In a European villa...
An exquisite raven-haired beauty was carefully selecting, folding, and packing suitable outfits and training gear before her wardrobe.
Beside her sat a suitcase, clearly indicating preparations for an upcoming journey.
Galileo was about to leave Europe and embark on an expedition to Japan!
"Big sis, Mom said... you're planning to go to Japan and challenge the Japan Cup?"
Standing at the doorway of the room was a slightly smaller chestnut-haired girl.
Like Galileo , she had inherited Urban Sea's outstanding genes—she was the true ace of the Sea family today, none other than... Sea of Stars!
The chestnut-haired girl's willow-leaf eyebrows, delicate nose, and peerless features were all naturally flawless.
Sea of Stars was dressed fashionably, her petite yet curvaceous figure complemented by a fair, swan-like neck held high.
In short, she was a perfect Uma Musume in both appearance and ability!
On the white knee-high socks covering her legs were deep blue pentagram patterns—her signature emblem, like stars over the ocean.
"Yes."
Galileo nodded gently, continuing her packing.
"Is there something you need, little star?"
"I want to go to Japan to find someone, but... I can't go right now."
Sea of Stars' tone was tinged with regret.
This made Galileo pause her movements.
If it were her little sister Sea of Stars, there was absolutely no way she could go to Japan for races. Her school, their mother, and even the local racing authorities would do everything to dissuade her.
Because—it would be a colossal waste.
A super talent with a baseline of historical greatness, someone who could become a once-in-a-century legend and contend for the top spot in turf racing history—how could she possibly go challenge Japanese races?
Only events like the British Triple Crown and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe would be fitting goals for Sea of Stars.
Having just debuted, Sea of Stars' plan was undoubtedly to sweep all major international G1s next year!
By then, Europe's top races would be defended by the demon king-like Sea of Stars, who would stand as the champion to challenge rivals like Dahlia and the potentially arriving Platinum.
The glory of Europe would rest on Sea of Stars' shoulders. The weight of Europe's two capitals and thirteen provinces lay on her!
Even as a newcomer, her talent and potential were already widely recognized!
"According to my promise with Dr. Lin, I must become... the strongest!"
"So I have to win next year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe."
"Until then, I can't afford to be careless. I must train hard and grow stronger!"
In the chestnut-haired beauty's clear, lively eyes burned a near-insane fighting spirit.
The Strongest!
A promise!
All of this was firmly engraved in Sea of Stars' heart. For this, she would surpass every Uma Musume standing in her path!
Once, during her time in the U.S., Sea of Stars had met that unforgettable young doctor... that gentle, witty, and surprisingly Chinese-speaking black-haired doctor who left an deep impression on her.
Back then, she hadn't even shown her true potential yet—she'd even lost her debut race due to being boxed in—but Dr. Lin was still incredibly kind to her!
At that time, she had invited Lin Anran to form an exclusive contract, but he refused.
Not only Sea of Stars, but even several other dirt-track geniuses she deeply respected had also been turned down by Lin Anran.
Secretariat, Flightline, Dahlia, Ruffian... all of them. In a way, this made Sea of Stars breathe a slight sigh of relief.
'My own failure is disappointing, but my rivals' success is even worse!'
'At least I wasn't the only one who failed...'
But in the end, the "promise to become the strongest" that Dr. Lin made before leaving the U.S. reignited Sea of Stars' excitement, making her eager to prove herself as the best on the turf.
'According to our promise, Dr. Lin will fulfill any request of mine, anything!'
'No matter who the opponents are, I have to crush them all!'
Even if it's her sister, Galileo!
Even if it's the American Empress, Dahlia!
Even if the opponent is the mysterious and supreme Platinum!
'I will win!'
'But aside from turf rivals like Platinum and Dahlia, there are other dangerous opponents to be wary of.'
For example, American Uma Musume, and Japanese Uma Musume!
And Japanese Uma Musume... were a group Sea of Stars knew nothing about. In terms of racing ability, aside from Platinum, none were worth much attention.
But the problem was—Dr. Lin was in Japan now!
The one closest to the water gets the moon first—Sea of Stars understood this principle all too well.
So even if she didn't think much of Japanese Uma Musume abilities, and didn't believe any besides Platinum could block her path to becoming the strongest, she still worried...
