Japan, URA Headquarters.
An extremely important meeting was underway.
Before the entire row of high-ranking members lay documents from the recently concluded [One on One]—the dirt track spectacle that was [Margaret Nearl vs. Ruffian]!
Dirt races weren't traditionally valued by the URA, let alone an overseas event. This significant overseas Grade 1 should have been completely ignored.
Historically, the URA's attitude had been… why bother with overseas G1s beyond the Arc de Triomphe? After all, the Japanese Uma Musume we nurture never win those anyway.
Rather than wasting effort and resources caring about them, it's better to invest more in domestic Japanese G1s.
But now, things were different. Among the materials these executives were reviewing, besides introductions to the Undefeated Triple Crown winner, the world's second Pegasus, The Radiant Knight Nearl, and the defeated tyrant Ruffian…
There was also a scene from the race—a fleeting glimpse of the Pegasus, Platinum!
"She only appeared for a moment in that American showdown!"
"And yet, Platinum made it into the top five of American Uma Musume racing news, right behind the top headlines about Nearl's victory!"
"Overseas, in regions where she's previously won races—especially the UK, France, Australia, and Dubai—her news ranked second, just slightly below the major news of Nearl's win."
"Just think, Platinum was only there as a [spectator]. A mere few seconds on screen, and news about her comes this close to the coverage of the victor, Nearl?!"
"As for domestically in Japan, it's a landslide number one, completely overshadowing all other Japanese race results from these past few days, even leaving the victorious dirt-track Pegasus, The Radiant Knight Nearl, in the dust!?"
Internally, the URA's primary focus was naturally the impact within Japan.
Some senior members recalled the comments under the news about the showdown; many expressed initial ignorance about the race itself, but curiosity about why Platinum was there watching, which led them to look into it.
In this short time, the Japanese version of the showdown video's view count had skyrocketed from mere millions to tens of millions and was still climbing.
Clearly, countless Japanese fans of Platinum were curious about the Pegasus lady's first public appearance after her Australian campaign.
If just a momentary appearance by Platinum could cause such an impact, she was undoubtedly the most influential turf Uma Musume!
So, if that Pegasus were to return to Japan… the boost to the development of Japan's Uma Musume racing scene would be tremendously positive!
One could say the URA dreamed of seeing Platinum return to Japan, practically treating that silver-white young Pegasus like royalty.
Typically, every year, Uma Musume racing scenes around the world steadily produce at least a few famous Uma Musume.
Europe, in particular, even manages to nurture more than one or two world-class Uma Musume. Over time, the number of famous Uma Musume might even surpass the number of major race events…
Furthermore, in this world, Uma Musume are akin to pop idols, and reaching the level of having a race named after you is equivalent to being a superstar.
Therefore, choosing conventional top-tier or world-class Uma Musume is too common; they might be forgotten by the public in a few years, which is somewhat wasteful for the racing authorities.
Even a once-in-a-decade, historic-level Uma Musume worldwide isn't guaranteed the qualification to have a race permanently named after them.
Currently in Europe, among all those G1 races, very few are named after Uma Musume. The most famous… is the [Eclipse Stakes].
But Platinum doesn't just have one; she has a G1 each on turf and dirt! Respectively, the [Pegasus Kinen] and the [Platinum Cup]!
Even more thoughtfully, they are held on the same day, aiming to build up the event similar to the Dubai World Cup!
"It's a shame our Japanese events can't match the scale of Nearl's showdown."
"But we've created two G1s for Platinum, paying two top-tier licensing fees. Such sincerity is visible to the world!"
"Even the [Shinzan Kinen] we held before is now only a G3, the lowest grade among principal races."
"We can only hope to see Platinum return to Japan and grace the [Pegasus Kinen] and [Platinum Stakes] with her presence."
One URA executive let out a slight sigh, his muttering voice tinged with obvious uncertainty.
After all…
This is the Pegasus Platinum we're talking about. Racing authorities worldwide are lining up, willing to go all out for her.
Rumors say Dubai and the UK are already preparing to induct her into their [Halls of Fame]. The moment she retires, she can immediately enter multiple different Halls of Fame!
Then there's France and Australia, where Platinum also achieved famous victories. Thus, Platinum might just become the Uma Musume with the record for being inducted into the "most number of national Halls of Fame" in history!
Compared to them, Japan's racing scene is clearly lagging by more than a step. Even in terms of prize money, we lose to Dubai and Australia, lacking in various aspects of prestige…
And compared to them, our Japanese URA is somewhat lacking in influence and reputation.
Not only that, at the previous [Annual Uma Musume Awards Ceremony], they essentially commanded Platinum to race in Japan for at least half the following year before going on her overseas campaigns…
This led to the legendary, event-wrecking scene broadcast live by Platinum herself—[The URA Has No Right to Award Me]!
The following year, in the first G1, the Osaka Hai, after Platinum left for her campaign, both Agnes Tachyon and Tokai Teio were injured trying to defeat Pegasus and couldn't participate… everything plummeted to rock bottom!
Since then, the URA completely shed its arrogance. They no longer treated Platinum like a normal Japanese Uma Musume, instead choosing to "grovel and apologize," embracing the "spirit of contrition."
Later, during the Eclipse Stakes, when a scandal occurred and Europe's Coolmore Group began applying pressure and blockading… the Japanese URA without hesitation chose to tear up their friendly relations with Coolmore and sided with the Pegasus Platinum!
And facts proved that while the URA might not excel in favorable situations, their all-in bets in adversity are always correct.
Their public condemnation and even restrictions on Coolmore Uma Musume racing in Japan were there for all to see.
Combined with Platinum's popularity, value, and the inherently high licensing fees for G1 races, this "financial power," along with their post-groveling good attitude, successfully convinced the Pegasus Platinum to grant her racing license.
The URA, having successfully gone all-in during the tough times, struck while the iron was hot.
The fact that they initiated not one, but two commemorative races for Platinum while she was still active, and both at the highest G1 level, was enough to show their sincerity.
But internally, the URA currently worries…
What if Platinum still doesn't return?
"If the inaugural, most crucial [First Edition] of the races named after the Pegasus Platinum lacks Platinum herself…"
"It would become a laughingstock. We can only hope Platinum is willing to come, even if not to compete, but just as a spectator."
Many senior members knew full well that Platinum participating was absolutely impossible.
There has never been a case where the commemorated Uma Musume came to run in "her own race"; it would seem rather strange.
Moreover, Platinum had already publicly announced her schedule. Her next race was the upcoming [Long Distance G1 · Goodwood Cup], where she would face the highest mountain and longest river in the long-distance domain.
Long distance… has its fortresses! And two fortress-like Uma Musume at that!
When Platinum ran short distances, although she also faced two super Uma Musume, Winx was at a disadvantage due to not being fully adapted to the distance, unable to perform at her peak. So the strong opponents she faced could be considered… [one and a half].
But in the upcoming Goodwood Cup, both Stradivarius and Kyprios are historic monsters specializing in long distance, both possessing the qualification to claim the title of [Long Distance GOAT].
So in terms of difficulty, Europe's Goodwood Cup definitely surpasses Australia's The Everest. Taking time out now to come to Japan to run one or two low-prestige G1s named after her…
Wouldn't that be picking up a sesame seed only to lose a watermelon?
"Today is the day to invite all eligible Uma Musume to register for the [Pegasus Kinen] and [Platinum Cup]."
"We'll ask Miss Platinum then."
Suddenly, at a certain point in the conversation, a high-ranking member who was a die-hard Platinum fan seemed to remember something.
"Wait, since these are memorial races named after Miss Platinum, shouldn't the prizes include some special mementos related to her?"
If it's just the usual prize money and G1 champion honor… that doesn't really express what makes them memorials for Platinum.
"A trophy sculpted in Platinum's image?"
"No, it's too late to commission that now. Our partnered craftsmen can't design Miss Platinum's likeness in such a short time. If we delay presenting the trophy, we'll become a joke again."
"Hold on, why 'again'?"
Finally, a voice of reason offered a suitable suggestion.
"Then… how about replicas of Miss Platinum's boots? Or her bow? Those are the most widely recognized symbols of her as a Uma Musume and as Platinum. They'd be suitable as [exclusive prizes]."
"And then we could request Miss Platinum to provide her training wear as a [First Edition Limited] champion's prize. It costs her nothing, and…"
It could be produced quickly under tight deadlines and would serve as a representative Platinum keepsake!!
