Chapter 21: The Season of the Emperor, the Champion, and Reincarnation Cheats

There are what are known as the Eight Great Races.

The classic races that draw top-tier domestic attention: the Satsuki Sho, the Tokyo Yushun (Japan Derby), and the Kikuka Sho.

From the so-called Triple Tiara—the other set of three crowns—come the Oka Sho and the Oaks.

Add to those the Spring and Autumn Tenno Sho, along with the Arima Kinen.

Together, they form eight races regarded as especially prestigious, even among graded stakes.

“Prestigious,” in this context, doesn’t mean quite the same thing as “high level” or “popular.”

To be honest, races like the Japan Cup—where overseas Uma Musume storm in—can generate even more hype, and sometimes the Takarazuka Kinen or the Queen Elizabeth Cup boasts higher overall quality.

What “prestigious” really means is that the URA, the organization that runs the Twinkle Series, places special importance on them.

…And when the organizer treats a race as important, certain things tend to differ from the norm.

The winner’s interview happening right now is a perfect example.

Normally, taking the runners’ fatigue into account, interviews with the first-place Uma Musume are held on another day.

But for the Eight Great Races, they’re conducted on the same day—without much time to recover after the race ends.

…Well, I understand the reasoning. They want to capture the heat of victory while it’s still fresh.

But when it comes to my Uma Musume, that system is backfiring spectacularly.

"How did you feel about running in today’s Satsuki Sho?"

"It was more boring than I expected. I thought I’d be able to get more fired up."

"Tokai Teio, who finished second, closed to within a length from behind at one point. Do you have any thoughts about her?"

"Not really. If I had to say something—she was a disappointment."

Someone, please help me. Someone stop this runaway chestnut Uma Musume.

She’s clearly fed up, answering with brutally honest, completely unfiltered responses.

…I can’t say I don’t understand. Being grilled about a race you didn’t even enjoy, while you’re still exhausted, would make anyone snap.

But it would really help if you spared a thought for your trainer’s stomach.

…Give me a break. Managing your reputation and publicity is part of a trainer’s job, you know?

The Horino family archives contain no data on an Uma Musume this insolent. What do I do—lean fully into it and complete the Dark Lord route at this point…?

Since this really is how she feels, there’s nothing I can correct or soften… ah, seriously, someone please stop this girl.

"You’ve drawn a lot of attention for beating the legendary Symboli Rudolf’s race record by three seconds."

"I don’t think records have meaning. I won the race today. That’s all that matters."

"The Japan Derby is often said to be unfavorable for front-running Uma Musume. What do you think your chances are?"

"I’ll just give it everything I have. There’s nothing more I can do than that."

If there’s one thing—just one—that eases my heart a little…

It’s how accustomed the reporters seem to be.

This is the fifth time Hoshino Wilm has taken part in an official winner’s interview.

They must be used to her outrageous verbal barbs by now. About half of them calmly type on their keyboards or scribble in their notepads.

The other half look like they’re thinking, Whoa, she really says stuff like that—this is bad. Haha. I agree. Solidarity handshake.

…Ah, right. I’m about to run out of antacids. Maybe I should stop by the pharmacy on the way home.

"May we ask about your future race plans?"

Hoshino Wilm, standing beside me, glances my way.

Yeah. I’ll take over. I give a small nod and turn to the reporters.

"I’ll answer on her behalf.

Her next planned start is the Tokyo Yushun, the Japan Derby.

After that, to meet our fans’ expectations, she is scheduled to run in the Takarazuka Kinen.

Following that, she’ll rest and adjust with the Kikuka Sho as her target.

After securing the Triple Crown, we plan to register her for races such as the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen, carefully monitoring the strain on her legs."

A ripple of murmurs runs through the air.

…Yeah. That reaction makes sense.

Up to now, we hadn’t announced her rotation.

Uma Musume aiming for the Triple Crown often reveal their schedules around the time of the Satsuki Sho.

I wanted to make the final call after seeing today’s race, so we’d kept quiet until now, but…

Why are the reporters so shaken?

The Triple Crown is the main goal, so the Derby and the Kikuka Sho are obvious.

