Chapter 52. Training~~~
"As a sparring partner?" Oguri immediately inferred.
"That, and more. I also want you to share race experience with Teio and Dober," he admitted.
"No problem," she agreed without hesitation. "I'm the senior member of the team. It's my responsibility."
"I want to go too," Berno interjected. "I can't assist with racing directly, but you've been handling all logistics yourself since joining. Let me support you during this period."
"Then I'll rely on you," Shuta An accepted without resistance.
Starting the very next day, Tokai Teio and Silence Suzuka, who had already resumed full training, were surprised to find both Oguri Cap and Berno Light appearing at the grounds. Berno smoothly took over the logistical duties Shuta Ann had previously managed alone, while Oguri Cap observed each session with a sharp eye. During breaks, she would proactively point out flaws in pacing, stride rhythm, and positioning that had surfaced during drills.
Mejiro Dober, who had been on leave at the Mejiro residence, immediately cut her vacation short upon hearing the news. She returned at once, bringing Agnes Digital with her to absorb Oguri Cap's extensive Twinkle Series experience. Having competed across Asia, Europe, and North America, the gray Uma Musume possessed insights no one else in Japan at the time could offer. A few days later, even Tojo Hana arrived, accompanied by several Trainers eager to learn about overseas campaigns.
When Oguri Cap spoke about the North American circuit, Mejiro Dober listened with intense focus. Although her upcoming destination was Canada rather than the United States, the racing culture and tactical tendencies across North America were largely comparable. The experience, in theory, translated well.
Tokai Teio, by contrast, paid closer attention to the European segment. While Oguri Cap herself had only contested the French Two Crowns, she had learned extensively from Miesque's international background. The knowledge she shared about European turf conditions, race tempo, and strategic patience was invaluable.
Silence Suzuka listened to everything, yet she gradually sensed that her Trainer's long-term vision for her did not center on either North America or Europe. Shuta Ann frequently pulled her aside for additional drills while the others were still engaged in discussion, as though the lecture content held less immediate relevance for her.
A week later, unable to suppress her curiosity, Suzuka finally asked.
Shuta Ann answered candidly. "My current plan is for you to spend next year challenging overseas throughout the entire season. The primary targets are Dubai and Australia."
"Australia—?" Suzuka's eyes widened. Though Southern Hemisphere runners frequently traveled to Japan for the Japan Cup, no Japanese Uma Musume had ever secured a G1 victory in Australia.
Shuta Ann nodded. "No Japanese Uma Musume has ever won an Australian G1. If you succeed, it will be historic. The prize money is substantial, and several middle-distance turf G1s there suit your profile. Many tracks run left-handed, which you adapt to exceptionally well. Frankly, Australia may suit you better than Europe."
To his surprise, Suzuka gently voiced her own wish. "If possible, I would like to run at least one race in Europe next year."
He did not press her for an explanation. This was the first time she had ever made a direct request regarding her schedule. "Very well. I'll factor that into the plan. However, going to Europe would mean forfeiting a full summer break. Without a European campaign, you could have over three uninterrupted months off."
"That's fine," Suzuka replied with a bright smile. "We can treat Europe as a summer vacation."
Only then did Shuta Ann recognize the subtle longing beneath her words. At that time, Europe still carried a certain romantic allure in Japan—a sentiment shared by Oguri Cap and Berno Light as well.
By July 31st, one week before departure for Canada, all procedures had been finalized. Flights were booked, accommodations secured, documentation complete.
Oguri Cap and Berno Light were well aware that their young man would soon leave Japan again.
"When will we ever be able to stay together all the time?" Oguri Cap pouted from the sofa. "I should have remained in the Twinkle Series. Then I could keep traveling with you."
"It wouldn't be wise to stay in the Twinkle Series indefinitely." Shuta Ann gently ruffled her hair. "There will be opportunities in the future."
Though he spoke lightly, he had never truly defined his own retirement timeline. One certainty remained: he would never work until seventy. He refused to sacrifice his later years entirely to the profession.
Perhaps, he mused privately, after training a once-in-a-lifetime Uma Musume—one he would never encounter again—that might be the time to step away. Yet that milestone still lay far beyond the horizon, and he set the thought aside.
During the final week before departure, Oguri Cap and Berno Light claimed as much of his time as possible. On the night before he left, Shuta Ann was the last to fall asleep.
The following morning at the academy gate, Silence Suzuka studied his pale complexion with concern. "Are you unwell? You don't look good."
"It's nothing," he replied, shaking his head. "Just a lack of rest. I suppose I'm slightly tense about Canada."
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"Many things," he admitted dryly. Turning to the team members accompanying him, he issued firm instructions. "After arriving in Toronto, no going out alone. Do not eat casually outside. Avoid poorly populated areas. Stay in the hotel whenever possible."
"This sounds exactly like Chicago," Suzuka remarked.
"Similar concerns," he replied with a shrug. "Security, drugs, other risks. It can't be helped. The Natalma Stakes is the optimal target. I booked the best hotel near Woodbine Racetrack, so the environment should be safe."
"That must have been expensive," Tokai Teio commented.
"About the same as my share of the Hakodate Nisai Stakes prize money," he answered calmly. "In any case, the URA Association will reimburse it. If there had been a five-star option nearby, I would have chosen it without hesitation."
"Trainer really is…" Tokai Teio sighed with exaggerated maturity. "Always thinking about how to squeeze the URA Association."
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