Uma Musume: Become a Legendary Trainer

Chapter 342 Guests from NHK Red and White Song Contest

When Katsuragi Ace sneaked into the second floor of Western European Fantasy through the back door like a thief, he saw a table for adults and another table for children.

At the adults' table sat student union officers including symbol Luduo and representative Qianming.

These friends were all disguised, but after years of familiarity, Katsuragi still recognized them at a glance.

She didn't recognize the people at the same table as them.

Probably two middle-aged people and two young people.

All the middle-aged people are men, wearing suits and glasses, with curly and side-parted hair that is gel-polished and shiny.

The two young people, one man and one woman, were dressed fashionably and looked youthful, energetic and beautiful. They would be the center of attention at any banquet.

Lu Duo was chatting with two middle-aged men.

"Teacher Lin Xi, I didn't expect a musical genius like you would be willing to accept such an impromptu invitation."

Lu Duo smiled and said, "Thank you very much."

"President Luduo is too polite."

Teacher Lin Xi, whose full name is Lin Xizhi, responded modestly to Lu Duo's symbolic praise: "To call him a genius is really an exaggeration, especially in front of a true genius like Mr. Noguchi.

“I just hope that the songs I write can make more people happy.

"Rather than thanking me, I should thank President Luduo and Tresen College for being able to work with Mr. Noguchi all the time."

He looked at the other middle-aged man beside him.

This middle-aged man is a bit older, and has a few strands of white hair clearly visible at his meticulously groomed sideburns.

But the white hair does not affect his temperament, but makes him look full of maturity and depth.

Luduo was not very familiar with Mr. Noguchi, but she just had little contact with him in real life. She was very clear about his status in the music industry.

Mr. Kenpei Noguchi is a frequent guest at NHK's Red and White Songs Contest.

The Red and White Songs Contest is roughly equivalent to Japan's Spring Festival Gala, and being invited to attend is an honor for people in the entertainment industry, whether as a competing artist or as a guest.

Correspondingly, the singers at the party can fully represent the highest level of Japanese singing.

The show's ratings are also quite high. Even though the broadcast period extends into the late night, the average ratings still rank among the top annual ratings, reaching approximately 80% or even higher.

It can be said that the topic of the Red and White Songs Festival will never stop from the end of the year to the new year.

"Haha, I'm not a genius either," Noguchi Kenpei smiled and waved his hand, "I think I can persist a little more than many people, that's what I think.

“And what Azhi said is very right. I am also very grateful to you, President Luduo, as well as the association and the board of directors.

“Many of my creations were created after witnessing the wonderful performances of horse racing ladies, which enabled me to create works that were recognized.

"However, there is one thing today that makes me very curious."

While Noguchi Kenpei was talking, his eyes were already looking down to one side.

He, Lu Duo and Lin Xizhi sat on the edge of the circular hall on the second floor of Western European Fantasy. The middle of the circle was empty, so they could have a panoramic view of the situation in the hall on the first floor.

He was looking at a rather lively corner on the first floor.

"Didn't President Maruzen come with you, President Luduo?"

He wondered, "Why are she and Mr. Kitahara sitting alone downstairs, everyone..."

Glancing at Lu Duo and the table of horse racing girls behind him, Noguchi Kenpei continued, "But they are sitting on the second floor?"

Noguchi Kenpei had something else to say, which was why the horse racing girls like Luduo were all dressed in disguise.

They all wore various hats, covering the most obvious feature of Uma Musume, her long ears, and some wore masks and sunglasses.

He obviously didn't want to be recognized.

Several members of the student union, including Lu Duo, were startled, and the long ears hidden in their hats twitched unconsciously.

After a while.

"It's a coincidence," Lu Duo said half-truthfully with a smile, "Trainer Kitahara has something to ask Maruzen, we're just here to have fun.

"As for sitting on the second floor..."

She pointed to the hall below and smiled helplessly, “Just Maruzen’s appearance there has caused such a big stir.

"If we show up together, I'm afraid the business of this restaurant will be greatly affected."

Luduo did not want to reveal the purpose of his and his friends' visit, and he did not want to reveal Maruzenski's intentions.

From the current perspective, Kitahara is willing to date Maruzenski, and they seem to be having a good time together. It can be said that the latter's relationship is off to a good start.

After all, feelings are a very private matter. Maruzenski himself didn't say anything, and it hasn't gone any further, so it would be inappropriate for others to say anything more.

