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Chapter 7 - Chapter 7

"Mock Race – 3rd Place"

It should've been a good enough result for my very first race — and yet, I couldn't hold back my tears of frustration.

So this is what it means to lose a race.

So this is what it feels like to be frustrated.

So this is what it means to want to win.

A swirl of emotions welled up inside me, and no matter how I tried, the tears just wouldn't stop.

Not wanting anyone to see me like this, I quietly left the practice track where the mock race had been held. I kept walking toward the quieter areas, away from everyone. Looking back now, I must have looked pretty suspicious — sneaking around just to hide my crying face.

By the time my tears finally stopped, I found myself at another training ground on the opposite side of the campus. Since most students were still watching the mock race, only a few upperclassmen were here training — the place was practically empty.

I gazed quietly at the field, thinking back on the race. I definitely learned something this time. The first half was terrible, and even in the latter half, my running didn't feel perfectly in sync. But… that brief moment when it did click — that must have been my instinct as a Uma Musume, as Nice Nature.

Because I hadn't truly raced before, I'd unknowingly been suppressing that instinct with logic. If I train without forgetting that feeling from the race, maybe… just maybe, I can recreate the Nice Nature's running style that's burned into my memory.

(I want to run…)

That instinct — the urge to run — surged up from deep within me. I had only meant to watch the upperclassmen train to calm myself down, but before I knew it, I found myself yearning to run on that green turf again. My legs twitched, and the embers of my fighting spirit began to flare up once more.

I want to perfect it — Nice Nature's run.

The strength to push through the pack, the brilliant cornering from the final curve, and that breathtaking late surge that sends her flying into the lead.

The running style that only I in this world know — I want everyone to see it.

Before I knew it, my feet were already moving toward the turf.

Just once today, I told myself — just one run, so I won't forget the feeling. I'll cool down properly afterward, stretch carefully, talk with Senior Rudolf, and prepare for tomorrow.

With that excuse to myself, I started stretching to warm up my body. Just in case, I checked my legs carefully for any pain or swelling. We had just learned self-examination in class this week — the first thing we're taught to avoid overworking ourselves. I'd also been practicing by helping Senior Rudolf with her leg checks after training, so I'd gotten fairly good at it.

(Okay… no heat, no swelling, no numbness. Still, just once to be safe.)

Satisfied there were no visible problems, I began warming up again — more thoroughly than what we'd been taught in class.

"So this is where you were. I was worried when I couldn't find you anywhere."

Just as I finished warming up and was about to run, a voice called out to me. Turning around, I saw Ten Point — apparently she'd been looking for me.

"Ahaha… sorry, Ten Point-san."

"You walked off still wearing your race bib, you know. The teachers running the race were having a fit."

Her words made me realize — I still had the numbered bib from the mock race on me. I must've been so shaken up that I didn't even notice. How embarrassing.

"Ah! I'll return it right away!"

"No need, I'll take it to them. I was heading that way anyway."

"Th-thank you so much!"

I took off the bib and handed it to her carefully.

"I'll make sure it gets to them. Don't worry." She smiled, then added, "By the way… you're not about to start running, are you? Your body's not conditioned yet, and you really pushed yourself hard in that race. Take a break for today."

Ah. So she noticed.

I felt bad, but I still didn't want to let go of that feeling. Just once more — I had to run.

"It's fine, Ten Point-san, really! I checked my legs — no issues at all, and I rested properly, so my stamina and legs are fine."

"No. That's what every first-year says right before they overwork themselves. You want to blow out your legs before you even make it to the Twinkle Series?"

She had a point. Everything she said was absolutely right… but still, I knew I could do it.

"Then — how about you check for yourself? If you find anything wrong, I'll stop and rest for today."

"…Hah. I bet you're more tired than you think, but fine."

Smiling wryly, she set her basket down and began feeling along my legs. It was ticklish, but I endured it.

Her expression gradually grew serious.

Did she find something? I started to worry.

"…No issues. A little fatigue, but you're right — one more run should be fine."

Relieved, I exhaled — but then she pulled a stopwatch from her basket, her sharp gaze returning.

"…Nature, I'm timing you. Think you can handle the distance I give you?"

"Eh… how far?"

"2400 meters. Left turn."

"Ehh!?"

That's the Japan Derby distance! Middle school first-years aren't supposed to run more than 1600m!

"…The Japan Derby?"

"That's right. When I checked your legs, I could tell — you can win the Derby."

"Wha—no way! I just ran my first race today! And the teachers said 1600 is the limit!"

"Just trust me. You'll learn more from a longer distance. If the teachers get mad, I'll bow with you."

"You… you noticed, didn't you?"

"Of course. You changed your running form mid-race! Do you even realize how difficult that is?"

I laughed nervously. "Th-then… I'll trust you, Ten Point-san!"

"Good. We'll start here. This track's exactly 2400m per lap — perfect."

She moved toward the outer rail. I followed, taking my position.

Just focus — recreate Nice Nature's stride. Don't think about the rest.

I can do this. Nice Nature's specialty is middle distance. I'll be fine.

"Ready!"

At her cue, I focused even harder. No need to worry about starts this time — it's just time trial.

"Go!"

At her shout, I launched forward with all my strength.

Remember Nice Nature's running form.

