Arima Kinen Day!
At the Mejiro household… a lively atmosphere was in full swing.
"McQueen, go get 'em! You trained at the Mejiro grounds, so don't you dare lose face in front of that Platinum."
"Yeah, show some spirit!"
"That's the way!"
Within the Mejiro estate, many young fillies smiled and called out their teasing encouragement to Mejiro McQueen.
It wasn't some high-pressure demand for McQueen to win no matter what, or not to disgrace the Mejiro name—everyone knew just how terrifyingly dominant that Celestial Pegasus was over middle distances.
So, no real pressure was put on Mejiro McQueen. No one insisted she had to win.
On paper, the Arima Kinen exceeded middle distance, reaching 2500 meters—a true Long Distance G1.
But in reality, no one treated the Arima Kinen as a conventional long-distance race purely about stamina.
The final straight of the Arima Kinen was famous for being short… meaning a powerful final kick was absolutely crucial!
The Arima Kinen was only slightly beyond the upper limit of middle distance by a mere hundred meters, not like the Kikuka Shō (Japanese St. Leger), which exaggeratedly stretched a quarter beyond 2400 meters. Yet it severely tested that final burst of speed!
Therefore, this was a top-tier G1 that demanded absolute versatility from a champion Uma Musume. Stamina alone wasn't enough; one also needed incredibly fierce explosive power to unleash a terrifying final kick.
Stamina + Final Kick. Only a truly complete monster could possibly seize the light of victory in this all-star battle gathering the new generation and even peak older-generation veterans!
Yet, rather unfortunately, Mejiro McQueen's skill points seemed… all allocated to Stamina.
The current Mejiro McQueen was widely acknowledged as the Strongest Long-Distance Uma Musume in Japanese History, possessing exceptionally superb long-distance adaptability.
She held the title of 3000-meter Kikuka Shō champion, and was a two-time winner of the 3200-meter Spring Tennō Shō.
She was the first powerhouse in Japanese history to achieve back-to-back victories in the Spring Tennō Shō, and was now charging towards the unprecedented Three-peat!!
But her final kick… well, let's just say not many points went there. At least compared to her stamina, it lagged significantly behind.
Therefore, the Arima Kinen was essentially a battlefield completely unsuited for Mejiro McQueen.
Wanting to directly defeat Tokai Teio, Agnes Tachyon, or even that Celestial Pegasus Platinum in the Arima Kinen… the difficulty of that, for an Uma Musume with little final kick but plenty of stamina, was perhaps a bit too high.
"Do your best, McQueen."
"Wait for the Spring Tennō Shō; that will be your moment to shine."
Mejiro Dober spoke up to Mejiro McQueen.
Mejiro McQueen then gave a slight nod.
In the Arima Kinen, the strongest middle-distance runner would always have the advantage over the strongest long-distance runner.
Losing this race… Mejiro McQueen could accept that, as long as she didn't lose in the upcoming Spring Tennō Shō!
'Mhm, I'll use this Arima Kinen to thoroughly familiarize myself with that Zone of Pegasus Platinum, to understand her running style and strength.'
'Then, when next year's Spring Tennō Shō comes, victory will be within my grasp.'
For her, the greatest value of this Arima Kinen was to get acquainted with all of contemporary Japan's powerhouses, especially Platinum!
A Platinum who could endure such fearsome, hard-fought races couldn't possibly have poor stamina. She was highly likely to come challenge McQueen's long-distance sovereignty.
'That Celestial Pegasus is undoubtedly qualified to be called one of Japan's strongest ever.'
'But over long distances… I'm no pushover either!'
For the sake of that unprecedented, earth-shattering super-achievement of a Spring Tennō Shō three-peat, she would use today's Arima Kinen to probe Platinum's Zone, even her full power!
Anyway, even losing wouldn't be any great disgrace. She wasn't some Uma Musume pursuing an Undefeated record; she'd already suffered defeats before.
But Celestial Pegasus Platinum was different. The more outstanding her record, the more the whole world would watch, wondering who would be the one to hand Platinum her first defeat!
If Mejiro McQueen and Platinum could exchange wins, each giving the other one loss… the one who'd profit immensely would be Mejiro McQueen!
