Hah, not bad at all! (Referring to the URA prize money)
Prize money! And it's double!
Just thinking about the hefty double reward from this Kikuka-shō fills Miss Pegasus with sheer delight.
Even Platinum herself was a little surprised—winning by… quite a margin?
Thirty-one lengths! That must be one of the rarest, if not… absolutely unprecedented achievements in the history of Japanese Uma Musume!
Well, a performance like this definitely deserves the gold coins URA's splurging, right?
Might as well accept this double prize money with a clear conscience!
For Platinum, the experience of this race felt particularly surreal…
First, there was the upgraded visual effect—the way she targeted and pierced through each opponent one by one, and then, after activating her zone, the even more dazzling Colosseum of Kazimierz.
But what surprised Platinum the most was when she took the lead all by herself, claiming the entire view ahead. The roaring crowds on both sides of the stadium seemed to awaken within her an incredibly rare, indomitable will to resist defeat!
That was when she unleashed an astonishing burst of power and speed, charging toward the finish line until the very end—and even turning back for a glance!
'This time, I finally turned back and saw that overtaking effect clearly with my own eyes.'
'Maybe it's just my imagination, but… that archer's silhouette looks a lot like me?'
If she keeps winning more prize money and upgrading these effects, will it eventually morph completely into her own appearance?
Not to mention, that arrow shot toward Manhattan Cafe was seriously cool—the piercing effect was absolutely maxed out, leaving Platinum quite satisfied as she glanced back near the finish line.
Yeah, totally worth coming, totally worth watching!
After a sigh of admiration, Miss Pegasus stopped dwelling on it.
For her, since the most important goal—the Kikuka-shō—was already achieved, it was time to clock out soon.
The Japanese Triple Crown—complete!
The Irregular Quadruple Crown—also complete!
With this, her classic races were officially over.
Next up… she'd finally get to compete against those senior racehorses!
[Mid-season schedule: Kikuka-shō → Japan Cup → Arima Kinen → Spring Tennō-shō → Takarazuka Kinen]
The next race after the Kikuka-shō was the Japan Cup—the only open international Grade 1 middle-distance race in Japan!
In other words…
Foreign Uma Musume would also come to compete in the Japan Cup, clashing with Japan's Uma Musume!
Miss Pegasus couldn't help but wonder—which European or American Uma Musume would show up?
But the Japan Cup was still almost a month away, so she'd worry about that later.
Returning her attention to the present, Platinum gazed across the vast racecourse.
Beyond the wide grassy track, the packed stands on both sides were still roaring with cheers and shouts!
"Platinum!! Platinum!! You're the strongest!"
"A monster who won four crowns in the classics—I've never seen anything like it! This would blow even Europe and America away!"
"Manhattan Cafe finished several lengths ahead of third place, almost a big margin! In other words… without Platinum, she would've won by a landslide. What a shame."
"By that logic, without Manhattan Cafe, Platinum would've won by forty lengths…"
"Only a truly outstanding Uma Musume can bring out the brilliance of another champion. Manhattan Cafe's performance was exceptional, but she ran into Platinum!"
"So worth it! I didn't waste my time coming. From now on, I'm a Platinum fan!"
"If it were the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, she might really have a chance, right? Next year's Arc could be our best shot yet!"
Not far from Platinum, a dark-haired horse girl stood completely stunned, drenched in sweat from her forehead down to her neck and back.
Manhattan Cafe was usually a calm, silent girl, but now…
This freshly concluded Kikuka-shō had left her not just sweating buckets—but utterly shaken.
'I… lost?'
'And by a full thirty-one lengths… crushed by Platinum with a record-breaking margin??'
What's more, she'd even temporarily unlocked her Zone?
In the earlier middle-distance Oaks and Japanese Derby, rivals like Mejiro Dober and Jungle Pocket—who hadn't mastered their zones—only lost by around ten or eleven lengths, just reaching a big margin.
But she, with her Zone, lost by what could only be called a "super massive margin"? Was that… even reasonable?
Right now, the dark-haired girl's eyes were vacant!
She could almost hear the other racers' cries of despair! She could almost feel the city crumbling around her! She could almost see Platinum's triumphant sneer!
She, who specialized in long distances, had poured immense effort into preparing for the Kikuka-shō, only to lose to Platinum—a rookie who'd debuted just months ago and fought relentlessly since!
