matter what."
"Honestly, never gives anyone peace of mind… Ah — sorry you had to see this, Mr. Kitahara."
Carrying Inari on his back, he couldn't bow, so Taro just gave a wry tug at the corner of his mouth.
Ah — self-imposed fatigue plus lack of sleep, I know this type.
Kitahara chuckled lightly.
"What can we do — we're their trainers, after all."
Taro blinked, then quickly broke into a knowing smile.
"You're right — we're their trainers, after all."
"Actually, I was a little worried at first," he suddenly added.
"Worried? About what?" Kitahara asked, puzzled.
Taro gave a small, amused smile. "I worried that the trainer who raised a 10-race-10-win Oguri Cap, then came on strong talking about a challenge…"
"…might be a bit arrogant, difficult to deal with."
"Sorry — I'm Edo-born, and I studied in the UK for a long time. My words aren't as polite as others might phrase them."
"Simply put, I worried that Mr. Kitahara was a conceited, self-important type."
Being mistaken for arrogant didn't bother Kitahara; he merely thought for a moment.
"And you found out I'm actually a decent guy?" He smiled lightly at Taro.
"I should say…"
Taro freed one hand and held it out. "You're an excellent trainer. Pleasure to meet."
"Pleasure is mine."
Shaking Taro's hand, Kitahara curled his lips in a faint grin. "Welcome to Kasamatsu."
The promised long update — seems okay. I'll keep working hard.
(End of Chapter)