Big eaters are clearly raised from a young age. During this seafood hotpot meal, the pile of crab and lobster shells that Little Special Week ate stacked up to nearly the height of half a person on the table. Besides that, she also ate plenty of carrots and corn.
Aiko was obviously long accustomed to this kind of appetite, and Kitahara also knew about it early on, so only Oguri Cap looked a little surprised.
"Wow, Special Week, you really can eat. You're almost as good as I was when I was little."
Holding an empty bowl in her hands, her tone was filled with approval. "If you can eat this much, you'll definitely become Japan's number one horse girl in the future!"
Little Special Week had just been holding a carrot and was about to put it into her mouth. Hearing that, she immediately lit up with joy, waving the carrot high above her head in excitement. "Really? Then I'll definitely eat even more from now on!"
Saying that, she put down the carrot, lifted an empty bowl in front of her, and looked at Aiko expectantly.
"Mom, can I have another bowl of seafood baked rice?"
This empty bowl was the same style as Oguri Cap's—white ceramic with a ring of carrot illustrations on the outside, looking quite cute.
However, the size of these two bowls was far from something you'd describe as cute. Each one looked about as big as a small washbasin. If filled with water, Little Special Week could probably dunk her head into it to wash her hair.
A single full bowl of seafood baked rice weighed around half a kilogram, and yet Little Special Week and Oguri Cap had already eaten four and seven bowls respectively.
"It's better not to eat more. Even though Oguri Cap said that eating a lot can make you stronger, eating too much at once will still hurt your stomach."
Smiling at her daughter, Aiko shook her head, then winked at Oguri Cap. "Right, Oguri Cap?"
"Mhm. If Special Week eats until she's about 80% full, she doesn't need to eat more."
Oguri Cap spoke seriously: "If each meal is around 70–80% full, and you eat multiple times a day, that's healthier."
"This is what Kitahara said. He's a very skilled trainer. He wouldn't be wrong." She pointed at Kitahara beside her.
"…I see. Then okay."
Seeing Kitahara nod with a smile, Little Special Week regretfully put down the large bowl, then happily picked up the carrot she had just put aside.
"Then can I eat a few more carrots? Mom says this counts as dessert after the meal."
"Heh, that's fine."
Kitahara laughed. "Carrots actually have a high water content—about 90% is just water. Eating a bit more doesn't really matter."
"And they're rich in vitamins, as well as various minerals and amino acids. It's not a problem to eat plenty."
"But…"
He thought for a moment, then added with amusement, "Once you debut and start competing, you'll need to eat fewer carrots. They still contain starch and sugars."
"If you eat too much, you'll become Special Fat Week… ahem, you'll gain weight, and then you won't run as fast."
In history, Special Week really did lose a race due to gaining weight.
In the Satsuki Sho trial, the Yayoi Sho, Special Week won as the second favorite, defeating the first favorite Seiun Sky and the third favorite, King Halo, who had two wins in two starts.
However, during preparations for the Satsuki Sho itself, due to negligence by stable staff and trainers, Special Week unintentionally gained a lot of weight.
Combined with drawing the unfavorable outermost 18th gate, she ended up losing to her previous defeated opponents, finishing third behind champion Seiun Sky and runner-up King Halo.
With that lesson learned, during preparations for the Japanese Derby, her team not only paid close attention to her diet but also made great efforts to help her lose weight.
By the time race day arrived, Special Week had slimmed down by a full 4 kilograms and won the Japanese Derby as the top favorite.
…So, if he really ended up coaching Special Week in the future, he'd have to pay attention to her diet. Best to get her checked first to see if she had an easy-to-gain-weight constitution.
Rubbing his chin as he evaluated Little Special Week, who was happily munching on a carrot, Kitahara glanced over at Oguri Cap beside him, who was also gnawing on a carrot with a loud crunch.
Still, being able to eat well should be preserved—Oguri Cap had benefited greatly from it.
