The night was deep.
The end of Reiwa 2 had passed, and the dawn of Reiwa 3 had begun.
Most Uma Musume fans were still awake under the cover of darkness. Some were probably rewatching the Dream Cup, while others were feeling down over Barbatos's injury.
But more people—whether they followed the races or not—the vast majority, were visiting shrines for their first prayers of the new year.
For those in Japan, the most important thing on New Year's Day was to head to a shrine, visit nearby temples, and pray for safety and peace in the coming year.
Fireworks bloomed one after another in the sky, painting it in brilliant colors, announcing the arrival of a new year.
Barbatos lay in her dormitory bed, her head tilted as she gazed through the window at the distant, hazy bursts of fireworks. They weren't clear to see.
For an Uma Musume, especially for her, something was more important than New Year's shrine visits: the Winter Dream Cup.
Most Uma Musume would postpone their visits, choosing to go to shrines and temples on the evening of New Year's Day instead. Because only after the Winter Dream Cup ended did it truly feel like the year was over, and a new one had begun.
'I really want to spend New Year's with Seiun Sky.'
'And go with her to the shrine for the first visit of the year.'
The flickering fireworks reflected in her eyes, and seeing them instinctively made her think of Seiun Sky, of couples heading to shrines together.
Half a year had already passed since she crossed over into this world. This was her first New Year here, and she wanted to spend it with the one she liked.
She had originally thought that during the shrine visit, under the night sky lit by fireworks, she would confess to Seiun Sky.
If she had been the champion in the Dream Cup, or if she had defeated even a few legendary Uma Musume—even if she'd come in second to last—maybe she would have had the courage to invite Seiun Sky for the New Year's visit and confess then.
But now…
Even if Seiun Sky didn't think her Dream Cup failure was a big deal, even if fans still encouraged her, cheered her on, told her to try again next time…
She still couldn't get past it herself. Right now, she was just a loser.
Could someone like her really confess to Seiun Sky?
Barbatos wasn't sure. But at the very least, shouldn't it be after she had accomplished one thing—becoming a Triple Tiara winner, achieving back-to-back spring and autumn titles, or defeating a legendary Uma Musume?
That's what she thought.
Tomorrow, she and Urara would be returning to Kochi City.
Any Uma Musume from Japan would go back to their hometown for New Year's, only those from other countries would stay at Tracen Academy.
Normally, she would naturally return to Kochi with Urara and visit the local shrine for the New Year's prayers.
Tomorrow's visit, while still likely busy, would be much less crowded than it was now.
That's what she understood from her predecessor's memories.
In that situation, even with her leg injury and needing a wheelchair, it wouldn't be too much trouble.
Once the shrine visit was over, she would need to start preparing for the next race.
Even though she lost the Dream Cup, she couldn't wallow in defeat. Like Air Groove-senpai said, she couldn't lose her spirit.
She had to prepare better for the next race, not underestimate any Uma Musume, and aim for the Triple Crown title.
Whether her opponent was El Condor Pasa or any other G1-level Uma Musume, none were weak—they all required her full effort.
After the shrine visit…
She would use [Heal] to fully recover her leg injury, then start doing weighted training on the treadmill at home.
She'd shift the focus from her old League of Legends habits to endurance training.
Right now, there weren't many things that could boost her speed. In terms of acceleration, she wasn't worse than the legendary Uma Musume—she just lacked in duration and stamina.
She had to work hard on her endurance.
Urara had improved so much since enrolling. With a system, and without needing to worry about her physical condition, why couldn't she train even harder and raise her endurance to legendary Uma Musume levels?
Speed had an upper limit, but endurance didn't.
With her system giving her an edge, she should have a chance to build her stamina to monstrous levels, to the point where she could keep [Hijack] active through an entire race!
Then, using her injury as a reason, she'd ask Minamizaka to help her get leave from Symboli Rudolf until the Oka Sho.
She'd use these four months to focus on this training, striving to make up for her shortcomings.
Training on a treadmill might not be as effective as running on the track, but her ability to recover quickly was also unbelievable and couldn't be exposed. She couldn't be seen running on Tracen's training grounds during her "injury."
Even in a private setting, she couldn't explain it to Minamizaka or her other friends.
'I don't want to lose any more races from now on.'
--+--
The next morning.
Barbatos and Seiun Sky, each carrying their bags, gathered with their Canopus teammates at the gates of Tracen Academy.
Soon, they would each be heading home for the New Year, so this was their farewell. The next time they met would be after the holidays.
"Sorry I'm late!"
Minamizaka's voice called out from a distance. Today, he was the last to arrive.
Unlike usual, he wasn't walking on his own two feet—he was sitting in a wheelchair.
A sharp contrast to Barbatos.
"Trainer, your leg?!"
The Canopus Uma Musume rushed over, surrounding Minamizaka with concern. Barbatos was also wheeled closer by Seiun Sky, wondering what had happened to Minamizaka's leg.
Did he trip and fall after they parted ways last night?
"I'm fine."
Minamizaka smiled, standing up from the wheelchair to show that his legs were perfectly okay.
He then turned his gaze to Barbatos. "Life can be inconvenient with a leg injury. This is a wheelchair the academy specially provides for injured Uma Musume. Give it a try."
Hearing Minamizaka was okay, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
They then noticed the difference between this wheelchair and the one Barbatos was currently using.
If Barbatos's was a traditional manual wheelchair, this one was an electric, self-propelling model—likely rechargeable.
At Minamizaka's suggestion, with Seiun Sky's help, Barbatos shifted over to it. The controls on the wheelchair were simple; a glance was enough to understand how to operate it.
Even if this wheelchair might not accompany her for long, she appreciated Minamizaka's kindness. "Thank you."
"It's what a trainer should do. Make sure to rest well over the New Year. We'll win the Oka Sho when the time comes."
Barbatos gave a light nod. "Mm."
With the wheelchair delivered, the friends exchanged New Year's wishes and prepared to go their separate ways.
Barbatos said goodbye to Seiun Sky, turned the electric wheelchair, and headed with Urara toward the subway station.
Watching Barbatos leave, Seiun Sky seemed to hesitate, her lips pressed together lightly.
After a long moment, just as Barbatos and Urara were about to disappear from sight, Seiun Sky made up her mind and jogged after them from behind.
"Wait."
She stopped in front of Barbatos, meeting her gaze.
As if casually suggesting, she said, "How about spending New Year's at my place?"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 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.