June 1st, XXXX
"Tap. Tap. Tap." A sound of intermittent tapping echoed in the car as it sped on down the road. The sunlight hitting the tinted windows hit the frowning visage of Riku as he continued to tap on his armrest repeatedly. He could tell by the twitching ears of his bodyguards in the front seats that his tapping wasn't appreciated; however, his anxiety was flaring up at the best possible time. Buckshot gave him a glance with a raised eyebrow before resuming her gaze forward on the road as they kept moving. After another glance, she smirked.
"Thinking about your date coming up, Boss-Man?" Her grin widened, seeing him stiffen in the rear-view mirror. Mission accomplished.
"Just drive, Buckshot," Riku muttered as he looked out the window, his tapping ceasing. He was thankful for the interruption briefly, though now he was worrying about meeting Tazuna instead of Maruzensky's race. Ah well. He'd just do his usual and deal with it as it came. Today would decide how a lot of things would turn out in the future. A smile appeared on his face as they arrived at the Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu. There was still a bit of time till the Yushun, with it being the eleventh race of twelve in the day, so Riku had time to mingle and prepare a bit.
Their arrival wasn't unnoticed this time, as a crowd of reporters was waiting outside with the URA's new and improved security holding a line for people to get through.
"Mr. Chairman! What are your thoughts about corruption with the URA?!" One reporter shouted out to him, a recorder held in his hand. Before he could process the question, another spoke up.
"Chairman! Are you single?" What? Why is that relevant? Riku blinked as the next question hit.
"Chairman Riku! There are accusations that your favoritism of Maruzensky has led to her running in the Classics despite being ineligible. Is this true?" Oh, an actual question, and one he could actually answer. With a held-up hand, all the reporters stepped back briefly as the security looked at him.
"Miss… Otonashi?" Riku asked as he looked at the nametag worn by the reporter, her credentials marked her with NHK World. When the reporter nodded and held her recorder closer to him, he spoke. "I definitely hold Maruzensky in high regard. My grandfather, the previous Chairman, showed me her races after last year's Arima Kinen. I'll admit, I was captivated by her racing ability, and was told by my grandfather that she was forbidden from competing in the Classics." Riku hummed as he looked past the reporter, his eyes clouding briefly in memories.
Reporter Otonashi frowned as she looked at him. "Chairman Riku, are you admitting to using your authority to let Maruzensky run in the Classics?" All the other reporters subtly leaned in further, their eyes gleaming.
Riku merely smiled as he tilted his head at the reporter. "I posed a question to the board after my grandfather elected me, which I have said in previous interviews was entirely his own decision." Riku clasped his hands together as he leaned slightly towards the reporter. "I asked them, why was an Umamusume as strong as Maruzensky, not allowed in the Classics? The answer? Because, despite evidence to the contrary, Maruzensky was not considered a Japanese citizen to the board." His words caused a stirring in the crowd nearby, the reporters in question trading glances at his statement.
"I apologize, I danced around a bit to get to your point, Reporter Otonashi." Riku leaned back, his eyes closed as he smiled. "Yes, I used my authority as Chairman to get an Umamusume the right to participate in the Classics, which should have always belonged to her." He gestured with his arm to the guards standing along the line. The Umamusume guarding, who were all Japanese citizens, yet still outsiders at the same time. "Rights that belong to ANY Japanese citizen. When you qualify, you qualify. No exceptions. Thank you." Riku bowed lightly and, after a quick wave, strolled past the reporters and others waiting outside. A storm of noise kicked up after his words, but he had said what he wanted to say.
As they entered the reception area proper and made their way to the employee-only area, the noise level noticeably ceased with the impressive soundproofing the building had. Seeing that, his "favorite" bodyguard chose to speak again.
"Not beating those favorite allegations, Boss-Man." Buckshot grinned as she strolled behind him, hands behind her head, and she grinned cheerfully. At his rolled eyes, she went to continue. "Even Opal can s–. Hey. Where's Opal?" Buckshot frowned, her ears twitching in confusion as she glanced around for their wayward member.
Riku blinked at the question, his eyes darting around as well before widening briefly upon seeing her. A small smile appeared on Riku's face as he detoured from their original route, Buckshot following with a shit-eating grin as she noticed what he saw. After a brief walk, they ended up behind their wayward bodyguard, her eyes shining as she continued to stare into the claw machine in front of them. Several plushies of different Umamusume in this generation were present; he could even see some older ones of Speed Symboli and Haiseiko. Wait, there was a Maruzensky plushie in there too!? Already!?
