Time flew by during the training of several people at TCB, and in the blink of an eye, it was Tenno Sho in late April.
On this day, Sakura Baimu brought Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond to the audience at the stadium early.
While cheering for Mejiro McQueen, she also wanted to let the two newcomer Umamusume who just joined the team feel the tense atmosphere of the G1 competition.
A few days ago, Sakura Baimu would give them nutritional drinks, but in the next few days, she refused to provide them because they were too expensive and not cost-effective, so she replaced them all with green juice.
This time, the two little Umamusume who had just entered school truly experienced what hell is.
Today, the two newcomers finally had a chance to escape from Sakura Baimu's horrible green juice and cupcakes, and they couldn't be more happier.
Sakura Baimu knew that Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond had basically watched all the matches between Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen at the scene.
However, at that time, they were just ordinary fans and spectators. They were not able to fully appreciate the intense competitive atmosphere among elite Umamusumes from all walks of life.
"You two, take a good look at McQueen's race this time. Remember, you two are McQueen's teammates, not her fans," Sakura Baimu said to Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond.
"Okay!"
Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond both nodded nervously. They had already felt a different, tense atmosphere before the race even started.
The main reason that gave them this feeling was probably that they were about to stand on the field as players, not just as spectators who needed to cheer in the audience.
--
In the players' resting room, Tokai Teio looked at Mejiro McQueen who was tying her white boots unhurriedly, and teased.
"McQueen looks really relaxed, as if she has victory in her hands."
"Yes, Teiō, just wait for my victory in the audience."
Mejiro McQueen looked up and smiled faintly at Tokai Teio, her usual confident expression on her face.
"Bourbon recovered earlier than McQueen. She is also participating this time. McQueen, you have to be careful and not be too careless."
"But didn't she lose to Rice Shower in the Kikuka Sho?"
"Although that is the case, Bourbon is really an opponent that cannot be underestimated. After all, she almost won the Triple Crown. Moreover, it was also Bourbon who made Rice Shower recover her desire to compete."
"I know, I won't be careless."
Mejiro McQueen recalled the beast-like pressure from Rice Shower that she had felt up close several times during last year's Tenno Sho.
She never expected that this kind of terrifying pressure that was going to tear her apart would come from Rice Shower who usually looked soft and frail.
"So it was because of Bourbon..."
Mejiro McQueen muttered.
"McQueen, what did you say?"
"It's okay." Mejiro McQueen stood up and shook her head. "I'm going, Teiō."
"Well, good luck. I'll be in the audience with Trainer-san and Kita-chan and Dia-chan, cheering for you, McQueen."
Tokai Teio tilted her head and smiled, looking very cute.
--
At the same time, in another player's lounge.
Mihono Bourbon wore an extremely technological racing uniform. She's doing her final preparations before the race.
"Bourbon…"
Rice Shower, who has long hair covering her eyes and a hat embroidered with blue roses on her head, was clenching her hands uneasily on her chest, and her tone was trembling.
"Inspection completed. Condition is excellent."
Mihono Bourbon let out a small breath and stood up.
"Bourbon, do your best! But please pay attention to safety this time. Rice doesn't want to see Bourbon injured again," Rice Shower encouraged Mihono Bourbon.
Mihono Bourbon walked to Rice Shower's side after hearing this, and a smile appeared on her beautiful face, which rarely showed expression fluctuations.
She stretched out a hand and gently touched Rice Shower's extremely white cheek and said in a rare gentle tone.
"This sentence from Rice is enough. I will work hard."
"Miss McQueen is very strong..."
Mihono Bourbon's touch made Rice Shower's tension ease a little. She also reached out and gently placed her palm on Mihono Bourbon's hand on her cheek.
"Rice shouldn't worry. I have seen your training before, which makes you correct. McQueen is very strong. If I want to be stronger than her, I must defeat her mentally. I have also strengthened my training in this area. Coupled with this period of training with my Master, I can feel that I am stronger than before."
"Bourbon, do your best!"
"Well, thank you, Rice."
Mihono Bourbon smiled softly again, slowly took back the hand on Rice Shower's cheek, then opened the door and walked out of the player preparation room.
The moment she opened the door and left the preparation room, the gentle smile that Mihono Bourbon showed when facing Rice Shower disappeared in an instant.
She once again returned to the expressionless look that countless people suspected of being robotic.
"Rice, you are my hero. After being defeated by you last time, I have been working hard to defeat you. The person who took away your dream—this time, I am here to defeat her for you."
Mihono Bourbon looked resolute as she looked at the white figure in front of her and walked step by step toward that place.
Mejiro McQueen in front of her suddenly raised her eyebrows. She felt the pressure from behind again.
She looked back and saw Mihono Bourbon walking step by step. This feeling was very similar to the Rice Shower she had competed with in the Tenno Sho Spring a year ago.
Mejiro McQueen once again felt the palpitations and nervousness that made her uneasy. She looked at Mihono Bourbon walking step by step with surprise on her face and was a little shocked by the changes that had taken place in her.
Mihono Bourbon walked past Mejiro McQueen's side without looking back and was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from the audience during the announcer's introduction.
"Now on the scene is the 3rd favorite, Mihono Bourbon."
"She has temporarily left our sight since she was injured in the Kikuka Sho last time."
"She's an Umamusume who won the Satsuki Sho and the Japanese Derby championship who is making made a comeback after a year and a half and has been anticipated by many fans."
"Speaking of which, the last Umamusume to win the Triple Crown from her was Rice Shower."
The commentator interjected.
"Yes. But Rice Shower already lost to Mejiro McQueen in last spring's Tenno Sho. I wonder how Mihono Bourbon will perform this time?"
During the introduction by the live broadcaster and commentator, Mihono Bourbon walked to the lawn in front of the gate with an expressionless face.
"The one who appears now is the 2nd favorite, Biwa Hayahide."
"She unfortunately finished third in last year's Arima Kinen, but there are still great expectations for her outstanding ability."
"There are two from BNW this time. Narita Taishin is also participating in Tenno Sho this time."
Mejiro McQueen stood there and took a few deep breaths to dispel the pressure that Mihono Bourbon had brought to her.
A confident smile appeared on her face again, and then she stepped out gently.
"Of course, the one that attracts the most attention is Umamusume, the only Tenno Sho winning streak record holder in history—Mejiro McQueen!"
Along with the announcer's introduction, there were cheers from the entire audience that were several times more enthusiastic than when Mihono Bourbon and Biwa Hayahide came on the stage.