The news that Ten Point, Green Grass, Tosho Boy, and Maruzensky were preparing for a showdown spread through Tracen Academy in the blink of an eye.
By the next day, even before the race was set to begin, the training grounds were already packed.
Besides the students of Tracen, many trainers had also put aside their work and come to watch.
This match carried extraordinary significance.
Back in the day, Maruzensky had retired without ever getting a chance to compete against her contemporaries like Tosho Boy.
Countless people had deeply regretted this.
Everyone wanted to know who truly was stronger.
And this race felt like it was making up for that regrettable ending of the [Arima Kinen] from years past.
Especially since after Maruzensky announced her comeback, no one had ever seen her go all out.
None of the students… no, perhaps the entire Tracen Academy knew what Maruzensky's true capabilities really were.
"Then again, when you think about it, it's impossible to go all out in a training race anyway," Tamamo Cross mused, leaning against the railing as she watched the crowded track.
Compared to the other participants, the one Tamamo Cross was most wary of was probably Maruzensky.
So far, her upper limit was completely unknown.
The information on Maruzensky stopped at 'incredibly strong,' but just how strong remained an unanswered question.
Standing next to Tamamo Cross, Komiyama Masami had already prepared her binoculars and was observing the venue.
After all, a race isn't just a contest between the runners; it's also a game between the trainers.
Through different training methods, devising tactics, disrupting opponents—they were like military strategists.
Komiyama aimed to analyze Maruzensky's approximate strength in this simulated race to formulate plans for upcoming competitions.
What Komiyama couldn't understand was why Maruzensky had chosen this particular moment for a simulated race.
Racing against her old rivals now was practically revealing her hand early, wasn't it?
Wasn't she afraid of being targeted in official races?
Or perhaps… she had other reasons…
On the other side of the training grounds, Narita Brian had also taken her place early in the spectator stands.
She'd trained with Maruzen before, but back then, she hadn't sensed any fighting spirit from her.
That calm and composed demeanor meant she hadn't been running seriously.
Even so, she'd still managed to keep up with Narita Brian's pace.
"The chains of restraint shattered, unleashing the hidden beast… Is that what this means?" she wondered.
She was intensely curious about what Maruzensky's full strength looked like.
"Yakisoba, yakisoba! Who wants yakisoba? Hey, Brian—want some yakisoba?"
Gold Ship approached, carrying a large tray laden with lunch boxes, shouting in her distinctive, singsong voice.
"Gold Ship… What are you doing, causing a scene at a serious race like this…"
"Just thoughtfully preparing yakisoba for everyone, of course! What flavor do you want, spicy or savory?"
"…"
"Actually, I'd recommend this one—specially made by Golshi-chan here, with a tangy chili sauce. Guaranteed to send you to cloud nine."
Narita Brian's eyebrow twitched.
"So, see anything you like?"
"…No."
"Too bad, then! Yakisoba! Get your yakisoba here—! Tasty, crispy yakisoba!"
Watching Gold Ship hawk her wares elsewhere, Narita Brian couldn't help but facepalm.
That creature is utterly unbearable…
Shaking her head to clear it of such bizarre beings, Narita Brian refocused her attention on the track.
Speaking of which, for a race of this caliber, that person had no reason to miss it, right?
She probably wouldn't crash a training race, but Narita Brian was certain she was hiding somewhere, secretly watching.
Thinking this, Narita Brian narrowed her eyes.
Her gaze slowly swept past the surrounding students, scanning the areas farther from the training track.
Finally, she spotted her.
On the roof of the training building, separated from the track by a pathway, a black figure stood, looking into the distance toward them.
So, you're just as curious as I am—
--+--
"Maruzensky… To this day, she remains undefeated."
Standing at a high point offered a broader view. Staying away from the crowd also allowed for a better observation of the venue.
Watching Maruzensky, now in her training gear and stretching her limbs, the girl murmured under her breath.
Even now, the girl had never seen an Uma Musume with a perfect, undefeated record.
Even Symboli Rudolf had suffered defeats.
Oguri Cap, Tamamo Cross, Maruzensky's contemporaries Green Grass and Ten Point—they were all the same.
Nine wins, no losses. It seemed like a simple phrase, but its weight was immense.
And that wasn't all. For Maruzensky, there was an additional condition.
The average margin ahead of the second-place finisher: eight lengths.
That meant in every race, Maruzensky pulled away, nearly achieving a 'large difference' lead.
What did that mean?
From the moment Maruzensky started racing, she had never encountered anyone who could truly be called a 'rival.'
She dominated every time she participated.
Even with the era's rules limiting her from higher-grade races, achieving such astounding results in the races she did run was something even other highly capable Uma Musume couldn't accomplish.
Back then, there were even rumors that if it were Maruzensky, she definitely had what it took to challenge the Triple Crown races.
But due to the rigid Central authority, Maruzensky never received that honor.
Yet, whether among Tracen students, trainers, or the competitors preparing for the autumn [Tenno Sho], there was a shared understanding.
They could not treat the returning Maruzensky as an ordinary opponent.
She had to be regarded as a Triple Crown-level Uma Musume without the official title, as an enemy of the highest caliber.
Perhaps even an Undefeated Triple Crown winner.
--+--
"Trainer Musaka—?"
"Over here."
Hearing Belno Light's voice, Musaka Ginjirou straightened his hunched back slightly and waved.
Spotting him, the girl hurried over, followed by Oguri Cap, who was squeezing through the crowd.
"All these people for just a training race…" Oguri Cap marveled, finally reaching Musaka Ginjirou's side.
It wasn't something you saw every day, but when all the students gathered together, the scene was quite spectacular.
"You probably don't fully grasp the significance of this race," Musaka Ginjirou said, tapping his cane.
The trainers like him understood it perfectly.
Maruzensky was seeking closure with the past.
After fulfilling her regret of never racing against the TTG trio, she would embrace her new self and step onto the competitive stage.
"It seems Maruzensky is serious about this [Tenno Sho]."
"So Maruzensky is finally getting serious…" Belno Light frowned.
This wasn't good news; it meant the competitive pressure on Oguri Cap would multiply.
"It's fine, Belno," Oguri Cap said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I'd have to face her someday anyway."
"Exactly. Rather than hoping your opponent is off their game, better to focus on improving your own strength," Musaka Ginjiro let out a rough chuckle.
[Sorry to keep you all waiting—!]
The PA system in the training grounds crackled to life.
[I'm your commentator for this match, Hishi Amazon! The race that has the entire school's attention is about to begin—!]
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T/N: Mihoyo x Multiverse Fanfic Up!
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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.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.