The most important thing is, even if Kitahara is not opposed to this relationship itself, it would be embarrassing if he was discovered secretly following her before the relationship was confirmed.

So, Lu Duo continued, “So, I dress like this because I don’t want to cause too much unnecessary trouble.

“Secondly, I hope to have an uninterrupted conversation with Mr. Noguchi.

"Three come..."

She looked towards the corner of the hall, "I don't want to disturb Maruzen and Kitahara."

Gathering around the dining table in the first-floor lobby were fans of Maruzenski.

It is actually not very appropriate to imagine such a Western restaurant in Western Europe.

Customers who come here to dine value the quiet and warm atmosphere here.

Enjoying their meals, listening to the band playing on the stage, and chatting and laughing with their companions or loved ones from time to time, this was the situation of Maruzenski and Kitahara before.

But the waiters in the restaurant did not stop the excitement. Instead, several staff members came on stage one after another and started to dress up and decorate, as if they wanted to make the atmosphere more lively.

"That's it..."

Noguchi Kenpei nodded on the surface, but he was thinking something in his mind.

He also came to Nagoya by chance. He originally wanted to take Lin Xizhi and two young juniors to meet a friend to discuss some music-related matters.

In the afternoon, the agent came over and said that Lu Duo, the student union president of Central Tresen College, had invited me to have a brief chat in this restaurant.

There's also an activity here, probably something to do with a karaoke competition or show or something.

He originally thought that this might be the same as previous impromptu invitations, and that Luduo wanted to take advantage of this atmosphere to discuss some musical cooperation.

There are still many demands for singing and dancing at Tresen Academy, such as the winner's stage after the competition, performances at thank-you festivals and school festivals, and the Umamusume solo song that was launched this year, all of which require the assistance of professional musicians.

As for the fact that Luduo was able to find him and seemed to know his schedule, it was not surprising.

Kenpei Noguchi knew that this horse girl, who was the equivalent of a human being in her twenties, looked very young, had outstanding abilities, and had considerable power.

As long as it is not something particularly illegal, many things can be done easily, and it is naturally very easy to confirm some of the situations on your side.

But now it seems that the purpose of this president... seems to be just to chat and have fun?

While thinking, Kenpei Noguchi was about to speak when the sound of a microphone came from the hall below.

“Thank you all for coming to Western Europe Fantasy tonight. I’m sure you all know that there is a special event tonight.

A restaurant staff member dressed in a suit and tie, dressed as a host, stood in the center of the stage, holding the microphone. On his left and right were the band members who were ready, and further away were the waiters holding the show props.

"On my left is the lottery box, which contains the table numbers of everyone dining today.

"Next, I will randomly draw numbers, and we eagerly hope that the customers who are drawn will be able to perform on stage, sing, or show off their dancing skills." In order to thank everyone for their support, every customer who performs on stage will receive a gift from our store.

“Also, the possibility of receiving guidance from a mysterious guest.

“I will not reveal the identity of the mysterious guest for now.

"But a reminder, I am a frequent visitor to the NHK Red and White Song Contest!"

Reaching out one hand to the waiter next to him, indicating the box in his hand, the host became excited as he spoke.

The customers in the hall, including the fans surrounding Maruzenski, were all stunned for a moment and then surprised.

Japan's enthusiasm for NHK's Red and White Songs Festival is no less than its enthusiasm for Umamusume.

No one doubted the host's words. If a lie was told in such an occasion and it was reported, the business of this restaurant would be in jeopardy.

So, having the opportunity to receive guidance from the guests of the Red and White Songs Contest, or even without any guidance, just meeting them, asking for an autograph, or taking a photo, is of great appeal to most customers in the restaurant.

"It seems that the mysterious guest is referring to this old man like me."

After listening to the host's introduction and looking at the sudden noise in the hall, Noguchi Kenpei smiled casually, "President Luduo wants to select some talented musicians from the horse racing girls below?
"Perhaps Mr. Kitahara and President Maruzen also have this purpose?" he guessed.

This seems normal to him, and what he just said is not entirely modesty. He has always believed that his achievements today are more due to his persistent efforts.

This is the most basic requirement for success. He would even ponder music theory and repertoire while eating or resting.

He felt that Rudra symbolized this kind of character.

Judging from the president's previous style of doing things, it seems to be true. Although he seems to be relaxing now, it is actually part of his work.

Lu Duo knew that Kenpei Noguchi had misunderstood.

This music mogul would never have imagined that the horse racing ladies in the corner of the restaurant below and at the two tables above were all thinking about things that had nothing to do with work.

There is only one thing called love.

"That's about it," Lu Duo replied calmly in response to Noguchi Kenpei's question, "Of course, Maruzen also has his own ideas."

"Is this President Maruzen's own opinion?"

Noguchi thought for a moment and said, "I talked with some friends from the URA Association and learned that all parties are paying close attention to the new event plan.

“Although the Thanksgiving Festival was simple, it proved the feasibility of this series of new plans.

“Internationally, there is also considerable attention.

“So, President Maruzen is preparing for this?
"Does President Lu Duo also have such an idea?

"In that case, is it possible for an old man like me to participate in the music creation for these competitions in the future?"

"Teacher Noguchi knows even this?"

Rudo symbolizes surprise.

It’s not that I question Kenpei Noguchi’s source of information, but I am a little surprised at his enthusiasm for the Youth Cup and the Peak Cup.

You know, even with the collaboration, Kenpei Noguchi himself has a lot of music work and cannot devote all his time and energy to Umamusume.

According to the academy's various planning regulations, the music that this music master can provide to Uma Musume is actually limited.

But now that the other party has taken the initiative to mention it, it is equivalent to hinting at the birth of a song at the level of the Red and White Songs Festival, which is extremely beneficial to the development of the association and the academy.

Lu Duo was excited because he didn't expect that he would have such an unexpected gain by trying hard to help his best friend find a love relationship.

"So, does Mr. Noguchi have any specific ideas now?"

She immediately got down to business.

“Actually, I’ve been thinking about it for a long time.”

Noguchi Kenpei pondered for a moment and said solemnly: "In fact, Italian musicians occupy a considerable share of the current music market in Japan.

"European beats, this style, President Luduo should be very familiar with it?"

"Well, music theory classes, winner stage rehearsals, students including us go to sing for leisure."

Thinking about it, Lu Duo looked around at his friends and said, "They all basically follow this style.

“Especially Maruzen, her favorite tracks are those in the Eurobeat style.”

“So, this is a challenge for Japanese musicians.”

Noguchi Kenpei said cautiously: "There is a saying in the scientific community that science has no borders, but scientists do have borders.

“It’s definitely a good thing that new music styles are being introduced from Europe, which is revitalizing the Japanese music scene.

“But as time went on, the Japanese flavor in the music gradually disappeared.

"The public will gradually become less familiar with the rhythm that is unique to Japan.

“The same goes for horse racing girls.”

"For us...?"

Lu Duo was a little surprised and didn't understand the relationship for a moment. He couldn't help but frowning slightly and stroking his cheek.

As this conversation continued, the activity below gradually heated up.

Under the host's intentional encouragement, the customers who drew lots basically came on stage in pairs.

There are boys and girls together, boys and Uma Musume together, and there are also many groups of girls.

The band Western European Fantasy is very professional. No matter how good the singing style or singing skills of the customers who go on stage, they can always be accompanied by just the right music. Even the most unprofessional voices can still sound charming.

Over here, the topic was a little serious.

"Yeah, that's true for horse girls, too."

Noguchi Kenpei took a deep breath and said, "I am also a fan of Umamusume. I have never missed the matches of President Ludo, the former president who is the symbol of speed, and other equally wonderful matches of equally outstanding Umamusumes.

“I have always hoped that as Umamusume like you go global, I can also write more music that can go global.

"I originally thought...ah, let me put it this way," Noguchi said frankly, "Please don't mind, President Luduo, but I originally thought that we would have to wait a long time for that day.

“But it is no less important than President Ludo’s, the emergence of the new undefeated Triple Crown horse girl, Ogururo, and the emergence of new events such as the Youth Cup and the Peak Cup.

“I think this day is not far away.

“So, as a musician who loves Umamusume, I hope to write music that is more in line with the Japanese Umamusume style, and accompany you to the world.”

The aging musician's eyes became longing.

"So that's it..."

Luduo's eyes were somewhat excited, and his tone was full of gratitude, "Thank you very much, Mr. Noguchi, for your support for Uma Musume. I really...

"Why……?"

Just as he was about to continue speaking, there was a sudden commotion in the hall below.

Lu Duo couldn't help but look over, and other horse girls, Noguchi Kenpei, Lin Xizhi and others also unexpectedly shifted their gazes downwards.

"President Maruzen..."

After seeing the situation in the hall below, Noguchi Kenpei was the first to ask in surprise: "Did something happen? Why is it so noisy...?"

(End of this chapter)