She worried about someone stealing her chance!
Some Uma Musume are amazing at racing but weak in emotional competition.
Others are the complete opposite—maybe not strong in races, but experts at sneaking ahead!
In other words, winning the race but losing at life, or losing the race but winning at life. Both types are common.
'European Uma Musume don't know Dr. Lin, so they can be ignored. Those American monsters are still busy with their own rivalry, so I don't need to worry about them sneaking ahead either.'
'So what I need to worry about is whether any local Japanese fillies or sneaky cats might latch onto Dr. Lin! And whether those American Uma Musume might achieve "Dirt Strongest" before I do.'
As for American Uma Musume, there's Flightline, Ruffian, and Secretariat! All terrifying monsters Sea of Stars had met and known since her time with Lin Anran in the U.S.
Those monsters would likely battle it out to produce the [Dirt Strongest]! She had to stay vigilant.
Fortunately, those monsters were also just debuting or hadn't even debuted yet.
'Looking at it this way, I should have the time advantage!'
'The turf's biggest race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, is in October. The dirt's biggest race, the Breeders' Cup, is in November.'
'By the time I win the British Double Crown and conquer the Arc to become turf's best, Secretariat will have just completed the American Triple Crown—still far from the Breeders' Cup!'
There's no way Secretariat could claim the title of dirt strongest just with the classic American Triple Crown races, right?
That kind of thing has never happened before. How could anyone become the strongest with just three classic races?
So in Sea of Stars' view, she had a solid time advantage.
Therefore... the American side was temporarily safe! And Europe had almost no Uma Musume who knew Dr. Lin, so even safer!
That being the case, she just needed to keep an eye on whether there were any sneaky cats in Japan, and everything would go smoothly.
"Big sis, when you get to Japan, can you do me a favor?"
"Go on."
The intrigued raven-haired beauty turned with a smile, one hand holding racewear and black stockings ready to be packed, listening with interest to what her sister would say.
What could possibly interest her incredibly talented little sister enough to ask for help?
"Dr. Lin has been in Japan for a few months now, working at Tracen Academy."
"After you arrive at Tracen, could you get in touch with him and investigate whether there are any sneaky cats around him?"
Sea of Stars got straight to the point.
Hearing this, the raven-haired beauty nodded gently and smiled.
"Is that so... I understand."
Coincidentally, she was also curious about what kind of doctor could interest her lazy yet powerful little sister!
It must be quite interesting, right?
"Then leave it to your reliable big sister!"
This instantly put Sea of Stars at ease.
Now, she could focus entirely on training and getting stronger!
Then, after beating Secretariat, Ruffian, and those other American monsters to win the Arc, and defeating Dahlia and Platinum... she would finally become the strongest!
'Dr. Lin, just wait—I'll fulfill our promise and come find you!!'
That certain black-hearted young doctor had made promises to a group of Uma Musume in the U.S., and they were all still training and racing hard, unable to come yet.
But... one of them had found a trusted, charming helper first!
The chaotic prelude had finally begun.
--+--
Principal's Office. Tracen Academy.
A surprised, youthful voice rang out.
"What?"
"That daughter of the Sea family, the popular Irish Derby champion in Europe, Galileo... applied to come train at Tracen Academy soon?"
"Not just two days before the Japan Cup, but almost a full month early to train?"
Akikawa Yayoi was so shocked she nearly dropped the fan in her hand.
"What about the other world-class runner, Fantastic Light? Will she come with Galileo?"
"She didn't apply. She'll probably arrive as usual a few days before the race."
Hayakawa Tazuna answered.
"Alright... Fantastic Light's approach is the norm. Having Galileo come to Japan early to train is already great—we can't ask for more!"
Akikawa Yayoi nodded vigorously, her youthful face still brimming with unexpected delight.
On the surface, it might just seem like a foreign Uma Musume arriving almost a month early to train—not particularly meaningful or noteworthy.
But one must remember... she's a world-class horse girl!!
Historically, the Japan Cup's reputation overseas has been... "Weak competition, big money, come quickly."
Because the Japan Cup's "gold" content is high, but its prestige isn't, foreign Uma Musume coming for the expedition don't take it too seriously.