Usually, when a racehorse girl changes circuits, many have appetite issues due to not adapting, leading to weight loss—not uncommon at all.
But when Oguri Cap moved from Kasamatsu to Tokyo, she didn't lose weight—in fact, she gained weight slightly. That was one of the key factors behind her outstanding performance now…
"…Hmm, for some reason, it feels like you're thinking something very rude, Kitahara."
While chewing her carrot, Oguri Cap suddenly sensed Kitahara's gaze. She blinked, narrowed her brows, stopped chewing, and looked at him suspiciously.
"Ha…haha…No way. I was just…"
Scratching his head awkwardly, Kitahara improvised quickly, pointing at Little Special Week. "I was thinking about this child. I was wondering—if Ms. Aiko doesn't mind, I can take her to study in Tokyo."
"Tresen Academy Central Campus currently only has primary and senior divisions, but no elementary school division yet. However, she can first attend a nearby horse girl elementary school."
"When she reaches the right age, she can transfer directly into the Central Campus."
"As for elementary school, I think my current network is enough to help her get into a decent one. Even if my face alone isn't enough, I can ask President Akikawa, Chairman Rudolf, or Brother Kurokawa for help."
"Oh, so Special Week can go to Tokyo? That's great!"
Oguri Cap lit up happily, then looked at the somewhat stunned Little Special Week.
"Special Week, if you come to Tokyo, you can play and train with my little sister. She's a bit older than you, but not by much—you'll definitely become good friends."
At this age, Special Week didn't really understand what Tokyo or the Tracen Academy Central Campus represented, but she could understand having a friend her age.
Though she had lived with her adoptive mother from a young age, and was naturally innocent, she still hoped to have friends. Hearing Oguri Cap's words, she broke into a big smile.
"Become friends with Oguri Cap's little sister? That sounds amazing!"
She bounced excitedly, then quickly turned to her mother. "Mom, can I…"
"Eh? Mom, you…what's wrong?" She froze.
Aiko was staring straight at Kitahara, hands covering her open mouth, wearing an expression of disbelief.
Calling her twice without a response, Little Special Week grew anxious. She walked over and tugged her mother's sleeve.
"Mom, w-what's wrong…?" she asked urgently.
"Ah…ah! I'm fine, hahaha, I'm just so happy!"
Unlike most Japanese women, this Western woman did not hide her emotions. She wiped the corner of her eye, then smiled brightly.
"I'm just overjoyed."
"When I first heard Mr. Kitahara was coming, I had only hoped he could give you a bit of guidance. I didn't expect that he values you this much—enough to want to take you to Tokyo."
She bent down, took her daughter's small hand off her clothes, used her other hand to smooth her daughter's white bangs, then gently patted her head.
"You know, Special Week…"
She said softly, "Tracen Academy in Tokyo is Japan's best school for horse girls. There are many incredible trainers there—people who know even more than Mom about how to make you stronger."
"If you can study and train there, you will definitely become Japan's number one horse girl!"
"Really? That's amazing!" Little Special Week also cheered joyfully.
Smiling dotingly and patting her daughter's head, Aiko thought for a moment, then turned to Kitahara, who was smiling calmly.
"Mr. Kitahara, this really exceeded my expectations. I…"
She glanced at the still-uncleared dining table. "How about this—I'll clean up first. Special week can watch TV with Oguri Cap for a while, or go outside."
"I'll brew some coffee, and then ask Mr. Kitahara to talk more in detail, if that's okay?"
"No problem. Thank you, Ms. Aiko."
Kitahara looked at Little Special Week cheering as she went to turn on the TV, then smiled. "I'll wait here for you."
Aiko was clearly very skilled with housework. Even though pots, bowls, and piles of seafood shells covered the table, she finished cleaning everything in just over ten minutes.
After putting the dishes in the kitchen sink and sorting the trash, she washed her hands, ground the coffee, boiled some water, and while waiting, walked out of the kitchen.