Such a crushing defeat wasn't just shocking—it dealt a heavy blow to Manhattan Cafe's confidence.
And in her mind, she couldn't help but replay everything that happened during the race.
The real reasons for her defeat, aside from Platinum's seemingly inexhaustible stamina, had to include… the Zone!
That unique zone of Platinum's significantly neutralized her own zone's suppressing and weakening effects, while also granting Platinum prolonged enhancement—even stamina recovery!
In their Zone clash, hers was completely overpowered. There was no denying the loss—it was a total suppression, from raw ability to Zone mastery…
On top of that, Platinum had run an all-out, stamina-draining front-runner strategy, leading from the start all the way to the finish!
You could say it was a race with zero tactics—all stats!
How could any Japanese Uma Musume possess such perfectly well-rounded strength, speed, and endurance?
It was so exceptional, so terrifyingly powerful… it almost felt beyond the limits of what a Uma Musume could be!!
'Huff… huff…'
'I lost by more lengths than Dober and Pocket combined? Or—'
'Without Zones, they couldn't even push Platinum to get serious? So she wasn't going all out with her Zone before?'
'Or maybe this Pegasus is even more terrifying in long-distance, 3000-meter races than in middle-distance?'
The dark-haired girl kept pondering, but no matter which possibility was true, it only proved just how fearsome Platinum's hidden potential and talent were.
Manhattan Cafe couldn't help but wonder if this race would forever etch her name into Japanese history…
And that wasn't an exaggeration. If she'd lost by just a few lengths, she might've been remembered as a fairly talented, once-in-a-few-years Kikuka-shō champion.
But losing like this, by a staggering thirty-one lengths… she was likely to be remembered for all time, until someday, perhaps decades later, another Japanese Uma Musume emerged to surpass Platinum's record!
But—
Was that even possible?
Would that day ever come?
Manhattan Cafe had already resigned herself to being remembered as the defeated. She knew all too well—this record might very well stand for half a century, or even longer!
The phrase "crowning glory in a single race" might as well have been invented just for Platinum's performance today, right?
'Speaking of which… what was that music during the latter half of the race, when Platinum's Zone intensified?'
An uncertain thought surfaced in Manhattan Cafe's mind.
Music?!
When Platinum's zone grew stronger, overwhelming her temporary Zone, she could've sworn she heard something like music.
It was something Manhattan Cafe had never heard before—strange, almost otherworldly.
But in the heat of such an intense race, she hadn't had the spare focus to listen closely. Only now, after the race, did it suddenly come back to her.
She… couldn't have imagined it, right?
'Since when do Uma Musume have built-in sound systems when they activate their Zones?'
When she thought about it—Platinum already carried an extremely rare large weapon, a bow, onto the track. She had a dazzling, awe-inspiring zone with spectacular visuals, complete with a sacred, divine archer silhouette that fired piercing arrows as part of her overtaking effect!
And on top of all that, there was music too?
'Like… is she here to race or to put on a performance?'
'Those effects are so over-the-top, so unheard of!'
Manhattan Cafe didn't get it, and she was utterly stunned.
'At this point, you might as well call her the Three Goddesses' favorite—or even their daughter!'
Feeling deeply discouraged, Manhattan Cafe thought of her friend, Agnes Tachyon, who'd only recently recovered from injury.
Among the top talents of their generation, it seemed like Agnes Tachyon was the only one who hadn't faced Platinum yet…
'Tachyon, if she goes against Platinum… could she handle it?'
'Maybe, perhaps, possibly… there's a chance… right?'
--+--
Principal's Office, Tracen Academy.
The petite principal, Akikawa Yayoi, grinned excitedly as she waved her fan.
"The Irregular Quadruple Crown! A historic moment!"
"Tazuna, Nento, did you see that? Thirty-one lengths!"
Beside her, along with secretary Hayakawa Tazuna, was Nento—Japan's first-ever Irregular Triple Crown winner.
The senior Uma Musume chuckled lightly.
"Isn't this outcome something we could've predicted?"
"But… the margin really is shocking."
"Having a junior like this challenge and even surpass my Irregular Triple Crown—it's such a fortunate thing."
