Uma Musume: From Being Knocked Ten Meters Away

Chapter 365 The Emperor's Spring Appreciation Ceremony Begins

Both Yasui Makoto and Kita Genko noticed the changes in Takasho Junichi's preparations.

The two have been preparing together since last year's Arima Kinen, and they not only focus on their own condition but also on their opponents.

Apart from Takashiro Junichi, the remaining 16 rivals on the Emperor's list of those who left for the spring outing were all investigated, analyzed, and countermeasures were developed.

Time flew by amidst the flurry of preparations.

Almost in the blink of an eye, it's already May 1st.

Like all G1 events, the Emperor's Spring Festival started its promotional campaign early, with promotional posters and custom advertisements appearing everywhere in Kyoto, where the event was held.

Even before the stadium opened on the day of the competition, many spectators were already queuing at the entrance, some of whom had stayed up all night sleeping on the floor outside.

After the doors opened and the pre-match warm-up began, the entire venue entered its first climax of the day amidst cheers from over 100,000 spectators.

As Yasui Makoto's other race girl besides Kita Genkoma, Azume, as usual, served as a support member and waited in the preparation room in advance.

Even though she was some distance away from the main stage, she could still feel the excitement of the G1 tournament from the faint noise and the indoor television broadcasts and radio broadcasts.

Unable to contain her excitement at the lively atmosphere, she eagerly went to greet Yasui Makoto and Kita Genko as soon as they returned from the exhibition area.

"Trainer, senior! You've both worked so hard!"

With sparkling eyes, she said enviously, "As expected of a senior, the cheers were so powerful the moment she appeared! I wonder when I can participate in a competition like that!"

Having long been accustomed to Almond's competitive nature, Kita Genko unconsciously exchanged a glance with Yasui Makoto, then smiled and turned back to pat Almond's head:
"Don't rush, little almond-shaped eyes. Didn't I say before that you'll be able to participate in the debut competition in about a year?"

"If development goes smoothly, it might not even take a year."

"With your talent, you'll have no problem participating in G1!"

"Yes, yes! I think so too!"

She nodded excitedly, then her almond-shaped eyes turned somewhat regretful as she said:

"It's a pity that you're not number one in popularity this time... No, it's really strange. You clearly beat Arima Kinen before, so why aren't you number one in popularity this time at the Emperor's Spring Festival?"

"Huh? Didn't the trainer tell you?"

He glanced at Yasui Makoto with a puzzled look, and seeing that Yasui Makoto was busy organizing the competition sand table and data, Kita Genkoto quickly looked back and patiently said:
"This is normal."

"In order to adapt to overseas competitions, I deliberately did not schedule any competitions before this match, so I have no record of leaving the country so far this year."

"In that case, it will be difficult for everyone to judge my current strength, and naturally they will not be able to give me the highest support."

As she spoke, she patted her chest confidently:

"We can never control popularity, so it's better to focus all our attention on the competition."

"Moreover, my popularity is quite high. To be honest, I didn't expect that after four months without competing in Japan, I would still have second place in popularity."

"Of course! Since everyone thinks so highly of me, I certainly won't let you down!"

"Yes! Senior will definitely be fine!" Without hesitation, Almond-eyed nodded vigorously.

While tidying up the pre-race preparations, Yasui Makoto couldn't help but recall the first time he came to the racetrack with Kita Genko.

Counting the time, more than a year has passed. Back then, the Northern Black Horse was not as free as it is now.

From the moment she learned about the competition, especially after having a tournament account, she was filled with anxiety every day, either worrying about whether she could perform well or getting incredibly excited about gaining a new follower. But after more than a year of honing her skills, this young woman has shed much of her naivety and become quite composed.

Not only is he full of confidence in the competition, but he also maintains a calm mindset regarding the support of his fans and is not easily affected by anything.

"He's completely taking on the air of a senior, Kita," Yasui Makoto couldn't help but think.

Then, feeling that the preparations were almost complete, he clapped his hands, attracting the attention of the two racehorse girls:
"Currently, there are no changes to the list of those leaving. So, as usual, during this period before the competition, the tactical planning, nutrition, final outfits, and running shoe checks must all be carried out meticulously."

"Xingmu, your senior Xiaobei is already very familiar with these things, and although you haven't debuted yet, starting to adapt now will only bring benefits, not harm."

"So listen carefully to what I'm about to say and what I'm talking about with Xiao Bei, and it would be best if you could write it down."

"I will check it; consider this an assignment."

Upon hearing this, as if they had rehearsed it beforehand, the two racehorse girls simultaneously pulled out a small notebook and a carrot-shaped ballpoint pen from their pockets.

“I’m ready…Eh? Little Almond, you have this notebook and ballpoint pen too?” Just as he said that, out of the corner of his eye, Kita Genko became curious.

"Yes, I've been learning from my seniors for a long time!"

With her almond-shaped eyes raised, she proudly held up her notebook and ballpoint pen, saying:

"My dream is to surpass my predecessors and all the many Uma Musume throughout history, but before that, I definitely need to learn diligently, just like my predecessors!"

"As expected of Little Almond Eyes, she really puts my mind at ease!" Northern Black Horse praised.

Although Yasui Makoto didn't offer any praise, he nodded with satisfaction.

Then, just like Arima Kinen, he adjusted the pieces arranged on the game board, his expression and tone gradually becoming serious as he spoke:

"Then I'll get right to it."

"First of all, as I've emphasized before, the Emperor's Spring Appreciation Game 1 looks very similar to your Arima Memorial Game last year, Xiao Bei. There are three or four opponents from the same year, and the rest are all seniors."

"But they are completely different in nature."

"At last year's Arima Anniversary, you and your rivals were still in your prime. Putting aside your disadvantage in experience, it was inevitable that your physical development was not as good as most of your rivals."

"But that's not the case in this game. You and all your opponents are in your prime, and while there may be individual differences in physical condition, you are all at the same level overall."

"The difference lies in experience."

As he spoke, he pushed a few pieces representing the racehorse girls a little onto the sand table track:
"For example, in the Clever Maze, she only has one G2 Gold Shachiochete victory in terms of big rewards, but her 6 years of competition experience and her ability to win in more than 30 games should not be underestimated."

"Also, although her pace is different from yours, she uses the escape and start-up method in nearly 90% of her pre-race events. She will likely compete with you for the lead in this race."

"It just so happens that you drew gate number 1, while she drew gate number 3. You will inevitably bump into each other after you exit the gate."

"So no matter how you arrange the tactics next, you must keep in mind that once you leave the gate, you will be engaged in combat."

As Yasui Makoto presented his analysis, Kita Genkom listened attentively, occasionally jotting down notes in his notebook.

Almond was listening and taking notes, and after listening, she couldn't help but want to ask questions and share her thoughts.

She remembered the senior from the Clever Maze; her name was on the list of those who left before, and it was also mentioned in the introduction of the show just now.

(End of this chapter)