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

"What does Senior intend for me to do?" Upon hearing this, Chi Tian nodded solemnly and immediately said, "I will do whatever it is! Please be sure to tell me!"

"What are you doing, junior? You're the trainer, you should know that."

Maru Zenki smiled and said, "The spots for the Arc de Triomphe are not easy to get. There are only a few chances to break out of Japan. I can't help you forever. In the end, it's up to you."

"What I can help you do is to win the Arc de Triomphe, and also to help you, as the trainer, improve your own abilities."

"...My abilities?"

However, Chi Tian was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. He only realized this belatedly. To reach the Arc de Triomphe, relying solely on the skills of the Gold Master would not be enough; he also needed to improve his own abilities.

However, Ikezoe's dazed look led Maruzen to misunderstand. Maruzen didn't seem angry; instead, he said in a slightly reproachful tone, "What's wrong? Do you think I can't teach you? Don't let my racehorse appearance fool you; when I'm running on the track, you're all nowhere to be seen."

In his haste, he even forgot about the taboo surrounding his age. At this moment, Maru Zensky said with great dissatisfaction, "And although I haven't been on the battlefield for years, I've been studying foreign runways and rules, and I've been planning to help some children break out of Japan. Every child who wants to conquer the Arc de Triomphe has to go through me first."

"I'm now planning to give you all the help I can. Even the Emperor of the East Sea isn't this lucky. Junior, you mustn't be ungrateful."

"—How could this be?!"

However, after Ikezoe realized what was happening, her next action startled Maruzensky. Ikezoe immediately stood up, bowed deeply towards Maruzensky, and said:

"Maruzen-senpai—no! Teacher! Please, you must teach me how to become a better trainer! Please!"

Chapter 126: Ikezoe's First Request?

"Teacher... Hahaha, I'm getting called 'teacher' one day now..."

Maru Zenki was slightly taken aback by Ikezoe's generous gift, but he quickly recovered, a smile returning to his face as he helped Ikezoe up and said to him:

"Alright, no need to be so formal. I accept the title of teacher, but please don't call me that normally. I don't want people to know that I give the trainers special treatment, or the people from the central government will cause me trouble."

Several of the top-tier racehorse girls at Treson Academy have yet to choose their disciples. One reason is that they have affairs to attend to and probably won't have time to teach disciples. Another reason is that they don't have any particularly favored candidates. Among the student council members, only the East Sea Emperor can be considered as half a disciple of Rudo.

Not everyone has the leisure time to train disciples like Representative Chiaki. After all, at the branch school, Representative Chiaki, as the student council president, is rather irresponsible. She is more like a horse racing girl than a president.

In other words, everyone in the student council of Tressen College can choose their own disciples, but they simply haven't chosen for various reasons. Maru Zensky's situation is rather special.

As Tresson's senior, she has been studying strategies for foreign racehorse girls for many years. Every racehorse girl who is going to go abroad needs to train under Maruzensky for several weeks to familiarize herself with different tracks, in order to prevent the racehorse girl from being worn out after returning from the expedition.

Although Maruzensky has been in charge of this work for many years, sending off batch after batch of racehorses that went abroad for competitions, some of them returned safely, while others could not escape the fate of retirement... Maruzensky has always been working hard and trying to connect those girls with the international community.

Because she knew that only by breaking out of Japan could these children step onto a bigger stage; Japan was too small, and... too dark.

Maruzensky had experienced it himself, so he didn't want these children to go through it. Perhaps most of the children wouldn't be exposed to such a dark scene, but if any children were to experience it... Maruzensky would absolutely not allow them to go through such an ending.

“So, Trainer Ikezoe—no, Ikezoe-kun, for the next period of time, you will be my student, Maruzensky.”

Maru Zenki stood with his hands on his hips, displaying his very mature physique quite conspicuously, and then looked at Ikezoe with an admiring gaze that seemed to say, "This kid is teachable."

"However, this matter cannot be made public. You can tell the two children, after all, they both have the talent to go on expeditions abroad. Although I have the highest hopes for the Golden Master, the Clever One also has the talent."

"However, I want to remind them not to tell anyone else, and it's best not to tell the other racehorse girls in the team either. You could say I'm giving you special treatment, but if Rudolph finds out, she might interfere."

"...You mean, the president won't agree to your private teaching?" Chi Tian asked, guessing.

"No, no, no, Rudolph will definitely find out about this and secretly find some foreign racehorse girls to replace me. Then she'll tell us something like 'foreign racehorse girls are more professional,' and then our affair might be exposed to the central authorities!"

When Maru Zensky mentioned his junior colleague, he shook his head helplessly and said, "Rudolf cares about every junior colleague, but in this aspect, she is prone to doing more harm than good."

Maruzensky clearly understood the symbolism of Rudol. This chairperson was good in every way, except when it came to the important issues concerning the children. She was too prone to over-concern and forgot the consequences behind it. By the time she realized it, it was probably too late to salvage the situation.

Maruzensky wanted to tell Rudolf that what is good for children does not necessarily have to be based entirely on the best resources, the best arrangements, the most suitable, or the truly best.

"Alright, after saying so much, we've accomplished one of our tasks. Now it's time for our teaching arrangements."

"Now, as for teaching those two kids, Golden Master and True Clever, your level is definitely high enough. As for domestic competitions, even I can't say anything to you. Besides, I haven't paid attention to domestic competitions for a long time. You have more experience in this area than I do."

"So, if I were to teach you, what I could teach you would be the points that need attention in international competitions. This is something you, as a trainer, must learn and master. There are also many special training methods from international trainers, which you need to learn as well."

As he said this, Maru Zensky crossed his arms and said, word by word, "From now on, unless it is a special period, I will notify you separately. Come here every Sunday. I will teach you some professional knowledge here to help you improve your skills and prepare you for the Arc de Triomphe in the future as soon as possible."

"Golden Master is still a year away from aiming for the Classic Triple Crown. In that year, there are still many areas where you need to improve."

"Time is tight and there's a lot to cover, my dear junior, are you ready?"

"—I'm fully prepared!" Ikezoe answered Maruzensky's question with great enthusiasm, and seeing Ikezoe's high spirits, Maruzensky nodded with satisfaction.

She was right about him; this junior had a strong drive.

Although she had also sensed this aura from the young trainer named Ryuji Wada under her supervision, Ryuji Wada's drive was more of an obsession, as if he were determined to accomplish something at all costs... This drive was certainly strong, but it was entirely based on self-confidence.

Maruzensky could sense that Wada's essence was still in the exploratory stage. She had set goals, but there was still a lot to learn. To put it bluntly, Maruzensky dared to say that if she were to take away the good operas, this young trainer would have to put in a lot of effort herself.

The success of a good opera also rests on the trust placed in the young trainer. Perhaps their pairing wasn't the strongest, but it was certainly the most suitable. Therefore, Maruzensky wouldn't interfere in such a perfect combination, even if her skill level was very high.

But Ikezoe is different. Ikezoe has clear goals and is much more mature, but he lacks a bit of professionalism and self-confidence. As long as we can make up for these shortcomings in Ikezoe...

So, on the field at the Arc de Triomphe, facing a fully prepared Ikezoe, even those old fogies from the TV station would have no choice but to give up!

With Japanese trainers leading the entire expedition and the same head trainer still on the expedition to the Arc de Triomphe—this achievement, even without winning at the Arc de Triomphe, is enough to make everyone in Japan feel proud.

Thinking this, Maru Zenki breathed a sigh of relief; at least all her preparations hadn't been in vain.

"Then let's leave it at that. Now let's go back to Treson Academy. Hopefully, your two troublesome kids haven't driven you crazy yet," Maruzen said casually. Just then, Ikezoe suddenly remembered something and said to Maruzen:

"Teacher, can I ask you for one more favor?"

"Hmm?" Maru Zenki turned his head, somewhat puzzled, upon hearing this, only to see Ikezoe looking a little embarrassed. He asked with some curiosity, "..."

"You asked for your teacher's help on your very first day as an apprentice... Tell me, what is it?"

"Well, actually, I'm not the only one who wants to compete for the Arc de Triomphe. My good friend, Wada, you should have heard of him. He and his production team, Uma Musume Koi Oka, are also preparing for the Arc de Triomphe."

"He and I are the same. We are people who cannot compare with foreign trainers in terms of experience and professionalism. In fact, we have reached our current level by relying on those few talented children."

"I want to help him, teacher. Do you think... you could teach him along with Wada-kun?"

Chapter 127: Maruzensky's Best Choice for Wada?

"What a strange sight, my junior! You actually let your teacher mentor another student? That really surprised me."

Maruzensky was slightly taken aback by Ikezoe's words, but he quickly regained his interest and asked, "I'd like to hear what you think."

Generally speaking, when someone receives help from others, enabling them to achieve their dream of soaring to great heights, why would they share such a good thing with others? They wouldn't even want to keep it all to themselves. After all, when aiming for victory, having another competitor will definitely have an impact. Generally, a slightly selfish person would want to keep this good fortune to themselves, work hard to improve themselves, and not distract their teacher.

But Maruzensky, the new student, immediately turned his attention to another friend, Ryuji Wada, a trainer who, in some ways, was less reliable and relatively inexperienced than him, and who was also determined to break through the Arc de Triomphe.

Ikezoe certainly wouldn't forget his friend's ideal. Wada wanted to team up with Good Opera to challenge the Arc de Triomphe, something they had never tried before. Although it was different from his ambition to have Golden Masters take first place at the Arc de Triomphe, for Wada, as long as Good Opera stood on the Arc de Triomphe stage, it would be a success for him.

But Ikezoe didn't want Wada's ambitions to be limited to that. Good Opera was in no way inferior to the Golden Masters in terms of talent. He felt that as long as Wada could improve his own level, he could also make Good Opera compete for the championship at the Arc de Triomphe, just like him.

They shared the same ideals and the same obsessions, and Ikezoe believed that his obsessions were not as deep as Wada's. Therefore, he felt that Wada needed Maruzensky's help more than he did.

"I just feel that if it were Wada-kun standing here, he would definitely ask you, teacher, to help me teach me, right?"

Upon hearing this, Ikezoe chuckled and scratched his head, saying, "Wada-kun and I are both striving towards the Arc de Triomphe. Perhaps this year, or perhaps next year, we should both be aiming for it."

"So, I think he'll also need your help, teacher. After all, his skill level is even lower than mine, so he definitely needs to improve more..."

"...Is that so? But my student, you should consider that it's also dangerous for your teacher to be teaching you right now. If there's another student, can you guarantee my safety?"

Maruzensky was secretly pleased with Ikezoe's reaction, but outwardly he maintained a reproachful expression, gently tapping Ikezoe's sleeping mind with his finger before speaking, word by word:

"The fewer people who know about this, the better. If it's just you, even if it's discovered, I can explain it. But if there are two people, how am I supposed to explain it?"

"Oh... I was being presumptuous..."

After being lightly tapped by Maruzensky, Ikezoe immediately realized what was happening. However, he sighed inwardly, feeling a little guilty for not being able to help his good friend.

Seeing Ikezoe's expression, Maruzensky's opinion of his student grew even stronger...

How could she refuse? Such a broad-minded and kind-hearted student left Maruzensky with no excuse to turn down Ikezoe. Although this was only their second meeting, Maruzensky already had a very good impression of his student.

So, faced with his student's request, Maruzensky naturally had to choose a solution that would satisfy both sides...

"—I've got it, I've got a solution."

Maruzenski suddenly clapped her hands. She thought of someone, someone who was very suitable to teach Wada right now. With this person's professionalism and rigor, she was sure she could quickly help Wada improve his skills.

“I know a trainer who is very talented and is also your senior. I can ask her to help out and temporarily serve as trainer Wada’s… um… assistant.”

"Although she might be a bit difficult to get if she's proud and arrogant, I think she'll give me that favor if I go to her in person."

Maru Zenki felt a deep sense of admiration for that person's abilities. It could be said that, apart from Tojo Hana, almost no one at Treson Academy dared to claim their skill level could surpass that trainer's.

Moreover, after her golden age ended, she quietly began to study a lot of knowledge about overseas competitions. Compared to Maru Zenki, that trainer's level was more perfect, and he could be said to be a perfect existence.

However, persuading her to become an assistant to a new trainer... is certainly difficult, but Maru Zenki believes that with her eloquence and by explaining the whole story clearly to the other party, the possibility of the other party agreeing to her request is not entirely zero.

"Alright, alright, don't look so gloomy. My dear juniors, my dear students, this is all I can do to help you. Whether it works out in the end or not depends on yourselves."

Maruzen patted Ikezoe on the shoulder, and seeing his expression change from cloudy to sunny, he found it quite amusing.

However, she doesn't intend to tease her student too much right now. He still has a long way to go, and if he's truly determined to break out of Japan, he, along with his two students, still have a long road ahead.

They still have time to prepare and build up for the future.

Maruzensky could only lend a helping hand to Ike, and the main reason she didn't interfere in the training and education of these children was because she knew that no one else could replace the position of trainer.

Those children only obeyed because of their "trainers." The premise for their obedience, obedience, and diligent training was that "it was the trainer's word."

This premise cannot be replaced by any amount of honor, title, or professional skill. Because the trainers they choose are the ones they believe are the most suitable.

For a long time, the Japan Horse Racing Association has neglected the importance of the "trainer" role. Even when racing overseas, they would do something as taboo as "changing the main trainer" in order to win. No matter how much Maruzensky and other horse racing girls objected, the Horse Racing Association ignored them.

Maruzensky wanted to prove that the position of trainer is absolutely indispensable. Just like the choices made by the racehorse girls, the bond between them and their trainers—is something that absolutely cannot be changed!

……

Some time later, at the gate of Treson Academy, Maruzensky's car came to a stop at an unprecedentedly smooth speed. As Ikezoe got out of the car, several racehorse girls suddenly ran into the gate of Treson Academy.

"Chi Tian!"

"Onii-chan~ Welcome back~"

"Huh? Master, and Karen-chan too? Why..."

Ikezoe was also taken aback by the two racehorse girls who arrived so quickly. However, with Wada following closely behind them, it was clear that he still couldn't stop the two racehorse girls.

Fortunately, Ikezoe is back now. When Wada saw Ikezoe and Maruzensky together, he gave Ikezoe a helpless look, the meaning of which was clear: "I'm sorry, friend, I've done my best."

"Onii-chan, where did you go? Why are you with Maruzen-senpai?" Makoto immediately grabbed Ikezoe's arm, her sweet voice carrying a hint of danger, but thankfully, Ikezoe didn't notice.

While the goldsmith beside her didn't speak, she kept looking at Maruzensky with a strangely dangerous gaze. Clearly, she didn't think much of this hot senior who had given his business card to Ikezoe.