The crowd was smaller than expected—maybe not even a tenth of the last one.
Then again, the last event had set a record in Uma Musume history. You couldn't expect that kind of turnout every time.
Still, after experiencing such a grand spectacle, watching this one felt a little… lonely.
What was I thinking? Even if it's quieter, this is still a central race—it's not like there's nobody here!
Belno Light patted her cheeks lightly.
Besides, she'd heard all the participants were skilled Uma Musume, each one worth paying attention to.
And that wasn't the only reason they were here today.
Munch, munch, munch…
The sound of someone eating reached her ears.
Belno Light forced herself to keep her eyes on the track and ignore what was happening beside her, but—
Munch, munch…
It was impossible to overlook Oguri Cap, cheeks stuffed full, clutching a huge bunch of grilled skewers and chewing away. How did she end up with so much food just from walking from the station to the arena? Someone explain that!
"O-Oguri…" The corner of Belno Light's eye twitched as she spoke, trying hard to keep her tone calm.
"Hm? Oh! Did you want some, Belno?" Oguri Cap mumbled through a full mouth, offering a still-steaming skewer.
"Thanks— Wait, no, that's not it!" Belno cried, taking the skewer without thinking. "Today is March's first race, isn't it? How can you be so relaxed? I'm not saying you need to be overly nervous, but at least show some support for her!"
How could she sit there eating like it was any other day? As March's closest friend, the least she could do was act like she cared during her race.
Hearing this, Oguri Cap swallowed a tough piece of grilled skin whole.
"You're right, you're absolutely right," Oguri said.
"That's what I thought too at first. She's been preparing for this race for so long," she continued, already taking another bite.
"Afraid of losing, afraid of underperforming, afraid of all sorts of things…"
But Oguri had realized there was no need for her to be nervous.
Because long before this race began, Fujimasa March had already made her declaration.
She would keep running and running, staying on that track longer than anyone else.
Her determination was every bit as strong as Oguri's own.
Recalling her own first major stakes race, she remembered the nerves, the fear, the anxiety—all those negative emotions weighing on her.
But for Oguri Cap, what she felt more than anything was excitement.
The thrill of facing strong rivals, undaunted by challenges.
The joy of wanting to run to her heart's content.
She truly reveled in that feeling.
So right now, Fujimasa March was surely embracing her debut in the central circuit with that same fiery passion.
"You've got to trust your friend, Belno! Munch, munch…"
"You're just using that as an excuse to keep eating, aren't you!"
Munch, munch…
It was no use. Belno Light's composure had completely snapped.
"Oh? March, what a coincidence—you're in this race too."
A chestnut-haired girl greeted her, a bright red ribbon swaying vividly by her ear.
In front of the competitors' lounge, Fujimasa March ran into her temporary roommate, Meisei Opera.
She was already in her number two training gear, with white bandages wrapped around her legs.
"Yeah, small world."
Fujimasa March narrowed her eyes. She'd known there would be other locals from Tracen in this race, but she hadn't expected one to be this close.
She slept right above her!
After a few days together, March had started to get a sense of the other girl's personality.
Blunt, unfiltered, and unrestrained—her bold nature gave off a vibe like flames rising through the night air.
"But just because we're roommates, don't think I'll go easy on you. You know how it is on the track."
Hands on her hips, Meisei Opera nodded. "Pleasantries first, then no holding back—a fair fight."
She held out her hand.
Feeling the sheer, unbridled energy radiating from the other girl, Fujimasa March hesitated for a moment before taking it.
Unlike the first time they met, she could sense a powerful strength in her grip.
It was like facing Narita Brian on a muddy track…
The thought crossed March's mind before she could stop it.
"Well then, I'll head back to the lounge now. See you on the track."
With a hearty laugh, Meisei Opera strode back toward her room.
Fujimasa March stood where she was.
"See you on the track…"
She clenched her fist.
Feeling down, insecure, discouraged—letting those emotions weigh her down and losing the race wasn't her style.
Once she stepped onto that track, there was only one goal.
To win!
No matter who her opponents were, she would keep on winning!
With that, Fujimasa March walked resolutely into the lounge to wait for the race to begin.
"Sir, the trainer for competitor number six just called. She's experiencing acute abdominal pain and won't be able to race."
Inside the control room, the Kyoto Racecourse manager—who was conducting final checks—listened as the liaison relayed the message.
"Acute abdominal pain? Did she eat something bad before the race?"
"Not sure, but that trainer has a habit of carb-loading his Uma Musume before competitions."
"Maybe the carbs went off? Never mind. What about the other competitors?"
"All other participants are ready and may proceed to the track."
"Good. Proceed as scheduled."
"Yes."
With that brief exchange, the two moved on from the topic.
As the manager, he was used to last-minute issues with Uma Musume.
Many newcomers, facing large crowds for the first time, became so overwhelmed they felt nauseous and couldn't continue.
Others failed to follow their trainers' dietary guidelines, leading to poor condition—or even illness—the next day, forcing them to withdraw.
Then there were those who got bumped or collided during warm-ups, resulting in injuries.
The situations were endless—if you could imagine it, it had probably happened. After a few routine instructions, the race began as normal.
"Here at the Kyoto Racecourse on this clear, refreshing autumn day—the 1,800-meter GIII [Miyako Stakes]! Thirteen competitors vying for stardom on the dirt are now entering the track!"
The announcer's voice rang out for the audience.
Cheers rose from the stands.
Many had traveled far to support their favorite Uma Musume. For this debut race from local to central circuits, they all hoped the strongest Uma Musume representing their region would achieve a good result.
Even in this relatively low-profile race, the spectators' enthusiasm held strong.
They watched as the Uma Musume warmed up, entered the starting gates, and—as the starting lights flashed—the race officially began.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 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.