Inside a conference room at the URA Association headquarters, which was elegantly decorated yet heavy with a somber atmosphere, a heated discussion regarding the highest honor in the Japanese Uma Musume world was in full swing.
Seated around the oval mahogany table were the core executives of the Association, each a figure of significant influence in the field.
The Vice President of the Association, a white-haired elder with sharp eyes presiding over the meeting, spoke in a low voice.
"Everyone, as you are well aware, the time for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is fast approaching."
"This is our most important stage for demonstrating the strength of Japanese Uma Musume to the world."
"However, as of now, we have yet to finalize which athlete will be dispatched to compete. Today, we must reach a resolution."
As soon as he finished speaking, a slightly plump middle-aged director wearing gold-rimmed glasses spoke up impatiently.
"I believe this spot belongs to Silence Suzuka and no one else! Her unparalleled Great Escape tactic, once unleashed on the wide, long straight of the Longchamp Racecourse, will surely be invincible! Her recent form is scorching, and her strength is obvious to all!"
"I object!"
Another director, a serious man with meticulously slicked-back hair, immediately countered. He was a well-known supporter of the data-driven faction.
"I believe Taiki Shuttle is the more reliable choice! It's true that Suzuka's Great Escape is highly spectacular, but please do not ignore the facts: in the 11 races since her debut, she has lost five. Her consistency is questionable!"
"On the other hand, Taiki Shuttle has 7 wins and 1 runner-up finish in 8 starts— a staggering 87.5% win rate. Her stability is terrifying! For a race as important as the Arc, what we need is stability and a high probability of winning!"
"Win rate? Stability?"
The director supporting Suzuka raised his voice, sounding agitated.
"Racing isn't just about looking at data! Suzuka's leading momentum, that sheer boldness to take complete control of the race tempo, is something data cannot fully capture! Hasn't she won every one of her recent races cleanly and decisively?"
"But the opponents in the Arc are the top Uma Musume from around the entire world! The margin for error is extremely low! A single fluctuation in form could mean losing the entire game!"
The director supporting Taiki Shuttle refused to back down, pounding the table for emphasis.
"We cannot gamble the nation's honor on an athlete whose form might fluctuate!"
The two went back and forth, their argument growing more intense and the atmosphere increasingly tense.
Other directors joined the fray, either backing a side or raising new concerns, filling the room with the scent of gunpowder.
Just then, a female director who had been sitting silently in the corner, wearing rimless glasses and possessing a calm aura, slowly raised her hand.
She was Director Shizuko Kitahara, known within the Association for her unique insight and her willingness to propose newcomers.
Every gaze in the room instantly focused on her.
Shizuko Kitahara pushed up her glasses and spoke calmly. Her voice wasn't loud, yet it carried clearly across the room.
"Everyone, could we perhaps broaden our horizons? Besides Suzuka and Taiki Shuttle, I believe there is another candidate worthy of being entrusted with this precious spot."
She paused, and amidst the confused looks of the crowd, uttered a name that took several people by surprise.
"I believe we could dispatch Myriad Dreams to compete in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe."
"What? Myriad Dreams?!"
"Director Kitahara, are you joking?"
The conference room was instantly filled with a chorus of skepticism.
The director with the slicked-back hair— the one who had previously supported Taiki Shuttle— was the first to stand and object.
"Director Kitahara, I admit that Myriad Dreams is exceptionally gifted. Her recent feat of completing the American Dirt Triple Crown is indeed a legendary achievement."
"However! The Arc is a turf race! It is the highest-honor turf race in Europe! It is an entirely different world from the dirt tracks she specializes in!"
"Furthermore, by any count, she has only been debuted for barely over half a year! Her big-race experience and her adaptability to turf are complete unknowns."
"Entrusting such a vital race to a rookie Uma Musume with less than a year of experience is far too risky!"
Another elderly director stroked his beard, chiming in with concern.
"Indeed. The pressure of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is no small matter. How many long-established, famous Umas have met their downfall there?"
"Myriad Dreams is, after all, too young. Her psychological resilience and her experience in dealing with international media and complex situations are severely lacking."
"If she fails to perform due to excessive pressure, it would not only be a massive blow to her personally but also a serious detriment to the reputation of the Japanese Uma Musume world."
Faced with the collective doubt, Shizuko Kitahara remained calm, she was well-prepared.
"What you all say makes sense. But please, think for a moment."
"In the unfamiliar territory of America, facing brand-new dirt tracks and powerful opponents, how long did it take Myriad Dreams to adapt?"
"Less than a month! And she crushed her enemies to take the Triple Crown!"
"What kind of terrifying learning ability, adaptability, and absolute strength does that demonstrate?"
"As for experience, the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, which of those aren't a high-profile, high-pressure international G1 race?"
"Her mental fortitude has already been tempered in the harshest way through one brutal battle and comeback after another."
"And regarding turf adaptability... who among us can say for certain that a genius who can completely conquer unfamiliar dirt in such a short time cannot create another miracle on the turf?"
She looked around the room, her gaze firm.
"Sometimes, to break tradition, we need to inject fresh blood like Myriad Dreams, someone full of infinite possibilities and explosive impact. I believe she deserves this chance, and she possesses the ability to make history."
The conference room fell into silence once more, but this time, the silence was heavy with deep thought and deliberation.
Should they choose a seasoned, highly stable, and famous powerhouse?
Or should they bet on the super-novice who peaked at her debut and continues to defy common sense?
This difficult choice regarding the nation's glory weighed heavily on the hearts of every director.
As for Director Shizuko Kitahara, the one who first proposed Myriad Dreams, she silently picked up her teacup.
She knew the seed had been planted. Now, it remained to be seen if the Association had enough courage to follow through.