"Central..."
Kuroha muttered the word under her breath.
Being a local trainer really did come with too many inconveniences—resources, facilities, exposure, and even the opportunity to participate in certain major races were all limited.
The talents of Fujimasa March and Inari One would eventually be buried if they stayed running on the sandy tracks of the local circuits.
They deserved a much bigger stage—and that stage was...
Central Tracen Academy!
While Kuroha was still lost in thought about Central Tracen Academy—
At this very moment inside the Academy, it was already lunchtime.
Uma Musume were gathered in the cafeteria, lively chatter and laughter filling the air.
A cute Uma Musume with shoulder-length cherry-pink hair held a lunch tray and stood off to the side, scanning the room for a spot.
When her gaze landed on a certain table, her eyes lit up and she quickly walked over with a bright smile.
"Mind if I join you?"
The Uma Musume at the table didn't mind at all and made space for her—it was already a habit for them to eat together.
"Chiyo-chan, here, sit here!"
A well-endowed Uma Musume with a gentle look on her face waved at the cherry-haired girl and patted the seat beside her.
"Ah, thank you, Gulf!"
Sakura Chiyono O ran over to Super Creek, set her tray down, and sat beside her.
No sooner had she sat down than Creek leaned over and softly asked,
"Why so late today?"
"Uh… I ran into Maruzensky-senpai on the way here, and we talked for a while."
As she spoke, Chiyono O picked up her chopsticks, grabbed a piece of fried chicken, popped it into her mouth, and squinted in satisfaction.
But as she remembered what actually happened, a blush crept onto her cheeks.
"Talked" wasn't exactly accurate—Maruzensky had just spent quite a while playing the "pinch the cheeks" game with her.
Ugh, so embarrassing… better not mention that.
At that moment, a yellow-hooded Uma Musume across the table set down her spoon and chimed in,
"Did you all see the news?"
"You mean about the Derby?"
"Oguri Cap?"
The girls tilted their heads in thought, then remembered—the story had been everywhere recently, both online and in the papers.
"You mean how Oguri Cap can't participate in the Derby because she didn't register early?"
The yellow-hooded Uma Musume—Daitaku Helios—sat next to Yayo no Muteki, who spoke up in a calm tone.
But while her voice was steady, her tightly clenched left fist betrayed her inner turmoil.
As the Satsuki Shō champion, she had been unable to defeat Narita Brian in the Mainichi Hai.
The news and gossip now swirled with extreme takes:
That if Oguri Cap had entered the Classic Triple Crown, she would definitely have been the champion!
That those who had beaten her were just benefiting from the URA's outdated and unfair rules!
That the Triple Crown without Oguri Cap was simply boring…
Although those hot takes were quickly drowned out by rebuttals, they still weighed on her mind.
"This can't be helped. Authority isn't so easily overturned."
Mejiro Ardan—Mejiro McQueen's older sister and a current member of the prestigious Mejiro family—spoke with a light smile.
She knew many of the behind-the-scenes details, even that "The Emperor" herself had gone to the URA to intervene, only to return empty-handed.
She knew Oguri's exclusion from the Triple Crown was irreversible.
"Such a shame," Creek sighed.
But the others didn't echo her sentiment.
For them, unlike Creek, the Japan Derby in the Classic Triple Crown was a mountain they had to climb.
Now, their strongest rival couldn't even attempt the ascent—they should be glad.
And yet, an invisible knot of frustration lingered in their hearts.
—Even if we lose, we still want to race her fair and square!
As if sensing this shared feeling, Creek smiled warmly to ease the mood.
"Speaking of which, where's Oguri? Haven't seen her for lunch yet."
Helios raised an eyebrow and pointed behind Creek with a teasing grin.
"Uh… isn't it obvious?"
They turned to look—
At another table piled high with mountains of food.
And in the middle of those food mountains sat a silver-gray figure, her head bobbing like a pecking chicken, blurring into countless afterimages.
In an instant, one of the mountains vanished without a trace.
And yet her belly looked as flat as ever, as if she had only drunk a glass of water.
"How does she even eat that much?" Helios stared curiously.
Creek just cupped her cheek and smiled gently.
"Totally something Oguri would do~"
Muteki frowned.
"I wonder what she'd think if she saw all those news articles?"
Chiyono O, who had been quietly eating like an ostrich avoiding trouble, thought for a moment and then ventured,
"If it's Oguri… she probably wouldn't even read the news, right?"
"…Yeah, sounds about right."
Helios shrugged with a helpless smile.
"That girl only cares about running and eating. News? She'd probably find it too much trouble to even glance at."
As she spoke, her gaze drifted toward Oguri—
The silver-haired girl had just demolished a second food mountain and was now happily licking oil from the corner of her mouth.
"But!"
Muteki unclenched her fist, her tone still stiff.
"Even if she doesn't know what's being said, I won't let it shake my resolve."
She took a sip of water to mask her emotions.
"On the stage of the Classic Triple Crown, I'll prove my strength—not because of who's absent!"
Ardan nodded elegantly, tapping the table with her fingertips.
"Exactly. Authority may be unshakable, but victory and defeat are still decided by ability. Oguri's situation is set in stone—we should focus on improving ourselves."
Chiyono O glanced at Oguri, who was rubbing her stomach contentedly, and murmured,
"Honestly… Oguri's way of living seems pretty nice. No worries at all."
Creek gently ruffled her hair and grinned.
"Alright, enough brooding! Chiyo-chan, didn't you say you wanted some extra training today? Want to hit the track together this afternoon?"
Chiyono O's eyes lit up, but she quickly remembered something and apologized.
"Sorry, Creek! Maruzensky-senpai said she'd take me somewhere for special training this afternoon."
"Maruzensky-senpai, huh…"
The girls all looked up, picturing the red-clad "Queen of Speed" in their minds.
"If it's her, then we can't argue." Creek smiled wistfully.
Just then, Oguri suddenly put down her bowl, drawing everyone's attention.
She stood, silver hair gleaming under the lights, and walked toward the head chef with light but determined steps—
As if facing a fearsome opponent.
When she reached the counter, the chef, her gaze sharp as a blade, smirked playfully at her.
Oguri lifted her chin slightly, her voice ringing out loud and clear across the cafeteria:
"Three more bowls!!!"
The chef's eyes gleamed with challenge.
"Not just three—even thirty, if you dare!!!"
Crack!
Their gazes clashed like lightning, battle intent surging.
Moments later, the gray-haired filly returned to her table with several more food mountains, oblivious to the stares, focusing only on her next battle.
Before long, the mountains were gone, and Oguri patted her now-round belly with a blissful smile.
(End of Chapter)
After watching Oguri Cap's "eating show," Sakura Chiyono O and the others suddenly found their own food tasting a little better.
"Hm?"
At that moment, Mejiro Ardan's eyes lit up, as if she had spotted something.
After placing the last carrot from her bowl into her mouth, she finished her meal, bid her friends farewell, and headed off in a certain direction.
In the corner of the cafeteria, a small purple-haired filly sat alone at a table.
Today, she had purposely not come with Tokai Teio for lunch.
Once she cleared away the modest portion in her bowl, Mejiro McQueen delicately wiped her mouth, then pulled a slice of cake closer.
"Mmm, dessert after a meal helps digestion. That's good for physical development!"
"Today's will be the last one—absolutely the last! It should be fine, all my desserts are zero-calorie, totally without any calories!"
"Unless Trainer gives me something this afternoon… if it's from Trainer, it definitely wouldn't be a problem…"
With her hands clasped as though praying to the gods and after convincing herself thoroughly, McQueen happily picked up her fork and knife, ready to taste today's little happiness—
"McQueen? Have you put on weight again?"
A gentle, familiar voice sounded from her side, making the little purple-haired filly's body stiffen in guilt.
"Eeeek—!!"
Startled, McQueen shoved the dessert away, then quickly turned to face the voice.
Standing there was a long-haired sky-blue Uma Musume, smiling warmly at her.
"A… Ardan!"
McQueen's fluster was clear in her voice, her small face instantly turning red like a ripe apple.
She instinctively pushed the "zero-calorie" dessert even farther away—nearly flipping the plate in her haste.
"W-What are you doing here?"
Ardan tilted her head slightly, her serene, knowing smile never leaving her face.
Her gaze fell squarely on the dessert McQueen was trying so hard to hide, then drifted over her sister's slightly rounder cheeks.
"I recall a certain someone saying yesterday she would strictly limit her sugar intake."
She stepped forward, gracefully sitting opposite McQueen. Her long, sky-blue hair swayed gently with the movement.
"And just now, I think I heard something like… 'last one'?"
McQueen gave a small squeak, her tiny horse ears drooping nervously.
Her amethyst eyes darted around guiltily, avoiding the gentle yet penetrating blue of her sister's gaze, her little hands fidgeting in her lap.
