The roar of the crowd echoed through the tunnel as the top three competitors waited for their turn. Azuma Hunter impatiently tapped her foot as she gazed at her two opponents. Maruzensky was nodding with her eyes closed, her head tilted towards the ceiling. Green Grass was on the opposite wall, tapping her fingers as she stared intently straight ahead.
"I really don't understand these two, blegh." Azuma made a mock gagging gesture. She wishes they'd hurry up and call her in; the pressure these two were letting off made her uneasy. It really is confusing, though. She'd expected Maruzensky to be cheerfully badgering them, but she had been very quiet. Well… she really didn't want to deal with her usual antics either.
Green Grass also had noticed the changeup in Maruzensky, but she was focused more on herself. She's considered one of the big three of this generation, along with Tosho Boy and Ten Point, TTG. It's a tremendous amount of pressure on her shoulders, and she intends to deliver. Azuma Hunter already lost to her by six lengths in their previous race, the Spring Stakes. Her research showed Maruzensky was her only worry in this race, and she planned to cut off her chances of a runaway early. A glint appeared in Green Grass's eyes as she gazed briefly at Maruzensky before looking away.
For Maruzensky, one thing kept replaying in her head, over and over again. Green Grass' declaration, her intention to win, and that Maruzensky wasn't even an obstacle for her. Maruzensky's smile slowly grew, and a sinister aura began to seep out of her. She really wanted to run. No. She didn't just want to run this time. She was going to win. "Fufufufu…" She giggled quietly as Azuma and Green exchanged glances and slowly edged further away from her.
"Voted third favorite for this race! In gate ten! The tenacious hunter that lurks before seizing victory! Azuma Hunterrrr!" Misato Akasaka, the commentator for this race, called out for Azuma onto the track. The crowd's deafening cheers even reached into the tunnel. Azuma huffed before cracking her neck, shooting one last glance at her opponents, before walking into the light. Her right hand was clasped into a fist as she strolled onto the track.
"Azuma Hunter looks great! What are your thoughts, Take?" Misato passed off to her co-commentator, Yutaka Take. A Japanese man with short black hair and bright blue eyes, he smiled warmly back at Misato before speaking.
"I'm looking forward to seeing her bounce back in this race. She's a terrific Uma with a lot of potential." Take looked at Misato as he spoke before looking back at the track, his eyes lingering on Azuma Hunter. "If she can remain patient and position well for her final spurt, I think she has a chance of winning."
Misato smiled at Take before continuing. "Well said! Next up! She's the second favorite by popular vote! In gate eighteen! An Umamusume who leaves her opponents in the dust! Maruzensky!" The crowd cheered slightly more than they did for Azuma Hunter as Maruzensky made her appearance. She only gave a few small waves and smiles before walking to the paddock, her face set in determination. She quietly made her way over to her paddock, doing a few small stretches as she did so.
Vincent, her father and trainer, looked on as his daughter entered the paddock. He felt worried for her, even though he was confident in her victory, as this was the Satsuki Sho. It wasn't just any race; it was a G1, a Triple Crown race. They had gone over a few strategies the day before, as Green Grass clearly had her marked and was another frontrunner. He clasped his hands in a quiet prayer, praying for her victory, and more importantly, praying for her health.
"Maruzensky quietly enters the paddock! She seems locked in today. Your thoughts, Take?" Misato leaned forward, her hand grasping her chin as she looked on in interest.
"I believe Maruzensky is taking this race very seriously." Take nodded as he leaned back, looking at Maruzensky. "She had dominated every race up to this point, but her condition is entirely different here. I look forward to seeing her brilliant front-running."
"If Maruzensky gets the lead, it'll be tough to get it back," Misato remarked as she gazed at Take before looking back at the course. "However, we have one more racer to announce! She has spoken of her intentions to dominate this race and to challenge her older competitors! In gate number two! The youngest member of the fable TTG! Green Grass!" Misato stood, getting a chuckle from Take at her enthusiasm.
