[Treve's strength was simply too overwhelming.]
[In 2013, the JRA sent Orfevre with high hopes, again without Ikezoe, but Japan's dream of an Arc victory was crushed by Treve once more.]
[With a display of absolute dominance, she told Japan: "You are still incredibly far from the top of the world."]
Inside Tracen Academy, Orfevre grit her teeth in silence as she read these words. Her aura reached a terrifying level.
She was utterly defiant, the "top of the world" couldn't possibly be that far away.
She felt a surge of fury, believing that at her full strength, it was impossible to have zero chance of winning.
"130 points? I wonder what my rating was that year?"
In reality, Orfevre also received an extremely high rating of 129 in 2013. If he had won that Arc, he wouldn't have just surpassed Treve— without a doubt, Orfevre would have surpassed Symboli Rudolf, Gentildonna, T.M. Opera O, and El Condor Pasa to claim the absolute throne of Japan.
All horses would have bowed before him.
But unfortunately, Orfevre didn't reach that step. He lost to the Queen of France, Treve. What seemed like a tiny gap was actually a vast chasm.
[The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is an unreachable place for all JRA racehorses, like a castle in the sky. They can only look up as challengers, losing and trying again, over and over, seeking just one victory. And above the Arc, the world's Great Kings sit at the peak, looking down on everything: Frankel, Flightline, Enable, Sea the Stars, Treve, and Workforce.]
[Only by overcoming the Arc does one earn the right to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them.]
[Actually, this is understandable. If you count from the founding of the JRA, Japanese racing history is barely 70 years old. Britain's Frankel is the crystallization of three hundred years of British racing history, symbolizing the highest glory of their bloodlines. Although the eras are changing and Japanese bloodlines are getting stronger, there is still a gap compared to the world.]
[I wonder what would happen if they added the bloodline of Chinese horses into the mix...? Maybe it'd work for longer races, where stamina is vital...]
At this moment, many people within Tracen had different reactions to these words.
"Is this Treve person really that strong? What does she look like? 130 points... Neicha, how many points do you think Twin Turbo would get?"
Twin Turbo gulped, feeling her worldview being shattered. Orfevre was already terrifying enough, yet she was completely suppressed in front of Treve.
"How cruel. Every time we're so close to the Arc, we fall just a little short."
Nice Nature understood now. Currently, the best result for the URA should be Orfevre's second place. Who would represent the URA to take the first Arc victory in the future remained unknown.
Meanwhile, at a school in Tokyo, Equinox was watching with a pounding heart. She was extremely frustrated by the outcome of Orfevre's defeat. She thought to herself that if she had the chance in the future, she also wanted to go to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Equinox said: "Alright, I've decided. I'm going to surpass 130 points in the future! I'll become stronger than all of them!"
Equinox was always confident and optimistic, and she possessed enough talent. She represented the new generation of Tracen Academy— its very future.
And it wasn't just Equinox. At this moment, after the diary appeared, Titleholder, Panthalassa, and Liberty Island— these three little kids— were fuming.
They were furious to see the repeated failures at the Arc. Their honor was tied to the Japanese region, they would never surrender to the world.
The Arc? They would definitely conquer it!
Equinox put her hands on her hips and said cutely: "Everyone, since the Teacher isn't here right now, why don't we just go running?"
"Ah... but we're still in class. How can we just go? And the Teacher will definitely scold us..." Liberty Island was very shy.
"Sigh, Liberty Island, why are you acting like such a kid? Where's the 'Liberty' in your name? The future needs us to step up!"
Titleholder said, exasperated, nearly giving her a headbutt.
Duramente would have given a thumbs up: "My daughter, Titleholder, has the potential of a world-class sledgehammer!"
"I am a kid! And if you hit me again, I'll headbutt you back!" Little Liberty Island puffed out her cheeks.
She figured it out— if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Her "gears" had been knocked into place by Titleholder's headbutt the other day, and she suddenly mastered the skill to headbutt back.
She didn't know why, it was like it was in her blood.
In an instant, Liberty Island and Titleholder were glaring at each other, their heads pressed together as they pushed back and forth, emitting a terrifying aura. Seeing this, Panthalassa immediately started cheering from the sidelines.