"T-This is… for digestion! Yes, digestion! And it really is the last one! I promise~!"
The little heiress tried to straighten her back, aiming for a proper lady's composure.
But with her slightly puffed cheeks and the incriminating dessert sitting right there, the effect was rather weak.
Ardan chuckled softly. She had only come to tease her little sister, but seeing McQueen's eyes spin like that put her in an even better mood.
"Speaking of which… your trainer—what's the story there?"
It reminded Ardan of something.
Not long ago, "The Emperor" himself had personally promised the Mejiro family that McQueen had tremendous hidden potential and that he would help find her a suitable trainer to aid her growth.
A promise and endorsement from "The Emperor" carried great weight.
The family had only done a cursory check into McQueen's new trainer, then let her go.
While the family didn't interfere further, Ardan—being McQueen's sister—still wanted to know the details.
McQueen glanced at the cake longingly, then looked back up and answered primly,
"He's a trainer from Oi Tracen Academy, Kuroha. He's also Teio's trainer!"
"His training ability is… um… really… really… really outstanding!"
She repeated "really" for a while, struggling to find a stronger word with her still-elementary vocabulary, until finally landing on "outstanding."
"Outstanding?"
Ardan's voice lifted slightly, curious.
"And in what way, exactly?"
Oi Tracen… that was a local Tracen Academy in Tokyo, wasn't it?
So, he was a local trainer?
Ardan wasn't the type to look down on local trainers—she was simply curious. What made this particular trainer so special that "The Emperor" himself recommended him?
Was it an unorthodox training plan? Or an exceptional ability to see potential?
"Hmm…"
McQueen tilted her head along with Ardan, recalling scenes from training with Teio.
—The targeted drills, the precise and sometimes harsh demands, and those moments when he looked at them as if he could see the exact limits of their bodies…
But how could she put that into words?
"Trainer… his plans are… very tailored! He doesn't just focus on speed and stamina like the school trainers do."
She remembered how Kuroha patiently explained the purpose of each exercise.
"Trainer says that for Uma Musume like me and Teio who haven't entered True Blooming yet, pure intense training isn't reasonable."
"Things like upper-lower limb coordination, landing impact absorption when running, reflexes and body control during stride changes, cardiovascular endurance, and joint flexibility—all these can be developed through fundamental training!"
"?"
A big question mark popped up in Ardan's mind.
She'd only seen such terms in books—and some not even related to sports science.
If he could actually integrate all that into a training program tailored to McQueen's body… then what did that make the other trainers at school?
Ardan quickly shook her head to clear the thought. She didn't fully understand, but if her sister's trainer was that capable, she was happy.
Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she smiled.
"Then your trainer really is impressive."
"Trainer Kuroha is suuuper amazing!"
A cheerful voice suddenly joined in with undeniable presence.
A small figure with her signature crescent bangs bounded into the seat beside McQueen—it was Tokai Teio.
Plopping down without hesitation, she ignored McQueen's wide-eyed glare and desperate attempt to hide the dessert.
"Ardan-senpai! Trainer might be scary during practice and super strict, but he knows so much!"
"And his cookies are waaay better than the cafeteria's! Last time after training, he secretly gave some to me and McQueen—right, McQueen?"
Teio jabbed her elbow into the frozen purple-haired filly.
Teio, what are you saying?!
Ardan glanced between her sister—who looked like she wanted to sink into the floor—and Teio's beaming "I'm just telling the truth" smile.
Unable to hold back, Ardan covered her mouth and laughed.
Her eyes softened with fondness and a teasing glint.
"I see… so you even have snacks during training~ And this cake?"
"I-It's fine!" McQueen's voice jumped an octave—but only a little.
"I diet regularly! My daily calorie intake is strictly controlled!"
Seeing her start to get flustered, Ardan decided not to tease further. She was just about to speak when a voice called from across the cafeteria.
"Ardan, heading back together?" It was Sakura Chiyono O.
Ardan turned, answering with a wave.
"Coming! See you later, McQueen—and you too, little Teio."
"See you, Ardan-senpai!" Teio waved energetically, watching her leave.
When she turned back, she was met with McQueen's resentful stare.
"What? What's wrong, McQueen~?"
(End of Chapter)
In the afternoon, a cherry-haired girl walked with light steps toward the school gates.
"Maruzensky-senpai said she'd help me with special training… but why are we going outside for it?"
Sakura Chiyono O tilted her head slightly, her mind turning in circles as she pondered.
But soon, the ponytail behind her began to sway from side to side.
She clenched her little fists and encouraged herself.
"Come on, Sakura Chiyono O! No matter what kind of training Maruzensky-senpai has planned, you have to stick with it!
For victory in the Japanese Derby!
Go for it!"
The girl took a deep breath, eyes shut tight, then stepped out through the school gates.
Not far from the entrance, a red Ferrari supercar was parked.
As Sakura Chiyono O hesitated and stepped closer, the car window slowly rolled down, revealing Maruzensky's signature flowing red hair and the stylish sunglasses covering half her face.
One hand rested casually on the steering wheel as she turned to the girl frozen on the roadside, flashing a radiant, slightly mysterious smile. Her pearly teeth gleamed under the sunlight.
Maruzensky's smile brimmed with an odd mix of excitement and "urgency" as she urged:
"Yo~! Chiyo-O-chan, what are you spacing out for?"
Her voice was light and lively, with a kind of energy that made one's heartbeat quicken.
"Hop in! Our 'special training' won't wait, you know."
"Ah! Ma-Maruzensky-senpai!"
Sakura Chiyono O snapped out of her daze, hurried over, her heart pounding wildly with both nervousness and anticipation.
She carefully pulled open the passenger-side door of the sleek, brilliantly colored Ferrari. The leather seat felt cool and luxuriously smooth to the touch.
Once she was seated in the low cabin and closed the door, the outside world seemed to vanish, leaving only the deep, powerful thrum of the engine.
In that moment, the instincts unique to Uma Musume flared inside Sakura Chiyono O. A sudden, intense sense of foreboding struck her!
???
The cherry-haired girl glanced left and right, trying to find the source of this uneasy feeling.
But aside from Maruzensky and the car, there was nothing out of the ordinary.
…Was it just her imagination?
She let out a small sigh of relief.
The air inside the car was filled with the mingled scents of new leather and Maruzensky's faint perfume.
Sitting up straight and a little stiff, Sakura Chiyono O placed her hands neatly on her knees, though her eyes couldn't help but wander curiously toward Maruzensky.
"Um… senpai, where exactly are we going for this training?" she asked quietly.
Maruzensky didn't answer right away—her lips simply curved into a deeper smile as she shifted gears with practiced ease.
Turning her head slightly, her gaze—hidden behind the sunglasses—seemed to pierce through, landing precisely on the younger girl's face, which was full of tension and excitement.
"No need to rush~"
She chuckled softly, her voice carrying a languid, magnetic charm.
"The first lesson of training is to let you personally experience—"
She deliberately stretched the last syllable, her right foot tapping the accelerator. The engine's roar suddenly rose, like a beast coiling to strike!
"—what true 'speed' really is!"
The moment those words fell, her long fingers made a subtle motion on the steering wheel, and the red supercar shot forward like an arrow from the bow, unleashing a low, feral roar!
!!!
The ominous feeling in Sakura Chiyono O's heart spiked to the extreme in that instant. Her pretty eyes went wide in shock—before she could speak—
"VROOOM!!!"
The engine howled!
An overwhelming surge pressed her firmly into the seatback!
"Kyahhh—!"
Caught off guard, Sakura Chiyono O let out a short, sharp cry, instinctively clutching the armrest. The scenery outside stretched and blurred in a dizzying rush.
In truth, the speed wasn't that high—Maruzensky was behaving herself on the national highway—but that sudden burst had been enough to startle her passenger.
Then, the glamorous red-haired onee-san took an exit onto a ring road…
—Oh no.
That phrase flashed in Sakura Chiyono O's mind.
She stared blankly as Maruzensky, looking utterly thrilled, stomped the accelerator to the floor…
"Uwaaahhhh—!!!"
On the track, a clear, high-pitched cry of distress rang out.
Perhaps… this was something she'd never forget for the rest of her life.
...
Ōi Tracen Academy
In his trainer's dorm, Kuroha had just finished putting away the training equipment and other supplies he'd bought that morning. Now, he was tinkering with a certain device.
Placing the laptop on the desk, Kuroha stared at the dark-gray metal casing, his fingertip hovering over the power button, his expression odd.
"An RTX 4060… no matter how you look at it, that spec doesn't belong to this era."
Every time he directly experienced the pace of technological advancement in the Uma Musume world, he couldn't help but feel a bit unreal.
"Whatever. As long as it works."
Booting up the computer, he fiddled with it a bit, finding the operation method almost identical to his previous life.
