Chapter 209: Watch closely—what a trainer does.

It was a day in mid-December, with the end of the year—and the Arima Kinen—fast approaching.

I sat watching Wilm and Bourbon run side by side, gathering data as I observed.

Recently, they’d often trained alongside other Uma Musume—Teio, Nature, Rice, and Souri—but today’s session was limited to just the two from my own team.

With the Japan Cup now over, our cooperative arrangement with the Tokai Teio camp had come to an end.

This month, we also decided to skip joint training with the Nice Nature camp, with whom we had worked in near lockstep for over two years.

Peak performance typically lasts about three years once it begins. During that period, broadly speaking, the later the stage, the faster an Uma Musume’s stats tend to grow.

Especially in the third year—toward the end of the senior class—that growth becomes explosive. In a sense, it’s the most critical phase of an Uma Musume’s career.

That’s why, rather than compromising by training alongside others, it’s often better to push each girl to her absolute limit with tailored sessions, keeping the Arima Kinen in mind.

Back in my previous life—the game version—training with other Uma Musume boosted stat gains, or triggered something called “friendship training,” which dramatically accelerated growth.

I still don’t fully understand how that world and this one are connected, but the conclusion remains the same here.

There’s data showing that training with other Uma Musume—especially rivals or friends you’re conscious of—leads to greater improvement than training alone. Source: the Horino family records.

However, training with others also means you can only choose methods and workloads that suit both participants.

Under normal circumstances, that’s effective. But when pushing to the absolute limit for something like the Arima Kinen at the tail end of peak condition, it can instead become a restriction.

To avoid that drawback, the only option is to have the training partner match Wilm.

Of course, I can’t ask that of someone from another team, so the best I can do is request cooperation from someone within my own.

That means putting that girl’s priorities on hold, so compensation is necessary—but by promising her top priority next year at the same crucial timing, the overall benefit comes out ahead.

They’re still just children, after all. They often prioritize emotions over logic, and persuading them can be difficult…

But Bourbon is different. If I present proper data and explain things logically, she understands. Having such a rational trainee makes things much easier.

And so, today’s training is centered on pushing Wilm to her limits, with Bourbon supporting as much as she can.

I sat on a folding chair by the track, glancing at their run. I stopped the stopwatch in my left hand while sorting through documents with my right.

Multitasking has become second nature. If I couldn’t work while observing training, I wouldn’t be fit to be their trainer.

With that, I clicked the stopwatch as the two passed the starting line, then turned my attention to their data.

"Well then… Wilm’s growth is definitely slowing down."

Once her stats passed 1200, it’s become increasingly difficult to raise them further. Though, honestly, that makes sense.

Whether it’s studying, sports, or anything else—mastery comes easily up to a point, but beyond that, progress slows.

If something were easy enough for anyone to achieve with a little effort, it wouldn’t be called professional.

Beyond that point, it’s about stacking tiny improvements, one by one.

Overwhelming talent—or overwhelming effort. Without one of those, you won’t reach that domain. And even if you do, growth slows dramatically from there.

That’s why in G1 races, the differences in ability are so slight, and even the smallest margin can decide the outcome.

From that perspective, it’s only natural that Wilm’s growth—already far beyond 1200 in every stat—has begun to slow.

…Or maybe not?

Why is Wilm the only one breaking into 1500 when everyone else caps around 1000 or 1100…?

Well, it’s Wilm. My ace is the strongest—so of course she’s the strongest.

"Meanwhile, Bourbon… her rate of growth has stepped up a level since the Japan Cup."

Just as Masa, Wilm, and I had hoped, Bourbon seems to have grasped something during that race.

When we first signed her, her goal was solely the Triple Crown.

More precisely—she couldn’t see anything beyond it.

It was a dream she had held since childhood… perhaps even an obsession.

It drove her forward—but it also meant she had no motivation beyond achieving it.

So as her trainer, what I needed to consider wasn’t just securing the Triple Crown—it was what came after.

Would she find joy in running? In racing others?

That was my challenge—my duty as her trainer.

…And it seems that wish has come true.

