Chapter 104: Run As Far As You Can
Just like the Spring Stakes, the Satsuki Sho was held at Nakayama Racecourse, and the participating Umamusumes and their trainers all arrived ahead of time to make preparations.
Compared to the previous races, Makoto's instructions this time were far more detailed.
Track characteristics, overall strategy, key techniques, weather forecasts, the past performances of their opponents—
All the things he had repeated before, he went over again one by one, finishing with the race plan.
"Front Running. This time, as long as your stamina allows, you need to run away as far as possible."
On the whiteboard, he wrote a large "Front Runner", circled it with his marker, and pointed to the course diagram of the Satsuki Sho. Facing Kitasan Black, Makoto spoke in a grave tone:
"You could say we're quite fortunate—there aren't many front runners in this race— No, to be precise, there are very few."
"Judging from past records, counting you, there are only two with the ability to take the lead."
"Out of fifteen participants, only two were front runners. That means very little competition for the lead, which is a big advantage for you."
"Run as far as I can… so, probably only one or two opponents to worry about…"
Muttering as she jotted down notes in her little notebook, Kitasan Black raised her carrot-shaped pen and pointed at a name written on the board: Azreta.
"So, that means right from the start I'll be competing with Azreta-san, right?" she asked, tilting her head thoughtfully.
Makoto also looked at the board and nodded.
"That's what her past races suggest.'
"Azreta debuted a little earlier than you, and she's already run six races.'
"In her second race, her corner positions were 1, 1, 1, 1. In her first three, they were all 2, 2, 2, 2."
"Unless something unexpected happens, she's very likely to go with a Front Running strategy here too."
Most tracks had four turns, and the term "corner passing order" referred to an Umamusume's position each time she went through a turn.
From this kind of data, a lot could be analyzed.
For example, if she consistently passed each of the four turns in first or second place, that meant Azreta had solid front running ability and very stable performance.
And since in her first three races she passed all four turns in second place, it was quite possible she, like Kitasan Black, specialized in "Slow Front Runner."
Of course, it could also mean she simply hadn't encountered another strong front runner to compete against.
"I can't say for certain what kind of front running style Azreta will use," Makoto continued."
"But no matter what she does, your response doesn't change."
"You must make sure that by the time you enter the middle stages, you're at least one length ahead of her. You absolutely cannot let her pass you."
"No matter how much stamina it costs, that's fine. In this area, you hold the advantage."
"And it's not just her—if any other front runner appears like we just speculated, you must do the same: spend whatever stamina it takes to get ahead, and don't let them retake the lead."
He tapped the whiteboard with his marker, his expression hardening.
"Because only by seizing the lead does your race truly begin—only then can you begin."
"Satono Crown, REAL STEEL, Duramente, Danon Platina—"
"Their closing kicks, one after another, are incredibly fast."
"You have to keep extending the gap from the opening all the way to the final stretch, until you've pulled so far ahead that no matter what they do, they can't catch you."
. . .
After carefully writing down Makoto's instructions, Kitasan Black proceeded through all the pre-race routines at Nakayama: adapting to the track, attending interviews, having dinner—
Carrying both anticipation and nerves, she returned to the dedicated dormitory, and just as in training, she went through the strict routine of a "hot-and-cold bath" to relax her body.
Then, wearing her yukata, she lay down on the bed.
Turning her face toward the left, she let out a quiet sigh.
"It still feels a little strange… not having Dia-chan by my side."
She lifted her gaze toward the ceiling, puffing out her cheeks.
"Why wouldn't they let me bring all the lanterns from the dorm? The school already approved it too…"
With a little huff, she sat up and grabbed her phone, which was still charging, and began making calls.
"—Don't worry, Grandpa, I ate plenty, and I'll be heading to bed soon! ...Mm! I'll give it everything I have tomorrow! Good night!"
"—The senpai are all coming to watch me race?! Teio-senpai and McQueen-senpai too!? That's amazing! I'll do my best to put on a great performance! ...Mm, mm! I'll sleep early, good night, senpai!"
"...Crow-chan's still training in the gym? And Duramente-chan too? ...I think I'll pass, Trainer told me to get some rest tonight, and Grandpa said the same… Mm-hm, then I'll just say good night in advance, Dia-chan."
"—Good evening, Ai-chan! It feels like forever since we last saw each other with all this training… Mm! Let's hang out after the race!"
Family, senpai, friends, kouhai— She called everyone she could think of. At last, the call screen lingered on the name Makoto Yasui. Her finger hovered over the call button, hesitating.
She stared at the familiar name on the screen for a long time, before finally taking a deep breath and pressing it.
A few moments later—
"Hello? Trainer? You… haven't gone to sleep yet, right…?" she asked in a small, careful voice once the line connected.
She couldn't explain why, but even though it was just a phone call like usual, this time her chest felt tight with nervousness.
'Ugh… Maybe I shouldn't have called Trainer at this hour. He told me to get to bed early…'
'Uuu… If I'd known, I should've called him first…'
As she fretted, a familiar soft chuckle came through the receiver.
"So you're nervous after all?"
"...How did Trainer know?" she blurted out in surprise.
At that moment, she realized—yes, before every race she would call the people who mattered to her.
But back then, it was only about letting them know she was about to compete. This time, she was actually nervous.
"Well, let's just say… it's fine to be nervous."
A laugh, followed by the faint sound of pages turning. Then Makoto's voice grew firm and steady, like when he explained strategy:
"I was just about to call you myself to ask how you were doing. Didn't expect you to beat me to it."
"Well… like I said, it's fine to be nervous."
"I believe in you, Kitasan Black."
"I believe your legs crave victory more than anyone else's. I believe your body has endured training no opponent could ever withstand."
"Remember your final acceleration time in last week's adaptation training? 43.4 seconds. Trust me, no rival can hold an acceleration that long."
"And the energy conversion rate in our special drills—every curve, every slope you practiced—you hit over 89%. That more than covers any weakness in burst power or top speed."
"And our tactics. Even if you only execute them at fifty percent, you'll pull ahead by more than six lengths."
"Even if your opponents reach a top burst speed of 33 seconds, they won't be able to catch you in the final straight of the Satsuki Sho. That's the absolute safety margin, calculated from all your training data."
"And if you're still nervous…"
His voice suddenly softened, like he was letting her in on a secret:
"Then just lie down slowly… and start to remember."
"Remember every ray of sunlight you've run beneath, every gust of wind that's hit your face, every drop of sweat you've shed, every single stride on the track…"
"And then—"
"Imagine it. That moment, when all your effort comes together, and the entire stage's spotlight shines just for you."
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[1] https://www.patreon.com/collection/1615744?view=condensed
[2] https://www.patreon.com/posts/uma-musume-it-i-141501318
[3] https://www.patreon.com/posts/uma-musume-it-i-141501318
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