Wait, what is she doing? Why would she do this?
No one could understand Gold Ship's thought process. This wasn't even the first time she'd pulled something like this, either.
Gold Ship was the type who could absolutely win if she ran seriously, but if she decided not to take it seriously, even the gods couldn't save her from herself.
This particular race was a mile at 1600 meters, not even Gold Ship's adapted distance. There wasn't much reason to worry about her performance here.
Honestly, it was strange enough just seeing her compete at all.
After the favorites were announced, the uma musume began entering their starting gates one by one.
Alright, the Uma Musume are all in position and ready to go. The race is about to begin.
The red light on the gate lit up.
CLANG—
The race exploded into fierce competition right from the start, though none of that chaos had anything to do with Grass Wonder. She just needed to wait patiently at the back of the pack.
Gold Ship was also hanging back behind her, watching the uma musume ahead with visible interest. No rush, no panic, just casual observation.
Unlike the other competitors, Grass Wonder now had an entire group of cheerleaders shouting and encouraging her from the stands. She was pumped up from the very start, energy coursing through her.
"That trainer came too?" Daiwa Scarlet leaned forward in her seat, spotting Hayato and the others in the crowd below.
It wasn't that she wasn't qualified to participate in this simulation race. She'd just chosen not to enter because she'd been in a foul mood ever since losing to Vodka.
"The one they're all cheering for seems to be that uma musume." Of course, she knew who Grass Wonder was. The current Grass Wonder had already earned herself the title of "monster" among competitors.
If I wanted to beat someone like that, this running style would definitely be worth trying.
She really wanted to attempt the late-running style like Grass Wonder, and Vodka used, but deep down, she knew that when it came to late-stage acceleration power, she probably couldn't match Vodka's natural talent.
Using that particular style just wouldn't work for her.
Recently, she'd been obsessively researching the great escape running style instead.
After watching race videos of Silence Suzuka and Seiun Sky over and over, she could only describe the technique as absolutely heaven-defying.
How could Uma Musume possibly use the great escape but still maintain that level of acceleration power in the final stages?
Even for her, after attempting a smaller escape at the start, the acceleration power she could muster afterward wasn't particularly high. Vodka would easily catch up and pass her.
Before, she'd relied entirely on her high stats and excellent data, never losing a race when she used front-running tactics. But now she'd discovered the fundamental shortcomings in her approach.
The imperfect running style left her constantly searching for some method to achieve late-stage acceleration even without sufficient stamina reserves for it.
She felt certain that if she could master that particular running style, she could definitely beat Vodka.
"How exactly is that running style executed?"
She desperately wanted to have a proper conversation with Hayato about it, but her tsundere personality made her feel too embarrassed to actually approach him.
"Hmph, if he comes to invite me again, maybe I could consider it." Behind her, her tail started spinning like a propeller, betraying every feeling her pride tried to hide. She grabbed it with both hands, desperately trying to restrain the movement.
The race soon entered its second half.
About to pass the corner and enter the straightaway. Have the Uma Musume prepared for their final sprint?
Before they'd even finished navigating the turn, Gold Ship was already applying pressure. She advanced from the far outside position, her speed gradually increasing as she passed several uma musume to reach the middle of the pack.
Slick Surge activated!
Golden light flashed brilliantly around Grass Wonder's body. Power surged through her like electricity, and between subtle changes in her footwork, she shot past several uma musume in rapid succession.
Grass Wonder began her breakout.
The instant she entered the straightaway, Grass Wonder had already broken through successfully and claimed the lead position. Gold Ship and several other Uma Musume were still chasing hard, but the outcome was already decided.
At this point in the race, Grass Wonder still had abundant stamina left for the final sprint.
Grass Wonder is in the lead! Can she maintain this advantage all the way to the finish line?
After seizing first place, Grass Wonder just kept widening the gap steadily.
On Your Left activated!
Her speed was explosive, showing absolutely no signs of fatigue or slowdown. In the end, she opened up a commanding seven-length gap over the pack. A few uma musume were gradually working to close that distance, but time was running out.
"Grass Wonder doesn't have a trainer yet, right?" A newer trainer asked, unable to hide his interest. An uma musume this powerful still running without representation seemed impossible.
