"Hah! Nice run! Time to chase!!"
"No way I'm losing!!"
Uma Musume race across the turf, their light, powerful strides mesmerizing. Mr. CB's run, as always, stuns with its brilliance. Beside her is Narita Taishin, Spica's newest member. Sharing CB's late-charge style, Taishin often requests to spar, and CB happily obliges.
"Taishin, swing your arms harder!! Weak motion!!"
"I know!!"
"Don't fall behind!!"
Taishin's sharp tongue doesn't faze Okino. Her compliance makes her easy to handle—unlike other trainers' complaints. Years with free-spirited CB likely honed this. Not exactly thrilling.
"Teio, keep up!! They're closing!!"
"I-I know!!"
"While you're talking, look!!"
"Eek!? They're that close already!? No way!!"
"Gotcha!!"
CB surges past Teio in a flash. The gap between a junior nearing debut and a Dream Trophy star is stark, but Okino notices Taishin nearly matching Teio.
"Taishin's coming, Teio!! Slack off, and she'll pass you!!"
"No way, really!? Yaaaah!!"
"Let you go!?"
Teio and Taishin clash fiercely, their competitive spirits fueling an intense duel. Teio pulls ahead, but Taishin clings desperately. McQueen, cooling down with a drink, marvels at the rookie's skill.
"Teio's pushed that far… impressive," McQueen says.
"Second-year middle schooler, and already this good," Okino nods.
Results: CB first, Teio second, Taishin third—six lengths behind Teio. Overexertion drained Taishin's stamina, but her late-charge sharpness will only grow.
"Dammit, couldn't catch her!!" Taishin groans.
"That was scary… CB's intense, but Taishin's a whole different beast…" Teio shudders.
CB's free, self-contained style contrasts Taishin's fiery aggression, her intensity intimidating rivals like Teio.
"Taishin, great time. New personal best. Keep this up, you'll hit G1s at debut," Okino praises.
"That's the bare minimum," Taishin mutters, turning away, tail wagging despite her gruffness.
"Teio, races often have aggressive strategies like Taishin's. Getting used to it helps."
"I get it, but… her intensity's terrifying. That's harsh training!"
"Giving up on an undefeated Triple Crown?"
"No way!!"
"Then push."
"Ugh… fine."
Teio's manageable, grasping instructions' weight. With guidance, she'll turn effort into strength.
"Next, both of you race McQueen. Taishin, Classic class now—ready?"
"Who you talking to, creepy trainer? I'm good."
"That's the spirit. McQueen, prep."
"Already done."
As they hit the turf, Teio and Taishin follow. CB joins Okino, watching the start.
"What's Taishin like to you?" Okino asks.
"Good kid. Same style as me, so she's fun to train. Not that Teio isn't, but it's different when it's your specialty."
"Got it."
CB mentors both, drawn to Teio's Rudolf-inspired Triple Crown dream, but her late-charge style aligns better with Taishin, boosting her motivation.
"Think Teio can do it?"
"Dunno," CB shrugs.
"Seriously…?"
CB's free spirit turns serious.
"Triple Crowns depend on rivals. No matter how strong you are, opponents matter. Monsigny pushed me to fight harder."
"True."
Great records hinge on rivals' strength. Stronger foes raise loss risks, lowering Triple Crown odds. Bluntly, weaker competition helps.
"But Teio's got tough peers. Canopus's Nice Nature and Twin Turbo—they're getting stronger fast," CB notes.
"There it is…" Okino sighs.
Rigil poses threats, but Canopus, sparked by Rampage, is surging.
"Turbo's mastered 2000m full-throttle. Nature's long sprints and late kicks are sharp. They're building stamina, and their trainer's weaving it into strategy," CB analyzes.
"Minamisaka's a master at basics and application. Total pain…" Okino groans.
"I'd just overpower them," CB says.
"Works for you."
Okino feels Hana's caution about Canopus. Rigil's strategic balance, Spica's specialized freedom, but Canopus builds raw stamina, amplifying strategy and individuality. Once mid-tier, they're now a force.
"McQueen's Chrysanthemum is coming, and now Ryan…" Okino mutters.
"With Ryan there, it's tougher."
"I know. I'm planning."
As a trainer, Okino strives to draw out their best, ensuring no regrets.
"Phew, stuffed!! Turbo's happy♪" Turbo chirps.
"Truly delicious," Tanhoiza agrees.
"The soft eggs were divine," Ikuno adds.
"Such a creamy omelet rice…" Rice marvels.
"Thanks for the meal!! So good!!" Ticket cheers.
"Rice, ketchup on your face. Here," Rampage wipes it.
"T-Thanks, big sis… ehehe."
"Really enjoyed ourselves," Minamisaka smiles.
The team they fear savors a joyful dinner.
---------------------------------------------
🚀 Want more?
📖 On Patreon you can read 20+ chapters ahead, plus there will be exclusive stories available only there.
💖 If you'd like to support me, check it out: patreon.com/Greyhounds
🔓 Patreon will always stay ahead of the public release — and some stories won't be published anywhere else.
✨ All support is completely optional — even if you don't join, I'm still grateful to have you here reading!