Inside the Spica training room, the atmosphere was a bit more solemn than usual.
Trainer Okino stood before the whiteboard, his gaze sweeping over every member present before finally settling on Myriad Dreams.
"I've called you all here today primarily to discuss Dreams-chan's expedition to the United States."
Okino got straight to the point, his tone steady and serious.
"For the next few months, until the expedition next year, Dreams-chan's training will temporarily be handled by Trainer Toujou Hana."
"Eh? Trainer Toujou Hana? You mean the one from Team Rigil?" Special Week blinked in surprise.
As the academy's elite team, Rigil maintained a clear competitive relationship with Spica, this decision was certainly unexpected.
Myriad Dreams also showed a hint of confusion.
Okino nodded and explained, "Yes, I understand your surprise. However, when it comes to dirt racing and international track adaptability training, it is an undeniable fact that Trainer Toujou's experience is far more extensive than mine."
He turned his gaze back to Myriad Dreams, his eyes filled with trust and expectation.
"I have seen the infinite potential hidden within you, Dreams-chan. This American expedition isn't just a battle for your personal glory, it concerns the reputation of Japanese Uma Musume on the international stage."
"The URA Association leadership has high hopes for this, so we must ensure everything is foolproof."
He paused, his tone softening with a helpless yet firm smile.
"As your trainer, my primary responsibility is to ensure you receive the best guidance and preparation, even if that means temporarily entrusting you to someone more specialized. I hope you can understand this."
Just then, the door to the training room was pushed open, and Toujou Hana walked in with a brisk, professional stride.
She pushed up her glasses, her sharp gaze scanning the room before landing on Myriad Dreams.
Her face betrayed little emotion, but her eyes were remarkably serious.
"Okino has already explained the situation to you, I assume," Toujou Hana's voice was as calm as ever.
"I agreed to take over Myriad Dreams' training for the coming months not because of any team boundaries, but because of the importance of this expedition."
She looked directly at Myriad Dreams, her tone brook no argument.
"My requirements for you will be very strict, even more grueling than you might imagine."
"Overseas dirt tracks, different climates, unfamiliar opponents... there is still so much you need to adapt to and learn."
"I won't hold back just because you are an 'outsider,' but likewise, I will never allow any slacking. Do you understand?"
Myriad Dreams felt the weight and determination in Toujou Hana's words.
It was a professional attitude filled with pressure, starkly different from Trainer Okino's gentle guidance.
She took a deep breath, stood up straight, and nodded earnestly.
"Yes, I understand! Trainer Toujou, I'll be in your care!"
For the sake of a higher goal, a brief separation was the path toward a better reunion.
Although the members of Spica felt some reluctance and worry, they understood that this was the best arrangement for Myriad Dreams.
And so, Myriad Dreams was brought to the Rigil training ground.
Since it wasn't yet time for practice, the rest of the team had not arrived.
Toujou Hana spoke to her.
"Myriad Dreams, since the American Dirt Triple Crown next year consists primarily of dirt tracks, I will prioritize training your dirt adaptability over the next few months."
(T/N: Check out the Author's note at the end of the chapter, please.)