The day after Urara's third record-breaking win at the Seiryu Stakes, I invited Tazuna-san, who was in the club room checking on work, for a break. While drinking coffee I brewed with my personal coffee maker, I brought up the topic of Urara's racing uniform.
"Haru Urara-san's racing uniform...?"
"Yes. I think she can run in the Japan Dirt Derby in early July with how she's doing now... What do I need to do to apply for it?"
For an Uma Musume, a racing uniform is something special.
This is because it's a uniform specifically for that Uma Musume, allowed to be worn only in G1 races and their winning live performances.
While Tracen Academy has 2,000 Uma Musume, only a handful can enter G1 races. Even G2 and G3 races are limited to the top-tier Uma Musume in the academy.
By simple calculation, there are just under 700 Uma Musume in the junior, classic, and senior classes, but only a maximum of 18 can run in a major G1 race. Some races only allow up to 16, meaning less than 3% of Uma Musume in each generation can even stand on a G1 stage.
Of course, since each Uma Musume has different aptitudes for distance, the same members don't appear in every G1 race. This increases the number of Uma Musume who experience a G1 race before they retire, but it still probably doesn't reach 10% of the total.
In cases like the current classic-class turf route, where there are double-digit numbers of strong Uma Musume in the same generation, it becomes very difficult. Strong Uma Musume appear as if it's their regular spot, and the remaining few spots are fought over by a large number of others.
In this situation, less than 5%, not even 10%, of the entire generation can participate in a G1 race, and weaker Uma Musume are forced to retire.
A G1 race is a race you participate in after surviving such a fierce battle, and the racing uniform is an outfit only those Uma Musume on that grand stage are allowed to wear. There are also racing uniforms with a unified design specified by the Tracen Academy, but those are only worn for winning live performances in G2 races and below.
It's probably to make G1 races feel special, but the thoroughness of running in a jersey with a bib even in G2 races shows the harshness of this competitive world.
My Urara, in the less-crowded dirt route, has become an Uma Musume who might get to wear one of those special uniforms.
"Haru Urara-san in a G1 race...?"
Tazuna-san's reaction to my story was subtle. It wasn't a bad reaction, but more like she was stunned or had heard something unexpected.
"Yes. She won the Seiryu Stakes, and her prize money is now among the top in the classic-class dirt route. I wanted to give her a taste of the G1 stage."
"...I thought Haru Urara-san couldn't run middle distances?"
"I think she can be competitive at 2000 meters. Anything longer than that would be difficult for her at this point, but I'll make sure she gains more stamina before the Japan Dirt Derby."
Naturally, I haven't forgotten about her training for the Unicorn Stakes. The Unicorn Stakes comes first, and the Japan Dirt Derby is a story for afterward.
"...Could it be that we don't have enough time from now? Or that it costs a fortune?"
Seeing Tazuna-san's reaction, I asked, thinking that might be the case. I don't know how an Uma Musume's racing uniform is made, but if it can't be completed in a month and a half, she might have to run in her jersey on the G1 stage. No, in that case, it would probably be the Tracen Academy-designated uniform.
If it requires a rush fee, I'm willing to pay for it myself. I don't think a rush fee for a uniform would cost a million yen, but I don't know the market price for an Uma Musume's racing uniform.
"N-no, there's plenty of time. With Haru Urara-san's record and prize money, she'll certainly be able to enter the Japan Dirt Derby, and in this case, it will be covered by expenses."
"Is that so... that's a relief."
I let out a sigh of relief. In that case, the only thing left is to decide what kind of racing uniform to make. A dress-type uniform like Rice's would suit her, and on the other hand, considering Urara's energetic personality, a uniform that prioritizes ease of movement would also be a good idea.
Speaking of which, I've been wondering but never brought it up, but what's with the dagger Rice wears with her uniform...?
As I was thinking about that, Tazuna-san put her hand on her cheek and mumbled, looking troubled.
"By the way... is there a secret to her growth, or to her training, that enabled Haru Urara-san to reach a G1 level?"
