"What a breathtaking scene… a sea of cheering faces, emerald green grass, a gentle breeze brushing against my face, and all these voices raised in support for me…"
As race time approached, Tamamo Cross was unexpectedly not waiting in the rest area.
Instead, she was leaning on a high platform, watching everything unfolding on the field.
"Tama-chan…"
Trainer Komiyama stood behind her, her face etched with sorrow, eyes already glistening with tears.
But Tamamo Cross, as if she had eyes on the back of her head, spoke without turning around.
"Don't you cry now, Komiya. I'm standing here with no regrets, ready to face all these strong Uma Musume in perfect condition. That's something to be proud of."
"I want to win. I will win. This is Japan's premier race, and I've finally made it here."
"So don't cry, Komiya. You need to send me off with a smile."
"Mhm…"
Trainer Komiyama wiped her tears with her sleeve and forced a strained, twisted smile onto her face.
"Mhm!"
"Pfft… what kinda look is that? So ugly…"
Tamamo Cross couldn't help but laugh after seeing her trainer's expression.
--+--
"The Arima Kinen! The year-end grand prize race is now officially beginning!"
"Thirteen competitors are entered in this race. They are now entering the track!"
"With explosive power that shattered the Japanese 2000m turf record, a genius Uma Musume! Her late kick is like a fired bullet—will she pierce through her opponents again today? Dicta Striker!"
Wearing a defiant smirk, distinctive trousers and a cropped top under her hooded jacket, Dicta Striker strode sharply across the turf.
Her gaze remained fixed on the entrance, waiting for her chosen rival.
"The peerless elegance displayed in the Kikuka-shō! Boundless stamina and astonishing track intuition! Will she deliver another unimaginable surprise today? Super Creek!"
Dressed in a beautiful gown, Super Creek smiled and waved to the crowd.
The blue and white fabric was tailored to her figure, loose where it should be and fitted where it narrowed, unmistakably highlighting her striking silhouette.
Her stockings reached just above her knees, leaving a generous expanse of pale skin between them and her skirt—a truly eye-catching 'absolute territory.'
"...?"
Super Creek's eyes, soft as autumn waters, seemed to spot something in the stands. The faint smile already on her lips bloomed into something even brighter.
She brought her right hand to her cheek, formed a 'V', then curled and hooked her fingers slightly, her lips moving silently as if whispering a secret.
"Ahem!"
In the stands, Trainer Nase's face flushed instantly, and she hurriedly coughed to cover her fluster.
As her trainer, spending days and nights together, she was intimately familiar with every nuance of Creek's actions. Just like now, she instantly understood the silent message.
'This beauty is blooming just for you, Trainer.'
"What's going on lately? It feels like Creek has been getting a bit… overly familiar with me?"
Trainer Nase muttered, pressing a hand to her warm cheek.
But in the end, she made herself meet Creek's gaze and gave a thumbs up. Their eyes locked, and everything was communicated without words.
'Go show everyone what we're made of! Go win this race!'
"See? My trainer is the best."
A heartened Super Creek spoke with joy.
"And now she arrives! Today's top favorite, the final run of the Twinkle Series, the farewell race of the White Lightning!"
"Seventeen starts, nine victories, achieving back-to-back spring and autumn titles! Tamamo Cross!"
The crowd roared, fervently welcoming the arrival of this Uma Musume, one of the main protagonists in their hearts for this race.
--+--
And as for the other…
Oguri Cap walked alone down the tunnel towards the track, her footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.
"?"
She suddenly halted.
"Symboli Rudolf?"
She called out in surprise to the woman blocking her path.
"Oguri Cap."
The Symboli Rudolf barring her way had none of her usual imposing aura; now, she was filled with nothing but remorse.
"The Arima Kinen is the pinnacle stage of the Central Circuit, and now you stand here."
"I feel that at this moment, I must apologize to you for my previous words, 'Do not disrespect Central.'"
"The truth is, a gap between Central and the local circuits does exist, but I was also one wearing biased lenses. For the contempt and disrespect I showed you before, please allow me to offer my sincere apologies."
"I am truly sorry."
"…"
Oguri Cap watched silently. The usually authoritative Symboli Rudolf was bowing to her, completely devoid of her typical demeanor.
"Hah… Rudolf, I want to thank you."
"!"
Hearing this unexpected response, Rudolf looked up in surprise. Oguri Cap wore a beautiful smile on her face.
"Nearl told me something: 'Cherish the beautiful memories of the past, but be sure not to forget to keep stepping towards the future.'"
"I miss everyone in Kasamatsu, but I have to admit, coming to Central is something I definitely don't regret."
"I've gained so much here, experienced tracks only found in this place, met many friends and rivals… and I have you to thank for that."
Clenching a fist and gently placing it over her chest, Oguri Cap's expression was utterly serious.
"Thank you for calling me here, Rudolf."
"…"
Symboli Rudolf's eyes widened briefly, then softened into a smile. She extended her right hand to the side.
Oguri Cap understood. She stepped past Rudolf, reaching out to firmly clasp her hand.
Smack!
A crisp clap echoed as their figures passed each other, like the changing of an era.
"Take it easy!"
The Emperor left these words with Oguri Cap.
--+--
"The Grey Monster has appeared! Can she defend her victory this time? The ultimate clash between the two grey Uma Musume is about to unfold once more!"
"Oguri Cap!!"
The moment she stepped onto the track, the atmosphere in the venue finally reached its fever pitch.
The clashing auras among the Uma Musume, the roaring cheers from the crowd—everything made the Nakayama Racecourse tremble.
And it wasn't just the spectators present. Countless people watching the broadcast at home found themselves raising their hands and shouting in exhilaration.
In a certain rented room in Kasamatsu, a gentle beauty with long grey hair stared intently at the broadcast image of Oguri Cap, a joyful smile gracing her lips.
"Go for it, my daughter."
"All competitors are here! The thrilling Arima Kinen is about to begin! Now, all entrants, please load into the starting gates!"
Clang!
One starting gate door after another opened in an orderly fashion, awaiting the Uma Musume.
Leaning against the edge of the walkway, Nearl watched everything before her, especially her childhood friend.
An undeniable premonition surged within her.
"Go, Oguri Cap. The curtain is about to rise on a new generation."
--+--
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.