Green Grass held up her right arm to the crowd, receiving the loudest roar of approval from the crowd yet. All the competitors, except for Maruzensky and Azuma Hunter, looked towards Green Grass warily. They all felt she was the one to watch out for in this race. Her gaze traveled to her competitors before narrowing on Maruzensky, who was waiting in her paddock, facing the starting line. "Hmph." She let out an inaudible noise of annoyance before walking up to her gate.
"The runners are in the paddock, we're about to start!" Misato excitedly rubbed her hands together as the race was about to begin.
SHORTLY BEFORE
"Hey, Opal! Who do you think is gonna win?" Buckshot grinned as she ate some of the high-quality food at the table in front of her. They were located in a reserved seating area on the top level. Opal sat next to her, daintily eating her food while side-eying Buckshot. When she received no answer, she grumbled before looking to her right. "Hey boss, what do you think?" Buckshot grinned as she bit into some chicken.
"Hm?" Riku muttered as he glanced over at his two bodyguards, who were indulging themselves. He huffed before answering. "Maruzensky will win. She's stronger than her competition in this race. Plus, Green Grass ignoring her is going to be great motivation." He shrugged, not ashamed of his biased opinion. He had watched the race between Green Grass and Azuma Hunter and could make some guesses at Green Grass's possible strategies to win. Short of injuring Maruzensky, it won't be enough.
"Haha!" Buckshot laughed loudly, drawing annoyed glances from everyone else in the room, especially Opal. "Totally not biased at all there, Mr. Super Fan." She grinned before going back to demolishing her meal.
Riku could only sigh at her attitude. The introvert in him wanted to die from all the attention Buckshot's actions were causing. They had a few minutes before the race started, as the three favorite racers had yet to be called from the tunnel. Riku did smile, though, as another voice directly below him cut in.
"Hey, Oguri! Check out their racewear! They look so cool!" Tamamo Cross bounced from side to side in her seat directly below Riku, Oguri seated next to her. Oguri had several empty plates on the left side of her table, as she kept eating while looking at Tamamo Cross. Her cheeks were bunched up with food as she tried to reply, spilling something onto her white sweater. "Oi! Don't talk with your mouth full of food, Ogurin!" Tamamo chided, holding up a fist to her friend.
"Sorry," Oguri said as she took yet another bite. She patted her slightly bulging belly from her three plates of food. She still had another three to go through; she might have to bug her mom for some more. "They look super cool, I think the dresses are pretty." She flatly said, a small smile on her face. Having said her piece, Oguri continued eating.
Tamamo nodded along, before narrowing her eyes when she realized Oguri was grabbing from HER plate as well. "Oi Oguri! Don't eat my food!" Tamamo ranted.
Seated to the right of the children were their mothers. Green Chateau and White Narubi. Both wore indulgent smiles at their children's antics, while glancing occasionally at the man seated above them. They were really here at the Satsuki Sho, in private seating no less. They were eating high-quality food and watching the best Umamusume Japan had to offer. It was real. This was real. White Narubi smiled at the Chairman, who was gazing at the race course. Green Chateau looked at Tamamo, seeing her bright smile as she pulled on Oguri's cheek. She put her cheek on her hand as she smiled, meeting eyes with Narubi before they continued their conversation.
"Ah, the top seats are already taken!" A deep voice called out from below, drawing everyone's attention. Their eyes met an Umamusume, one who had just hit her majority but still had some room to grow. Her brown hair had a white splotch on the center of her bangs, framing her bright red eyes and cocky smile. She wore distinct dark green colors on her vest and pants. Her smile dropped as the woman behind her chopped her head hard, causing Uma to hold her head in pain. "Ah damnit! You didn't have to hit me so hard!" The Uma growled, not meeting the eyes of the one behind her.
Located behind her were two Umamusume, both in different outfits, in matching green. The younger of the two had three-tone hair, light brown, dark brown, and a crescent of white hair as one of her bangs. The older Umamusume had dark black hair that shone, as her hand seemed to have some steam coming off from the force she used. Her bright green eyes were narrowed in a glare at the young Uma.