Equinox laughed loudly: "Hahaha! Since no one objects, I'll explain the tactics."
"Think about it this way: Teacher isn't here, and we don't like being in class anyway. So there's only one thing to do. Skip class and go running!"
"You're just playing truant," Liberty Island snorted. She wouldn't do it, her Papa said that's what bad kids do.
"Heh. Those who can't keep up should just quit like Liberty-chan here." Titleholder dismissively wagged her finger, only to suddenly take a headbutt and collapse to the ground.
"You... you didn't even say anything before hitting me..." Titleholder clutched her head in pain.
This girl had no sportsmanship!
"I don't know, I just suddenly felt like giving you a thump. Ahem, sorry, sorry. Are you okay...?"
"I'm not okay!!!" Titleholder stood up.
Equinox broke them up and said: "Alright, now that we know Japan has never won the Arc, we really can't just sit by. We have to hurry and practice instead of wasting time in the classroom.!"
"Panthalassa, Titleholder, Liberty Island— go downstairs, put on your shoes, and watch for my signal. We're going straight to the seaside to train!"
Panthalassa nodded cutely. "I don't really get it, but I understand!" Anyway, she just had to charge forward.
The four of them quickly snuck downstairs and changed into their shoes. Equinox saw the coast was clear, grit her teeth, and accelerated her short legs so fast they left afterimages.
She shouted: "Run, everyone!"
"Charge, charge, charge!"
Panthalassa didn't care about anything anymore. She sprinted wildly, overtaking Equinox and heading out of the school. Titleholder was running too, but she kept a cool, stoic expression.
Was she the type to worry about her image even while running?
Liberty Island looked conflicted.
'Seriously... why am I following them too?'
"They're running! Four students are running away!"
At that moment, their teacher finally realized something was wrong. There was a staff member there, a specialized Uma Musume much like Hayakawa Tazuna, who immediately gave chase to the four little fillies.
To her surprise, this staff member found that these four little ones were incredibly fast— especially for their age.
The one named Equinox, in particular, didn't look like she was sprinting desperately, yet she didn't lose any speed at all, in fact, her pace was steadily climbing.
But that wasn't the priority. She had to catch them first. Seeing the four of them scatter in different directions, she noted their cleverness.
Regardless, she chased down Equinox first, then rounded up Panthalassa, followed by Titleholder and Liberty Island.
Despite their best efforts, their career as truants ended in an instant defeat. Even so, the four of them left a profound impression on the teachers.
Equinox struggled constantly, calling them "kidnappers," while Liberty Island looked innocent, regretting she ever waded into these muddy waters.
Even when caught, Titleholder maintained a cool expression— it seemed she truly was the type to worry about her image.
"Even our own Arc... ended in failure, then?"
"As a teacher, I've never managed to raise a truly powerful Uma Musume. I wonder how this batch will turn out?"
Watching the results of the Arc in the diary, the teacher sighed and shook her head, feeling helpless and as if she hadn't contributed much.
But she didn't realize that while she hadn't raised many elite students in her life, the four Uma Musume currently in her arms and on her shoulders would become the best of the best in the future.
Meanwhile, Mizuki's diary continued:
[Generally speaking, Orfevre's 2012 Arc was the most regrettable.]
[After returning to Japan, Orfevre set his sights on the G1 Japan Cup.]
[Besides seeking revenge on Solemia for the defeat at Longchamp, public attention was focused on the showdown between the Triple Crown winner and Gentildonna.]
[However, Orfevre veered on the straight and made slight contact with Gentildonna. Orfevre had to give way, resulting in a 2nd place finish. Ultimately, Gentildonna won, and Orfevre lost to a mare once again.]
[However, Orfevre did get his revenge on Solemia, who was out of form and finished 13th, having seemingly burned out everything at the Arc.]
[Orfevre was at a disadvantage in terms of physique. Back in 2007, Vodka and Daiwa Scarlet were known for their strength, when Gentildonna charged in, Orfevre couldn't hold his ground and was practically sent flying by her.]
[Gentildonna also tried to bump Gold Ship once. Gold Ship didn't move an inch, but Gentildonna's head was left ringing.]
