Chapter 99. The Golden Generation – Volume End.
December 31st—the final day of the year.
Although the Christmas holiday had not yet ended, Shuta Ann wasn't staying at home today, nor was he out shopping with Oguri and Berno. Instead, he had come alone to NHK headquarters.
Because today, he had to appear on a program.
It wasn't NHK's famous Kohaku Uta Gassen, the traditional year-end show held every December 31st. The production team had actually invited Shuta Ann to serve as a judge this year, but the young man had declined without hesitation. In the evening he needed to pick Silence Suzuka up from the hospital, and after midnight he would accompany Oguri Cap and Berno Light for their first shrine visit of the New Year. His schedule simply didn't allow him to spend the entire night as a guest in NHK's studio.
The program he was appearing on today wasn't an old-established show either. The main reason he accepted the invitation was the MC—Shofukutei Tsurube, a veteran comedian beloved by many Uma Musume. Under Maruzensky's enthusiastic recommendation, Shuta Ann finally agreed to come and chat with him for a while.
"This round-brimmed hat suits you very well. Shuta-kun could even keep wearing it when we go into the studio," the makeup artist suggested after glancing at the hat he had brought.
"If I wear it in, people might think I'm going bald, right?" Shuta Ann waved his hand. "Better not."
"Pfft—"
The makeup artist couldn't help laughing. She hadn't expected Shuta Ann's train of thought to be so unusual.
"That's true. If you walked in wearing a hat, Senior Shofukutei would definitely tease you about it."
"Exactly. And the Uma Musume at Central Tracen Academy will probably be watching this broadcast." Shuta Ann shook his head. "I don't want any strange rumors spreading in the academy."
After entering the studio, Shuta Ann hadn't even opened his mouth when Shofukutei Tsurube greeted him enthusiastically.
"Shuta-kun must be the most formidable Trainer in Japan right now, wouldn't you say? It's almost a pity to have someone like you appear on a second-rate comedian's show like mine."
"There's no such thing as 'pity.'" Shuta Ann sat down and shook his head calmly. "Actually, quite a few people around me are fans of Tsurube-san."
"That's wonderful!" Shofukutei Tsurube patted his chest dramatically. "Seems my rakugo is still popular with young people. When I get home tonight, I'll continue offering incense to the three goddesses."
"So it's thanks to the blessings of the three goddesses that Uma Musume watch the show?" Shuta Ann looked slightly surprised.
"Perhaps I was a Uma Musume in my previous life," Shofukutei Tsurube said, raising an eyebrow.
"I've been told that too," Shuta Ann replied with a serious face.
Only those close to him could understand the hidden meaning behind those words. After all, over extremely short distances, the young man really could produce speeds comparable to an Uma Musume—though the price he paid afterward was severe.
After some light conversation, Shofukutei Tsurube gradually steered the discussion toward Shuta Ann's work.
"So Shuta-kun, what professional expectations do you have for next year?"
"Can I ask the academy for a salary raise here?" Shuta Ann pointed to himself with a grin before continuing. "But seriously—since I'm a Trainer, my expectations naturally revolve around the Uma Musume I train."
He lowered his head slightly, thinking for a moment.
"I suppose the question everyone cares about most right now is Silence Suzuka's recovery."
"Indeed." Shofukutei Tsurube nodded repeatedly. "Although she won the Tenno Sho (Autumn), the injury report afterward shocked everyone. My daughter even insisted on going to the shrine for several days to pray for her beloved Miss Suzuka."
"And did you go?" Shuta Ann asked directly.
"Of course, I did." Shofukutei Tsurube immediately adopted a serious expression. "I spoil my children, you see."
"Then thank you very much." The young man gave a small bow. "In any case, Silence Suzuka has already been discharged from the hospital. Her rehabilitation training will begin in late January next year."
"Her comeback race has also been decided."
Shuta Ann did not conceal the information and announced it openly.
"If everything goes smoothly, her comeback stage will be next year's Dubai Turf, which will be promoted to G1. Our goal is to secure consecutive victories and achieve her fifth G1 title."
"Oh! This is the first time this news has been revealed, right?" Shofukutei Tsurube exclaimed in surprise. "Dubai Turf. Last year Miss Silence Suzuka delivered an incredible front-running performance there. After the Tenno Sho (Autumn), did Shuta-kun ever consider changing her tactics?"
"I did think about it," Shuta Ann replied. "But the leading style truly suits her best. After discussing it carefully, we decided she will continue using the front-running tactic in future races."
"That must be wonderful news for her fans!" Shofukutei Tsurube said. "Everyone was captivated by her leading style."
His words clearly represented the feelings of many viewers. Responding to the reasonable expectations of fans was precisely what Uma Musume were meant to do in the Twinkle Series and the Dream Trophy Series.
"Next, let's talk about another active Twinkle Series Uma Musume from Team Sadalsuud—Miss Mejiro Dober." Shuta Ann didn't forget her fans either.
"Next year she will strictly follow the Triple Tiara route. After the Oaks, we will evaluate her results and condition before deciding whether to arrange an overseas expedition in the summer. Of course, I cannot guarantee that an expedition will definitely happen. If Miss Dober's condition isn't ideal, I'll choose to give her a summer break instead."
After discussing the plans for the two Uma Musume under his team, Shofukutei Tsurube shifted the conversation toward this year's Classic generation of the Twinkle Series.
"This year's Classic Triple Crown was split between Seiun Sky and Special Week. Meanwhile, Uma Musume such as King Halo also achieved excellent results during the Triple Crown races. On the Triple Tiara side, we saw outstanding performances from Uma Musume like Air Groove."
He continued listing them one by one.
"Outside those routes, El Condor Pasa—winner of the NHK Mile Cup—went overseas and captured a G1 victory, then returned to Japan and displayed overwhelming strength against her generation in the Japan Cup. And at the end of the year, the Arima Kinen was won by Grass Wonder, last year's Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes champion, after a fierce duel with this year's Derby Uma Musume, Special Week."
Shofukutei Tsurube looked toward him.
"So I'd like to ask Shuta-kun—what are your thoughts on this year's generation?"
"At the beginning of the year, during a discussion with Twinkle magazine, I already said this generation contains many exceptionally talented Uma Musume." Shuta Ann wore a polite smile.
"This past year has proven that my judgment was quite accurate."
Although Team Sadalsuud had no Uma Musume competing in this year's Classic generation, Shuta Ann still gave them sincere praise.
"This generation…"
He paused slightly.
"…perhaps calling it the Golden Generation wouldn't be an exaggeration."
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