So they usually arrive in Japan just before the race, collect the hefty prize money after running, and leave immediately.
After all, in the eyes of top foreign monsters, the Japan Cup doesn't hold much status or value—not worth wasting too much time on.
In terms of prestige, the Japan Cup isn't significant enough to warrant world-class foreign Uma Musume spending a month adapting and training for it.
Winning wouldn't boost their reputation much, and losing wouldn't hurt it either, so why would foreign Uma Musume care about the Japan Cup?
It's like beating up weaklings—even if you fail, it doesn't matter. The prize money is still good!
If they lose, there are always convenient excuses—like being tired from frequent races, arriving too rushed, or not acclimating well. No big deal.
Good money, little effort—who wouldn't love that?
Whether it's Japanese Uma Musume challenging European and American races or European Uma Musume entering the Japan Cup, the situation is often similar... if they lose, it's always due to various reasons and accidents preventing them from going all out.
But overall, the Japan Cup isn't a highly regarded international G1 overseas. Now, everything is about to change, all because of... Platinum's participation!
Platinum's entry will make this year's Japan Cup anything but simple. Even foreign monsters and world-class Uma Musume will have to go all out and take it seriously!
That's why Galileo entered, and why she's willing to come a month early to adapt to Japan's turf.
Akikawa Yayoi could easily imagine that if Platinum decided not to run the Japan Cup, Galileo would probably tear up her plane ticket without a second thought and only come two or three days before the race...
"I never thought we'd see a world-class foreign Uma Musume come to Tracen Academy to train!"
"This is all thanks to Platinum!!"
Akikawa Yayoi wasn't arrogant enough to think Tracen's training standards were that outstanding. She wasn't deluded enough to believe their school could impress someone like Galileo into coming voluntarily.
Even modestly speaking, Platinum deserved at least 98% of the credit.
The daughter of Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Urban Sea, the current face of the Sea family, Irish Derby champion, young lady Galileo... willingly coming to Japan early? There could be no reason other than wanting revenge against Platinum!
Tracen Academy was just fortunate enough to be the best school in Platinum's region, hence being chosen.
"This way... finally, our Japanese Uma Musume can experience what world-class truly means!"
"This is a priceless opportunity, all thanks to Platinum!"
Hayakawa Tazuna smiled slightly and nodded in agreement.
Since Galileo needed to adapt to the venue, it would be best to have local Uma Musume for training matches or joint sessions.
This way, she'd inevitably train alongside some of Japan's elite Uma Musume, bringing effective improvement and influence.
It's like having a top-scoring honor student temporarily join a regular class—it can motivate and elevate students who want to improve!
"How should we welcome Galileo then..."
Hayakawa Tazuna calmly offered her perspective.
"No need for anything too grand. Just showcase Tracen Academy's comprehensiveness and dedication to training horse girls."
"Prepare training grounds for Galileo, arrange Japanese Uma Musume who can help her adapt to Japan's turf through joint training, and..."
"Assign an excellent Uma Musume Doctor to look after her health. That should be enough."
From training grounds to companions to medical care, showing all-around attentiveness is sufficient.
"As for the doctor... I recommend Dr. Lin, who treated Tokai Teio and Agnes Tachyon."
Hayakawa Tazuna added.
"Dr. Lin is still young, has experience overseas, and no other doctor is more suitable."
"He can also represent Tracen, share common ground with Galileo, and leave a good impression, right?"
"Reasonable!"
"Dr. Lin's reputation, medical skills, and even his image make him the most suitable choice."
Hearing this, Akikawa Yayoi thought for a moment before nodding.
"But we can't just ask Dr. Lin, who's already busy, to contribute to Tracen for free..."
"We must give him extra bonuses and a raise! He's really putting in the work."
This reliable young doctor had left an excellent impression on Akikawa Tazuna.
"It's just a shame... we don't know what it would take for Platinum to join Tracen Academy."
"But unfortunately, Tracen isn't much help to a world-class runner like Platinum..."
--+--
A few hours later.
[Little Rich Girl Principal: So... that's roughly the situation.]
[LittleRichGirlPrincipal: Dr. Lin, can you spare some time to look after the foreign European Uma Musume Galileo?]
In his room, the black-haired young doctor, off duty and resting, stared at the detailed text from Principal Akikawa Yayoi.
