Uma Musume: From Being Knocked Ten Meters Away

Chapter 627 Apricot Eyes' Debut and "Secretary" Xiao Bei

"It's... all sorts of inquiries and invitations from parents."

After answering, Yasui Makoto gave a helpless, bitter smile:

"I should say it's thanks to you that I've recently had a lot of parents contact me through various channels, hoping I can visit their children and assess their potential."

“But this kind of thing…” He shook his head:

"Even the most experienced trainers would find it difficult to predict a racehorse girl's future before she has fully mastered the craft."

"Moreover, I know my level. In terms of training... I can say it's not bad, but it's not unique. At most, it's because I'm relatively young, and many of my ideas are bold enough. Plus, Xiao Bei, you are an amazingly talented racehorse girl, which is why we have achieved our results so far."

"So, given my limited abilities, wouldn't it be irresponsible of me to rashly offer any evaluations when facing those parents and children?"

Makoto Yasui believes he has a sufficiently accurate assessment of his own abilities.

He knew all too well that he only knew names like "Northern Black Horse," "Almond Eyes," and "Spring and Autumn Equinox," which were destined to be brilliant, but the job of a trainer was far more demanding than simply knowing a few names.

Like the Northern Black Horse, all he knows are the actual results of the horse, but he has no idea how it was achieved. The training and race arrangements up to now are all things he has gradually figured out through learning and trial and error.

Therefore, he does not simply attribute his current achievements, or the achievements of any trainer and racehorse girl, to some unique "vision" or talent.

Instead, it comes down to systematic knowledge accumulation, careful planning, and a strong trust built with the horse girl.

As he worked alongside Northern Xuanju, he gradually developed a greater sense of awe for this cause.

Each female racehorse is a unique individual, and their growth is full of uncertainties. Their true potential can only be unleashed through long-term observation, scientific data analysis, and careful companionship.

His refusal to give an evaluation stems from his understanding of the cause and his sense of responsibility towards it.

After explaining his thoughts, he looked at the bustling crowd in the distance and said in a calm yet firm voice:

"More importantly, I have already finalized this year's plan, the core of which is the preparation for your overseas expedition and the debut preparation for Xingmu."

"These two things alone are enough to take up most of my energy."

"Moreover, I have already promised Spring and Autumn Equinox, so this matter will naturally not change."

"I am very clear about the limits of my abilities, and I really don't have the spare capacity to take care of the initial training of other racehorse girls."

Having listened quietly to Yasui Makoto's words, sensing that familiar calm and composure, Kita Genkoto suddenly realized and nodded vigorously: "So that's how it is..."

Then, she suddenly caught another crucial piece of information, and her eyes widened instantly:
"Wait! Ah-Zhen, you just said... Almond Eyes' debut?"

"I... how come I didn't know about this? And... how come I've never heard you or Senior Suzuko mention it before?!"

Her sudden exclamation was quite loud, attracting the attention of many passersby who were immersed in the New Year's atmosphere. They all turned to look at her with curiosity.

Several probing gazes fell upon the two of them, seemingly trying to find some story in a fully armed, emotionally agitated girl and a composed, slightly helpless young man.

Northern Black Steed immediately noticed the gazes directed at him, his cheeks flushed slightly as he realized he had been too loud.

She reacted almost instinctively, grabbing Yasui Makoto's wrist and whispering, "Let's go!" before pulling him along and jogging into the denser crowd ahead. Yasui Makoto stumbled from her sudden movement, watching her flustered back and the hand still tightly gripping his wrist.

He paused for a moment, then a look of amusement and helplessness appeared in his eyes. He didn't break free, letting her pull him along as they weaved through the crowd for a short distance.

The Northern Black Steed only slowed down when it felt it had left the focus of those gazes.

Looking around and finding no one paying attention, she let go of his hand, glanced back at Yasui Makoto somewhat embarrassedly, and muttered to herself:
"Just now... I think I was a little too conspicuous..."

Then she perked up and pressed for details:

"So what's going on? If Almond Eyes is going to debut... how come I didn't know?"

Seeing her belated realization, Yasui Makoto couldn't help but smile, and then explained:

"Based on data analysis and the past performance of Saima Musume, Aloe will probably not have enough competitive ability until the second half of the year."

"So it's not that I want to hide it on purpose, but it's too early to talk about these things now."

"In addition, I discussed it with Suko and Yamato. We originally planned to wait until the new semester started to explain it to her in detail, and then her training intensity and content would be adjusted accordingly."

Having said that, he paused for a moment, then looked towards the black steed to the north:
"However, since you've asked about it now... perhaps we can find an opportunity later to give Xingmu a little hint so she can be mentally prepared."

"Yeah! Leave it to me!"

The Northern Black Steed became excited immediately, but then tried to adopt a more senior demeanor:

"If that's the case, Xiaoxingmu will definitely be very excited when she finds out... Ah, but it seems I can't call her 'Xiaoxingmu' anymore, it sounds like she's still a child."

"We have to call her by her name properly!"

She quickly remembered something else, and her tone became serious:
"And I'll also go and explain things properly to Xiao Fen!"
"Tell her that you're just too busy, and that you definitely don't care about her, otherwise that little one will definitely start arguing again!"

As they talked, the two followed the devout crowd to complete the worship ceremony.

Amidst the swirling incense smoke, Hokuto Genko, with his hands clasped together, secretly opened one eye and caught a glimpse of Yasui Makoto's serene and focused profile as he prayed with his eyes closed.

After their worship, they naturally followed the flow of people to the stalls where people could draw lots and get amulets.

Yasui stopped in front of the stall, his eyes carefully scanning the various amulets. He finally chose one for himself and then asked for two more exquisitely crafted ones, which were obviously intended for Kita Genko and Apricot Eyes.

Beifang Xuanju stood half a step to his side, watching his focused profile as he carefully selected something, and a warm current mixed with reassurance and excitement quietly flowed through his heart.

At that very moment, a thought suddenly and clearly popped into my head.

She suddenly took two steps closer, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at Yasui Makoto, her voice filled with the excitement and anticipation of discovering a new continent:

"Oh right! I didn't know that before, but now I realize that you're really busy, Zhen."

"Well... Ah Zhen, didn't you say that those really good trainers all have their own assistants and secretaries to help them with a lot of things!"
"You're already a super, super amazing trainer! So... how about I be your assistant, or your secretary?"

(End of this chapter)