Chapter 212: Three stars are coming—Arima!

Time waits for no one. It carries everything, equally, toward its end.

That’s a line from a game I loved in my previous life—the very first sentence.

And it’s exactly right. Time flows like a river. It won’t wait for us, and it can’t be stopped. Even if you try to dam it, it will eventually break through and surge forward as a raging flood.

In the world of racing Uma Musume—where talent and bloodlines can distort the balance, where fairness is anything but guaranteed—time is the one thing that remains equal for all of us.

Our prime lasts three years. No matter your talent or physical condition, that never changes.

How you use that limited time is up to each Uma Musume. You can take it easy and enjoy your youth while running… or devote all three years entirely to that youth itself.

And of course—like us—you can bet everything on racing until the very last moment.

That’s right. Today is finally December 27th—the day we’ve all been waiting for.

As for me, Hoshino Wilm… my prime is nearly over.

And today marks the final race of my senior year.

"Final check."

A voice echoes through the waiting room for racing Uma Musume—calm, yet tinged with tension and quiet confidence.

Hearing Ayumu-san’s voice makes it real. The moment has finally come.

Of course, coming here this morning in Masa-san’s car, entering through the staff corridors… those moments already made it feel like race day.

But for us, a trainer’s voice is something special.

Bourbon stands beside me. She probably feels the same way.

I glance at her. As always, her expression is unreadable—but there’s a faint spark of motivation in her eyes.

Well, she is Ayumu-san’s Uma Musume too…

And lately, to be honest, the way she looks at him has started to carry… something more.

As for me, I can only sympathize—and feel a little uneasy.

A body far more mature than you’d expect from a second-year middle schooler. A straightforward, innocent personality. And that overwhelming admiration and affection she radiates…

From a guy’s perspective, she’s incredibly attractive. Source: my otaku knowledge from my past life.

Lately, I’ve started to wonder whether I should treat her as a junior… or as a romantic rival.

…Well, setting that aside.

Today, at least, she is neither my junior nor my rival in love.

We are simply two racing Uma Musume.

In other words—rivals.

"Condition."

"Perfect!"

"Signal: green."

"Mental state."

"Feeling great!"

"Signal: green."

"Discomfort."

"None!"

"Detected count: zero."

"Strategy."

"Memorized!"

"Input complete. Final check passed."

We answer Ayumu-san’s checks one after another.

As always, his training plan has been flawless.

Over the past year, neither Bourbon nor I have suffered any major injuries or accidents.

…Well, there was that incident at the Osaka Cup, but that was entirely my own doing, so it doesn’t count.

He cools us down when needed and lets us rest when necessary.

He watches over our mental state, gives us breaks, and even takes us out to relax and indulge a little.

He supports his Uma Musume in every possible way—on and off the track.

That’s why we want to live up to that support.

And why there’s no way we’d fall out of form on race day.

"Good."

After nodding once at our responses, Ayumu-san slowly reaches out toward us.

We could easily brush his hand away if we wanted. The speed, the distance—he leaves that choice to us.

It’s both the freedom he gives us… and his way of being considerate.

But of course, neither of us would ever do that.

We wait.

A large palm gently rests on our heads…

Warmth spreads as he softly pats us.

The touch of someone who watches us more closely than anyone else, supports us, and cares for us deeply.

There’s no way it wouldn’t feel comforting.

I can’t help but let my lips curl into a faint smile.

The strongest Hoshino Wilm in history isn’t going to lose her composure over something like the Arima Kinen.

Everything up until now—and even what comes next—is just part of a routine.

A familiar ritual.

"I’ve seen your efforts more closely than anyone. The way you’ve devoted your time, honing yourselves with everything you have.

That’s why I can say this. On a grand stage like the Arima Kinen, you don’t need to be afraid. And you don’t need to put on a brave front either."

Perhaps he’s encouraging Bourbon, who might be nervous about her first official race against me…

But those words are meant for me as well.

"It may be the same old line, but what I say never changes.

Run as yourselves, just like always. And… enjoy this race—this once-in-a-lifetime moment—more than anyone."

In the end, the shared belief of Ayumu-san’s team comes down to one thing:

Winning isn’t the top priority.