And if she becomes a Triple Crown Uma Musume, of course people will expect the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen. Those aren’t surprises either.

What they’re shocked by is the one remaining piece.

The Takarazuka Kinen.

The Takarazuka Kinen—a decisive battle to determine the top runners of the first half of the year, held not long after the Japan Derby.

Normally, Uma Musume aiming for the Triple Crown don’t enter it.

There are two main reasons.

First, the timing is simply too close to the Japan Derby.

This year in particular, the Derby is on May 26, while the Takarazuka Kinen is on June 9.

That’s just thirteen days apart—barely more than a week.

Running would mean severely overworking legs that ideally need about a month of rest after a race.

Usually there’s a bit more leeway, but this year the schedule was pushed forward…

On top of that, Hoshino Wilm already ran the Yayoi Sho on March 3, and the Satsuki Sho today, April 14.

If you’re aiming for the Triple Crown, those aren’t even necessary G1 races.

The prevailing theory these days is that there’s no need to waste your legs on races like that.

Of course, some Uma Musume go against that theory.

Looking into it, there are two other planned entrants this year besides Hoshino Wilm.

Cheer Rhythm is fairly popular and almost certainly going to run.

So the reporters aren’t surprised by that aspect—they’re reacting to the second reason.

"I was under the impression that Hoshino Wilm’s goal was an undefeated Triple Crown…"

The reporter asking the question looks openly confused.

And understandably so.

It’s considered impossible for a Classic-class Uma Musume to win the Takarazuka Kinen.

The reason is simple: a lack of overall power. The amount of training time is different, and the trust built with a trainer runs deeper at the Senior level.

By any normal standard, it’s a race a Classic-class Uma Musume cannot win.

That’s exactly why the reporters are bewildered.

A Uma Musume who boldly declared her goal as an undefeated Triple Crown is now challenging a race she supposedly can’t win.

"Yes, that understanding is correct.

Even so, after discussing it with Hoshino Wilm herself, we decided to enter the Takarazuka Kinen.

We believe she can carry the dreams of the fans and run with them."

In other words, it’s a declaration that we intend to overturn common sense.

Once again, murmurs ripple through the venue.

This world has its share of jinxes.

For example, that front-running Uma Musume can’t become Triple Crown winners.

Or that an Uma Musume’s ability is determined solely by her bloodline.

Hoshino Wilm is already boldly challenging those beliefs…

And the half-true notion that Classic-class Uma Musume can’t win the Takarazuka Kinen stands alongside them.

Which is to say, Hoshino Wilm is challenging yet another piece of “common sense.”

That’s what this is about.

…Well, the reporters are probably getting jerked around by this girl too, so they’ll want some headline-worthy material.

I hope they spin it into a heartwarming story to their hearts’ content.

Alright, things wrapped up nicely—maybe we should end the interview here.

…And that was the exact moment I let my guard down.

"A-Amazing!"

A terrifying lion has awakened.

A reporter briskly steps forward from the crowd.

The other reporters, wisely enough, part to make way.

Yeah. Good call. Getting involved would only be a hassle.

The reporter who stepped out is a woman of a certain age.

Long dark-brown hair tied into twin bunches, with brilliantly shining wisteria-purple eyes…

No—honestly speaking—it’s Reporter Otonashi.

Damn it, I’ve gotten tangled up with the worst possible person!

"So you trust your own Uma Musume completely—believing that no matter how formidable the opponent, she will unquestionably take first place!!"

"…Hoshino Wilm is without question a champion. Even among Senior-class Uma Musume, I believe she’ll deliver an excellent run."

"I see, I see! Wonderful!!"

…At first glance, it might look like the conversation lines up—but it absolutely doesn’t.

This woman, Otonashi Etsuko, has an absurdly thick filter over her eardrums.

"To support your Uma Musume, you’d trek into the mountains to fetch pure water, even dig until you strike a hot spring if needed!! Your boundless devotion to Uma Musume leaves nothing but admiration!"

Yeah, no. I didn’t say any of that.

The topic has drifted from Hoshino Wilm to me, it’s completely baseless, and at this point the conversation has turned into dodgeball.

…Ugh, this is exactly why I can’t stand this reporter!