"Good, let's go with that!"
"Don't forget to pay Miss Platinum an additional licensing fee for the prizes later."
They!
The URA!
Would forever remember Miss Platinum's kindness!
That kindness, with interest, is a debt they could never fully repay!
"Long live Miss Platinum!"
And so…
"The registration period for the races named under your license, the [Pegasus Kinen] and [Platinum Cup], has begun."
"Might we inquire if you intend to participate?"
The silver-haired young lady, lounging in a room provided by her senior Seabiscuit, casually answered the phone with her legs crossed.
She tilted her head, her ear twitching slightly, surprised to hear from the Japanese racing authorities after so long.
Without a moment's hesitation, Platinum refused.
"I decline."
What followed wasn't the usual apology and hanging up without explanation combo, but rather…
"The URA invites Miss Platinum to attend the opening ceremonies of the [Pegasus Kinen] and [Platinum Cup] as a special guest of honor."
"Might you be willing to attend?"
"And also, we plan to create miniature replica trophies of your [Bow] and [Boots]. Participants will receive a silver version, and the champion will receive a gold version."
"Furthermore, we have reserved a full set of all versions for you, Miss Platinum."
Hearing this, Platinum paused for a moment.
She wasn't particularly surprised that the URA would invite her.
But this prize design… now that was interesting.
And they're reserving a full set for her?
"Alright, I'll attend as a spectator when the time comes."
Platinum gave her reply.
Since she'd already come to America to watch "the other her" compete, what was the big deal about flying back to familiar Japan to watch the races held in her own honor?
Besides… the URA had shown considerable sincerity, having won over the Pegasus lady with their substantial licensing fees and trustworthy conduct.
"And then… since it's the crucial [First Edition]…"
"Might it be possible for you to provide two pieces of your training wear to serve as special, exclusive additional prizes just for this inaugural event?"
It was like how many books or manga sales often include limited-time exclusive gifts with the first print run to boost initial sales and excite fans.
Given that her bow and racing silks were far too precious to part with, what could be more suitable as a gift, carry commemorative significance, and have zero impact on Platinum herself, than her training wear and boots?
The staff member's question made Platinum pause.
Right after her transformation and initial races, she had bought three sets of training wear.
Just the other day, right after The Everest in Australia ended, she had already given one set away in an exchange.
And these past few days, a certain little biscuit senior had been so relentlessly persistent about training with her that Platinum had to open one of the [new training wear] sets she'd kept stored for two years, wearing it for a session or two.
And now, so soon after putting it on, she was being asked to give this set away too?
She'd have to buy new ones again. Why did her training wear seem to have such a short lifespan lately?
The Pegasus lady's expression was complex, like a sighing cat.
'Sigh, fine. I'll mail them over today.'
Well, that was all three sets of training wear gone.
After two and a half years, the great Platinum was finally going to have to buy herself new training wear!
--+--
Not long after…
Many famous Uma Musume around the world unusually received phone calls from the Japanese URA.
They were inquiring about potential participation in the [Pegasus Kinen] and [Platinum Cup].
Since these were completely new inaugural events, not renamed from existing races, explanations were needed regarding the race format, distance, racecourse, prizes, and purse.
Thus, for the next few days, the URA event planning team embarked on an excited and expectant overtime spree.
For them, previously they only communicated with Japanese Uma Musume, who often wouldn't refuse anyway.
After all, Japanese G1 races were scarce and neatly scheduled, never presenting situations like two middle-distance G1s in one month, eliminating any need to choose between them.
Avoiding one race meant avoiding it entirely, often leaving only G2 options or, like Mejiro Dober, targeting fillies' G1s.
Only someone like Platinum, who dominated so utterly that other Uma Musume lost all hope, could cause multiple Uma Musume to collectively avoid her races—a feat only Platinum had achieved in all these years.
So before, overtime was unheard of; they usually filled the G1 participant slots quickly.
But this year, these brand-new events were different. Not only were they superbly structured, but they were also elevated to International G1s! This meant they could contact those foreign champions!
Montjeu!
Galileo!
Dubai Millennium!
Sea the Stars!
Winx!
Basically, all the champions who had previously faced Platinum were approached.
