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

After all, who would help their rival improve their skills during such a crucial competition?

Therefore, there is almost no doubt that the help provided by Naise Fumino was approved by Wada. Although they were not quite sure what Wada's purpose was, the two consecutive confrontations and the current state of Naritaji and Aigumi Orihime made them at least certain that this was not to harm them.

They were especially gratified to see their children regain their former energy and even show great fighting spirit when participating in the chrysanthemum appreciation event.

However, faced with the grateful gazes of the two trainers, Wada remained silent for a moment, but soon he smiled again and said to them:

"Thank you for your reply. I am very happy to hear your words."

"—Of course, I think these words of gratitude should be reserved for Trainer Naze. She's the one who did these things, not me."

"I don't have the capacity to keep track of the condition of so many racehorse girls," Wada muttered to himself before quickly taking his leave.

Wada walked towards the team's house almost by instinct, but he had only gone halfway when the two of them, who were walking in the same direction, looked up at the same time and noticed each other.

When Wada and Naze Fumino met as usual, they remained silent, neither of them uttering a word.

Now, it was Wada who noticed Naze Fumino's current state.

She is as beautiful as ever, that's for sure. However, upon closer inspection, you can see that Naze Fumino has some dark circles under her eyes. Although she seems to have tried to cover them up with makeup, it's still somewhat noticeable, probably because she's not very skilled at applying it.

Her hair was a little messier than usual, probably because she forgot to blow-dry it after washing it. Although Naze Fumino was hiding her fatigue very well, she couldn't hide it from Wada.

“…If you don’t mind, let’s walk together for a bit.” Wada also said to Nase Fumino with a smile:

“I happen to have something I want to tell you, Trainer Naze.”

"Is the matter... related to the chrysanthemum appreciation?"

Seeing that Wada seemed as gentle as ever, Naze Fumino, who always expected him to question her about the shaman platform every time they met, breathed a sigh of relief and followed Wada without refusing, asking:

"If it's the Chrysanthemum Award, I've already assessed the current state of Good Opera. After comparing the data with Narita Road and Orihime Love Story, I think Good Opera still has a significant advantage."

“However, as you know, Good Opera’s training intensity is decreasing now. We are more inclined to maintain her current form. As for Narita… her growth rate has been quite rapid recently. I think we should rethink our tactics.”

"—Trainer Naze, I hope that while Nutao and I are away at the Autumn Emperor's Sho, you can help me look after the Chrysanthemum Sho opera performance."

At that moment, before Naze Fumino could finish speaking, Wada took the initiative to explain his purpose for coming. When Wada said this, Naze Fumino's steps involuntarily stopped.

"You want me to... take care of the opera at the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Ceremony at Kyoto Racecourse... is that right?"

Seemingly finding it hard to believe, Naze Fumino was even reluctant to believe her ears—because she knew very well that good opera meant extraordinary things to Wada, and how could Wada possibly miss the Chrysanthemum Award, the last of the classic three crowns?

Naze Fumino had already planned to take care of the raging waves at the Autumn Emperor's Sho, and even prepared for the possibility that her plans would be exposed so that she would have to wait and see—but she never expected that Wada would ask her to take care of the Chrysanthemum Sho, a fine opera.

"Good opera... Isn't it your favorite, Uma Musume? Let me go and look after her Chrysanthemum Festival, really... is that alright?"

"--Good Opera is indeed my favorite horse, but Nyutō's condition is actually more worrying than Good Opera. If the Emperor doesn't attend, Nyutō's performance may be unstable."

Wada explained with a smile, showing no doubt about his decision: "Therefore, Nutao's match is the one I need to personally oversee. Moreover, Nutao is fighting alone in the Emperor's Prize competition, and she needs my support."

"But Good Opera is different. She will understand. Even if I'm not there, I believe she will do her best to win for us. I'm asking you to take care of Good Opera for me first, so that she can perform normally at the Chrysanthemum Award."

"Of course I will try my best to get to the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Ceremony as soon as possible, but I trust you will take good care of the opera in the next few days, just as I trust the opera will continue to triumph."

"...You believe me?"

However, when Naze Fumino heard Wada say those words, she unconsciously repeated them. After closing her eyes for a while as if hesitating, she seemed to have made her own decision.

I see... You really are a fool, Ryuji Wada.

You still don't know that I have any connection with the TV station? You trust me that much?

...That's too cunning. In the end, it turns out I was just scaring myself all along.

Thinking about the fear and anxiety she had felt these past few days, and the efforts she had made to make up for it, Naze Fumino found it inexplicably funny. She hadn't expected that her companion would be such a fool, a fool who knew nothing at all.

