Chapter 33: T.M. Opera O’s Trainer?!

Chapter 33: T.M. Opera O’s Trainer?!

The sky above Tokyo Racecourse was a bit gloomier than it had been during Kitasan Black’s debut. Still, despite the overcast weather, the track was in perfect shape—firm underfoot, with just the right amount of give.

It was her second time at this venue, and it showed. Gone was the wide-eyed wonder from her first outing. As Makoto led her past the entrance gates, Kitasan didn’t gawk or trip over her own excitement—she held her head high, calm and composed.

Her race was scheduled as the seventh of the day, at precisely 1:25 PM. The morning had gone off without a hitch: warm-up, track walk, and presentation. All according to plan.

Now came the downtime before the race, and the pair headed to the racecourse’s dining hall to grab a bite to eat.

That’s when they ran into three unexpected Umamusume.

“You didn’t even notice the food counter moved? And you claim to know this place like the back of your hand?”

“Hey, I did race here a lot back in the day! And I’ve been studying in Europe all these years—how would I know they remodeled the Tokyo Racecourse while I was gone?”

“Europe, huh? Pfft—ahaha! What a coincidence! I’ve been touring Europe a lot myself lately. Ever been to one of my shows, Vodka?”

“I’ve heard great things about your performances, senpai! I really wanted to see one— but then one of my research projects hit a critical point and I couldn’t go. But next time you’re on stage, I’ll definitely be there cheering you on!”

“Ahaha! Deal! I’ll reserve the best seat in the house for you!”

“I’ll come support you too, senpai!”

“No problem! I’ve got you both covered!”

“Hey, could you stop copying me for once?!”

“I wasn’t copying you! And besides, I’ve got plenty of free time coming up.”

“What, like I don’t?”

“Sigh~ You two haven’t changed a bit. Want me to get you a private box together?”

“Absolutely not! And for the record, it’s not like we’re that close!”

"Yeah! We're not that close!"

Even from a distance, the chatter—and the bickering—was hard to miss.

Makoto turned toward the noise, brow furrowed in surprise.

But the girl next to him suddenly lit up in delight.

“Ah! That’s Opera-senpai! And Scarlet-senpai! And Vodka-senpai too!”

Wait, those three were hanging out together?

As Makoto stood there puzzled, the three Umamusume turned toward them—having clearly heard Kitasan’s voice.

“Well, look who it is—Kita-chan! We were just about to come find you later— come sit with us!”

Daiwa Scarlet waved cheerfully and then turned to her tablemates.

“She’s the first-year I mentioned earlier—the one I came to cheer on today. Kitasan Black.”

By the time she finished speaking, Kitasan was already trotting over with her lunch tray, excitement practically radiating off her. Makoto followed behind, thoughtful but silent.

“Good afternoon, senpai! I’m Kitasan Black, a new student at Tracen Academy this year! And this is my trainer, Makoto Yasui-san!”

“Hello everyone, I’m Makoto. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he added, introducing himself politely.

“You probably already know Opera-senpai,” Scarlet continued the introductions.

“As for me, well, I don’t really need to explain myself. And this one…”

She cast a slightly annoyed glance at the short-haired Umamusume sitting beside her.

The girl, either unaware or completely ignoring the look, struck a confident pose—two fingers to her temple in a playful salute—then flashed a grin at Kitasan.

“Yo, Kita-chan. Long time no see.”

Then she turned her gaze to Makoto.

“Nice to meet you, Trainer Yasui. I’m Vodka. Looking forward to working with you—Hey, could you move over and give the man a seat already?”

That last part was directed sharply at Scarlet.

Not one to back down, Scarlet shot her a glare right back.

“I did move over! And hey, aren’t you the one who’s put on weight after all that time in Europe? You’re taking up so much space.”

“I trained every single day, thank you very much! If anyone got chubbier, it’s you!”

“You call that training? If you’re still this thick, maybe rethink your routine.”

“Oh yeah? The Tokyo Racecourse is right outside. Wanna settle this with a lap around the track?”

“Hah! You think I’d back down? Let’s go!”

As the two Umamusume stood up and rolled up their sleeves, ready to bolt for the racetrack, Opera remained completely unfazed—as if this kind of thing happened all the time.

Kitasan Black winced awkwardly. Makoto, on the other hand, stayed calm on the surface—but inwardly, he couldn’t help finding the situation… bizarre.

Vodka and Daiwa Scarlet—the legendary duo known as the “Twin Jewels.”

During their racing days, they’d shattered the long-standing barrier between colts and fillies, proving that raw talent knew no gender. On top of that, they were infamous rivals.

Their first race together was a breathtaking showdown, the two of them sprinting shoulder-to-shoulder down the final straight for hundreds of meters, taking first and second place while leaving the third-place runner a full six lengths—about 15 meters—behind.

That race, the Tulip Sho, ended with Vodka’s victory. But in the very next match, the Oka Sho, Scarlet turned the tables and snatched the win.

Then came the Shuka Sho, where Scarlet claimed victory again.

But in the following year’s Tenno Sho (Autumn), Vodka stormed back and not only won—but shattered Special Week’s finishing record by 0.8 seconds.

Their legendary careers were widely talked about among fans and within the racing world alike.

Makoto had read about their rivalry before. Back then, he’d figured that two Umamusume who competed so fiercely must’ve had some friction off the track as well.

But seeing them now in person… bickering the way they were, it didn’t feel hostile at all.

“Um… Trainer? You don’t have to be scared…” Kitasan whispered, tugging gently on his sleeve.

“Those two senpai are always like this. They’re actually really close… It just looks like they’re fighting.”

“We’re not close!”

“We’re not close!!”

“...Yeah. That’s how it is,” Kitasan concluded with a helpless smile.

Just then, T.M. Opera O turned toward Kitasan.

“Kitasan Black… ah, now I remember. You’re racing at 1:30, right?”

“Yes, that’s right, Opera-senpai!”

Kitasan straightened up like a student answering in class—but her head tilted curiously.

“But… how did you know which race I’m in, senpai?”

T.M. Opera O had an air of elegance about her, from her brilliant poise to the crown atop her head and the twin jewel earrings adorning each ear.

“Because I came to cheer for one of my juniors,” she replied. “She’s in your race. You know Satono Rasen?”

“Oh, sure! We hang out a lot actually… but…”

Kitasan tilted her head. “She’s never mentioned knowing you, Opera-senpai.”

“She might’ve heard of me,” Opera said with a light nod. “But no, we haven’t met.”

Her tone turned wistful—just for a moment.

“Actually, I’m here more to support her trainer.”

Kitasan blinked. “Her… trainer? You know Rasen’s trainer?”

“Of course,” Opera said, rising from her seat with the poise of a queen. “After all… she used to be my trainer, too.”

With a gentle smile, she straightened her collar and turned toward the group.

“Well then, it’s about time I kept my promise. I told her I’d drop by today.”

She gave one last sweep of her gaze over the group, then added brightly:

“Oh, and my next world tour? You’re all invited. I’ll reserve the best seats—just say the word.”

With a burst of theatrical laughter, she spun on her heel and strolled away.

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