She did not head to the living room where Kitahara and the others were. Instead, stepping on the wooden floor, she walked along the hallway toward the entrance, went outside, then walked under the eaves toward a door next to the main house in the courtyard. She slid the wooden door open and stepped inside.
This room was solemn and quiet, with minimal furniture. Against the western wall stood a long altar table, on which were placed a bronze candlestick, a bronze incense burner, and a bronze bowl.
In the candlestick was half a white candle, and in the incense burner were several sticks of incense already burned down.
Walking to the altar, Aiko retrieved three incense sticks from the cabinet below, lit them, inserted them into the burner, then knelt and sat down, pressing her palms together in prayer.
Before her stood a traditional Japanese household memorial shrine. Inside the innermost part was a small urn holding the ashes of the deceased—a common form of remembrance in Japan, not considered taboo.
Outside the urn sat a framed photograph. The picture, somewhat aged, showed a racehorse girl with reddish-brown hair smiling gently. Her face, similar to Special Week's, carried an unmistakable trace of illness.
Silently gazing at the photograph, Aiko said nothing. The corners of her lips would occasionally lift unconsciously, and sometimes press tightly together.
Her breath shifted with her expressions—at times long and calm, at times short and shaky like a quiet sob.
She remained there in silent communion with the photo until all three incense sticks had burned out. Then she pressed her palms together once more, bowed slightly, rose, wiped the corner of her eye, left the room, and gently slid the door shut.
Returning to the kitchen just as the water reached a boil, she brewed the coffee, placed the cups on a tray, and walked back to the living room with a smile.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Kitahara—I got held up a bit… Eh? Are you watching a race?"
In the living room, Kitahara was sitting on the sofa, saying something, while Oguri Cap and Little Special Week were kneeling in front of the television, half-turned to listen.
On the screen wasn't an actual race, but something similar.
From the text on the background screen—"Congratulations to Team Chouetsu for Bamboo Memory's victory in the Mile Championship"—it was clearly a post-race interview.
"…So, Bamboo Memory should be… Ah, thank you, Ms. Aiko."
Mid-sentence, upon hearing Aiko's voice and seeing her carrying the tray, Kitahara stood up, walked over to take it, and set it on the coffee table.
"Oguri Cap and Special Week watched a race—one with a horse girl they're somewhat familiar with—so I was giving them a brief explanation."
Moving to the table, Aiko smoothly poured three cups of coffee, then fetched a bottle of carrot milk from below the table.
She handed the coffee to Kitahara and Oguri Cap, kept one for herself, and gave the carrot milk to Little Special Week. With curiosity, she asked:
"A horse girl they're familiar with…"
She glanced at the TV screen, read the text carefully, and nodded in realization.
"Ah, it's Bamboo Memory from Team Chouetsu. I remember people everywhere saying that the rivalry between Mr. Kitahara's Eisei and Ms. Naise's Chouetsu would be one of the most anticipated matchups this year and even in the coming years."
"Probably. Since most of the horse girls from both our teams are competing in this year's Classic Triple Crown." Kitahara laughed slightly and nodded noncommittally.
"So, is this horse girl, Bamboo Memory, very strong?" Aiko asked with interest after thinking for a moment.
"Well…"
Kitahara pondered briefly, looked at the TV screen, rubbed his chin, and ultimately chose to use more tactful wording.
"There's still a lot of room for improvement, and at the moment, there aren't many graded stakes races that suit her well."
Historically, Bamnoo Memory's career was quite difficult. Born in the same year as Oguri Cap, she remained completely obscure from March 1987 to March 1989, racing quietly on dirt tracks.
Japan has traditionally given little importance to dirt racing, and transitioning from dirt to turf is typically difficult, which caused her talent to be discovered very late.
It wasn't until April 8, 1989, when she won the 1600-meter turf Dotombori Stakes by five lengths, that people finally noticed she also had outstanding ability in turf graded stakes.
