Chapter 83: Visiting the Family Home of Our Uma Musume! Part 2

As they stepped out of the desolate countryside station, a single car was parked nearby. To Momozawa, it looked like an ordinary vehicle, but apparently, for Apollo Rainbow, it was unmistakably her family’s car—she hastily let go of Momozawa’s hand and began waving enthusiastically toward the car.

It was probably an attempt to hide her embarrassment, but releasing his hand risked her stumbling. Instinctively, he reached behind her back to steady her, cautiously glancing at her profile. Whether Apollo Rainbow realized this or not, she stayed still, averting disaster.

Even without trying, the two of them stood out in the empty station plaza. Combined with Apollo Rainbow’s gray coat, Apollo’s parents in the compact car immediately noticed them.

The car reversed toward them, and the mother’s face peered out from the passenger-side window. She looked just like Apollo—or rather, she could easily pass for her older sister. Momozawa bowed politely to Apollo’s parents before loading their luggage into the automatically opened rear door.

"Welcome back, Apollo. It’s cold out, so hurry up and get in."

"Okaaay!"

"Thank you for coming all this way in the cold."

Momozawa climbed into the car with an air of nervous gratitude. No matter how many times he rode in a car driven by a friend’s parent, there was always an indescribable awkwardness. As he settled in, he watched the cheerful conversation of the Apollo Rainbow family.

Before long, anxiety crept in—was his outfit appropriate? Beneath his long coat, he was wearing a jacket and slacks, so at least the bare minimum of decorum was met… but maybe he should’ve worn a suit, even if it was his day off.

(…The only souvenir I brought was horseshoe-shaped cookies from the airport… Will they be satisfied? They’re pretty high-end, so maybe it’ll be fine…?)

While lost in thought, they soon arrived at Apollo Rainbow’s family home. Without delay, Momozawa was ushered inside, where he exchanged pleasantries before sitting down for a serious discussion with her parents. As Apollo Rainbow relaxed in her room, he explained the management of her race earnings, the details of her past injuries, and her recovery progress.

Of course, these were just formalities. He didn’t believe Apollo Rainbow’s parents were the type to fuss over money, and her injury status had been regularly reported. This was merely a recap—the real topic came next.

"Now, regarding your daughter’s plans for next year—"

Apollo Rainbow’s dream was to "become the strongest stayer." And Momozawa’s dream as her trainer was to "raise the strongest stayer." The alignment of their goals naturally led to one destination for her senior-class ambitions: Europe. More specifically, the ultimate honors for a stayer—victory in Europe’s 4000m-class G1 races and the "Stayers’ Million" series.

Aiming for the "Stayers’ Million"—Europe’s premier festival for stayers—would require an overseas campaign. That was the grand vision for her senior year.

Europe’s Twinkle Series primarily took place across Britain, Ireland, France, and Germany. With multinational Umas competing, the level of competition would inevitably rise.

Moreover, adapting to European turf was a necessity for racing there. Unlike classic-class training, she would need further physical reinforcement beyond what she’d done before.

Above all, Apollo Rainbow’s victory in the Arima Kinen had been too extraordinary. Even under relentless marking, she hadn’t stopped—which meant future opponents wouldn’t just counter her tactics. Instead, more Umas would focus on building stronger physiques to rival her.

In other words, rivals wouldn’t just rely on trip-based strategies—they’d train to match her strength.

Summarizing the key points, Momozawa needed their permission for the overseas campaign and the intensified training regimen. Would they agree?

—Or so he wondered. But Apollo’s parents responded with immediate approval.

"Oh, that sounds wonderful!"

"If Apollo and you think it’s best, we’ll support you all the way."

"Just like that…? Are you sure? I let her get injured before the Wakagoma Stakes and during the Arima Kinen…"

At Momozawa’s hesitation, Apollo Rainbow’s mother smiled.

"Umas get injured, big or small. Pushing their bodies to the limit to win is what trainers are supposed to do, no? You made the right call pulling her from the Wakagoma Stakes, and the Arima Kinen injury was just an accident… You’ve done an excellent job, Momozawa."