He tried searching for news in the built-in browser and looked up some common software.
The news was nothing unusual, but familiar software was rare.
Still, plenty of sharp-nosed tech companies had already announced their smartphone apps would soon be perfectly compatible with PCs.
Among the names, Kuroha spotted some familiar ones:
Such as the online platform Junyuu-Circle for Uma Musume to chat and make friends, and several major food delivery and courier services.
Today was Fujimasa March and Inari One's rest day, so Kuroha had no pressing tasks. "Just the right time to work on this old friend."
In truth, he simply created a few documents and entered the data for each Uma Musume on his team, then began tailoring training plans to suit their current physical conditions.
Time passed quickly—before long, it was already three-thirty in the afternoon.
Closing a book on the Central Trainer's License, Kuroha stretched.
"The written test shouldn't be a problem now!"
He loosened up his muscles, walked to the window, and rolled his neck.
Outside, the training grounds of Ōi Tracen Academy were bathed in the warm afternoon sun, the figures of a few Uma Musume faintly visible on the track.
Just as Kuroha was thinking of heading out for a walk by the track, the phone on his desk began to vibrate.
The screen lit up, playing a familiar ringtone.
He picked it up and saw a name he recognized—Maruzensky.
The last time they'd parted ways at Ōi Racecourse with Symboli Rudolf, they'd exchanged training methods. This was the first time she'd contacted him since.
Kuroha answered, a little surprised.
After a brief wait, Maruzensky's refined yet lively voice came through the line:
"Ah-la~, Kuroha-trainer, good afternoon! I hope I'm not interrupting your valuable rest."
Her tone was as composed as ever, though the background noise was… unusual.
"No interruption… I just finished up. Is there something you need, Maruzensky-san?"
Kuroha glanced outside again at the empty training field.
"Well, the thing is—"
Her tone carried just the right touch of apology.
"Sorry to drop in on you suddenly, but I wanted to check—do you have time this afternoon?"
…What's this about now? Another inspection?
Didn't we just meet yesterday?
Though puzzled, Kuroha replied lightly:
"Yeah, I'm free. Do you need help with something?"
"Perfect!"
Relief was clear in her voice.
"Then, just wait for us a little bit~"
"Us?" Kuroha caught the word.
"Mhm! We'll be there in five minutes!"
Her pace of speech quickened, and suddenly the background grew sharp and noisy.
A deep, throaty roar—belonging to a top-tier sports car—burst through the speaker, carrying a beast-like ferocity. And mixed in was a faint, muffled, panicked squeak from a girl: "Uu…"—quickly drowned out by the engine's growl.
…?
What was that?
A question mark practically popped over Kuroha's head.
"That's that, then! Chiyo-O-chan and I will be right over!"
Maruzensky's tone was tinged with excitement, as if she were in the middle of something exhilarating. With Kuroha's agreement, she promptly hung up.
(End of Chapter)
Watching the screen go dark, Kuroha didn't think much of it and instead went to the entryway to put on his shoes.
"Chiyo-O-chan… Sakura Chiyono O, huh?"
He repeated the name Maruzensky had just mentioned. If he remembered correctly, the only "Chiyo-O" that Maruzensky would be talking about was indeed Sakura Chiyono O.
But at this time of day, shouldn't Sakura Chiyono O be preparing for the Derby? What was she doing coming to see him instead?
Walking along the tree-lined path of the academy, Kuroha recalled the unyielding cherry-blossom-colored figure he had seen during the Satsuki Sho.
That overwhelming will to win had directly driven her body into an over-True Blooming state.
Right now, she should be in the process of adapting to her sudden, heightened physical abilities.
Over-True Blooming was not a good thing.
Just yesterday, after the Haneda Cup, Seiran Nichirin had ended up in the hospital.
According to the doctors, she would need at least four months—possibly more—of recovery time.
From Kuroha's perspective—
If Sakura Chiyono O couldn't fully adapt to and resolve the side effects of over-True Blooming before the Derby, and went into a G1-level race like that…
Once the race was over, she'd just become the second Seiran Nichirin.
While he was thinking, he reached the school gate.
Maruzensky was punctual—when she said five minutes, she meant it.
Not long after he arrived, the roar of an engine came from the distance.
The sound grew louder, like a beast drawing near, tearing through the calm of the afternoon.
A dazzling red Ferrari shot past the main road outside Ōi Tracen Academy's gate like lightning.
The tires screeched against the pavement, a sharp sound cutting through the air.
Bang!
The car door flew open, and a stunning onee-san leapt out first, her chestnut-red hair fluttering in the wind.
Today, Maruzensky wore a white floral dress, the hem swaying lightly with her steps, outlining her soft curves. Her long, slender legs gleamed pale and flawless in the sunlight.
"Kuroha-trainer~ It's been a while."
She took off her sunglasses and hooked them on her neckline, revealing her trademark radiant smile.
"…Didn't we just meet yesterday?" Kuroha muttered helplessly.
Clack!
At that moment, the other car door opened, and a cherry-haired girl practically scrambled out of the passenger seat on all fours.
Her shoulder-length hair stuck messily to her sweat-dampened forehead, her little face pale as paper. She gripped the car door frame with both hands, breathing heavily, as if she'd just survived some terrible ordeal.
Kuroha, Maruzensky: "…"
Kuroha glanced at Sakura Chiyono O's pitiful state, then shot Maruzensky a look that said: What exactly did you do to this girl?
The chestnut-red-haired onee-san looked a bit embarrassed, gave a half-hearted laugh, then turned back to support her wobbly junior. "Chiyo-O-chan, hang in there!"
Sakura Chiyono O let out a weak whimper and forced a smile that looked worse than crying. Her adorable horse ears drooped lifelessly, and her whole body looked like a frost-bitten cherry blossom.
I… am never riding in Maruzensky-senpai's car again…
The girl made a very important life decision.
...
Ōi Tracen Academy – Kuroha's Trainer Room
"So you're saying… you feel something's off about Chiyo-O-chan?"
Kuroha looked at the two sitting across from him, his expression a little odd.
Was this the intuition of a top-tier Uma Musume? To be able to sense something was wrong with Sakura Chiyono O purely by instinct… impressive.
"Mmm… yeah, but I can't quite put my finger on it."
Maruzensky stroked the cherry-haired girl's soft head fondly as she spoke.
Chiyo-O had closed her eyes shyly, letting her senpai do as she pleased. But upon hearing those words, she responded with puzzlement.
"But I've been feeling great lately! My speed is more stable, and my stamina is better than ever!"
Kuroha didn't answer right away—his eyes flashed as the power of Body and Breath Perception activated in his gaze.
After a moment, he closed his eyes and sighed.
"This… isn't good."
His verdict confirmed Maruzensky's hunch, then he looked directly at the cherry-haired girl.
"I saw your race in the Satsuki Sho. At the final stretch, you went into over-True Blooming," he said plainly, pointing out the source of her change.
"Over… True Blooming?" Sakura Chiyono O repeated the unfamiliar term, looking lost.
Kuroha understood—after all, in the trainer community, over-True Blooming was still only a theoretical concept.
Some scholars had tried to explain why, for certain Uma Musume, the blessing of the Three Goddesses didn't last three years—sometimes not even two.
Over-True Blooming was the term coined for this abnormal state.
Maruzensky, however, clearly knew the meaning of the term. Her gentle expression vanished, replaced by concern as she looked at Sakura Chiyono O.
Kuroha hesitated, then decided to use an easy-to-understand analogy:
"If the Three Goddesses' blessing in your body is like a jar of sugar… normally, you use it sparingly when cooking, and it lasts you a long time, letting you savor its sweetness over the years.
Over-True Blooming is like dumping the whole jar in at once.
Sure, you get a burst of sweetness, but you can't even taste the food anymore, and you might cause all kinds of problems—like a sugar shock."
He tapped her shoulder lightly.
"The power from over-True Blooming has indeed made you stronger for now, but it's untamed. It's constantly pushing your limits and eating away at your foundation.
It's like overclocking an engine—it might roar on the outside, but inside, the parts are screaming."
Through his perception, Kuroha could tell her physical stats had jumped drastically since the Satsuki Sho—by over a hundred points in every attribute.
In comparison, Fujimasa March had experienced multiple bursts of growth, but those came from long-term, gradual training—or from the awakening of her Domain, which was far more natural.
Sakura Chiyono O's leap, however, had been an instant, forceful evolution—nearly a 500-point jump in just a few minutes, driven by sheer willpower.
It would be a miracle if there were no side effects.
"Eh?! But… but I feel great!"
She looked panicked, her voice gradually trailing off as she realized something felt off even as she said it.
"That's just the surface, Chiyo-O."
Kuroha's tone softened, but his words were firm.
"Your body is lying to you. You're trading away your future potential for present power.