"Oi," Buckshot whispered directly into Opal's ears, startling the Uma as she whirled around with a venomous glare. Unfortunately for her, both targets of said glare were grinning at her in amusement. Buckshot hummed as she looked over the machine, smiling wider as she could feel Opal's glare gaining in intensity.
Riku stepped forward, looking over the machine curiously. He had never really played claw games, knowing that much like carnival games, they were meant to be rigged in favor of gaining more money from the consumer. He noticed his two bodyguards were too busy bickering to pay attention to him, so he decided to try an attempt on the machine. A quick clink from his change going on, and he began moving the claw, nonchalantly aiming to grab one of the Haiseiko he could see near the edge. After pressing the button, he noticed his claw was a bit off and likely to miss. Ah well, he tried… wait what. It hit the wall and wrapped around the toy? A loud thump echoed along with the machine going, "Dunununun!", as Riku looked in disbelief at the plushie he now held in his arms.
A soft gasp echoed from his right, Opal's eyes zeroing in on the plushie with frightening intensity, as Buckshot shrugged when she was summarily ignored. He looked back and forth between her and the plushie for a moment before handing it to her. Both his and Buckshot's eyes widened in disbelief when a soft squeal echoed out of Opal's mouth, along with her eyes closing in bliss. After a few moments of Opal being in her own world, Riku spoke.
"I didn't know you were a fan of Haiseiko, Opal," Riku stated, his head tilted curiously as the group began walking back towards the employee entrance. Buckshot noticeably perked up as well, her eyes towards Opal from the back of the group.
Opal continued to stare at the plushie as they walked, before answering. "I saw one of her concerts by chance, and I could never forget it. She was what I aspired to be as an Umamusume… before my racing dreams were cut short." Opal frowned as she looked away, eyes misting heavily.
Riku blinked, not expecting the reasoning to be so deep. Now he felt awkward for bringing such memories up. His gaze met Buckshot's gaze staring at him, her eyes telling him to fix it. He, however, didn't have an immediate answer, as the silence became slightly more oppressive. A metaphorical, and perhaps actual, lightbulb popped over Riku's head. He had forgotten something important.
"You know, Opal." Riku began, as Opal's slightly red eyes met his. "It's not impossible to meet Haiseiko, especially with my position." He barely got the words out before a grunt of pain escaped him, as Opal all but tackled him into the nearby wall. Buckshot's eyes widened in surprise at the action. She looked unsure of what to do, between whether she should act to protect him from his own bodyguard in this case. A hand held up by Riku thankfully decided that for her.
Opal just stared at him for a while before stepping back, both her arms wrapping around her plushie tightly. "Sorry…" She muttered as she realized her mistake. However, she still looked back at him. "Promise?"
Riku blinked, not expecting such a childish question, but he smiled. "Of course. Something like that, I can easily attempt to do." A thumbs up was sent her way, as he received a rare grateful smile from Uma, a happy blush on her cheeks. He wasn't expecting such a thing, and unfortunately, Buckshot did her best to ruin it as she does.
"FLASH," a bright flash startled the duo, as their eyes turned to a devilishly grinning Buckshot, who had taken a picture of Opal. This, of course, led to the Uma in question trying to kill the offending Uma with her eyes, and then actually physically trying to do it as both of them ran off shortly after.
Riku could only blink in disbelief at the situation. "Wait. One of you should've stayed with me at least." He deadpanned mentally as his trusty bodyguards left to bicker with each other. A glance around at the various security around showed that he should be relatively fine. Probably. With a quiet grumble to himself, Riku trudged on while checking his watch. A decent amount of time had passed, and they had maybe two hours left till the race itself started. As he wandered, a commotion met his ears by the employee cafeteria, completely separate from the other food vendors within the building for the general public.
"Uh," Riku muttered very intelligently, as he noticed the commotion was around a certain gray-haired child sitting with her rival and their mothers, absolutely demolishing a full plate of food. A smile appeared on his face as he watched from the doorway. Based on the smiles the group had, they were enjoying themselves. He'd leave them be; they'll be seated near him in the private viewing area anyway. He continued to wander for a short while before ultimately heading to the viewing area.
