Before long, the day arrived for the opening leg of the Classic Triple Crown—the Satsuki Sho.
Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture. Nakayama Racecourse was completely overrun by a sea of people today.
The grandstands were packed beyond capacity, the roaring cheers surging like literal waves, crashing over everyone's eardrums again and again.
At one side of the audience seating, Kuroha sat with his four Uma Musume in a prime viewing spot, watching the Classic-year young fillies limbering up on the turf.
As expected, Oguri Cap wasn't on the list for today's Satsuki Sho.
Originally, Kuroha hadn't planned on coming. Fujimasa March didn't qualify for the Turf Classic Triple Crown, Inari One was a Senior-year Uma Musume, and the two little ones—Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen—still had over a year to go before entering True Blooming.
Most importantly, there wasn't a single entry in this race like Oguri Cap—someone strong enough to truly threaten Kuroha's end-of-year plans to advance his team to the Central circuit.
Whether it was Yae no Muteki or Sakura Chiyono O, they were strong, yes—but not top-tier.
Having spent some time in Tokyo, Kuroha could now clearly tell that his training skills were on a completely different level from the rest.
So why did he come in the end…?
Kuroha couldn't help but recall what had happened after training yesterday…
"Trainer! Take me there, please! I don't wanna watch from the TV!"
Tokai Teio tugged on Kuroha's sleeve, her ocean-blue eyes full of longing. Her whole body rocked side to side as if trying to shake Kuroha into submission.
Beside her, Mejiro McQueen didn't make a fuss, but there was a faint glimmer of expectation in her gaze.
Looking at the two adorably clingy girls before him, Kuroha could only smile helplessly.
And so, he brought along Fujimasa March, Inari One, and the two lively little ones to see the event live.
It was a once-a-year spectacle, after all—not a bad deal to be here.
...
"Wow… There are so many people!"
Tokai Teio's eyes sparkled as she scanned her surroundings, her tail wagging excitedly behind her.
She tiptoed to get a better look, soaking in the overwhelming energy that could practically sweep someone away.
Mejiro McQueen, on the other hand, remained calm. She just sat quietly, but her amethyst eyes trembled slightly—betraying the unrest in her heart.
Well, it was to be expected from girls who hadn't even entered their True Blooming yet...
Kuroha exchanged a glance with Fujimasa March and Inari One—and they all shared a small laugh.
"Still, this really is more spectacular than I imagined."
Kuroha gazed around the entire Nakayama Racecourse. The nationwide spotlight, the immense pressure that carried countless dreams and expectations—it was a taste of the Central G1 stage's glory and cruelty all at once.
The grandstands were jam-packed, a black ocean of people rippling with motion. The thunderous cheers were deafening, as if to lift the sky.
The race was being broadcasted across numerous TV stations—every channel abuzz with predictions and analyses of the Satsuki Sho. The sheer scale and intensity of it left a deep impression on Fujimasa March, Inari One, and especially the two younger girls, experiencing this world stage for the first time.
As the announcer's passionate commentary rolled out, all the participating Uma Musume were finally lined up at the gates.
"G1—Satsuki Sho, 2000 meters on turf, begins now!"
The gates flew open, and the crowd's cheers reached a fever pitch. All the girls accelerated cleanly and steadily. Their conditioning was top-class, and their rhythms in sync—every stride bursting with power, not a single wasted movement.
They had clearly been through brutal training.
"So strong…"
Fujimasa March watched them with a grave expression.
Kuroha turned toward her and asked with a smile, "What do you think, March? These Classic-year Uma Musume from Central?"
Fujimasa March narrowed her eyes and observed a little longer, running simulations in her mind, then responded:
"If the girls at the upcoming Haneda Hai are at this level… I don't think I'll win easily."
Her tone was serious but fearless—if anything, her fighting spirit had grown even stronger.
Not that I can't win—just that it won't be easy?
That might sound cocky, but it carried undeniable confidence.
