Chapter 72. Shuta An's Expectations
The next morning, Shuta An brought the Uma Musume to London Heathrow Airport in the hotel's private car. From there, they would fly directly to Sapporo, and by the time they arrived, it would be approximately 10 a.m. local time.
"At that point, since none of you will have race assignments, you can enjoy some free time and do whatever you like," Shuta An specifically reminded them before departure, his tone casual yet deliberate.
"Yay!"
The Uma Musume who had not yet debuted in the Twinkle Series immediately lit up with excitement, their anticipation impossible to conceal.
In contrast, Mejiro McQueen and Mejiro Dober quietly exchanged a glance. As members of the Mejiro Family aiming for the autumn G1 races, neither of them had any intention of wasting time on idle leisure during this period that others called a "holiday."
Shuta An noticed their subtle interaction, but he did not comment on it. He did not need to ask—he could already guess their intentions with ease. Most likely, they planned to remain at the Jozankei Hotel and continue training using its facilities, maintaining their condition without interruption. As for anything beyond that, without his direct involvement, there was little more they could realistically achieve in Hokkaido.
The Royal Bank of Scotland's charter service, though only recently established, had already reached a level of maturity that exceeded expectations. After departing from Heathrow Airport, there was no need for any transfers. The Bombardier Global 6000 carried them steadily across continents, and after seventeen hours of uninterrupted flight, they arrived in Sapporo.
Shuta An slept soundly throughout the journey. Thanks to the aircraft's well-equipped interior, including multiple bathrooms and sufficient personal space, none of the Uma Musume showed any visible fatigue upon landing. Even so, after returning to the hotel, Shuta An still instructed everyone to properly adjust to the time difference, leaving no room for negligence.
As for himself, he did not rest. Instead, he remained in the hotel lobby, working alongside the staff to finalize arrangements for the G1 victory celebration banquet for Silence Suzuka and Mejiro Dober. Every detail—from catering to scheduling—was handled with deliberate care.
While the Uma Musume rested in their rooms, the young man sat in the lobby, calmly discussing specifics with the client manager. It was only when Oguri and Berno, who had adjusted to the time difference the fastest, came downstairs looking for something to eat that the atmosphere shifted.
The moment Oguri Cap appeared, the client manager's expression changed dramatically. Without a word, he hurried off toward the catering department with visible urgency, as though facing an imminent crisis.
Even though Oguri Cap had only stayed here briefly before, she had clearly left an unforgettable impression—particularly in one very specific regard.
On the third day after returning to Sapporo, the celebration banquet officially began at noon.
Silence Suzuka and Mejiro Dober entered the restaurant together, each carrying her respective trophy. Without needing instruction, they placed them at the center of the table, where the polished surfaces immediately caught the light, becoming the undeniable focal point of the entire room.
"They're so beautiful~"
Mejiro McQueen could not hide the envy in her voice as she gazed at them. As one of the core members of the Mejiro Family's new generation, only Mejiro Dober had achieved G1 victories so far—and not just domestically, but overseas as well. Meanwhile, she herself had yet to step onto that stage. All she could do was admire, without even the grounds to compare.
"I must give everything in the Kikuka Sho—I absolutely cannot lose to anyone,"
Mejiro McQueen resolved silently. She understood clearly that if she failed to catch up now, the gap between her and Mejiro Dober would only continue to widen. No matter how close they had been since childhood, the position of "number one" within the Mejiro Family was something no one would willingly yield.
"It feels much more substantial than the Japanese Derby trophy," Tokai Teio commented as she leaned closer, studying the details. "These two looks like they use a lot of silver."
"It doesn't matter what they're made of," Shuta An replied with a light shrug. "What matters is what they represent."
"That may be true, but the URA Association's aesthetic sense is still terrible," Tokai Teio pouted, clearly unconvinced.
"Those promotional videos before the races are so tacky—and next year, I'll be one of the featured runners. Just thinking about it makes me uneasy."
"Being featured means you're among the top eighteen of your generation," Air Groove reminded her calmly. "That's something every Uma Musume strives for."
Tokai Teio did not respond. Whether she accepted that logic or not was unclear, but she did not argue further.
As the banquet formally began, Shuta An quietly focused on his meal, deliberately reducing his presence. This celebration did not belong to him. The true protagonists were Silence Suzuka and Mejiro Dober. If possible, he intended to leave unnoticed later, allowing the others—especially Agnes Digital and Curren Chan—to relax without restraint.
Once he had eaten his fill, he put that plan into action.
However, just as he stepped out onto the training ground outside the hotel, holding a can of cola he had purchased from a vending machine, and sat down on a bench beside the field, someone immediately occupied the empty space beside him.
"Teio?" Shuta An turned slightly, genuine surprise flashing across his expression. "Why did you come out as well? Are you already full?"
"I saw Trainer sneak out, so I followed," Tokai Teio replied without hesitation, her tone carrying a trace of playful accusation.
"I didn't expect you not to notice me at all, even though I wasn't trying very hard to hide."
"I wasn't doing anything suspicious, so there was no reason to stay alert," Shuta An said as he stood up briefly. "Do you want something to drink? I can grab you a can."
"I already took a bottle of honey special drink from the cafeteria," Tokai Teio said, lifting the plastic bottle slightly as proof. "This is enough."
"Alright." Shuta An sat back down, the can of cola still cool in his hand. After a brief pause, he glanced at her. "So, is there something you wanted to talk about?"
"Not yet." Tokai Teio shifted a little closer, closing the gap between them by a few centimeters.
"Right now, my goal is simple. I want to become an undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume."
"I thought you might consider going on an overseas expedition next summer," Shuta An said with a faint smile.
"Just like Dober did after winning the Yorkshire Oaks. If she wins the Shuka Sho, the media will probably call her an undefeated Quadruple Crown winner."
Tokai Teio had clearly thought about it before. After a brief silence, she shook her head.
"That path doesn't suit me," she said plainly. "For me, summer isn't the right time to expend that kind of energy. I want to focus on the Kikuka Sho."
"Alright." Shuta An did not press further, nor did he challenge her reasoning.
In truth, if Tokai Teio had agreed, he would have already begun arranging a suitable race in France—most likely at Longchamp—to test her adaptability to European turf conditions. Within his long-term vision for her career, many details remained undecided, but one objective had always been fixed.
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
That race—standing at the pinnacle of the world's middle-distance turf competitions—was a stage he was determined to reach with Teio.
After all, in the Dream World, Tokai Teio had already stood beside him once, claiming victory at the Prix Ganay on that very same course.
"To take that crown—" Shuta An's gaze gradually sharpened, the quiet resolve in his eyes deepening. "In the entire Sadalsuud team at the moment—the one most suited for it might only be Teio."
If one were to ask which Trainer in Central Tracen Academy held the strongest obsession with the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the answer would be unequivocal.
Shuta An.
No one else came close.
Because for most Trainers of the previous generation, their ultimate dream had once been the now-defunct Washington D.C. International Invitational. They did not carry the same fixation—nor the same accumulated conviction—toward Longchamp's crown.
But Shuta An was different.
"If I can win—" The young man's fingers tightened slightly around the can in his hand, his gaze unwavering. "Then I will definitely make that request to the president of the French URA Association."
—
"Phew—we're back!"
Tokai Teio, the first to step off the plane, stretched her arms high, her body finally relaxing after the long journey.
"Summer vacation is over just like that—it feels a bit unusual."
"Next, I'll also prepare for my debut race," Air Groove followed a step behind her, her tone calm but carrying unmistakable resolve. "I hope we can meet on the G1 stage next year."
"Wouldn't that be the Japan Cup or the Arima Kinen?" Tokai Teio blinked, turning her head as she walked. "I'll definitely go, Air Groove—you have to go too!"
"I won't fall behind Teio,"
Air Groove replied with a faint smile, her voice steady, without the slightest hesitation.
"Hmph, just don't cry then,"
Tokai Teio snorted lightly and quickened her pace. She had already noticed that if she lingered any longer, her Trainer would definitely remind her not to block the way.
"Summer vacation is over, and the Summer Twinkle Series has also concluded. From here on, everyone active in the Twinkle Series and Dream Trophy Series will be busy again,"
Shuta An said as he watched Tokai Teio move aside on her own. His gaze then shifted slightly.
"As for Kurofune, continue focusing on basic training. Your era hasn't arrived yet."
Kurofune's eyes lingered briefly on Tokai Teio's back. There was a trace of envy, but it did not waver her understanding.
"I will learn well from Teio-senpai."
She knew very clearly that even though Tokai Teio had joined the Sadalsuud team early, before her debut, she had still endured a long period of foundational training. During that time, she had watched Silence Suzuka and Mejiro Dober—who joined later—step onto the Twinkle Series stage ahead of her.
Kurofune lowered her gaze slightly, steadying her thoughts.
"If I wait like Teio-senpai—then when I finally step onto that stage, will I also be seen as the protagonist of that year?"
Because Central Tracen Academy had been notified in advance, Symboli Rudolf had arranged for a special academy vehicle to pick up the Uma Musume. With that taken care of, Shuta An no longer needed to worry about their return. Instead, he personally drove Oguri and Berno home.