...However, she's also a fool; she's actually doing something she never dared to even think of before...going against the TV station.

But now, none of these things were meaningless. After receiving Wada's words, "I believe in you," Nase Fumino finally made up her mind and made her own choice.

"Go to the Emperor's Slam with Nutao without worry, Trainer Wada. Remember, you must win the GI championship before you come back."

"I'll take care of Good Opera as well. I promise you, even if you can't get back right away, I'll make sure Good Opera wins this competition so I can come see you."

"I swear I won't let anyone interfere with this chrysanthemum appreciation."

Chapter 168: A Good Opera at Odds and "Good Opera"

Naze Fumino's answer further confirmed Wada's thoughts. He knew that he could now completely trust Naze Fumino. She would never stand with the shadai again because he had "morally blackmailed" Naze Fumino into being tied to their team.

Wada wasn't completely unaware of anything; he had made thorough preparations to test Naze Fumino. If Naze Fumino readily agreed, Wada would probably genuinely believe that Naze Fumino was already on the side of the shadai.

Throughout the entire process, Fumino clearly showed hesitation and surprise, but her final determination was the most reassuring boost for Wada.

Wada felt that Naze Fumino must have already planned everything for the Chrysanthemum Appreciation. Since she didn't want others to know about her efforts, he didn't need to ask any more questions and just cooperated with her.

As for what Fumino's plans are... Wada felt he no longer needed to know. He believed Fumino's plans would be much more thorough than Wada had imagined. His involvement was probably unnecessary.

His only concern now is to finish the Emperor's Sho with Nutao as soon as possible and get from Tokyo to the Kyoto Racecourse for the Chrysanthemum Sho. If they can make it in time, they might be able to reach the Chrysanthemum Sho venue before the opening ceremony.

"So, our match is about to begin."

Wada returned to the team room and summoned both Ryutō and Kaigeki. Looking at his two racehorse girls, whom he was incredibly proud of, he said:

"Nuttau, the Autumn Emperor's Sho is about to begin. Are you nervous?"

"No, don't be nervous. Trainer, we've trained enough, and I've had a long rest. It's time, it's time to challenge GI events!"

Nu Tao was clearly still a little worried, after all, she wasn't in the state of being on the field yet, and she hadn't used her aura. She still looked a bit timid and hesitant, but she was much better than when He Tian first met her.

The original Nutao would never have made a statement like "challenging GI", but now, under Hetian's guidance and through several rounds of growth, Nutao has completely transformed. She has begun to have confidence in herself and has gained an understanding of her own strength.

It may be difficult to win another good opera in the short term, but as long as he avoids good opera, he is confident of victory against any other race.

"I'm just a little worried... Trainer, will the club's radio station target me... After all, although I probably don't receive as much attention as the good opera students, but, but..."

What Nutao is most worried about right now is not his own condition, but Shetai. Now, every member of their team knows that Shetai is targeting their team. The entire "Miracle" team is united against Shetai, and even those with strong emotions, such as Golden Master and East Sea Emperor, have made statements such as "We are irreconcilable enemies with Shetai".

Although Nutao didn't say anything like that, in fact, her anger and resentment towards Shetai's actions were no less than that of the other racehorse girls in her team. She just knew very well that she shouldn't let her anger affect her judgment, which was something the trainer didn't want to see.

However, this anger has not yet manifested in Nutao, but it might be different on the field...

"—Without a doubt, Raging Waves, you won't win the championship so easily at the Emperor's Slam. The organizers will definitely rig this match, especially after their previous matches ended in defeat. They certainly won't let this GI event go unpunished."

Wada nodded, gently patted Nutao's head to calm her down, and then spoke very calmly:

"So I will accompany you to the Emperor's Award this time, so that we can plan according to the situation and adjust our tactics in time to ensure that you can win this battle."

"Huh?! Trainer, you, you're coming with me to the Emperor's Gift Shop?!"

However, Wada's words were also unexpected by Nutao. Like Naze Fumino, she never expected that Wada would accompany her to the Emperor's Sho this time. She had already prepared for the worst, going alone...

Upon hearing the news, Nutao's face visibly lit up with joy. The tuft of hair on its head stood up excitedly, and its tail swayed vigorously, expressing its master's emotions.

However, Nu Tao quickly regained his composure and asked with some uncertainty, "But, but what about the opera student..."

Nu Tao cautiously glanced at Hao Geju beside him. Although Hao Geju's smile was the same as usual, it inexplicably gave Nu Tao a rather dangerous feeling. In mid-air, Nu Tao even felt as if he saw a ghostly shadow flash by, like a physical manifestation of resentment. Frightened, Nu Tao immediately said:

"No, trainer, why don't you go with your good opera classmate? I, I'm fine. It's okay to compete alone. I will definitely bring victory to you."

