The bright, exhilarating call for entry rang throughout the stadium.
What followed was no mere child's play, but the main event that countless spectators had anticipated—the real race was about to begin.
This Japan Derby would soon crown a radiant victor.
...
In the spectator stands—
From the highest row, furthest from the track but with a perfect view of the entire course, Mr. C.B. stood alongside an old companion, Symboli Rudolf, whose unwavering expectations of Garden Gale meant she had every reason to attend today's Derby.
Actually, she'd come especially early.
Earlier than anyone else.
"I smell it…" Mr. C.B. inhaled deeply, yet the scent that filled her lungs wasn't the suffocating heat produced by the crowd of over two hundred thousand people packed together.
No.
It was a thin, distinct chill—sharp and cold as a blade dipped in ice water.
With a faint smile, she softly completed her thought: "The scent of a beast."
"And not Garden-chan's, either."
Now it was "Garden-chan" instead of just Garden.
No belittlement intended—merely an affectionate way to close the distance, and perhaps a bit of playful teasing.
Symboli Rudolf nodded slightly. "Indeed."
Her gaze stretched toward the track but inevitably lingered on a certain solitary Umamusume—a black-haired figure whose presence stood apart, detached from the world around her.
Perhaps that was an exaggeration…
But, that feeling was impossible to ignore.
No one knew exactly what sort of training Admire Vega had undergone—but for the sake of victory, there was surely nothing she wouldn't do.
"All we have to do now is watch, isn't it?" Symboli Rudolf continued casually, as if none of it really mattered. After all, wasn't the road upwards always paved with thorns for an Umamusume?
All one needed to do was overcome them.
Even if the Japan Derby was filled with monsters, she still had absolute faith Garden would break through.
She really does trust Garden that deeply, huh?
Mr. C.B. withdrew her gaze, dismissing her wandering thoughts.
She refocused on the starting line.
...
A confident Umamusume and a nervous-looking one crossed paths at the far side of the stadium.
Supporting Garden Gale was… Tokai Teio.
And supporting T.M. Opera O was… Meisho Doto.
The two weren't particularly close—barely acquainted, really. After greeting each other awkwardly, they sat side-by-side to watch the race in silence. This quiet continued for ten full minutes until Tokai Teio suddenly spoke:
"Who do you think will win, Doto-san?"
"Eh…!?" Panic flashed across Meisho Doto's face.
She already had an answer in her heart.
She just needed a little courage to voice it aloud…
She met Teio's gaze, gulped, took a deep breath, patted her cheeks nervously, and after a series of awkward gestures—declared with fierce determination:
"Of course, Opera-san! She's gotten really strong lately… Her progress is incredible!"
"Good." Tokai Teio smiled meaningfully. "Then let's just watch."
Both mother and daughter had absolute confidence in Garden Gale.
...
No matter how complicated or lively things were off-track…
The most glamorous moment was still at the center of the field.
All the racers entered their stalls. Garden Gale was no exception, standing calmly inside her gate.
She breathed deeply.
Her chest rose and fell rhythmically, muscles relaxing and tightening in precise synchronization. In a swift, practiced motion, she crouched into her starting stance, all her strength ready to explode outward. Starting had always been Garden Gale's forte—usually, she'd unleash tremendous technique and raw power to seize an advantageous position immediately.
Her eyes narrowed sharply.
Garden Gate number seven this time.
Not particularly good nor especially bad.
T.M. Opera O stood next to her in gate eight, while Admire Vega had drawn the innermost, ideal gate—number one, a position seemingly blessed by fate.
These positions might slightly influence the outcome, but not significantly. After all, the longer the race, the less significant the inner or outer lanes became.
CLACK!!!
The gates flew open.
All the Umamusume burst forth in a kaleidoscope of dazzling color! All of them scrambled for a strong position—or at least tried not to lag too far behind.
But this time, Garden Gale didn't use her trademark explosive start.
Instead, her takeoff was surprisingly relaxed.
Clearly, she hadn't given it her all…
Because… what's the hurry? In a 2400-meter race, maintaining rhythm and conserving stamina was crucial. This wasn't the usual 2000-meter middle-distance—those extra 2 furlongs made all the difference in the world. She didn't need to exhaust herself early, desperately struggling to maintain a lead.
She'd grown stronger now.
Moreover…
Garden Gale had awakened Mr. C.B.'s running style.
A verdant shadow would sweep up from behind, eventually brushing past every competitor on the track.
Her tranquility, however—was abruptly shattered by a certain figure at the side of the course.
The moment the race started, Air Shakur dropped all pretenses, unfurling a massive two-meter pole topped with a flag emblazoned with the words "Certain Victory!" She vigorously waved the flag from the sidelines, shouting at the top of her lungs:
"GO FOR IT, GARDEN GALE!!!"
"IF YOU DON'T WIN THE JAPAN DERBY, I'LL KILL MYSELF! I'LL JUMP OFF A BUILDING TOMORROW!!"
"..."
"WHAAAAA—!?"
The nearby fans immediately turned their attention to this bizarre spectacle, wondering just what kind of fanatical supporter had appeared—but recognizing the signature shark teeth, they quickly identified her as an Umamusume herself.
An Umamusume threatening suicide? That'd be a major scandal!
Their gazes inevitably drifted toward Garden Gale.
I hope this Umamusume actually wins…
Regardless, Air Shakur's outburst instantly drew even more attention toward Garden Gale. Security personnel promptly intervened, confiscating the flag and coming just short of forcibly ejecting her—solely sparing her out of consideration for her status as a competitor.
Wasn't that stunt originally mine for the Takarazuka Kinen?
To push Air Shakur toward victory?
Now, this was some poetic justice. Garden Gale's hands began trembling involuntarily.
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO MEEEEEEE?!
This was truly—getting a taste of one's own medicine!
Her stress levels instantly maxed out.
...
Thankfully…
Garden Gale was already chasing the crown, wasn't she?
Of course she was.
Her eyes locked firmly onto the figure at the front of the pack—T.M. Opera O.
---
T/N: hehehe man i wish they talked more about the kiss, so are they gfs now or what
hhehe gf is supporting her
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