Shakira Gray stood tall and proud in her racing silks, waiting in the athlete's tunnel for her introduction.
But before her own name was called, another Uma Musume arrived.
Tap, tap.
Footsteps echoed through the empty tunnel.
Gray, who had been gazing into the distance, couldn't help but turn her head. The flash of crimson that suddenly filled her vision left her utterly breathless.
This competitor wore a red racing silk that resembled an evening gown, yet its design held echoes of a cavalry uniform—blending noble elegance with a crisp, dashing flair.
Gilded tasselled epaulettes shimmered brilliantly, swaying gently with her stride.
Fixed to her shoulder strap was a striking gold-and-red cape that trailed behind her like a loyal shadow.
Symbols of crowns and stars adorned the lavish silks from head to toe. Even her polished black dress shoes were marked with a glaring golden design—a crafted star.
Gorgeous, regal, and carrying an indescribable air of authority and pressure—she was like the lead actor at the center of the stage, captivating every eye just by appearing.
This was the new racing silk jointly designed by Dream Weaver and Kobayashi Kaze. In the real world, though, it would have been her very first.
'To bring hope and happiness through victory, the first thing you must do is become the protagonist in everyone's eyes.'
Those words spoken by T.M. Opera O had inspired Dream Weaver, leading her to create a silks of such stunning magnificence.
So magnificent that Shakira Gray was left staring in a daze.
Her classmates in the Uniform Department had recommended plenty of dazzling dresses, but Gray, who never felt she stood out much, had simply chosen a fresh, cute set of silks.
'Dressing that extravagantly would definitely draw everyone's attention. A Uma Musume who can shoulder that many eyes must have an incredibly strong heart.'
Just as Gray was about to shrink back again, she immediately remembered the expectations Symboli Rudolf had placed on her just before the race.
'She's counting on me. Someone like Tyson? As an Uma Musume, I can definitely take her down easily!'
Trying to comfort herself inwardly, she lifted her chin, attempting to appear more imposing.
But Dream Weaver didn't seem intimidated. Noticing Gray's gaze, she walked straight over.
Watching her approach, Gray gulped nervously, wondering how she should respond if challenged.
To her surprise, what came wasn't a declaration of rivalry, but a friendly smile from Dream Weaver.
"Hey there, let's both do our best out on the track later."
Perhaps freed from mission pressure, Dream Weaver acted a little differently than she did during scripted tasks, taking the initiative to greet another Uma Musume.
Seeing Dream Weaver's friendly greeting, Gray was both shocked and flattered.
What was going on today? First, President Symboli Rudolf patted her shoulder outside the venue and said, 'You're the Uma Musume I have the highest hopes for.'
And now, Dream Weaver, whom she saw as her greatest rival, was showing her unimaginable kindness.
Gray might have fantasized about things that never happened, but she didn't notice at all, lost in her joy.
Could it be—
'Am I actually a once-in-a-generation Uma Musume prodigy?!'
Even President Rudolf has placed her hopes in me, and Dream Weaver greeted me with a smile of recognition. What else could I be but a genius?
Feeling a bit light-headed, Gray blushed with embarrassment. She scratched her head and let out a soft, gleeful chuckle.
"Hehe… hehehe. Well, well then, let's do our best together."
In that moment, Gray truly felt the passion and youth her trainer was always going on about.
That's right—she wasn't the same tearful Gray from earlier anymore.
Now, she was a peerless genius recognized by President Rudolf and acknowledged by Dream Weaver!
Before Gray could praise herself any further, a voice from outside the tunnel interrupted her.
"The genius beyond geniuses, the Uma Musume who snatched an unbeaten record from Tokai Teio, is about to enter her first G1 race!"
"Can she live up to the name of this race and secure a future filled with hope?!"
"Number five! Dream Weaver!"
Hearing her name, Dream Weaver nodded to Gray and walked straight toward the track.
Gray waved reluctantly, wishing she could chat a bit longer.
But before her regret could settle, another set of footsteps approached from behind.
Instinctively turning, Gray saw her other major rival—Sakura Yamato.
Mimicking Dream Weaver's earlier gesture, Gray boldly waved and said with a smile, "Hey there, Yamato! Let's both do our best in the race!"
Seemingly taken aback by her demeanor, Sakura Yamato paused for a moment.
But she soon smiled and nodded back at Gray. "Let's give it our all."
Seeing that even the notably mature Sakura Yamato acknowledged her, Gray's tail practically wagged up to the sky.
President Rudolf, Dream Weaver, and Sakura Yamato—her idol and her two biggest rivals had all shown their approval.
What in this arena, what in this world could possibly stop her now?!
If not for maintaining her image, Gray would have burst out laughing right then.
Keeping a strained, half-smiling face, she exchanged another brief word with a slightly puzzled Sakura Yamato before the announcer's introduction called Yamato out onto the track.
By now, Gray had completely shed her earlier, pre-race gloom. Chin held high, she radiated energy and excitement.
She could hardly wait to hear her own name called by the announcer.
As if answering her wish, it wasn't long before the introduction echoed her name.
Hearing it, Gray cleared her throat with pretended solemnity and strode confidently toward the track.
'Heh, this Hopeful Stakes is definitely going to be a smooth, enjoyable contest. I wonder how I'll handle Dream Weaver and Sakura Yamato's admiring looks after it's over. And if President Rudolf invites me to join the student council later, should I accept?'
With a bright smile, Gray stepped onto the field.
But the moment her feet touched the track, a suffocating pressure instantly swept over her entire body.
An overwhelming presence, so immense it felt sky-enveloping, nearly crushed her breath away, leaving Gray's mind blank for several seconds.
Trembling, she stole a glance toward the source of that pressure—and from the corner of her eye, she caught that familiar flash of crimson.
'This isn't Tyson… This is Ultraman Taro, isn't it?!'
Gray screamed inwardly.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.