"Chief, are you sure that jacket is for me?" I asked, my eyes fixed on the item he was holding. It was a standard, URA-issued pre-race jacket, given to us by the officials shortly after we'd settled into our waiting room.
Last night, a rather thick blanket of snow had fallen, and it had continued well into this morning. The temperature had stayed frigid, refusing to climb even as the day wore on. Because of this, the runners for today's races were provided with jackets to wear over their racewear, to keep them warm until the paddock introductions.
But without even needing to try it on, I could tell. The jacket was far too small for me..
"Well, I'm sure I submitted your latest data yesterday," the Chief said, a wry smile on his face as he held the stretched-out jacket in his hands. It looked like it was made for the 'me' of six months ago. "Maybe there was a mishap from the committee's side. Should I ask for a bigger one?"
At his suggestion, my eyes flickered to the corner of my vision, where my own oversized parka was hanging on a hook. With the huge ribbon sash on the back of my racewear, a properly fitting jacket might just crush it. But my parka... that wouldn't be a problem, right?
"Chief, I'll wear my parka instead," I said.
"Hmm... that should be fine, right?" He turned to Oguri-san for a second opinion.
"It'll only be draped over her racewear until the paddock introduction, so it should be fine," Oguri-san confirmed, her gaze steady.
"Alright, we'll do just that then," the Chief nodded, setting the tiny URA jacket aside. His expression turned serious, all business from now on. "The Hopeful Stakes is the 11th race of the day, so the track conditions will not be perfect, especially on the inner railings. The official 'Good' going is what they're calling it, but expect it to be worse. The damage from ten previous races will most likely have softened the turf even more."
"Roger that, Chief," I said.
"For now, observing Seiun Sky and how she'll set the pace is the priority," he continued.
"Agreed," I added, my mind already running the simulations. "Both fast and slow paces are no problem for her. She can outlast most runners in a fast-paced race due to her stamina, and she can create chaos in the middle of the field during a slow pace while she runs scot-free at the front."
Knock, knock.
A soft rap on the door pulled us from our tactical discussion. "It's about time," Oguri-san said, her expression serious. She then looked at me. "Show them what you've got."
"Just be careful out there," the Chief added. "We'll be watching from the usual spot."
"Roger that!" I said. I walked over to the hanger, took down my familiar, worn parka, and draped it over the sharp, new lines of my racewear.
"Copenhagen-sama, it's time." A female staff member was already waiting behind the door when I opened it. Her eyes widened slightly in puzzlement as she took in my unconventional attire, but she said nothing.
"Gratitude," I nodded to her and walked out into the tunnel.
As I walked through the cool, concrete passage, I saw two familiar faces up ahead, conversing with each other. I approached them, my tone as friendly as I could manage.
"Long time no see, Blue Chouchou-san, Ribbon Humming-san."
"Oh, if it isn't Copenhagen-chan! You look ready," Blue Chouchou-san greeted, her smile as bright as ever.
"Copenhagen-san, long time no see," Ribbon Humming-san said, a wry smile on her own face. "Hoping you weren't in your best shape seems to be an impossible dream, huh?"
"Thanks to my trainer," I replied politely. "But both of you are also looking great. As expected of a G1, everyone is prepared for today."
"Yeah! That's why today, I won't lose again! Fufu," Blue Chouchou-san declared. Her demeanor was even more confident than it had been at our Make Debut. She had clearly grown.
"I won't lose either," Ribbon Humming-san added, "but maybe for today, I'll be avoiding the outer lane. Getting chased down by the 'little monster' might be bad for my heart." She gave Blue Chouchou-san a teasing nudge.
"Hey! Don't run away!" Blue Chouchou protested with a grin. "You should at least try it once! I guarantee, once you've experienced it, you won't be afraid of anyone coming from behind anymore! Well... except when the real deal is coming, hehe."
"What do you even think of me?" I sighed. "And that 'little monster' nickname again... I don't think I deserve it. It's just because I'm on the same team as Oguri-san, right?"
"Sure~" Blue Chouchou-san said, her tone playful. She then leaned in a little closer, her smile turning into a smirk. "But Copenhagen-chan, that nickname isn't just because you're Oguri Cap-san's junior, you know? I can vouch for it, as someone who has experienced getting chased down by you. It's like... it's like I was running away from a stampede. That last spurt of yours startled the wits right out of me."
