Uma Musume: From Being Knocked Ten Meters Away

Chapter 466 Recommendations from the International G1

Yasui Makoto had not anticipated the thoughts that the Emperor of the East Sea was about to discuss, but he was not entirely unprepared for them.

He clearly understands that considering overseas races is the student council president's responsibility, and he had already discussed the Northern Genko's plans in this regard with him after the Arima Memorial last year.

At the time, he guessed that the student council president probably intended to support them in participating in international competitions, and like him, was not fixated on any particular competition.

However, it now appears that this idea of ​​the other party did not begin with the last conversation, but rather had been around for a long time.

So he hesitated for a moment, then asked a question instead of answering:

"The president said that Chairman McQueen also had this idea, as well as 'you guys,' which means... there are other seniors who think this way? And... they've been thinking about this for a long time?"

After thinking for a moment, he added:

"And...why me and Xiao Bei?"

"You are indeed very perceptive."

The Emperor of the East Sea nodded and said, "That's right. To put it bluntly, I don't completely agree with the association's current attitude toward overseas events."

"I've already given part of the specific reasons, the other part..."

She suddenly sighed, and remarked, seemingly veer off-topic:

"I admit that from the association's perspective, including as the student council president, I certainly hope that our racehorse girl can win more and more races."

"But if it's just about winning, then many things lose their meaning."

"Take the Japan Cup, for example. You should know that when this competition was first established, none of the champions were Japanese female racehorses."

"……Know."

After a moment of silence, Yasui Makoto nodded:
"However, it was Katsuragi Ace Senior and Rudol Symbol Senior who broke this awkward situation, and then the Emperor Chairman."

The Emperor of the East Sea looked on with longing:

"Yes, it's Katsuragi-senpai and the president."

"As for me……"

She paused, then shook her head and said:

"What I really want to say is that even if we couldn't win the Japan Cup back then, it was purely due to our strength."

"But now the Japan Cup track has been renovated so many times, and it is becoming more and more different from the tracks in other regions, so fewer and fewer overseas female racehorses are willing to come to Japan to compete."

"If you win like this... can you still call it because of your strength?"

Yasui Makoto did not answer, but he knew in his heart that the Emperor of the East Sea was right.

While preparing for his trainer exam, he noticed a significant difference between the conditions on the field in Japan and in most other regions; in short, the field was much harder.

This type of track allows racehorses to run at higher speeds, but correspondingly, their adaptability to softer surfaces gradually diminishes.

This has made it difficult for Japanese horse racers to achieve ideal results in recent generations, whether they are competing abroad or overseas racers coming to Japan.

“So I want to provide more opportunities for the younger generation,” the Emperor of the East Sea continued as Yasui Makoto pondered.
"To bring more exhilarating matches to the younger generation, matches where there are no regrets regardless of winning or losing."

"This is what I, McQueen, and even Katsuragi-senpai and the Chairman wanted to see."

Yasui was surprised; he hadn't expected that the "we" the Emperor of the East Sea mentioned would include racehorse girls of this caliber.

But thinking about it, it's understandable. Those legendary racehorse girls have experienced the glory of victory and the bitterness of defeat on the track, and have a deeper understanding of the meaning of the race.

It seems more reasonable for them to hope that the younger generation can have a wider stage to showcase themselves, rather than being limited to the existing competition structure.

"Then... why do you think Xiao Bei and I can do it?" After his initial surprise, he asked again.

"Because you have the potential, the strength, and... the courage to break the mold." Without hesitation, the Emperor of the East Sea looked firmly at Yasui Makoto.
"Kobe's performance at the Takarazuka Memorial... well, everyone can see everything she has done since her debut."

"She dares to try new running styles and can persevere in extremely difficult situations until victory."

"And you, as her trainer, were able to work with her to devise such ingenious tactics, which shows that you are not afraid of challenges and are willing to explore new paths for victory."

Yasui Makoto nodded slightly. He did not deny these things, or perhaps this was the direction he wanted to develop.

Although he comes from a family of trainers, with even his mother being a racehorse girl, there is still a gap between the local and central regions. His father also said that he should humbly learn when he arrives in Tokyo, as many of his experiences may not be applicable.

However, precisely because of this, he does not adhere to traditions or fixed patterns.

He will adopt any ideas or methods that he is certain will help the Northern Black Horse grow, whether in training or in competition.

In retrospect, the Emperor of the East Sea... probably noticed this a long time ago.

"Moreover, Xiao Bei's growth rate is astonishing, and so are yours."

The Emperor of the East Sea continued:

"Compared to a year ago, Xiao Bei is like a completely different person. I can also see many ingenious training methods and strategies from your report and actual training and competition."

"You have unlimited potential, and I have no doubt that a combination like yours will shine on the international stage."

"It can also open up a new world for Japanese horse racing."

Upon hearing the Emperor of the East Sea's high regard for him, Yasui Makoto felt an indescribable surge of excitement welling up inside him.

"Thank you for your recognition and trust, President Emperor."

He took a deep breath, calmed his turbulent emotions, nodded solemnly, and spoke with unprecedented seriousness:
"Exploring the possibility of overseas competitions... I will try to do that with Xiao Bei, and I will not let you down."

After a brief pause, he looked at the Emperor of the East Sea, his eyes filled with inquiry:

"Regarding the specific selection of events... do you have some initial directions?"

"Well..."

The Emperor of the East Sea smiled and shook his head, tapping his chin lightly with his fingertip: "Regarding the competition, I really don't have any concrete ideas yet."

"After all, it's Xiao Bei who will ultimately be on the field, while you, the trainer, are the one who formulates the strategy."

"All we seniors can do is offer some ideas and suggestions; the final choice must be in your own hands."

At this point, she changed the subject, her expression becoming serious:

"But if you agree with what I just said, I sincerely hope you will seriously consider long-distance international G1 races."

"Xiao Bei's endurance and long-distance sprinting ability are absolutely top-notch among his generation."

"Long-distance races, in terms of both distance and pace, are more suited to her running style and physique. This is not only the most ideal competition, but also the area where she is most confident in achieving outstanding results."

"As for other aspects..."

At this point, the Emperor of the East Sea emphasized his words:
"The association has always been quite cautious about overseas events, and there are many cumbersome procedures involved."

"But if you and Xiao Bei have decided on your direction, McQueen and I will communicate and coordinate with the association to clear obstacles for you as much as possible and strive for more support and resources."

"Whether it's overseas acclimatization training before the competition or various arrangements during the competition, we will do our best to create better conditions for you."

She patted Yasui Makoto on the shoulder, her smile bright and full of strength:
"So don't worry too much, just go ahead and plan boldly."

"Just ask whenever you need our help."

(End of this chapter)