And rightly so. Not a single one of the girls on the track had awakened a [Domain]. How could they possibly match Fujimasa March?
But wait...
Suddenly, Kuroha furrowed his brows and looked sharply at the racecourse. A faint white glow flickered in his eyes.
The race had entered its final phase. The runners began to spread out.
Those in front pushed their limits, bursting forward with everything they had. The chasers gritted their teeth and fought to overtake.
The audience roared with all their might, shouting out the names of their favorite Uma Musume.
Amid the chaos, Kuroha's eyes locked onto one girl—Sakura Chiyono O.
While all the other girls were clearly squeezing out the last drops of their stamina, throwing themselves into the final sprint, Kuroha noticed something unusual.
Her physical stats… were still climbing—slowly but surely!
Her muscle definition sharpened with each step. Every stride seemed more powerful than the last. A faint aura, imperceptible to the average eye, began to surround her.
Her body—during this very sprint—was undergoing a transformation. Not just acceleration. It was something deeper—an internal evolution, a true metamorphosis.
True Blooming… is accelerating?
Kuroha's mind stirred. The shift was so subtle, only someone with [Body and Breath Perception] like him could even notice it.
But it had started far too late, and didn't last long enough.
Just as her power finally ignited and began to rise, it hadn't fully blossomed yet—and Yae no Muteki, who had launched her final sprint earlier and more steadily, crossed the finish line first.
"Victory! Yae no Muteki wins! She takes the first crown of the Classic Triple Crown—Satsuki Sho!" the announcer declared.
Sakura Chiyono O hadn't won—but that visible transformation in her final sprint etched her deeply into Kuroha's mind.
"Sakura Chiyono O…"
Kuroha muttered, combing through his memories about her, trying to match what he just saw with what he remembered from before.
If he recalled correctly, Sakura Chiyono O was supposed to be this generation's Derby winner.
Could it be that the immense pressure she felt during this race, combined with her burning desire to win, had acted like a catalyst—forcing her into an early True Blooming?
And that was what allowed her to awaken her potential and, at the Japan Derby, unleash a performance beyond the limits of her body and seize the crown?
Kuroha shook his head. His knowledge about accelerated True Blooming was still too limited.
Outside of Sakura Chiyono O, the only other case he'd witnessed was Aoblaze Soleil during the Keihin Cup.
Way too small of a sample.
Still…
Kuroha looked at the post-race screen. Sakura Chiyono O's face filled it—unwilling to accept defeat, but her eyes still burning with unyielding determination.
He let out a quiet sigh.
Accelerated True Blooming didn't only bring power—it came with a heavy burden.
Historically, Sakura Chiyono O had fractured a bone after winning the Japan Derby. She spent an entire year in recovery.
And when she returned for the next year's Takarazuka Kinen, she was completely crushed by the Eternal Big Three—Inari One.
Thinking of that, Kuroha instinctively reached out and ruffled the little head of Inari One beside him.
Caught off guard, Inari One didn't resist. She just puffed her cheeks and muttered, "W-what are you doing…?"
"Nothing. I just… felt like it." Kuroha replied with a grin, turning her face bright red.
"True Blooming…"
There were still so many secrets hidden within the bodies of Uma Musume.
(End of Chapter)
Though the Satsuki Sho had ended, the shock and passion it left engraved in everyone's hearts refused to fade.
On the way home, Tokai Teio's bright eyes still sparkled with excitement.
The little girl clenched her tiny fists, her face a mix of awe and unwavering confidence.
"So amazing… seriously amazing!"
Then, suddenly, she looked up at Kuroha and declared firmly:
"But next time, I'll be the one standing on that stage and winning!"
"The Satsuki Sho… this is just the beginning! I'll become the unbeatable Triple Crown Uma Musume!"
That pure and confident declaration, so uniquely Tokai Teio, brought a smile to Kuroha's face.
"Yeah, our Teio will definitely become the undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume. I believe in you."