Over-True Blooming isn't a blessing—it's a dangerous burden.
Until you've completely adapted to this sudden growth, every run, every burst of speed is deepening the damage to your body."
The girl clenched her fists unconsciously, her knuckles turning white.
"Right now, your 'good condition' is probably at the cost of coordination and fine control over your power. Forcing yourself to handle speed and strength beyond your control will make your running rough and your stride stiff.
In a low-intensity race, you might hide it—but in the Derby, any loss of control could cause irreversible harm."
This, perhaps, was why she had been out for nearly a year after the Derby in her original history.
Maruzensky's hand tightened gently on Chiyo-O's head, her expression now serious.
"Kuroha-trainer, your advice?"
"My suggestion is…" Kuroha looked her in the eyes.
"…Withdraw from the Derby."
"No!"
Before Maruzensky could speak, Sakura Chiyono O burst out.
"I don't want to quit the Derby—I can still run!
I… I want to win!"
For the first time since arriving here, the cherry-haired girl expressed her true feelings so strongly.
Her light-blue eyes shone with a conviction that could move anyone.
"Japan Derby…"
Maruzensky stared at her junior, almost rising to her feet, then gave a warm, gentle smile.
Kuroha met Sakura Chiyono O's gaze in silence for a few seconds.
"You want to run the Derby?"
"Yes!"
"And you won't give up no matter what?"
"Yes!"
Her small fists clenched tight, her eyes unwavering.
Kuroha looked at her, then at Maruzensky—who, at that moment, clasped her hands together behind the girl's back in a please, I'm begging you gesture, even winking at him.
Kuroha felt a twitch in his brow.
(Old lady trying to act cute? …Wait, no—in this era she's not old, she's genuinely young…)
Sigh.
Fine. Considering she and Symboli Rudolf had helped him with the Mejiro family issue, he'd play along.
"…If you want to run the Derby…"
He drew out the words.
"Then right now—take off your jacket and lie down on the bed."
My [Massage] skill is absolutely unmatched!
The girl blinked, tilted her head… and then, belatedly, let out an adorable shriek:
"Ehhh—?!?!"
(End of Chapter)
Trainer's Room
Sakura Chiyono O was lying face-down on the bed, her outer jacket half-removed, clutching the bedsheet tightly in her small hands.
Her eyes were already spinning in circles.
Who am I? Where am I? What's going on?
Wasn't I supposed to be doing special training with Maruzensky-senpai this afternoon?
Why… why am I in this situation now?!
A storm of thoughts swirled in the girl's little head.
But before she could think any further, a large hand pressed down with precise and firm force, kneading the muscles and meridians along her thigh.
[Massage]
This was Kuroha's first time using the skill on someone outside of his own team.
His hand worked over the muscle group at the back of her thigh, fingers pressing exactly onto an abnormally tense, blocked spot.
"Uhh—!"
Sakura Chiyono O's body jolted, a short cry slipping out. Her already-pink cheeks flushed even deeper, and her dainty horse ears twitched upright in startled reaction.
The sensation wasn't purely pain—it was a strange mix of intense soreness, burning heat, and a faint numbness, like an electric current shooting through her deep fascia, almost making her jump off the bed.
"Bear with it."
Kuroha's voice was low and steady, his fingers not easing up in the slightest. In fact, they moved with a special rhythm—kneading, pushing, guiding—as though coaxing something out.
"Your power increased too much in a short time. Your body hasn't had time to adapt. Meridians are blocked, blood and energy are stagnant. I'm forcing your body to actively adjust to the sudden surge in strength."
His fingertips seemed to carry a penetrating force, each press striking exactly at the distorted, chaotic nodes in her body caused by that power spike.
These trouble spots, usually hidden by the "I feel great" illusion, had nowhere to hide under Body and Breath Perception and precise massage.
Buzz—!
When Kuroha's palm pressed down again—
A wave of intense sensation exploded from the spot, as if her meridians themselves were groaning with awareness.
"Mmhhn~!"
The cherry-haired girl gasped sharply, making a sound so ambiguous it was impossible to tell if it came from pain or pleasure.
She could feel, clearly, that wherever Kuroha's fingers went, those stiff, heavy, faintly aching areas were being forcibly "opened up" with a tearing release.
It hurt, yet felt strange—like a blocked river being dredged, stagnant currents starting to loosen and flow.
Sakura Chiyono O knew this was for her own good…
…but it was still way too embarrassing!
Poof!
Thus appeared the exact same "bury head under blanket" tactic that Fujimasa March and Inari One had once used.
Maruzensky stood to the side, arms crossed, watching intently.
This massage technique and precision…
As expected, truly impressive… she thought with a smile.
It made sense—any trainer capable of teaching an Uma Musume to awaken the power of a Domain was bound to have other special abilities as well.
"Ara Chiyo-O-chan's expressions are so rich. Kuroha-trainer's touch is a rare experience—you should savor it"
"M-Maru… Maruzensky-senpai!"
The girl's voice came out muffled from under the blanket, tinged with tears and shame. "Th-this… this isn't something to enjoy…"
Time passed slowly, caught between "torment" and miraculous results.
From her feet to her calves, from her thighs to her waist and abdomen—
By the time Kuroha finally stopped and withdrew his hands, Sakura Chiyono O was limp like a puddle of mud, lying flat on the bed. Sweat had soaked her cherry-colored hair tips and thin clothing, and her breathing was heavy.
Her face was still red, but her eyes were dazed, almost disbelieving.
"I-Is… is it over?"
She tried moving her fingers, then cautiously lifted her legs. No special sensation—just a strange full-body feeling…
Thump!
"Uuh~"
The girl clutched her head—not in pain, but reacting instinctively—then looked up at Kuroha in faint protest.
He withdrew his hand calmly.
"With intuition that dull, you couldn't even detect the hidden problems in your own body. Did you really think you'd sense other changes?"
"I…"
Her cheeks stayed flushed, and the stubborn determination she'd shown earlier about not giving up the Derby was gone. She'd returned to being the soft, neighborly little horse girl.
"I just… feel a bit tired, and… a little comfortable?"
The instant she said it, she regretted it.
What do you mean 'a little comfortable'?! That sounds so wrong!
Her face burned hotter, but before she could explain further, Kuroha chuckled.
"Of course. With your bones loosened and your energy and blood flowing freely, you'll feel light all over. Feeling good is a normal reaction."
"But…"
His tone turned serious.
"All I've done is speed up your body's ability to adapt, to help you handle the power surge faster.
It will still take time, training, and recovery. You'd better talk to your primary trainer about it.
For now, cut down the training intensity—focus on restorative work and plenty of rest."
Sakura Chiyono O let out a defeated whimper.
"…I understand."
"Ara ara~"
Maruzensky finally laughed, breaking the heavy air. She stepped forward and teasingly rubbed Chiyo-O's drooping horse ears.
"Alright, alright, Kuroha-trainer's right. You're just too dull sometimes, Chiyo-O-chan! But it's fine—you've got an expert here, don't you?"
Maruzensky was convinced bringing Chiyo-O here today had been the best decision she could've made.
"Not exactly an expert…" Kuroha replied helplessly, then waved to the girl.
"Get dressed. We're heading to the training track to see how well you've recovered."
"Send me your trainer's contact info, too—I'll explain it directly to her…"
Halfway through, he paused.
Right—he was still only a local trainer. Giving orders to a Central trainer wouldn't hold much weight. So, he turned to Maruzensky.
"I'll need you to handle that part."
Maruzensky nodded without hesitation.
"Leave it to me! For Chiyo-O-chan, I'll help however I can."
The three of them headed to a nearby training track.
It was afternoon training time, and many Uma Musume were already hard at work under the sun.
Thankfully, Sakura Chiyono O wasn't wearing her Central Tracen Academy uniform today—otherwise, she would have drawn all the Ōi girls' attention instantly.
They stopped by the trackside.
"Ōi's track is basically all dirt—so make do."
"This training isn't about running faster—it's about letting your body adapt to its power. Just run at your usual cruising speed."
Kuroha switched into training mode immediately, his presence naturally commanding respect.
Sakura Chiyono O instinctively stood at attention.
"Yes, Trainer!"
[Uma Musume Registered: Sakura Chiyono O (Temporary)]
Sakura Chiyono O
Track Aptitude: Turf A / Dirt G
Distance Aptitude: Short E / Mile A / Medium A / Long E
Running Style Aptitude: Front Runner B / Pace Chaser A / Late Surger F / End Closer G
Unique Skill: Beyond the Dream of Sakura Lv. 2
Domain: None
Skills: Spring Girl, Prepared for Overtake, Medium Distance Cornering, Corner Acceleration, Frontline Trick
Speed: 714 / Stamina: 621 / Power: 554 / Gut: 464 / Wit: 517
(End of Chapter)
Kuroha swept his gaze over Sakura Chiyono O's stats.