Enjoying the race is.

It’s similar to what he once wanted from Uma Musume…

And yet, fundamentally different.

It’s the answer Horino Ayumu arrived at after running these three years with Hoshino Wilm—an answer that exists nowhere else in the world.

Those words—his wish—carry every memory we’ve shared.

That’s why… I can’t help but smile.

Did I manage to help him, even a little, as he runs through his life?

Was Hoshino Wilm worthy of running beside him?

"Go on, Wilm. Bourbon."

"We’ll be waiting for your safe return."

"Yes!"

"Understood. Mihono Bourbon, commencing sortie."

On the final Sunday of the year, in a tense and chilly afternoon…

With those words exchanged among the four of us—including Masa-san—we head toward the stage of our decisive battle.

---

Walking through the underground passage of Nakayama Racecourse, I speak to the Uma Musume beside me.

"It’s finally here."

"Yes."

Since we didn’t arrange to meet anyone, the one walking beside me is the same as when we left the waiting room—Bourbon.

A junior I’ve known for a year and a half.

And now, a fully fledged thoroughbred worthy of being called my rival.

Her horseshoes click steadily against the ground as she looks ahead… then suddenly speaks.

"...Thank you very much, Hoshino Wilm-senpai."

"Hm? What for?"

I tilt my head at her sudden words, and she looks down at me.

It’s a bit embarrassing as a senior, but I’m about fifteen centimeters shorter than her.

So when she meets my gaze, she naturally has to look down…

…But there’s no trace of condescension in her eyes.

Instead, they’re filled with respect—and deep gratitude.

"For introducing me to Master. For running alongside me. For continuing to run with me. And above all… for giving me a new goal and purpose.

The reason I’m here is because of you, Hoshino Wilm-senpai. So once again… you have my deepest thanks."

I nod, understanding.

From her perspective, that’s how things must look.

It’s true that I helped pave her path.

I introduced her to Ayumu-san. I brought them together. I trained with her and helped her grow. And her new goal… was Hoshino Wilm.

In a way, you could say Bourbon was raised by both me and Ayumu-san.

…Was she basically our first child? I mean, if she’s this cute, she’d make a perfect daughter—but maybe I’d like a little more time alone with Ayumu-san first—

Okay, enough joking.

Still, even if that’s how it looks, I don’t feel like I raised her.

Did she get here because of me? That would be getting ahead of myself.

"I’m happy you feel that way—thank you. But… I only helped.

You’re the one who ran. The one who chased after everything with everything you had.

You’re the one who convinced Ayumu-san to take you in. The one who kept up with the harsh training. The one who aimed for me and kept running.

No matter how much I showed you the path, if you hadn’t moved your legs, you wouldn’t be here."

In the end, no matter how much others interfere, the one who puts in the effort is the person themselves.

Especially Bourbon—she overcame the massive wall of bloodline through relentless effort.

If anyone deserves praise, it’s not me.

"You’re the one who made it here. Because you worked for it.

Bourbon… you’re already a full-fledged Uma Musume. You don’t need someone to lead you by the hand anymore."

I stretch up and pat her head.

To praise my adorable junior’s efforts…

And to send her off as she continues running forward.

With affection, I speak.

"I’ve been helped by a lot of people and Uma Musume too… but I ran on my own legs. Just like you are now.

And I’ve passed that on—to you, to Rice, to Souri.

So now it’s your turn. Mihono Bourbon—it’s your turn to pass on that heat you’ve inherited."

"My… turn."

She looks a little dazed, as if it hasn’t fully sunk in yet.

But someone as exceptional as her… there’s no way she won’t encounter her own destiny.

"Someday, an Uma Musume who needs your help will appear.

Maybe it’ll be a new-generation Triple Crown winner. Or her rival. Or maybe someone chasing after both of them like a protagonist."

Me, Teio, and Nature.

Bourbon, Rice, and Souri.

Just like history repeating itself… like passion being passed down… new Uma Musume have already begun to appear.

Then next year—or the year after—it wouldn’t be strange for even more to come.

And when that happens, it won’t be veterans like us guiding them.