He reached out and gently ruffled her soft hair, his gaze full of warmth and encouragement.
"Hehe~"
Teio beamed and hugged Kuroha's arm, rocking it excitedly. "I knew it! Trainer is the best!"
...
The days rolled on, filled with training and classes, peacefully and steadily progressing.
One day, after finishing her classes, Fujimasa March was heading back to the training grounds when a cool, quiet figure walked up beside her.
It was Seiran Nichirin.
"Good afternoon, Fujimasa-san." Seiran's voice was like a clear spring—cool, but not cold.
Although they had once been rivals in the Keihin Cup, both girls were students in the middle school division of Oi Tracen Academy. They'd seen each other in class occasionally, and while they weren't particularly close, their relationship wasn't bad either.
"Good afternoon, Seiran-san." Fujimasa March greeted her with a friendly nod.
"Skipping lunch again?" Seiran's eyes showed a flicker of subtle curiosity.
Fujimasa March shook her head softly. "Not today. I'm heading back to eat with Trainer."
"Your trainer really cares about you."
The two walked side by side down the campus path. Since the cafeteria and Kuroha's dorm were in the same direction, they had a rare chance to chat for a bit.
As they were about to part, Seiran hesitated for a moment, then looked over at her.
"The Haneda Hai… Are you ready?"
Fujimasa March turned to look at her and gave a confident smile. "I don't plan on losing."
"…That's the answer I expected."
Seiran stopped walking. The usual calm in her eyes was replaced by a heavy battle spirit.
"This time…"
Her voice firmed. "I won't lose to you again."
That bold, undisguised challenge seemed to tighten the very air between them.
Fujimasa March's smile remained, but her eyes now burned with the same fire.
She met Seiran's gaze and responded clearly:
"I'll be waiting for your challenge."
With that, Fujimasa March gave a wave and walked off, leaving Seiran standing there, silently watching her back.
"I won't lose…"
The blue-haired girl slowly clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white from the pressure.
"…Can I really win?"
Every time she thought back to that chase in the rainy night, her heart felt heavy.
As someone who had experienced accelerated True Blooming, she was sensitive to these things.
Even during regular training, she could feel that Fujimasa March was on a completely different level!
Her strength was so natural, so pure—every encounter felt like facing a fully matured Senior-year Uma Musume.
"I can't stay like this… I have to train more… I have to push harder… I must!!!"
She whispered to herself, heading toward the cafeteria, as a powerful surge of will ignited her body.
...
"Dah-dah-dah!"
Kuroha watched with satisfaction as Fujimasa March sprinted around the track with sharp, steady strides.
Lately, her training had progressed smoothly, her transformation becoming more and more complete.
Not only had her general skills improved in finesse, but her grasp of the first stage of her [Domain] had deepened significantly.
From barely maintaining it, to being able to trigger it actively in critical moments after Kuroha awakened it within her…
Now, she could even maintain her "True Self" state at full power throughout a simulated 2000-meter race.
That inner force, born from the depths of her being—the kind that defines era-shaping Uma Musume—was now seamlessly part of her run.
Standing at the track's edge, Kuroha watched her silver-white form streak across the course and felt it in his bones:
It wouldn't be long before Fujimasa March broke through to the second stage of the Domain—just like Inari One.
Standing at the very peak of this generation.
///////
[Fujimasa March]
Track Affinity: Turf C / Dirt A
Distance Aptitude: Short B / Mile B / Medium B / Long F
Running Style: Front Runner B / Pace Chaser A / Late Surger C / End Closer D
Unique Skill: Ode of the Wind Lv.3
Domain: Awakening
Skills: Good Track, Rainy Day, Wait and See, Professor of Curvature, Concentration, Bad Track Conditions, Positioning Sense
Stats:
Speed: 672
Stamina: 691
Power: 577
Gut: 663
Wit: 627
///////
Kuroha pulled up her status panel.
