Rice's POV
"And here we are! The second leg of the Triple Crown, the Tokyo Yushun—the Japan Derby!" the announcer's voice boomed over the speakers. "Last year, Tokai Teio claimed his second crown here in undefeated fashion! This year, another girl stands on the precipice of that same legendary feat: the first favorite, Mihono Bourbon! After her razor-thin victory at the Satsuki Sho, all eyes are on her to see how she handles the Tokyo turf!"
"Trainer Kuronuma stated in a pre-race interview that Bourbon hasn't missed a single day of hill training since the Satsuki Sho," the commentator added. "He claims she's built the stamina necessary to conquer these 2400 meters. We can expect the same dominant front-running performance we saw last month."
"Her primary challenger is the runner-up of the Satsuki Sho, Rice Shower!" the announcer continued. "She missed victory by a mere nose last time, and many believe her talent is every bit the equal of Bourbon's!"
"Rice Shower has a natural aptitude for distances over 2000 meters," the commentator agreed. "Today's extra distance is her greatest ally. We might just see her pull off the upset and overtake the 'Cyborg' in the final stretch."
I took a deep breath, the scent of grass and sweat filling my lungs. I was sticking to Big Brother's plan: a forward position. Bourbon-san would take the lead—that was a given—and she would likely maintain a perfect, machine-like pace. I had to match that rhythm, marking her every move while conserving my strength for the long Tokyo straight.
♪♪♪~
The fanfare echoed through the stadium, followed by a roar from the crowd that felt like a physical weight.
"Sssuuu… fuuu… Alright!"
Bourbon-san looked over at me, her expression unreadable behind her focused gaze. "Shall we begin?"
"Mhm!"
"The favorites are in!" the announcer cried. "Mihono Bourbon and Rice Shower have entered their stalls! The betting pool is overwhelmingly centered on these two. The rest of the field is loading now… and finally, from the far outside, Gate 18, Stuntman is in! The line is set… and…"
CLANG!
"They're off! A clean break for the field! Mihono Bourbon gets a sensational jump! She's gunning for the lead immediately! Rice Shower is right there with her, pushing forward before they reach the first turn! And yes—Bourbon takes the lead! She commands the field of seventeen as they sweep into the first corner!"
Just as expected… I tucked myself into a comfortable third-place spot, keeping Bourbon-san's blue-and-white colors firmly in my sights.
"They're onto the backstretch now, let's look at the order!" the announcer shouted. "Mihono Bourbon holds a three-length lead! Behind her, Hoksetsu Ginga holds the outside while Rice Shower sits comfortably in third. Mermaid Taban follows on the rail! Narita Taisei, Wish Dream, and Sekitei Ryu O are bunched up behind them, with Golden Zeus making a move on the outside! The pace is steady as they head toward the Large Zelkova tree and the third corner!"
Bourbon-san was right there… so close. But I couldn't move yet. I had to wait. I had to trust the training.
"Bourbon is still leading, but the margin has shrunk to a single length!" the announcer's voice rose in pitch. "Rice Shower is breathing down her neck! Hoksetsu Ginga is beginning to spurt! They've cleared the Zelkova! They're through the final turn and onto the Tokyo home straight—526 meters of glory! This is where the race begins!"
Now! I screamed internally. Rice… go!!
"Mihono Bourbon tries to pull away!" the announcer roared. "But Rice Shower is right there! She's marked her target perfectly! Mermaid Taban and Mayano Petrus are battling for third, but they're falling behind! It's a two-horse race for the crown!"
"Kh… you're here!" Bourbon-san gasped, her eyes widening as I pulled up alongside her.
"This time… Rice is going to pass you!"
"They're neck-and-neck!" the crowd's roar was deafening now, a wall of sound that pushed us forward. "The escape vs. the catch! Neither girl is giving an inch! It's a repeat of the Satsuki Sho, but on a grander scale!"
I can do it! I can do it! Even me… even the 'useless' Rice can do it!
Bourbon-san's teeth were gritted, her form perfectly aerodynamic even under the crushing fatigue. I won't lose… I cannot lose! Rice-san is strong… but I will not be overtaken!
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"
We both let out a scream that was lost in the thunder of the crowd.
"Mayano Petrus takes third, and here comes Machikane Tannhauser with a late charge! But the leaders are in a world of their own! Bourbon or Rice?! Rice or Bourbon?! They cross the line together! A dead heat! Was it the second crown or a bitter redemption?! We're going to a photo finish!"
"Hah… hah… hah…"
My legs felt like lead. My heart was trying to beat its way out of my chest. I looked over at Bourbon-san. She was in the same state, her chest heaving, her eyes glazed with exhaustion.
I couldn't tell. I honestly couldn't tell who was in front. Bourbon-san has become so much stronger than I ever imagined.
"Hah… hah… you really are… fast, Rice-san," Bourbon-san managed to say between gasps.
"Bourbon-san… you too… you were so much… stronger today… it was amazing…"
We both turned our heads toward the giant screen.
"The 'Inquiry' lamp is on!" the announcer shouted. "What a battle! We await the official results of the Japan Derby!"
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 30 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"