However, the road afterward still wasn't smooth, as early-stage Japanese racing also didn't focus much on short distances—and Bamboo Memory was most suited for mile to sprint distances, especially short ones.
In the 1990 Nakayama 1200-meter Sprint Stakes, Bamboo Memory won with a time of 1:07.8, setting a new record for the distance and breaking the "1 minute 8 seconds" barrier.
This battle also earned Bamboo Memory the 1990 JRA Best Sprinter award, successfully crowning her as the first generation Sprint Champion of Japan.
"If it were me, I would consider having Bamboo Memory directly enter turf sprint major stakes races," after recalling the history and with the advantage of prescience, Kitahara said directly:
"She can only maximize her advantage in this kind of distance."
"Based on the current situation, it seems that Chief Naise has discovered her talent for sprinting, which is why she entered the Ocean Stakes."
"This race is exactly 1400 meters, however…"
He frowned, "This is a dirt race, and it's only an OP class race. She actually has the ability to compete on turf."
While saying this, he felt a bit of admiration for Nanase Fumino; in this timeline, Bamboo Memory, under the training of this genius, uncovered her own advantage earlier. Therefore, her talent in turf racing should also be noticed soon.
"I see…"
Aiko had spent a lot of time consulting trainers across Hokkaido for Special Week's training, so she was quite knowledgeable about training and races.
After listening to Kitahara, she pondered for a moment and curiously asked, "Then, if Bamboo Memory competed against the horse girl from your team, Mr. Kitahara, what would be the result?"
"Her current ability is insufficient. At the very least, she needs to be trained by Chief Naise for a period of time before she has sufficient ability."
Kitahara said without hesitation and then emphasized, "Moreover, this ability can only be best displayed in races of 1400 meters or less."
He wasn't boasting. Historically, apart from Tamamo Cross retiring early, Bamboo Memory had competed against Oguri Cap, Inari One, and Mejiro Ardan, and had never won against them.
In the Mile Championship, she was 2nd, the champion was Oguri Cap.
In the Takarazuka Kinen, she was 5th, the champion was Inari One.
In the Takamatsunomiya Cup, she was 2nd, the champion was Mejiro Ardan.
As for Super Creek, historically Bamboo Memory hadn't competed against her, but given Super Creek's overwhelming strength in middle-to-long, especially long-distance racing, no one from that era would dare claim to beat her.
So, the best choice for Bamboo Memory could only be to develop in sprinting.
"If you really want to talk about a competition, it would be the other horse girls from Team Chouetsu…" Kitahara was about to continue when the sound from the television caught his attention.
"Thank you very much, Chief Naise, for your excellent analysis of Bamboo Memory's race. Now, the much-anticipated 'Eisei vs. Choeutsu' is about to move to the next stage. Could you share your thoughts on it?"
On the television, a host and Naise Fumino were seated opposite each other.
Facing the host's enthusiastic inquiry, Naise Fumino's expression was calm, and her tone was quite cold.
"As for the races, we will know after they are finished. I have no opinion right now."
"You misunderstood, that's not what I meant."
Clearly having prior knowledge of Naise Fumino's personality, the host's enthusiasm did not wane, and he continued to press with a smile:
"I want to ask, do you have the confidence to win against Team Eisei's horse girl in the upcoming Japanese Derby?"
"Furthermore, do you have the confidence to end Oguri Cap's winning streak, who already has an 'undefeated first crown' title?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Naise Fumino on the TV screen fell silent, while Kitahara in front of the TV was slightly stunned.
Then, he saw both Oguri Cap and Aiko looking at him with questioning eyes. Little Special Week looked left and right, also feigning a curious look.
...End Oguri Cap's 'undefeated' winning streak? Tsk, this host...
Sensing that they all shared the same confusion as the host, Kitahara knew very well that this was probably the most attention-grabbing topic in the horse girl world right now.
When it comes to this kind of matter, trainers and horse girls naturally do not lack confidence. It's probably the same for me, Nanase Fumino, or the horse girls on both teams.
If they lacked confidence, there would be no need to participate in the race.
However, the true result can only be known after the race. Nanase Fumino is not a god; how could she know?
What's more, Oguri Cap has already participated in the Satsuki Sho, which she didn't in the other world. A person like me, who knows the future in a certain sense, can't determine many things now, so it's even harder for her to predict.
So, how will this genius answer?
Just as he was thinking this, Kitahara heard Nanase Fumino's voice from the television.
"Due to the regrettable loss at the Satsuki Sho, Dicta Striker, Sakura Chiyono O, and Yaeno Muteki would ideally participate in one more race to ensure their participation in the Japanese Derby."
She avoided the host's question and said calmly, "The NHK Mile Cup, the Aoba Sho, and the Principal Stakes are the races I have entered them for."
"I have already discussed the race analysis for Bamboo Memory's Fuyo Stakes."
"I have also spoken about the team's subsequent arrangements."
"I think there is nothing else to say. I still have work to do, so I'll take my leave now."
With that, she ignored the host's surprised expression, stood up, and left the broadcast room directly.
Her willful departure was clearly not part of the interview plan, leaving the host stunned and almost at a loss for what to say next.
However, this host's professional demeanor seemed to be quite good. After a moment of wide-eyed astonishment, she remembered to continue hosting the show.
"...Ha, it seems Chief Naise is really busy, but we've also learned about Team Chouetsu's upcoming race schedule."
She laughed awkwardly for a moment, then quickly composed herself and, with a radiant expression, continued broadcasting to the camera.
"With the current fan base of Sakura Chiyono O and Yaeno Muteki, they still have sufficient opportunity to participate in the Japanese Derby."
"And the Aoba Sho and Principal Stakes are both trial races for the Japanese Derby. Insisting on entering them suggests that Chief Naise takes this annual challenge for horse girls very seriously."
"The NHK Mile Cup, however, is a bit unexpected."
"Dicta Striker's ability and fan base make her participation in this G1 race completely fine. Perhaps Chief Naise wants her to maintain a stronger fighting spirit."
"Our station will subsequently share Team Chouetsu's and Chief Naise's arrangements through interviews…"
Due to Naise Fumino's sudden departure, the host's subsequent broadcast, although attempted with great effort, was somewhat flustered.
However, Kitahara already had some guesses about Naise Fumino's intentions.
It must be due to her personality and the current habits of Japanese trainers, he thought to himself.
Naise Fumino has a very competitive personality.
Previously, in the confrontation before the Satsuki Sho trials, after Chouetus and Eisei achieved a so-called "1:2" score, she arranged for Yaeno Muteki to participate in the G2 Mainichi Hai before the joint willpower training session.
This racing schedule, besides ensuring foolproof participation in the Satsuki Sho, perhaps also had the intention of "evening the score" with Team Eisei.
Because that race was too close to the Spring Stakes, although it's not uncommon for horses to have frequent races in Japan, rushing it this much might very well be due to the trainer's personality.
The frequent racing situation (known as rekitousen in Japanese) is a current habit among Japanese trainers.
[One of the reason Rudolf did poorly in the Arc]
Japan's overall training level and conditions are currently far inferior to the international level, and there will still be a certain gap even decades later.
In this situation, many trainers choose the method of "training by racing."
Kitahara admitted that horse girls trained in this manner are indeed noteworthy in terms of actual performance, especially given that Japanese horse girls are not inherently weaker than their international counterparts.
Moreover, Naise Fumino now has some understanding of the "Domain" (special ability/zone). With Dicta Striker and the others getting an extra training race, their ability in this aspect will naturally increase.
However, he did not plan to choose this method.
The reason is simple: this method is highly likely to cause injury to the horse girl's body.
Especially if the post-race rest and recovery cannot keep up, injuries are not out of the question.
Historically, even with Oguri Cap's physique, she couldn't withstand multiple frequent races. Competing one after another during the late stage of her career completely affected her performance, and in the entire year of 1990, she only won the Yasuda Kinen and the Arima Kinen, which was her retirement race.