Even he was a little shocked at how different it looked compared to the Keihin Cup.
This massive leap was thanks to her awakening of True Self.
Once she mastered her Domain, it fully unlocked her latent potential.
Unlike accelerated True Blooming, however, this growth was healthy.
To Kuroha, Domain growth was like the Elder Namekian or Old Kai from Dragon Ball unlocking hidden potential—no negative side effects to the original.
Accelerated True Blooming, on the other hand, was more like Gon's "Vow" from Hunter x Hunter—borrowing future strength at the cost of a shortened peak and extreme physical strain.
And now, with her potential fully awakened, and using that same body to maintain True Self, Fujimasa March's strength was nothing short of monstrous.
From what Kuroha had "secretly" gathered using [Body and Breath Perception], even among Senior-year Uma Musume at Oi, few could actually stand toe-to-toe with her!
Her Medium Distance Aptitude, originally only C, had now risen to B.
After Inari One's victory in the Tenno Sho, Kuroha finally gathered 100 PT—just enough to purchase a strange system skill called [Medium Distance Adaptation].
Much like the [Dirt Adaptation] he'd previously bought, this one allowed Uma Musume to improve their affinity with a distance range through study and training—not by forcing raw potential.
And this one was even 50 PT cheaper—a total bargain.
With that, Fujimasa March's terrifyingly well-rounded panel was now complete.
"Excellent. Now I'm really looking forward to the Haneda Hai."
In this regional race, the most prestigious title for Classic-year fillies—
Kuroha was absolutely certain it would soon belong to them.
(End of Chapter)
Central Tracen Academy, Student Council President's Office.
"April 24th? We're inspecting Oi Racecourse?"
Maruzensky looked at the form in her hand with surprise.
The original plan had been to inspect Hokkaido, but a thick line had been drawn through that, replaced instead with:
Inspection Schedule for April 24th: Oi Racecourse, South Kanto Triple Crown — Haneda Cup!
"Why the sudden change of plans?" she asked playfully, leaning in and poking Symboli Rudolf's shoulder.
Rudolf rolled her eyes and put down her pen. "As if you don't already know—it's about the Emperor."
"Ooh~"
Maruzensky crossed her arms and tapped her cheek with her index finger as she recalled the peculiar behavior of Tokai Teio lately.
Not only had she become more energetic and excited, but she often mentioned that she now had a Trainer, and declared with absolute confidence that she'd become an undefeated Triple Crown winner—just like Rudolf.
She even occasionally tried to drag Rudolf along for runs, claiming she'd made great progress and wanted Kaichō to see it for herself…
And shockingly, Rudolf actually caved several times.
The dignified "Emperor" ended up doing side-by-side runs with her.
That's when the two top-tier Uma Musume noticed something.
Tokai Teio was making incredible progress.
It wasn't just her physical ability—her running technique, stride habits, and rhythm were improving at an almost unnatural pace.
With every joint run, her form became more confident, more seamless. It was as if she had fully awakened to her innate talent.
Even if it didn't match the explosive growth seen during the True Blooming that came with the blessing of the Three Goddesses… it was still ridiculously fast.
Rudolf, alarmed by this, immediately brought Teio in for a full medical examination.
And the result? She was in even better shape than before!
In fact, when the doctor compared her latest results with her previous reports, they reached a shocking conclusion:
Tokai Teio's ankle and bone durability had improved significantly.
And when questioned, the mischievous little loli proudly declared:
"It's all thanks to my Trainer! Trainer is the best ever!"
That was when both Maruzensky and Rudolf learned the name of this mysterious Trainer: Kuroha.
And after confirming the details, they realized it was that genius Trainer from Oi Tracen Academy.
Thus, Rudolf changed the inspection plan.
"You care about Teio even more than I expected, Rudolf~"
The curvy, chestnut-haired onee-san shot Rudolf a teasing smile filled with subtle implication.
Rudolf stiffened slightly, turning her head away to look out the window.
"I'm the Student Council President of Central Tracen. It's only natural I care for all of our girls equally."
Maruzensky grinned at her friend's rare moment of awkwardness, but before she could press further, there came a knock at the door.
Knock knock—
Rudolf quickly cleared her throat and adjusted her posture. "Come in!"
As her voice fell, the door opened, and a green figure stepped inside, carrying a stack of documents.
She had a gentle and composed aura, twin black ponytails, emerald-green eyes, and a slim figure accentuated by her green secretary uniform. The curve of her chest was modest but perfectly proportioned.
If Kuroha were here, he would immediately recognize her as the "Green Devil" he'd encountered days ago while touring Central with Kitahara Jou.
Hayakawa Tazuna.
"Rudolf, I've brought the documents for you~" the soft-spoken, black-haired beauty said with a smile.
"Thank you, Hayakawa-san," Rudolf responded with her hands politely folded in front of her.
Tazuna placed the documents on the desk and glanced at the mountain of other reports still piled around.
"There really have been so many big and small things lately," she sighed. "Everyone's barely keeping up."
Rudolf looked at the stacks beside her and smiled bitterly. "Can't be helped. It's the peak season—not just the Central Classic Triple Crown, but also several of the Local Triple Crowns are underway."
"I have to review all of these."
"That sounds exhausting. Do you need a hand?" Tazuna asked gently.
"No problem—Maruzen will help me!"
"???"
Maruzensky blinked in confusion.
She'd just come here to watch the show! When did she get drafted for labor?!
"Well then, I'll leave you two to it," Tazuna smiled and bowed, then exited the office.
As the door closed, Maruzensky scooted closer to Rudolf, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Rudolf, you're really going to Oi?"
"Of course!" came the imperial reply, brimming with authority.
"Want me to drive you? It's been ages since we went out together!" Her eyes sparkled with excitement—her trap was set.
"...!"
Rudolf's expression froze. Her long horse ears suddenly stood straight up and trembled, as though recalling something traumatizing.
"...Absolutely not." She denied it with utmost seriousness.
Maruzensky, known by the title Supercar.
Not only for her terrifying speed on the track—but also for her obsession with real-life speeding.
Her hobby was driving her red sports car like a maniac around a circular racetrack.
And it wasn't your average speeding either.
Rudolf, back when she was younger and naïve, had once made the mistake of riding shotgun.
The result?
She'd spent days walking with a stiff breeze under her feet, the entire world spinning around her…
From that day on, she swore never again to ride in Maruzensky's car.
"Ehh~ No fair!" Maruzensky groaned, devastated by the rejection.
But Rudolf ignored her quirky friend and turned her attention back to the inspection schedule.
"Kuroha… so he's the Trainer now, huh?"
(End of Chapter)
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the second leg of the South Kanto Triple Crown—the Haneda Cup—had arrived.
Once again, Oi Racecourse was packed with people.
This prestigious race, which would later be officially incorporated into the Dirt Classic Triple Crown—intended to rival the Central Turf Classic Triple Crown—was one of the most elite dirt races in the country, both in value and prestige.
At Oi Tracen Academy, inside Kuroha's personal training room...
He was marking a large X on a page with his pen.
Despite Fujimasa March being far beyond the standard of most local-level Uma Musume and unlikely to encounter any true rivals in theory—
Kuroha still dutifully fulfilled his responsibility as a Trainer, collecting and organizing all data on the Haneda Cup's entrants.
In moments like this, he couldn't help but admire the versatility of his unique ability—[Body and Breath Perception].
Since the participants were all from Oi Tracen Academy, he only needed to walk around each training ground once to gather all their physical data.
After meticulously going through everything, he confirmed his earlier assessment:
Among all the entrants, only Seiran Nichirin had undergone overloaded True Blooming.
She was the only one with stats that exceeded the norm—approaching Central-level standards—and thus the only one truly worthy to be Fujimasa March's opponent today.