She’s gotten weirdly attached to me since the Habotan Sho!

Ever since then, every interview spreads more unfounded rumors like this!

How am I supposed to deal with her?!

She did appear in the game from my previous life, so I have a bit of attachment… but she’s far more trouble than that’s worth.

Once she starts talking about Uma Musume, she never stops—a runaway express train powered by an overactive imagination. And on top of that, she writes articles with bizarre pull, which makes her impossible to handle.

She’s entertaining enough as a gag, sure—but this is my Uma Musume’s winner’s interview, an absurdly important moment!

What am I supposed to do if tomorrow’s front page reads, “Hoshino Wilm and Trainer Head for Everest”?!

So, with that decided—

"I’m sorry, but considering Hoshino Wilm’s condition, we’ll be ending the interview here."

"Ah, please wait! Just five more questions!"

The audacity! At least ask for one—just one!

The sensible reporters all give me looks that say, That’s rough… and accept the cutoff.

…If you think it’s that rough, you could help out, you know?

---

The Winning Live.

A stage meant to answer the fans’ cheers—and the moment when an Uma Musume’s idol side shines brightest.

…Honestly, from my perspective, the Winning Live leaves less of an impression than the race itself.

After all, I’m not the one training her for it.

The dancing is handled by choreographers and dance trainers; the singing by voice trainers.

My job is simply to make the appointments with those specialists and send my Uma Musume in when their schedules open up.

Which is to say, aside from that, I’m completely hands-off when it comes to the Winning Live.

In short, I don’t actually know the level of her performance until I see it for myself…

『The impulse that races through at the speed of light
The resolve of strength I want to make real, no matter the sacrifice』

"She really pulls it off flawlessly…"

Watching her dance in person, the small worries I had melt away.

Perhaps it’s thanks to the physical abilities unique to Uma Musume—but it’s a superb performance.

Sharp, precise movements, controlled down to the tips of her fingers.

A powerful singing voice that balances emotion and artistry.

And above all else… a perfect expression.

"…You’re a performer too, huh."

I’ve worn masks for a long time myself.

I’m more accustomed to acting than most—and I pride myself on being able to see through it.

And yet her mask… it’s not something you can easily identify as a mask at all.

When she furrows her brows and lowers her gaze, she truly looks like she’s singing with everything she has.

Eyes closed, she seems wistful. Eyes open, filled with resolve.

Her constantly shifting expressions… she’s not just decent at acting. She’s genuinely good.

A thought suddenly occurs to me.

What if her usual expressionless face is itself a mask?

I’d thought she simply didn’t show her emotions easily… but maybe she’s just holding them back.

Considering her childhood stories, it makes sense if she learned not to show such feelings in front of others—to never let her guard down.

The fleeting smiles she shows, or the expressions she makes when I pat her head—faces she probably can’t show the world.

Maybe those are her true face.

…If so, I want to draw out more of those expressions.

I want to become someone she feels safe letting her guard down around—someone she can rely on.

『If they say that sometimes luck is necessary
Then I’ll draw even the melody of fate to my side』

Tokai Teio and Sweet Cabin’s part ends, and from between them, Hoshino Wilm steps forward.

…No, seriously. That’s incredible.

Hoshino Wilm is small—only 145 centimeters tall.

On the racetrack, her overwhelming presence is unmistakable, but off it, she’s usually the type whose existence quietly blends into the background.

And yet now, standing on stage, she outshines even the two larger girls beside her.

Hoshino Wilm could probably make a living as an actress even if she quit being an Uma Musume.

She’s exceptionally skilled at slipping herself into the background—or stepping cleanly into the spotlight.

Those fine, deliberate movements are masterful.

…And above all—

『Run!』

The instant she sings that word, pillars of flame erupt across the once-dark venue.

"…Yeah."

Amid cheers loud enough to rupture my eardrums, I let out a quiet breath.

As a trainer who’s supposed to raise Uma Musume without personal bias, maybe I shouldn’t be thinking like this.

…But hey. At times like this, at least.

She thrusts a finger skyward, grips the microphone with one hand, and sings as glittering sweat scatters into the air.

…Hoshino Wilm.