Tsk, even if I've slightly influenced the industry's awareness of health and diet, and changed the condition of Dicta Striker and the others, frequent racing is still something to avoid if possible...
Naise Fumino, you want to win, that's fine, but don't tire out the horse girls like this...
Although he was dissatisfied, Kitahara couldn't change these things now.
On the one hand, there wouldn't be much opposition to frequent racing in Japan at the moment. Furthermore, while his team had some reputation now, it wasn't enough to convince a young lady from a family of famous trainers.
On the other hand, judging from the past performance of Dicta Striker, Yaeno Muteki, and Sakura Chiyono O, they probably wouldn't oppose such a racing schedule either.
These kids, they also really want to win...
He sighed with emotion.
At this moment, he suddenly heard a worried voice from beside him.
"Kitahara, are you... are you alright?"
He subconsciously turned his head and saw Oguri Cap looking at him with slightly furrowed brows.
Seeing Kitahara looking over, Oguri Cap frowned even tighter, but the corner of her mouth curved into a smile. She reached out and took Kitahara's hand.
"I saw you were frowning, and you were just looking at the race-related things. I think you must have been thinking about training again."
She tightened her grip, but her brows relaxed, and her eyes curved up. "I told you I want you to relax and enjoy the trip and rest well."
"But I know a person like you won't stay idle."
"If you really want to think about training matters, you can tell me."
"I'm not very good at thinking about these things, but if you tell me, I'll help you think about it."
"Are you worried about Dicta Striker and the others? Them participating in an extra race before the Japanese Derby should make them stronger, right?"
"If that's the case, I can also participate in one more race."
"I think Super Creek and Mejiro Ardan would be willing too."
"Oguri Cap…"
Hearing such concerned words from his horse girl, Kitahara's heart couldn't help but warm up, and he no longer felt so conflicted.
Because what he was worried about was the impact of frequent racing on Dicta Striker, Yaeno Muteki, and Sakura Chiyono O, not the training or the races themselves.
He had already prepared for the training and races.
"Thank you, but I won't let you participate in extra races."
He smiled and shook his head. Seeing that Oguri Cap also didn't restrict him from thinking about training and racing matters, he simply began to ponder.
"Frequent racing, in my opinion, is a last resort, a second-best option when training conditions are insufficient."
"I won't let you participate in extra races."
"We at Eisei never have insufficient training conditions."
"I admit that since Naise Fumino formed Chouetsu, Dicta Striker and the others have become stronger, and you all have spent a lot of time and energy focusing on the 'Domain' previously."
"Then, next, we just need to improve the training conditions and focus more on fundamental ability training."
The smile on his face widened.
"The most crucial objective of your previous races was to touch upon the 'Domain,' which is more important than anything, even more important than winning or losing."
"Super Creek and Mejiro Ardan still need to spend time connecting with the 'Domain.' We just need to allocate more time for that."
"You have already triggered the 'Domain' in the Yayoi Sho and Satsuki Sho. Since that is the case, the next step is in-depth training."
"Do you remember? I previously asked Light and Kyoko to purchase wind tunnel equipment. Not only did they select suitable ones, but they also immediately invested tens of millions of Japanese yen for the first batch."
"There will be more investments later."
He contemplated for a moment.
"Frequent racing is to maintain racing form, acquire more performance information, and for Team Chouetsu, it should also involve the idea of improving their mastery of the 'Domain.'"
"But we can completely achieve these things with the new equipment we purchased."
"It's a bit complicated to explain in detail, but trust me. With the support of tens of millions of yen worth of equipment, I and Yusuhara will have a much clearer understanding of your, Super Creek's, Mejiro Ardan's, Tamamo Cross's, and Inari One's conditions in all aspects."
"We will also make more in-depth arrangements for your training."
"As for the 'Domain'…"
His smile began to be filled with confidence.
