Online and offline, many people who have been following the pre-order numbers for the Uma Musume Season 2 Blu-ray have been exclaiming:
"It's incredible, this pre-order number."
"Yeah, it's about to break 80,000. At this rate, it doesn't even feel impossible to hit 100,000 before the Blu-ray is even released."
"Surpassing the sales of Puella Magi Madoka Magica will be easy. Exceeding EVA would be somewhat difficult, but not impossible."
"I really didn't expect this before the anime aired."
"It's mainly because the quality of both the anime and the mobile game is just too high. Plus, with a new record on the line—a goal Lin Zhiyan set right at the end—we just have to support it."
"If the pre-order numbers are around 100,000, what will the first-week sales likely be? 150,000?"
"Probably around that, maybe 150,000 or 160,000. With subsequent sales added in, there's a real chance of surpassing the average volume sales of EVA."
"In an era where most anime only sell 500 or 600 copies per volume, it's truly terrifying to see an anime that can sell 150,000 to 160,000 copies per volume. Even with the boost from the game, you have to admit, Lin Zhiyan is just that strong."
After all, unlike the Uma Musume in another timeline, the Uma Musume in Lin Zhiyan's current timeline—whether it be the anime or the game—was a project he proposed and spearheaded. Under these circumstances, anyone with even a slight understanding of the project would know that he was the greatest contributor behind it.
Naturally, everyone thought he was remarkable.
Undoubtedly, the high number of pre-orders for the anime's Blu-ray had a lot to do with the massive popularity of the game, as well as the support of the countless fans Lin Zhiyan had accumulated over twenty years.
However, the quality of the anime was indeed very high.
The production was at an industry-leading level, and the plot was equally excellent, though it didn't follow the "satisfying" genre tropes, opting instead for a heart-wrenching and moving approach.
Up to episode eight, the protagonist, Tokai Teio, had fractured her bones twice, and there was another time where, while not a fracture, she was injured and unable to run. Still, Rice Shower's story was also quite good.
Entering episode nine, Rice Shower's story concluded, and the plot focus returned to Tokai Teio.
After a period of rest, she recovered from her injuries and began preparing for a new race—the Takarazuka Kinen.
Mejiro McQueen would also be participating in this race.
Losing to Mejiro McQueen in the Tenno Sho, seeing her dream of an undefeated record shattered, and suffering a second fracture—these multiple blows had once left Tokai Teio in a state of confusion, completely unsure of what she was running for.
Later, she went to visit Mejiro McQueen, who was recuperating at home. McQueen told her that the reason she lost the Tenno Sho was mainly because the distance was too long and not her specialty, and that she wanted to race her again on a track that suited her better.
Encouraged by Mejiro McQueen's words, bolstered by the support of her fans, and fueled by the frustration of her previous loss, she finally pulled herself together.
However, although she had regained her spirit, she was unable to race against Mejiro McQueen at that time due to her injuries.
Now that she had recovered, she finally had the chance to race against McQueen on a track she excelled at, and Tokai Teio was naturally eager to prove herself.
Yet, fate played another joke on her: while preparing for the Takarazuka Kinen, she suffered another fracture.
The third fracture. The doctor's advice was for her to just stop racing entirely.
Participating in the Takarazuka Kinen was undoubtedly impossible, and in the end, Mejiro McQueen, who had never raced on that track before, won the championship.
After the news of Tokai Teio's third fracture spread, people outside were full of discussion, all feeling that her comeback was in jeopardy. They said she might just bid farewell to the stage for good. When she encountered fans while out, all she heard were things like: "We've always been cheering for you, you've really worked hard enough, thank you for all your efforts until now."
At first glance, it seemed normal enough, but the fans used the word "until now"—the past tense. It was clear they didn't believe they would ever be able to see her race again.
At night, she dreamed that her teammates in Spica were all running together, and she was the only one who fell behind, unable to catch up no matter how hard she tried.
During the day, she went out to buy some things. Upon returning, she overheard a conversation between the Trainer and McQueen.
The Trainer had never said it to her face, but he too doubted whether she would ever be able to run as she once had.
However, what truly dealt her a major blow came afterward.
In the twilight, McQueen was doing some "secret training," saying, "When my rival makes her comeback, I can't use being unprepared as an excuse."
Having said that, McQueen tossed the stopwatch in her hand to Tokai Teio, asking her to help with the timing.
Tokai Teio sat in a chair, holding the stopwatch and timing, while watching McQueen's figure running at high speed. She was doing imaginary training in her mind, picturing herself chasing after McQueen.
However, she, who had been full of confidence before, realized that even in her imagination, she could no longer catch up with McQueen.
When McQueen finished the lap, Teio muttered dejectedly, "That's right, isn't it? I... can't run like that anymore."
By episode ten, having lost confidence even in herself, Tokai Teio submitted a withdrawal form to the Trainer and even made a special trip to the Student Council to apologize to the President, Symboli Rudolf.
Her teammates in the same team were shocked to learn that Tokai Teio was leaving the team and expressed their disbelief, though they understood that, given Tokai Teio's situation, there was nothing else that could be done.
Watching Tokai Teio pack her things to leave, the Trainer suddenly made a suggestion: for Tokai Teio to hold a concert at the Autumn Fan Appreciation Festival in September, to voice her true feelings to those who have supported her all along.
Her teammates from the same team all offered to help.
Having finally had her cast removed, Tokai Teio began preparations for the concert when she was approached by a horse girl named Twin Turbo.
"Did you see my challenge? When are you going to race me? I'm going to participate in the Open Race next. Everyone is really strong there, Ditus is participating too, and... and Rice Shower and stuff, so let's race then!" Twin Turbo said, full of energy.
Tokai Teio, however, appeared very calm: "Registration for the race closed a long time ago, and besides, I don't race anymore."
"Eh? Why?" Twin Turbo was very surprised.
"What do you mean, why?"
"Then, then, if I win the Open Race, we definitely have to race next time."
"I already told you, I can't make promises like that anymore."
"No, no! Come race me! I'll win next time too, I'll lead all the way to the end!"
"I've stopped running already, so just give up on competing with me."
"What is that supposed to mean? That's so weird. Saying you're giving up? That's not like Teio! That's not like Teio at all!"
This Twin Turbo character hadn't just appeared in Episode 9; she had appeared many times before, only to always leave the impression of not being very bright, and her performance in the races she did participate in had been lackluster.
"Never give up"—this was actually something Tokai Teio had once told Twin Turbo herself. Because of that, this line struck a nerve, to the point where she couldn't remain calm either, and she said in an angry tone, "What do you know! You have to admit it when you can't do something. That's a really hard thing to do!"
"I don't know anything about that! The Teio I know would never give up!" Twin Turbo retorted.
Tokai Teio forced herself to calm down. "Rice Shower is going to participate too, and many other talented Uma Musume. There's no way you can lead all the way to the finish."
"I will win! I'll definitely lead all the way to the finish!" With this final declaration, Twin Turbo shouted, "Teio you big dummy!" and turned and ran off.