They were… outstanding.
Just after a single instance of over-accelerated True Blooming, her overall stats had already surpassed Seiran Nichirin, who had undergone True Blooming twice.
In fact, among the five attributes, her Speed was even about 10 points higher than Fujimasa March.
If she continued progressing steadily, by next year—her Senior Year—her overall stats should reach the level Kuroha had seen in Inari One when they first met.
After only one True Blooming, purely in terms of numbers, she was already at the same tier as the scions of elite families from the same period.
Sakura Chiyono O's potential was indeed not bad.
"Alright, ready—"
At Kuroha's command, Sakura Chiyono O stepped onto the track and began her slow jog.
Each stride landed firm and powerful. She focused on adjusting her breathing and rhythm, trying to feel that flow of energy in her body that Kuroha had just helped smooth out.
The wind roared past her ears, lifting her pale pink hair.
The railings along the track and the scenery in the distance zipped by, but right now, all her attention was on her body.
As time went on, Sakura Chiyono O gradually felt a lightness unlike anything before.
Her limbs seemed more flexible; every step brimmed with power, yet she didn't feel the slightest fatigue.
It was as if the strength within her had been awakened, surging through her veins, filling her with endless energy and drive.
Compared to her runs from before…
Now, it was like those invisible but very real shackles had been removed—she could run in pure, unrestrained joy!
A rush of intense joy and excitement welled up in Sakura Chiyono O's chest.
She finally understood—Kuroha's massage hadn't been in vain. He truly had been helping her better control and harness her strength.
By the track, Kuroha and Maruzensky silently watched her back.
"At last. That bad feeling I had watching Chiyono-chan run the other day is gone~" Maruzensky said with a bright smile.
"Only for now."
Kuroha's eyes glimmered faintly as he stared intently at Sakura Chiyono O's form.
"If she doesn't fully recover by the end of this month, my advice is still the same—"
"Skipping the Derby would be better for her."
At those words, even Maruzensky fell into rare silence.
As they watched Sakura Chiyono O pass the halfway point, her gaze tilted slightly upward toward the vast blue sky.
In her deep, glass-green eyes shimmered a trace of memory.
"Kuroha Trainer~"
Maruzensky's voice was gentle.
Kuroha turned to look at her—and saw that faintly broken, dim expression.
"I… once missed the Derby because of the Central's rigid rules…
"For the races I ran, I've never regretted them—because I gave my all every time!"
Her low eyes seemed to reflect the shadows of a time long past—years dazzling beyond compare!
A legend of the Hall of Fame, unbeaten in eight starts!
History would remember her as: unmatched, invincible, infinite!
She had flown free in every race she was allowed to run, crossing the finish line to the cheers of her fans… then waving to the world like an innocent girl.
But the Central's inflexible system had stopped this legend of an era.
Her stride halted before this mountain—and could never move forward again.
"Sometimes… I can't help but imagine…"
Maruzensky's voice was so light, it was unclear whether she was speaking to herself or to him.
"If I had run in the Japanese Derby back then…
"How would it have turned out?"
Kuroha didn't answer. Instead, he turned his gaze back.
On the track, the pink-haired girl still ran happily—
As if running… was her entire world.
A quiet sigh escaped him.
He heard every word Maruzensky had said.
Uma Musume were pure, lovely girls—
And he wanted them to stay on the track for as long as possible.
If Sakura Chiyono O's trainer forced her to skip the Derby for her health, she would obey.
She would understand—it truly was for her own good.
But one day, when she looked back on this moment…
Would she truly have no regrets?
The Classic Triple Crown—once in a lifetime for any Uma Musume.
Now Kuroha understood that meaning more deeply than ever.
"The Satsuki Sho—won by the fastest Uma Musume."
Kuroha closed his eyes and spoke softly, drawing Maruzensky's gaze.
"The Kikuka Sho—won by the strongest Uma Musume."
"And the Japanese Derby—"
Beside him, Maruzensky placed one hand over her chest, her eyes trembling faintly before curving into an endlessly radiant smile.
"—is won by the Uma Musume with the best luck."
Their voices overlapped—one strong and firm, the other gentle and warm.
Kuroha blinked at her. The chestnut-haired beauty looked straight at him, eyes shimmering, smiling softly.
After a brief pause, she said with utter confidence:
"And I am the greatest luck in this world."
At that moment, Kuroha remembered the reason he had come to this world.
Had all his efforts, all his struggles, been for himself alone?
No—absolutely not.
It was also for these Uma Musume—so they could gallop freely on this stage, so they would never have any regrets.
I came here for these adorable girls!
I have the power to change their tragedies—why wouldn't I use it?
"Sakura Chiyono O will stay at my place before the Derby."
"Maruzensky, talk to Central Tracen Academy and arrange a one-month leave for her."
Kuroha's voice was firm and powerful, each word carrying an irresistible force.
Maruzensky stared blankly at the boy beside her, her glass-like eyes reflecting the sunlight.
"Don't call me 'Maruzensky-san.' It sounds so distant~"
"Just call me Maruzensky… or…"
The alluring onee-san tapped her glossy lips, pretending to think for a moment, then smiled playfully:
"If you don't mind, you can call me 'Maru-nee'~ I won't mind."
You might not mind, but I sure do!
You're not even that much older than me, you know!
"…Maruzensky."
"Got it!"
At last, Sakura Chiyono O finished her lap and stopped in front of them, gasping for breath—but her eyes were bright.
Suddenly, she noticed something was… off.
While Kuroha was seriously assessing her condition, Maruzensky wasn't even looking at her—instead, she was looking at Kuroha.
With that look… like she was about to melt into him.
But she shook her head hard. Now was not the time to think about that.
"H-how is it, Trainer?"
She asked eagerly, awaiting his evaluation.
Kuroha nodded.
"Not bad. Your recovery is faster than I expected."
"But remember—this is only the beginning. You still need more training and rest to get back to full form!"
Hearing that, Sakura Chiyono O's heart flared with fighting spirit.
"Yes, Trainer! I'll keep working hard!"
"Right—later, go back with Maruzensky and pack up your things…"
"From today, you'll be staying at my place—about a month."
"…?"
At that, her small horse ears twitched sharply.
She looked at Kuroha's serious face, then at Maruzensky's encouraging smile…
And tilted her head slightly, wearing a confused but polite expression.
"Eh???"
(End of Chapter)
Time flew by.
Before they knew it, thirteen days had passed since Maruzensky had brought Sakura Chiyono O here to recuperate.
Though Sakura Chiyono O had shaken her head furiously and waved her hands to protest at the time, she had still been forced to surrender under Maruzensky's "absolute authority." That same night, she reluctantly moved her luggage into Kuroha's dorm.
Of course—
The new Central Uma Musume wasn't welcomed with open arms at first.
Fujimasa March was particularly unhappy, saying she hadn't even lived with the trainer yet, so why was this newcomer allowed to move in first?
Inari One simply glared resentfully at Kuroha without saying a word, sulking in silence.
But after a few days of training and interaction, the three of them gradually warmed up to each other, and that strange sense of distance vanished—something that left Kuroha quite pleased.
As for Sakura Chiyono O's trainer, she had visited several times and taken her for full-body checkups.
After confirming that Sakura Chiyono O's condition was steadily improving, she had sincerely thanked Kuroha and asked him to take good care of her.
"She really is quite a competent trainer," Kuroha murmured.
Thump, thump, thump—!
On the training field in front of him, one of the three was making steady progress.
Today, the whole field felt unusually spacious—there were only the four of them.
This was the private training ground Kuroha had recently rented.
Money sitting idle in the pocket was meaningless; only when spent wisely could it show its value.
So Kuroha hadn't hesitated to spend a large sum renting this place—not just to give Sakura Chiyono O a better recovery environment, but also because both Fujimasa March and Inari One now possessed exceptional physical abilities. They needed a more independent, specialized training space.
Since taking over Sakura Chiyono O's care, Kuroha had honored his agreement with Maruzensky—preparing her special nutrition meals, creating a tailored recovery training plan, and giving her a daily session of Massage.
Now, things were going quite well.
Her steps were no longer stiff; that smooth running form was gradually returning, and even her breathing had become steady and strong.
Not far away, Inari One was running 1000-meter interval drills, while Fujimasa March was sprinting while dragging a massive tire.
Kuroha's sharp gaze tracked both of them, always watching their condition.
"March's technique is already very well-rounded, but her strength still needs work.
"In the Haneda Hai, although the Front Runner tactic consumed a lot of stamina, her rival Seiran Nichirin still retained some energy by the final stretch.
"If she doesn't activate her Domain, her closing speed is still slightly inferior to Seiran Nichirin."
That was her current shortcoming.
