Uma Musume: Rising From the Countryside to Legend!!

After the Haneda Hai victory, Kuroha and Inari One stood at the entrance of the paddock tunnel, waiting for Fujimasa March to return.

When they saw her walking back arm-in-arm with Seiran Nichirin, Kuroha's gaze first met March's with a small nod before shifting to Seiran Nichirin.

Her condition was clearly poor.

Her breathing was still rapid, her face pale. Though her steps were steady, it was obvious she was forcing herself.

"The price of overextending during True Blooming, huh?"

With Body and Breath Perception, Kuroha's eyes took in every detail of the blue-haired mare's state. After a pause, he spoke:

"Your legs show signs of overuse injuries, with multiple combined muscle and tendon strains…"

Kuroha hesitated briefly before continuing.

"If you still want to keep racing, have your trainer take you to the hospital for proper treatment. You should rest for a few months."

Seiran Nichirin froze at his words, looking in surprise at the trainer of her opponent. After a moment, she gave a small nod, gratitude flashing in her eyes.

Before she could respond, a female trainer came running from inside the tunnel. Seeing Seiran Nichirin so weak, she paled in shock and rushed to support her.

"Nichirin! What happened? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Shiro… just… a bit drained."

After Kuroha explained her condition to the trainer, she thanked him repeatedly before leading Seiran Nichirin away toward the hospital.

To be honest, Kuroha didn't quite understand what some of these central trainers were thinking these days.

Their actual training ability was subpar—something well-known.

And yet, they still claimed to value their Uma Musume's health.

Valued… yet still allowed them to undergo long sessions of overloading training unchecked.

Sometimes they didn't even show up during key sessions, merely sending feedback later.

It was baffling.

Seiran Nichirin's injuries weren't just from overextending her True Blooming or from the intensity of the race.

Her grueling training regimen had been a major contributor.

Watching their retreating figures, Kuroha shook his head and let it go.

This wasn't just about individuals—this was a systemic issue with the nation's training culture, and it wasn't something easily solved.

"Let's go."

Kuroha turned to them, raising his fist high.

"Tonight, we're having a feast to celebrate March's first victory in the South Kanto Triple Crown!"

"Oh! Yay!" Inari One matched him, raising her hand enthusiastically.

But when the three returned to their prep room area, they immediately spotted two graceful female figures standing at the door.

One exuded heroic vigor and a commanding aura.

The other radiated elegance and an extraordinary sense of grace.

The horse ears atop their heads and the lively tails behind them made their identities obvious.

"That's…"

Kuroha gazed at the two faces—both familiar and unfamiliar.

Familiar, because he had often seen their galloping figures on TV and in newspapers.

Unfamiliar, because he had never met them in person.

The "Emperor" – Symboli Rudolf.

The "Supercar" – Maruzensky.

The strongest central racehorses of the last generation—and the one before it!

Weren't they supposed to be in the central circuit? What wind blew these two big names here…?

It didn't take Kuroha long to guess the answer—

[Domain].

They must have already been at Ōi Racecourse to watch the event. Then, upon seeing March's race…

In their eyes, in a central circuit where there were only three current [Domain] users—all of whom were retired—

Fujimasa March had now become the eighth to awaken it!

At the door, the two figures noticed the trio approaching and slowly turned around.

Kuroha didn't back down. He adjusted his words slightly before stepping forward.

"Emperor, Maruzensky-san… What brings the two of you here?"

Though he had chosen his words deliberately, there was still genuine surprise in his heart—not at their arrival, but at how young they looked.

If one had to describe them—only the word "girls" would do.

It made sense, though. Even Oguri Cap had only just entered her Classic Year, and Rudolf had retired less than a year and a half ago.

Right now, Symboli Rudolf was not yet the "tofu" of the future—still solid as a rock.

"No need to call it a grand visit…"

Rudolf's lips curved into a small smile as she turned, dressed in casual wear. Her voice was calm, but in her amethyst eyes, starlight swirled with unprecedented majesty.

Powerful.

Commanding.

Beautiful.

That was Kuroha's first impression.

"Pleased to meet you, Trainer Kuroha. I apologize for coming uninvited." Rudolf extended her hand.

"I'm also glad to meet you, 'Emperor' Symboli Rudolf."

…Though, honestly, I'd rather not—at least not right now.

Kuroha returned the handshake briefly before letting go.

Maruzensky smiled warmly from the side.

"Trainer Kuroha~ Won't you invite us in for a chat?"

...

Inside the prep room—

Kuroha, March, and Inari One sat on one side, while Rudolf and Maruzensky sat opposite.

The air was a little tense.

Rudolf was never one for beating around the bush.

"To be frank, we came here specifically after watching March's race."

Her tone wasn't forceful—it carried friendliness and warmth.

"Trainer Kuroha, perhaps you already know…" She paused before continuing.

"Fujimasa March's strength should not be confined to the local circuit."

"The Haneda Hai is already one of the highest-level local races, but March won it without breaking a sweat."

"In other words…" Rudolf's gaze fixed on Kuroha.

"Her ability is at the very top of the domestic level."

Domestic top class—

And these words came from the Emperor herself.

Kuroha froze for a moment before a genuine smile spread across his face.

He had suspected it himself, but hearing such recognition from an authority felt indescribably satisfying.

"So…"

He narrowed his eyes slightly at her.

"Did you come all this way just to praise her, Miss Rudolf?"

"Of course not." Rudolf shook her head.

"I want March to transfer—immediately."

Here we go again, he thought.

Kuroha wasn't about to back down.

Not only had March been raised under his guidance from the start, but given the current standard of Central Tracen's trainers…

There was no way he'd hand her over.

But before he could speak, March spoke up herself.

"Rudolf-senpai, if I transfer… will my trainer be allowed to come with me?"

Rudolf was silent for a moment. Her white crescent-moon bangs swayed slightly before she finally answered:

"No. For the sake of the Uma Musume's future, the Central URA Association enforces strict standards for trainers. No local trainer can transfer without passing the official exams."

"Then I'm not going."

March's reply was firm.

"I will only stay with my trainer."

Having said her piece, March had expected Rudolf to frown or even be upset.

Instead, she and Maruzensky exchanged a glance.

The "old driver" blinked as if to say, See? Told you not to bring it up.

The "moon goddess" gave a helpless look in return, I know, but I had to try.

After that brief silent exchange, Rudolf coughed twice, breaking the serious mood.

"I understand. I'm not here to force you—only to offer you the choice. Since you've refused, we'll leave it at that."

(End of Chapter)

[Get +20 Extra Chapters On — P@tr3on "Zaelum"]

[Every 500 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter Drop]

[Thanks for Reading!]