"But even these 'exceeding stats' are only significant compared to the others here." Kuroha mused, remembering Fujimasa March's numbers.
Her Speed and Stamina were nearing 700, and all her other stats hovered just below 600!
"Even with overloaded True Blooming, Nichirin's numbers are still a bit below March's."
According to his analysis, the average peak local Uma Musume, after three years of standard True Blooming training, could reach around 700-800 in stats. If one overloaded their potential early, they'd be lucky to reach 600.
He didn't have reliable Central samples to compare, but he assumed they'd only surpass locals by around 200 points at most.
And now—Fujimasa March's raw strength already exceeded most over-bloomed local racers!
Unknowingly, Kuroha had become what he once despised—a numbers freak.
"Stats… are the reason one becomes a king."
With a confident grin, he packed up the reports, slung his bag over his shoulder, and turned toward the two Uma Musume who had been waiting beside him.
Fujimasa March and Inari One.
"Let's go win this race."
His voice was calm, his posture relaxed, but a commanding aura rippled from his body—setting the tone for the heavy stakes ahead.
At Oi Racecourse, the wind howled under a sky cloaked in dark clouds.
Once again, it was an overcast day with a slightly heavy track.
Tokyo had been experiencing this weather for months—frequent drizzle, clouded skies. Historically, this stretch of weather had been what cost Inari One nearly an entire year of races.
But today's race—the Haneda Cup, once known as the Oi Cup during its founding—was the crown jewel of Oi Racecourse.
On this day each year, rain or shine, the stands were packed beyond capacity.
"Hey, isn't that Chasing the Light over there?"
"Looks like it—Fujimasa March and Inari One!"
"They're the rising stars of this race!"
"Ugh, gloomy weather again today~"
"Let's go, March! You were amazing last time!"
"Give it your all!"
"Good luck!"
As Kuroha and the girls approached, murmurs quickly spread through the crowd. Fans began cheering for Fujimasa March, their energy infectious.
For the first time, Kuroha got a taste of what it meant to be recognized.
Among the spectators were other Trainers with their own girls, whispering and pointing toward the trio.
"Let's head in."
Politely brushing off reporters, Kuroha led his two Uma Musume into the venue.
Inside the prep room.
Kuroha was doing his usual rundown of strategies, walking Fujimasa March through the race details. The silver-haired girl listened attentively.
She knew this track well by now, but even so, hearing her Trainer fuss over every detail like a worried parent gave her a warm feeling inside.
"This time, your only true opponent is Seiran Nichirin..."
Kuroha looked up. "So, March—how do you want to run this race?"
Unlike when she first joined his team, Fujimasa March was now a force to be reckoned with. It was time to nurture her autonomy as a racer.
Oi Racecourse, overcast skies, slightly heavy dirt, 1800 meters... and a deadly End Closer at the end—Seiran Nichirin.
Fujimasa March closed her eyes. Information flooded her mind. After a moment, she opened them, and a flash of silver light shimmered within her pupils.
Then she turned to him and said with unwavering certainty:
"Trainer, I want to run as a Front Runner. A Big Front."
A Big Front?!
That was her call!
Kuroha gazed at her with warmth, then broke into a contented smile.
"Alright, March—run it your way."
"Use this Big Front to announce your arrival to the world!"
Back outside Oi Racecourse, a red sports car rolled into the parking lot.
Two tall silhouettes stepped out.
"Jeez, why'd you borrow my car if you won't even let me drive it~"
From the passenger seat stepped a sulking brown-haired Uma Musume, her tone full of mock frustration.
Symboli Rudolf, disguised in a mask and sunglasses, wearing casual clothes, stepped out from the driver's seat, an irritated twitch on her brow.
If she let that one drive, she'd be bedridden for three days...
"We changed our itinerary last minute. Oi Racecourse's management wasn't informed in time, so they didn't prepare a formal welcome. Keep a low profile—we don't want the press swarming us."
