Umamusume's days are numbered

"...I don't think its business will be too good," Platinum grumbled. Even she herself felt stupid—if she wanted to participate in the Arc de Triomphe competition, she would first have to fly to the center of the Pacific Ocean for a summer training camp, and then fly to Europe to adjust to the time difference and the grass... It would be simpler to just go to Europe directly.

“That’s not quite right,” the astronomer said lazily, draping his shoulder over Platinum’s head. “The turf that they’ve brought in from all over the world at the Hawaii base is definitely not just for one race. In North America alone, there’s the Breeders’ Cup at the end of October.”

"If you only look at the process of participating in the Arc de Triomphe, you will think it is stupid. But for all the female racehorses around the world who are preparing to travel to other countries, Hawaii is a good stepping stone and refueling station."

Rudolf symbolically took an envelope from his pocket and even sealed it with sealing wax, very formally.

"This was entrusted to you by the American Horse Association, and it's addressed to you by name." Rudolph gestured for Platinum to open the envelope.

Platinum opened the envelope and found a folded piece of paper inside, thoughtfully written in both English and Japanese. It contained mostly polite phrases, a sincere invitation to participate in the first phase of Hawaii's youth training program, and so on. It was clearly printed out and probably sent out quite a few times globally.

But if that's the case, it shouldn't be necessary to specifically hand it over to me by name... Platinum held the letter and noticed that there was black ink on his index finger at some point.

Looking down, the signature was blurred by my index finger. But the bold, flowing signature was still clearly visible.

Secretariat.

Now Bai Jin understood why the Japan Equestrian Association had to hand over the letter to her, and she began to feel the letter burning in her hands.

The secretariat's handwritten signature can probably be considered an invitation from the secretariat.

Given the Secretariat's power within the North American Equestrian Association, although it seemed somewhat like an abuse of power, Platinum was not surprised at all.

She only felt panic.

No... I just ran a Takarazuka Memorial event, how come after I finished, all sorts of crazy fans I'd never seen before suddenly appeared, it's on the front page of the newspapers, and now even the secretariat knows my name?

Since you have fans but haven't met them in real life, why don't you buy my merchandise... Oh, the merchandise hasn't been released yet, never mind.

“An invitation is also a choice,” Rudolf Symbol sighed. Even Rudolf Symbol couldn't handle everything on Platinum's behalf when facing the Secretariat.

"To go, or not to go."

"The Arc de Triomphe, the Chrysanthemum Cup, or the Breeders' Cup."

"It's up to you."

Episode 271 Oh my god!

Late at night, Platinum lay in bed, the bright light shining on her face and the invitation she had been holding up.

...Why does this scene feel so familiar? Did I have a similar experience before going to Hong Kong?

All of these were quests issued by Rudolf's Symbol. The mystery is solved; Rudolf's Symbol is actually an NPC who issues quests.

To go, or not to go.

[A Triumphal Arch, a Chrysanthemum Festival, or the Breeders' Cup.]

The decision is yours.

To go or not to go...

Platinum waved the invitation in his hand.

Although there's no doubt about the upcoming schedule—no matter how high-level the competition, it will have to give way to the Chrysanthemum Prize—going to Hawaii for fun would be great too.

Compared to spending the whole summer holed up in the dorm playing video games, it's definitely more enjoyable to play video games in a hotel on a tropical island.

After thinking about it, Platinum decided to ask in the group first.

Let me show off!

[File Transfer Assistant]: Where are you all planning to go for summer training camp?

【Sea Star is the best】: Oh dear, I've already passed the stage of participating in summer training camp.

[The conman]: Not now. Before, I would go to Hawaii.

【Sea Star is the best】: It seems like it's always been the custom in North America to go to Hawaii for summer training camps, right? We're not sure, but I remember one time we went to Sardinia.

[The conman]: Hmm.

I never expected a reply so quick... a reply that transcends time zones...

Oh, it's daytime there. Then it's alright.

It's normal for Hai Du to reply instantly; she's always been very active in the group, probably because she's had a lot of free time after retiring. The scammer, on the other hand, is very busy, so she often disappears.

【Zhaoye Jade (not Green) Lion】: What is the summer training camp?

[Where is Lumao Ma Niang?]: What is the summer training camp?

[Hello everyone, I'm Jiang He Risheng]: What is the summer training camp?

[Where is Lu Mao Ma Niang?]: No, I'm serious, don't repeat a grade. I've been running races for so many years... and I've never heard of any summer training camp!

【Hello everyone, this is Jiang He Risheng】: Ah, I'm sorry.

There are also two female racehorses I've never even heard of during their summer training camp... Oh, they're from Hong Kong and mainland China, never mind then.

Speaking of which, none of us slept, right? You guys are staying up all night too, aren't you? Looks like we're kindred spirits.

