Rice's POV
"And finally, the stars have arrived!" the announcer's voice thundered through the speakers. "Entering the track together are today's first and second favorites! Mihono Bourbon and Rice Shower make their grand appearance side-by-side!"
Bourbon-san didn't look at the crowd. She kept her eyes fixed forward. "Shall we go then?"
"Mhm," I whispered, my heart hammering against my ribs.
"Both of these girls have climbed to this stage without a single stain on their records!" the announcer continued. "The first favorite, Mihono Bourbon, didn't just win her debut—she set a record. Since then, she has dominated every race with terrifyingly precise lap times! Today, she faces her longest challenge yet: the 2000-meter mark!"
"It's a testament to her character," the commentator added. "I've never seen such consistent numbers in my career. We can expect a masterclass in pace-setting from her today."
"And her rival!" the announcer's voice rose an octave. "Every race she has run has been at 2000 meters, and her last three victories were right here at Nakayama! Her compatibility with this track is flawless, and her stability at this distance is second to none. She may be the second favorite on the boards, but for all intents and purposes, Rice Shower is the co-protagonist of this Satsuki Sho!"
"She has stamina to spare," the commentator noted. "But looking at her performance in the Yayoi Sho, her top-end speed has evolved significantly. She might be the only one capable of catching a runaway Bourbon."
The eyes of thousands were on us. I could feel the weight of their expectations. It wasn't just about me anymore; people were actually rooting for Rice. I have to win... for them, and for Big Brother!
"The stage is set! Seventeen challengers have gathered here at Nakayama for the first leg of the Triple Crown! In the race said to be won by the 'Fastest Horse Girl,' who will claim the crown?!"
Hachiman's POV
The rain had just started to fall, but the track was still rated 'Good.' The inside rail shouldn't be too muddy or slippery yet. Now, it all came down to the tactical battle between Kuronuma and me.
"The final girl has entered the gate!" the announcer cried. "Who will carve their name into history today? Will we see an undefeated Satsuki Sho winner, just like Tokai Teio last year? Steady yourselves... the Satsuki Sho is..."
CLANG!
"They're off! A clean start for the whole field! Mihono Bourbon explodes out of the gate with a perfect jump! She's gunning straight for the lead! The rest of the field is bunched up behind her, and Rice Shower is right in the thick of that group! Both favorites have secured strong forward positions!"
Bourbon went for the lead immediately, I noted, my hands gripping the railing. That's her game. Now, Rice... don't let her get too far.
"Rounding the first corner, Mihono Bourbon has already carved out a three-length lead! She's followed by Cry Try and Reward Garcon. Rice Shower holds steady in fourth, a length back, with Dash Fudo and the third favorite, Sekitei Ryu O, flanking her! They're through the second turn now, with Narita Taisei and Asaka Regent in hot pursuit!"
I stayed silent. Kuronuma stayed silent.
Beside us, Taliato watched the two of us more than the track. (Neither of them is moving yet,) she thought. (The time for the decisive strike hasn't come.)
"They're heading toward the third corner! Bourbon is still the lone leader! Reward Garcon and Sekitei Ryu O are beginning to move up! Rice Shower is still holding her fire—is she waiting for the right moment?! Asaka Regent is making a move on the outside as well!"
Now, Rice! I thought, my teeth gritted. Go!
"They've cleared the middle of the turn and are screaming toward the fourth corner! The chasers are still two lengths back—can they close the gap?! They're rounding the final bend and heading into the home stretch! It's Mihono Bourbon in the lead! Bourbon is still in front! But wait—here comes Rice Shower! She's flying up the inside rail! It's down to the two of them!"
Rice's POV
I saw her. That blue and white silhouette ahead of me.
"Come!" Bourbon yelled, her voice straining against the wind. "Catch me if you can, Rice!"
"HAAAAAAAH!" I screamed, throwing every ounce of my soul into my legs.
"Bourbon is running for her life! Rice Shower is hunting her down! The gap is vanishing! 200 meters to go! Only the Heartbreak Hill remains! Can Bourbon hang on?! Can Rice find the kick?!"
"HAAAAAAAAAA!!!" Both of us let out a primal roar as we hit the steep incline.
"It's the final sprint! Bourbon leads by half a length! Rice Shower is right on her shoulder! Who will it be?! The escape or the catch?!"
The finish line flashed before my eyes. A blur of white.
"It's Mihono Bourbon!!! She weathers the storm! She holds off the fierce charge of Rice Shower! Mihono Bourbon has done it! The first crown belongs to the Cyborg, Mihono Bourbon!!!"
"Hah... hah... hah..."
I slowed to a stop, my lungs burning, the world spinning. I looked up at the scoreboard.
I... I lost.
"Hah... Rice... Rice-san..."
I turned to see Bourbon-san. She was doubled over, her chest heaving violently.
"Bourbon-san..." I managed to choke out. "Congratulations. You were... so fast. I couldn't reach you."
"No..." she gasped, her voice trembling with exhaustion. "If you... if you had started your spurt... just a moment sooner... I would have lost. Forgive me... hah... I can't... catch my breath..."
"It was that close?"
"Yes... my legs... they won't move anymore."
I walked over and offered her my shoulder. "Here, let me help you. You shouldn't try to walk back alone like that."
"Thank you... Rice-san."
I leaned into her, helping her stay upright. A single tear pricked the corner of my eye, but I wiped it away quickly.
I'm sorry, Big Brother. I couldn't do it.
— Nakayama Race 10: Results —
1st: [4] Mihono Bourbon – 2:02.4
2nd: [9] Rice Shower – (Head)
3rd: [5] Narita Taisei – (2 1/2 lengths)
4th: [1] Stuntman – (1 3/4 lengths)
4th: [6] Asaka Regent – (Dead Heat)
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