Riku could only raise both eyebrows at the commotion. He recognized all of them; it was hard not to. The one being scolded was Sirius Symboli, the Brightest Star. A charismatic Uma, who, unfortunately, would be overshadowed by Rudolf, and would seek international success outside the country. It did not go well for her. Losing all her international races. When she came back, the environment had changed. Rather than Rudolf, she had to deal with Oguri Cap, Tamamo Cross, Super Creek, and Inari One after that. She was a fan favorite for her demeanour and appearance.
Next to the older Uma was a younger Symboli Rudolf, probably a year out from her debut. She was dressed in a bright green blouse with white pants. She also wore glasses? Huh.
The Emperor. Connoisseur of Dad Jokes. Student Council President. Luna. The de facto best Japanese horse ever until the 2000s hit, and horses like Deep Impact, Equinox, or Almond Eye were around. She definitely seemed to have that aloofness and fierceness she was known for up until a certain Monarch appeared, and she became the goofy president who was beloved.
His eyes trailed to the older Uma, who was finished scolding Sirius, who met his eyes with a raised eyebrow as she walked up towards them. Speed Symboli. The current matriarch of the Symboli family, and a legend of the race course. The first Japanese horse to compete in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe. A prestigious race in France that Japan was STILL trying to win to this day.
Speed Symboli flared out her green jacket as she reached his seat, raising an eyebrow at the children seated in front of him and the others she did not recognize, such as the two foreign Uma next to him. "Chairman." She greeted, giving a nod as he met her gaze. "It seems we lost the best seats." She glanced lightly around, meeting the nervous eyes of the two mothers as she gave a small smile. Her gaze went to Riku's bodyguards. Opal merely sipped from her tea while Buckshot grinned in challenge at the fierce woman.
"My apologies, Lady Speed." Riku nodded to the Symboli Matriarch with a smile, placing his chin on his hands. "I had invited some future runners to see the Satsuki Sho; they're quite cute, no?" He tilted his gaze down to the pair of children who were looking curiously at the new arrivals. Speed followed his gaze with a raised eyebrow before giving a small smile at the two young Umamusume. Surprisingly, it wasn't her who took the initiative to talk to them.
"You two are adorable." Sirius Symboli bent down to look at the two children, meeting their curious looks in turn. She wore a grin as she looked at the two. "Call me Sirius, or Big Sis."
Oguri and Tamamo traded confused looks before Tamamo took the lead, and Oguri tried to continue eating, emphasis on tried. Oguri had finished eating her six plates and looked confused at her empty plates.
"I'm Tamamo Cross!" Tamamo held up a piece sign to Sirius with a cheeky grin, matched by Sirius. "This is Oguri Cap.. Oguri?" Tamamo looked over only to see Oguri looking dejected at her plate, her eyes watery. Tamamo glanced down, realizing the problem. "Ah! You ate them already?! Wait, you ate my plates too!" Tamamo saw that her two plates were completely bare as well.
Sirius only tilted her head at the antics, her smile widening. She waved over an attendant for some more food while Tamamo grilled Oguri about eating her plates. Sirius waved the attendant away after bringing the food, taking the four plates of Takoyaki.
"Oguri, right?" Sirius placed the two plates in front of Tamamo before catching Oguri's attention and doing the same for her. "Here, you gotta grow big and strong, y'know." She lightly poked Oguri's forehead as she finished her sentence. Oguri blinked several times, her eyes clearing up as she looked between her food and Sirius.
"Thank you… Big Sis." Oguri smiled at Sirius before eating her takoyaki with a smile. Sirius almost recoiled from hearing Oguri addressing her as that, but she leaned forward and rubbed between Oguri's ears.
"That's right!" Sirius wore a bright smile. "Haha! See that, Rudolf!" Sirius pointed at her flatly staring cousin. "I'm their Big Sis." Sirius pointed a thumb at herself as she continued to laugh.
