Right before Christmas, the Arima Kinen kicked off, and the scene was absolutely spectacular.
Though it couldn't quite match the sheer madness of the previous Japan Cup—which was in a league of its own—overall, the buzz for this Arima Kinen was still pretty impressive.
Nakayama Racecourse was completely packed, to the point where finding a spot to squeeze into felt nearly impossible.
Huge crowds of spectators had no choice but to settle for the edges, watching the live broadcast on the big screens.
Of course, even friends and family of the racers couldn't escape the reality of being crammed in like sardines.
"Damn it, why are there so many people? I'm about to be squished into a sandwich," Rudy Lemono complained loudly, struggling to push through the crowd toward the front of the viewing stands while clearing a path for the others behind her.
"If only we'd come earlier to grab a good spot. This is all your fault, Fujimasa! If we hadn't stayed up last night stargazing with you at the mountain observatory, we wouldn't have overslept."
Behind Rudy, Norn Ace, dressed in a creamy white sweater, shielded Mini the Lady with one arm while tugging a flustered Fujimasa March along with the other. She, too, was fighting her way forward.
"I'm sorry, it was my impulsive idea that caused this. I've put you all out," Fujimasa March said, her face full of remorse. It really had been her sudden whim yesterday.
"Don't blame Fujimasa too much. Weren't you just as fascinated by the stars the night before? That's why you didn't hesitate to go with her to the observatory yesterday, hoping to see them again," Rudy called back from up front, defending Fujimasa.
As for Mini the Lady? She was practically fuming, her anger ready to blow through the roof.
'Norn, could you please move those giant things off my head? They're so big—watch out for sagging!'
Of course, she only dared think it. Not a single word left her mouth.
Finally, after breaking through all sorts of obstacles, the group reached the edge of the platform.
Spectators who'd been jostled aside made a bit of room when they saw it was the Uma Musume arriving, kindly giving them some space.
"Hey! Look, look! Norn, Fujimasa—it's Nearl! Oguri Cap must be over in that direction!"
Suddenly, Norn Ace excitedly stretched out her arm, pointing toward a specific spot.
"Wow, Nearl's golden hair is just impossible to miss. No matter what, your eyes go straight to her first."
Following Norn's pointing, everyone caught sight of Nearl, who stood out no matter how you looked. That brilliant hair color of hers really was in a league of its own when it came to contrast.
"Wait, isn't that Kitahara with Nearl? That guy actually snuck off to such a great spot!"
"Yeah, traitor! He got to watch from there and didn't even call us!"
Mini the Lady and Norn Ace shot simultaneous, envy-filled death glares toward the distant Kitahara Jo, who shuddered abruptly.
"Trainer?"
Nearl noticed Kitahara's sudden unease.
"Haha, it's nothing. Just felt like someone was cursing me, but it's probably my imagination," Kitahara brushed it off with a laugh.
"Come on, let's go. I really want to see Oguri Cap soon. It's been so long since we last met—I've actually missed her a bit."
"That's only natural," Nearl nodded understandingly, then headed toward the backstage area with Kitahara.
But over in Oguri Cap's corner, things weren't looking so good.
"Tch, this is trouble," Musaka Ginjirou clicked his tongue in frustration, staring at the dazed, utterly demoralized Oguri Cap in front of him. He was seriously worried.
"In this state, how is she supposed to race?"
"Oguri Cap…"
Nearby, Berno Light watched with concern.
"I knew her relationship with Tamamo Cross was complicated, but I never expected it to hit her this hard."
Musaka was scrambling for a solution. He needed to ignite Oguri Cap's fighting spirit, and fast.
Just as he was racking his brains, a middle-aged man's voice—one that never failed to irritate him—sounded from the doorway.
"It's been a long time since we last saw each other, Oguri Cap."
"!"
The gray ears perked up alertly, twitching toward the source of the sound.
Their owner's previously blank expression began to crack, surprise and disbelief spreading across her face.
"Kitahara!!"
Oguri Cap leaped up like an excited child, radiating a pure, unmistakable joy that anyone could see.
"Whoosh!"
With a spring in her step, the gray Uma Musume launched herself forward and hugged the scruffy middle-aged man—the trainer she acknowledged as her own.
"Kitahara, I missed you."
"I'm sorry. I originally planned to come see you after passing the central trainer exam—wanted to surprise you. But this time, I just couldn't hold back."
"Just you being here is the best surprise."
After nuzzling against him for a moment, Oguri Cap pulled back from Kitahara's embrace and then turned to hug the smiling Nearl beside him.
"Hehe."
Nearl smoothly caught her, then gently ruffled her gray hair.
By now, Nearl was just as tall as Oguri Cap, so the gesture felt much more natural.
Behind them, Musaka quietly let out a sigh of relief. He no longer had to worry about how to motivate Oguri Cap.
Just having these two here was the best solution possible.
"Oguri Cap, it's not just me who came. Fujimasa and Norn are here to see you too," Kitahara said with a wide grin.
His words made Oguri Cap's eyes light up.
"They're here too? That's amazing!"
"Yep, so give it your all in this Arima Kinen. Aim for first place."
"…"
At that, Oguri Cap suddenly faltered, the joy of reuniting with old friends dimming slightly.
Nearl noticed instantly. She glanced back at Kitahara and saw him frowning slightly too.
She gently tapped Kitahara from behind to get his attention and gave a slight shake of her head.
"Mhm."
Clearly, he understood. After nodding, he yielded the conversation to Nearl.
"Oguri, have you thought about what kind of farewell gift you want to give Tamamo-senpai?" Nearl asked softly, leading Oguri Cap to sit down.
The answer was obvious: Oguri Cap just shook her head blankly.
"That won't do. Tamamo-senpai is your friend, right? She's finished her own journey of striving and racing. As her rival and her friend, it's only right for you to offer your congratulations."
"But I don't want her to retire…" Oguri Cap muttered through gritted teeth, her voice thick with sadness.
"Nothing in this world lasts forever. The most precious thing you gained from knowing Tamamo-senpai, you've already received. Treasure that keepsake in your heart, and send your friend off with a smile as she sails toward her next journey."
"I gained something precious?"
"Mhm."
Nearl gently tapped Oguri Cap's chest.
"Your strides, your memories, your domain… your treasure is right here."
"Carve the beauty of the past into your heart, but be careful not to forget to keep moving toward the future."
"Use your run to bid Tamamo-senpai farewell. Create a legendary Arima Kinen together with her."
"That is the greatest respect you can show Tamamo-senpai, and the finest gift."
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.