Uma Musume: Becoming a Legendary Trainer Chapter 43: See, This Is What’s Called Professional Person

Holding so plans in his heart, Doctor Kokobu slowly shifted the topic:

"…What I ntioned earlier, the 'Sasa Needle Therapy', is also known as 'Bamboo Needle' or 'Uma Musu Acupuncture'."

"Through the example I gave, you should understand—if fortune smiles, this therapy can bring excellent effects for an Uma Musu. But if misfortune strikes… and in truth, most of the ti it is misfortune—it could an the end of a Uma Musu's career, or even her very life."

"I, along with a portion of other equine physicians, do not approve of this treatnt. We have negotiated many tis with the URA Association to abolish it. But with those old n in URA…" He sighed and shook his head, speaking with utmost seriousness:

"In any case, whatever happens, one must be cautious—extrely cautious—with this therapy. You cannot be too careful."

"And to avoid ever reaching that point, one must pay attention to all aspects of a Uma Musu's condition in daily life."

Hmm. I already understood how unreliable "Sasa Needle Therapy" is, as well as the great importance of good conditioning for horse girls.

Silently agreeing, Kitahara nodded without speaking, keeping the sa earnest attitude he had shown while listening to Doctor Kokobu's guidance before.

Seeing this, the doctor's expression grew gentler. "I also know that I cannot oppose just for the sake of opposition. So, in order to replace the Sasa Needle treatnt, I have been researching another system."

"This system, put simply, isn't complicated—it's about devoting more effort to caring for them before they fall ill."

"Hot spring baths, nutrition, rest, massage, as well as thods like foam rollers, rubber tennis balls, fascia blades… These combined form a therapeutic system. In fact, it's quite mainstream internationally now, but…"

Suddenly, his expression turned troubled.

"Such a complete regin requires not only adequate expertise, but also professional equipnt and facilities. The cost of implenting it all is enormous. Even the Central branch does not have such a comprehensive system."

"Furthermore, compared to prevention, most people place more faith in tangible treatnts. They believe that when an Uma Musu is injured or sick, treating her is what truly matters."

"But if you can prevent illness from the start, why wait for tragedy to strike? Alas…"

Kitahara deeply agreed. He too felt that prevention was more important than treatnt.

He humbly said, "If I say anything wrong, I hope you'll correct , Doctor."

"Just call Uncle Kokobu. I was close with your uncle, so it's perfectly reasonable for you to call uncle too." The doctor nodded with a smile.

It was clear he valued him greatly. Kitahara straightened up, speaking earnestly.

"It is said that King Wen of Wei once asked Bian Que, 'Which of your brothers has the best dical skill?' Bian Que replied without hesitation: the eldest is the best, the second is next, and he himself is the worst."

"The reason he gave was this: the eldest treats before illness arises, the second treats at the onset, while he himself treats only after the illness becos severe."

Kitahara's eyes showed regret. "And because of this, people believed Bian Hong could treat nothing, Bian Yan only small ailnts, while Bian Que—though the least skilled, yet producing the most visible effects—beca the most famous."

Doctor Kokobu also shook his head with a bitter smile. "You're right. Most people's vision is that short-sighted. They only see therapies like the Sasa Needle creating 'miracles,' or how surgery, injections, and dicine can restore an Uma Musu's health. But they never consider that with proper prevention from the beginning, she wouldn't need to suffer at all."

Then he fell silent. After a long pause, he looked straight at Kitahara with solemn eyes.

"Kitahara, since you understand prevention, and already have so dical knowledge, I want to ask you—would you be willing to learn my system of prevention?"

"If you're willing, I will sort it all out and teach you everything. As for so of the necessary equipnt, I can try to provide or lend it to you."

Kitahara froze, then was overwheld with joy.

He had never imagined that simply bringing Oguri Cap and Belno Light to a check-up would actually earn him a whole new skill set!

Though calling it a "skill" wasn't quite accurate—more like a training thod. Because in his previous world, "prevention" had long been a well-established, systematic discipline within sports science.

And this was exactly what Kitahara lacked most.

Before crossing over, he was not a professional athlete. While his ranch and club experience gave him so knowledge of horse care, training Uma Musu was fundantally different. In fact, it was closer to training human athletes.

Since he had been unfamiliar with professional training, and his predecessor had only local-level knowledge, Kitahara had to cram desperately for months just to keep up with Oguri Cap's needs.

He had long wanted to find an opportunity to learn more professional training knowledge.

He originally planned to study seriously under his uncle after transferring to Central, but unexpectedly, this hospital visit led to Doctor Kokobu taking a liking to him and offering direct guidance.

After a full day of conversation, Kitahara was convinced that—even in all of Japan—Doctor Kokobu was among the rare few with such rich experience and advanced ideas. Many of his views were on par with international best practices.

Kitahara had complete confidence in his expertise.

Without much hesitation, he nodded firmly.

"Thank you, Uncle Kokobu. I'm willing to learn! No matter how difficult, I'll study hard!"

Doctor Kokobu nodded in satisfaction. "In truth, I should be thanking you."

On his refined yet aging face appeared a trace of lancholy. "Over these years, I've poured untold effort into these thods. I've spoken to the URA Association, to your Sixth Uncle, to old n like Nesei…"

"Musaka and Nesei can at least accept my ideas, but the URA is full of stubborn old fools. Add to that the influence of entrenched family traditions, and… sigh."

He broke off, shaking his head, then changed the subject. "Anyway, my wish is simply for Uma Musu to shine on the racetrack. That wish, I believe, is no less sincere than any trainer's. It was this very wish that made a physician for Uma Musu."

"Give so ti. I'll carefully prepare the whole system and contact you by phone."

(End of Chapter)