October 2nd, 9:30 PM (Japan Standard Time)
While the sun was still high over Longchamp, night had fallen over Japan. At Tracen Academy, the URA headquarters, and in living rooms across the country, millions were glued to their screens. The air was thick with a singular, desperate hope: to witness the first time a Japanese horse girl conquered a foreign G1.
This is the story of the moment Rice Shower crossed the finish line.
— Tracen Academy —
"Unbelievable! Look at that lead! She's pulling away!"
"I thought it was supposed to be impossible to maintain that kind of pace on European turf?! How is she still accelerating?!"
In the student lounges, young horse girls crowded around the monitors, their eyes wide with awe. One student turned to her trainer, clutching her sleeve. "Trainer! Is it always like this? Is she really that much faster than the others?"
The trainer, a seasoned veteran, could only stare at the screen in disbelief. "Longchamp is a minefield of a course. It's tricky, it's grueling, and the 'False Straight' has broken the spirit of countless champions. To leave a world-class field in the dust like that… it's not just talent. It's a miracle. She is, without a doubt, a monster."
"That's our Tenno Sho champion!" another girl cheered. "She's incredible!"
In the trainers' wing, the atmosphere was equally electric.
"She actually did it," Trainer Okino whispered, his voice trembling. "To dominate like that in Europe… Hachiman, what kind of magic did you pull off?"
"It's like she's a different person," Trainer Tojo added, her arms crossed as she analyzed the replay. "The way she handled the rise and fall of the track… it's flawless."
"It's brilliant management," Minamisaka said, a proud smile on his face. "That's our Hikigaya-kun for you."
Among Hachiman's peers, the reactions were mixed with shock and envy.
"I… I don't even have words," one classmate stammered.
"Yeah," another agreed. "He really took her to the top of the world."
In the VIP viewing room, the atmosphere was more refined but no less intense.
"Oh, amazing! Simply amazing!" Mr. C.B. cheered, practically bouncing in her seat. "A complete landslide!"
"An earth-shattering performance," Symboli Rudolf remarked, her usual composure softened by a look of genuine admiration. "Both Rice's grit and my brother's strategy were perfection."
Taliat nodded slowly. "Rice… you ran a beautiful race."
"Indeed!" the legendary Man o' War boomed. "To run like that on foreign soil… it is the pinnacle of the sport!"
"Hey, hey! Let's call Hachiman right now!" C.B. reached for her phone, but Taliat gently blocked her hand.
"No. Let them have this moment together. You can talk to them tomorrow."
"Boo!" C.B. pouted.
Taliat turned to Man o' War. "And that goes for you too, Master. No matter how much you puff out your cheeks, the answer is no."
"Double boo!" the legend grumbled.
— The Hospital —
The room was quiet, save for the hum of the television. Mihono Bourbon sat on the edge of her bed, her eyes fixed on the screen.
"...As expected of my rival," she whispered. "Only a performance like that is worthy of being my ultimate goal."
Her trainer, Kuronuma, stood by the window, a small smile playing on his lips. "You said it. Once you're discharged, we can't afford to let her leave us behind."
"Yes, Master." Bourbon's gaze didn't waver. (Wait for me, Rice. I'm coming back.)
In another wing of the hospital, Mejiro McQueen sat with her leg propped up. Her butler, Ji-ya, stood silently by her side.
"Miss Rice ran a magnificent race, didn't she?" Ji-ya noted softly.
"...Yes," McQueen replied, her voice tight.
"My lady, please… focus on your recovery. Impatience is a dangerous foe. If you push yourself now, your career could be at risk. Desmosepism is not a condition to be taken lightly."
"I know," McQueen said, closing her eyes as she leaned back against the pillow. (Congratulations, Rice-san. You showed them all.)
— URA Headquarters —
"Hahaha! Look at that! A total victory!" Masaru shouted, slamming a fist onto the table in celebration.
"It was a refreshing sight," Toppu added, her eyes sparkling.
"To leave the field that far behind… 100 points! A perfect score!" Shingeki cheered.
The legendary Speed stood at the back of the room, looking nostalgic. "It reminds me of my own days at Longchamp… but Rice Shower's run was something even more special."
"Hey, Vice Chairman—I mean, Speed," Masaru said, turning around with a grin. "You're joining us tonight, right? We've got the perfect excuse for a drink!"
Speed paused, then gave a rare, genuine smile. "Fine. Let's go. It's on me tonight."
"Then it's settled! To the pub! Let's drink to Rice Shower!"
— Rice's Childhood Home —
"Look! She won! She actually won, Luck!"
"Rice-chan did it! She won in France!"
The neighborhood was in an uproar. Friends and family crowded into the small living room. "This is incredible! Isn't this the first time a Japanese horse girl has ever won a G1 overseas? She's a national hero!"
Rice's mother, Luck, couldn't speak. She sat trembling, tears streaming down her face. Rice's father walked over and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Luck… she did it. She really did it."
"I know… I know…" Luck sobbed into his shoulder.
"And listen," the father whispered, gesturing toward the TV. Even through the speakers, the roar of the French crowd was audible. "They're all cheering for her. Everyone is celebrating Rice… it's beautiful."
— A Certain Fan Gathering —
In a crowded sports bar, the air was thick with the smell of grilled meat and sweat. The "Rice Shower Protection Society" was out in full force.
"Rice-san… Rice-san took first place!!" the leader screamed.
"UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHH!!!" the crowd roared back, the sound vibrating the very walls.
"Rice-san just took Japan's first-ever overseas G1!!!"
"UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHH!!!"
The fan known as 'Raw Meat' stood on a table, his face beet-red. "Listen up! Shout so loud they can hear us all the way in France! Let out your souls! RICE-CHAAAAAN! CONGRATULATIONS!!!"
"CONGRATULATIONS!!!"
"UOOOOOOH! IT'S A FEAST TONIGHT! DRINK UNTIL YOU DROP!"
"YEAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"
Back in Japan, the "Rice Shower" who had been treated as a bringer of misfortune was gone. In her place, a new legend had been born: the dark heroine who had conquered the world. And as the fans drank and cheered into the night, the afterglow of her victory felt like a new dawn for Japanese racing.
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