Domestically in Japan, naturally, several famous Uma Musume were also included.
Among them were Daiwa Scarlet, Orfevre, Manhattan Cafe, and even…
The younger generation, Satono Diamond and Kitasan Black.
Within just a few hours, details of the [Pegasus Kinen] and [Platinum Cup] were fully announced!
Two rare, brand-new International G1 races from Japan were officially unveiled, welcoming qualified top-tier competitors from around the world to take on the challenge!
--+--
Europe, the Sea Household.
Sea the Stars hung up the phone, her expression stiff.
"Hah? Participate in the Pegasus Kinen?"
"No thanks, not going!"
She was a Uma Musume who wanted revenge against the Pegasus Platinum!
Wouldn't participating in a race commemorating Platinum seem strange? And it felt like… her seniority would instantly drop.
Absolutely not, impossible!
The dignified Sea the Stars would never agree.
Beside her, her sister Galileo also received an inquiry call from the URA.
Unlike her instantly rejecting sister, Galileo felt slightly tempted.
"Eh? The champion's prize is a gold trophy of Platinum's bow?"
"The first edition extra gift is… Platinum's worn training wear?"
"And the champion can choose between a new, URA-cleaned version or the one fresh from Platinum? Who'd want the new one? Obviously the original scent… cough cough, I didn't say anything."
Noticing her sister nearby, Galileo decided to protect her image as an older sister.
Unbeknownst to her, after her "poaching cat" nature was exposed and Sea the Stars branded her a despicable rival, she had long lost any dignified image.
In the end, Galileo declined. What she wanted was Dr. Lin's original scent clothes, not Platinum's!!
--+--
Japan, Tracen Academy.
A training ground.
A lively black-haired girl and the elegant girl beside her with a diamond-shaped fringe were training side by side.
Satono Diamond and Kitasan Black had already debuted and were now in their classic year.
It's worth noting that Japan's Classic Triple Crown isn't as ridiculously concentrated as the American one; after the first two legs, the third, the Kikuka Shō, is held in November at year's end.
Therefore, they had finished the first two crowns and had time to participate in a certain G1 race.
After training for who knows how long, they stopped to rest on a nearby bench.
Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond both took out their phones.
Upon unlocking them, they saw the URA's latest news!
—[Pegasus Kinen], [Platinum Cup] Announced!
Instantly, the two young fillies tapped open the news with lightning speed.
The more they read, the more excited they became, their faces flushing with excitement.
The substantial prize money was collectively ignored by both Satono Diamond and Kitasan Black, as if it weren't the most important thing.
Instead, it was the trophy description below the prize money, and the first edition exclusive training wear from the Pegasus Platinum, that made these two Japanese superstar rookie Uma Musume so excited their heartbeats raced as if they were in a race.
"Phew…"
"It's a replica of Miss Platinum's iconic bow-shaped trophy? Quite creative."
"Wait, original scent training wear?!!!! Phew… wouldn't that mean in the evening…"
Nearly [unthinkable] thoughts simultaneously arose in the minds of this best friend, childhood friend pair of fillies.
The next second, they looked at each other.
"Sorry, Kita-chan."
"That's my line, Dia-chan!"
They were both turf Uma Musume, unable to split up and enter different races.
"Even if I win, I'm absolutely not lending you the training wear. I can lend you the prize money, but Miss Platinum's original scent training wear? No way!"
"I feel the same!"
"Then see you at the [Pegasus Kinen]!"
The number of Uma Musume affected by Platinum's memorial races… was far more than just these, and it was still growing!
--+--
Meanwhile, in America.
The heroic and dashing golden-haired girl had already removed her racing silks and even that gleaming sword-lance.
Nearl changed into her training wear. Victorious in the One-on One, she was in high spirits, ready to start her training.
Walking onto the training field, she casually opened her system panel.
Having secured the win, Nearl wanted to see what the reward for this, her second last… or perhaps third last race, would be.
--+--
[Race: One-on-One]
[Reward: Maturation Progress +15%, Special Effect Added]
[Current Maturation Progress: 80%]
[Special Effect: Unlocks exclusive Pegasus Light Wings when activating domain, unlocks background music BGM]
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
There should be... around 70+ advanced chapters?
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.