"…………"

"Apollo often calls to say how careful you are about injuries. I think our daughter understands how hard you’re working for her. Please, don’t waver—keep walking this path alongside her."

"—Thank you very much."

Momozawa instinctively bowed his head. There was no doubt—Apollo Rainbow’s straightforward personality had been nurtured by her family.

"By the way, Momozawa-san, I heard Apollo is your first trainee?" Apollo Rainbow’s father asked. Momozawa replied, "Yes, that’s correct…" At his answer, her parents exchanged glances, as if realizing something—their own meeting had been under nearly identical circumstances. The father cleared his throat and quickly changed the subject.

"…Ah, I just meant it’s impressive for someone so young to have such skill."

"I worked with Mejiro McQueen during my time as an assistant trainer. The experience I gained there has been invaluable."

"Mejiro McQueen’s trainer?! Well, that explains it…"

"It’s nothing so grand. Your daughter’s own talent, her earnest approach to racing, and above all—her unbreakable spirit—are what made her strong. I’ve only ever been a small help, really…"

Momozawa genuinely believed Apollo Rainbow had always been strong. Ambitious, inherently diligent, blessed with boundless stamina, and tough enough to endure grueling training—any trainer could have guided her to success. He nearly said as much aloud.

But her father cut him off.

"Momozawa-san. That may sound humble, but… you’re wrong. It’s precisely because it was you that our daughter has come this far."

"…………"

"The bond between an Uma and their trainer can awaken power beyond what science can explain. Take the Kikuka-shō, for instance—wasn’t that proof enough?"

Apollo Rainbow’s father smiled warmly, though his words carried weight. Momozawa listened, pulse quickening.

"…Before Tosen Academy, our daughter was a listless Uma. But the moment she enrolled, it was like she became a different person—brimming with energy. Meeting you must have changed her. You are the one who made her strong."

His tone grew firmer. Having judged Momozawa’s skill as a trainer, the father entrusted him with Apollo Rainbow’s future as a senior.

"…I understand your plans for her senior year. As her father, as her fan—and as someone who believes in you—I leave Apollo in your hands."

He bowed deeply, asking Momozawa to train her rigorously for Europe—not just for victories, but for the growth even defeat would bring. No matter how hard the path, he wanted them to walk it together.

A fire surged in Momozawa’s chest, his eyes burning. "Leave it to me," he answered without hesitation.

Once serious discussions ended, the mood lightened into casual chatter. Sensing the shift, Apollo Rainbow joined them in the living room, and the four fell into easy conversation.

But with three adults and one young Uma, the topics inevitably skewed mature. Feeling out of place, Apollo Rainbow soon busied herself with UmaSta and web surfing.

Hours later, as darkness crept over the windows, Momozawa gathered his coat and luggage.

"Thank you for today. It’s getting late, so I should head out—"

Apollo Rainbow blinked in surprise. She’d assumed he’d stay the night.

"Tomio, you’re not staying?"

"I couldn’t possibly impose like that…"

"Ehhh—"

Pouting, she hovered around him as he waved her off. "Think about it—staying at my trainee’s family home? That’s pushing it." Spending New Year’s there would be downright improper.

Unconvinced, she sulked, circling him with questions: "Where are you staying?" "Can I see you tomorrow?" He chuckled, answering each one.

"I booked a hotel nearby. Message me, and I’ll come right away."

"Oh, good! The shopping district’s doing lottery draws for New Year’s—wanna go after hatsumōde?"

"I’ll think about it. …Anyway, thank you again. Apollo, make sure you discuss everything with your parents."

"Momozawa-san, please visit again."

"See ya!"

Her parents helped carry his things to the door. They’d have gladly hosted him, but didn’t press further.

As Momozawa left for his hotel, Apollo Rainbow’s parents watched the taxi disappear, then turned to their daughter with knowing smiles.

"Apollo, are things going well with Momozawa-san?"

"A man like that won’t stay single for long, you know."

"H-huh? …W-what’re you talking about?"

But Apollo Rainbow just whistled innocently, dodging their questions as she fled to her room.