The car moved steadily away from Haneda Airport, merging into the flow of traffic. For a short while, only the quiet hum of the engine filled the space.
Then, Oguri spoke.
"For the autumn Dream Trophy Series middle-distance race, I plan to participate in the one held at Hanshin Racecourse."
"I remember there's also a middle-distance race in Tokyo," Shuta An replied, his eyes still on the road. "At Nakayama Racecourse. That track should suit you better. Wouldn't it be more efficient to stay here?"
"It would be," Oguri Cap admitted, her tone unchanged. Then she paused slightly. "But I have to go to Kasamatsu often. Berno's family shop is already closed."
"Closed?" Shuta An's expression shifted, surprise breaking through his usual composure. "Did something happen?"
"The economic situation hasn't been good," Berno Light answered from the back seat, her voice steady but without embellishment.
"Business kept declining, so they decided to close it. Selling the storefront actually brings in more than keeping it open."
There was a brief silence before Oguri Cap continued.
"Berno and I have been thinking about helping Uncle and Auntie find new jobs. They don't really want to retire yet."
"That makes sense—but it shouldn't be something too exhausting,"
Shuta An said after a moment. His tone slowed slightly, careful not to let the conversation distract him while driving.
"Let's discuss it properly after we get back."
"Actually, I already have an idea," Berno Light said, picking up the thread again without hesitation. "I plan to invest some money and open a training facility for young Uma Musume in Kasamatsu. My parents can manage it."
"A training facility—" Shuta An repeated, briefly considering it.
"Most Uma Musume there would still enter the local Twinkle Series in the Tokai region, right? Would parents be willing to invest early? Even without that, they can still compete locally—it's just that the ceiling is uncertain."
"Ann, don't underestimate Oguri's influence," Berno said, her lips curling slightly. "In Kasamatsu, Oguri is the dream of every Uma Musume. Even if most don't have her level of talent, that doesn't change what they aspire to."
Her tone grew more grounded as she continued.
"I won't set the fees high—just enough to cover costs. If they invest a little time early on, they can build a proper foundation. Even if their talent is average, someone who might have stayed in Group C could reach Group B with the right training. The difference in prize money alone makes it worth it."
"The current prize for Group C1 is about 1.2 million yen, while Group B3 is around 2.4 million."
Shuta An gave a small nod. "That's a meaningful gap."
Since Berno had already thought it through to this extent, there was no need for him to interfere further.
"Then go ahead with it," he said simply. "If you need additional funds, I'll cover the rest."
"How could it not be enough?" Berno Light shot back immediately, a hint of amusement returning.
"The Dream Trophy Series has a better revenue share than the Twinkle Series. I get 20% of Oguri's prize money. Just her race in the Middle East alone pushed my savings into eight figures."
"Hearing that, I almost want to switch to the Dream Trophy Series myself,"
Shuta An joked lightly. Everyone in the car understood that it was impossible for him to leave Team Sadalsuud.
"This year's Japan Breeders Cup Series will be held at Nagoya Racecourse," Oguri Cap continued, naturally steering the conversation forward. "I'll be appearing there as a guest."
"Speaking of that wasn't the Oguri Cap Memorial promoted to Jpn2?" Shuta An asked, recalling the update.
"It was confirmed," Berno Light replied. Then, after a brief pause, she added, "And there's something else related to you."
"Related to me?" Shuta An's eyebrows lifted slightly, genuine surprise surfacing. His foot instinctively eased off the accelerator. "I haven't seen any news about that."
"The chairman of Kasamatsu Tracen Academy proposed it," Berno Light explained. "To commemorate you, they're planning to name the first B2 group race on that day—limited to Tokai region Uma Musume—'Japan Breeders Cup Series Opening Today – Shuta An Memorial.' It's only for this year."
"That's unnecessary," Shuta An shook his head, though his tone was not dismissive.
"I'm not Oguri. It doesn't need to become a regular race. This is enough."
After a brief pause, his voice settled.
"I'll speak with Assistant Grace later and arrange a donation to Kasamatsu Tracen Academy."
"Ann is really easy to deal with," Oguri Cap muttered softly, almost to herself. "A one-time race, and they get more funding. Money really comes easily."
"This is called returning a favor,"
Shuta An said as the car slowed to a red light. He turned his head slightly, giving her a sideways glance. "And that money won't just sit there. We'll make sure it's used properly—for projects that actually benefit the Uma Musume in the Tokai region."
"Alright, alright~" Oguri Cap leaned forward slightly and pinched his waist with a casual familiarity. "I know."