[Zhaoyeyu (not Green) Lion]: Anyway, we didn't have a summer training camp, but we did train at a youth training base in Qinghai before. Nothing fun happened during training, except that one girl got altitude sickness and felt really bad.

【Golden Koi Spinning Around】: Oh dear... What happened next?

[The Jade Lion (not Green)]: We tried everything, oxygen therapy, and saw doctors, but nothing worked. Finally, we consulted a local barefoot doctor who used a huge, thick syringe to inject a large bag of bright green medicine. After two days of treatment, it healed.

【Golden Koi Spinning Around】: ...Is it really not that she adapted on her own?

[Where is Lu Mao Ma Niang?]: So what is the summer training camp? So what is the summer training camp? So what is the summer training camp? So what is the summer training camp?

【Golden Koi Spinning】poked 【Where is Lu Mao Ma Niang】: It's so annoying, stop spamming, you rude guy! You train at the beach every day, what are you doing at the summer training camp?

[Golden Koi Spin Spin Spin] tapped [File Transfer Assistant]: Where is Platinum going?

Platinum immediately perked up. "I've been waiting for you to ask that! Come on, let me show off!"

She took a picture of the invitation with the secretariat's signature on it and sent it to the group chat.

[File Transfer Assistant]: I haven't decided yet, but I've been invited to Hawaii. I'm considering whether to go.

[Where is Luma Ma Niang?]: Oh, Hawaii, that place is no fun at all.

【Sea Star is the best in the world】: Haha, I learned to play drums with the locals there before, they were very enthusiastic.

【Hello everyone, this is Jiang He Risheng】: Ah, the scenery is beautiful, and there are many Japanese people who are very polite.

[The conman]: Hmm.

【Shining Jade (not Green) Lion】: ...Wait, what's with everyone's reaction? Have you all been to Hawaii? Am I the only one who hasn't? Am I the only poor person?

Platinum stared at his phone screen, his hands trembling slightly, his thoughts mirroring those of the Jade Lion.

What kind of group is this? Normally, shouldn't everyone be swarming around praising and admiring you, enjoying the vanity and pleasure of being surrounded and praised? Why do I seem like I'm being arrogant?

This is unbelievable! Does this mean that everyone else is rich except for me, who is penniless?

On this day, the Jade Lion and Platinum fully felt the inequality of this world and experienced the evil of class oppression.

Just as Platinum was rolling around on the bed in grief and anger, Alice, who had been lurking for a long time without surfacing, suddenly appeared.

[Alice]: Going to Hawaii would be a great idea. With all this controversy in Tokyo right now, it's a good opportunity to escape the limelight.

[Arisuko]: Besides, aren't you tired of your current rivals? They're not challenging at all. Hawaii is a popular resort destination in North America, and they've just built a youth training base there. You can meet many more and stronger racehorses there.

[Alice]: And...maybe there will even be a chance to see the Emperor of America.

Whether it's the former Emperor's Secretariat or the currently active Undefeated Mythical Route, there's a high probability they'll appear in Hawaii.

Platinum thought about it and realized that Alice made a good point. Participating in the competition and going to Hawaii were two different things. They had already invited him, so why wouldn't he go?

Most importantly, Platinum really wants to go on vacation! Hawaii is the place!

Just as Platinum was secretly making up her mind, on the other side of the world, Hai Dudu, wearing slippers and a nightcap, barged into Hai Du Zhixing's bedroom—as a seasoned homebody, Hai Dudu hadn't left her house all day.

Haidu Star was sitting blankly by her window, staring at the ceiling, only blinking occasionally. If others saw her, they would think she was meditating like an Indian monk, but only Haidu City knew she was just daydreaming.

As usual, Hai Du sighed again. "Silly little sister, what will you do without your older sister?"

"Starfish, wanna go to Hawaii?"

Haidu Star is making final preparations for this year's Arc de Triomphe. However, after running on European turf for so long, it's unlikely she'll see any further significant improvement.

While Haidu Star's record is dazzling, it doesn't mean she's without rivals. Several other monsters are also eager to try their luck at this year's Arc de Triomphe. At their level, even the slightest improvement can affect the outcome of the competition.

Haidu Star isn't far behind them right now. But perhaps in Hawaii, experiencing a completely different environment will allow Haidu Star to take another step forward. A vacation would also help her relax, at least preventing her from spending all her time holed up in her room meditating.

"Ah... no." Haidu Star refused without the slightest hesitation. Her thoughts were simple; before the Arc de Triomphe, she only wanted to focus on training.

Haidu City didn't expect Haidu Star to refuse so decisively, and gritted its teeth: "Platinum will go too."

This is Haidu City's ultimate goal—to find a way to get these two people to meet; what's the point of just online dating?