You’re beautiful.

『Now! It’s not over yet!
There’s a place I still want to reach!
Push forward—beyond this point!』

『Even my tears—I’ll hold them tight to my chest,
From here begins the story!
Endlessly onward—Winning the soul!!』

Her raised fist pierces the heavens.

That bearing is worthy of a Satsuki Sho champion—something she could carry anywhere without shame.

…Truly.

I’ve ended up in charge of an incredible Uma Musume.

And because of that… I bear responsibility.

The responsibility to use everything I have to support her.

She’s putting her life on the line. I need to have that level of resolve too.

The resolve to use everything at my disposal… no matter how precious it is.

And so, her Satsuki Sho Winning Live—

『Endlessly onward—Winning the soul!!』

—came to a close amid thunderous success.

---

Some time after the Winning Live ended.

After dropping off Hoshino Wilm—who had finally succumbed to exhaustion and fallen asleep in the car—at the dorm, I…

"Hmmm, is this how you’re supposed to bait the hook?"

Whooosh—crash. Whooosh—crash. The waves roll in and retreat.

Before me stretches a dark, unfathomable surface of water, and above it, a star-filled sky dazzling in its beauty.

That’s right—the night my trainee won the Satsuki Sho.

I’d come to the sea near the Training Center.

In my hands is a fishing rod I bought for 1,000 yen, with hooks and bait picked up at a dollar store.

At my feet sits a bucket filled with seawater.

Preparations complete.

"…Alright. Let’s do this."

I set a folding chair on the breakwater, sit down, and flick the hook out into the sea with a whoosh.

I did look things up a bit, but is this really right? It’s been ages since I last fished—back when I was a kid in my previous life.

Having experience versus not having it makes a huge difference, and even if I get skunked, that’s just how it goes…

"Isn’t that pulling already?"

"Huh? Already?"

I reel it in. Yeah—there’s definitely some weight.

I reel a bit more, then give the rod a sharp tug…

"Oh—caught one. It’s small, though."

"That’s a scorpionfish. Not bad at all, mister."

"Haha… not compared to you."

I struggle to unhook the fish, drop it into the bucket, and give a wry smile to the ash-gray–haired Uma Musume who has somehow ended up beside me.

Honestly, I’m really glad she came.

Even though we met through Spe-chan, we’re not especially close, and there was no guarantee she’d accept an invitation from a trainer she barely knew.

…She said something flippant like, "If I can, sure," but in the end, she came through.

Of course, she didn’t come just to chat.

This is all about gathering information.

My trainee, Hoshino Wilm, is the storm currently sweeping through the Twinkle Series.

Given who she is, I figured she’d want that information no matter what…

…And yeah. She hasn’t changed a bit.

"Any fishing tips or tricks?"

"Tips? Hmm… well, more than anything, it’s about waiting."

"After setting things up properly and being fully prepared?"

"Oh, exactly. You really do get it—no surprise from a Central trainer."

First off, that bait won’t catch much, she says, handing me a small bag.

Shellfish… maybe? There’s something white dusted over it.

"Thanks. I don’t have much to offer in return, though."

"Info about your Uma Musume would be fine too, you know?"

"Give me a break. That’s not something I can personally hand over."

"Nya-haha! Fair point. Too bad."

We sit side by side, lines dangling into the water.

These days, fishing comes up a lot in games, but in real life, you don’t really get the chance unless it’s your hobby.

Well, I wasn’t exactly rich in life experience in my previous life—maybe normal people get more chances than I did.

"So, mister, is this your first time fishing—and being a trainer?"

"Oh? You can tell? I thought I was doing a decent job hiding how green I am as a trainer."

"A seasoned trainer wouldn’t go night fishing with an Uma Musume who isn’t even their trainee."

"Ah… yeah, that makes sense. It’d look suspicious, and everyone’s busy anyway."

"Aren’t you busy too? You’re the trainer of the Satsuki Sho winner, after all."

"I wrapped up most of my work for today in advance. I left what’s left to tomorrow’s me."

"Wow. That’s some top-tier irresponsible adult behavior."

…She really is easy to talk to.

Partly because I know her well.

And partly because our personalities just mesh.

"Oh—got another one."

"No way! You’re on a roll!"

"…This one doesn’t look very cute."

"Rockfish. Simmered would be my recommendation."

Catch count: plus two.

Yeah—more than enough for a beginner. Honestly, this is a crazy good haul.

Well then, I suppose it’s about time to get to the main topic.

"Did you watch the Satsuki Sho?"

"I did. You really went and did it, huh?"

"So? What do you think of her. Pretty incredible, right?"

"Incredible doesn’t even begin to cover it. A Satsuki Sho record—and beating it by three seconds, no less. There’s no way someone like me could compete with that."

"Heh. After all, you were two-tenths of a second slower than Symboli Rudolf’s record."

"…Oh? You’re surprisingly mean. Sei-chan might just cry."

"Hahaha."

"Um, excuse me? A little consideration would be nice—…ngh."

As she reels in her line, there’s a fish far larger than anything I’ve caught so far.

…Well, obviously. I can’t compete with her in this kind of thing.

Honestly, if you asked me what I could beat her at, the answer would be nothing.

"…Well, I’ll admit she’s strong. I might even be a little interested in shocking her someday. But why go out of your way to do that? Was it meant as a provocation?"

"Not at all. Your Kikuka Sho is something I genuinely admire.

From the moment I was born… no, even before that, I’ve admired that 3,000-meter front-running victory.

A truly incredible horse—no, Uma Musume."

"Where’s this coming from all of a sudden? You can praise me all you like, but all I’ve got to give back is bait, you know?"

"Haha, thanks."

Maybe that first catch really was beginner’s luck—my rod hasn’t twitched at all since.

Meanwhile, she reels in another one.

An ugly-looking fish disappears into the cooler she brought along.

"I admired it so much that I wanted to recreate it. With her specs, I thought we could forcibly recreate it over 2,000 meters."

"…You know, Sei-chan put a lot of work into refining that. It’s kind of troubling if you can just recreate it that easily."

"I couldn’t have done it without my eye, my knowledge—and above all, Hoshino Wilm’s legs.

I understand the effort you put in, and I have no intention of belittling it.

If anything, I imitated it as a way of honoring a great predecessor."

That’s my honest feeling.

I respected her.

Ever since learning about her existence through the app game, I researched the life of the original horse, rewatched race footage countless times.

No matter how many times I watched, I always came away thinking she was an incredible horse—and an incredible Uma Musume.

And among all of that, that Kikuka Sho in particular…

Yeah. It was my greatest inspiration.

And the app version of her, as an Uma Musume—both her personality and her performance were completely to my taste.

…Even if it was through a game, the days I spent as her trainer were immensely fulfilling. Truly fun.

"…Mm. This is kind of hard to deal with. It’s like I’m talking to another trainer."

"We’re both Central-contracted trainers. Maybe that’s why we feel similar."

"That’s exactly what makes it uncomfortable. Aren’t I kind of being danced around in the palm of your hand?"

Being toyed with in the palm of my hand? Me, doing that to her?

You must be joking. If anything, it was usually the other way around.

"Haha, you flatter me. Well, setting that aside."

There was something I wanted to say to her.

In fact, today—I called her out here to say exactly this.

"…This might be unpleasant to hear, but let me speak as if I understand.

I think I can grasp your fear, at least a little. Those who come after you are always precious—and terrifying.

Even so… people like me, whose eyes were burned by your trick, still see your figure on the turf as a mirage.

Please, come back. And even if defeat awaits you, overcome it."

"………You really do talk like you understand everything."

"I’m sorry. I’m clumsy, and I didn’t know how else to put it.

…Oh, got a bite."

Thankfully it’s not snagged—there’s a small fish on the line.

Let’s see, this is… ah!

"Ahh, there it goes. Dropped it. Happens all the time."

"Damn. I should’ve lifted it properly before unhooking it."

"…At that rate, you might just let something slip through your fingers too, you know? The Japan Derby."

"Thanks for the concern, but I’ll be fine.

This year, Teio’s here instead of Special Week—but there’s no one who can replace King Halo. No one can stop Hoshino Wilm’s front-running."

"…Well, if you say so."

