Spring Tenno Sho.
Before the ticket gates, several long queues had formed once again! The crowd behind was too numerous to count.
"Is this... the popularity and influence of the Pegasus?"
"Gwaa, Platinum, we adore you!"
"Hooray! Can Miss Platinum stay in Japan and race with us forever?!"
Many staff members working the current Spring Tenno Sho couldn't hide their pleasantly surprised expressions.
The defeat in the Osaka Cup was still fresh in everyone's minds, and there were fears that the Spring Tenno Sho would follow in its footsteps.
Before Platinum announced her entry into the Spring Tenno Sho, attention for this race seemed poised to replicate the Osaka Cup's disastrous turnout, heading for a painfully continuous collapse.
But ever since the news broke that the Pegasus would be competing in the Spring Tenno Sho, this long-distance G1 race, which had been all but forgotten by the public... suddenly saw its popularity skyrocket multiple times over in an incredibly short period.
Not only that, but there was also a surge in ticket purchases from overseas audiences, comparable to last year's international G1 race, the Japan Cup!
The number of spectators still waiting in line now surpassed even that of the Osaka Cup from not long ago, and that wasn't even counting the many who had already entered the venue!
Combined, the attendance was shaping up to rival that of the previous Arima Kinen, likely reaching over a hundred thousand!
It was important to remember that the Spring Tenno Sho, a domestic Japanese G1 race without international status, genuinely had zero overseas influence. The URA hadn't invested in any promotional efforts either.
Yet, simply because of one announcement—[Platinum's Entry]—overseas ticket sales for the Spring Tenno Sho had surged to levels comparable to last year's record-breaking Japan Cup and Arima Kinen. It was almost unbelievable.
The Pegasus's influence left the URA utterly awestruck.
Platinum's astonishing achievement of [Winning Two Crowns in a Single Day] hadn't just stunned Japanese fans—audiences from all over the world were equally amazed, and as a result... many chose to travel to Japan just to watch Platinum race.
Such popularity and influence, enough to single-handedly elevate an entire G1 race, was truly unprecedented in the history of Japanese Uma Musume.
"It seems that apologizing to Miss Platinum and doubling the prize money... was the most reasonable and completely worthwhile decision."
"The only one I can think of with this level of influence... is America's inspirational legend, [Seabiscuit]. Even our own inspirational and highly popular Oguri Cap here in Japan doesn't quite reach the heights of Seabiscuit or the Pegasus."
"It's a good thing the Pegasus forgave us. Without her, the Spring Tenno Sho would've been done for."
"Even though the Pegasus will eventually go overseas, as long as she runs one or two Japanese G1s each year, that's more than enough..."
Among the URA staff members who couldn't stop marveling, many understood the situation clearly.
Doubling the prize money wasn't going to keep a Legendary Uma Musume who was aiming for greatness in Japan forever.
Showing this level of apology and sincerity, enough for the Pegasus to accept and agree to run a race or two, was already a stroke of luck for the URA.
Asking for more? How could that be possible? Japanese races simply couldn't support Platinum's journey to the highest echelons of legend.
So, in a way, every race Platinum ran in Japan from now on might truly be one fewer chance to see her!
It wasn't just the URA who understood this—countless Japanese fans were also well aware, and they absolutely didn't want to miss what could be the Pegasus' last one or two races in Japan before she embarked on her overseas campaign!
Whether she left right after this Spring Tenno Sho or after securing her qualification for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in the Takarazuka Kinen, these two races were undoubtedly the countdown.
And so, today's spectacular scene came to be—endless local fans eagerly flocked to witness the Pegasus' [Final Dance] before her expedition!!
--+--
Amid the sea of people waiting in line...
Even the Mejiro family, one of Japan's top-tier Uma Musume Bloodlines, had numerous active and retired Uma Musume as spectators at this moment.
For example, Mejiro Dober, Mejiro Ramonu, and Mejiro Ardan.
These Mejiro Uma Musume were waiting in line together with considerable interest.
One particularly mature, lady-like Uma Musume, Mejiro Ramonu, gazed at the crowd with great interest.
"This is far more lively than any Spring Tenno Sho I've seen in the past."
"No wonder the arrogant URA bowed to an Uma Musume for the first time. Survival is worth more than pride."
The Osaka Cup from a while back had put the URA in a seriously tough spot! It set a record low for attendance in a Japanese middle-distance G1!
But looking at the Spring Tenno Sho now...
The URA had turned the situation around!
As for how they managed it... don't ask, it's not important!
"By the way, Ramonu-nee."
"Do you really think McQueen has a chance? How would you rate her odds of winning?"
The seemingly delicate and elegant Mejiro Ardan asked Mejiro Ramonu beside her.
Currently, Mejiro McQueen held the second highest popularity. As for who was first—that wasn't even a question.
In the pre-race popularity vote, Platinum, who was entering the Spring Tenno Sho for the first time, took a staggering 80% of the votes. She alone had more votes than the other nearly twenty Uma Musume combined!
Meanwhile, Mejiro McQueen, the two-time defending champion who should have been recognized with an absolute advantage, only managed to secure 10% of the votes, even with her track record and the support of the Mejiro family fans.
The remaining less-than-10% was split among the other dozen or so Uma Musume.
This distribution of popularity votes was in a league of its own, even when considering Japan's entire century history of tens of thousands of races. The level of recognition for the Pegasus Platinum's popularity and strength was truly remarkable!
Mejiro Ramonu smiled slightly, though a trace of solemnity lingered in her expression.
"No, encouraging someone is one thing, thinking they have a real chance is another. They can't be lumped together."
Beside her, Mejiro Dober thought somewhat puzzledly.
"But Ramonu-nee, didn't you... say that McQueen has what it takes to stand up to the Pegasus?"
"Mhm, I did say that. McQueen is truly exceptional and has a possibility of winning."
"But as long as that possibility exists, no matter how small, as long as it's not 0%, it can be considered having [what it takes to fight], right?"
As Mejiro Ramonu continued, she crossed her arms, and the worry on her face was evident even to the two younger Uma Musume beside her.
So then... this wasn't about actually thinking McQueen had a chance—it was just about encouraging her to stay confident against Platinum?!
"Generally speaking, factors like being overraced, poor condition, unfavorable tracks or courses, or heavy going..."
"Can cause an Uma Musume's performance to drop by a whole level."
"The most classic example is world-class foreign Uma Musume in the Japan Cup. Even superstars who've won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe or the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes can suffer shocking defeats in the Japan Cup."
"And the Pegasus... isn't just world-class. She's enshrined numerous world-class Uma Musume as honor-displaying statues, and she decisively defeated Manhattan Cafe, who excels at long distances, in the Kikuka Sho."
When Mejiro Ramonu reached this point, Mejiro Ardan nodded in agreement.
"Therefore, among the factors that could lead to underperformance... the only ones that might apply to Platinum are being overraced or poor condition."
"At the very, very most, it might only bring the Pegasus down to world-class level. And the probability of that is extremely low—how could Platinum, who achieved the Irregular Quadruple Crown and Two Crowns in one day, possibly be afraid of being overraced?"
"So..."
The clever Mejiro Ardan didn't need to finish.
But the universally accepted creed of Uma Musume racing was: nothing is absolute in a race!
As long as McQueen didn't give up, her chance of winning wouldn't be 0%, right?
"For now, let's just believe in McQueen. This race isn't just a one-on-one; there are other strong contenders."
"Like Manhattan Cafe, and also..."
"Rice Shower!"
"That's even more dangerous. It could turn into a free-for-all, which might increase her chances."
Mejiro McQueen, who had stepped into this gamble, had no intention of suffering a crushing defeat in a direct showdown. She was quite satisfied with this chaotic, star-studded race.
This is a high-stakes gamble, my friend.
But since it's a gamble, it represents both high risk and potential reward!