What competitive Uma Musume wouldn't want to be the one to end Platinum's Undefeated streak and be recorded in history?
Using a race she couldn't possibly win, one completely unsuited to her, to increase her own chances in the Spring Tennō Shō and her possibility of defeating Platinum… in Mejiro McQueen's view, it was absolutely worth it.
'Thank goodness only Uma Musume can see Platinum's special effects; in the whole venue, only those few retired Uma Musume can see them.'
'Even if I'm overtaken by the Celestial Pegasus in the Arima Kinen, it's no disgrace.'
Besides, this was an all-star race. Even if she lost, there'd be at least several other G1 champion Uma Musume losing alongside her.
'Alright, after finishing the Arima Kinen, I'll come back and reward myself with some sweets. Let's go!'
Holding onto her adjusted, cheerful mood, Mejiro McQueen stretched lazily, a smile gracing her features as she prepared to turn and leave the Mejiro household, heading towards the Arima Kinen.
--+--
Arima Kinen, Outside Nakayama Racecourse.
Countless spectators were lined up outside.
There were even quite a few tents visible here and there; clearly, some people had started queueing as early as midnight.
After all, the Arima Kinen itself was an [All-Star Race] full of discussion and hype.
And this year's Arima Kinen was destined to be a rare battle involving numerous records!
The comeback race of the Phantom Triple Crown winner, Satsuki Shō champion Agnes Tachyon!
Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen, who staged that classic duel in this year's Spring Tennō Shō, meeting again here!
And the most, most, MOST heavyweight: Pegasus Platinum, making another impact after already achieving the Irregular Quadruple Crown and five undefeated G1 victories.
If she won, Platinum would surpass the Annual G1 Five Wins Record she set at the Japan Cup, climbing to the unprecedented, nearly unreachable height of Annual G1 Six Wins!
From the talking points to the hype, even the intensity of the race, it was guaranteed to be insanely high. Therefore, the audience for this race had swelled to numbers that broke previous attendance records!
Numerous spectators were engaged in highly anticipatory discussions.
"Platinum!! Platinum!! You must achieve the great feat of six crowns in a year!"
"Tachyon, my Tachyon!! You're finally making your comeback, sob sob... I hope you can secure second and aim for first, strive to defeat Platinum!"
"Agnes Tachyon is the challenger here! Doesn't feel like she can match the Celestial Pegasus!"
"Traitor! Weren't you a Tachyon fan like me before? Look at you, swayed by strength..."
"Miss Teio was in great form at the Japan Cup; I hope she can keep up the momentum at the Arima Kinen and showcase the glory and strength of the Emperor's successor!"
"The Arima Kinen is barely a long distance, so maybe... the strongest long-distance queen, Miss McQueen, might have a chance!"
"Platinum is number one in the world! You must show the senior Uma Musume what real intensity is!"
Within that massive sea of people, there were also many young girls sporting horse tails.
Even active or retired Uma Musume were present, many filled with interest for this final G1 of the year, the Arima Kinen, about to begin.
Not only were there young fillies like Satono Diamond and Kitasan Black who were about to become Uma Musume...
In the crowd, there was even a black-haired Uma Musume with exceptional looks.
Even Galileo had come with interest.
And this daughter of the Sea family carried a trace of confusion and helplessness in her heart.
'Darn it, why can't I get him to come out again?'
'Dr. Lin's sense of male virtue is just way too over the top, isn't it?!'
Currently, Galileo felt regretful about being unable to convince Dr. Lin to watch the race with her.
What she didn't know was that before her, Agnes Tachyon had felt the exact same regret.
'Of course, it's also very possible Dr. Lin is busy with work and can't easily take time off.'
'As a doctor, and a famous one at Tracen Academy, it's normal he might be too busy treating many Uma Musume to find the time.'
Rather than being unable to get a date with Lin Anran or him being snatched away by another Uma Musume, Galileo preferred to believe Dr. Lin simply had something come up and couldn't make it!
"Whatever, I'll just enjoy Japan's all-star race properly now."
Galileo had already bought her ticket back to Europe; she planned to leave right after watching.
Although she felt some regret at not being able to successfully 'conquer' Dr. Lin in this month or two, his overly strong sense of 'male virtue' wasn't entirely a bad thing.
