Chapter 39
When Yasui Makoto had accidentally come across that interview with Kitajima Saburo back then, he had been deeply moved.
Even counting his previous life, he was no genius. During his time at the trainer academy, he had seen many true geniuses.
Some of those geniuses came from ordinary backgrounds, while others were like him, born into trainer families.
There were also those with even stronger connections. Right after enrolling, various prominent figures had already approached them, saying that the family's horse girls were reserved for them to train.
Yet in the end, none of those geniuses had outperformed him. Some transferred out midway, while others were still studying at the academy.
Now, unconsciously recalling that interview and thinking back on the days he had spent with Kitasan Black, Yasui Makoto suddenly understood where his horse girl's personality came from.
Enthusiastic and cheerful, lively and generous.
She would feel anxious and sometimes hesitate.
During training, she was always meticulous, extremely obedient, and would give 120 percent effort on any task assigned, never just 100 percent.
Many times she seemed a bit slow or clumsy, only knowing to lower her head and push forward, step by step, steadily and without regard for anything else.
But in the end, she always accomplished it.
She really was just like her grandfather.
"Thank you, thank you everyone! Thank you for listening to Grandpa and me sing… Trainer?!"
While he was lost in thought, a delighted voice suddenly rang out from a distance. Yasui Makoto instinctively looked over.
The black-haired girl's excited face rapidly grew larger as she rushed over and threw her arms around his neck.
"Trainer! You saw it, right?! My second race… I won again!!"
"Yeah, yeah, congratulations, Kitasan Black. But…"
Feeling the weight hanging around his neck, Yasui Makoto gave a wry smile.
"Can you get down first? My neck… feels like it's about to break…"
At the same time, he couldn't help but think:
Although I've seen the data before, still…
She really is much heavier than other horse girls…
"Ah?! S-Sorry, Trainer! I got too excited again…"
Quickly letting go of his neck, Kitasan Black looked both excited and worried as she took two steps back.
"Trainer, is your neck okay…?"
"It was just an exaggeration. I'm fine."
Rubbing his neck and moving it around a bit, Yasui Makoto smiled at her, then looked behind her.
"More importantly… Kitasan Black, this must be your grandfather, right?"
"Yep!"
Turning around, Kitasan Black trotted a few steps, took the hand of Kitajima Saburo who had just walked over, and eagerly pulled her grandfather forward.
"Trainer! This is my grandpa!
Grandpa! This is my trainer, Yasui Makoto!"
Although Kitajima Saburo was a household name in the music world, or even in all of Japan, he carried himself with no trace of arrogance.
When the old man looked at his granddaughter, his eyes were filled with affection. When he looked at Yasui Makoto, they were full of appreciation.
"Hello, Kitajima-sensei. I'm Kitasan Black's trainer, Yasui Makoto."
Yasui Makoto bowed. "It's an honor that you took time out of your busy schedule to come watch Kitasan Black's race."
"Hahaha, what are you saying?"
Laughing heartily with a powerful voice, Kitajima Saburo said kindly:
"A grandfather should naturally come to watch his granddaughter's race.
In fact, I should have come last time, but this child didn't want to attract too much attention. Otherwise, no matter how busy I was, I would have come."
"It's because Grandpa is too famous!"
Although Kitasan Black was smiling, her tone carried a hint of playful complaint.
"Look, even in just a short while, so many people have gathered. If you had come to the racetrack last time, everyone would have been looking at you instead of watching my race."
Just as Kitasan Black said, a crowd had already gathered at the entrance to the rest area.
Most of the gazes were fixed on Kitajima Saburo, filled with excitement and admiration.
The reason they hadn't approached was probably because most people could still control their emotions, and there were also quite a few men in black suits holding them back.
With just a glance, Yasui Makoto could tell they were well-trained bodyguards.
After all, Kitajima Saburo was a national-treasure-level musician, and with so many people at the racetrack, security could not be relaxed.
"Okay, okay, it's all Grandpa's fault."
Facing his granddaughter's complaint, Kitajima Saburo smiled apologetically.
"Then shall we go inside first?"
"No."
Kitasan Black shook her head without hesitation, then said seriously:
"The rest area only allows horse girls, trainers, and staff to enter. Grandpa, you definitely can't go in.
Besides, after resting a bit, I still have to prepare for the Winner's Stage.
Grandpa, just wait for me at the stage area. My performance definitely won't disappoint you!"
"Okay, okay. Grandpa will be waiting with great anticipation."
After nodding repeatedly, Kitajima Saburo looked toward Yasui Makoto.
"However, there are some things I'd like to discuss with your trainer. Is that alright, Kitasan Black?"
"Yep! No problem!"
Kitasan Black nodded vigorously.
"I've been wanting Grandpa to meet my trainer for a long time!
Grandpa, let me tell you. My trainer is really amazing! You'll understand once you talk to him!"
"Of course. Since Kitasan Black was able to win the race, it must be thanks to Trainer Yasui's efforts. Grandpa naturally understands how capable he is."
Smiling in agreement, Kitajima Saburo watched as Kitasan Black said goodbye to Yasui Makoto and walked into the rest area. Then he turned his gaze over.
"However, I have a rather direct question, but I believe you can understand a grandfather's feelings.
In your opinion, can this child Kitasan Black…
become a G1 horse girl?"
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