(TL: Made a mistake with the name of the Academy. The Academy that the MC is now is a branch from the main one of the anime and game. The academy is based in Oi Racetrack)
After returning to Oi Tracen Academy, Kuroha tried out the food at the academy cafeteria.
"Hmm… I'd say it's just alright."
Smacking his lips, Kuroha thought it wasn't as good as his own cooking. Nutritionally, it only slightly edged out typical outside meals.
The only real benefit might be the unlimited supply.
Still, it'd be better to cook for himself going forward. March was currently in a phase of rapid growth — he couldn't afford to let her nutrition slide.
After a few quick bites, Kuroha left the cafeteria.
He was just about to return to his dorm to rest a bit when a lively figure zipped right past him.
But with a surprised "Eh?", that figure quickly backtracked and stopped right in front of him.
"Aren't you March's trainer? Where are you going? Out to train?" Inari One asked while mimicking a sort of jogging-in-place motion as she walked alongside Kuroha.
"Exercising right after eating isn't good training practice. It's lunchtime break now," Kuroha replied casually.
Honestly, it was strange. How someone like Inari One or Tamamo Cross, with their height, could run so fast… it really didn't make scientific sense.
"Haha, true, true…"
Hearing Kuroha's logic, Inari One let out a light laugh. Her motions slowly relaxed into a normal walking pace.
"Now that I think about it, March's trainer — I think Boss mentioned you once. Said you're some kind of amazing trainer!" Inari One said, walking and trying to recall.
Tatsuko Yuzuhara — a veteran trainer at Oi Tracen Academy. She had long since earned her Central Trainer's License, yet still chose to remain at Oi.
Kuroha replied casually, "Yuzuhara-senpai is an amazing trainer. I'm just a newbie with a lot to learn."
"Right? Right? I think so too! Boss is incredible!" Inari One nodded excitedly, her eyes practically sparkling.
As she kept talking, her tone grew more passionate. "I'm not bad either! As a daughter of Edo, I'm definitely going to become the strongest Uma Musume in the world!"
Looking at her face glowing with ambition, Kuroha couldn't help but sigh internally.
Eight consecutive wins without a single loss — at the moment, she truly lived up to the title of 'Daughter of Edo.'
And yet, not even a veteran like Tatsuko Yuzuhara had realized that Inari One was completely unsuited to heavy track conditions. Within a month, she'd suffer her first loss.
And then, a five-race losing streak would follow. The genius girl would fall from grace this very year and only barely recover by year's end.
But by then, Tamamo Cross, her peer, would have already retired. Even after reaching her peak post-formalization, Inari One would struggle against older legends like Oguri Cap and Super Creek.
If Inari One could adapt to heavy track conditions in these remaining ten or so days, could she perhaps alter her fate at the turning point in March?
Could he forge an even more glorious future?
Kuroha looked at Inari One, lost in thought.
But he quickly shook his head, brushing away that unrealistic idea.
Right now, Fujimasa March was his responsibility. His focus needed to be on her future first and foremost.
As for Inari One… he could only report her situation to Tatsuko Yuzuhara.
As her trainer, she'd likely find a way to address it.
After chatting a little more, Kuroha found this fiery and cheerful Uma Musume rather endearing.
Drip—
A chill touched the top of his head. Kuroha looked up.
Dark clouds were creeping across the sky.
"Ah, it's gonna rain! I'm heading back! Kuroha-sensei, you should hurry back to the dorm too!" Inari One glanced up, hurriedly waved goodbye, and ran off toward the dorms.
Kuroha watched the sky's changing hues and quickened his pace.
"It's started raining. Looks like we'll be getting weather like this for the next few months…"
He paused and murmured softly, "Heavy track, huh?"
…
It was nearly three hours before the rain finally stopped.
Kuroha and March arrived at the training grounds right on time.
Splsh...
Kuroha stepped into the sand lightly, immediately feeling resistance underfoot — enough to squeeze water out of the soil with ease.
This was textbook heavy track.
Heavy track had a much higher moisture content than standard courses. On dirt tracks, that moisture caused Uma Musume hooves to sink in, increasing drag.
Such a track would drain much more stamina from racers. The mud also absorbed more of the power from their strides, making it especially harsh on those who relied on explosive bursts of speed.
Greater stamina drain. Reduced speed. Weakened bursts. And the slippery surface made falls and injuries far more likely.
It was, in every sense, a nightmare of a racing condition.
And it demanded a much higher overall standard from every participating Uma Musume.
In effect, it lowered every attribute across the board. No one dared to recklessly accelerate, fearing injury. Even if a girl had a powerful closing speed, it was useless without proper technique — you'd only end up burning extra stamina for disproportionate gains.
That's exactly why Inari One was headed for a string of failures.
She was the type who relied purely on raw stats and innate explosive power to win.
Her compatibility with heavy tracks was horrendous.
"March, starting today, along with resuming your regular intense training cycle, you'll also need to work on adapting to heavy track conditions!"
"Got it, Trainer!" March, who was stretching nearby, nodded with determination.
Kuroha had already taught her the skill Bad Condition Track.
That skill helped Uma Musume perform better under poor track conditions.
But just like the green skills in the game from his past life, these kinds of skills had a double-ring — they could always be leveled up further.
Dirt Track Aptitude could be pushed all the way to S-rank through long-term training.
Bad Condition Track could likewise evolve — from basic muddy surfaces to the truly hellish international-level super-heavy tracks.
"Alright, start with a light three-lap jog to warm up the body!" Kuroha snapped his stopwatch.
Under her trainer's guidance, the girl began to work up a sweat.
And so, the formal daily training at Oi Tracen — began.
(End of Chapter)
The training to seize the honor of the South Kanto Triple Crown had begun in full swing.
Three intense training sessions per week, interspersed with core strength and endurance training, and one day reserved as a rest day.
March's schedule was arranged down to the minute.
But the girl had no complaints whatsoever.
Running, winning, and glory were seemingly engraved into every Uma Musume's soul — she even wanted to sneak in extra training on her day off, only to be caught and stopped by Kuroha.
"You're even more intense than me…"
In the trainer's room, Kuroha sighed as he massaged Fujimasa March.
The girl no longer hid under the covers like she used to, but she still let out... indescribable sounds whenever he pressed around her waist.
Today was the end of February — there were still 20 days until the Keihin Cup. Plenty of time.
And March's condition was excellent, filling Kuroha with confidence.
"Trainer~"
March's slightly coquettish voice rang out.
"What is it?" Kuroha asked.
"I saw in the papers that Oguri Cap is running in a race soon."
Kuroha thought for a moment and replied, "Ah, that'd be the G3 Pegasus Special Stakes on March 6, right?"
He paused, then asked:
"Do you want to go watch?"
"I do!"
"Then let's go. It is Oguri Cap's first Central race, after all — definitely worth seeing."
At those words, March suddenly became bashful, murmuring, "I want to go with you, Trainer…"
Seeing this, Kuroha sighed with a hint of helplessness and patted her on the head. "Alright, alright. Even if you didn't say it, I'd have gone with you anyway."
Hearing that, March beamed, humming a little tune as she enjoyed her massage.
Riiing—
Kuroha's eternally unchanging ringtone rang out.
Click.
"Hello?"
"Ah, Yuzuhara-senpai? What's the matter?"
"…Got it. See you at the training grounds then."
Lying on the bed, March turned her head slightly and asked, "Was that Inari One's trainer?"
Kuroha hung up the call and nodded. "Yeah, and I think I know what she wants. Let's finish the rest of your session first."
With that, Massage activated once again.
…
Not long after, the two arrived at the training grounds.
It was already 9:00 PM.
But the late hour didn't stop several Uma Musume from continuing their efforts under the floodlights.
Local tracks weren't like the Central ones — their scheduling was more relaxed, and many races were even held at night.
That's why Kuroha had made sure to include nighttime activity training in March's program.
"Yuzuhara-senpai."
In an open section of the track, Tatsuko Yuzuhara was still wearing her traditional kimono, with four Uma Musume beside her — including Inari One.
