She was a serious and responsible student council president—Rudolf knew this well. Yet in the end, Rudolf chose to remain silent.
Just as Air Groove had her own obsessions, nurturing the Uma Musume of Tracen Academy with a mother's meticulous care…
Rudolf, too, had hers.
She wanted to rely on her own efforts to completely overwhelm that black-clad Uma Musume.
"I want every Uma Musume to be seen by the world. I want their efforts to be rewarded."
That was Rudolf's firm resolve.
Air Groove, receiving no answer, finally let out a soft sigh and didn't press further.
She was puzzled, unable to understand why Rudolf wouldn't tell her. But in the end, Air Groove chose to trust.
Because in Rudolf's eyes, she saw a blazing determination no less intense than when she competed for the Japan Cup.
On that star-studded stage where famed horses from across the world gathered, on that ultimate battlefield where the strongest converged, everyone gave their all—
She had a feeling.
The "Emperor" of the racetrack was finally returning to the place that was rightfully hers.
--+--
This year's Japanese Derby was an unprecedented spectacle. Everyone's attention was focused on the favorite to win: Narita Brian.
"Just ten minutes—no, even five would be enough! Please, let us interview Narita Brian!"
Outside Tracen Academy's gates swarmed reporters clutching microphones, each hoping to snag a headline before the race.
And what was the headline?
It had to be Narita Brian's thoughts on the upcoming race—some pointed remarks from her.
Even a few words from her printed in the papers would guarantee massive attention.
But as a fiercely independent and talented Uma Musume, Narita Brian rarely gave interviews during her daily training, including the pre-race preparation period.
In the past, reporters might have tried asking the Chairwoman or her secretary for special access, or even resorted to inquiring with the trainers.
But today, blocking their path weren't the school guards, teachers, or trainers. Instead, it was a group of discipline committee members, their arms adorned with green bands bearing the characters for "Discipline," forming an impenetrable wall at the entrance.
"No. The student council president's orders: no outsiders are allowed on campus before the race."
"As members of the school's discipline committee, it's our duty to uphold the rules. We won't make exceptions."
Faced with the well-organized committee, the reporters stood their ground.
"We're only acting on the public's interest, checking in on the Uma Musume who are competing! How is that breaking the rules?"
"Exactly! Everyone has the right to know the condition of the athletes before the race!"
They shouted and argued.
"As fans of Narita Brian, at least let us catch a glimpse of her during training! If not all of us, then just me!"
"What?! You selfish reporter—honorable committee members, I'm her true fan! I've followed her since before her debut! Please, give me a chance to see her!"
"Lies! I've been following her since she was born!"
"I've followed her since her ancestors—"
Before the discipline committee could respond, the reporters had already descended into bickering among themselves.
"What's all this noise at the gate?"
A cold voice cut through the chaos.
A fierce, resolute face, hair black as sliced ink, piercing yellow eyes like a wild beast's, and the usual adhesive strip habitually placed across the bridge of her nose.
The center of the commotion, Narita Brian, stood suddenly behind them.
The reporters froze for a split second. The air grew eerily still. Just as Narita Brian raised a questioning eyebrow, they surged around her like a tidal wave.
"Miss Narita Brian! Your thoughts on the Japanese Derby, please!"
"Are you confident of victory, or do you have any concerns?"
"Any opponents you have your eye on? Any plans after the race?"
"Do you feel the Triple Crown is within your grasp—!"
Listening to the reporters chirping like sparrows, Narita Brian couldn't help but massage her temples.
'So annoying…'
If the Uma Musume she raced against had even half the intensity of these reporters, the competitions wouldn't be so dull.
But as a public figure, she couldn't just brush them off and walk away—that would create a bad impression.
Summoning her patience, Narita Brian crossed her arms and answered simply, "The outcome of the race doesn't matter to me. I only wish to face strong opponents. Whether it's the Japanese Derby or any other race, I'll simply run with all I have and crush my enemies. That's all."
With that, she stepped through the crowd and into the school grounds.
"Wait, Miss Narita Brian!"
The reporters, unwilling to give up, called after her, "In this race, who do you consider your true rival?"
At these words, Narita Brian's footsteps hesitated for a fraction of a second. But she didn't answer, continuing forward with heavy, deliberate steps until she was gone.
"Miss Narita Brian? Miss Narita Brian!"
"Alright, everyone, that's enough! No entering the campus! Discipline committee, do your duty!"
"Sorry, any further interviews will have to wait until the post-race press conference."
"Narita Brian-senpai needs to return to training!"
The agonized groans of the reporters faded behind her as the discipline committee held the line.
A rival… a true rival…
Once away from the noisy gate, the thought lingered in her mind.
She used to believe that anyone standing on the same track was her rival—competing on the same stage, burning with the same passion.
But later, she realized she was wrong.
A true rival wasn't just an enemy sharing the same goal. It was like a beast and a mosquito—they'd never see each other as rivals competing for the same prey.
Narita Brian felt the same.
Winning races, performing on the Winner's Stage… these were just byproducts. What she truly craved was to burn the fighting spirit in her bones. She longed for a powerful presence that would make her heart race, for a competition that would satisfy the restless fire in her mind.
It had been too long…
Since the moment she stepped onto the track, it had been far too long since she'd found anyone worth a second glance.
The other Uma Musume she raced against felt less like competitors fighting for victory and more like adding a few extra twigs to the bonfire of her own ambition.
They couldn't even make her pulse quicken.
How could such ones be called 'rivals'?
Simple races, straightforward contests, mechanically meeting expectations—it all felt so predictable, so inevitable.
'Races like these… are utterly boring.'
They couldn't possibly stand on the opposite end of the scale from her.
But if she had to name someone worthy of being called a rival—after the 'Emperor' who had left the stage…
She slowly clenched her fist.
That black-haired Uma Musume she'd met only once… in her presence, Narita Brian had felt the beast's blood within her scream in recognition.
Her heart had pounded wildly, as if trying to burst from her chest.
Her instincts had screamed at her: Faster! Even faster!
That one… was undoubtedly strong!
If only she could race against her—!
A blazing fire ignited in Narita Brian's eyes.
Right now, she was at her peak.
--+--
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.