Shorter strides during the spurt. Swing your arms wide. Slight forward lean.

This time, the gears meshed perfectly. It felt right.

But still — just a little off. Adjust. Refine.

The corner came. The centrifugal force tried to throw me outward; I leaned in to counter, but my body wobbled, taking the corner too wide.

(Not yet… still not right!)

Frustration bit at me. My breathing grew ragged. My stamina waned. But I pushed forward.

Not enough power — that's why my speed's lacking.

Stride too small — losing stamina.

Weak core — corners too wide.

Lungs burning — can't breathe deeply enough.

Still, I kept adjusting, reaching for that image burned in my mind — her running form.

Third corner. I leaned deeper, nearly scraping the inner rail. My legs screamed under the strain. I'd already passed 1600m — the farthest I'd ever gone. My vision flickered.

But this is where it begins — the final corner, Nice Nature's signature moment.

If she were here, what would she do? The inside's blocked by front-runners — the imaginary silhouettes of other Uma Musume filled my vision.

(Nice Nature would go around them — from the outside!)

I shifted outward, pushing into my finishing stance.

Lean forward. Broaden your stride. Faster — faster!

The world around me disappeared.

Only my ragged breathing remained.

In the narrowing tunnel of my vision, only Ten Point waiting at the finish existed.

(Faster… further!)

I pushed past the ghosts in my mind — past my limits.

And then, I crossed the line.

The moment I realized it, everything crashed down. My legs trembled violently. Sweat poured down. I staggered, walking half a lap to steady my breathing — then collapsed onto the turf.

Ten Point approached calmly as I lay there.

"Good work. You did it."

"H…how… was my time…?"

My voice rasped like an old woman's. I almost laughed at myself.

"Still not enough to win yet. But hey — drink up, stretch, and cool down properly. Skip it and the Student Council'll chew you out tomorrow."

She handed me a sports drink and walked toward the benches.

"Th… thank you…"

"Yeah. See you tomorrow."

As she left, I sank back into the grass.

Still far from ideal.

But even so—

(I won't give up. I'm Nice Nature.)

I couldn't stop the small smile tugging at my lips.

"Spying, huh? That's not very polite."

After parting with Nice Nature, Ten Point called out toward a nearby bush.

"Oh, you caught us, huh?"

"Sorry, we saw you rushing off and got curious."

Rustling — two Uma Musume stepped out from the bushes, tossing away the branches they'd used to hide. One, a short-haired chestnut girl with a boyish air — Tosho Boy. The other, a calm, long-haired dark bay — Green Grass.

"I could feel your presence from a mile away," Ten Point sighed. "Let me guess — Sho got curious, and Grass got dragged along?"

"Bingo, Ten Point."

"Hey! Don't sell me out, Grass!"

'Heaven's Demon: Tosho Boy.'

'The Green Assassin: Green Grass.'

Both were members of the Student Council alongside Ten Point — legendary horses of the "TTG" trio. Though mostly retired from racing now, their presence still carried the weight of champions.

"So that's the freshman you've been so fond of, huh?" Tosho Boy said, glancing toward Nice Nature stretching on the turf.

"She looks pretty normal to me. Kind of disappointing."

"I agree," added Green Grass. "Personally, I think that second-year — Symboli Rudolf, right? — has a lot more promise."

"I'm betting on the third-year, Mr. C.B. He might even take the Triple Crown."

Both spoke their opinions confidently.

Ten Point had seen them race too — they were extraordinary. But somehow, Nice Nature shone differently. Especially after seeing her 2400m run.

"Hey, Sho, Grass — did you two watch the mock race earlier?"

"Nah, not interested."

"I was helping the teachers, unfortunately."

"Then look at this."

Ten Point tossed a stopwatch to Tosho Boy. She caught it, glanced at the display. Green Grass peeked over her shoulder.

"What distance?"

"2400 meters, left turn."

"So, the Derby? Pretty slow time. I'd beat that by at least ten seconds."

"And who ran this? Honestly, that time's weak for a Classic contender… was it a miler?"

"No. Mid-distance specialist. Could stretch either way with training."

"Then they've got no shot. At that pace, they wouldn't even place in a Grade race."

Both dismissed it outright.

"That time was from that airheaded girl stretching over there," Ten Point said, smirking. "It was supposed to be a time trial, but she ended up racing like it was the real thing."

"WHAT!?"

They both yelled in disbelief. The time was slow for a Classic runner — but for a first-year who just entered the school? That was insane.

"You made a first-year run 2400m!? Are you insane, Ten Point!? What if she injured her legs!?"

Green Grass, panicking, dashed off toward Nice Nature, already kneeling to inspect her legs before the poor girl could react.

As Ten Point watched the two, she turned back to Tosho Boy.

"Well? My Nature doesn't lose to those two, right?"

"If what you're saying's true… that girl could conquer not just the Twinkle Series — but the world."

"Of course. She's my precious junior, after all. If she wants to see Paris or America, I'll take her myself."

"Yikes. Scary as ever. I'm outta here."

Tosho Boy tossed back the stopwatch and left.

Ten Point looked down at the numbers once more.

"2:37.4."

She brushed her thumb over the cheap LCD display, reset it, and walked toward Nice Nature — unaware that Green Grass's scolding was just about to begin.

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