If she couldn't sneak an attack, then those other Japanese 'thieving cats' couldn't either!
In Galileo's eyes, the current Dr. Lin was simply...
—Dr. Lin possesses a noble soul! He's like a true hero!
Dr. Lin continuously treated those injured Japanese Uma Musume, refusing recruitment offers from wealthy families willing to pay heavily—it was truly rare and precious!
And with Dr. Lin's world-class medical skills, he couldn't possibly stay in Japan forever; he was destined to make a name for himself in Europe and America.
In half a year, Galileo would be there in Europe, one of the only one or two Uma Musume Dr. Lin knew, to welcome him!
Then, she wouldn't have to worry about lacking opportunities to get closer!!
--+--
A short while later.
A silver-haired Uma Musume named Platinum, carrying a long bow case and wearing her race outfit, walked lazily down the road, yawning slightly.
She looked down at her phone screen, which displayed the Arima Kinen participation list.
It was... a list of seventeen participants. From second place onwards, several of the high-popularity Uma Musume were all familiar faces to Platinum.
Second Popularity: Agnes Tachyon.
Third Popularity: Tokai Teio.
Fourth Popularity: Mejiro McQueen.
Fifth Popularity: Manhattan Cafe.
It could indeed be called a historic all-star race, truly involving a cloud of powerful contenders.
And for Platinum, who could now externally project her special effects for the first time, it was a golden opportunity, filling the silver-haired girl with a hint of anticipation!
Not long after.
Reaching a corner very close to the racecourse, Platinum heard a voice from her side.
"Platinum?"
It was a somewhat lively girl's voice. Turning, she saw an opponent she'd faced just a month ago.
It was Tokai Teio, also in her race outfit!
Platinum calmly greeted her.
Tokai Teio, filled with serious, soaring fighting spirit, slowly spoke.
"In this race, I will definitely win!"
"Bring your full strength, Platinum. Otherwise, winning won't be so easy!"
At the Japan Cup, the top three Uma Musume had all broken the historical record for the Japan Cup's heavy track conditions.
And Tokai Teio, who came in third, only slightly behind Galileo, was seen by the outside world as one of the very few strong enough to challenge Pegasus Platinum!
So, in this Arima Kinen, she still received very high popularity.
Facing Tokai Teio's pre-race declaration of war, Miss Pegasus's expression didn't change at all.
Confronting the highly motivated Tokai Teio, who desperately wanted to capture the Arima Kinen, Platinum seemed to remember something and said indifferently.
"If you lose... Teio, can you promise not to cry?"
Platinum didn't utter any declaration of certain victory, but instead calmly questioned.
These strangely familiar words made the serious expression on Tokai Teio's face instantly freeze.
Then, she gritted her silver teeth.
"I'm your senior! How could I possibly cry?!"
That's right. Compared to this little silver Pegasus, the similarly somewhat petite Tokai Teio was actually the older senior.
Being a senior, yet only managing third place at the Japan Cup, and not even qualifying as one of Platinum's Winner's Stage dancers...
This sense of shame was hard to describe but intense, instead fueling Tokai Teio's fighting spirit even more.
For her, the worst result she could accept was at least... making it onto the Winner's Stage!!
The best result, of course, was winning the Arima Kinen!
One must have dreams, what if they come true?
Platinum didn't respond, merely smiling slightly before walking alongside Tokai Teio towards the nearby racecourse.
--+--
A moment later.
Entering the racecourse entrance, Pegasus Platinum, seeing the sea of people, was already somewhat accustomed to it.
"Irregular Quadruple Crown VS Undefeated Double Crown VS Phantom Triple Crown! Who is truly the strongest?"
"So that's the legendary Pegasus Platinum? Her race outfit is really beautiful..."
"The case on her back... is that the legendary bow with the shooting special effect?! Too bad I'm not an Uma Musume, I can't see it."
"Teio, do your best! Show the spirit of a Derby Uma Musume!"
"Platinum's win at the Japan Cup was truly shocking. Worth renewing my visa to watch another race."
Not only were there massive crowds of spectators, but there were also still quite a number of foreign audience members present.