Neither she nor Maruzensky particularly liked being in the spotlight, but their fame was immense. Their fanbases could fill Oi Racecourse a thousand times over. If they were recognized—it'd be chaos.
"Yeah yeah, I got it."
Maruzensky pulled out her own disguise gear—mask and sunglasses—and put them on.
They exchanged glances... and laughed.
"Let's go see the Trainer you called more capable than someone from Central—the same genius who's training the Emperor."
No one knew—not even Oi's officials—that Symboli Rudolf herself had arrived on-site!
Athlete tunnel.
After saying goodbye to Kuroha and Inari One, Fujimasa March stood at the exit, eyes closed, taking in a deep breath.
Step—
The sound of approaching footsteps.
She calmly opened her eyes.
Standing beside her was none other than Seiran Nichirin.
The blue-haired Uma Musume was even more frigid than she'd been at the Keihin Cup. Her eyes radiated an icy aura that felt palpable.
Gone was the friendly academy demeanor—now, they were rivals.
"You ready?"
Fujimasa March spoke calmly, unshaken by the pressure surrounding her opponent.
Seiran Nichirin paused at the question, glancing sideways.
From her perspective, Fujimasa March's very presence had become overwhelming, like a natural disaster echoing the gloom above them. Her aura flooded the space like a rolling storm.
She couldn't win.
Her instincts screamed it, even after months of brutal training.
"I..."
She wanted to say something—but in the end, she shook her head.
And walked away in silence as her name was called by the announcer.
Behind her, Fujimasa March remained still, silver light dancing in her gaze.
Soon, the commentator's voice rang out across the windswept sky of Oi Racecourse:
"Now, please welcome our next racer!"
"Winning the Keihin Cup by five full lengths, the storm from Kasamatsu—Fan Favorite #1—Fujimasa March!!!"
(End of Chapter)
As Fujimasa March stepped onto the track, cheers and shouts erupted across Oi Racecourse!
The crowd was calling her name, cheering her on with all their might.
This was the world of Uma Musume. People weren't just drawn in by speed—they were moved by the perseverance, belief, strength, and dreams of the horse girls they loved. It was unconditional admiration for these beautiful racers.
Without question, Fujimasa March's dazzling performance in the Keihin Cup had won over their hearts.
Unsurprisingly, thanks to that show-stopping race, she entered today's Haneda Cup as the #1 Fan Favorite.
"Soaked by rain under overcast skies, a slightly heavy dirt track—1800 meters of fierce competition at Oi Racecourse!
Sixteen Uma Musume are set to battle it out for the first jewel of the South Kanto Triple Crown!
But who will seize glory today?"
As the race approached its start, the iconic music of Oi Racecourse began to blare through the venue.
"Horse girls, prepare to enter the gate!"
The announcer's voice echoed with the wind across every corner of the track.
In the stands, spectators leaned forward, eyes locked on the gates, their expressions filled with anticipation and passion.
"All Uma Musume are in position—it's finally time for the highly anticipated start!"
Inside the gates, every competitor had tuned their focus to a razor's edge, fighting spirit blazing from their eyes.
"And now—the Jpn1 Grade Stakes at Oi Racecourse—The Haneda Cup, 1800 meters, begins!!!"
Red—green!
The light flipped.
Gates open!
All sixteen horse girls burst forward in a stunning synchronized start, kicking off a symbolic clash of champions.
"A beautiful break from all the racers!" the announcer called out.
"They're fully focused—this is shaping up to be another thrilling battle!" added the second commentator.
And among them—Fujimasa March's start was flawless.
She leaned forward, her well-trained legs exploding into motion. Her horseshoes slammed into the mud, launching her forward with terrifying acceleration, slicing through the cluster like a silver arrow.
"Fujimasa March explodes out of the gate! With overwhelming strength and speed, she's tearing through the field!"
"Could she be going for a repeat of the Keihin Cup strategy? Leading from start to finish?!"