Seeing Kuroha, Tatsuko said a few words to the girls, then walked to the side and beckoned him over.
Kuroha gave a few quiet instructions to March and walked over alone.
"Good evening, Trainer Kuroha."
Tatsuko Yuzuhara's face bore a trace of dignity. Though she had aged a bit, it was easy to imagine she'd been a beauty in her youth.
"Good evening," Kuroha replied, then cut to the point. "Is this about Inari One?"
After his interaction with Inari One the other day, Kuroha had run into Tatsuko by chance and mentioned his concerns.
It seemed that after a few days of observation, she had indeed noticed something was wrong.
"Yes. I never expected that girl to be so poorly suited for heavy tracks."
Tatsuko nodded with a soft sigh.
Inari One's first eight races had all taken place on normal tracks.
During training, thanks to her naturally high stats and explosive power, she could even outperform other Uma Musume on muddy tracks.
So her poor compatibility with heavy tracks was hard to notice.
It wasn't until Kuroha pointed it out that Tatsuko conducted a specific test.
The test was simple: run 2,000 meters at a standard cruising pace, then attempt a final sprint.
Inari One completely fizzled out. Forget sprinting — she was gasping for air after just the run.
"I've also been watching your training sessions lately."
Tatsuko's voice lowered slightly. "That Uma Musume of yours, Fujimasa March, has exceptional aptitude for heavy tracks. Her body coordination and sprinting ability are downright incredible."
"That only proves how outstanding your training methods are, Trainer Kuroha."
Kuroha was caught off guard by the praise but quickly calmed himself and said seriously, "So what did you call me here for, Senpai?"
"Your target must be the South Kanto Triple Crown," Tatsuko nodded before continuing.
"Inari One is already in her Senior Horse Year — she can't participate in the Classic races and thus isn't your rival. So, I'd like to formally request group running training with you."
"Group running training?"
Kuroha blinked at the term.
It wasn't unfamiliar to trainers.
Uma Musume were born with strong competitive instincts. Training alongside others could activate those instincts, triggering a kind of invisible competition.
As long as it didn't become too intense, this kind of competition generally accelerated growth in a positive way.
Of course, it couldn't be overused — otherwise, Uma Musume would subconsciously grow too accustomed to it, diminishing its effectiveness.
"Inari One's personality and strength make her a good match for March in joint training…" Kuroha thought for a moment and then nodded in agreement.
And group running had another purpose beyond stimulating competitiveness.
Kuroha looked toward the other three Uma Musume Tatsuko had brought.
Each radiated a battle-hardened aura — even without using Body and Spirit Insight, Kuroha could sense their strength.
The second purpose of group training: race simulation.
By having multiple Uma Musume run together, you could mimic real race tempos.
Letting front runners experience being blocked during the start or overtaken in the final phase.
Letting Late Surgers and End Closers feel the frustration of being boxed in by the pace chasers — the feeling of being completely sealed off.
Tokyo races had far more intense tempos than local races like Kasamatsu.
Kuroha had considered this type of training before but gave up since he was just a rookie trainer.
Yet now, Tatsuko Yuzuhara was offering three of her elite Uma Musume to help simulate race conditions — the reason behind it was clear.
"Sigh…"
Holding his head, Kuroha muttered with exasperation, "With such a generous offer from you, Senpai, how could I possibly refuse?"
Kuroha knew full well — this was an exchange of benefits.
Tatsuko was offering her full support to help Fujimasa March adapt to Oi's racing tempo and competitive intensity, while Kuroha would help Inari One adjust to heavy track conditions.
(End of Chapter)
After finalizing the arrangements for group running training with Tatsuko Yuzuhara, everything was set.
The four Uma Musume she brought — including Inari One — were all battle-hardened veterans in their Older Horse Year.
Each had participated in multiple top-tier local graded races.
These races were nothing like the Baby Cup Fujimasa March ran back in Kasamatsu.
Tougher races forged tougher competitors. While the three others besides Inari One weren't exactly monsters, to a "weakling" like March — a girl who had only stepped into her Classic Year two months ago — they were formidable beyond belief.
Even the South Kanto Triple Crown might not present opponents as strong as these three.
Kuroha and Yuzuhara each gathered their respective team members and explained the upcoming training session.
"March, you'll be doing group running drills with three of Yuzuhara-senpai's Uma Musume."
He pointed to the three girls standing beside him with arms crossed, his tone stern. "Each set is 600 meters. They'll simulate early-race pressure and final-phase sprints."
"You'll start with three rounds, ten-minute rests in between. I'll adjust later depending on the situation."
He paused, then turned to Tatsuko and said earnestly, "Yuzuhara-senpai, you're far more experienced. If you see any issues in March's performance, I'd appreciate your guidance."
Tatsuko gave a slight nod.
"As for Inari One…" Kuroha turned toward the small, tearful-looking Uma Musume being tightly reined in by her trainer.
"You, come with me."
[Temporary Entry: Uma Musume – Inari One]
[Inari One]
Track Aptitude: Turf A / Dirt A
Distance Aptitude: Short F / Mile B / Medium A / Long A
Running Style Aptitude: Front Runner G / Pace Chaser B / Late Surger B / End Closer A
Unique Skill: Fast Running, Fast Running!
Skills: End Closer – Straight, Tail Up!, Dusty Adaptation, Winter Specialist, Tail To The Skies, Straight Line Accel…
Speed: 834 / Stamina: 842 / Power: 911 / Gut: 605 / Wit: 355
Looking at these stats, Kuroha was at a loss for words. He couldn't think of a single reason why Inari One would lose a local race…
Only possibility? She was just bad at using them.
A natural-born stat monster.
But in the world of Uma Musume, stat monsters were everywhere.
To carve your name into history, you needed to be exceptional in body, technique, spirit — even luck.
Kuroha reviewed his previous teachings on the Bad Condition Track skill and tweaked the approach to better fit Inari One's current situation. Then, training began.
Meanwhile, Fujimasa March had been led to a more open area by Tatsuko Yuzuhara, who took out a whistle.
"Alright, first round!"
With a firm tone, Tatsuko gave the cue — then blew the whistle.
Peeeeep!
March, completely focused, burst forward like a white blur — but the other three were even faster!
Their reactions were perfectly synced with the whistle.
After all, they were Yuzuhara's own charges — long used to her pacing.
March had been placed in the second lane for this round.
The sound of hooves pounding the dirt resounded as the four girls launched forward, practically shoulder-to-shoulder.
Wind whipped at their faces, and horseshoes splashed up droplets of wet mud.
March gritted her teeth.
Normally, she'd burn extra leg strength to seize the inner rail and set the pace.
But the Number 1 runner was holding that spot firmly — not overtaking, but also not yielding — boxing March into the outer lane and forcing her to expend unnecessary stamina.
The other two runners followed closely behind, breaking wind and conserving energy.
In March's view, the tailwind she usually enjoyed had turned into chaotic air currents swirling around her.
It was just the starting dash, yet an invisible pressure loomed over her like a stormcloud.
She couldn't break through. Wasting energy was out of the question.
She made a snap decision to shift tactics — slowing slightly to cut inward and switch to a Pace Chaser approach.
But the other two had already stacked up in a vertical line behind the leader — March had no choice but to fall to the back.
Da-da-da-da—!
Their hooves thundered like war drums across the track.
Three hundred meters passed in an instant.
March locked onto the leader in front, saving strength for the final bend. With the help of centripetal force and skills like Corner Adept, she primed her legs for a surge.
Just as she was about to launch forward—
Boom!
Her momentum dissipated. Eyes wide, she looked to her left — the lead runner had anticipated her move and used the curve's momentum to shift slightly, blocking her exit from the inside.
"Timing and hidden intention…"
Back at the start line, Tatsuko Yuzuhara murmured softly.
In her eyes, March was indeed an excellent Uma Musume.
Her technique and physical stats were both impressive for her generation.
But in high-intensity races, her tactical instincts were far too underdeveloped.
A front runner — unless she had fully committed to the role — needed to make a snap judgment during the initial scramble for the lead.
If the fight for the lead became too taxing or unrewarding, she should've shifted into a favorable position and switched to a different style.
But March didn't realize she had lost the lead battle until nearly ten seconds later.
By then, all ideal positions were taken — she had no choice but to drop to the rear.
Same in the final stretch — she telegraphed her attack too early in the final corner, making her intent obvious.
If the front-runner didn't want to engage yet, all they had to do was block just enough to force March to waste power looking for a different route.
And this wasn't even deliberate — it was practically muscle memory for veterans.
The difference between top-tier graded veterans and a green Classic-Year Uma Musume was clear.
Beep!
Tatsuko pressed her stopwatch. The round was over.
This wasn't a race, after all. This was joint training meant to expose March's shortcomings. There was no winner or loser.
March understood that too — so when she found a potential gap during the final straight but realized she was running out of stamina, she didn't force a breakthrough.
"Round one — five-minute break!" Tatsuko called out, giving March time to reflect.
After issuing her command, she turned to look across the track.
In the distance, Kuroha was smacking Inari One on the head with his notebook, frustration all over his face.
Inari One clutched her head with a pitiful expression… but the second Kuroha turned away, she started baring her teeth and making faces behind his back.
"This kid… when he gets mad, he really has the fire of a proper trainer."
Tatsuko smiled nostalgically — only to see Inari One sneak a glance in her direction. Their eyes met, and Tatsuko shot her a fierce glare.
"Eep!"
Caught red-handed, Inari One instantly looked away and focused hard on her training.
Kuroha nodded in approval and made a note in his notebook.
"Suppressed Anger — Released Fury!"
He wrote the phrase in bold.
This would become a part of Inari One's future training methodology.
For now, he was simply using it to help her absorb the Bad Condition Track skill more efficiently.
As for what came later?
Well… Inari One wasn't his Uma Musume, after all.
The future could wait.
(End of Chapter)
Fujimasa March's joint training with Inari One was proceeding in an orderly fashion.
Before long, the promised date between Kuroha and March arrived.
March 6th — the G3 Pegasus Stakes!
This was Oguri's first race since transferring from the local circuit to the Central scene.
Truth be told, Kuroha was quite interested in this race as well.
After giving March a day off, he brought her along and headed to the Hanshin Racecourse.
Honestly, it truly lived up to its name as a graded stakes race in the Central circuit. The grandstands were filled with roaring spectators, and wild cheers erupted continuously from the crowd.
It was an experience entirely different from Kasamatsu Racecourse.
Kuroha led March to their seats, gazing at the stretch of green track below with a hint of sentiment.
Grass...
It was his first time seeing a turf race since becoming a Trainer.
But he couldn't blame the locals.
After all, maintaining a turf course was far too costly — only the Central Racecourses could afford it.
Once the crowd began to settle down—
"Bzzz—"
A faint electrical hum sounded, followed by a passionate female voice delivering the opening remarks.
"The G3 Pegasus Stakes is finally about to begin!"
"I'm Akasaka, today's director, and the commentator will be Mr. Igawa. We look forward to enjoying this race with everyone!"
As the standard preamble ended, Kuroha's gaze had already shifted to the track.
In the Central circuit's graded stakes races, every competitor made a proper "runway walk" as their entrance.
It made sense. Uma Musume were practically idols in their own right.
A full pre-race catwalk, followed by a victory stage if they won.
These days, Kuroha often spotted Uma Musume models while strolling through Tokyo.
"The top favorite is making her entrance now! She's riding high on a four-win streak and in incredible form!" the commentator spoke in a timely tone.
"She won the Violet Stakes by three lengths in her last race!"
A black-haired Uma Musume walked proudly toward the crowd.
One step, two steps...
Then she grabbed one side of her coat and dramatically flung it off, revealing her athletic figure clad in sportswear.
"Black El Condor!"
The black-haired girl wore a proud smirk as she waved to the cheering crowd.
Up in the grandstand—
"If Oguri loses today, are you going to go comfort her?" Kuroha turned toward Fujimasa March with a teasing tone.
"Oguri won't lose!"
March clenched her small fists, filled with confidence in her friend.
"And if she wins, will you celebrate with her?"
"..." March suddenly froze.
After all, she had once said she wouldn't approach Oguri again until she made a name for herself.
"Alright, enough teasing. Look, Oguri's coming out now."
After a bit of playful banter with his Uma Musume, Kuroha pointed toward the stage.
The commentator's voice returned.
"Next up is the second favorite — the mysterious transfer student who stormed in from the local circuits—"
A leg in black tights stepped onto the stage — it was a silver-haired Uma Musume with a calm expression.
Her delicate, serene features were framed by long, silvery hair, and on her forehead was a diamond-shaped yellow flower hairpiece.
Her figure was slender and elegant, and like Black El Condor before her, she too wore a coat — which the bashful girl was now removing.
And then...
She casually tossed it at her feet.
The utterly ungraceful action made even the commentator pause.
"...Er, her record up to this January since debuting in Kasamatsu is actually 12 races, 10 wins!"
"Oguri Cap!"
"It's Oguri!" March gripped Kuroha's hand, trying not to look too excited at the sight of her former rival.
Oguri Cap.
Kuroha stared intently at the dopey-looking gray-haired Uma Musume below.
Unlike March, Oguri Cap was a true world-class Uma Musume.
Talent, effort, mindset — she was flawless in every category.
As the Student Council President of Central Tracen Academy once put it — "An Uma Musume worthy of defining an era."
In the original timeline, she had achieved a terrifying record of 22 wins in 32 races.
Even in her retirement match — with her physical condition declining after her prime — she had still managed to defeat the new generation's strongest and bring her career to a miraculous close.
And now, her path to glory was only beginning!
"Preparations complete. All Uma Musume are entering the starting gates!"
On the turf, Oguri Cap stared at the gate in front of her and let out a soft breath.
"Huu—"
A gust of wind blew across the track, rustling the grass as it followed the direction of her gaze, soaring into the vast, endless blue sky.
Oguri Cap found her attention drawn to it.
Her clear eyes reflected the deep azure as she slightly widened her eyes.
Out beyond the horizon, only infinite light remained!
A strange emotion rippled through her chest.
Nervousness? Fear? Thrill?
Her entire body began to tremble as a smile of excitement unconsciously spread across her lips.
The scent of the grass...
The cheers of the crowd...
The caress of the wind...
It was all completely different from the local circuits!
Everything was overwhelming her senses.
As mentioned before — the more naturally gifted an Uma Musume, the more terrifying and intense their fighting spirit.
And Oguri Cap, with her era-defining talent, was no exception.
Now, her bottomless, almost beast-like fighting spirit was being awakened by the atmosphere of the Central stage.
Her blood boiled. Her body trembled...
The gray-haired girl's eyes sharpened like blades, locking onto the course ahead as an invisible pressure surged outward!
...
Click! The gate opened.
"The race has begun!"
With the gates flung open, the Uma Musume surged forward nearly side by side onto the track.
"Did one of them stumble at the start?! Taking the early lead is Sugar Tracks!" One of the girls had hesitated at the start and was immediately called out by the commentator.
Kuroha sat silently, analyzing the race.
The G3 Pegasus Stakes — a 1600-meter classic mile race.
The same distance as March's last C-Class race at Kasamatsu.
But...
The pace was different!
Uma Musume in local circuits were generally inferior in physical ability to the Central circuit's geniuses. As a result, the races tended to be slower-paced.
This race was nothing like that.
The intense early battle for position — it wasn't cruising speed. It was an all-out clash from the start.
Every girl was doing everything she could to disrupt her competitors' rhythm.
Physique, technique, mental strength.
Any of these alone would make someone stand out in the local scene — but every single girl here was exceptional, and a few even exceeded that level!
Boom!
The clash of iron horseshoes shattered the air, grinding against the turf.
A sudden burst of speed — one Uma Musume broke free from the leading pack and surged into second place!
"Move it!"