Instead of being overwhelmed by that wave of passion, she learned to ride it—while developing the physical ability to sustain it.

In a sense, she has overcome her tendency to lose control.

In the Japan Cup, she pushed herself to the very limit—and truly demonstrated her ability.

And she still lost.

Which means there are no excuses left.

She was simply… inferior.

Against one of the strongest—Tokai Teio—Bourbon couldn’t win.

She lost decisively. All she could do was chase that back.

And precisely because of that—

She found something.

The act of chasing someone ahead.

From another perspective, it’s an environment that affirms her endless racing instinct.

And within that… she found motivation.

A resolve to one day surpass that back.

A feeling she might one day call "fun."

"…Good."

I couldn’t help but smile and nod.

Not just at Wilm and Bourbon’s growth—but at how smoothly everything was progressing.

Last year, I made mistake after mistake and ended up red-faced and in tears more times than I can count.

But this year… things have gone well. Truly well.

Wilm—aside from that blunder at the Osaka Cup—has steadily improved while enjoying her races.

As for Bourbon, while many lament her loss at the Japan Cup, I consider it the best possible outcome.

And personally… I think I’ve built an ideal relationship with both of them. …Though Wilm might be getting a bit too close.

Even on the administrative side, I’ve made no major mistakes this year.

In research as well, I’ve produced a fair number of papers and results—apparently earning some recognition.

Yeah… this year, I’ve achieved results I can be proud of.

Even someone as clumsy as me managed to make it this far…

That makes me genuinely happy.

"My goal… I suppose."

When I was born into this world, I made a wish.

This time, I wanted to become someone.

In my previous life, I failed because I was half-hearted.

I thought that if I devoted myself fully from childhood, I might be able to accomplish something meaningful—something that could help others.

…Though now that I think about it, I’m not sure why I was so fixated on helping people.

Maybe something happened back in elementary school in my previous life…?

Well, setting that aside—

I can say that wish has been fulfilled over these past three years.

Producing two Triple Crown Uma Musume—Hoshino Wilm and Mihono Bourbon—and supporting them along the way…

That’s more than enough for me.

And as for this new way of life I’ve found—being "a trainer true to myself"—

I’d say I’ve done more than well enough this year.

Achievements like the Triple Crown aside, I’m most proud of how sincerely I’ve supported their hearts.

As their partner… I think I did a decent job.

…Hopefully.

And so, thinking, “Man, I really worked hard this year—let’s finish strong and keep supporting them next year,”

I continued observing their condition, times, and expressions—writing everything down—

"Hmm?"

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

That ringtone…

"The Chairwoman?"

---

The chairwoman of Central Tracen Academy is a fairly well-known figure.

Akikawa Yayoi.

She’s beloved by nearly every trainer and student—a small-statured chairwoman.

Short—though still a bit taller than 145 cm Wilm—with an innocent face, she looks more like a girl than a grown woman.

She may seem too young for the role, but her management skills are undeniable.

If it’s for the sake of the Uma Musume, she won’t hesitate to invest her own money to implement bold, innovative policies.

Since becoming chairwoman, she’s already built an impressive track record—most notably founding the URA Finals, now as popular as the Arima Kinen.

Personality-wise, she’s not perfect—but—

She’s cheerful, forward-looking, generous, and above all, always puts Uma Musume and trainers first.

It’s no wonder she’s so well-liked.

Personally, I respect and admire her deeply.

She’s close to my ideal—what I strive to become.

The Horino style of selflessness as a trainer.

The ideal sense of distance and consideration.

And above all—overwhelming passion… and love for Uma Musume.

She embodies all of that in perfect balance.

What took me nearly fifty years across two lives, she achieved in just over fifteen.

There’s nothing but respect for that.

And I’m not the only one who thinks so.

Nearly every trainer holds some degree of respect for her.

She’s friendly and a bit airheaded at times, so people may act casually around her—but if she ever needed help, every trainer at Tracen would step up.

And so—

I was called in by that very chairwoman and seated on the sofa in her office.

"Apologies! I’m sorry for summoning you so suddenly, Trainer Horino Ayumu!