"Huh? No, there isn't. I just believed in Urara and trained her. And Urara responded to that and grew. That's all there is to it."
How would I, a trainer in my second year, know a secret to training? If there were one, I'd want to know it myself.
"...I see."
Tazuna-san smiled a troubled smile, but I didn't understand why she was making that face.
So, after school that day.
I told Urara that a racing uniform could be made for her. We decided that deciding on the design would be a fun task for after training, and I headed to the practice course with Urara, who was 50% more motivated than usual, and Rice, whose motivation had also skyrocketed.
There were many Uma Musume and trainers on the practice course, and some of them were new students who had just entered Tracen Academy this year.
They are my first junior trainers. There were a few of them, and when they noticed me, they bowed, so I gave them a light smile and waved. I should take them out for a drink sometime. They might become my rivals in the future, but you're supposed to be nice to your juniors.
"Oh, is that..."
There was a familiar face on the practice course. It was Kiryuuin-san, talking to Happy Meek with a gentle atmosphere while they warmed up.
"Ah... Hello!"
When she noticed me, Kiryuuin-san's face lit up. She greeted me, so I returned the greeting and walked toward her.
"Good work. Are you training Happy Meek?"
"Yes! The Japanese Derby is coming up soon. This time, I'll definitely make Meek win."
Kiryuuin-san smiled happily as she said that. Perhaps the other day's drinking session had a positive effect, as there was no shadow on her face.
"I'm looking forward to it. But your rival Uma Musume are all strong. You can't be overconfident or let your guard down, you know?"
"Of course! But I believe Meek can win!"
Kiryuuin-san spoke with a radiant smile. Yeah, it's a good smile. I might have high hopes for the Japanese Derby after all.
"Happy Meek, it's been a while. How are you feeling?"
"It's been a while. I'm feeling..."
When I called out to her, Happy Meek also smiled faintly and answered. But in the middle of her sentence, her expression became a little suspicious, and for some reason, her nose twitched. Then she started circling me... Rice did this before, too. Is this a new trend among the younger generation?
"W-what's wrong? Do I smell?"
"...No, it's nothing."
I asked, wondering what was going on, but Happy Meek said it was nothing. But hold on a second. If it's nothing, then what's with that face, like a cat making a Flehmen response? And now that I look, Rice is doing something similar next to Kiryuuin-san.
"If it's nothing, then that's fine... By the way, what about those shoes?"
I tilted my head but decided not to press the issue and changed the subject. The shoes Happy Meek was wearing looked like baguettes. They were kind of cute on the slightly otherworldly Happy Meek, but aren't they difficult to run in?
"...Trainer bought them for me."
Happy Meek said with a confident, proud look on her face. It seems like she has also become more comfortable with Kiryuuin-san than before.
"I see... That's good. They're cute and they suit you."
"Eh... Ah, thank you..."
Yeah, it would be tactless to ask if they're difficult to run in. When I complimented her, Happy Meek's cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked happy. It would definitely be tactless to ask her about it now.
Besides, Uma Musume themselves are creatures who feel a surge of power when they put on their racing uniform. Even if she's wearing shoes that look difficult to run in, like baguettes, she might even be able to run faster.
As I was thinking that, someone suddenly pulled on the elbow of my clothes. I thought it was either Urara or Rice and turned around, and there was Kiryuuin-san, standing oddly close to me and looking up at me.
"Huh? What's wrong... Oh, Kiryuuin-san? What's the matter?"
I never expected Kiryuuin-san to do something like that—oh, wait, she did something similar when she woke up at my place after that drunken incident.
"Um, if it's not too much trouble... Since Meek's race is coming up, I was wondering if you'd let her train with Haru Urara-san and Rice Shower-san... I'm thinking of entering her in the Japanese Derby next."
"Ah... It's at the end of this month, isn't it?"
Kiryuuin-san had vented a lot when we were drinking, but she still seems to be planning on continuing on the classic triple crown route. However, unlike before, this is probably the result of a discussion with Happy Meek. I can see a strong will flickering in her eyes.