Black El Condor charged forward with terrifying momentum, intimidating those around her with sheer presence.
"She's here! Black El Condor charges out from the far outside with full force!" The commentator shouted, brimming with energy.
"The lead pack is rounding the third corner now — Black El Condor is absolutely bloodthirsty out there, applying immense pressure to the others!"
"She's basically saying, 'That fifth win is already in the bag!'"
The commentator did his part hyping up the crowd — the stands were packed, the cheers deafening!
Meanwhile, the gray-haired Uma Musume ran calmly in third-to-last place, following the main group without hurrying.
"Oguri's going with an End Closer strategy?"
March watched the positions of each Uma Musume on the board and murmured.
"Exactly," Kuroha nodded. "I've seen the footage of your race with Oguri. Her late-stage burst is top-tier, even in the Central circuit."
"She's not forcing an advantageous position in her first Central graded race. Instead, she's conserving stamina for a final sprint — it all comes down to personal ability."
(End of Chapter)
In the field of view, Oguri Cap simply stared quietly at the many frontrunning Uma Musume.
Then, after a brief silence—
Bang!
With a heavy stomp, her jet-black running shoes dug deep into the turf of Hanshin Racecourse!
The silver beast — was about to accelerate!
They had now reached the final stretch.
Every Uma Musume unleashed their stored-up strength for the ultimate sprint, none willing to back down!
At the front of the pack, the top favorite Black El Condor still had stamina left. She overtook the fading front runners and moved into first place!
"Only 200 meters to go! Can Black El Condor stay in the lead to the finish?!" the commentator shouted.
"Pathetic!"
A wild smile spread across Black El Condor's face. She stretched her thighs forward, the finish line drawing nearer by the second!
"Good, still got fuel in the tank. Then I'll finish this in one—"
Her train of thought suddenly cut off. A gut instinct flared — a warning so intense her pupils shrank in alarm.
The very next second, a crushing aura thundered in from behind with overwhelming force!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The deep, thudding rumble in her ears sounded like a monster's footsteps.
"Wha..."
Before Black El Condor could react, the source of that monstrous sound flashed past her like a comet — all she could catch was the afterimage of the gray-haired Uma Musume now ahead!
"...What?!!"
She was stunned almost instantly.
What was that? Wind? Light?
A top-tier Central circuit racehorse, Black El Condor stared in disbelief at the back of Oguri Cap.
What kind of monstrous legs were those? What kind of overtake was that?!
Spending leg strength to loop to the far outside during the final stretch — then tearing through every barrier to blast past her with an unrivaled finishing kick?!
"How... is that even possible?!"
Black El Condor tried to catch up, but no matter how fast she moved her legs, all she could do was watch that white silhouette pull farther and farther away!
"She's here! Oguri Cap charges from the far outside and overtakes Black El Condor to take the lead! This is Kasamatsu's shining star — Oguri Cap! Her strength truly lives up to the hype!"
The electrifying closing burst from Oguri Cap sent Hanshin's atmosphere into an explosive climax!
There are two running styles in Uma Musume races that never fail to stir the crowd's emotions — bold escapists and stunning closers.
And right now, Oguri Cap was delivering the latter in full, cutting through six opponents with devastating visual impact — drawing everyone's attention to her alone!
"Can Black El Condor take it back? No, no chance — she's way too fast! Oguri Cap takes first place!!!"
As Oguri Cap's silhouette crossed the finish line, the commentator's voice thundered through the entire Hanshin Racecourse.
"A Central debut victory! Incredible! No one can call her a frog in a well anymore!"
The gray-haired girl's pace slowed down gradually before she came to a stop. She lifted her head slightly, her long hair fluttering in the wind.
Golden sunlight bathed her in brilliance — she was dazzling.
"Oguri won!"
Next to him, Fujimasa March's eyes sparkled.
Victory was inevitable.
Kuroha's eyes gleamed with the light of [Form Sense]. Though her breathing rhythm wasn't fully refined yet, her running posture and attributes completely overwhelmed the other racers.
As much as Kuroha hated to admit it — this was a victory of pure stats.
No tactics, just numbers!
"T-Trainer..." Just then, March tugged at Kuroha's sleeve and tilted her head a bit awkwardly.
"What is it? Want to go see Oguri Cap?" Kuroha knew his Uma Musume's personality inside and out by now.
"...Yeah."
"Then let's go." Kuroha nodded and left the stands with March.
...
Down below, Oguri Cap had just arrived at a section near the grandstand.
A smaller thunder-type Uma Musume suddenly rushed forward and hugged her tightly.
"Oguri, you won!"
"Yeah, I won," Oguri Cap replied with a soft smile.
Not far away, an elderly man leaned on his cane and watched the scene in silence. Even his usually stern expression softened into a smile.
"Hello, Roppai-senpai!"
Suddenly, a voice rang out nearby, startling the old man!
The speaker quickly moved to support him.
Roppai Ginjirou steadied himself and turned to see a youth of about eighteen or nineteen. He immediately grumbled, "Why do you youngsters walk without making a sound? Trying to scare old people like me?"
"Sorry, sorry! I thought you saw me."
Kuroha apologized sincerely — respecting the elderly had always been his principle. Besides, this was one of the top trainers at Central Tracen Academy.
"Hmph. So who are you, kid? What are you doing here?" Roppai asked gruffly.
He'd been driven half-mad by pesky reporters lately.
Kuroha didn't answer right away. Instead, he pulled Fujimasa March forward and smiled. "I'm a trainer from Oi Tracen Academy. This Uma Musume is Fujimasa March — the one I'm currently in charge of."
Seeing the same girl who had battled Oguri Cap in her final local race, Roppai Ginjirou immediately understood.
"March?!"
A surprised voice rang out. Oguri Cap, still glowing from victory, perked up and poked her head out from between her bouncing ears.
"Oguri!"
The two gray-haired rivals — both from Kasamatsu — gathered together once again.
As the three Kasamatsu girls chatted happily, the two trainers found a place nearby to sit.
"You're Fujimasa March's new trainer?" Roppai Ginjirou tapped his cane slowly as he asked.
"Yes. My name is Kuroha. March is now part of my team," Kuroha answered firmly.
"Hmm..."
A glint of sharpness flashed in Roppai's eyes. "You said you're from Oi Tracen? Transferring to Oi at this time... Kid, you've got big ambitions."
"Going for the South Kanto Triple Crown?"
Kuroha responded with a smile, but didn't deny it.
"I'll be blunt. If we're talking about the Fujimasa March from two months ago, she wasn't strong enough to challenge for it. You understand that, don't you, Trainer Kuroha?"
Pushing a Uma Musume into a race beyond her current capabilities wasn't a trial — it was destruction.
That was a lesson Roppai had learned through decades of training experience.
"You're right. Two months ago, she absolutely couldn't have done it..."
Kuroha glanced at March, his tone full of confidence. "But she's not the same Fujimasa March she was two months ago!"
Today's Pegasus Stakes had made that very clear — even if she still couldn't match a stat monster like Oguri Cap, Fujimasa March already had the strength of a Central-grade stakes racer!
"...As long as you're confident." Roppai Ginjirou looked deeply at Kuroha before falling silent.
In front of them, Kuroha leisurely watched the three beautiful Uma Musume play around, letting himself finally relax after the recent mental strain.
"By the way, March — why are you in Tokyo?"
Brand New Radiance seemed quick on the uptake. Shouldn't Fujimasa March be preparing for the Tokai Triple Crown right now?
"I transferred to Oi Tracen. I'm in Tokyo now," March answered with a smile.
"O-O-Oi Tracen?" Oguri was visibly surprised.
"So that means March can run with us too now!" Oguri Cap gasped, eyes sparkling.
"Sorry, not yet. I'm still a local circuit Uma Musume," March sighed helplessly.
"Ugh..." Oguri Cap slumped instantly at the bad news.
"Ah, but if everything goes smoothly, I'll be transferring to the Central circuit by the end of the year!" March quickly added to comfort her.
