Tokyo Metropolis, Fuchu City.
One hour before the official start of the final feature race at Tokyo Racecourse, the autumn G1 [Tenno Sho].
Fully hyped up before the race, every competitor was being covered by major media outlets—it could be called an unprecedented spectacle.
Inside Tokyo Racecourse alone, nearly 170,000 spectators had gathered, setting a new all-time attendance record for the autumn Tenno Sho.
A massive, bustling crowd moved back and forth across the stands, searching for the perfect spot to watch from.
"Unprecedented spectacle… No, can this really be called a spectacle?"
Standing apart from the ordinary seats in the VIP viewing lounge, Symboli Rudolf's gaze slowly swept over the audience.
They had come early to the racecourse, holding up banners painted with slogans cheering for the Uma Musume they supported.
For example, things like 'Burn it up, Oguri Cap!' or 'Go, Sirius—!' with labels on the banners such as 'Kyoto XXX Fan Club' and so on.
Of course, Rudolf didn't dislike these spectators forming fan clubs and expressing their support for the Uma Musume in their own way.
As long as these symbols were positive and had a constructive effect.
Her clear purple eyes scanned slowly until soon she spotted it—that glaring eyesore amid all the thriving, cheerful slogans.
'Black Uma Musume, get off the track!'
'A pest on the racetrack—'
'No ghosts needed here!!'
On the banners was a black silhouette with a large red 'X' marked through it.
Among the crowd opposing that black Uma Musume, this group belonged to the more radical faction. Their goal was simple: to drive the black Uma Musume off the track, using their voices and words to provoke her.
And it wasn't just them. Many spectators who hadn't spoken up had also written letters to the central authorities offering tips, hoping to contribute to uncovering the black Uma Musume's identity.
Quietly, an audience faction opposing the black Uma Musume had already formed on the racetrack, operating in the shadows, away from public view.
They either fabricated and spread negative rumors about the black Uma Musume or acted like spies, watching from the stands or outside the venue for any figure who might be her.
Even without witnessing their actions directly, just noticing the constant flood of online attacks aimed at her made Rudolf understand.
Once the central authorities had lit the flame of this public opinion, they could no longer control it—it could only grow larger, fanned by the winds of sentiment.
Where this flame would ultimately spread would depend on which side could hold their nerve better.
Not only that…
Although she hadn't received official notification, it seemed the central authorities had come up with another plan this time, targeting that Uma Musume.
Rudolf's expression grew heavy.
This approach was nothing more than using even greater disruption to cover up the scars that the other party had already inflicted upon the troubled [Twinkle Series].
This method… was not acceptable.
Those holding banners demanding the black Uma Musume's withdrawal—their purpose for watching the races was no longer about finding dreams and hope in the Uma Musume. Instead, they were driven by hatred and a desire to disrupt, venting their baseless anger.
Unaware, they were using so-called 'justice' as a means to carry out actions despised by countless people.
The most fundamental, pure meaning of the [Twinkle Series] had been utterly tainted by these people.
So even if the racecourse appeared unprecedentedly prosperous on the surface, it was only a facade. If this internal thorn wasn't rooted out, the day would inevitably come when the [Twinkle Series] would be destroyed by these parasites.
Rudolf secretly made up her mind.
"President Rudolf."
A knock came at the door, and Air Groove entered the room.
With both Narita Brian and Maruzensky now competing, the viewing lounge was left with only the two of them.
"Each autumn wind thins the leaves a little more…"
"Huh? What did you say, President Rudolf?"
"Nothing, never mind." Rudolf shook her head.
She was just feeling a little sentimental.
Whether it was the central authorities or the spectators, what Rudolf truly hoped for was always that vibrant, flourishing world of Uma Musume.
To that end, she was willing to give everything she had.
After all, down to her bones, she was stubborn to the core.
--+--
"Remember, Brian, on the track, protecting your body comes first. Hold back your speed in the early stages, don't recklessly compete with others, keep your patience, avoid collisions…"
All along the way, Toujou Hana kept repeating the various points to pay attention to during the race. Narita Brian felt like her ears were going to grow calluses from listening.
It was the first time she'd felt that the trainer role could also be like a nagging mother, going on and on without end.
But since the other had agreed to let her compete, she figured she ought to at least listen to this much.
Under the sonic assault, Brian let the words go in one ear and out the other, nodding repeatedly while pretending to listen carefully.
Finally, just as Hana was nearly done explaining every step Brian should take on the track, she let out a sigh of relief.
Right after the press conference ended yesterday, Hana had received calls from numerous reporters asking about the details of her participation and her upcoming race schedule.
Of course, there was no way she could tell them any of that now.
But that was only on the surface. Hana could read between the lines—everyone seemed to think her decision was somewhat unwise. Some had even implied, 'If Narita Brian fails to win the Triple Crown, you'll bear inescapable responsibility.'
It's not like I made her compete, what can I do about it?!
Hana screamed internally.
Even Rudolf had approved Narita Brian's participation—what could a mere trainer like her do to stop it?
Clearly, whether Brian won or lost, if anything happened to her on the track, Hana would be left holding the bag!
She could only hope she wouldn't be labeled an incompetent trainer, shunned everywhere she went…
Arriving at the racecourse entrance, Narita Brian parted ways with Hana and prepared to head to the competitors' preparation area.
Just then, a voice called out to her.
"Narita Brian!"
Turning toward the voice, she saw a girl with her long brown hair tied in a bun, rushing over breathlessly.
"Copano Rickey? What are you doing here?"
Don't tell me you're also competing in the [Tenno Sho]?
The girl straightened up, wiping sweat from her forehead.
"Whew, it took me a while to find you. I didn't expect you to be outside the racecourse."
It looked like she'd run all over Tokyo Racecourse, inside and out.
"What do you want with me?"
Narita Brian narrowed her eyes.
If this was another attempt to convince her not to compete, Brian wouldn't hesitate to turn and walk away immediately.
"This—I came to give you this!"
Pulling out a jade stone shaped like a four-leaf clover from her skirt pocket, Copano Rickey handed it to Narita Brian.
Rubbing the warm stone in her palm, Brian looked puzzled.
"This has been passed down through generations in my hometown. I hope you'll keep it with you."
Because it was so precious, Rickey had gone to great lengths to get it from her parents.
"I know you might dislike me, but—"
Copano Rickey's gaze was firm as she looked at her.
"I genuinely hope every Uma Musume can find happiness."
This Feng Shui jade was the only thing Rickey could think of that might change Narita Brian's fortune.
After a few seconds of meeting those sincere amethyst eyes, Narita Brian stuffed the stone into her pocket.
"Hmph. It's not like carrying this will slow me down anyway."
Hearing that, Copano Rickey broke into a smile.
"I sincerely wish you a safe race—"
Waving, that tenacious figure, burning with fighting spirit, stepped into the competitors' tunnel.
Throughout Tokyo Racecourse, majestic music began to play.
--+--
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.