Previously, Kuroha's training plan for Fujimasa March had mostly been light on strength training, since her running style wasn't built for huge end-closing bursts.
From her attribute spread—Front Runner B, Pace Chaser A, Late Surger D—it was obvious her forte was staying ahead rather than coming from behind.
But the arrival of her Domain had changed his thinking.
When she used it, her abilities were fully unlocked and enhanced.
On top of that, Domain injected an unknown, almost mystical force into the Uma Musume, restoring stamina as they ran.
In the Haneda Hai, it was precisely this stamina from her Domain, combined with her saved-up reserves, that had let her hold off Seiran Nichirin from the front all the way to the wire.
Kuroha knew Domain wasn't unique—more and more Uma Musume would wield it in the future.
If he wanted Fujimasa March to remain competitive in such battles, he had to bolster her strength without sacrificing her speed or endurance.
Thus, her current plan focused on finding the optimal balance between power, speed, and stamina output.
Inari One, on the other hand, was a different case.
Her physical stats were outstanding—strength, speed, endurance—she had it all.
But Kuroha had noticed her flaw: she relied too much on raw talent, neglecting technical refinement.
In earlier races, her natural edge was enough.
But in the Central circuit, where she'd face rivals with similar physical prowess, her lack of technical advantage would show.
Before the Tenno Sho, he had taught her several skills and walked her through race-situation analysis, but there had simply been too little time.
"Through high-intensity interval and pace-change runs, I need her to get used to the constant overtaking and tracking changes of real races," he noted, jotting things down.
"That will also train her cardiovascular system and muscle response, so she won't be thrown off by pace shifts."
In truth, both Fujimasa March and Inari One were already mature, excellent Uma Musume.
Their past flaws had been largely fixed.
Now, they just needed to steadily polish their specialties to become the very best.
But… one girl was different.
Sakura Chiyono O.
Tap, tap, tap…
In the distance, the pink-haired girl jogged slowly along the track.
She wasn't slacking—she was following Kuroha's strict orders.
"Slow down… slow down. Cut your pace and stride rate to half of normal…"
She breathed lightly, suppressing her urge to speed up.
In this seemingly simple training, her mind kept recalling Kuroha's stern, authoritative expression from a few days ago.
"Chiyono O, this is your new training plan."
"It's designed to use low-load stimulus to promote metabolic recovery and restore bodily balance."
"It will also keep you from adding further strain to your joints, muscles, and nerves."
"So absolutely, absolutely, absolutely no extra running beyond this!"
"Otherwise—"
"No Derby in a month!"
The memory of his strict tone made her shiver.
Her pink lips pouted faintly.
Not being able to run freely felt suffocating.
But she knew every word and action from him was for her sake.
Grumbling softly in her heart, she still carried out every detail of the plan to the letter.
"As the saying goes: 'Grate the carrot to mash!'"
"If I stick with it, I'll succeed!"
"Come on, Chiyono O!"
It was as if a little version of herself appeared in her mind, cheering her on.
Kuroha quietly watched her figure.
After a moment, his eyes lit up.
"Such fast recovery… The plan had been for nearly a month, but after only thirteen days, she's already at 80–90%?"
"I underestimated just how effective this skill is alongside Body and Breath Perception…"
His gaze shifted to his system's skill panel.
The words Massage glowed faintly.
"At this pace, in less than five days, she'll be completely back to normal!"
He nodded slightly, glancing at his phone.
...
May 8th.
Twenty-one days until the Japanese Derby.
Plenty of time.
With the side effects of over-accelerated True Blooming gone, she could now chase her Derby dream without fear of bone injuries afterward.
He recalled the boast he'd made to Maruzensky over ten days ago—
I am the greatest luck in this world.
"Now, time to prove it."
"…Though…"
As he fulfilled his promise to Maruzensky, a thought crossed his mind.
With so much time left, maybe… after her full recovery, he could add targeted Tokyo-adaptation training, turning her pent-up running urge into devastating race-day bursts.
But after a moment, he shook his head.
"If I do that, her trainer will blow a fuse…"
Recovery training was one thing—but if he monopolized even her regular prep, then…
"I'd basically be her trainer."
Kuroha chuckled and put his phone away—only for it to buzz.
He glanced at the screen.
A news headline jumped out:
[After a Month Away, Kasamatsu's Oguri Cap Wins the G3 Mainichi Broadcast Kyoto Kinen—Three Straight Stakes Victories!]
Kuroha's fingers swiped over the glowing title, almost feeling the roar of the racetrack through the words.
His eyes narrowed.
"Oguri Cap… still unstoppable."
"Three straight stakes wins—she's clearly back in peak form."
The photo showed the grey monster from Kasamatsu crossing the line, eyes blazing with pure racing will that could be felt even through the screen.
"It's just a shame… the Japanese Derby still…"
He sighed and tucked his phone away, looking back to the training ground with deeper thought in his gaze.
Fujimasa March was finishing her last tire-pull sprint, sweat soaking her clothes, clinging to the curves of her waist.
Each stride landed with a heavy thud, her power surging into the track.
Inari One had just finished an intense interval run, chest heaving, hands on her knees as she caught her breath—but her sharp gaze swept the track, replaying her pace control.
Far off, Sakura Chiyono O kept her deliberately slow stride, pink hair swaying gently with each jog.
Her recovery was far ahead of schedule, and the pent-up hunger to run was almost spilling from every light step she took.
(End of Chapter)
"Sakura Chiyono O, her current goal is the Japan Derby. As for her subsequent race schedule—
I'm not her trainer, so I can't decide that."
"As for March, the plan for the South Kanto Triple Crown remains unchanged. In between, we'll insert other races depending on the situation to maintain her race awareness."
"As for Inari One…"
Thinking of Inari One, Kuroha glanced at his system panel:
[Inari One]
[Track Aptitude: Turf A / Dirt A]
[Distance Aptitude: Short F / Mile B / Medium A / Long A]
[Running Style Aptitude: Front Runner G / Pace Chaser B / Late Surger B / End Closer A]
[Unique Skill: Charge! Charge! Lv3]
[Domain: Bonfire Fox Call!]
[Skills: Bad Track Conditions, End Closer – Straight, Hold Your Tail High, Dust Cloud Adaptation, Winter Uma Musume, Tail Flash, Straight Shot]
[Speed: 1056 / Stamina: 1032 / Power: 1141 / Gut: 988 / Wit: 694]
Just like how Fujimasa March's first-step [Domain] gave her an all-attributes boost,
once she mastered [Bonfire Fox Call], Inari One's stats had also gone up across the board.
But seeing her over-1000 Speed, Stamina, and Power, then looking at that barely-600 Wit… Kuroha's mouth twitched slightly.
After losing the "Bad Mud Track" debuff and unlocking her "Passion Mode,"
Inari One was basically like some kind of ironclad machine—able to rely on a straightforward 5A combo to dominate local races.
"Just let her be. With four-digit stats plus second-step [Domain],
even if she faced Tamamo Cross right now, she could smash her."
Kuroha put away his phone, suppressing the ripples stirred in his heart by news about Oguri Cap, and refocused on the training ground in front of him.
"Hu—!"
Fujimasa March finally dragged the heavy tire across the finish line.
She abruptly stopped, hands braced on her knees, gasping hard. Beads of sweat fell from her hair and chin like broken pearls.
Her training clothes were already soaked through, clinging tightly to her tense back, outlining the graceful muscle lines sculpted by high-intensity power training.
Every breath carried a scorching heat, but in those crimson eyes burned unyielding fighting spirit—and the satisfaction of having conquered fatigue.
"March, stretch! Now!" Kuroha's voice was firm and clear, cutting through the slightly empty air of the training ground.
"Yes… sir! Trainer!"
March's reply came with heavy breaths, but without hesitation. She knew every one of Kuroha's demands targeted her weaknesses—there was no room for slacking.
Off to the side, Inari One finished her final set of intense interval runs.
She wasn't gasping as hard as March, but her chest still rose and fell noticeably.
Hands on hips, she adjusted her breathing rhythm while her sharp gaze scanned the route she'd just run—silently replaying every detail of her stride, ground contact, and rhythm transitions.
That focused look was nothing like her usual laid-back self…
Of course, if one ignored the tracer-like glint in her eyes burning like a red volcano.
This girl—if you tried to explain something directly, she'd be as slow as a pig.
Either let her body memorize it instinctively, or force her into "True Self Mode" to boost her fangs and make it stick.
Kuroha nodded, quickly jotting down her performance in his notebook.
Finally, his gaze moved to the far end of the track.
Sakura Chiyono O was still deliberately jogging at a pace barely above walking.
"Slow down… slow down…" she mumbled to herself, stubbornly repeating Kuroha's instructions—
like she was self-hypnotizing to resist the itch to speed up.
