"Now I'm at ease. Was there anything else you wished to tell me today?"
"There was, but now it feels unnecessary. You seem to have already found your resolve."
Pushing her glasses up, Toujou Hana saw a Suzuka radiating a completely different light than when she'd been in her own team—like a different person altogether.
"Indeed, some Uma Musume are born chasing dreams. Nothing can hold back their stride, not even injury. The path you're on now, Suzuka, will be arduous and inevitably intertwined with suffering."
Toujou's expression remained unchanged, but the concern and sigh in her words weren't lost on Suzuka, who smiled slightly, her eyes crinkling with quiet joy.
"It's a bit embarrassing to say, but this is the first time I've felt Ms. Toujou's concern so clearly. Sometimes you need distance to see things better."
"No need for words like that. It sounds almost like a jab at my failed guidance."
Smoothing her long hair with a resigned sigh, she steered the conversation away.
"Well, it's almost time for your race. I shouldn't keep you any longer. Besides, my original purpose here is done."
"Original purpose?"
A flicker of confusion shone in Suzuka's emerald eyes.
"To see if you were fitting in with that scatterbrained Okino. He and I go way back. While our philosophies clash, his skill as a trainer is undeniable—his character, however, is another matter."
"Not at all. The trainer is... interesting. Getting along with him feels easy and comfortable, like he's a friend my own age."
"Heh, so you're on the same wavelength? You might be quite an unusual girl yourself, Suzuka."
Pushing the door open, Toujou Hana left without ceremony. As long as Suzuka was in good spirits, she had nothing more to say.
Suzuka might push her body too far and get injured, or she might luck her way through the Twinkle Series. Only the Three Goddesses would know. All Toujou could do now was wish her well in her heart.
'Suzuka, I truly hope that look of hope and anticipation for the future never leaves you.'
Those words echoed only within Toujou Hana's heart, likely heard by just one person.
Well, perhaps a few more?
--+--
The usual entrance, the usual stage, the usual cheers—a race featuring Nearl was always like this, the atmosphere so electric it felt like magic had been cast.
"Nearl-san, your popularity is as high as ever. Everyone's so excited to see you."
Stretching before entering the starting gate, Silence Suzuka instinctively drew closer as Nearl approached.
"You'll have this too one day, Suzuka-san."
"Thank you, but I don't really mind. Maybe many Uma Musume enjoy being in the spotlight, but I'm better suited to being alone."
"It's too early to say that. You might make close friends in the future. Maybe you'll become as close as sisters."
"That wouldn't be bad, but with my personality, I might not be very likable to others."
Nearl didn't elaborate. After all, memories of a past life could hardly serve as a reason.
"Let's change the subject. Your decision to join this race, Suzuka-san, basically means giving up on the Japanese Derby, right? I don't think Trainer Okino would agree to you racing twice in one month."
"Do you think my decision is unwise?"
Suzuka's smile was bittersweet yet accepting.
"But this is truly what my heart is telling me. The Classic Triple Crown is unique, yet there are winners every year. Unless you win all three crowns, you're just one star among many."
"I'm not an Uma Musume capable of winning the Triple Crown. So while the Japanese Derby is important to me, there will be more chances later."
"That's why I followed my heart's desire—this desire to run with you, Nearl. It's strange. Losing is painful, yet running with you alone feels encouraging. Is this what they call personal charm?"
"In any case, I wanted to share the stage with you, Nearl. While we could have both run in the Derby, I'm better at mile races—consider this a little trick of mine. Please forgive me?"
Looking at the bashful, slightly embarrassed girl before her, Nearl understood her feelings well enough. No matter how humble she was, the reality wouldn't change: Nearl had already achieved such a status.
"Don't expect me to go easy on you."
"Yes, please give it your all, Nearl-san. If the view ahead includes you, that would be wonderful."
"That's the best declaration of war I've ever heard."
They locked eyes. Suzuka's expression was strikingly similar to Nearl's—both filled with anticipation and seriousness. This wasn't about winning or losing; it was pure, unadulterated love for running that stirred them.
"Prepare to enter the gates!"
The commentator's voice rang out, officially marking the start of the race. The field fell into a hushed calm, like the heavy clouds before a storm.
"Clang!"
"And they're off!"
"The NHK Mile Cup is now underway! A 1600-meter turf race at Tokyo Racecourse. Will the Radiant Knight display her usual dominance today?"
"Whoa! That signature opening dash again—instant, breathtaking acceleration! Just how much boundless power is hidden in those well-proportioned legs? Truly astonishing."
Watching the replay-like start on the track, the audience's awe remained undiminished.
The spectators here were seasoned fans of Uma Musume races. Claiming they'd seen thousands of races might be an exaggeration, but hundreds was no stretch.
Even so, in all their years of spectating, they'd never seen a Uma Musume embody raw power and impact so vividly, so tangibly.
The turf flying at her launch, the hoofprints stamped into the track as she ran—these visible phenomena were impossible to ignore. But even before the visuals registered, a sort of sixth sense took over, letting them feel it: a heavy, tremorous, and grand aura.
They were captivated by the sheer force.
"Though, the only ones probably groaning at the sight of the Radiant Knight running are the groundskeeper crews. I bet they're watching the live broadcast in agony right now."
"Hahaha, this commentator's hilarious! Why didn't I get someone like this during my races?"
Clearly, it wasn't just the live audience who were amused. Some Uma Musume watching the broadcast were also swept up in the laughter.
"Chief Mr. C.B., this is the office. Even if you're watching TV during work hours, please try not to laugh so loudly."
The Uma Musume outside the office tried hesitantly to dissuade her, but who was Mr. C.B.? She waved a hand dismissively, utterly unconcerned.
"Work? I'm the boss here! I declare that watching this race is now our official duty!"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! 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.