What the hell is that guy? I thought I'd pulled away on the straights, but by the time I got through the corner, she was right on my tail again.
Even in past races, I've been pressured in corners, but never so blatantly like that.
This is a first. ...What is this feeling of defeat? I'm gonna watch this practice race.
"Sorry I'm late! I'm Trueno Sprinter!"
"You were almost late, you know. What were you doing?"
Yeah, you're right. I was almost late. Normally, you'd ask why. Trying to cover it up would be weird, so I'll just tell the truth.
This place is huge and easy to get lost in.
"Well, I got lost..."
As I said that, the woman in the suit looked like she remembered something.
"Come to think of it, you're a regular participant, aren't you? Why did you apply for my team?"
"Well, a friend told me I should try racing, and they recommended this team..."
The moment I said that, I felt all the eyes around me turn to me. I'd been feeling out of place since I got here, but now it hit me hard.
"What's she playing at?" "Probably just joining for the experience?" "Hope she takes it seriously."
They might be trying to whisper, but I heard every word. And seriously, aren't there way more spectators than when I arrived?
Is this event that popular?
"Well, you are joining the strongest team's training session."
Huh? Strongest team? Let me ask.
"Um, is this team... pretty famous?"
The other Umamusume sighed in unison. Were they rolling their eyes at me?
Then one Umamusume frowned and explained.
"Look, since you seem clueless, I'll tell you this specially: Rigil is considered the strongest team in this academy!"
"So... it's that amazing of a team...?"
I've been set up. So that's why Nana had Digital-san silenced. If it really was that famous, they would've switched to another team.
I see. You're quite skilled at handling me. Let's change plans. I'll win and make them pay for my train fare home. Don't take it the wrong way.
"Alright, everyone, quiet down! I'm Tojo, Team Rigil's trainer. Just because it's Thanksgiving doesn't mean we're doing a half-assed routine."
For the next hour, we methodically went through the routine Tojo-san had laid out. I don't know how tough training usually is, but this is brutal.
Thinking about how students at Training Center Academy do this every day makes me think I couldn't handle it. But it's just for today, so I'll push through.
Thirty minutes into training. Time for a break soon.
"Time for a break! Gather round!"
"Haaai!"
After the break signal, our team members, Maruzensky and Grass Wonder, handed out water. Everyone took theirs and started drinking.
"Did you spot any promising ones, Okino?"
"You came to watch too? I thought it was just Haruna."
"Nah, that guy's right over there."
Looking where Okino pointed, she was indeed there. And next to her was... a camera? Does she plan to record something?
"So? Did you find anyone promising?"
"No, not really. Especially that girl, the Trueno Sprinter. She's a regular participant, and I had some expectations, but she was a bit of a letdown."
"Huh, sounds interesting. Maybe I'll stick around and watch the race."
"Do whatever you want."
That girl has a pretty unusual running style, though. She starts off with a stride running technique, but when she picks up speed, she switches to a pitch running technique.
It's not unusual for runners to change their technique. Many Uma Musume switch to a pitch running technique when they hit the slopes. But in her case, she switches techniques multiple times on a flat course, not even on a slope.
I've never seen anything like it before. But so far, I don't sense any special talent. ...Oh, it's about time.
"Break time's over! Next up is hill sprints!"
And so, the remaining 30 minutes ended, and we began preparing for the mock race. But first, I had to check with Trueno.
"Trueno Sprinter, could you come here for a moment?"
"Aha-hai."
"You're a general participant, right? Do you understand the race rules?"
"I'm sorry. I don't know anything."
"Nothing? But surely you've seen a race before?"
"I've never seen a race."
First of a kind, I see. Usually, the girls who come here are at least interested in races.
Well then, I suppose I'll have to teach you the basics.
"Trueno Sprinter, see that long cage-like thing over there? That's called the gate. You Umamusume enter there, and when the gate opens, you run toward the finish line."
"I see. Where exactly is the finish line?"
"It varies by race, but this time it's 2000 meters. We've placed Hishi Amazon as a marker, so it should be easy to spot."
"Why me...?"
"Got it."
"Also, don't obstruct other Uma Musume... Contact is prohibited."
Well, explaining this much should be enough.
"That's all for the explanation. It's about to start, so get into position."
"Yes."
The practice race is about to begin. Now then, I wonder what the outcome will be.
"Um, once this opens, we start running, right?"
Since Tojo-san explained the race rules earlier, all that's left is to win and make Nana pay for the train fee. ...Has the crowd grown since an hour ago?
The person who guided me earlier is still here, and some folks are even setting up cameras. I'm not really into standing out, though.
"As long as you don't come in last, you'll be fine, right?"
The Uma Musume in the next gate said that with a half-smile. Hearing that somehow makes me want to win, you know?
Anyway, I wish the gate would open already. I feel restless... CLANG!... Huh? Oh no, I got a slow start!
"True-chaaaaaan! Gooooooo!"
I can hear Nana's voice. Thanks for the cheer. Though I might have to make a slightly twisted face for you.
Still, starting late put me way back. Guess I'll pick up the pace a bit.
"Huff... huff..."
"No way!"
Passed one... two. But there're still about ten more ahead.
Looking ahead, there's a curve right up the road. It's way gentler than the delivery route, so I might be able to push harder.
"No way... How... That guy...!" "No way~!"
...Well, I guess I feel a bit more relaxed than before. I was rushing pretty hard earlier, and above all, I thought the Uma Musume in this race were on par with the guide Uma earlier, but that wasn't the case.
Still, I passed quite a few, huh. Alright, two more to go. But seriously, why is the inside lane so wide open? Well, if it's open, I'll pass from there.
What!? That girl was dead last just a moment ago! Yet now she's behind me! By someone even Rigil doesn't know!?
I won't let her pass no matter what! I'll crush the inside line, take the lead, and win!
"Ha...!"
"No way...! From such a narrow spot...!"
How!? The inside lane was barely 20-30 centimeters open at most!? How!?
"Excuse me."
All I could do was watch that girl's retreating back. Because I lost by such a huge margin that I couldn't even get close enough to step on her shadow.
But I realized one thing. That Uma is someone that ordinary Umamusume can't compete with. Only an Uma capable of winning a G1 race could possibly beat her.
She passed the Uma in the lead near the end of the curve and then speed away like she was just cruising back home after finishing a delivery.
Before I knew it, I'd crossed the finish line with a significant gap over second place. And just like that, I won the practice race.
It was a bit anticlimactic, but hey, I won. Alright, Nana, is tremble in anticipation.