"Oooh!" Oguri Cap lit up again, fully revived.
The Kasamatsu reunion ended quickly.
After bidding farewell to Oguri Cap with a wave, Kuroha and March left Hanshin Racecourse together.
(End of Chapter)
The encounter with Oguri Cap had been just a brief coincidence. Soon after, Kuroha and Fujimasa March returned to preparing for the upcoming Keihin Cup.
...
Ten days later.
At the Oi Tracen Academy, inside the swimming facility.
Splash—
Kuroha sat on a chair by one of the lanes, watching March as she swung her arms through the water. He tapped lightly on his notebook.
"The assessment of March's physical tolerance is complete. At the very least, for her, adding high-load training won't cause any adverse effects."
At this thought, Kuroha couldn't help but marvel at the Uma Musume's physical constitution.
Despite how often injuries like fractures occurred during races, based on his years of research—
Most of their physical damage didn't come from outside factors, but from themselves.
Even when sprinting while dragging massive tires, or doing grueling incline training designed to crush their cardiovascular system while under heavy loads...
As long as it wasn't consecutive overloading within a short period, it wouldn't cause any harm to their bodies.
Ironically, it was running that posed the greatest danger. The explosive strength of Uma Musume could overload their calves and ankles to the limits of endurance.
Truly, the only ones who could defeat them—were themselves.
Kuroha had noticed this during March's training.
Thus, her training regimen had been modified — now including two weekly sessions of incline training and swimming, while dialing back on explosive training.
Incline training — the same kind used by Mihono Bourbon and Mejiro McQueen in the anime — was designed to strengthen uphill capacity and lung endurance.
Swimming also focused on cardiovascular stamina and enhanced coordination.
Fujimasa March was a Pace Chaser.
That had been Kuroha's training direction from the very beginning.
His requirements for her were simple: exceptional stamina, consistent speed, and sharp race sense.
As for explosive power, as long as it reached above-average standards, it was enough.
With a clear plan and a set goal—
March was gradually transforming into the ideal version of herself she had dreamed of.
[Fujimasa March]
[Track Aptitude: Turf C, Dirt A]
[Distance Aptitude: Sprint B, Mile B, Middle C, Long F]
[Running Style Aptitude: Front Runner B, Pace Chaser A, Late Surger C, End Closer D]
[Unique Skill: Ode of the Wind Lv1]
[Skills: Good Track Conditions, Rainy Days, Wait and See, Professor of Curvature, Concentration, Bad Track Conditions, Positioning Sense]
[Speed: 492 | Stamina: 534 | Power: 447 | Gut: 434 | Wit: 417]
In the third month of her Classic Year, these were her stats.
"Never thought I'd become the kind of person I used to hate."
Kuroha let out a chuckle.
Stats — balanced, yet overwhelmingly strong!
As for the Keihin Cup four days from now...
Snap!
He closed his notebook with confidence like never before.
...
On the training grounds.
Thud!
A very different kind of sound — that of Inari One headbutting her notebook.
"Ahh, ouch!" Inari One clutched her forehead, pouting up at Kuroha.
Nearby, March was still engaged in joint-run training.
Though at this point, the side-by-side runs were less about sharpening her edge and more about maintaining condition and race pacing.
Kuroha stood before Inari One and two other Uma Musume brought in by Tatsuko Yuzuhara for training, lightly tapping Inari One's head with his notebook.
"I told you, endurance! Patience!"
"You were doing just fine, so why did you suddenly burst into a sprint when someone sped up ahead of you?"
He was clearly exasperated — this small-looking Uma Musume had a fierce, unyielding spirit.
"Sprinting aside — what happened to the steps I taught you? Forgotten already?"
"All you think is rush rush rush! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!"
Inari One had grown more obedient over time, acknowledging Kuroha's training ability.
But at moments like these, she still looked aggrieved. "How should I know when the best time to sprint is? Besides, she was provoking me!"
She pointed at one of the other Uma Musume scratching her cheek awkwardly nearby.
They had all been brought in by Tatsuko for Inari One's joint training.
"I asked her to do that," Kuroha said flatly. "If you're going to lose your head every time someone provokes you, how are you going to survive in major races?"
Kuroha gritted his teeth and gripped her head with both hands.
"Y-yeah! I get it, Trainer! Ow ow ow—!"
Kuroha was getting worn out.
His time as a Trainer was still short — just over two months.
But his first assigned Uma Musume, Fujimasa March, had been diligent, self-motivated, intelligent, and obedient.
Inari One, however, was the first to really show him what a mischievous child could be like.
She had a short fuse, flew off the handle when provoked.
She learned slowly — one lesson took five tries.
Didn't listen to instructions — once angry, she ran purely on instinct.
Kuroha understood that this explosive temper was tied to her future awakening of a certain domain...
But still, it didn't make things easier.
"No matter what, you need to learn patience. From now on, every time you lose control, I'll film it and send it to Tatsuko-senpai!"
"I... I got it, okay?!"
Ultimately, only Tatsuko Yuzuhara, both mentor and maternal figure, could rein her in. Inari One nodded reluctantly.
...
After morning training.
Taking advantage of the break while the Uma Musume were in class, Kuroha went out for a rare walk.
Before he realized it, he'd arrived at the familiar park once again.
"Hmm... Once March's Haneda Cup ends next month, I should prepare for the Central Trainer exam."
Kuroha strolled casually, thinking things through.
"According to Central's regulations, the written exam should be in June, then interviews in September, final screening in October — the schedule lines up perfectly with the end of the South Kanto Triple Crown."
"After that, I can bring March into the Central circuit by year's end!"
For the first time since arriving in this world, his goal felt truly within reach.
Just as he was envisioning the future—
Thud!
A familiar sound of something heavy hitting the ground.
"...No way."
A thought flashed through Kuroha's mind, and he instinctively parted the branches blocking his view.
Sure enough, sprawled on the grass was a tall, voluptuous foreign Uma Musume in tight hot pants — currently doing a very intimate impression of an ostrich kissing the earth.
"..."
It was as if imaginary crows were cawing above his head.
The girl's twitching horse ears perked up. She quickly sat up on the ground, straightening her posture.
When she spotted Kuroha, she blinked, then clapped her hands in realization. "Oh! You're the Trainer from Oi Tracen last month!"
"...My name's Kuroha."
Kuroha paused before responding.
It was their second time meeting. That made them at least acquaintances.
Besides, he couldn't help but feel curious about this dirt-loving foreign Uma Musume who'd been in Tokyo for a month now.
"Okay! Trainer Kuroha-san!"
The girl changed her tone with infectious enthusiasm.
"My name is Obey Your Master! I'm an Uma Musume from the US!" (Only appear in Cinderella Gray)
(End of Chapter)
[150PS!! That's nice! Here an extra chapter for all you that vote for it!! Remember to give it a review please!! it would help tons! Thanks!]
Obey Your Master?
That name—familiar yet distant—suddenly stirred a hazy memory from Kuroha's previous life.
She wasn't one of the official Uma Musume in the main franchise, but rather a foreign Uma Musume who appeared in Oguri Cap's biography, The Cinderella Gray.
She was born in the US, but utterly unsuited to dirt tracks or soft, heavy turf courses. She could never get results and was a thoroughly mediocre Uma Musume.
It wasn't until she came to Japan that she realized her gait was much more suited to Japan's high-speed tracks.
She studied the habits of others in races, disguised her own strength and personality.
And in the 1988 Japan Cup, she shocked the world as the ninth favorite, defeating Tamamo Cross and Tony Bianca.
A year later, in the next Japan Cup, she lost to Oguri Cap and the "Commoner Queen," finishing only third.
She was a flash in the pan in Uma Musume history—brilliant, but fleeting.
Kuroha blinked, understanding dawning in her eyes.
So that's why she had that awkward, fake smile last month—was she practicing how to fake her persona?
Looking at Obey Your Master's bright, sweet smile in front of her now, Kuroha couldn't help but nod.
She smiles much better now. Tons of potential here.
But Obey Your Master fidgeted nervously under Kuroha's gaze.