[In 2013, after winning the G2 Sankei Osaka Hai, Orfevre prepared for the Takarazuka Kinen, but was diagnosed with exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage on June 13th. As it was a recoverable condition, he immediately went into rest and recovery.]
[The 2013 Takarazuka Kinen was won by Gold Ship— his first victory in that race.]
[After the defeat to Treve in the Arc, Orfevre returned to Japan for his retirement race: the Arima Kinen.]
[It was the "Last Dance" of Orfevre and Ikezoe. On December 22, 2013, over 110,000 spectators packed Nakayama Racecourse to watch the Triple Crown winner's final run.]
[This time, Orfevre unleashed terrifying power, declaring his dominance by winning by a massive 8-length margin— the second-largest margin in the history of the race.]
[Orfevre ended his career with a convincing victory, achieving a perfect ending.]
Inside Tracen Academy:
"Orfevre's perfect ending... her last dance with Ikezoe is so moving. An eight-length lead is terrifying. Remember, the runners in the Arima Kinen are the most popular racers of the year!"
"Popularity and strength are linked, in a sense, it represents the strongest runners of that year. I really want to see that race,"
Tap Dance City said with anticipation, though she was curious: "But if she's second, who holds the record for the largest winning margin?"
"It is indeed curious," Symboli Kris S remarked, her body radiating an intimidating black pressure that made other students hesitate to approach.
In reality, she was a kind and gentle person.
What Symboli Kris S didn't realize was that the record holder for the largest margin in the Arima Kinen was herself. She seized the record in 2003, when she crushed Tap Dance City by over 9 lengths.
In another part of Tracen:
"Heh, only 6 G1s? I'm different now. I'll take 10 G1s easily. As for Gentildonna, Treve, and that Solemia... I'll make them all my defeated opponents."
"Mares... how interesting."
Orfevre bared her teeth. After reading the diary, she felt a deep shock at the experiences of her "real-life horse" counterpart. She didn't care about rewards, she wanted to clear her name against those rivals.
That would be the best reward.
At that moment, the log continued:
[Today I pulled information on real-life horses again. Among them was the Queen of Mares, and I saw a story that left me silent for a long time.]
[Has there ever been someone who stepped forward when you lost your way in life and taught you what true living is?]
[They ask for nothing in return and seek no understanding, yet they inadvertently save you and give your life meaning.]
[To such a person, I want to say: "a teacher for a moment, a teacher for a lifetime."]
[Humans are like that. When you look back, you realize you aren't alone.]
[Unfortunately, by the time you finally have the ability to repay them, they have already passed away in an accident.]
[All that remains is to bet everything and fight with all your might— running with everything you have.]
[That's the story I just pulled.]
Mizuki had pulled information on "Mares of the Century" like Treve, Enable, and Almond Eye. Simultaneously, she saw the story of Nakayama Festa.
However, as it was late, she could only write those stories later.
She was also curious about her reward.
Their training progress needed to intensify, and Hokko Tarumae had sent a message inviting her for a walk, saying she had something to explain.
'What could Hokko Tarumae, want?'
Mizuki didn't know. She quickly wrote a conclusion and uploaded the log.
[Log uploaded successfully.]
[Reward obtained— Dirt Racing Knowledge.]
[Dirt Racing Knowledge will enhance your experience in dirt races and will be automatically internalized.]
'This reward is quite lucky,' Mizuki thought.
As a Tracen trainer, her biggest deficiency was knowledge of dirt racing. In Tracen, while dirt Uma Musume have fewer races and spectators compared to turf ones, achieving success in dirt is still extremely glorious.
Smart Falcon's performances back then were stunning, essentially carrying the popularity of dirt racing on her own. Later runners like Wonder Acute, Copano Rickey, and Hokko Tarumae took it even further.
Outside the Spica clubroom:
"Trainer Mizuki, excuse me for a moment," Hokko Tarumae said politely.
"Yes, what is it?" Mizuki asked, puzzled.
"Um... can I join Spica? And... could you become the Honorary Spokesperson for Tomakomai?"
After she finished, her expression was shy and a bit awkward, her voice trembling slightly with embarrassment.
Her logic was simple: Her videos about Tomakomai were getting good views, but many commenters were asking about her results in the URA. She realized that if she wanted people to notice Tomakomai, she needed to achieve great results.
She wanted a trainer to help her improve her skills for dirt races, but being unfamiliar with the area, she only knew Trainer Mizuki.
Thinking about her past mediocre results, her pale face flushed, she was terrified of being scolded and rejected.
As for the "spokesperson" title, it was just a nominal thing— since Trainers and Uma Musume are usually linked, she could promote Tomakomai better if she could say her trainer was also a representative.
Mizuki hadn't expected to one day become a representative of anything, much less an entire town.
"So you want to join Spica? That's fine. We can do a trial tomorrow. If you feel my coaching helps, you can join. But as for being an Honorary Spokesperson, why...?"
Mizuki knew that if she hadn't gained the Dirt Racing Knowledge today, she couldn't have let her join, it would have just been wasting Tarumae's time.
But now, it was different. Spica lacked a dirt runner. Even though she hadn't seen Tarumae's real-life stats yet, she enjoyed her company and her hard work.
"Can I really come for a trial? Thank you!" Hokko Tarumae was so excited her hands and feet were shaking. She felt more nervous now than she ever did during her idol activities.
After all, her current track record was nothing to brag about. McQueen was already strong, the real-life Gold Ship had 6 G1s, and Vodka and Daiwa Scarlet were the "Twin Empresses." Entering Spica with her current grades was like applying to a top-tier University with barely passing grades.
"Um... regarding the spokesperson role, it's not that much work, Trainer..." She explained that Mizuki didn't have to agree.
She felt a bit regretful for being so impulsive— surely one should offer benefits when asking someone to be a spokesperson?
Mizuki smiled after hearing the explanation. "It seems I really don't have to do anything. But since it's an honorary title, it's linked to my reputation. I can agree, but... you'll have to pay me more."
"Eh???"
Hokko Tarumae was distraught. Her tail went limp and started swaying nervously. At the mention of "more money," her mind went blank.
She frantically calculated her savings— a few thousand yen in pocket change, some money the people of Tomakomai gave her... it wasn't much at all.
She felt like crying from the shame.
"If you don't have money, that's fine too. How about you massage my legs every month, do the laundry, and clean my room?" Mizuki joked, teasing her.
Tarumae's social experience was a blank slate, and she couldn't help but want to teach her about the harshness of society.
"I... I can do that! No problem!" Hokko Tarumae suddenly bowed, being completely serious.
"Hahahaha!" Mizuki burst out laughing.
She then spent the next few minutes explaining she was joking and that all she wanted was some snacks every now and then.
"Honestly..." Hokko Tarumae felt like a deflated balloon. She finally understood why everyone at Tracen said Trainer Mizuki was a good person overall, but that she was also incredibly punchable once you got to know her.
She was starting to feel that urge herself.
Still, she was grateful.
"By the way, I made this haskap cake. Trainer Mizuki, please have it for breakfast tomorrow."
She handed her the cake— something Twin Turbo would have considered a dream— and Mizuki accepted it happily.
Tarumae waved goodbye, cheering herself on as she did. She didn't know yet that her future was filled with light.
Elsewhere, Gold Ship, Tosen Jordan, and Nakayama Festa were playing games while reading the diary.
Tosen Jordan said, "Nakayama Festa, if I remember correctly, you mentioned before that you were persuaded to come back by a teacher, right? I wonder who Trainer Mizuki is talking about in the last part of the log. Why didn't she write more? It's so annoying!"
Gold Ship grinned. "Jordan, if you put this much energy into your studies, you would have passed your exams ages ago!"
"I can tell your teacher really wants to save you, but she just can't carry you through. Do you need little Gold Ship to tutor you?"
Tosen Jordan was speechless. "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!!!"
After watching their antics, Nakayama Festa finally spoke up to answer Jordan's question.
"Ah, I was a delinquent when I was a kid. To chase that feeling of a racing heart, I followed some thugs and did a lot of thrilling things— street racing, fighting, even gambling with my life. It was pretty dangerous."
