Three days had passed since Kuroha passed the written exam for his Central Trainer License.
His routine life had continued as usual.
The only difference was that whenever he brought Fujimasa March to his privately rented training track, some trainers and Uma Musume would send them cautious, almost tense looks.
At Oi Tracen Academy, the atmosphere had grown subtly tense ever since March returned triumphant from the Haneda Cup.
The strength of Seiran Nichirin in the Classic Year was something every Oi trainer knew well—
Unmatched stamina.
Sharp race sense.
And that suffocatingly overwhelming late kick.
Even before March transferred to Central, Nichirin's presence was enough to make many local racers feel crushed.
But after March's transfer—
Nichirin had seemingly honed her skills for the sole purpose of defeating this gray-haired prodigy.
In the Keihin Cup, she led from the front all the way, disrupting the pace of the entire field until all behind her slowed.
In the Haneda Cup, she suddenly used a full-speed escape tactic, nearly dragging every other rival into collapse.
Even so, when Nichirin pushed herself to the absolute limit to keep up, she was completely shattered by March's absurd, almost unnatural, second-stage straight burst.
The victory had been so overwhelming it was like dropping a massive boulder into still water—sending shockwaves throughout the academy.
Oi's trainers debated endlessly—
Awe at March's unimaginable explosive power mixed with anxiety over how to deal with such a monster in future races.
Out on the track, when Uma Musume trained, glances toward that ash-gray silhouette grew more and more complicated.
That invisible pressure seemed to radiate from Kuroha's personal training room, spreading through every track and every rest room.
Between training sets, Kuroha spoke.
"Feel it?"
March, catching her breath, took the water bottle he offered but didn't drink right away. She knew exactly what he meant.
"March, right now… you're the center of the storm."
His sharp eyes locked onto hers.
"Everyone is watching you, studying you, searching for your weaknesses."
"They'll use everything they can to stop you on the track."
"This is the fate you bear as a strong one—as a star that shines the brightest."
His voice was low, powerful—stating an unshakable truth.
"The Tokyo Derby—
Even without Seiran Nichirin—
It might still be many times harder than the Haneda Cup."
Though his words were serious, there was a faint smile in his eyes.
Because he knew—when the gap in strength grew too great, all the strategy in the world became meaningless.
Especially for a front runner.
If you couldn't block her start, couldn't match her stamina, and couldn't beat her final kick…
Then there was no way to win.
Still, Kuroha wanted March to understand—
If she had resolved to run endlessly on this stage, to take victory without end, she had to be ready for what came with being the brightest star.
To carry the expectations of thousands of eyes.
To face the challenges of countless opponents.
And even so—she would have to let her hooves crush all doubt and pressure underfoot.
To let every breath become a blade tearing down walls.
Hearing him, March thought of some of the looks her classmates had given her between classes—
Some filled with admiration, some with kindness, but most… burning with unyielding fighting spirit.
Her fingers tightened on the bottle, the chill of the water doing nothing to cool the fire in her chest.
Kuroha was right—
In Oi Tracen Academy right now…
She was the center of the storm.
The strongest Classic Year racer in the local circuit—Fujimasa March.
"Center of the storm…" she murmured. Sweat slid down her temple.
She tilted her head back, gulped down a mouthful of water, swallowing the invisible pressure along with it—turning it into pure fuel.
Then her eyes snapped up—
The silver-white light flashing in them burned without a trace of fear or doubt.
Only crystal-clear battle intent, blazing almost to combustion.
Her gaze pierced the stuffy air of the training ground, already locking onto every possible obstacle and rival she would meet in future races.
"Sensei."
Her voice was low, but steady.
"Storm, boulder—it doesn't matter…"
She stretched slightly, the silver light in her eyes hardening into something almost tangible.
A torrent of silver-white energy surged from her body, vast and unstoppable, like a storm breaking over the horizon.
"As long as it's in my way—"
She tilted her head toward Kuroha, a smile sharp with pride.
"I'll crush it."
Before he could reply, she turned and walked away, step by step back onto the empty track.
With every hoofbeat, the silver streams rose from beneath her feet, spiraling into whirlpools.
The whirlpools grew more numerous, spun faster, tighter—
Until they became a storm that seemed to reach from earth to sky, engulfing everything.
It was more than just declaring herself the storm's center—
It was announcing that the storm itself was unstoppable.
Not arrogance—
But iron conviction, forged through trials and absolute strength.
"March…"
Not far away, Inari One froze mid-run.
She watched the girl stepping forward, stunned for a moment—then her lips curved.
A terrifying red flame erupted from her eyes, hotter than ever.
"Inari One, what are you staring at?!"
Kuroha's sharp voice snapped her out of it.
The heat vanished instantly, leaving only a sulking little fox who lowered her head and got back to running.
After scolding her, Kuroha's eyes returned to March.
The smile in his gaze deepened into a quiet certainty.
He picked up his clipboard, pen tapping lightly on paper as he followed her galloping form.
"Good."
"Your resolve is set. Your future is clear."
"March, you're only one step away from truly becoming a racehorse that creates an era."
"In the Tokyo Derby… show your full brilliance."
He called up her stat panel.
[Fujimasa March]
Track Aptitude: Turf C / Dirt A
Distance Aptitude: Short B / Mile B / Medium A / Long F
Running Style Aptitude: Front Runner B / Pace Chaser A / Late Surger C / End Closer D
Unique Skill: Ode of the Wind Lv. 4
Domain: Awakening
Skills: Good Track, Rainy Day, Wait and See, Professor of Curvature, Focus, Bad Track Conditions, Positioning Talent
Speed: 722
Stamina: 713
Power: 635
Gut: 701
Wit: 704
Every stat except Power had passed 700—already surpassing the post–True Blooming Sakura Chiyono O.
Her Medium Distance aptitude had risen from B to A during recent training, and her unique skill had leveled up to 4.
On the track, the silver storm tightened, March's speed reaching its peak.
Only those burning silver eyes were clearly visible—
Every hoofbeat was like a thunder god's hammer, echoing through the empty grounds.
Kuroha closed his notebook in satisfaction.
The Tokyo Derby would not just be another race—
It would be the stage for March to declare her dominance over the entire local circuit.
The true beginning of the "storm" sweeping the nation and shaking Central.
"…If March fills in the last gap to the second stage of the Domain in the Derby…"
"What will Rudolf do?"
Kuroha's brows rose slightly.
As far as he knew, there wasn't a single active Central Uma Musume right now who had reached the second stage of the Domain.
"…They're all here with me?"
His gaze drifted to the fire and storm on the track, and his expression grew faintly amused.
(End of Chapter)
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