Having trained real horses, why are we now training racehorse girls after time-traveling?

……

"Ever since Rudolf arrived, the emperor has been with Rudolf every single day."

Not far away, Jin Lang, McQueen, and the Golden Ship stood together, watching the Emperor and the Symbol of Rudolph, who were training side-by-side not far away and would arrive at their location sooner or later. A faint, wry smile appeared on Jin Lang's face as he said:

"Really, this old man's charm is no match for that of a great beauty; even an emperor was easily seduced."

"Trainer, what are you saying? You're still very young."

McQueen, standing to the side, responded gently. At this moment, McQueen and Golden Ship were wearing slightly different outfits. They had changed into the sportswear that Jinlang had previously customized. The sportswear was simply decorated and had the katakana names of McQueen, Golden Ship, and Emperor on it to show their team's unity.

McQueen and Golden Ship both chose this outfit as their future sportswear without hesitation. It's the clothing that best reflects the importance of their team. And as more Uma Musume members join the team in the future, their names will continue to be added to this outfit.

"Besides, Rudolf has a different meaning to the Emperor, so it's normal for the Emperor to be so attached to him now," McQueen said gently, comforting Jin Lang beside him.

"Don't worry, trainer. The Emperor won't bother Rudolf for too long, maybe half a month at most? One day, the Emperor will probably come back on his own."

"Besides, with me with you, Trainer, you won't feel lonely, will you?" McQueen smiled gently at Jin Lang, a smile that was incredibly clean and pure—since that day when McQueen overcame her dark side, she had never lost control like before, and instead had become serene.

This change, however, made Jinlang feel inexplicably that this might be the true nature of Megumi McQueen... But at the same time, he was also relieved. McQueen had become so clean, he didn't need to worry about the past happening again.

"Yes, old man, it doesn't matter if there's no emperor~ I'll play with you on the little golden boat forever~ It doesn't matter if we play until the sun explodes!"

At this moment, Golden Ship also stepped forward and spoke to Jin Lang. Her movements were quite exaggerated, as if she wanted to attract Jin Lang's attention. Then, she unusually took the initiative to mention:

"Alright! Let's go train together, old man! I'm in incredibly high spirits today! And I'm about to participate in the Asahi Cup GI competition! It's time to focus our attention on Golden Ship!"

"This is the closest I've ever come to the Triple Crown! Grandpa, come and help me win the Classic Triple Crown!"

"If you really want to win, then so be it." Jin Lang smiled slightly upon hearing this. For him, it was a mistake for the Golden Ship and the Emperor's Journey to collide now, but since they had both embarked on the path of the classic triple crown, he hoped that he had done his best, no matter what the final result was.

The classic Triple Crown is not something that belongs to a single racehorse girl; it is an honor that must be earned through hard work and dedication.

As for him... he just needs to do his job as a trainer.

Chapter 411: The Golden Ship and the Emperor of the East Sea Are About to Clash

This time, the Golden Ship really wasn't joking with Jinlang. During this period, the East Sea Emperor had been pestering Lu Duo's symbol, and McQueen's training, which had long since entered a stable period, was already in a state of independent training. Therefore, the Golden Ship became Jinlang's most concerned object.

In fact, Jinlang has been paying close attention to Golden Ship's training arrangements from the very beginning. However, Golden Ship did not have any plans to debut at the time, and Golden Ship's attitude towards training was already very negative. Therefore, Jinlang did not strictly control Golden Ship's behavior.

But now, Golden Ship has already made her debut and is even about to embark on the classic three-crown challenge next year, especially since her opponent is the East Sea Emperor, a miraculous genius with excellent mid-range talent and equally impressive long-range talent.

This isn't Jin Lang being biased. Whether it's the Emperor or the Golden Ship, they're both his flesh and blood. Jin Lang won't favor the Golden Ship just because he's closer to it, nor will he go crazy and force the Emperor to achieve that ideal just because her dream of an undefeated three-crown reign has been shattered.

To him, the Empress was like a child in his team, as was the Golden Ship. He treated all the racehorse girls equally, just as he would treat any child. As for their future achievements, honors, choices, etc., he would try his best not to interfere.

They all have their own lives and their own futures to strive for. What Jinlang can do is help them get closer to their ideals, but that doesn't mean he's going to take down their ideals and give them to them.

There are some things that Jinlang can help them with. When they realize they don't need his help anymore, it means they're ready to spread their wings and fly away. At that point, don't try to restrain their wings that want to leave.

This is Inamami's educational philosophy and her method of teaching the racehorse girls. Therefore, even when Inamami was so busy in the past two years, and Wada and Ikezoe needed his help, he was still able to handle things with ease. He considers himself the mentor and guide of these girls, and even a half-father or half-grandfather. But he only guides them; the future of the racehorse girls is in their own hands.

Just as the East Sea Emperor now believes that Jin Lang has taught her everything he should, and keeps pestering Lu Duo for symbolism, or just as McQueen and the Golden Ship still feel that they need Jin Lang, it's the same. The opportunity is right in front of them, and how to seize it is their own choice.

Golden Ship chose to stay by Jinlang's side, so Jinlang designed a training program for her, and Golden Ship gave Jinlang a satisfactory answer.

"Asahi Cup GI! The winner is Golden Ship! A powerful and rapid acceleration! Just like a white ship slowly accelerating! Golden Ship, who will only reach the Classic Year next year! Actually won a GI race before the Classic Year!"

"So, will her goal be the classic triple crown? And the Golden Ship, who have never been defeated until now! Will her goal be an undefeated triple crown like the East Sea Emperor?!"

On the track at Hanshin Racecourse, the joy of the narrowly victorious Golden Ship was palpable. He even ran another lap around the track with an air of ease to celebrate his first GI victory.

Now, the Golden Ship's record is actually quite remarkable, with five wins out of five, including one win in OP, two in GIII, one in GII, and just one win in GI.

Before the classic year, in the five races of the Golden Ship that debuted before the Spring Emperor's Score, except for the first one where she lost by a large margin in order to avenge McQueen, she won every subsequent race by a narrow margin. However, she has always maintained this momentum and has been winning ever since.

Nowadays, the calls for Golden Ship to win the classic triple crown are, in some ways, louder than those for East Sea Emperor – after all, East Sea Emperor has only won one match since her debut, and although she easily won that match, Golden Ship's current strength and performance on the field do indeed give her more supporters than Emperor.

Everyone knows that next year's classic year will be a showdown between Golden Ship and East Sea Emperor. Which of the two girls can win the classic triple crown and become the truly undefeated triple crown racehorse girl?

Perhaps one person can achieve it, or perhaps neither of them can, but at least, the strength that the two women have shown so far will undoubtedly become the biggest topic before the Classic Triple Crown event next year.

"Damn it—Golden Ship is so strong!" The East Sea Emperor, standing beside Jin Lang, was unwilling to accept this. Golden Ship had actually won a GI match, and while feeling a strong sense of crisis, he forced himself to remain calm and said:

"But I will absolutely not lose! If Golden Ship really wants to challenge me, the Emperor, I will definitely not lose to Golden Ship!"

“…Be careful, Your Majesty. The Golden Ship isn’t going all out right now.” Seeing this, Rudolf’s pupils contracted slightly, and he said calmly, “She hasn’t used her full strength from beginning to end. Perhaps she is more terrifying than you think.”

“That’s right.” McQueen, standing to the side, nodded seriously upon hearing this. She couldn’t help but recall the moment when the Golden Ship, which had somehow entered the Meguro residence, warned her – that was the first time McQueen had sensed the Golden Ship’s difference.

"Golden Ship... perhaps he really is one of the people we can't see through the most."

"Huh? President, you and McQueen are acting strangely. I don't see anything wrong with Golden Ship."

The East Sea Emperor, who lacked both "Aura" and "Domain," had no intuitive understanding of this. Moreover, the Golden Ship usually found McQueen more annoying, and actually got along quite well with the East Sea Emperor. Therefore, the Emperor's impression of the Golden Ship was relatively positive.

"A racehorse girl who doesn't train much but is surprisingly strong"—that was the Emperor's assessment of Golden Ship. She simply knew that Golden Ship was strong, but she wasn't quite sure exactly why.

