Hagino paused, then immediately understood why her daughter wanted Nakajima Shin as her trainer.
When her daughter was very young, doctors had confirmed a congenital deformity in her legs.
They said she’d probably never be able to run.
Back then, faced with her daughter’s desire to run, she and the family had poured massive resources and effort into making it happen.
And that Tokai Teio, from the moment she entered the academy, was highly regarded by the one at the pinnacle of all Umamusume, the “Emperor,” Symboli Rudolf.
It could be said everyone expected Teio to become the next undefeated Triple Crown Umamusume, the next leader to claim seven G1 titles.
She herself had shown extraordinary talent, more than worthy of that expectation.
Then she fractured her legs.
Three times in just half a year after enrollment.
By her fourth fracture, doctors sternly reprimanded her: “You can’t run anymore!
With four broken legs, you have zero chance of winning races.
Retire properly and accept reality.”
“Your health is more important than racing.”
And so, Teio gave up on running.
Her experiences were practically a mirror image of her own daughter’s.
No wonder her daughter had the idea to make Nakajima Shin her trainer.
But—
“You should understand this,” Hagino said seriously.
“If you choose him as your trainer, unless Urara or Teio pull off a miracle and win a major race, you won’t be able to debut for three years.
Are you willing to wait that long?”
Daiichi Ruby nodded.
“I know.
That’s exactly why I came to talk to you about it.”
“What do you plan to do?”
“Doesn’t he technically have two trainees right now?
I want to exploit a loophole.
After Urara retires following her race, I’ll fill the spot that shouldn’t technically disappear.” Daiichi Ruby said slowly.
“…You should know this could tarnish the family’s honor.”
“I know.”
“For someone so determined to make the family even more glorious, it’s surprising you’d think of this.” Her mother sighed.
“Can you tell me why you want to do this?”
As they spoke, they walked to the staircase leading from the hall to the second floor, stopping at the corner to look at each other.
Beside them hung the portrait of the current family head, poised and beautiful.
In that moment, Daiichi Ruby felt like she was facing the scrutinizing gazes of two mothers in different roles.
Her breathing grew heavy.
She tried to steady herself and said, “Nakajima Shin is the kind of person I want to be.
I want to learn from him up close, so I can contribute more to the family’s glory.”
Hagino was slightly surprised.
“Isn’t it because of Teio?”
“Part of it might be because of her, but more of it is about Nakajima Shin himself.” Daiichi Ruby said calmly.
“If you don’t want me to do this, then please forget what I just said.
Continue the family’s assessment process.”
Looking into her daughter’s clear, emotionless eyes, Hagino remained silent for a moment, then nodded.
“I’ll speak to him myself.
I’ll see what kind of person he is before making a decision.”
“For now, go back to your room and rest.
You have plenty to handle tomorrow.”
Daiichi Ruby nodded.
“Goodnight, Mother.”
“Goodnight, daughter.” Hagino rubbed her head before letting her go.
Afterward, she called the butler over, instructed him to message Nakajima Shin, and told him to thoroughly review his files.
…
Back in his room from the banquet hall, Nakajima Shin immediately grabbed his pajamas, took a shower, and while blow-drying his hair and waiting for his feet to dry, he didn’t waste a second.
He kept drafting the training plans for Urara and Teio.
Just as he was fully focused, completely losing track of time, his computer chimed.
Someone had messaged him.
[Butler: Sorry to disturb you.
Are you asleep yet?]
Nakajima Shin tilted his head.
He replied that he wasn’t asleep yet, then checked the time and realized it was nearly 1 AM.
The Gorgeous Clan’s butler messaging him this late…
was something up?
The next second, he saw the butler’s reply and couldn’t help but suck in a sharp breath.
[Butler: In that case, do you have time for a video call?
Our family head has something she’d like to discuss with you.]
[Video Call Invitation]
Damn.
What does a political and business mogul want to chat about with a nobody like me at this hour?
She’s not looking to buy me out, is she?
I sell my skills, not my body.
I’m not trying to get my little bro roughed up!
But since they’d already reached out, refusing now would just mean the real boss would come knocking sooner or later.
That wouldn’t look good.
Nakajima Shin had no choice but to accept the video call.
With his heart pounding, Hagino Top Lady’s face appeared on the screen.
She sat behind a desk, hands crossed supporting her head.
Her expression was gentle, but her eyes were cold as blades, scanning him repeatedly, as if his first impression was terrible.
Nakajima Shin felt a bit embarrassed.
He was wearing pajamas that had faded and stretched out from years of wear.
But he didn’t have time to change, especially since the butler’s message was immediately followed by a call invitation.
Making a titan wait could lead to who-knows-what.
Facing a business and political mogul in this outfit, he felt like he was hiding something shameful.
But then he thought again, so what if I’m poor?
She already knows.
Was he really going to let that stop him?
Calming himself down, Nakajima Shin sat up straight with an open demeanor.
Keeping his face composed, he smiled and greeted her: “Good evening, Ms.
Hagino.”
“Good evening, Trainer Nakajima.
I apologize for disturbing you this late.” Hagino slightly appreciated his composure in those few moments and spoke gently.
“However, there’s a matter I urgently need to discuss with you, so I had the butler reach out.
Please forgive me if this disrupts your routine.”
“Oh.
What is it?”
“I’d like to ask you to dismiss Teio and become my daughter’s exclusive trainer.” Hagino smiled.
“Huh?”
Nakajima Shin froze for a full second or two.
He never expected it to be this.
Snapping back, he couldn’t help but say urgently, “I won’t do that.
Please forget you ever suggested it.”
“Why not?” Hagino said slowly.
“You’ve only known Teio for a short time, right?
You’re young and have a bright future ahead.
There’s no need to waste your precious time on her for no reason, is there?”
Her attitude stirred a flicker of anger in Nakajima Shin.
He felt like he was facing the same people who had told Teio to give up on running back then.
And now they wanted to drag the just-recovering Teio back to that pitiful state.
So facing a titan he’d normally never dare to offend, he couldn’t help but get snarky: “We haven’t known each other long either.
You don’t need to waste your precious time on me.”
“Why are you angry?” Hagino said calmly.
“Since you took out over three million in loans to become a trainer, and worked so hard to get into Central Tracen Academy, I assume your ambition is to win G1 major races.
Not to act like a charity worker, coming here just to do good deeds, right?”
“You’re right.
I don’t want to be a charity worker either.” Nakajima Shin’s expression turned serious.
“But that doesn’t mean I should just stand by and watch someone fall into an abyss when I have the means to help.”
“Even with all those loans on your back, gasping under the weight of monthly interest, you dare say you’re ‘within your means’?”
“Yes.” Nakajima Shin said earnestly.
“Because my life is getting better.”
Hearing this, Hagino studied him for a moment, then suddenly let out a soft laugh.
She relaxed back into her chair, fingers lightly tapping the armrest.
“Then I have another proposal.”
“You become my daughter’s trainee first.
Once you lead her to win a major race, you can invite Teio to be your trainee.
What do you think?”