On the other side, after seeing Oguri Cap off into the contestants' backstage, her mother made her way along the railing to the spectator stands.
There, she ran into the members of Oguri Cap's team.
"Mr. Musaka, and Berno-chan, you're both here."
"Auntie."
Berno Light quickly stood up, bowed in greeting, and then invited Oguri Cap's mother to sit beside her.
"Good day, Mrs. Oguri. Thank you for taking the trouble to bring Oguri Cap here today."
Trainer Musaka Ginjirou greeted her with a rare, calm tone.
Facing this mother, who had toiled since childhood—words like "through hardship and sorrow" weren't enough to describe her—Musaka Ginjirou respected her from the bottom of his heart.
"Not at all. I should be thanking you for giving me and Oguri Cap enough space. It's been a long time since we've spent time together like this, just mother and daughter."
Carefully smoothing her skirt as she sat on the bench, Mrs. Oguri wore a smile on her face.
Recalling the little moments shared with her daughter these past few days, a wave of happiness welled up inside her.
'These past few days together have been so precious.'
Trainer Musaka's expression was still a bit intimidating, but the joy in his words was unmistakable.
"Oguri Cap's growth is sure to surprise everyone. She's become an Uma Musume who can make history."
"Yes, my little Oguri has already achieved her dream, but I can't help feeling a bit empty inside. It's a rather complicated feeling."
"That's probably the mix of pride and sadness all mothers feel when they watch their children grow up and gradually move away," Trainer Musaka offered, doing his best to comfort her.
The two elders chatted about all sorts of amusing stories, especially those particularly related to Oguri Cap.
Mrs. Oguri shared funny anecdotes from Oguri Cap's childhood, while Trainer Musaka correspondingly told some of her more foolish moments at the central tracks. Both gained a deeper understanding of Oguri Cap through the exchange.
'I can't get a word in here!'
Only Berno Light on the side felt completely unable to join the conversation. With both of them being elders, she didn't dare speak up on her own.
'This feels like torture...'
--+--
Up in the spectator stands, Nearl and Platinum had also arrived at the venue. After all, this was an important G1 race for Oguri Cap—no reason to miss it.
But they had come with the Mejiro family.
"Nearl, you've been going out very early these past few days. Morning runs shouldn't take that long, right?"
Ardan, walking beside Nearl, asked curiously.
"It's not just morning runs. I've also been acting as a training partner for an Uma Musume. She's quite talented, but she's weak in certain areas of knowledge."
"You've gone and taken on another task! You never let yourself rest. That's really not good, you know."
Ardan criticized Nearl with a touch of heartache.
Ever since she had known Nearl, she had never seen her truly relax. There was always something to be done.
Now, finally in a relatively free period, she had gone and found herself working as both a coach and a training partner.
Nearl wasn't a machine. Ardan was genuinely worried she would run her body down until it became as fragile as her own.
"I'm just not someone who can stay idle. For me, this is already a form of rest."
Nearl shook her head dismissively.
In her other hand, she was holding the hand of Mejiro McQueen. Ever since that day, the child had completely dropped all pretense and now clung to Nearl all the time.
Even coming to watch the race, she insisted on holding Nearl's hand.
"Nearl, who do you think will win? Will it be Tamamo Cross?"
Little McQueen tugged on Nearl's hand, looking up at her with curious eyes.
"Why does McQueen think it will be Tamamo Cross?"
Nearl crouched down half-way to meet McQueen's eye level and asked kindly.
"Hmm... because everyone says she's the strongest in Japan right now, so I think she'll win."
After thinking for a moment, little McQueen gave a conventional answer.
Nearl showed no particular reaction to this answer—neither dissatisfaction nor agreement.
"McQueen, the stronger someone is, the more they often have to carry. It's the same for Uma Musume. That strength will fade one day. Only what we learn from it will continue to shine."
Seeing the confusion in little McQueen's eyes, Nearl smiled wryly.
"Sorry, I made it too complicated. Simply put, I don't think Tamamo-senpai will take first place this time."
"Well, if you say so, Nearl, then Miss Tamamo Cross probably won't win. So who will?"
"It's hard to say..."
Nearl smiled troubledly.
"The outcome is quite uncertain. If a 'certain fan' can truly understand some of the techniques I taught her, she might have a chance at first place too."
"But the most likely winner is probably Tony Bianca."
"You taught her?"
Ardan and McQueen couldn't understand what Nearl was talking about.
"Smile."
This time, Nearl only offered a faint smile and said no more.
But she stood up and looked toward the direction of the restrooms, as if she could see right through the walls.
'Whoever comes seeking help, I will give it my all, holding nothing back. Miss Obey, the result of this race depends on whether you can replicate the skills I showed you.'
--+--
"Whew." *N
With a chorus of overlapping exhales, the Uma Musume competing this time almost simultaneously entered their race states.
Their experience from multiple competitions told them: showtime had arrived.
"Hello, everyone! Welcome to Tokyo Racecourse today! The main event this time is the international G1, the Japan Cup!"
"Wooohoooo!!"
The commentator had barely finished his opening line when the venue erupted. The spectators cheered with fervent excitement.
"2400 meters on turf, clear weather, good track condition. For today's Japan Cup, 14 powerful Uma Musume from around the world have gathered here."
"Here they come! They're making their entrance one by one!"
The stage curtains parted, and one after another, the Uma Musume stepped forward for their introductions, each one met with a wave of cheers.
"From the United States, Michelle My Baby! Her weapon is her proud, resilient physique. Can she seize glory with it this time?"
"Breathtaking beauty! A world-class late burst! From New Zealand, can Ellerslie Glory demonstrate her willpower?!"
"The British moonlight shining once again upon Japanese turf! Can Moonlight Lunacy redeem last year's defeat?"
"The pride of Japan, a beautiful young Uma Musume. May her prowess shine as brightly as her looks. Gold City!"
--+--
The commentator's passionate voice echoed around the venue as the Uma Musume took to the stage in order.
Meanwhile, backstage, Tamamo Cross and Obey Your Master met face-to-face for the first time.
"Hey! Japan's top star! How's your condition? Me? I'm in perfect form, oh!"
Obey Your Master, upon seeing one of the top three names on her threat list, unceremoniously moved closer and gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder.
But clearly, Tamamo Cross wasn't fond of the contact.
"Keep your distance, you overly familiar weirdo. We've only just met."
Her ears flicked back in annoyance as Tamamo Cross glared fiercely at this bizarrely dressed individual.
--+--
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.