For a while, silence settles between us.

Time spent with a fishing rod inevitably grows quiet, leaving your hands idle.

Staring at the dark sea that feels like it might swallow you whole makes a faint unease creep in…

And before I know it, I let a weakness slip.

"Do you think her legs will hold?"

Ever since I saw her all-out escape in that selection race… a small fear has never left my mind.

When you train a front-running Uma Musume, you can’t help but remember the tragedy that befell Silence Suzuka.

In the history of my previous life, it was said to have happened because she exceeded the limits of a horse’s body… the Silent Sunday.

In this world too, Suzuka fell into silence.

Thankfully, the injury healed completely, and now she’s tearing up overseas turf… but still.

What if Hoshino Wilm ends up the same?

The moment she starts her spurt—losing balance, collapsing…

I’ve jolted awake from that nightmare more times than I can count.

"…………Well. Sei-chan doesn’t use her legs that recklessly, you know.

Even Suzuka only really started doing that once she was fully developed, at the Senior level.

There’s no data—no historical precedent—for doing that from the Junior level onward, right?"

"Exactly. …That’s why I’m worried."

"From your perspective, how does it look?"

"Regular checkups and palpations show no signs of trouble for now.

…But I understand that’s not something I can rely on completely."

"Our legs can just snap without warning, after all."

…Exactly.

That’s why I worry.

About Hoshino Wilm… and about her, too.

"Are you doing okay? I don’t want to see any more racing Uma Musume suffer fractures."

"Nya-haha, I’m in perfect health right now. Besides, is this really the time to be worrying about someone else’s Uma Musume?"

"…Fair point."

She’s right—that’s not my job.

…Still, even if it’s meddling, I can’t help but worry.

Because in my previous life, I researched you…

And I know how your story ends.

You… your soul—after skipping this year’s Takarazuka Kinen, you injured your radius and retired from active racing.

Despite coming from a minor bloodline, you were a top-tier front-runner who claimed the world record over 3,000 meters.

And yet, your fate was one steeped in misfortune.

You missed out on the Derby, suffered from flexor tendonitis, were defeated by a new era, then injured your bones and retired…

That is the ending I know for the racehorse Seiun Sky.

What will happen in this world, I wonder.

Here, she developed flexor tendonitis immediately after the URA Finals in her second senior year.

After that, she stayed out of official races entirely, devoting herself solely to rehabilitation for a year and a half.

And finally, this year—two weeks from today—she’s set to return at the Tenno Sho (Spring).

Up to this point, her story closely mirrors that of the racehorse Seiun Sky I know.

Which means… that’s probably how it is.

To be honest, until just a moment ago, I was grinding my teeth over the thought that she wouldn’t be able to run in the Takarazuka Kinen.

No matter how perfectly the schedules lined up, if she had to withdraw, there’d be nothing to be done.

It would mean one fewer elite rival that Hoshino Wilm could face…

…And yet.

Will things really continue down the same path from here on?

"Even if you worry about me, my flexor tendonitis is already healed.

…Just watch the Tenno Sho this spring. Since I surprised you at the Satsuki Sho, I’ll make sure to show you something even better this time."

…Could a Sky wearing that expression really finish dead last?

A smile as unfathomable as a scheming child’s, yet also like that of a calculating adult.

She’s in absolutely perfect form.

A trickster wearing the most wicked grin—more fired up than anyone else, yet never letting anyone see her true face.

…It seems my earlier rude remarks really did light a fire in her.

I can’t even imagine someone like her losing.

A cloudy sky simply doesn’t suit Kyoto when Seiun Sky is standing there.

"…I’ll be waiting. Looking forward to racing against the Spring Tenno Sho–winning Uma Musume."

"You’d better be.

The plan’s flawless, the trap’s set… oops, did Sei-chan talk a little too much?

Seems like a good time—let’s call it a day here."

She reeled in her line and stood up.

She closed the cooler box—now filled with several fish before I even noticed—and folded her chair, placing it on top.

"Somehow, my tongue really slipped today.

This was only the second time we’ve met, right? The first was just the other day."

At those words, it felt like my heart was being crushed in someone’s hand.