He ignored everything else and only saw the raise and bonuses!
[LinAnran: Understood. Leave it to me.]
Lin Anran didn't hesitate to reply.
Usually, his workload wasn't heavy, and he didn't need to work overtime. But the moment overtime was required, they immediately offered more money?!
As expected of the principal he'd nicknamed Little Rich Girl!
If nothing else, Tracen really knew how to pay! Coming here was worth it!
The black-hearted young doctor felt satisfied about his choice to leave the U.S. for Japan.
So what if it's Galileo? Looking after her shouldn't be a big deal.
Based on Lin Anran's experience, it would just involve meeting her, then regularly checking if Galileo was healthy and adapting well to training.
"To think that first, as an Uma Musume, I beat Galileo in the English Epsom Derby and earned prize money..."
"Now, I can earn money as a school doctor through Galileo."
"And in another month, I can become an Uma Musume again, beat Galileo in the Japan Cup, and earn even more gold!"
Looking at it this way, Galileo was quite a generous little filly!
Even though the gold wasn't directly from Galileo, it was still closely related to her.
"Big sister really gives more gold than little sister!"
The black-hearted young doctor couldn't help but note.
Well then, he'd prepare to take care of Sea of Stars' big sister, Galileo, with the same attentiveness he'd shown to Big Red, Dahlia, and Sea of Stars!
Having made his decision, Lin Anran heard his phone notification chime seconds later.
But...
It wasn't the phone he was currently holding. It was the one in the drawer, reserved for when he transformed into Miss Platinum.
Someone was looking for Platinum?
"Huh?"
Since it was for Platinum, it was safer to reply after transforming.
For example, after turning into Platinum, that obsession with "clocking out" was ingrained in the Pegasus body's instincts—a determination even the money-loving Dr. Lin couldn't mimic.
To avoid any slips, it was best to communicate in Platinum's form.
The next moment, the silver-haired girl held the phone, expressionlessly staring at the screen.
It was...
Daiwa Scarlet??
This made Platinum raise an eyebrow slightly.
That was... her very first opponent!!
An Uma Musume even the lazy assassin remembered clearly.
[DaiwaScarlet: Quick question, Platinum!]
[DaiwaScarlet: Is Galileo... strong?]
…Huh?
The odd question made the assassin girl tilt her head slightly.
[Platinum: She's alright.]
Anyway, she's a decent opponent.
[DaiwaScarlet: Okay... then I'll go for it!]
After seeing Daiwa Scarlet's abrupt final text, Platinum completely tilted her head.
Huh?
--+--
And one hour earlier...
On the training field, Daiwa Scarlet was resting and playing on her phone.
As soon as she opened it, she saw news that made her expression fall.
"No time to mourn Manhattan Cafe! The next to enter is Undefeated Double Crown Tokai Teio!"
Daiwa Scarlet knew that if Platinum won the Japan Cup, the next headline was practically predictable.
"No time to mourn Tokai Teio! The next to enter is Phantom Triple Crown Agnes Tachyon!"
Gwah, what a terrifying monster Platinum is!
After this, Daiwa Scarlet suddenly paused.
Because her phone showed an unfamiliar email.
And the sender was... an overseas number?
"Huh, who could it be?"
Puzzled, Daiwa Scarlet opened the email.
[I have long heard of Miss Daiwa Scarlet's exceptional strength and far-reaching reputation. I will arrive at Tracen Academy tomorrow.]
[I hope you will not hesitate to grant me your guidance!]
[Sincerely, Galileo]
After reading the email, Daiwa Scarlet was completely stunned.
!!
She immediately understood—this was clearly... a challenge for a training match, right?
Daiwa Scarlet's ample chest heaved with nervousness.
"Huh, me versus Galileo? Seriously?"
After pondering for a while... she briefly checked with Platinum.
Even if Galileo arrived tomorrow, she'd probably still be jet-lagged and not in top form, right?
The chance to compete against a world-class runner was precious too. She couldn't avoid it out of cowardice.
And the chance of victory... theoretically existed!
Okay, then she'd go for it!
"Go, prove to Platinum that I'm not weak at all!"
This time... it absolutely can't be a five-length difference again!
--+--
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.