"Hehe, but I'm not afraid! President, just you wait and see, if we really reach the classic triple crown, I will definitely defeat Golden Ship!"

Since Lu Duo joined the team, the East Sea Emperor, who had always been the one getting "beaten up" in the team, suddenly became much more confident, as if a guardian had come to school. He seemed to have relapsed into his old ways, and arrogantly said:

"I, Your Majesty, will never lose! Only you, Gold Ship, will find it very difficult to defeat me, Your Majesty, just like that!"

"Torna, when is my next match? When will I face the Golden Ship?"

"The next competition, the Emperor, I've already arranged it all. It's the Wakama S (OP) in February next year, then the Kyodo Communication Cup (GIII) in March, and finally, the Yayoi Sho (GII)."

"If nothing unexpected happens, Your Majesty, you will face off against Golden Ship for the first time at the Yayoi Sho. Of course, even if Golden Ship doesn't participate in the competition, her fan base and bounty are enough for her to participate in the Satsuki Sho. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

"Hehe, then bring it on! I will end Gold Ship's winning streak at Yayoi Sho!" The East Sea Emperor was quite confident, mainly because she had a good understanding of her ability to withstand pressure. Normally, she would never dare to say this to the team, but this time the situation was different. She only needed to deal with Gold Ship.

Like everyone else, the Empress didn't have a concrete understanding of the Golden Ship's strength. Her understanding of the Golden Ship's strength was basically based on her experiences during team training, where she was always sandwiched between McQueen and the Golden Ship, surrounded by two opposing forces, and desperately trying to run forward.

She was in a sorry state at that time, but she also gained an understanding of the Golden Ship: although the Golden Ship had an aura, it was definitely not at a very strong level.

At least she's not as strong as Raging Waves. That's why the Emperor dared to guarantee that the Golden Ship alone wouldn't be able to suppress her unless another McQueen appeared. But McQueen wouldn't face her until at least the second half of the year, so the Emperor wasn't worried.

First, surpass them one by one. First, surpass the Golden Ship, then McQueen, and finally set your sights on the Raging Waves, the Good Opera, and the Big Sister of the Masters. Once she surpasses everyone, she will be the strongest in the team!

Facing the confident Emperor of the East Sea, Jinlang didn't say much. At that moment, a phone call came through. Jinlang opened it and found that it was from Hetian.

"—Hey, Wada-kun? What's up?"

“Mr. Jinlang, ah, about this matter… I shouldn’t have come to you, but the spot for the racehorse girl who went to Paris for further studies has now been decided.”

"Huh? They're out? Who is it?" Jin Lang asked curiously.

"...It's the Silent Suzuka."

However, Wada's answer surprised Jinlang slightly, and then Wada spoke with a hint of bitterness:

"I'm leaving for Paris today. I heard it was Okino-kun who agreed."

"I think Nase will be there too. Do you think... I should go see her now?"

Chapter 412: Suzuka: It's Time to Change the B70 Stereotype

"...Before answering that question, Mr. Wada, you have to answer one of my questions first."

However, Inamami usually turns a blind eye to Wada's behavior, just like he does to Ikezoe. Since Ikezoe has already faced his own conscience, and his two main team members, the race girls, tacitly approve of his actions, it's not Inamami's place to say anything. But with Wada, Inamami's attitude is completely different.

Jinlang knew that Wada was devoted to love; he had already established a relationship with a good opera singer long ago. However, he didn't know if it was his handsome face that had some special effect on people in this world, or if his personality was just too irresistible to young girls of this age...

Of course, there's another possibility: "What you can't have always seems more alluring." That is, the more devoted a person is, the more attractive they become to the opposite sex, thus trapping them in this predicament. But as for Jinlang, Wada must have his own reasons for reaching this point.

The failure to make a clean break when it should have been has led to the current complicated situation. However, Jinlang will not blame Wada; he is simply offering advice to his junior as an elder.

"Wada-kun, tell me, what are my feelings for Nase-san? Did you ever have feelings for her?"

"……Have."

However, after an extremely long silence, even Wada had to admit that he couldn't deceive his own heart. On the other end of the phone, even though Jinlang couldn't see Wada's face, he knew that Wada's expression was extremely conflicted.