If only I’d heard that earlier…

…No. There’s no point dwelling on it.

No matter what, she’ll never be my assigned Uma Musume.

"Yeah. The last time was our first meeting.

…I’m Hoshino Wilm’s trainer, and you’re my Uma Musume’s rival.

Nothing more, nothing less. That’s right, isn’t it?"

"Yeah, that’s right~. Ahaha, guess I said something weird.

Well then, see you. Next time will be at Hanshin Racecourse… the Takarazuka Kinen, I guess?"

"Yeah. I’m looking forward to it. Farewell, Seiun Sky."

"Byee~"

And with that, I parted ways with the ash-gray Uma Musume.

She didn’t look back as she walked down the road toward the dorms.

…Along the way, there was a parked car, and a man wearing a trainer badge.

Seiun Sky handed him the cooler box and climbed into the car with a laugh.

Ah… thank goodness. Relief welled up from the bottom of my heart.

In this world too, she’s found a wonderful trainer and is running in her own way.

…

…Which means I have to make a clean break as well.

…

"…This really is goodbye."

Seiun Sky.

From the moment I pulled her in the app in my previous life, she was an Uma Musume I trained over and over again.

Her shrewdness, her cleverness, her smile—I loved all of it.

An Uma Musume who made training fun.

And at the same time, one who made supporting her feel worthwhile.

Seiun Sky was my beloved horse.

That lingering attachment is something I have to cut away.

As long as I’m Hoshino Wilm’s trainer, any lingering feelings for her would only get in the way.

"If you’re going to be a trainer, you have to strip away everything else from yourself."

Gourmet pleasures, sound sleep, carnal desire, regret, even future prospects.

Cast away every single function—leave only a heart that cares for your charge, and a mind that thinks of her future.

That, above all else, is what a Horino-family trainer is meant to be.

I tip over the bucket I brought, dumping its contents into the pitch-black sea.

With a splash, the two fish sink beneath the surface, disappearing almost instantly without a trace.

My catch returns to zero.

And that’s fine.

Seiun Sky and I have no connection at all—we’re complete strangers.

---

Two weeks later.

A magazine covering the Twinkle Series—Monthly Twinkle—featured it in bold print.

"Seiun Sky Claims a Convincing Victory in Her Comeback at the Tenno Sho (Spring)!

Toying with the field’s elites, she succeeds in a wire-to-wire escape over 3,200 meters.

Defeating the famed champion in a fierce duel, she proudly claims the Shield of Glory.

The veteran returns! Clear blue skies spread once more over Kyoto."

…In my previous life, the racehorse Seiun Sky finished dead last in the Spring Tenno Sho after a year and a half away.

And yet here she was—surpassing the turf’s great actor, McQueen, and taking first place.

It seems she’s overcome her fate.

She’ll probably run in the Takarazuka Kinen as well.

"…All right, then. Preparations complete, I suppose."

The pitfall of the Triple Crown: the Japanese Derby.

On a course said to be unfavorable to front-runners, it will likely come down to a showdown with Tokai Teio.

An awakened Teio is a foe unlike any before—certainly not an opponent she can beat easily.

The challenge against the impossible: the Takarazuka Kinen.

Alongside Seiun Sky, whose specs and schemes both surpass Hoshino Wilm’s, she’ll also clash with the twin pillars of the Mejiro line.

To be frank, the odds are low. All I can do is pray that Hoshino Wilm gains victory—and inspiration—from it.

The final battle: the Kikuka Sho.

At the end of a grueling 3,000-meter race, the Uma Musume who first ignited her passion awaits.

As for this one, I honestly can’t predict it. How far Nature will push herself, or what kind of relationship Hoshino Wilm and I will share by then…

At last, the groundwork is complete—enough to give her the blazing races she deserves.

Now all that remains… is to train her perfectly, without incident.

For Horino-kun, this marks a clean break between his previous life and this one. At the same time, one of the strongest active Uma Musume in the Twinkle Series takes the stage. The reborn trickster who defeated McQueen now awaits Hoshino Wilm at the Takarazuka.

Next update in three to four days. It will be from Hoshino Wilm’s point of view—focusing on race analysis and her feelings.