"Hmm... It would be good training for Urara, but for Rice..."
I glanced at Urara and Rice. Urara was happily poking at Happy Meek's baguette-like shoes, and Rice... what was with that face? She looks like she just ate a sour pickled plum. Does she not want to?
"Rice? I was hoping you could do a mock race with them like you did before... Happy Meek is also an Uma Musume who's been in two G1 races, so I think it would be good practice."
"...Rice is fine with it."
"Are you sure? If you're not in the mood..."
"...Rice is fine with it."
Ah, this isn't "fine." It feels like it's not that she doesn't want to run with Happy Meek, but that she dislikes something else entirely.
"Huh? I get to run with Meek-chan today? Yay! Hey, hey, Rice-chan! Isn't this great! I'm Super Urara today, so I won't lose to either of you!"
As I was wondering what to do, Urara, who must have heard the conversation, laughed happily and hugged Rice. Rice held Urara back, looking troubled, then smiled gently.
"Yeah, Rice won't lose either. Meek-san, shall we run?"
"Yes..."
They said that and started warming up. Happy Meek's expression didn't show any negative feelings when she heard Urara would be running, either.
Before, it was a bit... well, it was a bit obvious, but she gave off the vibe that running with Urara wouldn't be good practice, but it's different now. Perhaps she sees her as a rival to compete against, as Happy Meek is now enthusiastically warming up and stretching her body.
(Happy Meek is running in the Japanese Derby next... The distance is 2400 meters... Yeah, this is perfect practice for not just Rice but Urara as well.)
The Meguro Kinen, which Rice is scheduled to run in in late May, is 2500 meters, so training with Happy Meek isn't a bad idea. The distance will be a bit long for Urara, but it will be good training for her to build up stamina.
"I'm sorry for making such a sudden request... But I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to train Meek..."
As I was watching Urara and Rice warm up, Kiryuuin-san said this apologetically. I felt like she was standing half a step closer than before, but... well, it's probably just a small error.
"You thought it would be good for Happy Meek, right? For a trainer, that's the most important thing. For us, a different kind of training is also a good stimulus."
When I finished by telling her not to worry about it, Kiryuuin-san smiled happily.
"Thank you so much. I'm always indebted to you... I don't even know how I can thank you anymore."
"I'm not doing this for a thank you, so don't worry about it. But... let's see..."
I thought about it, wondering if there was anything I wanted. But I couldn't come up with anything good, so I smiled as I looked at Happy Meek.
"If you show me Happy Meek winning first place in the Japanese Derby, that would be the best thank you. I'm looking forward to it."
I know how difficult that is. Considering the abilities of the Uma Musume who will probably be in the Japanese Derby, Happy Meek will probably be lucky to even place.
Oguri Cap, Special Week, and King-chan are all formidable opponents. I'm especially interested in Special Week, who lost to Oguri Cap in the Satsuki Sho.
She gives off the impression that she's going to get even stronger, and above all, she's being trained by the Team Spica trainer. She'll be desperate to get revenge for her loss in the Satsuki Sho at the Japanese Derby.
There are also Biwa Hayahide, Narita Taishin, Winning Ticket, Seiun Sky, and so on. No matter when I think about it, the classic-class turf route is just too much of a high-level gauntlet, and I can't even give a wry smile.
The dirt route is also a pain with Smart Falcon, but... I was thinking that when I realized Kiryuuin-san hadn't responded. I looked at her, and she was staring at me blankly.
"Kiryuuin-san?"
"Ah... What is it? No, wait! Winning first place in the Derby with Meek, that's right!"
"Are you okay? Did you just glitch out?"
Her language center seems to have glitched out. Is she really okay? When I gave her a worried look, Kiryuuin-san shook her head up and down so fast it sounded like it was humming. Maybe it's because she made such a sudden, intense movement, but her face is red... Is she really okay?
"Onii-sama! We're done with our warm-up!"
While I was worrying, Rice slid in between me and Kiryuuin-san. Wait, why did you have to squeeze into such a narrow space? She didn't just slide in; she's practically glued to me, to the point of hugging me.