Speed Symboli could only sigh helplessly at Sirius's antics, glancing at the children's mothers who were smiling at the interaction. At least Rudolf was not acting out… for once.
"My apologies for her antics." Speed looked to the mothers, who merely shook their heads before looking at Chairman Riku. "I heard you played a hand in one of the candidates attending today." Speed cocked her hip as she gazed at Riku, turning to look at Rudolf and pointing at one of the open seats next to the children. Rudolf glanced back with a slight frown before taking her seat. Speed glanced back at Riku, seeing him merely tilting his head. She rolled her eyes before continuing. "Maruzensky." She raised an eyebrow at him.
"We heard the same." An elegant voice called out from behind Speed, drawing their gaze. Walking up the stairs were several Umamusume of varying ages, their clothes painted in shades of white and teal. The person who spoke and led the group wore an elegant white gown with teal stripes throughout, accompanied by long white opera-style gloves and heels.
"You arrived shortly before us, Speed." The woman strode and stood just a few feet away from Speed Symboli as she covered her mouth with a fan, before glancing at the young Chairman watching this. "I'm also curious about your role in Maruzensky running in this race, Chairman Riku." She closed her fan with a snap as she placed her hand on her cheek.
"Welcome, Lady Mejiro Asama." Riku leaned back as she gazed at the two family heads of the most prominent Umamusume families in Japan. "To answer your question." Riku began as he clasped his hands together. The fact that they knew his role in bringing Maruzensky here, even if only through rumors, showed they knew more than the rest of the public. "I convinced the rest of the board to allow her to participate in the Classics, as she is eligible. I believe she'll surprise you. Maybe even be someone for your children to try to surpass." He let a slight emphasis on the word pass through, causing the two matriarchs to trade a glance.
Speed Symboli crossed her arms as she leaned to one side. "How interesting. I look forward to seeing her performance then." Speed gave a light harrumph, grinning. She strode away to sit beside Rudolf.
Asama glanced at her rival's departure before gazing back at Riku. "Fufu. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I look forward to it, Chairman." She gave a light curtsey before turning to look at her children trailing behind her. "My children, the future of the Mejiro family." She pointed her fan behind her, pointing first at the oldest of the Mejiro children. The oldest looked a similar age to Sirius and Rudolf, but Riku was well aware of who this was.
The first of the Mejiro children stepped forward, dressed as elegantly as her siblings. Her black hair had several white strands in her left bangs, hanging directly over her eye. Her violet blue eyes gazed directly at him, a beauty mark visible under her right eye. A golden necklace looking like interlocking chains was worn on her neck, with gold bands of jewelry on her wrists. She wore a black sweater that exposed her stomach, with white designer pants. Despite just going through her maturity, she possessed a body that well… some he knew would call her mommy. (Yeah, I definitely took the longest to describe her for… reasons.)
"Pleased to meet you. Chairman." She gave a deep curtsey. "I am Mejiro Ramonu." She stood fully, giving him a small smile. Mejiro Ramonu, the first Umamusume to win the Triple Tiara. In his mind, the greatest Mejiro ever possibly, with only McQueen in recent years having a conversation against her. Riku gave her a nod and a smile after her greeting, before the next Mejiro stepped up.
Next to step up is a delicate-looking Uma of similar age to Oguri Cap. She had yet to go through her majority around the age of thirteen, so she was still a small child. Her cyan colored hair separated her from her siblings, matching the white and teal dress she wore.
"Hello, Mr. Chairman!" Mejiro Ardan placed her hand over her heart as she bowed, giving a soft smile as she did so. Perhaps the unluckiest of the Mejiro family in terms of health. She was incredibly fragile since birth, and would be frequently sidelined by injuries if nothing changed. Riku smiled back at her as his mind brainstormed about Ardan's condition; perhaps it could be fixed if Yasuyuki succeeds.
