Uma Musume: From Being Knocked Ten Meters Away

Chapter 489 Satomi Hikari's Complicated Feelings

When asked about his sister's question, Kou Satomi, who was traveling with him, looked expectant and serious, clearly knowing what his sister was thinking and wanting to hear the advice from Makoto Yasui and the others.

Yasui Makoto, Alice, and Yamato Akaki exchanged glances, seeing the expected meaning in their eyes.

This gave him more confidence in his judgment.

Having promised the racehorse girls he would provide some guidance, he paid more attention to their opponents than he had in previous races, in addition to his own two racehorse girls.

Therefore, he had seen all of Satomi Kozo's performance.

Although he hadn't yet conducted a detailed and in-depth review and analysis, he already had a clear understanding of some obvious situations.

After thinking for a moment, seeing that Alice and Yamato Akari remained silent and deep in thought, Yasui Makoto decided to share his thoughts first:
"Is this really a strategic approach centered around Xiao Bei?"

He spoke first, his tone calm and measured, carrying the composure and professionalism characteristic of a trainer:
"This approach isn't impossible."

"By observing from the very beginning, we try to grasp the other party's rhythm and find a breakthrough point."

"Many racing strategies are based on this principle, and they all revolve around leading female racehorses."

Seeing that Yasui Makoto didn't shy away from anything and began to speak frankly, the Satomi sisters both showed expressions of gratitude, then perked up and listened attentively.

Alice and Yamato Akaki also looked over, their faces thoughtful and curious, their ears turned in this direction, clearly wanting to know what his insights were.

"If nothing unexpected happens, you should know very well that Xiao Bei is good at leading and playing."

As Yasui continued his narration, the scene of the opening of the match gradually appeared in his mind.

At that moment, Satomi Hikari's gaze was fixed intently on Kita Genko, her focused expression as if everything around her was irrelevant.

"So at the starting stage, you didn't rush to fight for position, which is equivalent to using your strengths to attack the enemy's weaknesses."

Instead, they chose to stay with the main group, conserve their energy, and closely monitor Xiao Bei's every move.

"This approach is quite conventional, and it was also the case throughout the rest of the match."

He paused here, his mind racing to the point after the opening sequence:
"From the opening to the early middle game, your rhythm was clearly adjusted according to Xiao Bei's changes."

"When Xiao Bei starts to speed up and tries to create distance, you, like most of your opponents, also speed up, trying to catch up with her."

"Am I right?"

Yasui suddenly changed the subject and asked a question, but none of the horse racers who were listening attentively were surprised.

The performances being discussed so far are all quite conventional, and these participants are either new to the competition or have watched it from beginning to end and have enough experience to keep up with the flow of the conversation, even if they weren't listening very carefully.

“Trainer Yasui is right. Back then, I…”

Following Yasui Makoto's words, and recalling how Junpei Genko felt after accelerating during the race, Satomi Mitsuzu's brows furrowed, and his tone became somewhat hesitant:

"I know Xiao Bei has excellent physical strength, and long-distance sustained acceleration is also a tactic she often uses."

"So at the time I thought that was her thinking. If she left me too far behind, it would be easy to lose my sense of rhythm, so I tried to catch up."

"result……"

As she spoke, she thought about her behavior after deciding to catch up with the Northern Black Horse, and suddenly fell silent.

She clearly remembered the intense impulse that surged within her the moment the Northern Black Steed accelerated, driving her to chase after it without hesitation. Initially, she was full of confidence, believing that with her strength, she could definitely keep up with the Northern Black Steed's pace, and might even find an opportunity to break through.

However, reality dealt her a heavy blow.

As time went on, her strength drained away like a deflated balloon.

With each step, it felt like dragging a thousand-pound burden; my legs grew heavier and heavier, and my breathing became rapid and difficult.

She struggled forward, watching helplessly as the figure of the Northern Black Steed receded further and further into the distance.

Towards the end of the race, when her childhood friend was sprinting down the track, she was completely unable to sprint in a straight line and could only watch helplessly as her friend crossed the finish line first.

At that moment, the feeling of powerlessness and frustration almost suffocated her.

It seemed that this was why her steps became unsteady, her vision began to blur, and ultimately, she lost the match in an ugly manner.

Recalling all this, Satomi Hikaru's feelings were extremely complicated.

There was frustration with his own lack of ability, regret for his poor decision-making during the game, and even more so, admiration and confusion for his friend's current strength.

"So, without realizing it, Xiao Bei... has become this powerful...?"
"Only with such strength can one win a G1 title like the Chrysanthemum Prize...?"
"If that's the case, then...when will I be able to...?"

With mixed feelings, she lowered her head slightly, her bangs obscuring her eyes, making it impossible to see her expression.

But her tightly bitten lower lip and slightly trembling shoulders betrayed her inner struggle and pain.

Seeing this, Satomi Takako, who was standing next to her, reached out with concern and gently patted her sister's shoulder, trying to offer her some comfort.

Yasui Makoto, Alice Soko, and Yamato Akari exchanged glances, seeing the understanding and emotion in each other's eyes.

Yasui had no idea what the two female racehorses beside him were thinking. Looking at Satomi Hikari, he couldn't help but recall the Northern Genko at this time last year.

Back then, even black-haired girls experienced similar anxieties and uncertainties, and they would also display such longing and confusion when competing with their peers and seniors.

Perhaps all racehorse girls are like this: after standing out from thousands of rivals of the same generation and stepping onto the highly anticipated racetrack, they subconsciously feel that they will be the protagonist on various stages in the future.

But reality is cruel. There can only be one champion in each round, and those who can compete for the main position on the stage are all exceptional individuals, one in a million.

Winning in such a contest is actually a low-probability event involving chance and luck.

Losing the game and leaving the stage in disappointment is more likely to happen.

"However..." As his thoughts drifted back to the past, Yasui Makoto couldn't help but glance at the edge of the training field a little further away.

The impromptu autograph session seemed to have ended, and many of the female racehorses who had previously watched the event returned to training with satisfied expressions.

Most of those who had participated in the competition were actively recovering, or approaching with curious expressions, clearly intending to continue training later.

Northern Black Horse and Almond Eyes also relaxed. There were two or three racehorse girls beside them, and they were chatting and laughing.

“Kobe… has grown a lot, while Satomi Hikari… should still be growing.”

After thinking about it for a moment, Yasui Makoto looked away with satisfaction and returned to what was in front of him.

(End of this chapter)