His eyes took in the hustling workers and other people rushing about as another race was unfolding, the Kumpu Stakes, if he was not mistaken. If that race was going on currently, then there were only two races to go till the Yushun. Before he could continue watching, the sound of footsteps echoed behind him. As he turned to look, his eyes widened. He was expecting his wayward bodyguards to find him first, however..
"Hello, Chairman Riku." Tazuna Hayakawa smiled at him, unknowing of the mental turmoil her sudden appearance caused him. Ah. How was he supposed to act here? Don't overthink it.
"Tazuna, you're early," Riku remarked, turning to take her in fully after one last glance at the ongoing race.
However, a raised eyebrow was sent his way. "Ara? Did you not tell Director Akikawa that I should arrive an hour early?" A teasing smile was sent his way as Riku froze, his mind replaying that he did, in fact, contact Akikawa a second time, and said that. Shit.
"I did, thank you for reminding me." Riku gave a short bow, a tinge of red on his cheeks. After a quick cough to collect himself, with Tazuna's amused look only growing. His gaze went back towards the track as he fell into thought briefly. He asked a question without really thinking. "Do you ever miss it?" He could kick himself for the lack of tact there.
After a glance, he could see Tazuna's eyes cloud over as she looked past him towards the race course. When he attempted to speak, and possibly put his foot in his mouth again, she spoke. "I do." Her voice came out, almost painfully soft. He wisely kept quiet and waited for her to continue. She used her arm to rub her elbow anxiously as she continued. "I still think about it often. How far could I have gone if things had been different? Much like they are… for young Maruzensky running today." She gave him a sad smile after saying as much.
Riku frowned as he looked at her before looking back at the track as the race finished up and the winner was announced, the words not reaching his ears. "You know, when I made my push for Maruzensky to compete in the Classics, and to do everything I've done, one Umamusume in particular had inspired me to make those decisions." Riku turned to her fully, his eyes meeting hers, which had widened. "I wanted more than anything for these Uma, like Maruzensky, to have the chance to show their talents fully, without fear of being denied by the URA or their health."
Riku turned away once more, his fingers tapping on a nearby guard rail. "More than anything, though, the story of Tokino Minoru, an Umamusume who should've been held in the annals among the greatest, is what inspired me." His eyes misted over as he held back some tears while continuing. "Not just for this generation and those that follow, but I want all generations of Umamusume to have the chance to run freely. Especially Tokino Minoru, my favorite without question." His smile froze when he turned to meet the teary eyes of Tazuna, who surged forward to hug him, her grip just shy of crushing his bones. "Grk!"
The now openly crying Tazuna held him tightly as she cried into his shirt. Riku would have loved to either hug her back or even do anything, but he literally could not move a muscle in her grip. His eyes searched around before widening at the group watching. Opal, Buckshot, Green Chateau, White Narubi, Tamamo Cross, and Oguri Cap were all present and watching him with varying expressions. Buckshot was recording him. Opal looked on with a small smile, Narubi and Chateau smiled with misty eyes of their own, and their two children merely looked curiously at what was going on while snacking. Traitors!
After what felt like an eternity to Riku, Tazuna pulled back, using her sleeve to delicately clear up her tears. "My apologies, I showed an unsightly part of myself." Her eyes were still red but shining with emotion as she looked at him. "Thank you, Riku. For your kind words and what you've done for these young Umamusume." The sheer gratitude radiating from her made him almost have to look away from how she shone.
"Ahem!" Riku coughed with a wince as his body felt incredibly sore and brittle. First Opal, now Tazuna, his body wasn't that durable. "Don't thank me yet. I'm just getting started." Riku gave his best smile as he looked at her before looking back at the track once more. His grin became a little more natural as he adjusted to the pain. "When the time comes, would you be willing to run again?" His words caused Tazuna to look away as she clasped her hands together.
"I'd like that… thank you." She looked at him once more with a grateful smile, her eyes closed. Ah, this was bad for Riku's heart. Yabai. He'd have to urge Yasuyuki to work extra hard on this, as he couldn't afford to let his favorite Umamusume down. With their moment seemingly over, the rest of the group filed in, Oguri in particular making contact with him first and tapping his leg.
He looked curiously down at the Umamusume, who looked up at him blankly, well, not quite blankly, as her eyes were filled with emotion. "Share?" Riku had to blink several times at what he just heard. Oguri was offering to share with him? His silence must've lasted too long as Oguri's eyes wavered a bit. "I'd love some, thank you, Oguri." Riku felt his smile widen at the small smile Oguri gave him while he took the stick of Yakitori held up to him. Ahh, delicious. He patted Oguri's head between her ears, the little Uma closing her eyes in bliss.
Riku's expression quickly became flat, however, when Buckshot strolled up with a grin, Opal followed close behind as they looked at him. Buckshot, in particular, looked between him and Tazuna while waggling her eyebrows. The rest seemed to crowd around Tazuna, the woman in question looking startled, but easily adjusting to the atmosphere from the two mothers and Tamamo. He looked down to see Oguri still standing by him, one of her arms still holding onto his pants as she looked up at him with her head tilted, several more skewers seemingly appearing in her hand. After shaking his head, he looked to Buckshot.
"Not a word. Especially not after you two left me alone." Riku frowned, taking a small delight in the sheepish look Buckshot gave him, while Opal looked away, her foot tapping anxiously. "It's fine, but please keep those antics to a minimum in public." After receiving a pair of slow nods, he looked down at Oguri. "Want to get seated, Oguri? The race should start soon."
As if to prove his words true, an announcement rang out shortly after. "The Tokyo Yushun will start in thirty minutes! Please find your seats and standing area as we prepare to announce the runners for today!" Speak of the devil. His gaze went down as Oguri grabbed his hand with a smile as they walked up the steps, the group following after. White Narubi had discreetly taken out her phone and snapped pictures of her daughter holding onto him.
Riku looked forward as he sat down, Oguri seated next to him, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the track. It was time.
ELSEWHERE
"Presenting the fourth favorite, Azuma Hunter!" Tatsuya Aoshima's commentary rang through as Azuma Hunter walked out onto the turf, her eyes determined as she glanced once at the tunnel before continuing. The remaining runners stared at her, their eyes blazing. Hah. Pretty good spirit from them in Azuma's opinion, now to see if it held for the other monsters in this race. No, perhaps one singular MONSTER would be accurate. Her gaze went towards the tunnel as the next favorite emerged.
"Third favorite in today's race! Sitting at a record of two wins and one loss, she's here to redeem her recent loss in the NHK Mile! Looking to surge to a Derby win, it's Bamboo Atlas!" A cheer echoed from the crowd as Bamboo Atlas wandered out, her gaze traveling over the crowd as she held up a fist on her entrance. Upon meeting Azuma Hunter's gaze, they stared at each other for a time before giving matching nods.
"Second favorite! She's looking to continue her win streak after winning the Keio Hai Spring Cup (G2)! The future long-distance queen, Green Grass!!" Green walked out, a picture of elegance as she waved to the roaring crowd. Her eyes met the two other high favorites with a small smile of challenge before her expression went blank. She turned away and stared intently into the tunnel, as did all the others. The crowd soon quieted, a sense of anticipation in the air. They were all waiting for the same thing, no, the same person to make their appearance.
In the Tunnel
A palpable silence was felt in the tunnel, as the lone Umamusume present stood still, her back pressed against a wall as she gazed forward. Although her eyes were open, her mind was elsewhere, as she replayed a few of the conversations over and over in her head. The encouragement of her parents echoed, their unwavering faith and love in her, and her ability never failed to make her smile. However, she remembered when she cornered Chairman Riku after the NHK Mile. His words had surprised her.
She had cheerfully asked him about her performance, even going as far as asking questions if it made his heart flutter. Her words and teasing seemed to pass over him completely, the man seemingly immune to her charms. However, the biggest surprise for her came when she had asked him about her chances in the Tokyo Yushun. "If it's Maruzensky, then of course I believe she'll win. Without a doubt, because no one has more fun out there than you, right?" He had teased her right back, not knowing how hard his words had hit.
For Maruzensky, there was no greater joy than running. She loved speed in all aspects of life. She loved to run fast, drive fast, anything really… she lived for speed and the fun that came with it. Riku's words had made her wonder about how well the man knew her, or if he was just saying something he believed to be true. For the Umamusume known as Maruzensky, nothing mattered more than having fun. Her worries had washed away regarding any thoughts in this race; only one thing mattered. She was going to run and have the time of her life doing so.
"Fufu." Maruzensky giggled aloud. "I'll give you a performance to remember… Papa, Mama… Riku." Her eyes glowed blue as she heard her name being called.