Among them were blond, blue-eyed European spectators, and some spectators from various Asian countries. Except for American spectators being relatively rare, audiences from major regions all over the world were almost converged here.
After all, Platinum's dominant victory in the UK Epsom Derby and her consecutive wins at the Japan Cup had shocked European audiences.
She had also successfully made Asian audiences recognize her as... The Light of Asia!
But America was a special case, where dirt racing prevailed. Even the current top turf world champion held little interest for American dirt racing enthusiasts.
For a turf Uma Musume to shock America, she'd have to showcase incredible power in an international G1 dirt race—something extremely difficult, nearly impossible, for a turf specialist...
It could be said that dirt and turf were completely different worlds.
Almost no Uma Musume could become a true [Dual-Wielder] proficient in both turf and dirt.
Looking through history, very few Uma Musume possessed top-tier fame and influence in both the turf and dirt worlds.
The current Pegasus Platinum, as an Asian turf Uma Musume able to stand at her current height, was already an absolutely unique case!
Moreover, the lazy silver-haired girl also saw many photographers and reporters holding cameras, speaking various languages, clearly from different countries around the world, reporting on this Arima Kinen.
Besides Japanese and English, there was even Chinese, which sounded somewhat familiar to Platinum.
"Reporter Yu Wenbo from this station reports..."
"This final, most influential G1 race of the Japanese year gathers the strongest competitors of the entire season to decide the one true champion."
"And now, what we are seeing is the absolute crowd favorite, the sole win contender Pegasus Platinum, and the third favorite, Undefeated Double Crown winner Tokai Teio."
"Subsequent developments of this race will be continuously reported for you..."
Platinum didn't dwell on it, immediately stepping forward alongside Tokai Teio towards the participants' tunnel.
--+--
A short while later...
Pushing open the door and entering the Uma Musume preparation area, Pegasus Platinum saw many familiar and famous fillies behind it.
Sitting in the corner was a dark-haired girl with little presence, Manhattan Cafe.
This powerhouse, immensely strong in any long-distance race, wasn't the opponent Platinum looked at first.
The Uma Musume Platinum noticed was...
After all this time, finally no longer wearing a white lab coat, but wearing her race outfit for the first time—Agnes Tachyon!
And, not far from her, the elegant Mejiro McQueen!
These two: one was a same-generation powerhouse with significant ties to Platinum, both before and after her transformation, long discussed by the outside world over who was stronger, Tachyon or Platinum.
The other was the ruler of three long-distance G1 championships, the strongest long-distance runner in Mejiro history, the queen who would undoubtedly be her strong enemy in the mission schedule's [Spring Tennō Shō]—Mejiro McQueen.
These two were both noteworthy powerhouses, strong opponents in this race and the next.
"Finally here, are you..."
When she saw Platinum enter, a terrifying fighting spirit, rare to see, appeared in Agnes Tachyon's crimson eyes.
Beneath her face, wild arrogance was wantonly displayed—she grinned!
The current Agnes Tachyon seemed to have completely shed her identities as [Scientist] and [Researcher].
For this Arima Kinen, to recover and advance further after her comeback, she had undergone extremely harsh training over the past few months.
Thus... she now possessed a beast-like ferocity, having shed her former arrogant researcher persona. Her strength had climbed to new heights!
Having paid many costs, even painfully sealing away her beloved research, Agnes Tachyon's goal wasn't something like defeating her best friend Manhattan Cafe or overcoming senior Tokai Teio.
Her target, from beginning to end, was only one.
Namely—the Pegasus, Platinum!
"Are you prepared, little Pegasus?"
It was an extreme fighting spirit tinged with wild arrogance. Agnes Tachyon issued her challenge to the Platinum before her.
If she didn't even have the courage for a simple challenge, how could she talk about defeating her opponent?
"Your Undefeated Legend ends here."
When Agnes Tachyon's voice rang through the preparation room, the entire place fell into momentary silence.
Agnes Tachyon, recognized as the [Phantom Triple Crown] winner by all of Japan based solely on one Satsuki Shō victory—her talent and strength were evident.
In other words... she hadn't made it to the Japanese Derby or the Kikuka Shō.
About half a minute later... the preparation room door opened again.
This time, it was staff at the doorway giving a reminder.