"After all, McQueen is the first queen in Spring Tenno Sho history to achieve back-to-back wins."
"At the very least, aiming for second while striving for first shouldn't be a problem."
Finally, Mejiro Ramonu delivered her judgment and conclusion.
In other words... she might not make it to the Winner's Stage, but she'd likely earn a place in the Pegasus' Hall of Fame!
In a way, could that be considered an honor as well?
But without a doubt, for the Mejiro family's meticulously cultivated masterpiece—the long-distance overlord, Mejiro McQueen—the Pegasus' Hall of Fame wasn't some lofty honor she needed to pursue!
Aiming for second while striving for first—for the absolute monster who had already won two consecutive titles in this event and was charging toward an unprecedented third...
I'm afraid it could be said to be easy, right?!
--+--
Meanwhile, in the spectator stands.
In the front rows, two petite young Uma Musume were eagerly holding small cheer signs in their arms.
Satono Diamond and Kitasan Black, who had queued as loyal fans for who-knows-how-many times, had arrived early and finally managed to get in successfully just moments ago.
"Phew... there are so many people."
"Yeah, after all, this race is either Platinum's final dance or her second-to-last race. Who would want to miss it?"
"Right now, everyone in Japan, from top to bottom, is a fan of Miss Pegasus!"
Satono Diamond couldn't help but voice her amazement.
For Japanese Uma Musume fans, for as long as they could remember, seeing a Japanese Uma Musume win an international G1... had always been a distant dream.
Of course, if you included the Japan Cup, the situation was a bit better.
But everyone knew deep down that the Japan Cup was practically worthless aside from its prize money—it was a low-to-mid-tier international G1 with no real global influence.
On top of that, in recent years, the Japan Cup track had been adjusted to become harder and harder, increasingly diverging from foreign racecourses.
In another ten or twenty years, the Japan Cup would still struggle to become a top-tier international G1 with global influence, like the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes or the Epsom Derby.
But now, Platinum's incredible achievement of winning both the Epsom Derby and the Dubai World Cup in a single day was a feat that stunned even Europe and America!
Any 'power-level' enthusiast would be converted into a fan in the face of the Pegasus!
"Miss Platinum is the greatest in the world!!"
While waiting for the race to begin, Satono Diamond lowered her head, took a pen from her pocket, and added her support to the cheer sign.
Soon, she finished writing with practiced ease.
[Platinum! The Strongest!!]
[The Pegasus' Solo Dance!!]
As she prepared to put the pen away, Satono Diamond seemed to remember something.
"Oh right, Miss McQueen is here too."
"Well then—"
Quickly, in the lower right corner of the cheer sign, a tiny line of encouraging text appeared.
[Go Miss McQueen, aim for second place!]
Logically, since both her idols were competing on the same stage, she should support them equally and be happy whoever won.
But Satono Diamond felt...
In terms of pure ability, Miss Pegasus was definitely above Miss McQueen!
So, if she equally supported Miss McQueen winning and thought either outcome was fine, that would be a little…—favoring Mejiro McQueen over Platinum.
Yeah, she was a rational fan.
"Gwaa, Platinum, we adore you!"
"The Pegasus is great, no need for words!"
--+--
In the Uma Musume's preparation room.
'—This isn't right!!'
As the former and previous Spring Tenno Sho champion, the long-distance overlord, Mejiro McQueen.
At this moment, this elegant and powerful young lady from a prestigious family was gritting her teeth slightly, sensing that something was off!
Mejiro McQueen stood dumbfounded, realizing that the opponents in this race seemed a bit too strong.
To her left was a calm, dark-haired girl—Manhattan Cafe—a young standout who had already demonstrated her domain in classic races and had the potential to challenge McQueen's long-distance throne.
To her right was a petite dark horse girl who hadn't garnered much attention before the race. Her jet-black hair covered one eye, and a blue flower adorned her bangs.
