Just as the online buzz surrounding Rice Shower's rapid return after her fractured leg was dying down, Smart Falcon, a sudden rising star in the Dirt scene, became the new hot topic.
Topics such as "The Ultimate Escape in Dirt Races," "Japanese Umamusume Breaks Leopard Stakes Record by 3.45 Seconds," and "A Homegrown Japanese Dirt Dark Horse" generated considerable discussion, even reaching the top three trending topics that night.
Some even compared Smart Falcon to Silent Suzuka in the Dirt arena.
While the Leopard Stakes was only a G3-level race, high-level Dirt races are rare in Japan, and victories in these races are largely dominated by international competitors or returning Umamusumes.
Therefore, Smart Falcon, a Dirt star with no international background, stood out among these returning Umamusumes.
Furthermore, Smart Falcon employed a front-running style in the race, a style rarely seen even in Turf races.
This further attracted the attention of many people who don't usually watch Dirt races.
Front-running or high-speed escape styles are always eye-catching, no matter where they appear.
Most importantly, Smart Falcon didn't slow down.
After Smart Falcon, this "rising star," became a trending topic online and attracted increasing attention, the focus on Smart Falcon grew significantly.
Gradually, the focus shifted from Smart Falcon's performance in races to Smart Falcon herself.
This sweet-looking and captivating Umamusume, whose every move could charm the audience, was easy to like at first sight.
After witnessing Smart Falcon's ethereal voice and graceful dance moves during her Winning Live...
Many people were surprised.
This was Smart Falcon, who had debuted quite some time ago.
But only today had she truly come to the attention of the public.
She possessed outstanding skills in both dancing and singing.
Furthermore, Smart Falcon's adorable gesture of thanking the audience after Winning Live made her seem like a true professional idol.
Originally, on the day Smart Falcon participated in the race, everyone was discussing her impressive performance in the Leopard Stakes.
The next day, however, everyone's attention was completely drawn to Smart Falcon, the adorable Umamusume who called herself an Umadol.
Discussion posts about this cute Umadol sprouted up like mushrooms after rain overnight.
Perhaps some people don't enjoy watching horse racing.
But most people don't feel any aversion or dislike toward cute things.
Not watching Umamusume racing doesn't stop them from liking Smart Falcon for her looks, singing, and dancing.
Moreover, most Umamusumes are ordinary students focused on their studies and competitions.
While there are Umamusumes like Gold City who pursue side jobs outside of competitions and studies, they are far from the majority.
Therefore, after people were initially attracted by Smart Falcon's talent, her identity as an Umadol became another highlight.
Many people only learned about Smart Falcon after they started looking into her.
Smart Falcon had actually been involved in various idol activities for a long time.
She was even the founder of the well-known Umadol group "Fugitive SISTERS."
However, perhaps due to Smart Falcon's poor performance, most people focused on the other four leading Umamusume members who had achieved outstanding results.
In just over a day, the name "Falco" began to be associated with "cuteness" among countless Umamusume fans.
But unfortunately, there wasn't much content related to Smart Falcon online, so many people, after following Smart Falcon's performances, were looking forward to her next race and Winning Live.
The next day at noon, while eating in the Tracen Academy cafeteria, Smart Falcon casually took out her phone to check Umasta, then let out a loud "Ah!" that nearly startled Eishin Flash, who was eating with her, so much that she almost dropped her spoon.
"Falco, what's wrong?" Eishin Flash asked.
"Falco's Umasta account gained over 50,000 followers in one night!"
Smart Falcon covered her mouth, looking incredulous.
She held her phone up to Eishin Flash's face.
"Flash-chan, look! Falco has 60,000 followers now!"
"Wow~, Falco's amazing!" Eishin Flash glanced at Smart Falcon's phone screen and exclaimed in amazement.
"60,000 followers! Falco wouldn't even dream of that! With that many followers, she could probably participate in the Arima Kinen!"
"Um, Falco..."
Eishin Flash was about to whisper a reminder when Sakura Baimu, who was passing by with her lunch, suddenly looked over after hearing Smart Falcon's words.
Thump
Smart Falcon got a tap on the head from behind by Sakura Baimu.
"You good-for-nothing! The Arima Kinen is a race where entry is determined by fan votes, not just by having enough popularity to qualify!"
Thump
Smart Falcon got another tap on the head from Sakura Baimu.
"Also, the popularity rankings for the race are calculated by the URA, not by your number of Umasta followers."
"Stop yelling! Stop yelling! Falco was just joking! If you keep yelling, you'll drive Falco crazy!"
Smart Falcon whimpered a few times, clutching her head, before Sakura Baimu finally stopped.
"Joking? I don't think you're joking at all."
Sakura Baimu retorted, then left with her lunch.
Eishin Flash: "..."
Smart Falcon looked at Eishin Flash with teary eyes, pleading, "Flash-chan, look at my Trainer, she's so fierce."
"Falco, I think Ms. Sakura is right. You really need to study hard..." Eishin Flash said speechlessly. "Sometimes what you say makes me wonder whether you're serious or joking."
"If you used the time you spend practicing your cute smile and poses in front of the mirror day and night, and the time you spend researching idols, you wouldn't always fail your courses, would you?"
"Falco's dream is to become a top Umadol..."
"Only when you can 'escape' from failing your courses, Falco, will you be a true Fugitive SISTERS member!"
"But..."
Smart Falcon was about to continue speaking when she saw Eishin Flash's face suddenly darken and quickly shut her mouth.
"Falco understands. Falco will study hard!"