But Fujimasa March didn't waver. Her eyes locked forward, unwavering.
Zzzt—!
A flash of silver flickered in her pupils—the flare of her domain.
Her blood boiled.
And in her ears, she still remembered her Trainer's words—
"Use this Big Front to declare your arrival to the world!"
A grin bloomed across her lips.
Lead from start to finish?
Yes—that's exactly what I'll do.
From the first step to the finish line—
Every inch of this race belongs to me!
BOOM!
Her hooves slammed deep into the earth, the ground itself quaking beneath her strides, spraying mud in every direction.
[Domain]—True Self Form!
With an explosive gallop, she accelerated further, going full throttle!
For a moment, her body seemed to blur—then became a silver-white flash, cutting across the track like a blade!
One length! Two lengths! Three!
The distance between her and the rest of the pack widened with terrifying speed—five lengths, and still growing!
"She's going for a Big Front!
Fujimasa March is obliterating the competition, pulling ahead by 7 lengths and still accelerating!"
For a brief moment, the entire Oi Racecourse fell silent in shock.
And then—
"OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
Thunderous cheers erupted like a tidal wave!
A Big Front and a Big Chase were the most visually stunning tactics on an Uma Musume track.
Previously, Inari One had demonstrated the glory of a come-from-behind miracle at the Tenno Sho.
And now—Fujimasa March was showing the world the brilliance of an all-out Front Run.
Front-running was already a taxing tactic. Grabbing and holding the lead early required strength, mental fortitude, and endurance—not to mention the burden of cutting the wind alone.
But a Big Front? That meant throwing everything into the lead—pushing past all limits, crushing the competition in the early and middle segments with raw dominance.
The risk? Losing steam by the final stretch.
Most who attempted it ended up injured or retired from the sheer toll it took.
That's why it was usually a last-resort trump card.
But when it worked?
The sight of a lone horse girl leading the entire pack by over ten lengths was an unparalleled spectacle.
And without doubt, Fujimasa March's blazing silver flash ignited the entire venue!
"Let's go, March!"
"Run!!!"
"A Big Front?! I'm so glad I came today!"
"Charge! Don't stop!"
Even those who came to cheer for other Uma Musume were now turning their eyes toward her—
Toward that silver blur running far ahead of the rest.
In the stands, a man in casualwear opened his thermos, glancing at the suit-wearing guy beside him who was wildly waving and shouting.
"…You're not analyzing today?"
"Analyze my ass! I'm cheering!!"
Even the usually composed analyst was swept up in the moment.
High above, in the best private VIP box of Oi Racecourse—
Symboli Rudolf and Maruzensky stood in silence, eyes fixed on the figure dominating the field.
"…Rudolf?"
Maruzensky spoke softly, arms crossed.
"Yeah. I see it."
Rudolf's expression was grim. Arms folded, her voice carried weight.
"She's only one step away."
[Domain]—a power that even in Central, only three horse girls had ever attained.
And now… Rudolf was witnessing its embryo forming in a local Uma Musume.
"She's even deeper in than Tamamo Cross was…"
She hadn't paid it much mind when Maruzensky first mentioned that Fujimasa March had seen the edge of the Domain.
After all, many Uma Musume had glimpsed it before.
When pushed to the brink, some could briefly cross that threshold.
But remaining there? Let alone stepping into it?
Only one had ever shown true potential before—Tamamo Cross.
Even she hadn't reached her peak yet, still lacking Tenno Sho (Spring) and Takarazuka wins. She couldn't fully wield the Domain yet.
But Fujimasa March…
She wasn't just seeing the Domain—she could choose to enter it at will.
Unthinkable.
As the silver-haired storm flew across the track, Rudolf lowered her gaze in deep thought.
Then, she turned sharply on her heel.
"Come, Maruzensky."
"…To meet that Trainer, right?"
"To meet—Kuroha."
(End of Chapter)