A short sword, resembling an assassin's dagger, hung at her waist. This Uma Musume, who like the Pegasus possessed rare victory outfit weaponry, was named... Rice Shower.
Though compared to the large weapon nearly half her height carried by Platinum, the short sword at Rice Shower's waist was small enough to be mistaken for a dagger—a relatively inconspicuous minor weapon, but still quite rare.
On either side of Mejiro McQueen, these two Uma Musume, whose hair and victory outfits were predominantly black, radiated an intimidating aura so startling that it made her hairs stand on end, triggering an instinctual sense of caution.
It made sense for Manhattan Cafe to be like this, as she held the third highest popularity, right after Platinum and McQueen.
But Rice Shower, an ordinary Uma Musume with modest popularity, was now exuding a presence that surprised even Mejiro McQueen.
It was undoubtedly an aura that surpassed the upper limit of talented Uma Musume, reaching the level that only top-tier Uma Musume could possess... [Zone]!!
'What? No way, this many?'
'Platinum and I have Zones. Manhattan Cafe, entering her older horse years, fully mastering her Zone is understandable.'
'But Rice Shower—she's mastered her Zone too and is here to stir things up?'
It was worth noting that even the Japan Cup and Arima Kinen, widely regarded as Japan's toughest races, don't normally bring together so many Zone-wielding Uma Musume!
This year's Spring Tenno Sho had a concentration of strong competitors unlike any other in history.
After her initial shock, this calm and composed young lady didn't panic or lose her composure.
On the contrary, she felt a flicker of relief.
If only she and Platinum possessed Zones, that would have been terrible news.
Because then... it would inevitably turn into a [one-on-one] showdown, testing pure ability in the most straightforward way.
Forget Japan—you couldn't find an Uma Musume in all of Asia who could handle that, could you?
But now, with an intense free-for-all shaping up, Mejiro McQueen felt somewhat reassured.
'Not exactly 'my advantage,' but at least it's good news, right?!'
As she waited...
Before long, the door opened once again.
This time, a silver-white girl stepped into the preparation room.
The moment Platinum entered, she skillfully removed the arrow quiver from her back and took out her bow and arrows.
As she prepared to sling them over her shoulder, her gaze lingered briefly on the petite dark-haired girl beside Mejiro McQueen.
That was... Rice Shower?!
The silver-white girl looked on with increased interest.
Then, she turned her attention to Mejiro McQueen with a hint of... pity in her expression.
Platinum suddenly wondered what result this Mejiro daughter, whose three-peat was about to be thwarted, would achieve.
'In the anime, Rice Shower managed to overtake her.'
'Now, what place will McQueen get?'
Intrigued, the silver-white girl stared straight at Mejiro McQueen, a slight smile playing on her lips.
From Mejiro McQueen's perspective, she noticed Platinum's gaze resting on her the longest.
Was Platinum...
Viewing her as the biggest threat? The one to watch most closely?
Though she couldn't quite understand it—Platinum's gaze lacked much fighting spirit, instead holding something else, an emotion Mejiro McQueen couldn't immediately decipher.
But since Platinum was paying more attention to her, it must mean she was the most noteworthy, a sign of approval, right?
A sense of being acknowledged by a powerful opponent welled up in Mejiro McQueen's heart.
After all, she was the second most popular and, in the eyes of the public, the most capable Uma Musume aside from the Pegasus!
"Platinum, I've been waiting for you."
"Ever since the Japan Derby ended, I knew you would be the final obstacle to my three-peat."
"Give it your all—I won't lose."
Mejiro McQueen lifted her chin, projecting absolute confidence.
Even though the Pegasus' stamina was on par with hers, and her power and explosiveness were terrifying, this wasn't a one-on-one match. There are no absolutes in racing!
Aim for second, strive for first! Even if she had to settle for second, she couldn't perform worse than Daiwa Scarlet, let alone allow the Pegasus dance alone on the Winner's Stage!
This was Mejiro McQueen's goal.