Watching her be obedient yet clearly itching to go faster, Kuroha couldn't help but smile faintly.
Her recovery speed was far beyond expectations.
It seemed [Massage], combined with his precise nutrition plan and training schedule, was producing amazing results.
"Chiyono O!"
He raised his voice so she could hear: "That's enough for now, you can stop."
Hearing that, she reacted as if she'd been pardoned—immediately stopping in her tracks.
Turning around, a relieved yet excited smile bloomed on her face as she lightly jogged over.
—Though even this "jog" was probably someone else's brisk walk.
Even now, she was still following Kuroha's orders.
"Trainer! I feel amazing today!"
She stopped in front of him, her voice bright and carrying a hint of pride.
"See? I didn't speed up even a little!"
"Mm, well done." Kuroha nodded at her sparkling eyes, his tone warm with approval.
"Keep up that restraint, and your recovery will be over soon. Then I'll let you go back and run the Derby."
"Yes!" Chiyono O answered crisply, "No matter what the training is, I'll give it my all!"
Days passed quickly.
Just as Kuroha predicted, Chiyono O finished her recovery period five days later.
That morning, sunlight poured into the training ground. She packed her luggage, eyes carrying a trace of reluctance.
Kuroha stood silently watching her until she took a deep breath and turned to face him and the rest of the team.
"Thank you all for taking care of me!"
Her voice was firm and warm, full of unshakable resolve:
"I will win the Japan Derby—I won't let you down!"
She gave a small bow, her face radiating with confident light.
Kuroha chuckled softly, "I believe in you."
But instead of straightening up, she shuffled a little closer to him.
"…?"
Kuroha blinked, then shook his head with a smile, reaching out to ruffle her soft hair.
"Hehe~"
Only then did she lift her head, her eyes sparkling.
Then, swaying her head slightly, she recited a little verse she made up:
"Chiyo tilts her ear, the fanfare sounds—victory is near at hand!"
"Trainer, just watch! Everything I've worked for is to shine in the race!"
"Japan Derby—I will win!"
She waved vigorously, her smile pure and confident.
Her sakura-colored hair danced in the morning light, carrying unspoken determination.
Without lingering further, she turned and strode toward the exit.
Her steps at first were deliberately steady, as if still following the "slow down" order.
But after a few strides, the instincts of an Uma Musume awoke.
Her pace grew lighter, stronger—full of energy.
It was as if stepping outside the training ground finally gave her bottled-up energy a release.
Her figure shrank in the distance, finally swallowed by the morning light,
running toward her battlefield.
Time flew like a white horse galloping past the gap—
and soon, Derby Day arrived.
...
May 29th — Japan Derby Day
Outside Tokyo Racecourse, the air was already electric—like the whole city's passion had gathered here.
The massive venue was like a crouching beast, swallowing and exhaling surging crowds.
Flags of all kinds fluttered under the sun.
Vendors hawked drinks, popcorn, and snacks in the bustling crowd.
"Trainer! Trainer! Hurry, hurry!"
A lively, slightly babyish voice rang out clearly amid the noise.
Tokai Teio was tugging hard at Kuroha's sleeve, bouncing beside him like a spirited bunny.
Her bright eyes shone with pure excitement and longing.
"This is Teio-sama's first Derby! I'm gonna see Chiyono O-senpai win! This is an important learning opportunity!"
Over the past 18 days, with Chiyono O back in recovery,
the two little girls who came every afternoon for basic training quickly became close to her.
Especially Tokai Teio—
once she learned Chiyono O would be running the Japan Derby, she was over the moon.
Not only did she cheer for her senpai, giving her emotional support,
she also pestered Kuroha for days to bring them to see the race.
Although, honestly, even without her pestering,
there's no way he'd miss a race as important as the Japan Derby.
Looking at the little girl clinging to his sleeve, eyes darting around in excitement, Kuroha sighed helplessly.
"Didn't we just watch the Satsuki Sho?"
Teio counted on her fingers before replying seriously:
"Satsuki Sho… is not the same as the Japan Derby!"
"Right, McQueen~?"
Beside her, the purple-haired little lady gave a small, elegant nod despite her speechlessness.
"See? See?"
With McQueen's agreement, Teio got even more excited, shaking Kuroha's sleeve harder.
"So let's go in already! There's so many people out here—I'm gonna lose you!"
Behind them, March and Inari One watched Kuroha struggling with Teio, covering their mouths to stifle laughter.
Once inside, the scene was even more overwhelming.
The stands rose like a massive ring of steps, layer upon layer packed with people—a black sea stretching endlessly.
A giant electronic screen hung in the center, showing pre-race analysis and runner introductions.
The thunder of the announcer's voice blended with the waves of cheers from the crowd, creating an atmosphere that made one's heart race.
The second jewel of the Classic Triple Crown—G1, the Japan Derby—was about to begin!
(End of Chapter)
Upon entering Tokyo Racecourse, Kuroha glanced around at the massive venue.
Beside him, Fujimasa March tugged at his sleeve.
"Trainer…"
The girl pointed toward a direction.
Following her finger, Kuroha saw a few familiar figures.
A silver-gray long-haired Uma Musume with a diamond-shaped crown on her head—
and her small companion beside her.
Oguri Cap, and Kizuna Bright.
"Oguri… so in the end, you really couldn't make it into the Japan Derby…"
Kizuna Bright looked around at the sea of people in Tokyo Racecourse, her face full of disappointment.
At that moment, Oguri Cap puffed her cheeks, chewing something, both hands full of skewers.
She held out one giant fried shrimp skewer toward Kizuna Bright while mumbling through her mouthful:
"Wanna eat?"
"…."
Kizuna Bright's expression went flat.
She was long accustomed to Oguri Cap's natural airheadedness and merely sighed.
She accepted the shrimp skewer, then, watching Oguri go back to tackling her own food, couldn't help asking:
"Oguri, don't you feel regret…?"
"Regret…"
Oguri Cap's voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly to Kizuna Bright's ears.
"I once set the Tokai Derby as my goal, but couldn't run it…
And now… I can't run the Japan Derby either."
Her expression was calm, but in those deep eyes there was a trace of confusion and sadness.
"I really… really wanted to run the Derby.
But… I've already done everything I could…"
The Classic Triple Crown—
a once-in-a-lifetime honor.
Even a natural airhead like Oguri Cap could faintly sense that she had missed something truly important.
She fell silent.
"Oguri…"
Kizuna Bright looked at her with concern.
Just then, a crisp voice drifted in with the wind:
"Oguri, that's not like you at all."
The sudden voice made Kizuna Bright's ears twitch upright in alarm.
Oguri Cap, on the other hand, seemed to recognize it—her eyes widened slightly as she turned toward the source.
Standing beside them was a silver-haired girl, smiling lightly in greeting.
"Yo, Oguri. Long time no see."
"March?!"
The gloom on Oguri Cap's face vanished in an instant.
Fujimasa March walked up, her crimson eyes carrying a trace of concern—but more than that, the familiar firmness of an old rival.
"Spotted you from a distance just now, so I came over."
Only then did Kizuna Bright notice that beside Fujimasa March stood the trainer she'd seen at the Pegasus Special—Kuroha—
along with three other Uma Musume she didn't know:
A brown-haired twin-tailed Uma Musume — Inari One.
Two curious little ones — Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen.
Other than March and Kuroha, they were all new faces.
Once Kuroha and his four Uma Musume found seats, Fujimasa March turned her gaze back to Oguri Cap.
"What's wrong? Got the blues?"
Her tone was teasing, yet just enough to ease the heaviness from before.
Oguri Cap swallowed her mouthful, shook her head, her voice clearer now—
as if the momentary confusion had been swept away by the appearance of a worthy rival.
"No… just feel it's a pity not to run here."
She paused, then met March's eyes, the familiar hunter's focus returning:
"But… you've gotten stronger."
She could sense it—
the aura radiating from her opponent was heavier, sharper than the last time they'd met on the local circuit.
It wasn't just physical growth—there was an inner transformation as well.
March met her gaze calmly, a faint glint flashing in those red pupils before fading.
"To catch my goal, getting stronger is only natural."
"Oguri, don't let your sight linger only on regrets."
It was both encouragement—and a declaration.
Oguri was silent for a few seconds, then her voice took on the pure resolve of a top Uma Musume:
"Mm… I understand! Next time, we'll face each other on the track again!"
"Of course."
March's lips curved into a fighting smile. "I'll be waiting."
The invisible current between the two powerful rivals finally made Kizuna Bright ease her worry.
Kuroha quietly watched the exchange between these two former gray-haired rivals without interrupting.
In the original timeline, Oguri Cap had been lost in confusion over missing the Japan Derby—
while March herself had been crushed in the Tokai Derby.
As a fellow loser, the only way March could console Oguri back then was to help her find a new goal—
to defeat Tamamo Cross and become Japan's number one.
