"Wait, my other half."
A soft hand touched her body, and the young girl halted.
After straightening the lifted hem of her clothes, Sunday Silence retied the tie at her chest.
Under her companion's adjustments, the previously somewhat sloppy appearance instantly became neat and sharp.
"You remember what to do during the race, right?"
"Of course," the girl replied.
Since she'd made such a conspicuous move, she absolutely had to leave a deep impression in this race.
An impression so deep that no one would ever forget it—
'Heh.' Letting out a satisfied laugh, Sunday Silence gave her back a light pat.
"Exactly right."
Go on and raise hell without holding back.
Manhattan Cafe's been notified. They'll handle the staff issues.
She just needed to show up like she always did.
Watching the reflection blocked by figures ahead, the girl narrowed her eyes, quietly waiting for the moment the 'gate' would swing open.
--+--
"Brian-chan~"
Stretching her arms, Narita Brian heard the voice from behind and turned to respond.
"Hey, Maruzen-senpai."
After many years, Maruzensky, the one who had astonished everyone, had returned to the racetrack.
Cases of retired Uma Musume making a comeback were exceedingly rare.
Aside from those unable to compete due to regulatory restrictions, only a tiny fraction of Uma Musume held onto regrets about the track. There was another reason that couldn't be ignored.
Their physical condition.
Every Uma Musume's athletic ability peaks around age fifteen—height, weight, strength, and speed undergo unprecedented rapid growth.
This period is what Uma Musume call their 'Maturation' phase.
This peak condition only lasts a brief three to four years. Seizing this time when their bodies are in prime form, Uma Musume strive and compete in the [Twinkle Series].
Once the core maturation period ends, their physical growth largely stops. For Uma Musume who need to constantly improve their speed, this is practically a death sentence.
And for those retired Uma Musume, their core maturation period is usually already over.
So a comeback holds little meaning for them.
But Maruzensky was different.
Her body had long passed the Maturation stage, yet her physical abilities hadn't declined. In fact, they had improved compared to her peak.
In the entire world of Uma Musume racing, Maruzensky's situation was exceptionally rare.
"She's a monster among monsters."
That statement was definitely not without basis.
"You know, this is our first proper showdown, right?" Narita Brian folded her arms.
"If we don't count school events, then yes, it's the first time," Maruzensky replied, resting her cheek on her hand, still looking perfectly at ease.
Seeing this, Narita Brian narrowed her eyes.
From the moment she'd known her—training, events, races—there had never been a single situation that forced Maruzensky to go all out.
Her yellow eyes blazing with a beast-like ferocity, Narita Brian spoke slowly.
"Maruzensky, if you don't give it your all in this race, then your winning streak... will end right here."
Narita Brian stepped towards her.
With each step, her powerful ankles left deep impressions in the turf, like marks from a beast's teeth.
She wasn't joking at all. Narita Brian was dead serious.
"Not going all out, huh... Mmm, I suppose you're right."
Turning to look at the dozen or so competing Uma Musume, Maruzensky's eyes flickered slightly.
On the surface, she was speaking lightly.
But inside, a storm had long been raging.
Was it a dream come true? Or tears of joy?
Her thoughts were too chaotic. Every gust of wind, every blade of grass here made her heart race.
She wasn't looking down on this race. Not one bit.
She just didn't know what expression to wear.
"Brian, you once said I wasn't your opponent, right..." Maruzensky began.
"I'll make you understand."
Whether it's you, or 'Sunday Silence'...
I won't yield this track to anyone.
Narita Brian's eyes widened.
She saw it in Maruzensky—a rare, sharp, fighting spirit.
This was truly... irresistible!
The gazes of everyone instantly snapped towards them.
They too had sensed the change in the aura radiating from Maruzensky.
"She hasn't lost a step." Tamamo Cross, who was stretching her shoulders, couldn't help but remark.
You could almost hear the roar of her engine-like heart.
Probably as soon as the race started, she'd be itching to hit the gas and charge out.
It wasn't just Maruzensky. A terrifying combat aura also emanated from Narita Brian, a bestial growl seeming to rumble from within her.
Two top-tier powerhouses, just standing together, exuded an indescribable pressure.
Slowly shifting her gaze, Tamamo Cross looked towards Sirius Symboli.
Compared to the first two, Sirius Symboli's presence seemed much more calm.
But her crimson eyes constantly scanned the racecourse, as if calculating something.
"Oguri Cap, do your best!!"
"Go for it—!!"
Near the starting gates, people holding a banner for the 'Oguri Cap Fan Club' waved and cheered.
The same ash-haired girl sprang up from her leg-stretching pose and waved back at them.
Whether it was her, or them, they were all impossible to ignore.
A smile mixed with tension and excitement spread across Tamamo Cross's face.
But the most impossible one to ignore... was that one!
From the moment she arrived, Tamamo Cross had noticed it—a faint, invisible shadow seemed to fall over the bright sky.
Night... was quietly creeping closer.
"Finally! The race is about to begin. Competitors, please enter the starting gates—!!"
"In this race, will the supercar dominate the track, clearing hurdles on her path to the Triple Crown? Or will the first-class star relight her brilliance, the grey monster creating the myth of seven consecutive major wins! Or perhaps—"
"The first-ever Spring and Autumn Tenno Sho double victory in history!"
The announcer's voice boomed across the course.
"Whichever one emerges victorious, it will become a historic, monumental record! One hundred and seventy thousand spectators have their eyes fixed on them!"
As the voice faded, the competitors entered the starting gates one after another, assuming their ready positions, waiting for the race to begin.
Just then, a reporter in the front rows of the spectator stands, wearing black-framed glasses, suddenly stood up. At the very moment everyone held their breath, focus concentrated on the gates, he pointed in a direction and shouted loudly:
"She's appeared!! The black ghost from the warning letter has appeared—!"
It was like a massive rock thrown into a still pond.
In an instant, the attention of every spectator was pulled in that direction.
Where he pointed, a young girl stood atop the spectator stands, clad in a black coat, with long black hair flowing.
Her bright golden eyes stared emotionlessly down at the racetrack.
--+--
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.