Especially for something as personal as this. I wouldn’t blame you for wondering what this is about at such a busy time."

Akikawa Yayoi—our ever-cheerful, pint-sized chairwoman—said this with her usual smile as she took a seat across from me.

Still… seeing her again like this, she really is beautiful. Her chestnut-colored hair suits her perfectly, and honestly, she almost looks like an Uma Musume herself…

"No, I didn’t have any urgent matters on my end, so it’s no trouble."

"Besides, I’ve learned a great deal from you, Chairwoman. Personally, I have no objections to speaking with you."

"And that’s because it will help you in training Hoshino Wilm, Mihono Bourbon, and your future trainees, correct?"

In other words—your trainees come first, and you don’t care about yourself, is that it?—that was the implication behind her teasing tone.

I nodded immediately.

"Yes, of course. Everything is for the sake of being a trainer—for the sake of the Uma Musume."

"Mm, splendid! Keep that attitude and continue your efforts!"

She laughed cheerfully and snapped open a folding fan labeled "Excellent!"

I always wonder—just how many fans does she even own? Over these past three years, I’ve seen at least twenty variations: "Delightful!", "Magnificent!", and so on.

Well, she does have a rather unique sense of style—fan included.

But one thing is beyond doubt—her love for Uma Musume is genuine.

Just as I’m willing to do anything for my trainees, Chairwoman Akikawa is the kind of person who acts without hesitation for the bright future of all Uma Musume.

Otherwise, there’s no way she would fund massive racing events out of her own pocket.

I’ve known her for four years now. Naturally, that familiarity has led to a certain ease between us—an understanding of each other’s distance and way of being.

Especially this past year, I’ve found myself speaking to her more casually.

Of course, I haven’t forgotten the respect she deserves as both my superior and someone I admire…

But it feels like this kind of relationship is what she prefers as well.

With that, Chairwoman Akikawa tucked away her "Excellent!" fan and pulled out a plain one, unfolding it as she continued.

…Did she really need to switch them?

"To say this myself, I’ve been quite busy lately… no, for the past three years! Not that it’s been unpleasant—rather, I’d call it fulfilling!"

"You have my apologies. I’m truly grateful for all the accommodations you’ve made on my behalf."

At that, she narrowed her eyes slightly.

"…No. If anything, I should be the one apologizing for not being considerate enough, Trainer Horino Ayumu."

She said this, then covered her mouth with her fan and lowered her gaze, as if deep in thought.

…Not considerate enough?

Had there been anything like that?

For the past year and a half—especially since Wilm started gaining popularity—she’s gone out of her way to support me.

Tasks that should have been my responsibility were redirected to administrative staff, and she granted a great deal of flexibility regarding Wilm’s assignments.

If anything, I should be thanking her—not being apologized to.

Tilting my head in confusion, I watched as she took a sip of her tea and began to speak.

"Do you remember? Three years ago, when I permitted you to take on trainees."

"Of course. That was the beginning of everything for me."

Normally, rookie trainers first work as assistants or instructors, gaining experience before being allowed to contract and train their own Uma Musume.

But I was an exception.

From my very first year—right after completing training—I was allowed to take on trainees.

That decision was apparently based on the high evaluation I received—not just as a member of the Horino family, but personally, from the Chairwoman herself.

"I believe that decision caused you considerable trouble as well. Being inexperienced, your workload must have been quite demanding."

"Not at all. It was a valuable learning experience. I’m still inexperienced and lacking—without hardship, I wouldn’t grow."

"…Setting aside the ‘lacking’ part—if you are inexperienced, then there would be no true scholars left in this world.

I heard another one of your papers was published. Though ideally, you should inform us beforehand… well, if it’s your personal work, there’s little I can do."

She gave a wry smile, then cleared her throat and returned to the topic.

"As I’ve said before, we allowed you to take on trainees early because of our expectations.

At the time, your performance was far beyond your peers, and your dedication—while somewhat excessive—was more than sufficient for a trainer.

This had nothing to do with your family background or any special consideration. You, as an individual, stood out."

"I’m honored."

