The School Selection Race had always been one of Tracen's most important traditions. Through these races, Tracen could identify talented students early on, allowing trainers to start guiding these promising young Uma Musume as soon as possible.
It was, undeniably, the perfect opportunity for those looking to find a good trainer, and Kagura-chan took it especially seriously. That was exactly why she'd volunteered to help Nice Nature with her special training for today.
On Selection Race day, Tracen opened its gates to visitors, requiring only a quick registration for anyone wishing to enter campus. Naturally, that made today's atmosphere especially lively—though Kagura-chan felt the biggest reason for this bustling excitement was the arrival of two cheering squads from the shopping streets. One group was from the Tokyo shopping street, and the other from Nice Nature's hometown shopping district. Their laughter and conversations mingled loudly in the crowd, clearly having found plenty of common ground.
Nice Nature had registered for the 2000-meter race scheduled in the morning. The weather today was quite favorable: dry and cloudy without glaring sunlight, leaving the track conditions excellent.
Adding even more buzz was the appearance of Rudolf Ojou-sama, whose attendance to spectate had sent interest in the race skyrocketing. Akikawa Yayoi even had to hastily bring in additional seating to accommodate everyone.
"Don't be nervous, Nature. I've already checked out your opponents. None of them pose any real threat to you. Trust yourself—but don't underestimate them, either. Just run exactly as we practiced."
Inside the waiting area for racers, Kagura-chan offered Nice Nature last-minute advice. In truth, it was mostly to calm Nature's anxious nerves. Kagura-chan, who'd asked Trainer Tojo to look into the competitors, was confident that as long as Nature kept her cool, victory would be no problem at all.
"I understand... Honestly, I...can't ever be as calm as you, Kagura-chan. If you weren't here with me, I probably would've chickened out even after signing up..."
"Don't overthink it, Nature. Just know that right now, I'm here beside you. Believe in yourself—you'll definitely succeed."
Kagura-chan hugged Nature warmly, gently patting her back. Nature nodded, returning the embrace, feeling comforted by Kagura-chan's calming presence.
"Nice Nature-san, participant in the 2000-meter race, please prepare to enter the track!"
Hearing the announcement, Nature realized it was time. She released Kagura-chan and saw her friend smiling gently at her.
"Nature, good luck!"
"Okay...I'm off!"
Nice Nature nodded firmly, turned, and walked resolutely towards the entrance tunnel.
——My, you truly care for that girl, don't you? Having you as a friend might be the greatest blessing of her life.
The familiar writing of Eclipse-san appeared briefly on Kagura-chan's phone, then faded slowly away.
Eclipse-san, what do you think of today's race?
——What's there to think about? You've already checked all her opponents. They're just kids still in school, most don't even have trainers. How could they compete against that girl? Unless some hidden genius suddenly emerges, she can't possibly lose.
If Nature had faced that rumored prodigy, perhaps things might've been interesting. But now, seeing her opponents were just inexperienced students without proper trainers, Eclipse-san couldn't imagine anyone standing a chance against the formally trained Nature.
After watching Nice Nature depart, Kagura-chan left the waiting area and headed to the stands. She paused a moment, deciding where to watch from. Nature's cheering squads were gathered around the middle section, and though Kagura-chan initially thought of joining them, she eventually decided to wait near the final stretch.
Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever officially cheered for anyone before... What should I even say...?
...
Nice Nature emerged onto the track from the waiting area.
For young Uma Musume, 2000 meters was still a challenging distance. Most Selection Race participants favored shorter distances or mile races. This was the only 2000-meter event, the one Nice Nature had chosen.
She didn't recognize any of her competitors. Her social circle was pretty limited—outside her classmates, Kagura-chan was practically her only real friend.
Since I made it to Tracen, I must have some talent, right? Today... I should be able to pull this off!
Nature gazed toward the finish line, silently encouraging herself.
She didn't know if it was some curse, but whether it was tests or races, she had always, bizarrely, placed third. As if the number "3" had some grudge against her. She couldn't even remember how long it had haunted her, chipping away at her confidence, stealing away her desire for victory—until that fateful afternoon:
"Thank you for helping me carry this! I'm Inari Kagura, maid of the Symboli family."
This little Uma Musume she'd met by chance had painted vivid colors into her otherwise plain world, constantly encouraging her to experience even brighter scenery. It seemed her life's turning points—from entering Tracen to competing today—all revolved around this little girl.
"Today's weather is quite pleasant, and this 2000-meter race is starting under perfect track conditions..."
The commentator's voice floated in the distance, but Nature paid little attention.
Where is Kagura-chan?
She had spotted her cheering squad but couldn't see Kagura-chan anywhere. Still, she believed wholeheartedly that Kagura-chan was out there, somewhere in the stands watching over her.
Nature stepped into the gate, focusing intently ahead.
Clang!
The gates sprang open sharply, and Nature launched smoothly onto the track, precisely following Kagura-chan's strategy and settling behind the leading group.
"Excellent start! Everyone is smoothly out of the gates. This race is the only 2000-meter event today. I hope everyone performs their very best."
Listening carefully, Nature recognized Rudolf Ojou-sama's voice commentating. No wonder it sounded so familiar. She instinctively glanced toward the commentary booth, but couldn't see Kagura-chan.
No—I can't get distracted! Kagura-chan said to stay focused, respect opponents, and never underestimate them!
Realizing she'd briefly drifted, Nature quickly refocused her attention.
The leading group was disorganized. Nature easily spotted a path for breaking through, provided their pacing stayed unchanged.
Behind her, no one seemed to be attempting a move, and Nature comfortably held the front position among the chasers.
"The front runners are fighting fiercely for the lead. Is this really a good strategy?" Rudolf Ojou-sama observed critically.
"Ara ara, looks like the leading group is pushing themselves too hard. Let's hope they find a chance to catch their breath!" added the cheerful, youthful voice of Maruzensky-san.
With that leading group's reckless pacing, they've already exhausted themselves. Kagura's precious friend just lost three potential rivals. Rudolf Ojou-sama noted, her gaze shifting approvingly to Nice Nature.
To her satisfaction, Nature's performance clearly stood out. The leading group was a mess, and the chasing group behind Nature looked thoroughly restrained. Nature was poised perfectly, waiting to strike.
Passing the midpoint, cheers from the crowd echoed across the track, and suddenly, a familiar voice rose above the rest:
"Do your best, Nature-chan! Go for it!!"
"Nature-neechan, let's gooo!!"
Ah, Mom! Everyone from the shopping street!
Warm excitement surged within Nature, spurring her on. She felt energized, noticing an ideal opportunity to break away approaching the third turn—
"Kaki—!!"
A sudden outburst from a tiring frontrunner startled Nature. She instinctively maneuvered, just as Kagura-chan taught, smoothly avoiding the faltering Uma Musume—but missed her ideal breakaway timing.
That was close! Kagura-chan warned me about this scenario...Damn, now I have to find another chance...
As the final turn neared, her eyes finally caught sight of a tiny, dark-haired figure at the edge of the track she'd longed to see—
"Nature-neesan! You've got this!!"
Kagura-chan!!
That small, sweet voice lit a fire deep within her heart.
A lot of hopes and dreams ride on me...I won't lose—I'll never lose!!
"Right here... I'll surpass you all!!"
Nature accelerated explosively, seizing a risky opening and surging through the pack, leaving gasps and disbelief behind her.
"She's still accelerating!! Nobody can catch her now!"
"I did it... I actually did it—I really did it!!!"
Panting, overwhelmed with joy, Nature raised her fist to the sky.
And finally, after countless years, the shadow of the number "3" had lifted from her heart forever.