The glow of [Body and Breath Perception] flickered in his eyes, giving the girl the uncanny sensation of being seen through completely.
"Wh-What is it, Trainer Kuroha?"
"Ah, nothing," Kuroha snapped out of it. "Just thought your smile looks a lot better than it did last month!"
"..."
Obey Your Master was speechless.
This man... already knows what I've been up to, doesn't he?
Her mind drifted back to several months ago.
A string of defeats had left her demoralized, and even her physical growth had plateaued.
She couldn't win...
The moment her hooves touched the grass, an ominous thought always crept in.
She didn't want to lose. She still wanted to run—stand shoulder-to-shoulder with her rivals and pour everything into the race!
She'd already tried every possible running style. But no matter what—she just couldn't win.
Now, even just standing on the track made her feel helpless.
"Study how they run!" her teammates told her.
"Hide your strength, feign weakness!" whispered a bubbly classmate with a sly glint in her eye.
"Obey Your Master, you've worked hard. Take a break and go on a little trip," her trainer sighed after reviewing her poor performance.
Back then, she was lost.
Until the day she stepped onto this country's grass track.
Fresh!
Joyful!
The turf here sent a message to her with every stride.
She belonged here. She belonged on this grass!
That thought burst forth in her heart, clear and unstoppable.
And so, she began learning how to conceal her true self. How to analyze the competition.
All so that one day, she could stun the world on this nation's tracks.
To proudly proclaim: I, Obey Your Master, once stood atop the world!
Yet before her plan even started… this man had already seen through everything.
"You…"
Obey Your Master subconsciously took a step back.
She wasn't yet the masterful actress who would six months later ambush the Japan Cup field, emotion unreadable.
Right now, she was just a nobody—mediocre and battle-worn.
But then, she slowly exhaled—and her entire demeanor changed.
If moments ago she'd seemed like a sunny, next-door gal, now she exuded the cool elegance of a noble, commanding lady.
"Ah, so you did notice… Trainer from Oi."
"Now why'd you suddenly stop using my name?"
Kuroha smiled slightly, already guessing what was going through her mind—because as a trainer, he held a deep sense of affection and responsibility for every Uma Musume.
He stepped over and sat down beside her.
"You seem kind of troubled. Want to talk?" He tapped his eye. "You can probably tell—I'm not like the other trainers."
Obey Your Master paused, tilted her head, and looked at him. Then she suddenly chuckled. "You're kind of a funny one, Kuroha-san."
"Was that a compliment?"
"Not at all..."
Leaning back slightly with her hands supporting her, she went quiet for a moment before speaking again.
"I'm just a mediocre Uma Musume. No matter how hard I try, I can't catch up to those geniuses."
"Their brilliance… it crushes all my efforts into the dirt like they were nothing."
Kuroha glanced over at her, her hand raised to shield her face from the sun. But the sunlight still slipped through her fingers, casting a dappled light across her delicate, beautiful features.
"My growth has stalled. As a trainer, you know what that means," she said softly.
"I'm at my limit. But still… I want to win! I want to leave my mark on the world's biggest stage!"
"I don't want to fade out as just another average Uma Musume—quietly retiring, forgotten."
By the end, her voice trembled with emotion, each word bitten off with grit and defiance.
"So I want to try. Even if it costs me everything—I want to bet it all on a future!"
"..."
Kuroha was silent.
Maybe he'd read about such stories in the news, in books, or from his past life's memories.
But only now, with Obey Your Master baring her soul before him, did he realize—
He had never truly understood them.
"I heard this park has a small track. Wanna give it a run?" Kuroha suddenly said.
"...Huh?"
Obey Your Master blinked, confused.
"No more huhs—just come on!"
Making up his mind, Kuroha grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the track.
"Wait—hey!"
Hand-in-hand, the two of them made their way to the running path in the park.
The park was always pretty quiet, but the grass and trees were beautifully kept—that's why they came here often to relax.
Now, the 400-meter track was completely empty.
"Run a lap for me!"
Kuroha nudged her forward.
She stumbled a bit from the push and grumbled, "Oi, I'm on vacation here."
"And you're not even my trainer! Who do you think you are ordering me to train, huh?"
Despite her complaints, Obey Your Master obediently stretched her arms and started warming up.
[Uma Musume Registered: Obey Your Master (Temporary)]
[Obey Your Master]
[Track Aptitude: Turf A, Dirt D]
[Distance Aptitude: Short C, Mile A, Medium A, Long B]
[Running Style Aptitude: Front Runner C, Pace Chaser B, Late Surger A, End Closer A]
[Unique Skill: Radiance of My Glory LV3]
[Domain: Awakening in Progress]
[Skills: Grass Field Demon, Foresight, Godstep Rhythm, All-Out Assault, Medium Distance Straight, Iron Will]
[Speed: 1083 | Stamina: 956 | Power: 861 | Gut: 904 | Wit: 1028]
Another stat monster!
Kuroha narrowed his eyes.
Well, that made sense. Obey Your Master was nearly fully developed and only had half a year left before the Japan Cup.
And the real-world Japan Cup was no joke—not some push-over where a half-trained classic-year filly could scrape out a win.
Whether it was a domestic race or not, the Japan Cup was an international G1 event.
To even hope to win, you either had to be a powerhouse mature horse—or a prodigy who had already gone through full development ahead of schedule.
At that level, being at your peak was just the bare minimum.
(End of Chapter)
"Shaa."
Warm-up complete, Obey Your Master took a deep breath and walked to the starting line Kuroha had marked.
"No need to go full power—just run a lap at your usual training pace."
Kuroha flipped open his notebook.
"Got it, Trainer-san!"
Obey Your Master struck a playful gal pose, placing her right hand beside her ear and flashing an "OK" gesture.
Then, as soon as Kuroha blew his whistle, she launched forward!
Her running form was clearly the product of professional training—straight out of a textbook.
For a Uma Musume, finishing 400 meters was as easy as breathing.
In no time, Obey Your Master completed the lap.
"How was it, Kuroha-san? How'd I do?"
Even with her string of poor performances in the past, she was still a former international G1-level Uma Musume.
Her strength alone would put her on par with anyone at Central Tracen Academy today—perhaps only the newly awakened Tamamo Cross could outshine her.
Not that Central Tracen wasn't going through a bit of a talent gap lately…
"Your fundamentals are solid. It's clear you've been through strict training before."
Kuroha spoke the truth, never stingy with praise.
"Really..." Obey Your Master offered a faint smile.
But after so many losses, that sort of compliment felt hollow.
Kuroha then stepped onto the track and gently poked her toned, long thigh with the tip of his pen, leaving a small indentation.
"When you run, don't use your old form—try this instead…"
He guided her into the proper stance and even jogged a few steps to demonstrate.
"Give it a try."
After explaining, Kuroha backed away and gestured for her to start.
"Huh?"
Obey Your Master stretched her legs, skepticism flickering in her eyes, but still moved into a starting position.
Boom!
Her powerful legs pounded the ground, propelling her forward.
Though doubtful at first, she instinctively adopted the form Kuroha had taught her.
Buzz—
It was like a jolt of electricity surged up from her feet, through her spine, all the way to her brain—an exhilarating rush spread through her entire body.
It wasn't an illusion!
Unlike Fujimasa March, a novice filly, Obey Your Master was a battle-hardened mature horse with years of racing experience.
She understood immediately—this form fit her perfectly.
Maintaining it made her running smoother, cut stamina consumption, and let her body enter explosive states more easily!
One lap later—
Obey Your Master slowly walked back to Kuroha in silence.
"What's wrong? You already hit your limit?" Kuroha joked.
"Y-You... Don't say that..." she stammered, face nearly flushing from the sudden teasing.
Then, she drew in a deep breath and bowed deeply to Kuroha. "Please train me more, Kuroha-san!"
"Don't say it like that... 'train' sounds weird..." Kuroha sighed, a bit exasperated.
Still, seeing this Uma Musume return to her usual self filled him with genuine relief.
"There's an hour and a half left before my girl finishes class."
Kuroha checked his phone and turned to her. "Let's see how much you can absorb in the time we've got!"
"Thank you…"
Obey Your Master's expression turned razor-sharp—her eyes no longer hiding anything, blazing with sword-like determination.
The hour and a half flew by.
Though the park's track was designed for casual joggers and far inferior to professional facilities, Obey Your Master didn't mind at all.
It had been far too long since she felt herself improving like this.
"Hah... Huff..."
Finishing another lap, she wiped her sweat and involuntarily glanced toward Kuroha, waiting for his next instruction.
But the boy outside the track simply waved his hand with a smile.
"That's it for today. We're out of time."
Obey Your Master blinked, then suddenly remembered—he wasn't her actual trainer.
She wiped her sweat with a towel and walked over to him, her expression complex. "Umm… so..."
"Will you be here tomorrow?"
Kuroha considered his schedule before replying, "If it's just mornings, I should be free the next two days. After that, no—I have to accompany my girl to a race."
Hearing that, even just the mention of "two more days" made Obey Your Master light up with joy.
She leaned into him again, clinging to his arm—her ample chest pressing in with a dangerously seductive curve.
Truly a foreign thoroughbred.
Kuroha stiffened slightly, awkwardly shifting his body to the side.
He'd spent plenty of time around Fujimasa March, but this was the first time a Uma Musume had gotten this forward.
Although this outgoing gal persona was part of Obey Your Master's new act this month…
Kuroha wasn't exactly a pure-hearted innocent nice guy. He recovered quickly.
"You dummy, you're all sweaty from training and now you're sticking to me."
"Oh come on~ I wiped it off! Besides, a beautiful girl's sweat smells sweet, you know~!"
...
PS: A quick heads-up — the protagonist will definitely be a loving trainer, but not every Uma Musume will join the team while still active. Some will only join post-retirement. I plan to write about big races that are exclusively for retired Uma Musume, kind of like the Dream Trophies in the game.
Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to include Luna CB or Driver, since they're both retired.
As for Gold Ship, she's from the same generation as Tamamo Cross, and her schedule overlaps too much with Oguri Cap's. So for now, she'll just get some guidance to help her improve, but she'll probably only join post-retirement.
I mean, I could write Gold Ship defeating both Tamamo and Oguri... but if I did that, I might as well just write about Tamamo instead.
Currently, the expected core team will include: Fujimasa March, Inari One, Obey Your Master, Tokai Teio, and Mihono Bourbon.
Further down the line, I personally like Opera O and Daiwa Scarlet.
Roughly one Uma Musume per generation—maybe two if their schedules don't overlap.
Others might join post-retirement or get placed in other trainers' teams (female ones, mostly).
Just like Obey Your Master, I'm also a huge fan of Zoff, so I might bring in some other foreign Uma Musume like Haïdou Star.
She's not truly an Japanese Uma—she's from France. But in this fanfic, I've placed her as Japanese. That's just my own headcanon.
(End of Chapter)
March 20th.
It was the day of the Keihin Cup.
Kuroha arrived at Oi Racetrack with a well-rested Fujimasa March.
Though it was approaching evening, there wasn't a trace of sunset in the sky—only thick, leaden clouds stacked heavily atop each other.
The air pressure was heavy, wild winds surged—it was the very picture of an impending storm.
"Ugh, I hate rainy days the most!"
Inari One crossed her hands behind her head, grumbling.
"I told you it'd rain, but you still came," Kuroha said as he looked up at the ink-colored sky. For some reason, a vague sense of unease stirred within him.
"Fujimasa March is my roommate—this is her first race in Oi! Of course I came to cheer her on!" Inari One clenched her fists energetically.
Fujimasa March said nothing. She focused on her breathing, steady and rhythmic, to ease the nervousness inside her.
This was her first step in Tokyo. Whether it was for her own sake—or for her trainer's—she had to win!
Kuroha gave her space to adjust.
He understood her worries, but he'd be lying if he said he wasn't nervous too.
This was his first major race in over two months as a trainer.
The first stakes race of his career.
A race that would be crucial for both of them—to prove themselves.
The three of them arrived at the exclusive waiting room for participants.
It was a private space for trainers to give final instructions and preparations to their Uma Musume.
Soon, Fujimasa March emerged in her exercise gear. Kuroha laid out a sheet of paper.
A detailed map of the Oi racetrack.
Even though he'd explained it to her several times already, Kuroha decided to reinforce the details one last time.
"The Keihin Cup. 1700 meters, classic mile-distance G2 stakes race held at Oi Racetrack," he said, tapping the map with his pen.
"The weather is cloudy, with a high chance of heavy rain. The track is right-turning and requires strong cornering technique—something you excel at."
Fujimasa March nodded seriously beside him.
"Our original plan was to run as a pace chaser. Tuck in behind the others, let them cut through the wind, save stamina, and then accelerate earlier for the attack."
"But—today, the plan has changed." Kuroha narrowed his eyes slightly.
"The conditions on the track today are going to get much worse."
"If it starts pouring, the turf will become a muddy, heavy track—much harder to run on than in our usual training. And with the chaotic wind, drafting becomes more important. Tucking in behind others is a decent plan…"
"But more important than any of that—"
Kuroha looked at her legs and said in a low voice,
"—is safety."
"Nightfall, heavy rain, slippery terrain—it's not just about how hard it'll be to run. It's about how prone the other Uma Musume will be to making mistakes."
"If you get stuck in the second group, one slip-up around you could take you down too. That's something I won't allow."
"So run Front Runner style, Fujimasa March. From start to finish—leave them all behind."
Fujimasa March looked at Kuroha's serious expression, and a warmth surged in her chest.
Abruptly, she tensed, avoiding his gaze for a second.
But then, she pursed her lips, her cheeks slightly flushed, and met his eyes directly. "Trainer, I will win!"
Kuroha gave a satisfied nod. "That's the spirit!"
After giving her a few more on-track reminders, Kuroha folded the diagram away—only to find Fujimasa March fidgeting with a shy, hesitant expression.
"What's wrong, March? Got more questions?"
"It's just... um…"
She placed her hands behind her back, mumbling for a long while before suddenly slapping her hands on the table.
Bang!
"Trainer—if I win today, could I..."
"Could I get a reward?!"
Her cheeks were flushed, horse ears perked up in excitement, and behind her—barely out of view—her tail was swishing uncontrollably from side to side.
"A reward?" Kuroha blinked.
He'd thought she was still just nervous. Turns out, she was thinking about rewards?
Still such a kid.
Kuroha chuckled and grabbed his notebook, heading toward the door. "If you win today, March—anything within my power, I'll make it happen!"
Anything…?
Kuroha didn't see it—but Fujimasa March clenched her fists tight. Her pale red eyes burned with determination like never before.
"I have to win! I must win today!"
Meanwhile, in the corner, Inari One—who'd been third-wheeling through the entire heartwarming moment—stood there frozen with a dumbfounded expression.
...
Oi Racetrack.
The speakers were blaring with exciting music.
It was nightfall, and with the stormy skies looming, not many spectators had shown up.
After sending Fujimasa March off through the contestant's tunnel, Kuroha found an open seat near the front and put on a raincoat.
Beside him, the 1.39-meter-tall Inari One sat upright in her own raincoat—like a little sister.
The overly proper image made Kuroha glance sideways. "Huh. Rare sight. The great Inari One actually looks like a proper, polite young lady."
"Q-Quit it!" she snapped.
Her eyes darted nervously, and after a moment, she shifted her butt a little further away from him.
Kuroha had no idea what this girl was doing. He just shook his head and refocused on the race.
The music began to fade, replaced by the race announcer's voice echoing through the storm and wind.
The rain had started—light, but steady.
"The downpour has turned the dirt track into a heavy field—welcome to the final qualifying battle for the South Kanto Triple Crown: the 1700-meter Keihin Cup!"
"Today, 14 Uma Musume have stepped onto this course. Only two will walk away with the final entry tickets to the South Kanto Triple Crown! Who will seize glory?!"
"First up, please welcome our first Uma Musume!"
"Third favorite—!"
"Fresh off her win in the Shiratori Special—Haru no Hikari!"
"With a record of 5 wins in 8 races, she's riding a three-race winning streak and is full of momentum!"
The two announcers worked in sync, introducing each of the entrants.
A Uma Musume with long, cherry blossom-pink hair stepped onto the stage. Her tracksuit displayed a bold number: 1.
Meaning she was in gate one.
Haru no Hikari greeted the sparse audience cheerfully, waving energetically even though there weren't many people watching.
...
"Tenth favorite—Fujimasa March!"
Good draw, Kuroha thought as he watched Fujimasa March step forward.
Gate number four. For a Front Runner like her, it was ideal.
The announcers introduced each Uma Musume with clear, powerful voices.
And then—
The voice of the announcer suddenly paused, tone rising with sharp energy.
"Now, our next entry—!"
"The top favorite—Seiran Nichirin!"
"She utterly dominated the Yunokuni Sho and is undoubtedly the biggest contender to win it all tonight!"
As the words rang out, a striking Uma Musume with icy blue hair stepped onto the stage.
And the moment she did—an intangible pressure exploded outward.
Below the stage, the Uma Musume who had already walked off all felt it—their hearts sank as they instinctively looked up.
Seiran Nichirin looked back at them, eyes half-lidded and indifferent.
This victor of the Yunokuni Sho stood under thunderclouds streaked with lightning. Her short blue hair fell beside her pale cheeks—and in her cold, storm-like gaze was a frost sharper than even the roaring winds and rain.
Kuroha frowned deeply.
Now he understood the unease that had been gnawing at him all day.
This Uma Musume—Seiran Nichirin—was a horse who had over-trained into full development far ahead of schedule.
(End of Chapter)
True Blooming—is the most rapid growth phase in a Uma Musume's life, granted through the blessings of the Three Goddesses.
When a Uma Musume enters True Blooming, her body "evolves" into its adult form.
From there, her potential is gradually unlocked, typically over the span of three years—known as her Rookie Year, Classic Year, and Senior Year.
But while that's the standard path, there are exceptions.
Some undergo True Blooming through external stressors.
When subjected to intense mental stress or trauma, a Uma Musume can force her body to bloom prematurely—compressing three years of potential growth into just two… or even a single year.
The price, however, is steep. Once she fully blooms, her peak will arrive much faster—and vanish just as quickly. Her body will also suffer varying degrees of damage.
Thus, there are two primary ways for a Uma Musume to improve:
1. Training Growth: This is the stable, natural route. It allows a Uma Musume to grow without over-consuming her True Blooming potential, meaning she can race comfortably throughout all three years—and even stay in her prime for one or two years post-retirement.
2. Over-Blooming: This is triggered by psychological stress that rapidly unlocks her potential. It allows a Classic-Year Uma Musume to reach her peak far earlier, sometimes even in her second year.
But such accelerated growth comes with a ceiling. A naturally developed Uma Musume may have over 1,000 in stat potential. Over-bloomed ones might only hit 700–800.
Not only that, their career spans are cut dramatically short—while others may run 3–5 years, they'll be lucky to last two.
Uma Musume are simple, pure-hearted girls. All they want is to run longer, to win more.
They don't pursue early glory at the cost of their future.
But Over-Blooming isn't something a Uma Musume chooses. It's a result of unbearable pressure.
That's why Kuroha never supported that kind of forced growth.
Even so, he had to admit—Seiran Nichirin was dangerous.
The glow of [Body and Breath Perception] flickered in Kuroha's eyes.
Her base stats were around 600. Terrifying.
But still—if it's today's Fujimasa March...
Below the stage, Fujimasa March looked up at the imposing Seiran Nichirin, then quietly lowered her gaze.
Having raced against Oguri Cap multiple times, she was already numb to intimidation.
After all, in the Classic generation, Oguri Cap was the undisputed number one.
Who could out-stat Oguri Cap?
Even without Over-Blooming, she crushed Mature-year G1 horses head-on with nothing but her Classic-level physicality.
Half a year later, she'd push Tamamo Cross—already at peak and brushing the edge of Domain—into utter desperation, all without even touching Domain herself.
After being forged through so many matches against such monsters, Fujimasa March wasn't fazed by anyone anymore.
...
"Alright, the Uma Musume have entered the gates! The final prelude to the South Kanto Triple Crown—the Keihin Cup—is about to begin!"
From gate 4, Fujimasa March took a deep breath, shook out her tension, and braced herself.
Her eyes burned with steely resolve.
This was a race she had to win.
Even with few spectators present, this was still a major stakes race in Oi. Plenty were watching from home on TV.
The announcer remained just as passionate.
Clack!
The gates flew open—and Fujimasa March burst forward like a bullet, immediately seizing the lead!
Thanks to the ten days of parallel-run training with Yuzuhara Tatsuko and her team of grizzled Mature-year veterans, even they had a hard time competing with March's launch.
Reaction, explosive power, positional awareness—she was flawless.
Dada-da-da-da!
The other Uma Musume reacted quickly—though a beat late. They scrambled to secure favorable Pace Chaser positions.
"So fast?!"
From gate 1, Haru no Hikari gritted her teeth as she followed just behind the gray-haired March.
Outside the group—
Seiran Nichirin, with her blue hair flowing and lioness-like strides, quietly held her position mid-pack.
She fixed her gaze on the leading gray-haired filly.
"Just you, huh?" Seiran muttered.
Thanks to her Over-Blooming, her intuition was honed to a sharp edge. She could vaguely feel the strength of her rivals.
And right now—there was only one she couldn't see through: the Front Runner at the head.
...
In the scattered audience, two middle-aged men sat observing from up high.
"Not good," murmured one in a business suit.
"What is it?" asked the other, dressed casually, sipping wolfberry-infused tea.
Below, the group of Uma Musume had just passed the first corner.
Oi's first corner was gentle with no major inclines or dips. The girls easily adjusted and glided through.
"Looks normal to me."
"That might've been true a few months ago. But now? It's a whole different game," said the suit-wearer darkly.
They both looked up—the rain had begun falling harder.
"The track's turning to sludge. It's no longer about just strength or speed. Technique, strategy, and stamina will decide this one."
"And most importantly—" the suited man narrowed his eyes—
"That Front Runner is setting a brutal pace!"
"She's running like the heavy field has no effect on her. Every step is stable, unlike the others!"
"If this keeps up, then the final stretch will be—"
...
Elsewhere in the audience—
Kuroha lowered his head slightly, lips curling.
He whispered:
"Mass deceleration."
...
On the track—
"Damn it!"
A nearby Uma Musume hissed as her foot nearly slipped.
Haru no Hikari could barely focus on anything around her. Even just running was draining her dry.
Splash!
Muddy water splashed high. The ground was soft, slippery—nowhere to push off.
"Why isn't she affected at all?!"
Rain slid into her eyes. Haru no Hikari squinted and gasped for breath.
But ahead of her, Fujimasa March was nothing like the others.
Her steps were firm, posture light, sprinting cleanly at the head of the pack.
"Hah… Hah…"
Her breath came in rhythm, each exhale forming a puff of white mist.
She looked almost luminescent.
It was the wind's song again.
Fujimasa March felt what she had felt back in Kasamatsu—the wind was pushing her forward again.
It wrapped around her like a cloak of momentum, guiding her to the finish line.
After months of Kuroha's training, she was almost done evolving.
Her Heart, Body, and Skill had reached their peak. And now, the wind flowed beside her—
Victory was calling.
This race would be her solo performance.
A faint white glow shimmered in Fujimasa March's eyes.
"The pack has passed the third corner. Still leading is gate 4—Fujimasa March! In second is gate 1—Haru no Hikari…" the announcer shouted through the storm.
"And gate 7—Seiran Nichirin—is still holding back in seventh place. She doesn't seem eager to pass anyone yet?"
(End of Chapter)
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