There was a lot to be done regarding the last-minute content changes. Fortunately, live broadcasts usually leave a little "buffer time" to handle unexpected hiccups.
Combined with the director's frantic efforts to stall, everything was more or less settled by the time Sakurako Kazehaya was ready.
She stood beside the monitor, her smile as professional and warm as ever, as if the backstage chaos had never happened.
"After following Equinox on her overseas expedition, let's turn our attention back to domestic news."
"The annual Triple Crown season is nearly upon us once more. Whether it's the Satsuki Sho or the Oka Sho, we can surely expect a new generation of promising Uma Musume to emerge."
"Coincidentally, we just mentioned that Equinox might become the second world-class talent to come out of Central Tracen Academy after Dream Weaver. Next, we'd like to introduce the very girl Dream Weaver has taken under her wing since becoming a trainer."
As Sakurako spoke, she swiped the screen.
An Uma Musume appeared, wearing a white floral hair ornament with striking red streaks dyed into the tips of her chestnut hair.
"Liberty Island."
"After debuting at Niigata Racecourse last year, she won her first graded stakes, the Artemis Stakes, in just a matter of months. By the end of the year, she stormed through Hanshin Racecourse with blistering speed to claim her first G1 trophy."
"Her career path seems remarkably similar to that of her trainer, the legendary world-class Uma Musume, Dream Weaver."
"Both won graded stakes immediately after their debut, and both hand-picked a single G1 race to conquer within their first year of eligibility."
Sakurako picked up the pointer resting by the monitor and switched the display to a trajectory analysis comparing Dream Weaver's first year to Liberty Island's. She pointed at the graph.
"Analyzing Liberty Island's debut year, it seems Dream Weaver—in her first foray as a trainer—is using her own past experiences as a blueprint for her trainee."
"For an ordinary Uma Musume, this would be an almost impossible challenge. Yet, Liberty Island has won her races just as her trainer once did, as if she intends to retrace every step of the path her mentor once trod."
As she spoke, Sakurako's mind wandered for a fleeting second.
First, there was Equinox, who looked to be the next world-class star after Dream Weaver; now, there was Liberty Island, an almost one-to-one recreation of Dream Weaver's early journey.
These two genuine geniuses seemed to be paying tribute to that world-class icon in their own distinct ways.
The times really have changed, Sakurako couldn't help but think.
The rising stars currently commanding the spotlight might have been just like her once—girls who could only catch glimpses of Dream Weaver through a television screen.
But now, they were winning races, standing where the senior they admired once stood.
However, Sakurako didn't let her emotions simmer for long. She remembered where she was; there was no room for hesitation in the studio.
She snapped back to reality so quickly that she continued before the director even noticed a problem to flag.
"However, Liberty Island did not choose the same Classic Triple Crown as Dream Weaver. Instead, she has opted for the equivalent Triple Tiara."
"Perhaps she wishes to pay homage to her predecessor while still carving out a brilliance that is uniquely her own."
This should have been the end of the segment on Liberty Island, moving on to the other contenders for the Oka Sho and Satsuki Sho. But perhaps because of that momentary lapse earlier, a certain thought unbiddenly rose to the surface of Sakurako's mind.
"First Equinox, and then Liberty Island... It's incredible that the track has seen the emergence of two successors to Dream Weaver in back-to-back years."
"Whether it's Equinox aiming for the world stage overseas, or Liberty Island retracing her mentor's steps toward the Triple Crown, the children who once watched their idol on screen have grown up."
"They step onto the turf to let their own light shine upon this field of dreams and passion. To catch up to the footsteps of the girl they once admired most, they will fear no rival."
Sakurako took a deep breath. Without realizing it, she had slipped out of her "professional" persona. She was no longer just reciting the news; she was speaking from the heart.
"Equinox and Liberty Island... I don't know when it will be, but I believe there will eventually be a battle between them. A final showdown to decide who is the true heir to Dream Weaver's legacy."
"Perhaps once Liberty Island completes her Triple Tiara journey, and Equinox returns from her overseas conquest, we will witness these two stars of the new era clash for the sake of the dreams and love they've held since childhood."
"That will be the race that truly determines the pinnacle of this generation!"
The director didn't stop her.
As someone who had witnessed Dream Weaver's rise from her first steps on the track to the summit of the racing world, and now her transition into a supporting role, he understood exactly what Sakurako was feeling.
Besides, the ratings for [Classic Uma Musume Forecast] were currently in a slump.
Introducing a topic like "Equinox vs. Liberty Island: Who is the True Successor?" seemed like the perfect way to spark a massive discussion.
The director waited for Sakurako to finish before whispering into her earpiece.
"That's plenty. That perfectly fills the gap from the skipped segment."
"Now, pivot the content back to the Oka Sho and the Satsuki Sho."
Startled back to her senses by the voice, Sakurako instinctively looked toward the director. Seeing him nod at her, she let out a quiet sigh of relief.
She quickly shifted gears, pulling the focus back to the upcoming Triple Crown races, providing predictions and analysis by introducing the various contenders with a chance at the title.
Finally, an hour later, Sakurako finished recording the episode.
Hearing the click that signaled the end, she finally relaxed and stepped down from the stage to head backstage.
As a rookie, having so many "accidents" during her first time hosting made Sakurako certain she would be rotated out, just like the female host before her.
Working in the world of Uma Musume was her dream. But if she was taken off the air, she might be sent back to hosting children's programs that had nothing to do with racing, and she might never get an opportunity this good again.
She sat down at the vanity, adjusting her makeup while looking at her reflection.
On her chest was a red ribbon she had bought when she first started university.
Back then, she had just witnessed Dream Weaver become an Undefeated Triple Crown winner.
In a fit of excitement, she had bought the same ribbon as her idol. That red ribbon had stayed with her through her college years and all the way to her current job.
Sakurako felt no regret. If this was the final act for her passing youth, she was glad she had said her piece.
--+--
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.