"I'm certain that Nase will go to Paris with Silent Suzuka this time, and after that, I won't see Nase again for at least three years."

"But... I still want to see her one last time. Senior Jinlang, do you think... I should go?"

"This issue isn't about me, but about your choice, Wada-kun." Upon hearing this, Ima Ryou smiled tolerantly. Wada's little scheme might fool the opera, but it couldn't fool an old man like Ima Ryou. He already knew what Wada was thinking.

What Hotan needs now is not someone to tell him what to do, but someone to give him some support while telling him what will happen next and what the consequences will be.

“If I were you, now that you’ve established a relationship with Good Opera, this is the best time to cut ties with Ms. Naze. From now on, you might never see each other again, and she will forget about you and pursue her own dreams. This would be a good outcome for both of you.”

"But, Wada, if you really want to act impulsively this time, I hope you will let Good Opera know about these things. As someone who has supported Uma Musume all this time, I think she has the right to know these things."

“She will not leave you, you know that very well, but precisely because of that, I feel she has the right to know this.”

“She will understand you, Mr. Wada. I have complete faith in that. Trust me, it will be best for both of you.”

Some things, the later you know them, the more severe the explosion will be; the earlier you know, the better you might be mentally prepared. You can't hide things forever, unless you truly didn't do them. Jinlang needs to understand this all too well.

The only lesson he wanted to teach young people was to never take chances. You can't escape what you've done, so it's better to be honest and straightforward. Hiding is always the most hurtful thing to do.

“…I understand, Imai-senpai.” After a long silence, Wada replied calmly, “I know what to do.”

……

"Well then, Suzuka-san, please take good care of yourself on your journey."

"The road to Paris is long, but please take good care of yourself. I believe you will go even further after you return from Paris."

Meanwhile, at Tokyo Airport, Okino was bidding farewell to Silent Suzuka with his racehorse girls. Okino's expression was somewhat reluctant, but more so gratified that his team's racehorse girls had actually secured this spot and could go to a distant country to further their skills.

After this return, whether Suzuka chooses to continue as a racehorse girl or retires to teach more racehorse girls, Suzuka's future is undoubtedly bright, which is what makes Okino most gratified.

He wanted to see these kids go further, and Silent Suzuka, as the only racehorse girl in their team who had reached the point of breaking through her own limits, really needed this learning opportunity. Perhaps there was a way to help Silent Suzuka break through this ceiling.

To be honest, when Okino heard that the spot had gone to their team, he even thought he might have drunk too much and his ears were not quite right. However, after repeatedly confirming that the spot for the Uma Musume (Horse Girls) to study in Paris had been given to their team, he went through a lot of deliberation before deciding to let Silent Suzuka seize this opportunity.

The reason is simple: Suzuka is now arguably the most promising member of his team. She has overcome the biggest crisis of her life, and Okino can also clearly feel that since that day, the silent Suzuka seems to have undergone some subtle changes, as if she is about to awaken her own "aura" or "domain".

Therefore, giving this opportunity to Suzuka was a decision unanimously made by their team. Even Special Week, who couldn't live without the silent Suzuka, was the first to raise his hand with reluctance.

"Waaaaah, Suzuka-san, please take good care of yourself in Paris, and remember to video call us!"

Now, during Special Week, she was crying her eyes out. Of course, she was very reluctant to part with Silent Suzuka, but as Suzuka's true best friend, how could she let Suzuka give up such a good opportunity because of her own selfishness?

Therefore, no matter how reluctant she was, she would not persuade Suzuka to turn back. Now she no longer had the majesty of the "General of Japan" when she faced the Golden Master one-on-one on the track. She was just a racehorse girl who was reluctant to see her friend leave, but had no choice but to watch her go.

"Spee-chan... I'm just going to Paris to study ***, and I heard that the discipline there isn't strict, so I can come back anytime I have the chance."

Suzuka was naturally reluctant to part with everyone, but since this opportunity had fallen into her hands, she naturally had to cherish it. Therefore, facing Okino, Special Week, Yamato Akame, and Vodka, she bowed deeply and said in a slightly tearful voice: