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

But without a doubt, this Chrysanthemum Appreciation Festival has a lot more "Uma Musume" (horse racers) that weren't originally there. They've been suddenly crammed into this Chrysanthemum Appreciation Festival, probably those ranked outside the top ten in popularity, but that's enough to affect the rhythm of the competition.

Of course, there will also be a few horse girls who are originally from the shojita department but are qualified to participate in the Chrysanthemum Prize competition, but as for how many of these threats there are... well, that's hard to say.

The worst-case scenario is that, apart from Good Opera, Mejiro McQueen, and Mejiro Ryan, the rest of the horses in this race are either not bribed to compete normally, or they are horse girls arranged by the broadcasting company to interfere with the race.

While the media might not be capable of blocking or surrounding you, taking turns disrupting your rhythm is a normal tactic, especially in such important competitions. When targeting the most popular and second most popular female racers, taking turns wearing them down is a very sound tactic.

Even if you complain to the central government, they will have grounds to argue, and even if those grounds are exposed, the vast majority of Japanese horse racing fans probably won't stand on their side.

Wada remained silent for a long time after hearing this, but he was still hoping that Naze Fumino could tell him about the news about the sham stage as soon as possible.

He believed that Fumino Nase wouldn't betray them, but... who wouldn't want that trust to be acknowledged, even just verbally?

……

At that moment, while the three trainers were having a meeting, Fumino Naze was completely unaware that she had not accepted the invitation. At this time, she was in her residence, her mind filled with memories of her conversation with the people from the company today.

"Trainer Naze, a large portion of your training funds now come from the training company. The company is training you to become a top-notch trainer in Japan, hoping that you will achieve something and that you can win crucial races for the company's racehorses at critical moments."

"Now, it's your time to shine. Although the team is somewhat dissatisfied with your decision to join the 'Miracle' team, there's something you can do to make amends."

"For example, during the upcoming Chrysanthemum Festival, carefully observe the tactics of the opera and Megumi McQueen, and then send your analysis to the radio station or something... a small matter?"

"Don't forget, your education is funded by the organization. If you lose the organization's support, your plans to study abroad and attend trainer schools overseas will have to be reconsidered."

"What should I do..." Naze Fumino lay on her bed, her mind filled with these conversations with the people at the company, muttering to herself in distress.

Torn between her future prospects and her senior's pleas and her own promise, Fumino Nase was at a loss for what to do.

Although the threats from the shadai were blatant, they were right. Without the shadai's support, Naze Fumino's plan to study abroad would undoubtedly fall through, and the shadai would no longer be able to write recommendation letters to those schools.

Meanwhile, troubled, Fumino Naze slowly sat up in bed, picked up her phone again, and opened her contacts.

However, looking at the names "Shadai" and "Wada Ryuji," Naze Fumino could make a choice by clicking either one, but she couldn't bring herself to press either one...

But in the end, Fumino Naze swiped the screen and tapped on another call.

"...Hello? Trainer, what's up so late?"

"Hey... Super Little Bay... I have something I want to talk to you about, and I hope you can give me some good advice."

With no one to rely on, Naze Fumino lost her usual composure and asked the tiny bay on the phone:

"Little Bay, do you think... I should break my promise for the sake of my future? I know it's foolish of me to ask this question, but I really don't want to betray this promise..."

At this point, Naze Fumino started to ramble on, but the silence from Super Small Bay on the other end of the phone made her smile wryly as she said:

"...I'm sorry, I'll make the decision myself."

"—No, trainer, actually I think you've already made your decision."

At that moment, a gentle voice came from Super Little Bay on the other end of the phone: "Trainer, although this is the first time you've said something like this, you just said, 'You don't want to betray your promise,' right?"

"That means that subconsciously, you actually want to keep your promise. Otherwise, you should have said something like, 'I really cherish this opportunity,' right?"

"So trainer, do what you think is right. Whatever choice you make, I hope you can be happier."

Chapter 166: The Choice Between the Autumn Imperial Gift and the Chrysanthemum Gift?

"Trainer, I can't make choices for you. Every decision we make is ultimately based on our own will. Even if I made the decision for you, it might not turn out as we hoped."

"So do what you think is right. Whatever choice you make, please remember that I am your absolute supporter."

Super Little Bay did not choose to make a choice for its trainer, nor did it morally blackmail anyone by saying, "I think breaking a promise is a bad thing," nor did it act like a righteous child by saying things like, "If you do that, trainer, I will never talk to you again."

As Xiaohaiwan said, no one can make decisions for Fumino. Even if she has a bias in her heart, Xiaohaiwan can only guide Fumino to do the right thing, but cannot directly choose for her.

She was like a caring mother. When her child was going through a period of confusion, she might not be as strong as the father, but she was gentle and tender. No matter what choice her child made, she would tell him that she was his most loyal supporter.

Perhaps Super Little Bay does exhibit some very maternal aspects, but her attitude towards Fumino Naze is indeed somewhat different. Fumino Naze is very mature and decisive, and their relationship has evolved from companions to comrades-in-arms, and now to confidantes.

As for the small bay, it was Naze Fumino who guided her, and it was difficult for her to treat her with her maternal side—after all, if you had to say that Naze Fumino was a child, then she was already an independent child.

But now, this opportunity has finally come to Xiaohaiwan. She was actually a little surprised. It turns out that even her trainer can have such vulnerable and confused moments...

No, Xiaohaiwan was very pleased. The pressure on her trainer was indeed too great. She might not have felt this way before, but now, perhaps because of her isolation after leaving Treson Academy, her heart had become more fragile, or perhaps because she had some feelings after joining the team—at least now, Naise Fumino was willing to take the initiative to ask for help, which was a good thing for her.

It's impossible for a person to live a solitary life, nor is it possible to have only one confidant throughout one's life.

"...Thank you, Little Bay. Perhaps I should do something."

"No, trainer, I think you should think it through before making a decision. There's not much I can do to help you. If there's another situation where you need me, please don't hesitate to rely on me."

As Xiao Haiwan finished speaking, he suddenly blinked, a hint of amusement in his eyes, and said:

"If Trainer Wada were here, he would definitely want you to rely on him, right? Trainer, if you explain the situation to Trainer Wada, I think he would be very happy."

After saying that, Xiao Haiwan hung up the phone like a child who had successfully pulled off a prank, giving Naze Fumino no chance to react. However, Naze Fumino stared at the caller ID on her phone, but said nothing as she switched back to her contacts and fixed her gaze on the name "Wada Ryuji".

Naze Fumino knew in her heart that Xiaowan was right, and that confessing to Wada at this time might be the best choice... while there was still time.

But whenever Naze Fumino thought about it, she couldn't help but think of what had happened today... Wada, along with his two horse racing girls, apologized to her and even took her to the amusement park, unaware of her connection with the shaman...

But if... I confess now... what will Wada think of me? If he knows that I have ties with the company, will this team still trust me as much as they do now?

Thinking of this, Fumino Naze silently turned off her phone... She really didn't want the harmonious atmosphere within the team to become tense again because of her.

"This kind of thing...this kind of thing...I can handle it myself."

“Those people from Shetai shouldn’t try to threaten us. There should still be something I can do to make amends. There should still be something I can do.”

Naze Fumino muttered to herself, then immediately dialed another phone number. Soon, she spoke to the person on the other end of the line:

“Father… I’m sorry to bother you so late, but I need your help right now.”

"Yes, it's about my team... Father, do you know any trainers from the guild? I want to know their tactics for this Chrysanthemum Festival. I hope you can help me..."

There must be some other way. This thought flashed through Naze Fumino's mind at this moment. She was sure she could handle all of this by herself, and find a way to keep everything going without anyone noticing her abnormality.

……

Time flew by, and before Fumino Naze could bring it up and no one in the group asked any questions, it was already September. During this time, most of the team members participated in several GIII-level competitions to accumulate prize money, but the main focus was on McQueen and Good Opera, their two rivals who were preparing for the Chrysanthemum Award.

However, they are now well aware that the biggest enemy in the upcoming Chrysanthemum Awards may no longer be the other party, but a much larger corporation... But they are still actively preparing to meet the challenge of the Chrysanthemum Awards with a stronger and more energetic state.

"Crossing the finish line! Mejiro McQueen! She has secured a decisive victory in the Arashiyama Special! This race was extremely challenging for Mejiro McQueen, yet she held her own against four race girls! As expected of the Mejiro family's rising star race girl!"

Meanwhile, at the racetrack, Megumi McQueen, after crossing the finish line, slowly slowed down and waved to the stands, a victorious smile on her face. Behind her, the four female racehorses who crossed the finish line next were also panting and staring at Megumi McQueen, their eyes flashing with resentment.

"So strong—no wonder she's one of the strongest racehorse girls preparing for the Chrysanthemum Festival, Meguro McQueen! She actually managed to break through even this..."

"I heard that besides the two-time winner of the Kikuhachi-sho (Chrysanthemum Prize) for Uma Musume, she might be the most likely Uma Musume to win this time..."

"I'm going to get scolded by the trainer again if we go back like this. Four of us couldn't stop her... What should we do?"

However, after exchanging bewildered glances, the four racehorse girls all wore expressions of distress. They were all racehorse girls from the local racing station, participating in this special Arashiyama race at the request of their trainers. Without exception, they had all been entrusted by their trainers with the instruction to "defeat Megure McQueen".

Arashiyama Special isn't exactly a prelude to the Chrysanthemum Festival, but for McQueen, this competition is extremely helpful in accumulating her bounty. Although she has priority to compete, she can't participate without enough bounty. Therefore, the Mejiro family's requirement is that McQueen must win this competition, and cannot lose.

Fortunately, this matter was not particularly stressful for Jinlang. In addition, he had already anticipated that there might be some female racers from the local racing station participating in this race, but even if they did, they shouldn't be involved too much. Furthermore, the anti-encirclement tactics taught by Wada allowed McQueen to break through the encirclement.

For McQueen, winning the Chrysanthemum Award is now a sure thing, but the TV station might see this and try even harder to manipulate the Chrysanthemum Award.

“McQueen has broken out, that’s a good thing… but this is the second time the station has tried to sabotage us, isn’t it?” Jin Lang silently clapped in the audience, with Ikezoe and Wada also present beside him.

Since confirming the stunt team's plan, the three of them have appeared together at almost every race to observe the stunt team's horse racing plans and actions. Ikezoe nodded in agreement, saying:

"Karen and Orpheus were also affected by the match organizers in their two matches, but it seems that they didn't find the right people or didn't discuss tactics well, so it didn't have much of an impact."

"In short distances, the racehorse girls from the company can't find anyone strong enough to compete with Karen-chan, as their explosive power can't keep up. As for Orpheus... the racehorse girls sent by the company to try and surround her couldn't keep up with Orpheus's pace at all, and were quite frightened by Orpheus's aura."

At this point, Ikezoe found it inexplicably amusing and said, "This is a good sign for us. At least, the TV station wouldn't do something like having GI racehorse girls run GIII."

“That would be too obvious, and most of the GI horse girls from the private stage have retired. If they want to find someone on short notice, they'll probably have to wait for races like Arima Kinen or Takarazuka Kinen.” Imanami nodded in agreement, then looked at Wada, who had been silent, and asked:

"Moreover, most GI-level racehorse girls, even those trained by shoji, probably wouldn't listen to such coercion and enticement from shoji."

"Wada-kun, the Chrysanthemum Festival is just around the corner... How are the preparations for the opera going? And how's the 'Raging Waves' performance for the Autumn Emperor's Sho?"

"Also, how is Miss Nase? We haven't seen her much lately."

"...As far as I know, Miss Nase has been in contact with other racehorse girls and trainers at the academy recently, seemingly investigating the tactics of other competitive racehorse girls."

Wada's expression, however, was not so relaxed. During this time, Naze Fumino had indeed been busy with her own affairs. Wada did not know if she had contacted the people from the club, but at least, Ms. Naze had never neglected the affairs of the team.

The Autumn Emperor's Sho and the Chrysanthemum Sho are just around the corner. These two competitions are held very close together and are not held at the same racecourse. Therefore, Wada has to make a choice: whether to go with Noto to the Autumn Emperor's Sho or to supervise the performance of the opera at the Chrysanthemum Sho.

In fact, his emotional side prefers to accompany the opera well, but rationally, he feels that he should personally supervise the Autumn Emperor's Sho (a type of traditional Chinese opera) - because the Autumn Emperor's Sho is held a few days earlier than the Chrysanthemum Sho, and although the radio station will focus most of its energy on the Chrysanthemum Sho, Nu Tao may not necessarily have an easier time as a result.

Shetai will not forget Nutao; Wada can guarantee that. Therefore, compared to a great opera that fights alongside Mejiro McQueen and Mejiro Ryan, Nutao, fighting alone, needs Wada's companionship to settle down...

Wada now had a plan in mind. He wanted to ask about the trainers who had been closely associated with Naze Fumino during this time before making a decision.

Chapter 167: In the end, Fumino Nase made her choice...

"Huh? Trainer Nase? She's a really nice person."

After Wada and his group returned to Treson Academy, Wada immediately sought out the trainers who had been frequently meeting with Naise Fumino recently—and he was very familiar with these two, who were the trainers who admired Orihime and Narita.

At this moment, the three of them were talking about Fumino Nase. When the topic came up, the two childhood friends and trainers talked about a lot of things Fumino had done for them during this time.

"Trainer Naze has been discussing the Chrysanthemum Festival with us lately. We thought she was here to spy on us, since she's on the same team as you, Wada-kun. But we didn't expect her to be here to help us."

"Ah, thanks to her help, my child has also won the Kobe Shimbun Cup and qualified for the Chrysanthemum Prize. We really have to thank you!"

When this was mentioned, Narita's trainer laughed and talked non-stop. Obviously, winning the Kobe Shimbun Cup was a long-awaited and motivating victory for Narita, who had suffered a crushing defeat in the Satsuki Sho and the Japanese Derby. As Narita's trainer, he was very happy to see the boy regain his spirits.

Moreover, what the Narita team's coach didn't mention is that Narita's level has significantly improved since winning the Kobe Shimbun Cup.

If the Satsuki Prize was a contest between good opera and the love of Orihime, with Naritaji merely a runner-up; and if the most outstanding performances in the Japanese Derby were by Naruto and Mejiro McQueen, then this time, he has absolute confidence that Naritaji has the strength and ability to win the Chrysanthemum Prize.

This time, he was absolutely confident that his role as Saima Musume was not just a runner-up, but that he had the strength to compete with Kogeki and Mejiro McQueen for the Kikuka Sho championship!

"So, what about you? How is Orihime doing?"

"...Not good. After losing to Satsuki Shonen and the Japanese Derby, Orihime's condition has been unstable. The doctor said her health is deteriorating rapidly and she will probably need to rest and be observed for a while."

On the other hand, the trainer who admires Orihime is not in a very high mood. Although Orihime's decline in condition can be said to be expected, she still couldn't help but feel sad when it happened.

"Fortunately, Trainer Naze gave Orihime and me a lot of help. She encouraged Orihime to continue participating in the competition and to keep trying for the Chrysanthemum Prize. She also helped Orihime and me adjust our tactics and win the Daily Crown - so Orihime can also participate in the Chrysanthemum Prize."

"We are all very grateful to Trainer Naze for this, and of course, to you all. I believe that Trainer Naze was willing to help us kids out of this predicament, and Wada-kun, you must have tacitly agreed to that, right?"

At this point, both Ai-Orihime and Narita's trainers looked at Wada with gratitude. They knew that Naze Fumino was Wada's team's assistant. Although the news was explosive and unbelievable, since Naze Fumino had stepped in to help them, it must have been with Wada's tacit approval.