Even the most passionate love needs to be expressed face-to-face; you can't just chat on your phone and then go to a hotel to have sex.

Let's see how quickly Platinum and Star of the Sea's relationship heats up! Two months of summer training, let alone their relationship heating up, let's just have Star of the Sea arrange their wedding in Honolulu!

Yes, she's already thinking about marriage. Hai Du's imagination only shines so brightly when it's used in this kind of situation.

"You mean Platinum is going too?" Haidu Star's eyes immediately lit up.

If your friend goes on vacation, then as a good friend... shouldn't you go too?

"I'll go." Haidu Star immediately changed his mind.

Hai Du looked at Hai Du Zhi Xing with satisfaction, feeling that he could start thinking about what to name their child.

Episode 272 Excellent Qualities, When Did They Come From?

"It's so hot..."

Standing under the blazing sun, Platinum kept sticking out his tongue.

"I can't make any phone calls at all... I need to get a local SIM card first..." Li Yuelongmen wiped the sweat from his forehead, but he couldn't get it all off. He felt like he was in a sauna through a layer of clothing.

"It's impossible to rent a car..." The woman with excellent manners licked her dry lips. She felt like her eyes were turning into mosquito coils.

"Pfft, awesome! Iced beer is so refreshing!" The only adult who could drive—the astronomer—was already drinking heartily from a can of beer, looking quite dizzy.

The Hawaii vacation team encountered a major crisis as soon as they landed!

The weather in Honolulu wasn't actually that hot, but anyone carrying heavy bags and wearing clothes typically worn in temperate zones would end up looking like this after walking under the sun for several hours.

Cars are unavailable. All local car rental companies are fully booked; there aren't even enough for four people, let alone jeeps. It's peak tourist season, and we didn't book in advance.

Languages ​​are not mutually intelligible. Astronomers and Li Yuelongmen are fine; astronomers speak a little of every language and can speak English without much problem; Li Yuelongmen has English as her second native language since childhood, even before Japanese. But asking the exceptionally talented and the platinum-level to speak a foreign language fluently is truly a challenge for them.

The coach was unreliable. As the only adult, the astronomer hadn't rented a car, booked a hotel, or even had a local map. The first thing he did after getting off the plane was buy a case of beer, and he was already feeling a slight sense of elation.

Four people got lost in the streets of Honolulu.

What on earth happened?! How could it have turned out like this?! Excellent qualities couldn't help but cry out in their hearts.

Yes, so how exactly did it become like this?

Let's go back three days.

"Eh... eh?" The person with excellent qualities looked at their trainer, then at Rudolf, and asked, "About the program's invitation?"

"It's the production team of 'Monday Chatter,' I don't know if you've seen it." Rudolph explained gently to the excellent quality, "The production team would like to invite you and Platinum as guests on a special episode in Hawaii."

"Monday Chat" is a popular primetime show. Each episode is hosted by three regular hosts and special guests. The show includes talk shows, street interviews and casual conversations. Overall, it is a relatively mild show... in terms of the guests.

Since it's a variety show broadcast during prime time, high popularity also means a large audience and greater control, so there won't be any offensive pranks or stunts targeting special guests. It's perfect for popular young stars who aren't comfortable in the spotlight.

"Your excellent qualities are also recovering, and you're probably preparing to participate in the Chrysanthemum Appreciation, right? Your appearance on variety shows now is also a reassurance to your fans. Plus, there are free vacations and access to advanced training facilities. I think it's a good suggestion."

“This…” Excellent quality glanced at the trainer standing beside him, hesitated for a moment, “President, why did you choose me? There must be other candidates.”

Despite her excellent qualities, she was still very sensitive and insightful. As soon as Rudolph uttered the symbol, she understood that she was just an extra and that the real protagonist was Platinum.

Although her popularity isn't low, it pales in comparison to Platinum's current meteoric rise and even somewhat frenzied public opinion.

And that's exactly what happened—Platinum's announcement of her trip to Hawaii for summer training had been widely publicized. Although her intention was to go on vacation and avoid the limelight, domestic public opinion wouldn't just disappear. The remaining work had to be handled by Rudolph Symbol.

Rudolph himself also supports Platinum's move to Hawaii. Hawaii has just built a youth training base comparable to European equestrian centers, and Platinum's trip can send a message that he may be preparing for the Arc de Triomphe. This would temporarily quell the somewhat agitated public opinion.

The production team was naturally brought in through symbolic negotiation by Rudolph. This was to give fans an explanation in the end: even if Platinum didn't ultimately choose to attend the Arc de Triomphe, it didn't mean she chose to escape because of domestic public opinion during her previous trip to Hawaii, but rather that she went to Hawaii to film a program and accompany Excellent Quality's rehabilitation.