Chapter 19: The Towering Wave of the Classic Triple Crown
December 21st, early morning at the Nagoya Training Field.
"Stardust Mirage, over here."
By the track, Old Man Musaka called out to Stardust Mirage, who had just finished her first paired running training and was about to start the day's regimen.
"Old Man, what is it? Are we changing today's training?" Stardust Mirage asked, slightly breathless, as she ran off the track and approached Old Man Musaka.
She genuinely respected the old man before her. After all, he was truly capable of helping her improve her skills, and he even handled all matters outside of training so she could focus entirely. If Musaka Ginjirou hadn't stated that he planned to retire after Oguri Cap's retirement, she would have long asked him to become her official trainer.
"Tomorrow is your 'Maiden Wins' race, equivalent to your second debut. Are you ready?" Old Man Musaka asked cheerfully as she ran over.
"I... I'm ready!" Stardust Mirage hesitated for a moment because, during these days, she had never once managed to catch up to Oguri Cap.
But she immediately remembered that Oguri Cap was a Uma Musume already elected to the Hall of Fame, about to compete in the Arima Kinen, an event filled with miracles and formidable strength. The race she was about to participate in, however, was merely a Maiden Wins race, not even considered a Graded race.
"Old Man, don't worry. I'll prove that your training is absolutely effective!" Stardust Mirage raised an eyebrow, the white tips of her ears twitching. To make up for her momentary hesitation, she added with full confidence.
"Haha, it's best that you have confidence, Stardust Mirage." Old Man Musaka reached out and patted the Uma Musume's shoulder, feeling very gratified.
"Old Man, I've been meaning to say, didn't I ask you to just call me 'Stardust'? Even my older sister at home calls me that," Stardust Mirage said with some helplessness. This old man was good in every way, except he refused to change how he addressed her, despite her mentioning it several times.
"I feel calling you 'Stardust Mirage' is more formal," Old Man Musaka explained. "As a trainer, I must show sufficient respect to every Uma Musume. I can't forget that."
"Then what about Oguri Cap? You always call her 'Oguri', don't you?" Stardust Mirage asked.
"Hahaha, that's a different matter with Oguri. I feel she's less like a Uma Musume I'm responsible for, and more like a granddaughter," Musaka Ginjirou said, a kind smile appearing on his face as he looked at Oguri Cap, who was still running. A reminiscent gleam shone in his eyes as he continued:
"At first, it was just my foolish nephew asking me to look after Oguri. But over these two years, I've gradually developed extra affection for this child... Haha, how foolish of me."
"Ah, my apologies. Once you get old, you tend to start reminiscing for no reason," Old Man Musaka scratched his head and steered the topic back to Stardust Mirage:
"Let's get back to your race tomorrow. Although it's just a Maiden Wins race, you still shouldn't relax too much. Use this race to announce your arrival to your goal."
Stardust Mirage looked up in surprise at Musaka.
"What? Didn't you promise that little girl – Tokai Teio – that you'd battle it out on the Classic Triple Crown stage?" Old Man Musaka tilted his head, a smile on his face.
"Then, a sufficiently stunning debut is absolutely essential. When the time comes, stand at the winner's pinnacle and announce this to everyone: you are challenging that genius, the Central's [Emperor II]."
"Wouldn't that be a bit too flashy?" Stardust Mirage hesitated, unsure if she should follow Old Man Musaka's suggestion. After all, saying that wouldn't just be about her rivalry with Teio anymore.
One could say it was almost like declaring war on Tokai Teio's backer, Symboli Rudolf, or even the Central racing association itself. That Tokai Teio, after all, was hailed by Central as the genius who would challenge for the undefeated Triple Crown next year.
"Hahahaha, what's wrong with being a little flashy?" Old Man Musaka laughed heartily, looking at Oguri Cap, who was gulping down an energy drink not far away.
"Oguri went through the same. If you want to challenge the Classic Triple Crown, how can you fear such little pressure? You must know, those are three races that gather the strongest Uma Musume of the year."
"When the time comes, just do as I say. It will definitely be beneficial, trust me." Musaka Ginjirou turned his head and looked seriously into Stardust Mirage's eyes:
"Emperor Rudolf told me that you have the potential to succeed Oguri, to become the new Cinderella, the aspiration of every local Uma Musume."
"If you want to achieve that goal, you absolutely must reach the Hall of Fame level, Stardust Mirage... Can you accomplish this?"
"Can you fulfill this unreasonable request of this old man?" He asked directly.
"Old Man Musaka, since you put it that way, how could I possibly refuse?" Stardust Mirage rolled her eyes and replied helplessly:
"Let's do it your way. I just hope Teio doesn't misunderstand and think I'm trying to ride her coattails for publicity."
"Don't worry, that little girl Tokai Teio is very perceptive. Since you've raced against her once, she knows perfectly well what kind of person you are," Musaka waved his hand, dispelling Stardust Mirage's worry. Then, pointing to the track, he continued:
"Alright, it's about time you get back to training. Today is your last day of training before Oguri Cap's race. Go on, start seriously."
"Okay! Today, I will definitely surpass Oguri Cap at least once!!"
"This child has finally truly gotten into the zone." Watching Stardust Mirage run back to Oguri Cap's side, Old Man Musaka stroked his chin, lost in thought.
Once Stardust Mirage could truly use the prestige of a championship to publicly declare war on Tokai Teio, she would be pushed into the spotlight.
The story of her narrow loss to Teio in her first debut race would certainly be dug up. Those pesky reporters wouldn't miss this hot topic and would inevitably report on it extensively.
They might even directly position her as the local representative challenging Central. She would become the new Oguri, carrying forward Oguri's unfulfilled dream of the Classic Triple Crown.
When that time comes, let me and Oguri give you a hand.
Seeing your attitude and your running style, so similar to Oguri's, I believe any audience member who genuinely supported Oguri will surely hope you can fulfill the dream she couldn't complete.
And at that time... Stardust Mirage, you will feel just how many supporters you have.
These supporters will ultimately transform into a tidal wave of cheers, surging towards you on the premier stage of the Classic Triple Crown.
When that moment arrives, will you be completely submerged by this towering wave, or will you be able to ride it all the way to the summit?
This old man will be waiting to see!
Note: I'm new to translating so please be kind and tell me any mistakes you all find, I will try to release a chapter a day but don't expect much
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