Several days later, a press conference for the upcoming classic races was held in Tracen's Academy hall.
The participating Uma Musume walked down the red carpet one by one, each step carefully measured as they ascended the illuminated stairs surrounded by brilliant lights. Countless cameras aimed at them from every angle, bright shutter sounds clicking away in rapid succession like mechanical applause.
Some Uma Musume couldn't wait for their victories and had already put on the outfits they'd prepared for that eventual moment. They stood on that stage where they'd have to hold back tears of joy someday, making their confident debut appearance for the cameras.
Backstage, away from the lights and noise, Hayato appeared slightly nervous as he checked on King Halo. "Halo, it's almost your turn out there. Are you nervous at all?"
"Heh? Is there any need to be nervous about something like this?" King Halo looked genuinely confused by the question. "I've been impatient to get out there for ages now. Ohohoho..."
She wasn't nervous in the slightest. If anything, she seemed unusually relaxed and ready.
Looks like I was overthinking it... Hayato couldn't help but think. How could someone as thick-skinned as King Halo possibly be nervous?
If his Uma Musume wasn't nervous, then Hayato should be able to handle this too.
Hayato pumped himself up mentally, then turned to Silence Suzuka. "Suzuka, what about you?"
Suzuka wasn't good at talking in general. She should be feeling nervous, right?
"Yes, a little." Silence Suzuka's voice came out calm and measured, not looking nervous in the slightest.
So I'm the only one who's actually nervous here?
"Suzuka, you don't need to be scared. It's just a small scene out there. Say a couple of words, and it'll be over before you know it." Hayato slipped into his usual comforting tone without thinking.
"Yes, I understand. As long as Trainer is here with me, I feel very reassured." Silence Suzuka showed him a sweet smile that could melt ice.
I see. I'm your support, so you won't be nervous. Then as a trainer, I should set a better example... The thought trailed off into something uncomfortable. Why does this feel a bit unfair, though?
You all rely on me, who do I rely on? Do I just bear everything alone?
The weight of that realization settled more heavily on his shoulders as he took a deep breath, preparing to step out onto that stage.
Silence Suzuka had participated in races before and stood on winner's stages plenty of times, but this really was his first encounter with something like this. He'd heard this was being broadcast globally. Couldn't help but feel the nerves creeping in.
After another uma musume and trainer pair emerged from the front stage, he took King Halo and Silence Suzuka out with him.
Once they were up there, they just needed to stand properly and let the cameras do their work. Simple enough.
Snap snap snap!
The lights were more than a bit blinding. In the entire horse girl hall, where they stood, was currently the single brightest spot. Below them spread nothing but a sea of people and cameras pointing upward.
A young male reporter called out his question. "May I ask, do you have confidence in your upcoming race? Miss King Halo, please answer first."
"Isn't that obvious?" King Halo put her hands on her hips, then shifted to crossing her arms instead. She was currently wearing the dark green winning outfit her mother had made for her.
Because of that bold statement, even more cameras swiveled to focus on her, shutters clicking away in rapid succession.
"Please elaborate on that confidence." The reporter was also snapping photos as he spoke, his questions flowing smoothly despite the chaos. This was a press conference for all the Uma Musume who could participate in the classic line, so there wasn't time for extended interviews. Each uma musume could be asked three questions at most.
Any uma musume who could participate in the Satsuki Sho and Oka Sho would attend this particular press conference. Before the Derby and Kikka Sho later in the season, there would be more opportunities to meet with reporters. Before and after every GI race, there would also be press conferences for real-time follow-up coverage.
"Of course I have confidence! Because my goal is nothing less than the Triple Crown!" King Halo raised her head proudly, the declaration ringing out clearly.
The reporter's gaze paused for just a moment, as if processing the weight of that statement. He took one final photo of King Halo, then shifted his attention to Silence Suzuka. "What about you, Miss Suzuka? Do you have any particular aspirations for your race?"
Silence Suzuka's eyes flicked briefly in Hayato's direction before she answered. "If I can run to my heart's content, I won't give up my leading position in any race."
"Okay, thank you both for the interview."
Just like that, the interview ended.
The reporter hadn't seemed to have any intention of asking Hayato questions at all. With the interview wrapped up, all he could do was guide the uma musume back to the backstage area.
For this press conference, he'd actually prepared several scripts and talking points in advance. He hadn't expected to get to use any of them.
With the press conference behind them, it was finally time to focus entirely on preparing for the actual races.
Right now, King Halo's main training focuses on power and stamina development. For skills, she was working on acquiring blue-tier abilities and techniques specifically related to competing for lane position during races.
All of it is designed to ensure that her closer running style wouldn't get blocked or boxed in by opponents. As long as she wasn't trapped and her stats remained superior to her competition, the race outcomes should be stable.
Silence Suzuka was the one who needed the least amount of worry or supervision. Her great escape technique was gradually being perfected with each passing day. Her speed stat was climbing by at least five points daily without fail. Reaching 350 before race day was completely achievable, no problem whatsoever.
Three days before the race, Hayato shifted Suzuka's training to focus exclusively on practicing starts, pushing hard to unlock the gold-tier skill "Concentration" as quickly as possible.
The entire outcome of her race would be determined by the stage from the very start to the end of that opening phase. As long as Silence Suzuka could seize the lead position early, she would win. It was that straightforward.