"It's loud and unnerving, sure," Ribbon Humming-san added, her expression surprisingly analytical, "but it's not as chaotic as a stampede. You can actually feel the momentum increasing with every passing meter from the sound of her strides."
"Right!" Blue Chouchou-san chimed in. "That's why her speed peaks just before the finish line! The shorter the homestretch is, or the later she—oops!" She clapped a hand over her mouth, but the damage was done. "Copenhagen-chan is here. I forgot. Hehe," she finished, her smile turning wry.
"Well then, just come at me," I smirked at them. "Even if you seem to know a lot, I won't lose." Of course. It wasn't just me who prepared countermeasures and plans against others. Others were doing the same to me, without a doubt. Let's see whose plan worked at the end.
"Fufu, you're still as scary as the last time I met you," Blue Chouchou-san said with a teasing smile.
"That's rude," I replied with my own smile.
Just as I said that, their expressions shifted, their eyes looking past my shoulder. "Alright, I'll go first. Good luck, Copenhagen-san," Ribbon Humming-san said, giving me a quick nod.
"Good luck~ and let's do our best, Copenhagen-chan!" Blue Chouchou added, and with that, they were both gone, walking briskly down the tunnel. What had happened?
"That overly polite and friendly tone doesn't sound like you," a familiar, haughty voice commented from behind me.
"There's nothing wrong with trying to be friendly, King," I sighed, glancing over my shoulder to see her already standing by my side.
"Of course not. But just being yourself is surely easier, am I right?" King said, her crimson eyes appraising me. "You're showing more of 'yourself' lately, but against others who aren't too close, it's still a no-go, huh?"
"Right," I shrugged. "Let's go with that."
"Anyway," she continued, a confident smirk spreading across her face, "it's our first time facing each other in the Twinkle Series. So let me see how you struggle, because the one who will win is, of course, this King! Ohohoho!" Her usual ojou-sama laugh echoed off the concrete walls.
"I remember my vow, King Halo," I said, turning to face her fully, my gaze locking with hers. "Today will be the first time you see my back as I cross the finish line." Those unwavering crimson eyes were the same ones I had seen in the locker room months ago. I wanted to make those eyes watch me cross the finish line first. Watch me stand at the center of the Winning Live. Watch me, and finally acknowledge me as her greatest rival.
"That won't be happening anytime soon," she smirked, her own confidence an unbreachable wall.
"The tension is quite high between these two, right, Spe?" A laid-back, almost lazy voice joined our conversation.
"King-chan and Copenhagen-san are so full of spirit! I won't lose either! Hehe," another voice followed, this one bright and full of boundless energy.
"Oh my. Seiun Sky-san and Special Week-san. Good to have you here," King said, her attention shifting. "My win wouldn't be complete without you both here today. Ohoho!"
"Yaaa, King-chan is looking great today too, huh?" Seiun Sky-san said easily, her hands clasped behind her head. "I don't know what I'll do against you." For someone like her to say something like that... what was she thinking? Distraction? Or was it really an honest nonchalance?
"But, umm, Copenhagen-san?" Special Week asked, pointing at my parka. "Your jacket looks different from ours. What happened?"
"Just a mishap," I answered shortly, but then quickly corrected myself, "Um, the jacket they provided was too small for me, so I'm wearing my own instead."
Almost forgot, this would be my first time conversing with these two.. first impressions are important!
"Haaah... you can rest assured, they are decent people," King sighed at me.
"King-chan is right~" Seiun Sky purred, her eyes crinkling. "We won't bite your tail. Rest easy~ But Copenhagen-san, you don't look nervous at all, even though this is our first G1. As expected of Team Arcturus' 'Little Monster'."
"Sei-chan is right! You look so calm!" Special Week added, her own energy a stark contrast. "I'm so nervous I even forgot what I ate for breakfast!"
"Likewise," I retorted, looking at Seiun Sky. "You're far too laid-back for a second favorite in a G1 race." Then I turned to Special Week. "And Special Week-san, you ate two bowls of curry rice, one—ah, apologies. Don't mind it."
"You seem to know a lot?" King asked, one eyebrow raised.
"It's just that we ate around the same time this morning," I shrugged. "Just ask Seiun Sky-san. I'm sure she noticed me."