"Don't even think about it." Another trainer, one who'd already been rejected by Grass Wonder, crushed that fantasy immediately. "She's not accepting any invitations right now."
Who wouldn't want an Uma Musume this strong on their roster? But people had asked countless times already and still gotten nowhere.
Both Tojo Hana and Trainer Okino had shown up to watch the simulation race today.
Okino was there to scout potential members for rebuilding his team. Tojo Hana wanted to ask Grass Wonder for her final answer one last time.
Crossing the line!
First place went to Grass Wonder, second to Yamanin Zephyr, and third to Gold Ship.
Having won the race decisively, the very first thing Grass Wonder did was search the crowd for where Hayato and the others were standing.
Not long after the race ended, quite a few trainers located Grass Wonder and surrounded her position, blocking her path.
"Grass Wonder, won't you really reconsider finding a trainer?"
"Grass Wonder, regarding training methodology, I think we should talk more. I can teach you even more effective running techniques."
"Sorry, I'm not interested in any of that." She smiled politely, the gesture unmistakable despite its gentleness. "Could you please let me through?"
These trainers were blocking her way completely.
They continued following behind her anyway, trailing like persistent flies as their voices chattered on without end. She ignored every single one of them.
"Grass Wonder, you should give me a proper answer now, shouldn't you?" Tojo Hana appeared directly in front of her, meeting her eyes with firm expectation.
"What answer? Didn't I already give you my answer?" Grass Wonder walked past Tojo Hana without breaking stride. The rejection couldn't have been clearer.
Team Rigil was undeniably strong and prestigious, but she'd found something even better now.
She believed this new team wouldn't be any weaker than a powerhouse like Team Rigil, even though it had only just been established recently.
Having bypassed one persistent trainer, another immediately appeared before her.
"Grass Wonder, you have dreams, don't you?" Trainer Okino asked, positioning himself in her path.
"If we're talking about dreams, shouldn't they be realized alongside someone you genuinely like?" She smiled warmly. "Oh, that's right, I already have a trainer now."
She walked purposefully toward where Hayato was waiting.
"I'm extending an invitation to you again, Grass Wonder." Hayato held out his hand toward her.
"Then please allow me to introduce myself properly once more." She stepped forward with grace. "My name is Grass Wonder, an uma musume who will inevitably reach the peak of this world. Please take care of me, Trainer."
She extended her own hand, and their fingers met in a firm, graceful clasp.
"My name is Hayato. I will also inevitably become a first-rate trainer." His grip was steady and sure. "Please take care of me as well."
Hayato's appearance at this moment made quite a few trainers' hearts sink heavily in their chests.
Several months ago, this exact same trainer had made them all lose face spectacularly. They hadn't expected history to repeat itself so precisely today.
The entire simulation race felt like it existed specifically for him to handpick Uma Musume for his roster.
If King Halo hadn't strung together those three consecutive victories, they could still mock his methods. Unfortunately for them, she had.
This escape runner trainer really did dare to say outrageous things and then actually follow through. His ability wasn't just talk, it was genuinely exceptional.
Just like that, under a sea of envious, jealous, and resentful gazes burning into their backs, Hayato walked away with Grass Wonder at his side.
Special Week killer successfully recruited. If Spe-chan doesn't join the team... hehe...
After the contract was successfully signed, Grass Wonder's personal profile was unlocked.
An exclusive contract with Uma Musume Grass Wonder has been established.
Grass Wonder's affection +10, risen to Level 1.
Grass Wonder's personal profile unlocked. Can now view.
Name: Grass Wonder
Intimacy Level: 1
Brief: Refined and charming, a Yamato Nadeshiko from America.
Self-introduction: My name is Grass Wonder. Since I'm an uma musume, I'll work hard to reach the ultimate peak on this path. Hehe~
Grade: Middle School Division
Affiliated Dormitory: Miho Dormitory
Height: 152cm
Weight: No change
Birthday: February 18
Unlock more information by increasing intimacy.
--
Back in the team club room, Grass Wonder asked with some concern, "Does the trainer plan to let me escape running-style, too?"
She is not against the escape strategy, but she feels that she may not be able to learn, which conflicts with her personality. Compared to the great escape with a gambling component, she prefers to be more efficient in the front or center.
'However, if I don't use an escape strategy, wouldn't it be a bit out of place with this team?'