"It's almost time. Please all participants, enter in order of popularity."
Hearing this, the silver-haired indifferently walked towards a table.
She didn't immediately respond to Agnes Tachyon's challenge, instead first putting down the case she carried.
Then, she took out that bow and slowly slung it across her back.
Once the bow and arrows were secured again, the silver-haired Pegasus gave an indifferent glance, turned, and walked towards the tunnel leading to the racecourse.
Before leaving, Platinum's voice finally rang out through the room.
"You... are merely a mortal born in an era without me."
The next second, a stunned Agnes Tachyon stared as the silver-haired Pegasus vanished from sight.
So this was... the aloof Celestial Pegasus?!
--+--
The Racecourse.
The countless spectators from around the world continued to increase in number.
Many spectators couldn't help but voice discussions or words of support for their favorite Uma Musume.
"Platinum capturing all same-generation Uma Musume only lacks Tachyon, right? Winning here would truly be Suppressing All Enemies!"
"Six crowns in one year, you must set that record, Platinum!!"
"Miss Tachyon, prove yourself! Show you are the most deserving triple crown winner!"
"On the list of Platinum's invincible middle-distance wins, only Agnes Tachyon's name should be missing now, right?"
"Tokai Teio will definitely defeat Platinum!"
"Gwah! Being able to see such a race, even dying would be worth the ticket price, ah!"
Among the many voices, they became countless times more intense upon finally seeing the silver-haired figure appear.
First popularity, the sole win contender Uma Musume—Platinum, enters!!
[Now let's welcome, as the first popularity, the absolute monarch! The Pegasus Platinum, who broke the Arima Kinen voting record!]
[In a proper all-star race, to achieve popularity rivaling that of over a dozen other Uma Musume combined single-handedly—this is truly the "sole win contender" worthy of the name!]
[Let us eagerly anticipate the clash of the Irregular Triple Crown versus the Phantom Triple Crown, the Undefeated Double Crown, the Spring Tennō Shō repeat champion! Who will become the final G1 champion of the year?!]
The commentator's voice was excited and full of anticipation.
An Arima Kinen with such a stacked lineup was rare even looking through history.
And in a race featuring so many popular Uma Musume, for one to hold the favorite spot, with vote counts far surpassing any other... was unprecedented, unheard of!
The commentator's voice showed no sign of stopping, dropping another heavyweight bomb.
[It's worth mentioning that, to better explain and introduce Pegasus Platinum's unique special effects to the audience...]
[We are incredibly honored to have the Undefeated Triple Crown winner, Symboli Rudolf, as a temporary guest commentator for this race!]
[Please welcome, the Emperor—Symboli Rudolf!!]
The former GOAT, the seven-crown Emperor Symboli Rudolf, actually served as a temporary commentator for this race, to explain the match and introduce Platinum's special effects.
[Hello everyone, I am Symboli Rudolf. I'm fortunate to be able to commentate for you and introduce Platinum's unique special effects.]
[I hope everyone can thoroughly enjoy this final Arima Kinen of the year. Please look forward to it.]
When Symboli Rudolf's calm yet authoritative voice sounded, it shocked the hundreds of thousands of fans in the venue and the innumerable viewers before their TVs!
That was the Emperor, the top monster who held the title of strongest for many years. They actually managed to invite her to introduce Platinum's special effects?
Only Platinum could have such prestige, right?!
--+--
In the next instant!
The central large screen visible from the spectator seats firmly locked onto and magnified Platinum's exquisitely beautiful profile.
Even a short while later, as the second high-popularity Uma Musume Agnes Tachyon and the third, Tokai Teio, entered one after another...
The large screen seemed somewhat reluctant, unwilling to shift its gaze.
Instead... it continuously lingered, enlarging and broadcasting Platinum's peerless beauty, her profile full of character, or her cool, handsome back view bearing the bow and arrows!
Finally, only after Platinum's silver-haired figure entered the starting gate and could no longer be filmed did it move on to the next Uma Musume.
A short while later, all Uma Musume entered the starting gates together.
The race countdown began to fall.
[10!]
[9!]
[8!]
Starting Gate, Number 16.
The slightly lazy silver-haired girl gently stroked the quiver on her back, sensing the sixteen arrows within!