It was true. This morning, my table together with Oguri-san, Tamamo-san, and Creek-san had been just across from the usual table of Seiun Sky, Special Week, Grass Wonder, and El Condor Pasa. Seiun Sky-san and I had even locked eyes for a few moments across the crowded canteen. So yes, I remembered a bit from a glance.
"Yaaa, you got me~" Seiun Sky-san said with a smirk. "Why don't you and King-chan join us for lunch sometime? Not just us, but Grass-chan and El-chan said they wanted to talk with both of you."
"That's right! I'm so curious about your running form, Copenhagen-san!" Special Week added, her eyes wide with pure, unadulterated curiosity. "I once tried to run like that, but my trainer got angry and said I would injure myself, hehe." She was so gullible and pure.
"Sure, I don't mind," I said easily.
"Ohoho, of course! This King has no reason to refuse your invitation. I'll join you," King declared. "But let's go. The paddock introduction is almost upon us. Especially you, Seiun Sky-san. Aren't you in the second post? Please don't be late."
"Ah~ you're right! I forgot. Let's go then," Seiun Sky-san said, a lazy grin on her face as she turned to leave.
We nodded, but I let them go first. I stood there for a moment, taking in the atmosphere that could be felt even from inside the concrete tunnel. Right. My first G1. Against the three undefeated giants. Just thinking about it made me want to race, right now. I let out a long, slow breath, as the cold air stinging my lungs.
"Commencing operation," I murmured to the empty tunnel. "Operation: Realizing Hope is underway."
---
"Copenhagen-sama, it's your turn." The staff member's voice was a polite but firm instruction as she held back the huge, red curtain for me.
"Un, thank you," I bowed politely and walked past her, out into the light.
Hmm. That was right. The atmosphere, the sheer scale of the crowd... it was different. As expected of a G1 race. I had thought the winter cold might thin the crowds, but I had underestimated the people's enthusiasm, especially in Japan, where Umamusume racing was a national pastime.
[And here comes Number 8, Copenhagen!]
Uwaah. From that thunderous noise alone, I knew they were really looking forward to this race.
Let's show them how ready I am, I vowed inwardly. I'll make sure you all see my best.
[Oh! She's wearing a camouflage parka! Is this her racewear?]
A
[It doesn't look like it, Akasaka-san. You can see her racewear peeking out from underneath.]
Once I arrived at the center of the paddock's small stage, I set myself into a formal, at-attention posture. After the cameras had focused on me, I grabbed the edges of my parka and, with a single, sharp motion, swung it upward and off my shoulders, revealing my black and gold racewear to the world for the first time.
At that, I heard a collective gasp from the spectators, followed by a murmur of amazed noise. Great. It was good that they liked it, because I liked it too. I didn't want to hear that my racewear was inadequate or didn't look good. I wouldn't budge on that.
[Ooh, so that's why she wore a camouflage parka... a very well-themed reveal, right, Hosoe-san?]
[You're right. Her demeanor and bearing are also looking great. But for Copenhagen, it's her last spurt that makes her dangerous. She clocked in at 10.7 seconds for her final furlong at the Kyoto JS last month.]
[From this, we can see that she's ready for the battle to come! Can we expect her to conquer this year's Hopeful Stakes with her devastating last charge? Let's see if she can win against the other undefeated elites today!]
After a few more seconds under the spotlight, I picked up my parka and turned back towards the backstage area. On my way, I passed by another runner, Number 7, Silver Miracle-san. She wasn't looking as sharp as she had in Kyoto. Her tail and ears seemed languid, lacking the normal energetic spark.
Anyway, I should get to the starting gate soon. The sooner I warmed up, the better. These giddy and volatile emotions could only be channeled through a proper warm-up now. If not, they would only make me mentally tired before the race even began.
I walked through the backstage area, escorted by a staff member, towards the starting gate. I thanked the staff and began my warm-up behind the massive steel structure. I saw that Seiun Sky was already there, looking at the gate with a clear expression of displeasure on her face.
"Nyahaha, no matter how many races I've been in, I still don't like this thing," she said, seeming to notice I was looking at her. She walked over to me, her gaits lazy and relaxed.
"It's common for us," I said simply.
"Yeah~ I hate it so much that maybe I should just dash out of the gate even faster~" she said with her usual laid-back tone.
