"Tokyo Racecourse, today's main event! Thirteen Uma Musume gathered here for the 2000-meter middle-distance race, competing for this year's G1 Autumn [Tenno Sho]—!"
As the announcer's voice rang out, cheers erupted across the venue.
This unprecedented clash of stars needed no explanation; it was destined to leave a profound mark on the history of Uma Musume.
Countless people had traveled from afar, driving to Tokyo Racecourse just to witness this historic moment.
Even those who couldn't squeeze into the limited space stood outside the venue, pulling out their phones to watch the live stream.
Wherever there was a way to catch the race—be it public TVs in shopping malls or large screens on main streets—crowds gathered to watch.
One could say the entire city had ground to a halt for this event. Cars were pulled over on the roads, pedestrians sat on benches, all eyes fixed on the screens.
"A splendid autumn day today, and the track conditions are perfect! Enthusiasts have flocked here in droves, everyone eager to witness this potentially historic showdown!"
At the commentary booth, the announcer was delivering her pre-race speech. Her gaze flickered briefly to the staff beside her, and with a subtle nod from them, the event moved on to the next stage.
"And now, introducing today's competitors!"
As a precursor, those who had performed reasonably well in the [Mainichi Okan] had naturally advanced to this [Tenno Sho].
After introducing Dynamu Heroine, Long Live Free, Bold Northman, and others, it was time for the most anticipated participants of the event.
"First up, the fifth favorite, Sirius Symboli!"
She may have fallen just short in the [Mainichi Okan], but every spectator had witnessed the astonishing courage and explosive final kick Sirius Symboli displayed at the end.
"The Derby Uma Musume with endless glory! The eternal first-magnitude star shining in the sky! Today, can Sirius Symboli once again radiate her brilliant stellar light—!"
--+--
Dressed in a victory uniform modeled after a suit, Sirius Symboli stood on the stage.
Fifth favorite… practically the bottom of the pack among this group. There's no sense of glory in that at all, Sirius thought.
But… wasn't there that old legend? As night falls, the stars rise later each day, until they vanish completely, leaving the night in silence.
Yet after seventy days, Sirius reappears just before dawn, heralding the beginning of hope, bathed in the faint morning light, shimmering once more in the vast sky.
Her striking crimson eyes slowly swept over the roaring, tide-like crowd, finally settling on a spot near the edge of the track.
Her trainer stood there.
After a brief moment of eye contact, the corners of Sirius Symboli's lips curled upward.
Heh, this race is definitely not going to be boring—
--+--
"Next, the fourth favorite, the current two-crown Uma Musume, known as the 'Shadow Monster,' the formidable Narita Brian—!"
"With consecutive wins in the [Satsuki Sho] and [Japanese Derby], she's on the path to the coveted Triple Crown, awaited by countless fans! Before her final challenge, she returns to showcase her royal prowess in this Autumn [Tenno Sho]—!"
""Woooooooh—!!!!""
The crowd erupted.
For various reasons, and with her two-crown titles, countless people had high expectations for Narita Brian.
After months of silence, would that beast-like Uma Musume once again seize victory with her wild, ferocious style today!
Her heavy footsteps echoed on the stage. Her incredibly resilient physique alone commanded an aura of imposing authority even while standing still.
A tiger and a hungry wolf—that was the impression she gave every spectator who laid eyes on her.
Her powerful legs looked ready to tear the track apart at any moment.
My rival… I'm right here, waiting for you…
Her yellow eyes swept over the staff near the starting gate, an unconcealed smirk appearing on Narita Brian's face.
"And now, the top three favorites!!"
The fact that they ranked above the Derby Uma Musume Sirius Symboli and the two-crown Narita Brian showed just how much attention these three competitors commanded.
"First, the third favorite! The Grey Monster who appeared in the central circuit, Gate 1-1, Oguri Cap—!!"
Making her debut in a victory uniform—a red tie, white top, and blue skirt—the young girl stood on the stage.
The golden cross on her chest glittered under the sunlight.
Wave after wave of sound, like thunderous cheers, swelled across the venue.
"Undefeated since entering the central circuit, with six consecutive graded stakes wins! If she claims victory today, it'll be a record-breaking seventh consecutive graded stakes win!! The brightest new star from Kasamatsu—!!"
--+--
"Oguri!! Oguriiii!!"
Back in far-off Kasamatsu, several young girls seated in front of a TV raised their fans and cheered at the top of their lungs.
--+--
Undefeated, huh…
A slightly awkward smile touched Oguri Cap's lips.
She had experienced one defeat that sent her crashing to the depths.
But still.
Oguri Cap clenched her fist.
She didn't plan on staying down there for long!
Let's begin our second match, 'Track Phantom.'
--+--
"Heh, she looks to be in good form."
In the stands, Musaka Ginjirou adjusted his hat.
Perhaps this time, she could really achieve something beyond expectations.
--+--
"Next up, the second favorite—!"
The announcer's voice poured into their ears once more.
Another ash-haired girl, with long flowing locks, stood at the center of the stage wearing a blue jacket adorned with a white lightning bolt on the chest.
Almost imperceptibly, storm clouds seemed to gather within her.
"Like thunder echoing across the track! Winner of two consecutive G1 races, seven wins in a row overall, the dominant force who conquered the Spring [Tenno Sho]! Undefeated since last October! The strongest on turf! Gate 6-9, the White Lightning, Tamamo Cross—!!!"
Her eyes swept over the bustling crowd, and Tamamo Cross's lips curved into a smile.
Ever since that day she glimpsed the dark track, her legs had been itching, and the desire to clash with that rival had grown stronger each day.
Finally, today, it would become reality.
Tamamo Cross clenched her fists tightly.
You see, in this world, only lightning can tear through the darkness—!
As the cheers subsided, the announcer began to introduce the number one favorite of this race.
"Having returned to the track after retirement, carrying the regrets of countless fans, hailed as the strongest Uma Musume, the uncrowned queen…"
A young girl in red slowly ascended the stage.
Under the gaze of countless spectators—some moved, some excited—she lifted her head proudly.
"Nine races, nine wins—undefeated to this day. Forever winning by overwhelming margins, the red sports car racing down the track."
"The magnificent top favorite, Maruzensky—!!"
Under the watchful eyes of all, the returned uncrowned queen began writing the first lines of her new story.
The first confrontation with the zeroeth favorite, the 'Black Ghost'…
--+--
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.