On the racecourse, Tokai Teio took the lead and never looked back, claiming victory by a four-length margin. It was as if she had fired the opening shot for the Golden Generation. Soon after, Seiun Sky, Mejiro Dober, Twin Turbo, and Twin Turbo's fellow rivals also began taking victories one after another.
Fujiwara Chiya returned to Tracen from the Central building. This month alone, his team had won three OP races and two graded races in succession. Compared to two years ago, these victories were already an unimaginable grand slam for him. Central had even awarded him an Excellent Trainer Medal, and at the beginning of next year, he would be able to take the intermediate trainer examination.
When Katsumura Youta heard the news, he immediately slung an arm around Chiya's neck. "Not bad, you brat. To think you actually got nominated by Central!"
"What can I say? That's just skill."
"You really don't hold back, huh? Can't you at least say it was just luck?"
"I prefer telling the truth."
"Damn you!"
The two of them always spoke bluntly to each other. Of course, even if his mouth was sharp, Katsumura Youta was still happy for him. Last year, Chiya had been so depressed that Youta had honestly wondered whether he might be unable to continue and end up resigning from Tracen altogether. Fortunately, after spending a year at rock bottom, Chiya's career had finally begun to improve. From OP races to graded races, he was steadily advancing toward higher stages.
"Come on. Ryuu-aniki and the others are waiting for you."
"Waiting for me?"
"They said they have a present for you."
There's something that good waiting for me?
When he returned to the office, Chiya found that not only Nishizaki Ryuu was there, but also Minamizaka, Kuronuma, and the others. The moment they saw him, they came up and gave him a bear hug. Kuronuma, in particular, was so strong that Chiya felt as if his bones were about to be crushed by the man's thick muscles.
"This is what we prepared for you, Chiya." Kuronuma raised his chin, indicating the stack of books on the desk. Looking at those familiar colorful covers, the corner of Chiya's eye twitched a few times.
"Five Years of College Entrance Exams, Three Years of Practice?"
"Wrong. It's Five Years of Senior Trainer Exams, Three Years of Special Training."
What's the difference…?
"We hope you'll aim for the title of youngest senior trainer," Nishizaki Ryuu said, patting him on the shoulder.
"Isn't there already Fumino?"
"Male trainer, Chiya! As a rookie trainer officially commended by Central, you absolutely have to bring glory to the men's group!" Nishizaki Ryuu shouted.
"Among the trainers who received an excellence commendation this year, you are the youngest," Kuronuma added, adjusting his sunglasses.
It could be checked on the official website: Fujiwara Chiya, twenty-three years old, Excellent Trainer of the Year. The second youngest was a man named Arita Jun, twenty-nine years old, also a Trainer of the Year. Chiya was a full six years younger than him.
This was a true case of the new wave pushing the old wave forward.
Trainer Minamizaka smiled without saying anything. His face practically had "I was dragged here by these two to make up the numbers" written all over it, along with an expression suggesting he had something else to say.
Chiya looked toward Katsumura Youta, who was standing nearby with a wicked grin. Chiya really wanted to punch him. Right now, he felt as if he had opened the Christmas present he had been waiting for all year, only to find a winter holiday homework book inside.
"So what's the real reason?" Fujiwara Chiya did not believe for a second that these people had called him over just to assign him winter holiday homework.
Nishizaki Ryuu and the others exchanged glances. Finally, they took out a newspaper.
[Super Genius from France, Treve, Officially Challenges All of Europe!]
In the photo was a pink-haired Uma Musume wearing a small one-sided hat decorated with a bow. One side of her hair fell in angled bangs, while the other was braided. She wore a tight, half-exposed midriff outfit, which, judging by the design, was probably her racing outfit. Her brilliant blue eyes stared straight at the camera.
"…Treve?" Fujiwara Chiya murmured.
"As you can see, she's an Uma Musume from France. Not long ago, she won the Prix Vermeille."
Hearing the words "Prix Vermeille," Fujiwara Chiya narrowed his eyes. That was one of France's most famous G1 races, and even internationally, it ranked among the top. This Uma Musume looked extremely young. Could this possibly be her first year racing? If so, then calling her a genius was no exaggeration.
But… what does that have to do with me?
"Idiot. You're going to participate in Europe's graded races next year. Now that a rival like this has suddenly appeared, don't you feel even a little nervous?"
"It's not certain I'll even face her. Besides, I haven't participated in the elimination race yet, and you're all already assuming I'll win."
"The face of the men's group is riding on you. If you dare lose, we won't forgive you. And besides, she said she's going to participate in the Arc. You still think you won't face her?" Nishizaki Ryuu pointed at the newspaper. Written there was her race schedule. Her next race was the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Central's European expedition project included two attempts at the Arc in total. The first year would be a trial run, while the second year would be the serious push for victory. If Chiya could win the next elimination race, then the two of them would definitely meet on the same stage.
"Next year, huh…"
Fujiwara Chiya began calculating in his head. One year should be enough for him to raise Shirayuki's ability to its peak. Of course, if someone else turned out to be stronger than Shirayuki, he could let that person run instead. However, considering controllability, Chiya still hoped Shirayuki would be the one to race.
"But why start preparing now?" Fujiwara Chiya was a little puzzled. The opponent was certainly strong, but there was no need to panic this early.
"We originally thought the same thing," Nishizaki Ryuu said, scratching his head.
"Until yesterday," Kuronuma added.
"We received news from that person," Trainer Minamizaka finally said, a serious expression appearing on his face.
"That person?"
"You know… the trainer known as the 'Magician of the Racecourse,'" Katsumura Youta said, looking unusually nervous.
"Use his name already. Stop acting all mysterious!" Fujiwara Chiya finally snapped.
"Nase Hideto," Nishizaki Ryuu said, revealing the reason they were so anxious.
A trainer known as a genius. A man who had earned the title of senior trainer at a young age and had trained hundreds of Uma Musume who had won graded races. In his forties, he had gone to Europe. Nearly ten years had passed since then. And just yesterday, Tracen received word that Nase Hideto was preparing to return.
The entire Japanese racing world was shaken by it.
He was someone capable of changing the entire structure of the trainer world. Any race he participated in was like a magic show, always bringing people surprise and miracles. That was how he had earned the title "Magician of the Racecourse."
The youngest senior trainer was returning to Japan. That was certainly exciting news. However, Nishizaki Ryuu and the others did not look particularly happy about it.
Wait. That surname, Nase… Could it be…?
"Nase Hideto is Nase Fumino's father. At the same time, he is also the trainer of that genius Uma Musume, Treve."
Thump.
Fujiwara Chiya's heart suddenly pounded hard. He remembered the man who had often visited his home in the past. He had always worn a serious expression.
So he was Fumino's father…
"That's what we're worried about. A genius trainer paired with a genius Uma Musume. Chiya, do you have the confidence to defeat those two?"
Fujiwara Chiya swallowed.
He felt as if he had just encountered the greatest challenge of his career.