Inside the director's office, Akikawa Yayoi held her fan with a dark expression and a dangerous smile.
"I'm clearly talking about something important, and yet you're over there giggling to yourself. Trainer Chiya, were you even listening to what I said?"
"Yes. I was carefully analyzing every word you said and preparing to follow it strictly in the future, all for the great development of Tracen."
"Oh? Then repeat what I just said."
"I'm very special."
"Special my foot!"
Smack!
Fujiwara Chiya took another hit from the fan.
"Chiya, your evaluation this year is already in a very dangerous position."
Looking at the young trainer in front of her, Akikawa Yayoi let out a small sigh. During the interview, his answers had left a good impression on her, but not even a full year had passed before two Uma Musume terminated their contracts with him in succession. Even within Tracen, that was rare.
"If one more Uma Musume requests to terminate their contract, you won't be able to participate in this year's trainer evaluation, and you won't be eligible for next year's promotion exam either."
Losing two years like that would have a significant impact on Fujiwara Chiya.
Not only that, if another Uma Musume chose to leave him, the Central authority would reassess his trainer license. If he was unlucky, his qualification could even be revoked entirely.
Getting into Tracen didn't mean everything was settled. If anything, the standards for trainers here were even stricter.
"How many members are currently in your team?"
"Three."
"Who are they?"
"Gold Ship, Rice Shower, and Meisho Doto."
Fujiwara Chiya counted them on his fingers, listing the few Uma Musume he had worked so hard to gather.
"If we include Fujiwara Shirayuki, that makes four."
"You're planning to include your cousin in your team?"
"Yes."
"That's fine." Akikawa Yayoi waved her fan. "At least you can take better care of your own family."
"Now, about your results," she continued, her expression turning serious. "Two consecutive contract terminations have already lowered your evaluation score significantly. If you want to compete for Best Trainer this year, you'll need to produce real results."
"Results?"
"That's right. Wins in graded races."
Hearing the words graded races, Fujiwara Chiya swallowed instinctively.
From lowest to highest, Uma Musume races were divided into debut races, one-win class, two-win class, three-win class, open class, and finally graded races.
Uma Musume capable of winning graded races were already among the elite, and among them, GⅠ races stood at the top. It was said that only the very best could claim victory at that level.
Of course, all of that felt far too distant for a rookie trainer like Fujiwara Chiya.
He didn't even have a single debuted Uma Musume.
That's right. Not one.
He used to have two, but now they were nothing more than painful memories.
If none of his current members debuted this year, he would be left with an empty roster for the entire season.
Right now, he was in a desperate situation.
He had to train a capable Uma Musume within a year.
"When heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it first tests their resolve and tempers their body…"
"What's wrong, Shirayuki? Are you already eager to race?"
Hearing her muttering, Tazuna turned her head and looked at Shirayuki.
"No, I was thinking about how to become a strong Uma Musume as quickly as possible."
Or rather, how to make others become strong.
Fujiwara Chiya's team situation was, frankly speaking, miserable. At the moment, there wasn't a single reliable Uma Musume among them.
As for the reason, he didn't want to think about it again. That kind of pain could only be understood by someone who had experienced it.
"The only way is through racing," Tazuna said matter-of-factly. "Race continuously, grow stronger, and become someone admired by others. For Uma Musume, the fastest path is effort."
"…That makes sense."
There was no such thing as a convenient shortcut in this world. Those who stood at the top had all gone through harsh training, step by step.
So instead of blaming the lack of shortcuts, one should look at themselves.
"Then, if you don't mind, I can introduce you to a few students."
Seeing the gentle white-haired girl lost in thought, Tazuna assumed she was uncertain about the future and made a suggestion.
"I know a few talented girls. They can help you, whether it's with racing or starting your training. You can ask them for guidance."
"Really?"
"I don't think they would mind helping a newcomer."
"Thank you very much, Miss Tazuna!"
Having only been at the academy for a year, Fujiwara Chiya barely knew anyone beyond his colleagues' Uma Musume. Training alongside stronger runners would greatly improve their abilities, and in that regard, he had always been at a disadvantage.
If Tazuna was willing to help, it would be a huge boost.
"You've been so kind to me, but I have nothing to offer in return. If possible, please feel free to use my cousin however you like as repayment."
"I don't need any repayment… this is simply part of my job as a secretary."
"Please make full use of him."
"You should treasure your cousin a bit more…"
Inside the director's office, Fujiwara Chiya looked deeply moved.
"I think I finally have hope."
"Hope? What hope?"
"There's an angel willing to help me."
"An angel…" Akikawa Yayoi blinked, then quickly raised her fan in front of her chest. "You're not talking about me, are you? Let me tell you, Trainer Chiya, flattery won't get you any special treatment."
At most, she might mediate a little on his behalf with the Central authority.
"I'm a very upright person, Director. I would never do something like that."
"Let's hope so. You've heard the story of the boy who cried wolf, haven't you?"
"No. I've only heard of the story where the wolf left."
"The wolf left?"
"It's about a Little Red Riding Hood who's into furries—"
"Alright, that's enough!" Director Akikawa cut him off. "In any case, this is the second time you've promised me that you'll train a capable Uma Musume. If another one terminates their contract, your credibility with me will hit rock bottom."
"Yes. I will do everything I can to maintain my image in your eyes."
"Your image in my eyes is already that of a reckless kid…" Akikawa Yayoi muttered, pressing her forehead.
"Alright, go train," she said, waving her fan. "Make sure your Uma Musume win a graded race. This year is extremely important, not just for you, but for all of us."