On Track
"Here she comes, eh?" Azuma muttered as she grinned; her excitement was growing. She'd acknowledged Maruzensky as a rival to be overcome, a wall she wanted to climb. A sense of excitement welled up in her that she couldn't and didn't want to stop at the sight of the monster she wanted to defeat in this race. Of course, Azuma wouldn't acknowledge that Maruzensky was also a friend of hers outside of the track. Nope, couldn't get that out of her if you tried.
"The fan voted favorite for the Tokyo Yushun! An undefeated Umamusume sitting at seven wins and no losses! Will she claim the second leg of the triple crown!? All eyes are on, Maruzenskyyyy!!" The ground was almost shaking from the deafening cheer that went out, far surpassing any that occurred earlier. "Listen to the crowd cheer, the Tokyo Yushun will begin shortly!"
Maruzensky approached the paddock, taking in the tension from her fellow runners with an easy smile. She didn't recognize most of them, but her eyes lit up upon meeting her classmates and self-proclaimed rivals waiting near the paddock. Azuma Hunter, Bamboo Atlas, and Green Grass stood in proximity to each other, all eyeing her as she approached.
"Yahallo!" Maruzensky cheerfully waved to the trio, getting three flat stares in return.
"Yahallo." Bamboo Atlas flatly muttered in slight confusion as she looked at Maruzensky.
"Maruzensky." Green Grass daintily sniffed as she looked at her.
"Nothing fazes you, huh, Maru." Azuma Hunter blinked at her, her eyes taking in her lack of tension. "Even at the biggest race of the year." Azuma shook her head before strolling towards the paddock. "We'll see if that pays off when I win." Giving a half-hearted wave, Azuma entered the paddock and began her stretches.
Bamboo glanced around once before shrugging and following after; she felt no words were needed further.
Green Grass stepped forward, a meter away from Maruzensky. "It won't be so easy in this race, Maruzensky." Green sniffed once before striding off, not meeting the bemused smile of her rival.
"They're all so fired up, hmm." Maruzensky hummed as she glanced around. Her eyes lit up when she noticed her father in the stands, little Twin Turbo, who was once again waving to her that she matched. Her gaze met her friend, Katsuragi Ace, who gave her a grin and thumbs up while next to Mr. CB. Finally, she glanced up at the private viewing area, remembering the people she had met in that tunnel, along with the confusing man who motivated her. After a brief shake of her head, she held up a peace sign towards them before making her way to the paddock.
"All the runners have entered their gates! The Tokyo Yushun is about to begin! Will we see the continued dominance on the way to a Double Crown? Or will someone else make their mark on history today!" Maruzensky's smile widened at the gate. That announcer was pretty good. Even she was feeling fired up.
"The Tokyo Yushun… START!" The gates opened, and a tide of hooves was unleashed. All the Umamusume present were going to do their best to pin Maruzensky, in gate 18 on the outside. However, aside from three runners present, no one was prepared for Maruzensky's surge. Maruzensky exploded out of her paddock at top speed, startling many as she surged to the front of the growing pack. Maruzensky's speed was something to behold, and that was on a normal day. Today… Maruzensky was particularly motivated.
"Maruzensky! She's charged right ahead of everyone! Maruzensky has taken the lead with a lead of two lengths so far! Right behind her is Fine Point! Followed by Green Grass!" Commentator Aoshima's commentary thundered out to the cheers of the crowd as the race began in earnest. "White Tide had a late start and is trying to make a comeback! Maruzensky's lead has grown to three lengths! She is setting an incredible pace for everyone else! How will this race turn out!?"
While Maruzensky was having the time of her life in front and was stretching her lead further, her fellow runners weren't enjoying it. Directly behind her, Fine Point was panting visibly, a bad sign for the start of the race. She was a frontrunner, but could not match Maruzensky's punishing pace, and was suffering for it. Green Grass too felt the strain, her eyes narrowed in concentration as she followed along. Maruzensky's lead continued to grow… Green felt frustration at the thought that this could be yet another runaway.
A few lengths back from the front, Azuma Hunter wore a wry grin as she was a few spots in front of Bamboo Atlas. Perhaps it was of her understanding, but she saw something that the others did not. Maruzensky had set a blistering pace for this race, but Azuma had noticed that she was STILL accelerating with the group trying to keep up. "Has your stamina improved this much? Or did you never show your full potential?" Rather than feeling despair or frustration, Azuma felt a deep excitement at wanting to catch Maruzensky. She had practiced heavily, realizing she'd need more stamina to keep up. "Just a bit more… I'll catch you!" She gave a fanged grin as she began to increase her pace.