"Isn't that what you usually do?" I retorted with a shrug.
"Right. But maybe even faster today?" she said, a smirk playing on her lips. "Aren't you getting bored of always racing at a slow pace? Wanna change of 'pace' a little today?"
"You should tell that pun to the Kaicho," I said with a sigh. "She'll be happy, no doubt."
"Nyahaha, great idea~" she said, the smirk never leaving her face. She then hinted, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "After all, no matter how you look at it, it's impossible for me to fight you in the last spurt, right?"
"Yeah," I replied, my gaze locking with hers, "but no matter how far you run away, I'll catch you in the end." The words were a promise, a direct challenge. I was conveying that she could throw any tricks, any deceptions she wanted at me; I would counter them with my own strength.
"Scary~" she purred, staring back at me with those easygoing yet deceptive eyes. In her paddock introductions, in her races, she never showed a shred of overt seriousness. She veiled her true intent behind that laid-back demeanor, hiding a sniper rifle and a .50 caliber bullet for anyone foolish enough to lower their guard. She was the exact opposite of Special Week, who ran with genuine, open-hearted vigor. And she was a different kind of threat from King Halo, who would brute-force her way to victory with high specifications and unwavering determination.
"Ko-kun! We're here!"
Our silent showdown was disrupted by a familiar call. I turned towards the source of the voice and saw the familiar two, plus their usual squad, and, unexpectedly, Taishin-san. Tamamo-san and others had said they would come, but I hadn't heard anything from Taishin-san.
I walked over to the group, beginning my pre-race stretches as I approached.
"Woah, you're lookin' good in that, Ko-chan!" Tamamo-san exclaimed, giving me a thumbs-up.
"Yeah," Inari-san said, nodding satisfactorily. "When Oguri said we had to wait until the race, I knew it'd be good, but I didn't expect it to reflect you so well! Hmm, if I could go back in time, I'd like to wear an exclusive racewear with a military flair like this," she mused, while changing her nod to be more thoughtful. "But I'd choose an Edo-era General instead."
"Gratitude, everyone. I like it too," I smiled at them, then turned to the solitary Taishin-san. "Taishin-san, I'm glad you came."
"Yeah, I didn't have such a plan, actually," Taishin explained, her tone as blunt as ever. "It's because Ticket came with her team and was flaunting that her junior would win, so I might as well come and see for myself. I want to see her face when you win against her junior."
Looking her alone without Biwa-san and Ticket-san reminded me of our first meeting. Today, Ticket-san was with her team while Biwa-san was still recovering from her injury. Also, the usual squad was not complete today too. Creek-san said she would be watching with her trainer.
"I will," I smiled at them, then walked over to the Chief and Oguri-san.
"It's those three," the Chief said, his voice low and focused. "But let's put more attention on Seiun Sky. Still, I can't shake this feeling, so focus on King Halo, especially when she'll make her move."
"Roger that, Chief. King does look to be in perfect condition today," I nodded.
"Also, the inner railings seem to be in rather poor condition," Oguri-san added. "Though for you, running on the outside, it should be fine."
"Copy that, Oguri-san," I nodded at her.
"Yeah, and that's all, Ko-kun," he said with a smile. He looked over at the familiar group. "It's not just us two today, huh? Still, don't show off too much, and be careful."
"Of course," I said, my voice turning serious. "I don't want to fumble in front of you all. And most importantly, I will win your first G1 title, Chief."
"Don't mind me. Just run, Ko-kun," he said, that signature, proud smile on his face.
I was wearing my new racewear. If I did it now, it wouldn't be out of place, right? I set my posture upright, my back ramrod straight, and executed a sharp, crisp salute.
"Sir, yes, Sir!"
He just gave me a confused look for a moment, which then melted into his own thumbs-up, followed immediately by Oguri-san's. Yeah, it also reminded me of the day we'd first met. We had done the same thing then, hadn't we? I smiled back at all of them, a genuine, confident expression, and then returned to my warm-up, the final preparations before the battle.
Minutes later, the call was made. We were entering our gates, and the fanfare began to swell, a magnificent, heart-pounding symphony. I stepped into the narrow stall, the world narrowing to the metal bars in front of me and the turf beyond.
Alright. Let's do this. Let's win this. Let's beat them.
---
Ko-chan in her winter uniform: