Garden Gale's starts were always crisp, fluid, and relentless. She always managed to pinpoint that split-second opening, pouring her entire body's strength into one explosive push to seize an advantageous position—then pressing her ruthless front-running strategy.
It almost resembled a breakaway run at times.
Perhaps Garden Gale was unexpectedly suited to being a full-fledged front-runner—
But enough digression.
Back to the point:
Garden Gale's two strongest weapons were her flawless start and her cornering without speed loss.
These belonged uniquely to her.
…Yet now.
Her start had undoubtedly been flawless.
Spirit, muscle, technique—everything had peaked at perfection, all dialed to 100%. Until now, she'd always secured a prime position at the outset, both in her debut and the Junior Cup.
However.
In this Japan Derby...
Garden Gale's trusted weapon gave her no advantage.
Bluntly put, she'd been utterly outclassed.
Or, more plainly—despite executing a textbook-perfect start, Garden Gale found herself denied a favorable position. In other words, everyone else's start had simply been stronger.
She hadn't gained an inch.
Her pupils tightened sharply.
After initial confusion, she accepted the harsh reality calmly.
It's the Derby, after all. No surprise, no complaints.
The Japan Derby.
It was a race that all Umamusume dreamed of winning. This phrase had been repeated hundreds, if not thousands, of times—precisely because it was true. At the peak of G1 competitions, the Derby was a battleground reserved only for elites.
She clenched her fists.
"Tokai Teio's fallen behind!" the commentator cried out in shocked disbelief, his voice sparking unrest in the audience. Tokai Teio—Garden Gale in this simulated consciousness—was the top favorite. The second Emperor. Everyone had believed she'd claim the Derby, her second jewel in the Triple Crown.
But this position… was clearly unfavorable.
The crowd's unease was understandable.
And naturally, this "Tokai Teio" meant Garden Gale herself.
Because in the consciousness space… this was her reality now: Garden Gale was trailing behind.
…Shut up already! Stop pouring gasoline on the fire, asshole!
The pressure weighing on Garden Gale surged painfully. Her jaw clenched even tighter, teeth grinding furiously as if she could shatter the anxiety itself between them.
She hadn't even fully recovered from the initial shock.
Thrown without warning into a simulation of the Sky-High Teio Step, tossed recklessly onto the Japan Derby's track, abruptly forced to clash with other champions… everything was so damned absurd! No preparation, no warning—just like an unexpected, forceful kiss!
As if venting her frustration and defiance, Garden Gale's strides grew fiercer, wilder, tinged with the madness building inside her. She unleashed all the rage simmering within.
Shatter it all!
Like snow ignited in flames, soon reduced to ash...
Yet so brilliant, even as it burned away.
At this moment, Garden Gale surged forward like blazing snow—
Breaking free!
Her genius-level instinct… judged perfectly!
In the next instant, Garden Gale burst forth from an impossible position!
From the outer lane, she stormed ahead—!
To an outsider, it looked reckless—like she'd committed interference—but no one had actually been hindered. It wasn't interference; rather, she'd seized an opportunity that existed for just a split second, rocketing into the outer lane where she could move freely.
Finally, breathing space.
Garden Gale exhaled deeply.
At least now she had some confidence she could influence the race.
She refrained from accelerating rashly, though. They'd barely passed the first corner, not even a fifth of the race complete. Accelerating now to take first place would be meaningless. Her eyes remained fixed on the true goal—the finish line.
Still...
They're so strong.
The pressure in the air was unmistakable.
The other Umamusume were incredible.
Just from their first encounter, Garden Gale knew she'd need 100% focus to win this battle. Yet despite her efforts, she realized something painfully clear:
She couldn't fully concentrate.
This was her first time standing on such a grand stage. Nervousness was inevitable. How could she stay calm when so many spectators were calling her name, pinning their hopes on her victory? Worse still—Garden Gale was still a socially anxious person!
Her thoughts spiraled uncontrollably.
What if I lose? Will I let them down? Anxiety, fear, dread—she fought desperately to suppress them, yet they still lingered.
I shouldn't think like this. I should just run.
That was how she'd done it before. Two races, and she'd managed just fine. So why couldn't she now? Why couldn't she focus in the Derby? Dammit, just concentrate!
She bit her lip fiercely, the sharp tang of blood filling her mouth.
Even her running form grew ragged, chaotic.
...
The race proceeded steadily.
Apart from the early mishap, it was a remarkably ordinary Derby. Everyone maintained stable positions until the fourth corner, saving their final spurt for the decisive moment. Sure, there was a front-runner out ahead, but not far enough to disrupt the overall pace.
All eyes remained fixed on the outer lane—
On the eighth position, ready to surge again: Tokai Teio.
Or rather, Garden Gale.
...
The corner loomed.
She didn't slow—clenching her teeth, Garden Gale fought through without easing off—and then, she prepared to accelerate.
Her second weapon, unique to her, was about to shine—
Only 3 furlongs left. Thirty seconds remained to crown a champion. Tension electrified the air. Now was the perfect time to accelerate—go all-out, seize victory!
Rionatal, the second favorite, launched into her sprint first.
The exotic-looking Umamusume shot forward like wind itself—and not just her! The third favorite, Cedar Blade, and others too numerous to count—they all surged ahead simultaneously, fighting fiercely for dominance!
Garden Gale, too—
It was her moment to accelerate!
She desperately wanted to unleash her full strength—activate Sky-High Teio Step—and seize the crown.
Yet...
Her lungs were burning fiercely, deprived of oxygen, suffocating under an invisible fire… Her limbs felt heavy, burdened beyond belief…
Garden Gale's stamina bar.
Had completely bottomed out.
It was her first time racing 2400 meters.
Her first time experiencing such intense competition.
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T/N: okieee in the actual 1991 tokyo yushun Rionatal is Leo Durban! and Cedar Blade is Shako Grade! However the umamusume stands in are Rionatal and Cedar Blade, so I am deciding to stick with the stand-ins