Riku's eyes lit up as he took in the next member, one he knew very well. A small glutton that loved sweets as much as Oguri loved food in general. Her dress was very similar to Ardan's, with her lavender hair setting her apart. She was a generation or two behind Oguri and looked up to her dearly.
"Ah-h, pleased to meet you." Mejiro McQueen shyly muttered, her eyes glancing over to Oguri and Tamamo, who were staring at them as they nibbled on food. Riku raised an eyebrow at the interaction but gave her a smile and nod. How adorable.
The next two, of similar age to McQueen, seemed to take that as a cue to introduce themselves together as they both stepped forward. On the left was a girl with long, brown hair tied back in a ponytail, dressed in a long-sleeved button-down shirt and gray plaid pants. Her bright blue eyes glinted as she flashed him a grin. Next to her was an Uma with short, spiky brown hair, featuring a white stripe running down the center. She wore black shorts and a baseball jersey with her name on it. She flexed with a bright smile on her face as she looked up at the Chairman.
"Yo/Heya there, Chairman!" The duo called out. Riku smiled as he looked at them, with his smile widening as he noticed Asama's look of exasperation. He's fond of Ryan and Palmer, both of whom are quite different by Mejiro standards, but both are exceptional in their own right. His gaze stayed on Palmer a little longer, knowing her status as the actual black sheep of the family.
Riku noticed that Bright and Dober were missing; however, upon thinking about it, it's understandable that they're not here. Both were either not born yet or, more likely, too young to attend events like this yet. His only memory of the two was Bright being known for her carefree demeanor, while Dober was the opposite. Dober was known for her fear of men, and being a huge fan of Air Groove as a Tiara racehorse.
Mejiro Asama gave an almost imperceptible sigh before looking back to Riku. "I look forward to seeing the one you've placed your bets on, Chairman." Asama gave a small smile before escorting her children to the booths nearby as the announcer finished with Azuma Hunter's introduction. Their gazes went back to the race course, with several screens giving higher quality views, including some different perspectives. Not quite to the level it will be as more technology advances, but still good.
"I like her style." Sirius Symboli called out, drawing Riku's gaze as he blinked. She had sat herself in between Oguri and Tamamo, both children partially sitting on her legs as she grinned, her arms stretched over the top of both chairs. Huh. He's not sure if he should be more surprised by how she likes interacting with the two children or how well the two kids seem to like her as well.
"Yeah, she looks super cool!" Tamamo agreed while pumping her fist. Azuma Hunter's outfit was something she liked a lot. Oguri merely tilted her head, not agreeing or disagreeing, as she happily munched on the desserts Sirius had called in. As Riku tuned back in, the one he had been waiting for was announced.
"....Maruzensky!!" Came through the speakers as Maruzensky walked onto the turf. His smile widened seeing her in her racing outfit. She looked completely locked in, as he expected. Green Grass really poked the bear this time.
"Hey, Mr. Chairman!" Riku blinked at the callout, glancing down at Tamamo Cross. "She's your favorite, right? Miss Buckshot said so!" His eyebrow twitched in irritation as everyone turned to look at him with Tamamo's question. His eyes trailed over to Buckshot, who, for once, refused to make eye contact with him as she chuckled sheepishly.
"Yes, Tamamo." Riku smiled warmly at the little gremlin. "She's my favorite to win this race. Be sure to watch, I think she'll surprise you." He leaned back in his chair, not acknowledging the stares of everyone else. Tamamo's mouth was opened in an O in surprise before she and Oguri looked excitedly at the race course. The rest of the room looked eagerly to the course and screens, as Green Grass' introduction finished shortly after, and the race was soon to begin.
Riku had to work to calm his heart at this point. This was it. Maruzensky's first race in the Classics. He wasn't a religious man by any means, but well, maybe he should be, since actual goddesses were in this world. Regardless. He was going to pray for Maruzensky. Not to win, because he believes in her ability. No, he was going to pray for her health, because he knows the only thing that can stop her is that. Run, Maruzensky, show them what it means for you to run.
