Uma Musume: From Being Knocked Ten Meters Away

Chapter 615 Will you come overseas with me, Northern Black Steed?

Makoto Yasui felt that he was becoming more and more immersed in training plans, physical data, tactical analysis, and event arrangements.

Then, without realizing it, they overlooked the glimmer that had quietly appeared in Beibu Xuanju's eyes, and they overlooked the longing for the vast world that had quietly grown in her heart.

The more carefully he listened, the clearer his belated guilt and shame became.

He believed he had done his duty, planning the safest and most effective path for her, but he almost missed her deepest and most fervent desires.

This desire did not stem from the trainer's instructions, but from her purest instinctive yearning as a racehorse girl for running itself and for challenging the unknown.

The guilt and shame were not intense, but they weighed heavily on his heart.

But at the same time, they were like a sharp light, making his previous decision to "listen to her ideas" clearer and more resolute than ever before.

He can no longer ignore these things.

He must truly and attentively listen and see.

So, when Kita Genko finished speaking and looked over with a slightly embarrassed expression, Yasui Makoto nodded solemnly.

He finally spoke:
"So, for next year's schedule, let's start with the Osaka Cup, and then...we'll go overseas, how about that?"

The Northern Black Steed froze, its steps instinctively halting for a moment:
"...Huh? This...this...Ah Zhen, this is..."

She hesitated for a long time, her brain seemingly unable to process this sudden suggestion that so closely overlapped with her dreams, and remained silent for a long time.

Yasui Makoto nodded again, his eyes filled with approval and encouragement:
"This is a decision we made together."

"You... must be looking forward to a more intense and exciting match, right?"
"Don't worry about my thoughts, and don't feel burdened. Just tell me your true thoughts."

"That was our agreement before, wasn't it?"

Northern Black Horse instinctively wanted to say, "I was just thinking casually, you don't have to take it seriously."

But when she heard Yasui Makoto's final, gentle yet firm question, she fell silent.

She unconsciously closed her eyes gently.

The breathtakingly intense race on the final straight of Arima Kinen seemed to reappear before my eyes, the whistling wind and deafening cheers echoing in my ears...

My thoughts drifted back to the three grueling G1 matches throughout the autumn and winter, and swept over every training session and every drop of sweat in the first year of the Year of the Horse...

It even goes back to when she first stepped into the Shining Series, to that initial, purest joy of running...

Scenes flashed by, but what ultimately coalesced was the deep-seated desire for stronger opponents, a broader stage, and a more extreme run.

……Um.

She opened her eyes, her crimson pupils appearing exceptionally clear and resolute in the night. Looking at Yasui Makoto, she said in a deep voice:
“I…want more intense, more exciting matches. That’s why…I want to go overseas.”

"That's it."

Yasui Makoto finally smiled again:
"Actually... I do consider a lot of things, such as match compatibility, training cycle, and plans for the distant future."

"But actually……"

He paused, then said frankly:

"I'm actually the type to take things one step at a time."

“You could call it a steady, methodical approach, or you could say… a lack of foresight? But none of that matters. What matters is…”

He looked at Beifang Xuanju, whose eyes widened slightly at her words and who seemed about to speak but hesitated, and continued:

"I seem to always focus too much on goals and data, and neglect to listen to your most honest thoughts. So, I want to try to make a change, to truly hear your voice, to hear what kind of game you want it to be."

"Then, as your trainer, I will do my utmost to help you achieve the victory you desire."

Northern Black Horse felt as if his heart had been struck by a warm and full emotion.

She opened her mouth, and all the surging emotions finally turned into an even brighter light in her eyes, firmly fixed on the trainer in front of her who was always calm and restrained, but at this moment showed her unparalleled trust and support.

Yasui Makoto continued, his tone returning to its usual calm and organized manner:

"This is not just a spur-of-the-moment thing. Since I mentioned the competition plan just now, as a trainer, I certainly have given it sufficient consideration."

"Now that you've won the Autumn Triple Crown, it's not realistic to go on an overseas expedition right at the start of next spring. The public opinion, fans, and associations all need a buffer period and a formal departure ceremony."

"Moreover, the Emperor Association President had previously mentioned to me that the URA Association is actively promoting the upgrade of the Sankei Osaka Cup from G2 to G1 next year."

"This match is of a high enough level, and the timing in March, right at the start of the new season, makes it a perfect warm-up and announcement."

"After that, we will have ample time to travel overseas to adapt to the environment, venue, and climate, and make the fullest preparations for the upcoming competition."

He paused briefly, then his gaze returned to the Northern Black Steed, his tone becoming more forceful and filled with unquestionable certainty:

"The most important thing is that you won the Autumn Triple Crown."

"Three months, three GI matches, all won."

"The intensity and pressure of such continuous warfare are extremely rare, even on a global scale."

"And you, Northern Black Steed, did it."

"In that case, I can't think of any goal that you can't reach, even if it's going to that unfamiliar arena overseas."

"This is the source of my thoughts and confidence."

"so……"

He stopped, turned around, and formally extended his hand towards the Northern Black Horse.

The smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by an extremely serious expression, but his gaze grew increasingly firm and intense:

"Want to come overseas with me and enjoy even more intense and exhilarating matches, Xiao Bei...?"

He paused for a moment, then switched to a more formal, yet more equal and respectful form of address:
"No, the Northern Black Steed."

Northern Genko looked at the hand extended in front of him, then looked up at Yasui Makoto's incredibly serious eyes, which reflected the night and the lamplight.

The surging heat in my chest finally broke through all obstacles, all hesitation, surprise and subtle unease disappeared, leaving only a pure and unwavering determination.

She took a deep breath, and without the slightest hesitation, reached out and firmly grasped Yasui Makoto's hand.

Her palms were warm from the performance and competition, even a little sweaty, but full of strength.

"it is good!"

Her voice was clear and resonant, decisive and forceful, like a battle cry issued on the field:

"Let's go together! Ah-zhen... no."

She followed his example, making a subtle adjustment in how she addressed him, and a smile brighter than the stars in the night sky bloomed on her face:

"Trainer Yasui!"

(End of this chapter)