"Oh, okay. Then Urara, Happy Meek, and..."
"...You can just call me Meek."
"Huh? Okay, Meek. Then you'll do a light lap, and if there are no problems with your legs, the three of you will run together. Three laps on turf, three on dirt, and then we'll see about wood and slope... Three laps should be fine for now. Kiryuuin-san, is that okay with you?"
When I asked her, Kiryuuin-san seemed to have come back to her senses and nodded multiple times. Is she really okay...? And Rice, stop hugging me like that and saying, "Mmm..." It's unladylike, you know?
"Also, Urara is inferior to the two of you in terms of stamina. Don't push yourself too hard. But follow them as much as you can."
"Until my limit, right?"
"That's right. Until you're exhausted today... No, we're going to talk about the racing uniform design later, so let's take it a little easy..."
When I said that, Urara's expression became serious.
"I'll think about the racing uniform design at home. To beat Fal-chan, I have to train as much as I can... Since Meek-chan is here, I'll train even harder than usual!"
Her words made me gasp. The racing uniform is important, but there's a limit to how much time we have to train. So it's my job to train her as much as possible.
"Ah... You're right. But don't overdo it. I'll still train you until you can't stand, but don't overdo it, okay?"
"Yeah! When I can't move, you'll carry me back to the dorm, right?"
"You got it. I'll give you a piggyback ride."
Yeah, no overdoing it. But I'll train her thoroughly. Urara is this motivated, so I'll make her run until she can't move a single finger, as long as she doesn't get injured.
I might get a complaint call from King-chan later, though.
I exchanged those words with Urara and started the training.
By the way, Rice looked a little envious when she heard my conversation with Urara... But when the training started, she was running and competing fiercely with Meek as if it were a real race. Like in the previous mock race, she intimidated Meek, and Meek, not wanting to lose, ran to pull away from Rice.
Urara chased after the two of them, and she even overtook them in the gaps where Rice and Meek were competing with each other, making for a very fruitful training session.
And so, days of focusing on training passed.
Smart Falcon ran in the Housou Stakes, won with a new record, and declared her entry into the Unicorn Stakes during the winning live. I also trained with Kiryuuin-san and Meek a few times, as we started to see each other often at the practice course. My days were busy but fulfilling.
In the middle of all that, while I was getting some work done, thinking that I should register Rice for the Meguro Kinen soon, Tazuna-san came to me carrying a cardboard box.
"Good work, Tazuna-san. What's that...?"
"These are the Rice-san goods we talked about before. They've been produced for now, so I brought some samples for you to see."
Can goods be made that fast? I wondered, but seeing how fast it was, it seems the talks were secretly progressing in the background, and things were just chaotic because of the Kikka Sho incident.
Well, I'm an adult, so I'm not going to pry into the behind-the-scenes stuff. I was more interested in Rice's goods.
"Let's see... Wow! There's a lot!"
The cardboard box Tazuna-san brought was huge, barely able to fit through the club room door. When I tried to lift it, it was quite heavy.
"...Huh? Tazuna-san, how did you carry something so heavy? I could've gone and gotten it for you..."
"This much can be carried with one hand... No, no, this is part of my job as well."
Tazuna-san said with a smile. But one hand? Ah, she must have brought it for me in between her other secretarial duties. She's a professional as always.
I excitedly opened the box and checked the contents. The first thing I saw was a deformed plushie of Rice. There were several sizes, with the largest being about 30 centimeters and the smaller ones being about 10 centimeters with a ball chain.
"Oh... I guess the small ones are prizes for crane games? There's a racing uniform version and a Tracen Academy uniform version... Oh, there's a casual clothes version too."
I thought there would only be one kind, but there was also a version wearing the clothes she wore when we went out together with Urara. There were also keychains, phone straps, and calendars and bromides using pictures from the races Rice had run in.
"Hmm... Seeing all this, I can really feel that Rice has become popular."