Many, including Nento herself, had once believed that after the schedule changes—with the Oaks and Japanese Derby now only a week apart—the Irregular Triple Crown had become "discontinued," a thing of the past.
If anyone could achieve it now, the difficulty and prestige would undoubtedly surpass her original Irregular Triple Crown.
And then came Platinum—a dark horse who seemed to come out of nowhere, achieving an unprecedented Irregular Quadruple Crown, even venturing overseas to win the international G1 Epsom Derby. Nento could only sigh in admiration.
She didn't see being surpassed as a bad thing. If anything, it was inevitable—a sign of progress. She had no resistance to her record being inherited or even surpassed. That was a good thing!
When a Triple Crown lacks successors, it gradually fades into history—a prime example being the British Triple Crown.
Nijinsky, the last British Triple Crown winner, had long since retired—her daughter, Maruzensky, was already a senior in the Tracen Student Council… It showed just how long it'd been since the last British Triple Crown winner!
But now, the Irregular Triple Crown finally had a second winner—her name was Pegasus Platinum!!
Beside Nento, the elegant and mature Hayakawa Tazuna smiled as if recalling something.
"Now the pressure falls on Tokai Teio, Agnes Tachyon, and… Daiwa Scarlet."
Tokai Teio, once the Undefeated Dual Crown winner, was considered the strongest middle-distance horse girl of their active generation.
After recovering early from a fracture and receiving treatment, her comeback in the Japan Cup was bound to showcase exceptional form!
As for Agnes Tachyon, needless to say—the Satsuki-shō winner, who'd nearly retired due to tendonitis, had now completed treatment and was training again, preparing for her return.
These two were undoubtedly the top contenders for the strongest active middle-distance Uma Musume. They would clash with Platinum in the Japan Cup or the Arima Kinen!
To rise from the strongest of their generation to the strongest in Japan, everything hinged on the upcoming Japan Cup and Arima Kinen!
"Daiwa Scarlet…"
"You have to admit, that kid's had some tough luck."
Even Principal Akikawa couldn't help but laugh wryly at the name.
Currently, the most talked-about name overseas was undoubtedly Pegasus Platinum—the shockwaves from her Epsom Derby win still hadn't faded in Europe.
But the second most-mentioned Japanese Uma Musume in Europe was Daiwa Scarlet, largely due to her debut race against Platinum.
Five lengths!
From most perspectives, that was a significant gap. But for Platinum's races, it was the smallest margin she'd ever won by.
In the world of Uma Musume, you couldn't always judge by finish times alone—not when skills and Zones existed!
A powerful Uma Musume could unleash immense pressure or even a zone, drastically affecting finish times. And race recordings couldn't capture zone effects.
Plus, Daiwa Scarlet's debut race against Platinum was only a mile-long race—around 1600 meters—a different type altogether from the 2000+ meter middle-distance races that followed. You couldn't even compare finish times fairly.
And Platinum's performances in subsequent G1 races were nothing short of terrifying, often winning by huge margins—a stark contrast to her debut.
So now, both in Japan and overseas, many had started calling Daiwa Scarlet… "Future Mile Queen," "Phantom Monster," "Illusory Pegasus," and other strange titles.
After this Kikuka-shō, it was easy to imagine…
Daiwa Scarlet would be under even more pressure.
And, quite coincidentally—
Daiwa Scarlet had once been called "Agnes Tachyon's successor," "the junior Tachyon values."
Now, it was her senior Agnes Tachyon's turn to face Platinum!!
"You have to admit, the Japanese Uma Musume scene is developing rapidly these days."
"Teio, Tachyon, and Platinum—so many exceptional talents!"
"It all comes down to next month's Japan Cup. Teio's already entered—I wonder if she can defend Japan's title against the foreign champions."
Akikawa closed her fan, a hint of worry on her face.
"This year's Japan Cup won't be easy. I hear… some foreign powerhouses are coming specifically for Platinum!"
"I wonder if Platinum will participate?"
"Or will she sit it out, resting and adjusting for the year-end Arima Kinen—to face Agnes Tachyon?"
In response to Akikawa's musings, Nento shook her head calmly.
"For a typical classic-year filly, the toll from running a long-distance race like the Kikuka-shō is huge. A high-stakes Japan Cup just a month later would be too much—most would avoid it to recover."
"But this is the battle-hardened Pegasus who achieved the Irregular Triple Crown in a month and even conquered the Epsom Derby!"