But now, March had returned to Oguri not as a comforter, but as a rival—
and the goal she set for her was simpler, clearer—
Defeat me, Oguri Cap!
Compared to the vague "become number one in Japan,"
"defeat Fujimasa March" was far more tangible—
and far more likely to ignite Oguri's fighting spirit.
At that moment, the stadium broadcast roared over the sea of voices:
"Fans of the Central Shining Series—welcome to Tokyo Racecourse!
The moment has finally arrived!
Today's main event!
The festival of the Uma Musume!"
The voice was like drops of water hitting boiling oil—
instantly setting the entire racecourse ablaze!
"G1 — Japan Derby!"
A tidal wave of sound rose to the sky, as if to blow the roof off the venue!
"OHHHHHHHHHHHH—!!!"
The stands turned into a boiling sea—cheers, screams, and shouts merging into a deafening roar that made the air tremble.
"The runners are making their entrance!
This is the once-in-a-lifetime stage for every Uma Musume!
Let's introduce the competitors!"
The massive central screen lit up, showing the paddock entrance behind the gates.
From the shadows of the tunnel, silhouettes emerged one after another,
stepping out in steady, powerful strides into the blazing sunlight and countless fixed gazes.
Every appearance was met with a surge of cheers from the stands.
One by one, they entered, until the announcer reached the final four favorites:
"Since her debut, three races, two wins!
The shining new star of the Mejiro family—once again showing her class and ambition!
Fourth favorite—Mejiro Ardan!"
A beauty with flowing lapis-blue hair stepped forward in a black-and-white dress, lace hems and golden trim adding a gorgeous touch to her noble aura.
"Even a third-place finish in the Satsuki Sho couldn't quench her fighting spirit!
On this grand stage—will the cherry blossoms that bloomed at the Asahi Hai bloom again today?!
Third favorite—Sakura Chiyono O!!!"
When that familiar sakura-colored figure emerged at the tunnel's end, Tokai Teio by Kuroha's side was already bouncing in excitement.
She waved a fan she had somehow acquired:
"Chiyono O-senpai! Go for it!"
Chiyono O narrowed her eyes slightly against the glare, taking in the roaring Tokyo Racecourse in its entirety.
Her gaze swept over the flags and the screaming faces—
then locked, with pinpoint precision despite the distance, on where Kuroha was seated.
She took a deep breath, straightened her back, and the last trace of haze in her eyes was replaced by pure, absolute focus.
She didn't wave or call out as usual—
instead, she gave a single, solemn nod in that direction.
(End of Chapter)
"In the Satsuki Sho, she claimed the first jewel! Heir to the Kongō Yae-ryū!"
"Now is the time for her invincible name to echo through the ages!"
"Second favorite—Yaeno Muteki!"
A martial-artist-like Uma Musume strode out with steady steps, her gaze unwavering.
Her red-white-black victory outfit was cut with crisp precision, faintly outlining the flowing yet powerful muscle lines beneath.
"And lastly—!"
"The one who broke the Hanshin JF record with a stunning finishing burst!"
"In this Japan Derby, let her blow away all foes like a bullet from the chamber!"
"First favorite—Dido Shooter!!!"
The Uma Musume in a yellow hood walked in with unshakable confidence—
her entrance brimming with swagger and dominance, her eyes sweeping over the venue and the other runners.
"This year's Japan Derby runners are once again a dazzling field of heroes!"
"This is the race to decide the strongest of this year's Classic season! Which Uma Musume will seize the once-in-a-lifetime crown?!"
Highest tier of the stands
Two tall figures stood overlooking the Tokyo Racecourse.
One, arms folded, her crescent-shaped bangs marking her identity—Rudolf Symbol, much like Tokai Teio.
The other, hand on hip in a relaxed stance, a small hat atop her head marked with "CB"—Mejiro Ryan's senior, the legendary Triple Crown mare Chiharu Representative.
Both were Triple Crown champions of the previous generation.
Rudolf's gaze was lowered, her expression unreadable, as the announcer's words—"the strongest of the Classic season"—rang in her ears.
The words of that infuriating reporter from not long ago, and the "provocation" splashed across the headlines, still lingered in her mind:
"Isn't the Derby supposed to decide the strongest?
Most of these girls are just Oguri Cap's beaten opponents!
If Oguri Cap isn't running, what meaning does this Triple Crown have? Won't it just be boring?!"
No meaning?
Rudolf silently questioned herself, slowly closing her eyes.
The surface of her mind rippled—
and she was back in her own past.
She remembered running with everything she had on this very turf.
As "the Emperor," it was her first time being pushed to the brink—
Stamina exhausted! Power fading!
The road ahead stripped of every clear path forward!
She had the physical gifts to dominate her generation,
more talent than even the era's "geniuses."
But in that moment, she had been one step from falling into the abyss of defeat.
The Japan Derby…
A once-in-a-lifetime honor for any Uma Musume.
Could it truly be defined by surface strength alone?
Rudolf opened her eyes, her gaze falling on the fierce mares gathered below—
and a small smile touched her lips.
The Derby crown was never a fruit to be plucked by talent alone.
It was a forge—
one that took the body, spirit, will, and even the soul of its runners and cast them into its hottest flames.
Only in that ultimate heat could the pure light worthy of the name "Derby" be tempered.
No matter who emerged victorious today—
in that instant, they would be worthy of the honor!
Beside her, Chiharu Representative looked on, puzzled.
"What's with Rudolf?"
"And… wasn't Maruzensky supposed to be up here with us? Where'd she run off to…?"
She let the thought drift away.
"Well, seems like a lot's going on… but I don't really get it."
Her face settled into her usual "nothing really matters" smile.
"Let's just watch quietly."
"Ahhh—"
Elsewhere in the stands
The brown-haired senior she'd just mentioned sneezed.
"Ugh… is someone talking about me?"
Maruzensky frowned, thought for a moment—
then her eyes lit up, as if she'd spotted what she'd been looking for.
She jogged over and, to the mild surprise of the young man there, dropped into the seat beside him.
"Kuroha, long time no see!"
"Long time, Maruzensky."
Kuroha gave the glamorous lady a curious look.
"You're not watching the race with Rudolf? What are you doing here?"
She waved a hand and smiled brightly.
"It's fine, Rudolf's got company."
"Besides—this is the moment to see the results of our little agreement, remember?"
"Agreement?"
Both Fujimasa March and Inari One's ears twitched—they turned their heads involuntarily.
"…Let's just watch the race first," Kuroha replied with mild exasperation.
Down on the turf
The runners were warming up, stretching their bodies.
"Your leg—is it okay?"
Mejiro Ardan had walked up beside Dido Shooter.
She knew her friend's injury was the reason she'd been out—
and the Satsuki Sho hadn't been long ago. By rights, her leg shouldn't have recovered this quickly.
Dido Shooter glanced down at her leg, then smirked, winking one eye.
"This little thing's nothing. I can push through with spirit alone!"
"I already missed the Satsuki Sho. If I let the Derby slip too, that'd be unforgivable!"
Ardan listened silently, then gave a small nod and left her be.
Left alone, Dido Shooter's lively smile faded into a heavy, carved-in calm.
Her left foot pressed into the turf as she stood, silent.
Sakura Chiyono O exhaled slowly, her right hand over her heart.
Her body… felt light.
Something in her chest was burning fiercely…
She looked ahead, to where the turf seemed to meet the horizon—
where something was shining, calling her forward.
Before entering the gates, she stepped up beside Yae Muteiki.
"Yae Muteiki."
The martial artist girl glanced over.
"The debt from the Satsuki Sho—I'll repay it, right here in the Derby."
Her voice was calm, but the strength beneath it was unmistakable.
Muteiki's lips curved into a grin.
"Wouldn't have it any other way!"
"The moment of destiny has arrived!
At Tokyo Racecourse, the Japan Derby entrance march is playing!"
"With their ambitions in their hearts, the Uma Musume enter the gates!"
As the triumphant music swelled, Sakura Chiyono O reached her stall.
She took her place, inhaled deeply one last time, and slowly exhaled.
The roar of the crowd seemed to fade away—
the world narrowing to the straight, sunlit track before her.
She bent her knees slightly, adjusting her posture with machine-like precision into the perfect starting stance.
Every muscle fiber stood out with the tension of stored power—
like a bowstring drawn to its limit, like an arrow ready to be loosed,
all her energy compressed to the utmost, awaiting the signal.
The air inside and outside the gates felt frozen.
"All runners in position!"
The announcer's voice carried a tremor of excitement across the course.
"Then…
The Japan Derby—!"
A breathless pause.
The lights changed—
"GO!!!"
The voices of tens of thousands erupted into a tsunami of sound—
Bang!
The gates flew open!
"The race begins!!!"
(End of Chapter)