The training room was overflowing with a cheerful atmosphere as the members of Team Spica held a small celebration for Myriad Dreams' another G1 victory.
Just as everyone was sharing cake and drinks, Trainer Okino clapped his hands, signaling that he had an important announcement.
"Everyone, I have something significant to tell you."
Okino's voice brought silence to the lively room.
"After internal discussions, the URA has officially decided to send Dreams-chan to participate in next year's American Dirt Triple Crown series."
"What?!" Silence Suzuka was the first to gasp, her usually calm face written with disbelief.
"An overseas expedition... isn't that usually reserved for Uma Musume who have been debuted for over a year, or even veterans? Dreams-chan only debuted a few months ago!"
Okino nodded and explained, "Under normal circumstances, that is indeed the case."
"But Dreams-chan's performance in the Winter Cup and the recently concluded Hanshin race— especially defeating a legend like Narita Brian with such an absolute advantage— has led the higher-ups to believe she has the strength to represent Japan."
"This is an unprecedented decision."
He paused, looking at Myriad Dreams with a softer tone.
"Besides, this is actually good news in a way."
"The schedule for the American Dirt Triple Crown is very tight, concentrated around May. This means that by the time Dreams-chan returns from her expedition, she won't have the chance to participate in the domestic Classic Triple Crown series until at least the year after next."
Hearing this, Special Week, who had been looking somewhat worried, visibly breathed a sigh of relief.
Myriad Dreams scratched her head helplessly, a trademark lazy smile appearing on her face.
"Well, that works out fine."
"Anyway, I wouldn't really want to see Spe-chan wailing and crying if I actually ended up beating her in the Classics."
"Dreams-chan! Who— Who would be wailing and crying?!" Special Week's face instantly flushed red as she retorted indugnantly, drawing a burst of good-natured laughter from the entire training room.
The once serious atmosphere lightened in an instant.
The next day was a clear, sunny day, perfect for fishing.
Myriad Dreams took the initiative to invite Seiun Sky to the riverbank they often frequented.
The water sparkled and a gentle breeze brushed their faces as the two sat side-by-side under a parasol, enjoying the tranquility of the afternoon.
"What brought on the sudden invite today?" Seiun Sky asked casually, leisurely adjusting her fishing rod.
"Mmm... I came to let you know that I might not be able to come fishing for a very long time."
Myriad Dreams watched her float, her tone calm.
"Trainer said the URA decided to send me to the U.S. for the Dirt Triple Crown."
"Eh? An American expedition?!" Seiun Sky turned her head in surprise, followed by a sincere smile blooming on her face.
"Isn't that super amazing! Congratulations, Dreams-chan! That's an opportunity many Uma Musume only dream of!"
"Thanks." Myriad Dreams smiled, though her gaze drifted into the distance.
"I just thought about how, after the expedition starts, days where I can fish leisurely like this will probably be very, very rare."
"Well, that can't be helped."
Seiun Sky smiled understandingly: "After all, you're heading toward a much wider stage."
The two shared a smile and spoke no more, quietly enjoying this final fishing session together before the parting.
They didn't head back until the setting sun dyed the sky a warm orange-red, carrying their meager catch and gear.
Myriad Dreams did not know that as she said goodbye to Seiun Sky and her figure gradually disappeared toward the dorms, Yaeno Muteki was standing silently in a corner on the other side of the road.
Watching Myriad Dreams and Seiun Sky chatting so happily, Yaeno Muteki unconsciously clenched her fists, her eyes filled with complex emotions.