"She'll definitely run the Japan Cup!"
--+--
In the stands, where the crowd had yet to disperse.
Among Agnes Tachyon, Kurofune, Jungle Pocket, and the others, discussions were still ongoing.
You wouldn't usually find top talents like them gathering for a regular race, but since there was plenty to talk about, they kept at it until everything was settled.
After witnessing Platinum's glance back and the thirty-one-length super mass margin…
The wild Jungle Pocket, the observant Agnes Tachyon, and the others—their eyes all lit up with clarity!!
"The record for most G1 wins in a year by a Japanese Uma Musume—four—has now been matched by Platinum. She's tied with top Triple Crown seniors like Symboli Rudolf and Narita Brian."
"This year's remaining middle-distance G1s are the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen. If she wins either, she'll break another prestigious record—five G1 wins in a year!"
"Kurofune, Tachyon, are you interested in those races? Planning to challenge?"
The fiercely competitive Jungle Pocket asked her old acquaintances.
Agnes Tachyon's expression turned serious and slightly grave as she nodded gently.
"Yes, I'll be running the Arima Kinen."
"As for me, the Japan Cup."
Jungle Pocket then looked toward Kurofune.
Kurofune gritted her teeth, a hint of frustration in her eyes, before answering.
"Dirt."
After seeing Platinum's second glance back at the finish line, Kurofune had fallen silent—completely abandoning her plans to compete in middle-distance turf races!
"Huh??"
Her response took Jungle Pocket by surprise.
"I already faded in the 2400-meter Derby. You want me to take on Platinum again in the 2400-meter Japan Cup or the 2500-meter Arima Kinen?"
"No thanks. I don't want to experience another look back. I don't want to get shot by that arrow again."
Kurofune explained her reasons for avoiding those two middle-distance G1s—she knew her distance limitations all too well.
As an American, she had no aversion to dirt racing, unlike many Japanese Uma Musume who avoided it whenever possible. If she couldn't win the Japan Cup or the Arima Kinen, switching to dirt wasn't a big deal.
Plus, it meant avoiding Platinum—and not getting shot by that Pegasus again.
Around them in the stands were other Oaks competitors, other "victims of Platinum's glance back," all deeply affected!
Some, having suffered themselves, didn't want to see others spared—so when they witnessed the repeat of Platinum's iconic glance back, they couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of excitement and glee!
The mere thought of experiencing that firsthand had convinced Kurofune to switch tracks.
One race—shattering her dreams of middle-distance turf racing!
And just like that, a gifted American Uma Musume was nudged into a different lane by a certain Pegasus…
She wasn't the only one with such thoughts. Other, less famous or confident Uma Musume also considered switching to dirt!
—Years later, whenever the progress of Japanese dirt racing was discussed, the name of turf racer Platinum would occasionally come up.
—Even though Platinum had few dirt races to her name, her contributions to the dirt scene were undeniable! She'd indirectly gifted Japanese dirt racing many exceptional talents!
--+--
On the turf, Platinum, having finished her race, made her way toward the Winner's Stage.
"Just gotta get through this performance, then I'm off work…"
"Next shift isn't until the Japan Cup a month from now. Nice!"
While most saw the one-month gap between the [Kikuka-shō → Japan Cup] as tight, Platinum found it… comfortable! Enjoyable!
After all, for a working girl, having a whole month with only one day of work was something to celebrate.
As for which local Japanese Uma Musume would participate, Platinum had a pretty good idea—it'd be Jungle Pocket, who'd skipped the Kikuka-shō, and Tokai Teio, back at her peak!
But Platinum was more interested in… her sponsor, Agnes Tachyon!
It was worth mentioning that not long ago, a certain shady young doctor had completed the perfect treatment for [Phantom Triple Crown · Agnes Tachyon].
Not only had Agnes Tachyon been successfully treated, she'd already gone through a considerable recovery period. Her condition was improving daily, and her abilities had undoubtedly progressed far beyond her early Satsuki-shō form.
In other words, Agnes Tachyon was now… ready to yield gold coins! Prize money dividends were coming soon!
"But for now… time to claim the race rewards."
The young Platinum opened the race reward screen.
[Race: Kikuka-shō]
[Rewards: Zone music selection… etc.]
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.