BACK ON THE COURSE
"With this, the Satsuki Sho is ready to begin. Which Umamusume will take the first of the prestigious Triple Crown!? Ready… START!" Misato yelled out as the gates opened and the Uma charged through. The pounding of hooves resounded on the course as the Uma dug their feet in trying to get into a good position. The shortest of the three Triple Crown races is only two thousand meters, so the start was crucial.
Maruzensky took off from her position on the outside with a burst, quickly reaching towards the front of the pack. However, her eyes briefly widened as Green Grass surged to the front of the pack, taking the lead position on the inside as her eyes glanced at Maruzensky briefly, before continuing forward. A small, challenging smile came to Maruzensky's face.
"Hoh… that's your strategy, hmm? Let's see how long you can keep it up, Green~," Maruzensky called out mentally as she slid into the second position, barely a length behind Green Grass.
"Look at that! Maruzensky's runaway charge has been stopped! Green Grass cuts her off and takes the lead position!" Misato called out as the crowd roared. "Azuma Hunter has slipped into third and remains at the front of the midpack! Green Grass and Maruzensky have created a three-length lead!"
Azuma grit her teeth in annoyance as she watched in front of her. She was in the lead of the rest of the pace-chasers, but those two idiots surged far past everyone. Her eyes narrowed as she thought. "Green clearly is frontrunning to counter Maruzensky, and is focused on blocking her. But… will that really work? That's banking on being able to hold her off long enough for her surge towards the final corner." Azuma frowned as she noticed Maruzensky's smile as their lead over the rest grew. Green Grass… might be in trouble.
"They've passed the halfway mark! Green Grass leads Maruzensky by a length still! The rest of the pack has fallen eight lengths behind! What incredible stamina from these two!" Misato excitedly rattled off as she watched, with everyone else eagerly watching as well. However, on the course, things were not going so well for one Uma.
"Haah… haah." Green Grass audibly panted as sweat covered her face. Her legs felt like they were filled with lead as she continued to run. "What kind of a monster are you!?" She screamed mentally as she glanced behind her, seeing Maruzensky directly behind her, a small sheen of sweat present on her, as she smiled easily and kept pace. Maruzensky had gradually been upping her speed behind Green Grass, causing her to accelerate and move accordingly to keep her lead. She couldn't keep this up. Less than eight hundred meters remained, and her stamina was nearing its end. She planned to block Maruzensky until the last three hundred meters before surging to take the win. However, she hadn't anticipated how aggressively Maruzensky would keep attempting to take the lead, and she barely looked winded from doing so!
Meanwhile, with Maruzensky, her smile widened further. She had caught Green Grass's strategy immediately, as it was something her father and she had theorized would be Grass's best chance to beat her. Unfortunately for her, Maruzensky had not only been working on her stamina extensively in preparation for the long-distance races in her future, but this speed was also something she was incredibly comfortable with. She glanced behind herself briefly, noting that the others behind were too far to do anything just yet. She did notice Azuma Hunter slowly closing the distance a little bit, separating herself from the rest of the pack.
"Well… I suppose it's about time." Maruzensky briefly closed her eyes as she focused, a red aura surging out from her body, startling Green Grass, who could only glance behind herself in horror. They had reached the five-hundred-meter mark. The distance was perfect for her to finish up and make a statement. Her right foot dug into the turf hard, tearing up the course as she met Green's eyes.
"See you at the end, Green~," Maruzensky winked as she shot past Green Grass like a runaway train. No, more like a speeding Supercar. Her aura exploded with the revving of an engine as she created separation and surged forward.
"Maruzensky! Maruzensky has begun her surge at the five-hundred-meter mark!" Misato exclaimed in disbelief, as everyone else watched with bated breath. "Maruzensky has opened up a two-length… no three-length lead! It's increasing! Can Green Grass catch up!?" But she couldn't. The lead had stretched to five lengths and kept increasing as they hit the four-hundred-meter mark. Green Grass growled as she did her best to keep her pace. She couldn't surge yet. She had almost no stamina left, and using what little she had now would be pointless. Her eyes traveled behind her and widened briefly, noticing Azuma Hunter gaining on her, and the rest of the pack not far behind!