"If it weren't for my teacher, I might have spent my whole life like that. She was the one who taught me how to truly live."
"The person Trainer Mizuki wrote about here sounds a lot like me, but my teacher is fine. She's still very healthy."
Nakayama Festa smiled. She intended to make a name for herself at Tracen.
When she saw Orfevre battling at the Arc, her heart skipped a beat. That kind of stage, that kind of thrill, was her reason for living— the meaning of living her teacher spoke of.
Paris, France, was her teacher's favorite place. If she could win a championship there, she wondered what kind of expression her teacher would make?
Nakayama Festa smiled faintly.
'That would be very interesting, wouldn't it?'
Gold Ship asked, "What kind of person is your teacher?"
Nakayama Festa replied, "Hmm? I'm not entirely sure. I used to space out in her class and skip out all the time. I thought she'd criticize me like everyone else, but every time, she only worried about my safety and my future."
"You know? At the time, I wondered: Does a person like this actually exist in this world? So, I figured I'd stick around to hear her nag a bit more. Otherwise, with that thin frame of hers, there's no way she could have physically held me back."
"She speaks very methodically and slowly— I almost fall asleep every time— but for some reason, I'm willing to keep listening. Maybe it's because every word she says is truly for my sake."
Tosen Jordan sighed. "Sigh, how did we get onto the topic of your teacher? Who do you guys think the diary is talking about this time?"
Gold Ship said, "No idea. Could it be me? Maybe I become a teacher in the future? I lead my students to the right path, and finally, when they turn back to repay me, I've already found aliens and gone off to wander through space!"
Tosen Jordan looked disgusted hearing this. "I think you're an alien freak right now. No normal person has your thought process."
Nakayama Festa laughed. "Hahaha! That's not a bad ending. It's a perfect ending in its own way— very thrilling. But if Gold Ship were a teacher, what would she teach everyone?"
Tosen Jordan, Nakayama Festa, and Gold Ship all looked up and thought for a moment. Simultaneously, a specific image flashed in their minds: Gold Ship making all sorts of weird faces and doing those ridiculous high-leg kicks.
They decided to drop it.
For the sake of the URA's future, please don't ever become a teacher, Gold Ship!
Meanwhile, at a hospital in Tokyo.
"Cough, cough..."
A certain teacher's health was getting worse. A cyst had been found in her stomach, and she needed surgery to determine if it was malignant. If the result was positive, it meant she had stomach cancer.
Her cheeks were gaunt as she looked out at the distant starry sky, lost in thought. At that moment, because of Mizuki's diary, a past student sent her a message: A picture of her playing with two Uma Musume.
One is tall, white-haired, and would certainly look elegant if not for the silly expression on her face. The other Uma is a colorful, gyaru-like figure with very pretty nails.
They chatted briefly again, but before long, her former student had to go.
The teacher smiled happily, her eyes shimmering with relief.
"Festa-chan... it looks like you finally have some good friends now..."
The next morning. After breakfast, Mizuki saw the messages from Hokko Tarumae.
[Hokko Tarumae]: Trainer Mizuki, how did the haskap cake taste? Was it okay for breakfast?
[Hokko Tarumae]: If it was, I'll make more for you in the future.
[Mizuki]: Yeah, I actually ate it as a late-night snack last night. It tasted great.
[Hokko Tarumae]: Late... night snack? Eh?!! My fault, I should have prepared more. It's okay, I'll bring more during training this afternoon, it's very easy to make.
[Hokko Tarumae]: I'm so glad you like it! (happy.jpg)
[Mizuki]: How do you make it? Do you have a video? Send me a tutorial so I can make my own!
[Hokko Tarumae]: Ah, there's no video. It's a recipe I learnt back at home!
[Mizuki]: Then just tell me the steps. With just one read, I'll have mastered it!
Hokko Tarumae was a bit confused, thinking that Trainer Mizuki was joking. Regardless, she still patiently explained the steps.
[Hokko Tarumae]: It's like this, Trainer. I removed most of the skin from the haskap berries but kept a portion of it. This helps bring out the flavor of the berries more.
[Mizuki]: ???
[Mizuki]: That was intentional? I thought it was an accident since you left so much skin in the cake.