"—Hahahaha! Raging Waves, there's no need to worry so much. This is Ryuji's decision. He has already discussed it with me, and I, the Overlord, completely agree with Ryuji's judgment."

Unexpectedly, it was Good Opera who took the initiative to advise Nu Tao this time. Good Opera patted Nu Tao on the shoulder, without any jealousy on his face, as if the threat Nu Tao had just felt was an illusion.

"Raging Waves, your situation is far more dangerous than my Chrysanthemum Appreciation, where you are fighting alone, while I still have Whitey McQueen standing by my side—Raging Waves, as my most beloved subject, even if you are fighting alone, I will not allow you to return defeated!"

"Go and win this match with Ryuji! Then come back as soon as possible. If you're lucky, you might even have a chance to witness my legendary triumph over the classic three championships!"

"Good opera student... trainer..."

After receiving unanimous approval from the opera enthusiasts and Hetian, Nutao visibly relaxed, her eyes red and swollen as if she were about to cry. However, she quickly regained her composure, wiped away her tears, and nodded solemnly.

"Okay, I understand. I won't let my trainer and fellow opera enthusiasts down. I'm sure I'll win!"

"Alright, now go back and get some rest, Nutao. Get ready to face the competition with full energy."

Seeing this, Wada smiled and patted Nutao on the shoulder. Nutao then obediently went to her dormitory. What she needed to do now was to rest well and prepare for the Emperor's Gift.

For a moment, only Wada and Hao Geju remained in the room. After a short while, Hao Geju's body trembled slightly, and his pink eyes disappeared again, turning into the eye color of the other Hao Geju.

Undoubtedly, just now, without saying a word, "Good Opera" was once again possessed by another version of itself. And this possession was not the worst of it; "Good Opera" didn't seem to be as willing as the other version of itself appeared to be.

"A good opera?" Wada quickly noticed this as well, then asked somewhat cautiously, "Do you have any other opinions?"

"Yes, I have a lot of complaints! Wada! You didn't come with me to see the chrysanthemums! You didn't come with me to see the chrysanthemums!"

However, when Wada asked this question, "Good Opera" was undoubtedly furious. She took a few steps forward and started punching Wada's stomach with her little fists. She didn't use much force; she didn't even have the heart to hurt Wada in order to vent her dissatisfaction.

"I finally get to enjoy the chrysanthemum viewing again, and you're not coming with me! You rascal!"

However, as the hammering continued, Good Opera suddenly grabbed Wada's body and hugged her tightly. Wada let Good Opera vent her emotions without saying anything, just hugging her back with the same force.

Meanwhile, the opera singer, who had buried his head in Wada's chest, remained silent for a long time. Wada felt a dampness on his chest and subconsciously asked:

Why are you crying?

"...Don't speak, just let me hold you like this for a little while, just a short while."

The response from "Good Opera" was remarkably calm, and Wada, clearly aware of the situation, also embraced "Good Opera" and softly said:

"You can hold it for as long as you want, good opera, for as long as you want."

Chapter 169: The Final Countdown to "Good Opera"

"Good Opera" didn't know how long it had been holding Wada. Wada only felt that "Good Opera" in his arms had gone from slightly sobbing at the beginning to gradually calming down, and now it was completely calm before it could make a muffled sound:

"I don't want to be separated from you... Wada..."

"I want to stay with you forever, just like before. I don't want to leave like this."

“…I don’t want to be separated from you either, good opera.” Wada replied to “good opera” with unprecedented gentleness, saying each word carefully, “I don’t want to either, I don’t want to even more than you do…”

"But I still can't stop anything, I'm sorry, good opera... I still can't stop it..."

"Perhaps all of this is just a dream for me, a dream that makes me laugh every time I recall it, a world where you are."

"...But I know very well that the dream will eventually end. No matter how much I pretend to be confused or how unwilling I am to accept it, I will definitely wake up one day."

Wada isn't stupid, nor is he the same person he once was who would have accomplished nothing without good opera. So much time has passed, and perhaps Wada hasn't completely escaped the influence of good opera, to the point that even after miraculously arriving in this world, he remains incredibly devoted to good opera, trying to make up for the biggest regret in his heart.

But he has gradually accepted himself, even without good operas.

He knew that "Good Opera" would eventually leave. This "Good Opera," which shared his memories and accompanied him through so many hardships, would eventually leave. He had prepared himself for this and accepted the fact.