Honestly, I still don’t quite know how to respond to praise directed at me personally rather than at my trainees.

But Masa keeps telling me, "Just accept it and move on! You were taught that at home, weren’t you!?"

So lately, I’ve been trying to follow that advice.

Acting confident is harder than it sounds.

As I bowed slightly, the Chairwoman’s gaze drifted into the distance.

"…However, that wasn’t the only reason we made an exception for you.

In fact, the reason I proposed it was due to a different concern."

"A concern?"

"Because… I sensed something dangerous about you."

"…?"

Dangerous, huh.

…Well, I suppose I have some idea.

In a sense, I’m rather stoic.

Lacking talent. Not particularly efficient.

Most people, when they realize that, tend to give up.

But for me, lacking talent is simply a given.

What matters is how much effort I can put in to improve regardless.

I can’t afford to slack off.

If I don’t work harder than others—twice, three times as much—I won’t even reach average.

Though these days… being "average" doesn’t really matter anymore.

All I want now is the strength to support my trainees—to run alongside them, to become someone worthy of standing beside them.

…That’s a change Wilm brought to me.

Back when I first entered Tracen, I wasn’t like this.

I was just desperately trying to become a trainer…

Honestly, I didn’t have much of a vision for what came after.

"During your trainer exam interview, I asked you a question.

‘What is the most important thing in being a trainer?’

Do you remember your answer?"

"‘To erase oneself’… was it?"

"Yes. When I saw your eyes then, and heard that answer… I found it concerning."

That was the Horino philosophy of being a trainer.

To discard personal desires and emotions, and function as a cog—devoting everything to raising an Uma Musume.

To abandon the self and live for someone else.

At the time… before I met Wilm, before she burned herself into my mind—

I truly believed that was the path I should follow.

Now it feels nostalgic.

Though it was only four years ago.

"Even then, your abilities were undeniable.

No matter what topics or analogies I presented, you answered them calmly and correctly.

Few, even at Tracen, could discuss minor G3 races from forty years ago, and your approach to treating conditions like shin soreness was both highly specific and clearly based on up-to-date knowledge."

"Regardless of what you think of yourself, you possessed exceptional ability from the very beginning."

"…I have to admit, receiving this level of praise is a bit embarrassing."

"This is our fair and honest evaluation of you. Accept it with pride!"

At that moment, the tone of Chairwoman Akikawa’s gaze shifted.

The feeling was… pity? No—concern.

"…However, I wasn’t sure whether you could become a good trainer."

I see.

Having ability doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll become a good trainer. That much is obvious.

After all, we trainers support our trainees’ daily lives and manage their mental state as well.

In other words, without strong character, you can’t truly support girls as young as they are.

…At least, that’s what I initially thought she meant.

But apparently, that wasn’t what the Chairwoman was getting at.

"At the time, there was something you lacked. Do you know what it was?"

"Experience and confidence. Awareness of the emotions others direct toward me. The ability to view myself objectively. Underestimating the importance of rest. A lack of flexibility in scheduling, and poor judgment when comparing my abilities to others. And also—"

"No, wait—hold on. That’s not it… Well, it’s good that you can objectively recognize your shortcomings, but that’s not what I meant."

She lightly tapped her head with her closed fan, looking exasperated, then composed herself and continued.

"…Very well. Then let me ask you again.

Right now, what do you believe is the most important thing in being a trainer to an Uma Musume?"

"Love."

I answered instantly.

I’m no longer bound by the Horino philosophy of being a trainer.

What I strive for now is my own ideal… and at its core, the most essential thing is, simply put—love.

It’s because we love Uma Musume and their races that we can devote ourselves to this absurdly demanding profession.

That’s what allows us to stay by their side, to run alongside them.

Conversely, if we forget that, we risk losing our way—just as I did when I first arrived here.

…Ah. I see now.

"So back then, I didn’t have that."

"More precisely, I believe it was there within you… but it felt as though you had forgotten it."

Sharp as ever, I thought, letting out a wry smile.

Back then, I was so focused on wanting to be useful to someone.

But why had I chosen to become a trainer as that path?