"Maruzensky is all alone! The lead is eight lengths on Green Grass! The rest are surging! We have reached the two-hundred-meter mark! This is it, the final stretch! Can anyone catch Maruzensky?! Is it just a fight for second!?" Misato was on the edge of her seat as she watched the race unfold. The crowd's roar was deafening as Maruzensky passed the final corner far ahead of the pack.
"What's this!? Azuma Hunter! Azuma Hunter is surging towards Green Grass!" Green could only grit her teeth as she attempted to surge forward, Azuma Hunter within a length of her now as she kept charging forward. "Maruzensky's lead is now ten lengths! She is so strong! The rumors were true! A superstar has been born on this day! The winner of the Satsuki Sho… MARUZENSKY!!!!" Misato screamed out as Maruzensky passed the marker.
"Green Grass! Azuma Hunter! Neither refuses to yield, who till take second!?" Misato watched with wide eyes as they reached the goal line just behind Maruzensky.
"Ahhhhhhh!!!" Azuma Hunter screamed as she edged past Green Grass just before the goal; her opponent could only grit her teeth as she was passed by a half-length at the very end. Azuma Hunter collapsed to her knees at the end as she gazed at the sky, a tired smile on her face.
"Azuma Hunter! The Hunter snatches second away from Green Grass! What a performance! Green Grass will have to settle for third place this time!" Misato continued to rattle off the names of other competitors as they finished in their respective places, their forms covered with sweat and exhaustion as the race ended. All their eyes went to Maruzensky, who was eagerly waving to the crowd with both hands, her smile shining.
Green Grass could only look down in disbelief as she panted in exhaustion, both her hands on her knees as she resisted the urge to cry. "Just what… what have I been doing? Is the top… this far away?" The tears began to freely flow as she sniffled while looking down. The sound of steps near her caused her to look up, noticing the outstretched hand of Maruzensky.
"That strategy of yours was pretty amazing, Green." Maruzensky smiled at her opponent. Green couldn't understand it. She bit her lip as she looked away from Maruzensky, who only tilted her head and continued to smile. "Are you going to give up on beating me that easily, hmm?" She teased as Green Grass sharply looked at her with her eyes red. Green Grass took her hand, shaking it aggressively as Maruzensky only looked amused.
"Hmph." Green huffed as she stood and attempted to fix her appearance as she gazed at Maruzensky. "You're amazing, Maruzensky." Green Grass was not the type to deny what was in front of her. However, "but I'm going to win next time." After wiping her tears, she began striding back to the tunnel.
"How tenacious~," Maruzensky thought inwardly, but she was happy. It wouldn't be good for one of her rivals to give up; that wasn't exciting at all. Plus, she didn't really like to see others cry. She glanced over her shoulder and noticed Azuma Hunter staring at her with her arms crossed. "Hmm? Something to say, Azuma~?" Maruzensky put a finger to her chin as she looked at her rival.
"You're unbelievable," Azuma huffed as she strolled up to Maruzensky, taking her in. She looked tired, but not as much as the rest of the runners. Of course, she had to be in the same generation as a monster like this. "I assume you're racing in the Derby?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course! I'm going to win the Triple Crown after all." Maruzensky placed a hand on her heart as she briefly gazed to the sky in thought of that race, before turning to look back at Azuma. "And you, Azuma~?"
"I'll be there. You aren't winning the Triple Crown if I have anything to say about it." Azuma grinned, challenging Maruzensky, holding out a fist to her. Of course, Maruzensky only looked confusedly at the fist extended to her. "You bump it, dingus. It's a fist-bump, you know? To show a promise, or acknowledgement, or whatever." A light blush appeared on Azuma's face as she muttered.
"Hehe, of course." Maruzensky excitedly bumped her fist against Azuma's. "I can't wait."
CHAPTER END