The girl showed no trace of a smile; her impeccably exquisite face flashed with an indifferent coldness.
Compared to when she was performing her front-running escape, seemingly like the Idol Knight Nearl, now she seemed more like...
—The Armorless Union, high-level assassin, Platinum!
'Seventeen Uma Musume, gate sixteen...'
'Whatever, it's still slightly better than the outermost gate last time at the Japan Cup.'
'This time, I'll be a chaser and slowly enjoy the pleasure of the [Hunt].'
Honestly, Platinum wanted to see her upgraded Zone special effects, the Goddess Phantom, and the new running effects.
So aiming from behind should be most suitable for wantonly displaying special effects.
Having made her decision, the silver-haired girl quietly waited for the countdown to finish.
From Agnes Tachyon to Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen, they all waited with extreme seriousness for the gates to open.
[3!]
[2!]
[1!]
The next instant, as the gates flew open, all seventeen participant Uma Musume almost collectively burst out!
From Agnes Tachyon to the other popular Uma Musume, they almost all similarly chose to rush towards the inner lane!
But Platinum, on the wide outside lane, seemed to accidentally slow down half a beat.
However, her choice after exiting the gate was also the same this time. She didn't wildly dash out accelerating, but maintained a steady pace heading inward.
But compared to the other Uma Musume, she wasn't in a hurry to fight for the inner lane. Instead, after chasing the back of the pack, she indifferently took up the very last position!
What none of the Uma Musume ahead noticed was...
As the silver-haired Pegasus Platinum took each step after exiting the gate, dazzling, radiant, seven-colored light actually rose along her path.
The silver-haired maiden's gorgeous, dance-like steps created a rainbow-like path wherever they touched the turf, like a running light show!!
This unprecedented Rainbow Road was dominated and controlled by Platinum, as if the vast, boundless turf itself was conquered by Platinum.
This was merely Pegasus Platinum's first, insignificant special effect!
Platinum, revealing divine prowess before mortals!
And an unbelievable scene unfolded again. The large screen, which should have been zoomed out to show the positioning of all the Uma Musume...
Instead abruptly chose to magnify, not zoom out, and not magnify the front-running escapees, but the very last chaser, who should have the least broadcast value—Platinum!
The moment it magnified, the entire spectator stand, finally reacting from their shock, instantly erupted into an uproar, then boiled over with extreme shock!!!
"What in the world... is that??"
"Platinum's special effect? Unheard of! All the Uma Musume special effect material I collected don't have this one!"
"I'm not an Uma Musume, but I can actually see it?!"
"Pegasus, she must be a true Pegasus."
"No, no, this is clearly the darling of the Three Goddesses, their favorite daughter, right?"
Meanwhile, at the front, the sixteen Uma Musume were focused, looking ahead, or contemplating their running strategies internally.
Coupled with running at ultra-high speeds, they couldn't clearly make out the chaotic, numerous shocking exclamations, and couldn't see the special effects displayed by the chasing Platinum at their very rear.
The entire venue—only these dozen-plus Uma Musume temporarily didn't know what was happening!
Currently, Miss Pegasus was merely indifferently displaying her first running special effect, yet had already shocked the hundreds of thousands in the venue and the millions, even tens of millions, of live streaming viewers into utter madness!
And Platinum, occupying the last place, was still firmly locked onto and broadcasted by the large screen.
A few seconds later, people finally began noticing something new.
Namely—the quiver! That quiver which, from the world's perspective, had always been pitifully fully empty, now actually contained more than a dozen arrows, enough to shoot through the entire race!
"Th-this is the legendary race arrow that only Uma Musume can see!"
"That's right! Now ordinary people can see it too!!"
As countless people in the venue were utterly shocked or filled with fanatic excitement...
Only one person, on the high commentary platform, stared dumbfounded, as if playing a certain tower defense game and entering a stage that banned deploying sniper operators, or playing a certain dragon game unable to spin circles—completely stunned.
She was... the Emperor, Symboli Rudolf.
No, at this moment, it's better to say she was "Special Effects Commentator Symboli Rudolf."
'No way...'
The Emperor was dumbstruck!
'What... what am I even here for?'
--+--
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.