The pre-race declaration from Japan's contemporary long-distance overlord with the most outstanding record prompted Platinum to respond in an utterly calm tone.
"If you lose..."
"Can you promise not to cry?"
These were the exact words... Mejiro McQueen had asked Tokai Teio before defeating her.
And before the Japan Cup showdown with Tokai Teio, Platinum had said this once, causing Tokai Teio to freeze, reminded of her previous defeat.
Now, Platinum was saying these words a second time!
Only this time, they were directed at the proud young lady from a prestigious family, Mejiro McQueen, a past winner of the Spring Tenno Sho!
Mejiro McQueen, dressed in her magnificent victory outfit, was momentarily stunned.
The next second, she regained her elegant yet confident smile, lightly tossing her hair.
"Hmph, who do you think I am?"
"Don't underestimate me. I'm nothing like any of the runners-up you've defeated before!"
After all, this masterpiece of the Mejiro family was once considered Japan's Long-Distance GOAT!
Mejiro McQueen's confident words and reaction were fully overheard by Manhattan Cafe and Rice Shower on either side of her.
Before the conversation could continue...
The door was knocked on from outside once again.
A URA staff member entered to give a reminder.
"Please get ready; it's almost time to enter the track."
"Miss Platinum, as the most popular contender, please prepare to enter the starting gate."
Immediately, the silver-white girl calmly walked toward the passageway.
[Next to appear... is the Pegasus Platinum, making her first Spring Tenno Sho appearance with the highest pre-race popularity votes in Japanese history, nearly universally favored to win!]
[After the 3000-meter Kikuka Sho, Platinum is now tackling the grueling 3200-meter distance for the first time, but her dominant victory in the Dubai World Cup leaves no room to doubt her stamina.]
[Let's wait and see what shocking record the Pegasus will deliver in long-distance racing!]
The languid Silver-White Maiden made her way to her decent No. 8 gate.
Compared to the continuous 1-Star outer gates she'd drawn recently, this gate position was considerably better.
Platinum found herself feeling a bit troubled.
This time... what running style should she use?
Her worry wasn't the opponents' strength, but which tactic to employ.
As Platinum stepped onto the turf, the crowd of over a hundred thousand spectators erupted into incredibly enthusiastic cheers.
"Platinum!! Platinum!! Platinum!!"
"Wuuu, don't go yet, Platinum! Stay in Japan, please! I'm still in school and can't go abroad to watch your races!"
"Go, Pegasus! Prove you're Japan's long-distance GOAT!"
"Miss Platinum is the greatest in the world!"
Amid the roaring cheers, the silver-white figure reached her starting gate.
[Next to enter is Mejiro McQueen, the first Uma Musume in history to achieve back-to-back wins in the Spring Tenno Sho!]
[Before the race, when asked by fans on social media if she felt disappointed about being second in popularity votes, her response was: 'I don't need the top popularity vote—I just want first place!']
[With the blood of Mejiro flowing through her veins, hailed as the most outstanding in her family's history, renowned for long-distance prowess, can she overcome the Pegasus and achieve an unprecedented three-peat?]
[Let's... look forward to this unparalleled clash of long-distance royalty!]
--+--
A short time later.
[3!]
All Uma Musume were in the gates, and the quiver on Platinum's back automatically loaded over a dozen arrows.
[2!]
[1!]
The gates flew open.
The dozen-plus Uma Musume surged forward together!
In this race, which severely tested stamina and made it difficult to conserve energy for a powerful final kick, securing a forward position was the most reliable strategy.
And the silver-white girl, Platinum...
She noticed with slight surprise that Mejiro McQueen, in the gate beside her, burst into acceleration the moment they started, rushing straight to the front to lead.
The famously pace-loving Mejiro McQueen was going for... [the lead]?
"Interesting!"
Intrigued, the silver-white girl promptly settled in behind Mejiro McQueen.
—Platinum wanted to see just how far Mejiro McQueen could push this pace!
--+--
T/N: MY DAUGHTER NO.2
--+--
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.