Even though I was born into a prestigious trainer family, the Horino household was relatively modern and lenient.

If I had insisted, I could have chosen a different path—just like my older brother.

And yet, I never once considered anything other than becoming a trainer.

Yes, the accumulated knowledge and strong educational system at home played a role.

But more than anything…

Deep down, I must have wanted to be part of it.

Those races I saw as a child—the fierce, all-consuming drive of the Uma Musume—

They had already burned themselves into my mind.

"If you could rediscover that driving force, then Horino Ayumu would surely become an excellent trainer.

However, before that happened, you might have been crushed by your own sense of duty. Or your pure intentions might have become twisted.

It could have been too late… and that is what I feared.

That is why I wanted you to take on trainees as soon as possible—to interact with Uma Musume, and remember."

The expression on her face as she said that…

It was like that of a parent thinking of their beloved child.

Even though I’m supposed to be much older than her.

"You really are a dreamer. As always."

Of course, she has no idea that I’m reincarnated.

Four years ago, I was just one of many trainer candidates who appear every year.

And yet, she singled me out—pushed through what must have been considerable opposition—to make an unprecedented decision just to nurture and protect me.

It was practically a gamble…

No, something even riskier than that.

And yet, she bet on it.

And in doing so, she won the brightest star of all—

The racing Uma Musume, Hoshino Wilm.

She’s a dreamer. A bit eccentric.

But at the same time, she’s incredibly capable—and has an exceptional eye for talent.

That’s exactly why I can work under her without a single worry.

"That’s right. I want Uma Musume—‘racing Uma Musume’—to be happy.

And for that, we need the support of good trainers.

Creating and maintaining an environment where such trainers can emerge… that is the role of the Tracen Academy Board.

The Twinkle Series and the Dream Trophy League.

As long as those two worlds of dreams continue to exist, I will devote myself to them without hesitation!"

With that, she snapped open a fan labeled "Rise Up!" and laughed.

Honestly… it’s unbelievable.

Someone this capable—someone who can stand above others and guide them—

And she’s still in her late teens. Not much older than Wilm.

Symboli Rudolf had a certain air of wisdom beyond her years…

But Chairwoman Akikawa might surpass even that.

Of course, that’s not all there is to her.

But the fact that she can present herself like this alone is remarkable.

You don’t come across a boss this ideal very often.

Source: my past life as a working adult.

Seriously… when it comes to people, I’ve been unbelievably lucky.

"You’ve changed a great deal over these past three years. You truly have."

"For the better, I hope?"

I said it half-jokingly, and she laughed brightly in response.

"Of course!

The darkness you once carried has gradually faded, and Hoshino Wilm helped you reclaim what mattered most.

You’ve become someone indispensable—not just to Tracen Academy, but to the racing world itself.

And in the end, you achieved the greatest accomplishments in what is likely the shortest time possible!

Once again, you have my deepest gratitude, Trainer Horino!"

With those sincere words, she bowed her head.

As she did, the hat she always wears slipped slightly—

"Whoa—!" she exclaimed, quickly steadying it.

…While I appreciate the praise, this level of flattery is starting to get uncomfortable.

Shrugging slightly, I let out a wry smile.

"…Though as a result, Wilm and I have ended up placing an enormous burden on everyone."

"Well, that’s certainly true! Hah! Honestly, I never imagined you’d go this far!

Thanks to you, we’ve been buried in paperwork day and night. Even Hayakawa Tazuna has been complaining for the past six months about back pain and exhaustion—so you should take care of her too!

As for me, this is my second all-nighter in a row today! Hahaha! I might collapse!"

"I’m truly sorry for all the trouble…"

These past three years have changed everything—myself, Wilm, and even the world.

For better or worse.

As the racing scene grew more intense, we were buried under an overwhelming amount of work, pushing ourselves to the brink.

And yet…

"As the Chairwoman of Tracen Academy, I couldn’t ask for anything more fulfilling! You feel the same, don’t you?"

"Yes. As a contracted trainer, I couldn’t ask for anything more."

We nodded to each other—

And smiled.