Meanwhile, directly behind Azuma, Bamboo Atlas was perhaps the most comfortable right now. She had gotten a glimpse of the monstrous ability of Maruzensky recently and knew that her late surge she had practiced was her only chance of success. She'll start her surge earlier and catch Maruzensky before the finish. There was no other option. "Come on." Atlas grit her teeth as she fell further back, waiting for her window to strike.
"We've reached the halfway mark! 1200 meters to go! Maruzensky has a lead of five lengths! Happy Cap and Big Champ have fallen behind! More are unable to match this blistering pace! Will we see a record time today!?" Aoshima's enthusiasm had only increased as the race went on, as more and more runners began to lag, their stamina drained. They had foolishly tried to match Maruzensky's rhythm and were paying for it. "Green Grass has moved into second! Azuma Hunter in third! Oh! What's this? Bamboo Atlas has moved into fourth just behind Azuma Hunter!"
Azuma's eyes widened at Aoshima's words, her ears twitched as they picked up the sounds of hooves behind her. A glance from her peripheral showed Bamboo Atlas beginning to move behind her, with around 800 meters remaining. "What's going on?" Azuma frowned as she ran. Bamboo was an end-closer who should've still been further back at this point. Had Maruzensky's pace drained everyone else and led to Bamboo being this far up? As she questioned it, her eyes faced forward once more and widened in shock. She understood now why Bamboo had started to surge prematurely. "Maru… are you serious!?"
Ahead of Azuma Hunter, Green Grass had come to the same realization as Bamboo Atlas, and now, Azuma, Maruzensky was planning on surging early. A red aura had already begun to emanate from the Umamusume, the revving of a car engine passing through. Green bit her lip in frustration. She refused to let her escape, not again! "Ahhhhhhhhhhh!" Green yelled out as she put more power into her legs, beginning her spurt. They had reached the six-hundred-meter mark, as Maruzensky's domain fully manifested.
Maruzensky felt a pulling within herself, a feeling she had reveled in each race she had participated in. But this time, it felt like more; something was calling to her in this race that she could not resist. As she hit the six-hundred-meter mark, that urge in her mind exploded forward, manifesting in her domain, emerging fully for the first time. A red aura seemed to saturate the world around her, red streams of light passing by her eyes as she felt it. She could run fully, freely, without any hindrance. "Ahhhhh!" Maruzensky yelled out, as for the first time, she fully activated it, Red Shift.
"Maruzensky is surging forward!? What incredible speed! She's widened the gap to eight lengths! Green Grass is surging! Azuma Hunter is surging! Bamboo Atlas! We're nearing the final corner!" Tatsuya had long since stood, gripping his desk while his eyes glowed manically; this race was hitting the final spurt! "Maruzensky's lead isn't shrinking! She's passed the final corner first! Bamboo Atlas has burst into second! Maruzensky leads by 6 lengths!"
Green Grass's eyes widened at Bamboo Atlas passing her; her surge was truly tremendous. Her eyes narrowed, however, when she noticed Bamboo's signs of fatigue. She would be unable to maintain her speed, as her stamina was the weakest of the four competitors. Green stomped her foot hard, a green aura partially manifesting around herself as she charged forward.
Azuma Hunter, in contrast, was perhaps the best prepared in this bad situation, as she had been purposefully training her stamina to beat Maruzensky. While noting Maruzensky's charge, she had kept her eye on both Green Grass and Bamboo Atlas. Bamboo had the strongest surge, but she could clearly see her stamina wouldn't hold out, while Green was probably banking on that. A sharp grin appeared on Azuma's face as she realized her best moment was now. She probably couldn't catch Maruzensky, as that monster had already created far too much distance to catch. But she would be damned if anyone else beat her in this race.
"The fight is for second! Who will come out on top!? Maruzensky has reached the final 100 meters! She's too fast! Are we going to see a new record!?" Commentator Tatsuya had to be restrained by his colleague, as he looked steps away from charging forward himself while commentating. "Ah! Bamboo Atlas is slowing down! Green Grass is surging! Green Grass!"
Bamboo's eyes widened in horror as she felt herself slowing down, and could see Green Grass surging from the inside lane on the left. First, Maruzensky… now the others!? She refused!