"No one in this world understands the 'Domain' better than I do."
"So, once we return from the trip, I will teach you how to proactively enter the 'Domain.'"
"So you see," he smiled and spread his hands, "I have nothing to worry about."
"Don't worry. You just need to rest well and train diligently. There's no need for any extra races."
"When the Japanese Derby comes, you just prepare to rest up and await the battle."
As Kitahara explained his upcoming plans, Oguri Cap looked at him with a soft smile the whole time. Now that he had finished, she smiled and nodded without hesitation.
"Mhmm! I completely believe in you, Kitahara."
"I will give my absolute best and win the Japanese Derby!"
After confidently declaring this, she paused for a moment and pursed her lips.
"However, I don't think I was mistaken. You seemed to be worried about something just now."
She looked puzzled. "Did I see it wrong, or are you, Kitahara...?" She trailed off.
Kitahara was silent for a while, then sighed with a wry smile.
"Alright, I do have some worries."
He nodded in admission, then looked seriously at Oguri Cap.
"I'll also give you a task, like Chairman Akikawa, Oguri Cap."
"The NHK Mile Cup, Aoba Sho, Principal Stakes that Dicta Striker and the others are participating in… no, including their race preparation, during the race, and after the race, if you find anything amiss with them, you must tell me."
"I will also tell Tamamo Cross and the others about this. You all study and live together at school normally, so if anything is wrong with them, you will definitely be able to find out."
"Remember, you must pay attention to them and tell me promptly. Also…"
He hesitated, "Let's not tell Naise Fumino about this for now. You just need to keep an eye on Dicta Striker and the others yourselves."
His reason for this instruction was naturally to ensure the health of Dicta Striker and the other horse girls, just in case.
In his philosophy, Oguri Cap and the others placed a higher value on physical health than most horse girls, and their senses were already acute. As long as they paid a little more attention, it would be easy for them to notice if their companions were acting abnormally.
"Oh! Is it a detective game? That sounds interesting."
Oguri Cap smiled, intrigued. "Okay, I will pay more attention to Dicta Striker and the others with Tamamo Cross and the others."
After coincidentally watching a TV program and outlining his subsequent training ideas, Kitahara was in a great mood.
He quickly realized that he had been so focused on talking excitedly with Oguri Cap that he had left Special Week and her mother hanging.
"I apologize, Ms. Aiko."
Looking at Aiko, he rubbed his nose awkwardly. "I was so focused on talking about training just now that I forgot to respond to what you said earlier."
He had actually forgotten what Aiko had said earlier, so he could only reply vaguely.
"It's alright, Mr. Kitahara."
Aiko didn't mind being ignored at all. Instead, she was very excited. "Hearing about your excellent ability like that made me very thrilled!"
"I've always used the methods I could find to train Little Spe, and I originally thought those methods were quite good."
"Now, after hearing you and comparing them, I realize my methods are truly too crude."
"Didn't you mention before that you were interested in taking Little Spe to Tokyo? Then, can… can she also be trained in the ways you mentioned? Like that wind tunnel?"
The more she spoke, the more excited she became, and then, as was her habit, she casually picked up Little Special Week, who was standing beside her with a curious look.
Running with sheep to improve leg strength is indeed a bit crude, and besides...
Gazing at Little Special Week, whose two small legs were dangling in mid-air, Kitahara had the urge to hold his forehead.
Your habit of picking up Little Spe when you get excited is too strange, isn't it?!
He inwardly grumbled, and his mouth twitched.
"No problem. I am indeed interested in inviting Little Spe to join Eisei."
He explained, "The specific method was mentioned before. She can first attend the horse girl elementary school in Tokyo, and then transfer to the Central Tracen Academy when she is of the appropriate age."
"During this process, I will provide her with some guidance according to her physical condition. Please don't worry."
"Or if you are worried, I mean, if you are worried about the living arrangements," he thought for a moment, "you can also move to Tokyo to live there, which will make it easier to take care of her."