[Hokko Tarumae]: It was definitely intentional!
Mizuki rubbed her head. Why did this sound like an excuse?
Afterwards, Mizuki got up and washed. She planned to help brainstorm ideas for a Racing Outfit for Hokko Tarumae.
Between the rewards from writing her daily logs and the prize money from Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka's recent debuts, she had the funds.
She quickly arrived at a community center in Tracen Academy where fan appreciation events are usually held. Standing before her was an elegant, dignified Uma Musume with crown-shaped earrings, holding a laptop.
It was the princess of the Satono family, the top-tier rich girl, Satono Crown.
The Satono family was a rising noble house in the URA, contributing greatly to the racing world in recent years. However, they were haunted by a curse: They had never been able to produce an Uma Musume with G1 winning strength.
Satono Crown was working hard to change that, though the curse would eventually be broken by Satono Diamond— Dia-chan defeating Kitasan Black is a legendary scene on her support card.
That said, Satono Crown would later win a G1 title herself, fulfilling her dream in the Hong Kong Vase.
As the saying goes: Once a Hong Kong Vase, a lifetime of Hong Kong grace.
Satono Crown could even speak Cantonese. She often helped the Satono family coordinate business, which involved some Chinese.
However, she was prone to making mistakes when busy...
Mizuki was here to pick up the outfits for Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka, as well as Spica's name cards for the Fan Thanksgiving Festival and the outfits for the Newcomer Performance on January 30th.
"Trainer Mizuki, are you here for the outfits? Please wait a moment. When I was ordering the materials, I accidentally ordered double... I'm processing the return now."
Satono Crown looked panicked. Ordering twice the fabric meant a massive cost— enough to make another round of clothes for hundreds of Uma Musume. The Satono family didn't lack the money, but it made her feel uneasy.
...
...
...
"Phew... finally handled. Sorry, a tiny bit couldn't be returned. Trainer Mizuki, do you need any other clothes made? Since you waited so long, I'll make something for you for free with the leftover fabric."
Almost two hours later, Satono Crown smiled brightly. She was very friendly, as a young lady of the Satono house, her upbringing was impeccable.
"Then I'm grateful."
After talking to Satono Crown for a bit, she was able to finalize a design and order some customized training gear and a racing suit for Hokko Tarumae.
She had to admit, a girl as gentle and generous yet prone to clumsy mistakes as Satono Crown was quite charming.
Mizuki also knew the weather was warming up, and the Kisaragi Sho at the beginning of February was approaching fast. This was a trial race for the Satsuki Sho, and Special Week would be participating.
There was less than a month until the G3 Kisaragi Sho. She had finished designing a new training program, focusing mainly on speed and power.
The Kisaragi Sho is 1800m, and the Satsuki Sho is 2000m. They say "the fastest horse wins the Satsuki Sho," so the race mainly tests explosiveness and speed.
Special Week's recent training emphasized these traits.
Since the Satsuki Sho is at Nakayama Racecourse, she also needed cornering practice. It would be great to have a Kitasan Black to give her Professor of Curvature, but alas...
Before Mizuki left, Satono Crown invited her to try out some activities for the upcoming fan event. She didn't refuse and walked around with her.
Satono Crown was nodding off as she walked, clearly exhausted from work. She was so dazed she almost walked into a doorframe, but Mizuki caught her, nearly falling herself.
"I am so sorry, Trainer Mizuki!" she apologized profusely, but Mizuki waved her off.
The two went through many activities together: Blindfolded item grabbing, shooting games, darts, and board games— they even played a few rounds of Chinese Chess.
Afterwards, Mizuki returned to Spica to continue her diary. She wanted to write early today because this afternoon she had to pair Hokko Tarumae with a dirt training method and introduce her to everyone in Spica. They had been notified in the group chat, but hadn't trained together yet.
[Another member joined Spica today: Hokko Tarumae from Tomakomai.]
[She's a hardworking kid. Pity there isn't much info on her real-life counterpart yet.]
[Today, let's talk about the story of the Teacher.]
[This teacher was truly gentle. Under her guidance, a certain Uma Musume found her way.]
[That runner's name is Nakayama Festa.]