"Maruzensky! Goal in! Maruzensky has won the Tokyo Derby!!" Aoshima yelled, further heightening the cheers of the crowd. However, their eyes remained as well on the 2-4 finish. "Green Grass is trying to take Second! Bamboo Atlas is trying to hold on! Less than 50 meters! WHAT!?" Aoshima leaned further forward, his eyes wide in disbelief. "Azuma Hunter! Azuma Hunter! Azuma Hunter from the outside! She's passed them both! Azuma Hunter has taken second at the Tokyo Derby!" The roar of the crowd was deafening, perhaps more than even before at the finish they had just witnessed.
"Maruzensky takes first place with a lead of 8 lengths! Azuma Hunter takes second by half a length! Green Grass in third by a head! Bamboo Atlas will have to settle for fourth, with a lead of three lengths over the rest!" Aoshima cheerfully read out the top four.
Bamboo Atlas grit her teeth, tears at the corner of her eyes as she looked at her other three competitors. She could accept losing to Maruzensky; that woman somehow went even faster than she did in the NHK Mile. But running out of stamina and losing to Green Grass and Azuma Hunter? She knew she only had herself to blame, even with the preparation she had still run out of stamina when it mattered.
Green Grass was in the worst mood of the four, as she perhaps was the most burdened by expectation. Coming into this year, her own camp, including her trainer and family, had touted her as the Uma to watch this year, as she had shown glimpses of brilliance and was expected to be on the same path as Ten Point and Tosho Boy. But this loss, another loss to Maruzensky. Her pride rankled at not only losing to the same Uma in two legs of the Classic, but also to Azuma Hunter, someone who was not even on her radar.
Azuma Hunter, meanwhile, perhaps felt the best rivaling Maruzensky after her performance. She had been humbled in her first meeting with her monstrous rival and knew how far she had to go to catch her. Seeing a performance like this in the Tokyo Derby, which she affirmed by glancing and seeing the devastating fatigue her competitors felt, only solidified her opinion. However, she managed to claim second place against strong competition, and she felt amazing about it.
Regardless, all eyes, including those seen before, were on one Uma, who was eagerly waving to the crowd, a beaming smile on her face. Maruzensky's state could be described with a pair of terms, exhaustion and euphoria. Exhaustion from giving her absolute all in this race, her domain, is draining her even more than before. Although that led to the euphoria she felt at having won a race like this, a dream of many Umamusume, including herself. Her eyes took it all in, her father openly smiling at her with tears running down his cheeks, her own eyes probably weren't much better. The adorable little Twin Turbo was being held back by her parents as she smiled widely, her arms outstretched to her in excitement. Her gaze panned around before widening in disbelief at the board.
"Unbelievable! The final numbers are in! Maruzensky has set a course record! Maruzensky's final time is 2:20.9! She has crushed the previous record by 3.3 seconds! Amazing! The Supercar has taken a second crown! Will she take her third!? I can't wait to watch it this Fall!" Aoshima's passion echoed as a wave of disbelief echoed not just from Maruzensky, but from everyone watching. A record time was always something amazing. However, taking several seconds off? Unheard of. Otherworldly.
Those who were watching realized perhaps at that moment that they were witnessing something they might never see again. A thunderous chant began to echo from the crowd. (This is faster than the current fastest time, which was set by Do Deuce recently. I've had trouble finding record times before 1990, so I have no idea what the fastest time at this moment would be [1982]. Feel free to correct me if you guys know, I'd like to get it down accurately.)
"Maruzensky! Maruzensky! Maruzensky!" The crowd echoed out, her father and Twin Turbo joining in as Maruzensky could only look on in disbelief. Her eyes, which had been watering, turned into a downpour of tears. A hand clasping her shoulder startled her, turning and meeting the understanding eyes of her rival, Azuma.
"Go on. This is your moment." Azuma smiled, her teeth glinting sharply as she looked at Maruzensky with soft eyes. She had earned this.
Maruzensky stared at her further, having to fight the urge to hug Azuma and completely break down from the emotion she was feeling. "Thank you." She uttered softly before taking a step towards the crowd, a wince escaping her from the pressure she felt on her left foot. Ignoring the shakiness she felt there, she pressed forward.
Maruzensky had earned her moment, and after a few steps forward, began eagerly waving both her arms to the crowd, a beaming smile of happiness on her face as tears flowed down freely. "Everyone! I did it!" She truly had. Maruzensky would forever be known as a Derby Umamusume.
CHAPTER END