"Oguri Cap's mother is currently in Tokyo; you can also go there." He pointed to Oguri Cap.
"No need for that for now, hahaha, living in Tokyo is too expensive."
Confirming once again that this excellent trainer was willing to mentor her daughter, Aiko couldn't help but swing Special Week, whom she was holding, back and forth.
"I'll stay here in Hokkaido for now. I can expand the ranch or go back to work for my former employer."
"This way, I won't have to worry so much about Little Spe's future tuition, living expenses, and training equipment."
...Actually, I can just pay for those expenses myself. It won't cost much, and besides...
He looked amusedly at the excited Ms. Aiko and then at Little Special Week swinging in mid-air.
With this child's talent, it will be difficult for her to worry about any expenses in the future.
After this thought, he considered that if he were to discuss paying for Special Week's training, races, and school fees with Aiko now, with her simple personality, she probably wouldn't accept it immediately. It might take more time to persuade her.
"Then, Oguri Cap and I will be staying here for two days, at the Mombetsu Onsen (Hot Spring)."
He suggested, "Why don't you and Little Spe also go there for a bath?"
He pointed to Little Special Week's shoes placed by the entrance, indicating the mud spots on them to Aiko.
"Little Spe also trained today. Soaking in a hot spring to relax will help alleviate muscle fatigue."
"We can also have more time to discuss how to arrange Little Spe's move to Tokyo. What do you think?"
"Good, no problem!"
Aiko immediately agreed and quickly stood up. "Then I'll go get my bank card…"
Seeing that she was preparing to pay for the hot spring visit, Kitahara smiled and stopped her.
"No need to go to such trouble. Since I suggested it, I'll cover the expenses. That will be much more convenient."
"We might be leaving after we finish talking, so why don't we set off now?"
In fact, he wasn't that rushed, but having just thought about paying for Special Week's training, races, schooling, and other expenses, he felt it would be better for Aiko to get used to it now, which is why he seemed a bit overly accommodating.
"In that case, without further ado, I'll go prepare a new set of clothes for Little Spe to change into after the bath."
Aiko didn't think much of it and immediately agreed. Then, she excitedly carried Little Special Week and walked towards the inner room.
At this point, seeing that her mother and Kitahara seemed to have finished their discussion, Little Special Week, who had been looking around with a curious expression, finally spoke.
"Huh? Mama, Mama, are we going to the hot springs? That's great!"
"Yes, Little Spe. Mr. Kitahara said that soaking in a hot spring helps relieve muscle fatigue. You must have a good experience this time."
"Relieve… I don't quite understand."
"It's okay. You will understand if you ask Mr. Kitahara more in the future."
"Ask… Oh, right, Mama, I just heard about the Japanese Derby or something. What is that? Can I ask Mr. Kitahara about it?"
"The Japanese Derby? Your Mama knows about that. It's a very important race that every horse girl can only participate in once in their life."
"Is it that amazing? Then, if I win, will I become the best horse girl in Japan?"
"Whether winning the Japanese Derby makes you the best in Japan… your Mama isn't entirely sure about that. You will have to ask Mr. Kitahara later. But you need to put in a lot of effort to win the Japanese Derby. Do you understand that you must train seriously?"
"Mhmm, I understand!"
Listening to Special Week and her mother chatting and entering the inner room, Kitahara also smiled. He turned to look at Oguri Cap beside him, opened his mouth, and was about to tell her to get ready to leave when he suddenly heard a phone ringing from her person.
"Hmm? Oh, a call from Tamamo Cross... Kitahara, I'll take this."
Taking out her phone and glancing at it, Oguri Cap nodded towards Kitahara and answered the call.
Kitahara was planning to wait until they finished talking before asking what was going on, but a loud voice came through the phone's receiver.
"Moshi Moshi? Oguri? Can you hear me? Hahaha, Inari One and I are going to participate in the Tenno Sho (Spring) tomorrow! Remember to watch the race on TV!"
(End of Chapter)