Rice was booed at the Kikka Sho, but lately, she's become just as popular as Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen. The fact that these goods were made so quickly is probably a result of that.
"Haru Urara-san is also one of the most popular Uma Musume who hasn't run in a graded race, so there might be talks about making goods like these for her at an early stage."
"Really? If so, I'll have to buy all of them."
I might be able to get samples like this, but that's a different story. I'll have to buy three of each, one for admiring, one for keeping, and one to send to my parents.
As I was checking the quality of the goods I received, Urara and Rice came to the club room after school. Their eyes lit up when they saw the various goods I had lined up on the desk.
"Wow! What are these! There are so many tiny Rice-chans!"
"Wow... Onii-sama, are these the goods you were talking about?"
Urara happily hugged the 30-centimeter plushie of Rice and started lifting it up and down. Rice looked at all the goods one by one, looking both embarrassed and happy.
"I-it's a little embarrassing, isn't it? Rice never thought she'd have so many goods made for her."
"It's proof of how hard you've worked, Rice. I don't know how many will sell... but I'm sure a lot of fans will buy them."
I said with a smile. Rice hugged the plushie of herself, her eyes a little watery, and nodded many times.
"Can I have these?"
"Yeah. They're samples for us. The number is... yeah. You can take all of them."
"Yay! Then I'll sleep with my Rice-chan doll tonight!"
Urara hugged the doll, looking genuinely happy. Rice also looked happy seeing Urara like that, and I picked up the biggest plushie with a smile.
"I'll take all of them home too... I wonder where I should display them. Maybe I should buy a dedicated shelf for them. Oh, I could even sleep with it, like Urara."
Of course, I was joking. No, buying a dedicated shelf was serious, but it would be weird for an old man like me to sleep with a plushie. That's something only a girl like Urara can get away with.
I was joking, but in the next moment, the Rice plushie disappeared from my hand.
"Huh? Um... Rice-san?"
It was Rice who had taken the plushie from my hand. Rice was holding the plushie and puffing out her cheeks.
"No, you can't. Urara-chan can, but you can't sleep with Rice's doll, Onii-sama."
"Eh... No, I was just kidding about sleeping with it. But I'm serious about displaying it at home."
I tried my best to explain to Rice, who had suddenly become angry, but she just wouldn't give me the big plushie. I don't get what goes on in the minds of girls this age.
"Then how about I display it on my desk? That's fine, right?"
The desk I use in the club room is a bit bare since I only keep the things I need on it. So when I suggested that, Rice smiled.
"Yes. That's fine."
"That's a relief... It would be nice to have something to pet when I have nothing to do."
"No, you can't."
"What...?"
I was stunned when she rejected me again. Huh? It's okay to just display it? Oh, I see... I'm not allowed to pet it... I really don't get where Rice draws the line.
"Hey, hey, Trainer! Will I get to have goods like these too?"
"You're popular, Urara. If you get even more popular with your races, Tazuna-san said you might get them made at an early stage."
Tazuna-san, who had brought the goods, had already left, saying she had other work to do. So when I told Urara what she said, her eyes lit up.
"Really?! Alright, I'll do my best!"
"Yeah, it's good that you'll do your best, but we need to decide on the racing uniform first, okay?"
I've made it like homework for Urara to think about what kind of uniform she wants, with her wishes being the top priority. King-chan called me last night and said Urara was groaning in front of her desk and was a little loud. I'm sorry, King-chan.
"Umm... I haven't decided yet! A racing uniform like Rice-chan's is cool, but I want to think about it a little more!"
"You still have time to think, but try to come up with something by the end of the month, okay?"
"Okay!"
Urara answered energetically. Rice smiled at Urara's enthusiasm, and I smiled too.
Well, I guess it's time to get to training again today.
And so, the end of May arrived.
The Meguro Kinen, which Rice was running in, was the 12th race at the Tokyo Racecourse, but coincidentally, the 11th race was the midpoint of the classic triple crown, the Japanese Derby, or Tokyo Yushun.
—That day, it was a hot day, unlike any other in May.
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