T.M. Opera O stood in place, gasping heavily.
Her [ZONE] faded away, leaving only disbelief in her eyes.
And yet…
A unique admiration blossomed within her.
Yes.
Admiration.
As the End-of-the-Century Overlord, second place would never break her. What filled her mind instead was the breathtaking drama of a hero's journey: the trials faced, the revenge fulfilled—Hamlet plunging the sword into Claudius's chest, a moment both majestic and tragic, inspiring tears.
T.M. Opera O had even begun imagining the thunderous applause she'd receive after defeating Garden Gale, a moment of glory reserved for her alone. Just thinking of it sent excitement rushing through her veins.
Even so… she knew Garden Gale wasn't an opponent easily beaten.
After this, she'd have to train even harder, beyond her limits, just to surpass her. Every time T.M. Opera O entered the [ZONE], Garden Gale mirrored it perfectly. Wasn't this proof she wasn't training hard enough?
Only through trials of fire and ice… could she truly defeat Garden Gale on the track.
T.M. Opera O clenched her fists.
No matter what—second place would always leave behind a bitter taste.
No one loses to the same rival twice without feeling that sting.
And beside her—Admire Vega's bitterness ran even deeper. Yet she hated no one but herself. They'd all won through skill alone. If there was someone to resent, it was her own weakness.
If only she'd been stronger, strong enough to defeat everyone.
Then the crown would have been hers.
But now…
She pressed her lips tightly together.
She felt like a loser.
No.
She always had been a loser.
Winning a few major graded races had fooled her into thinking she was special, but once she stepped onto the path of the Triple Crown, only endless defeats awaited. Weaklings had no claim to victory, not without the strength to back it up.
Bitterness twisted into a demon, threatening to consume Admire Vega entirely.
Only Garden Gale wore a smile of pure joy.
Not just because her strategy had succeeded.
But because…
She'd won.
The sensation of victory, of a stadium roaring her name—it felt surreal, magical. As though she wasn't running alone, but had countless supporters behind her, backing her every move.
Garden Gale waved timidly at the stands.
After all she was still half a socially anxious introvert, so even waving required courage.
But that small gesture ignited even louder cheers! Her fans responded with overwhelming warmth, and their enthusiasm quickly spread—even non-fans soon found themselves caught up, erupting in applause.
Seeing the reaction, Garden Gale's tense face finally relaxed into a genuine smile.
A bright, relieved smile.
She waved more openly now, laughing as she finally let go of her nerves.
"Thank you all!" Garden Gale beamed radiantly. "And Shakur, I won—so no jumping off buildings, please. Actually, if you lose the Takarazuka Kinen, I'll be the one jumping!"
"Can you really bear to see your shining star crash down in front of all these fans?"
Speaking solemnly, she approached a nearby camera, her words immediately broadcast through the stadium's Bluetooth speakers.
Air Shakur's face instantly turned pale.
This was emotional blackmail—what the hell!
...
Symboli Rudolf folded her arms, sighing deeply.
"She's really enjoying herself, huh?"
"It's almost like seeing ourselves back then," Mr. C.B. agreed with a thoughtful nod. "About the Kikuka Sho, though—Rudolf, do you really intend to help Garden Gale clinch the Triple Crown? It'd be a big boost for today's discouraged Umamusume fans."
"Even if I didn't help her, she'd still win."
Symboli Rudolf rolled her eyes impatiently.
Her gaze fell back to Garden Gale, sparkling with admiration and sheer pride.
"You truly are incredible," Rudolf whispered. "And now, surely she can compete in the Japan Cup, too."
After a moment's pause—as if suddenly recalling something, Rudolf shot up from her seat and ran toward the track.
"What's wrong?" Mr. C.B. called after her, confused. "Why the sudden hurry? Thinking of joining the race yourself?"
Rudolf practically gnashed her teeth.
"I just remembered something unforgivable that brat did!"
"I can't let Garden Gale off this easily!"
...
Now…
It should be time to rest.
Then, the Winner's Live.
Garden Gale, lost in thought, stepped into the darkened tunnel and paused instinctively, glancing around cautiously.
No one was nearby.
Even the Emperor was absent; Rudolf hadn't come for her this time.
Should I slip away?
As soon as the thought crossed her mind, Garden Gale moved without hesitation, heading straight toward a secluded corner.
She walked onward until the exit loomed just ahead.
Beyond lay the wide world and endless lights.
Stepping outside meant avoiding the Winner's Live altogether—her own little ostrich act.
A faint hesitation crept into her eyes.
Rudolf's words echoed in her mind again:
The Winner's Live is every idol Umamusume's chance to thank their fans. Can you truly bear to disappoint them again? Running away like this—it's childish and irresponsible."
Garden Gale's footsteps halted.
Even if it scares me… I should still try.
I can't let the fans down again.
The more you run from your fears, the stronger they become.
She slapped her cheeks lightly, exhaling deeply, clearing her head.
Then Garden Gale corrected her course.
Instead of that hidden corner, she strode decisively toward her waiting room.
Nearby, Symboli Rudolf had been ready to reveal herself—
But she paused, noticing Garden Gale's trouble look.
Let's see what mischief this girl's up to now.
Watching closely as Garden Gale lingered at the exit, Rudolf held her breath—until Garden Gale suddenly slapped her cheeks, steeled herself, and turned resolutely toward the dressing room.
A warm, relieved smile spread across Rudolf's face.
That's it.
She's finally facing her fears head-on.
Now she could walk confidently toward tomorrow.
---
T/N: OMG??? CHARACTER GROWTH?? CRAZYYYY
also gg you might need to rizz up vega, i feel so bad for her, teio can stay as cuckai teio though
T/N2: JOIN THE DISCORD SERVER :3c COBBLEMON MODPACK FIOR THIS MONTH oh and ya theres a tournament at the end with prizes
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and so on :3
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