It will be Bourbon and her generation.

The flow of history. The changing of eras.

Even as I’m being left behind, there’s something deeply satisfying about knowing I’ve passed the baton… becoming part of a long, enduring legacy.

Maybe that’s what it truly means to be an Uma Musume—

To pass your will on to the future.

That thought drifts quietly through my mind.

"So when that time comes, help those future thoroughbreds however you can.

Because I’m sure… it’ll make you even faster too. Trust me—I’m living proof."

I puff out my chest—well, my modest chest—and jab a thumb into it with a smug grin. Bourbon nods solemnly in response.

"...Understood. If that is the new path you are offering me, Senpai."

"That’s not exactly what I meant… but, well—sure, close enough."

In the end, the one who walks the path is yourself.

But I was guided plenty by my own seniors too.

From Meek-senpai, I received daily comfort—and a wish for the next generation.

From Sky-senpai, an overwhelming wall—and a burning passion.

From McQueen-san, the sense of normalcy that comes with competing among thoroughbreds.

And… from Spe-senpai, the ability to accept and believe in this world.

I was taught so much. I learned so much.

Every single one of them became a rival worthy of respect… and someone I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude.

"So—today is your first step, Bourbon.

Show them a run… a back… that someone will admire someday.

Show it in this race—against us."

"Yes, Wilm-senpai."

As Bourbon nods firmly…

I can only hope that, to her, I look that way too.

---

—Flash.

As we emerge from the underground passage, our vision is swallowed by dazzling sunlight.

As my eyes gradually adjust, a vibrant green turf spreads before me, accompanied by the overwhelming roar of the crowd—and above it all, a clear blue sky crowned by a blazing white sun.

This year’s Arima Kinen, held in the afternoon at Nakayama Racecourse, is blessed with perfect, cloudless weather.

On the turf lies a strange tension—sharp and still, yet brimming with immense heat.

Surrounding it is the thunderous roar of spectators and their burning gazes.

The track condition is firm. No withdrawals among the runners.

It’s the perfect stage for a decisive battle.

…That said.

This environment isn’t exactly ideal for me—Hoshino Wilm.

If I had to name one flaw in this otherwise perfect setting…

It would be the beautifully clear, cloudless sky.

"Heh…"

I tilt my head up toward the sky, a confident smile on my face—while letting out a quiet, wry chuckle.

Generally speaking, clear weather is perfect for racing.

Running on solid turf is far easier than on muddy ground. Rain drains stamina, and cornering becomes riskier—you have to worry about slipping and centrifugal force.

Of course, I’d rather run under a warm sun than in pouring rain—well, the rain has its own charm too—but still.

Unfortunately for me, I’m a runner who draws power from the stars, not the sun. It’s not like I have any particular affinity with sunlight.

And in contrast…

There’s a certain Uma Musume in this race who receives the sun’s blessing to the fullest.

As I casually sweep my gaze—our eyes meet.

My cutest—and greatest—senior smirks faintly.

—I’ll be taking it back.

The message comes through without a single word.

Three years together isn’t just for show. Understanding her intent without words has become second nature.

…Come to think of it, I met her on my very first day at Tracen Academy—before I even met Ayumu-san.

Among everyone I still associate with, she’s the one I’ve known the longest. Being able to read each other like this is only natural.

So…

—The strongest is still me.

I return her gaze with that message.

The title of Japan’s strongest, given to me that day.

The role of leading this country, witnessing the efforts of all Uma Musume—and crushing them while never losing my brilliance.

The summit she has always desired.

I feel a little bad—but I have no intention of giving it up now.

If she… no, if that woman comes charging in—then I’ll meet her head-on with everything I’ve got.

Seeing my answer, she—

The most experienced runner in this Arima Kinen.

A true veteran. The last remaining brilliance of the once-called Golden Generation.

The racing Uma Musume, Happy Meek, smiles—truly, happily.

"Wilm."

As I stretch on the turf, someone calls out to me from behind.

A familiar voice. A familiar way of calling my name.

There are only three people I allow to call me that… and I’ve already parted ways with two of them.

Which leaves only one.

I slowly turn around.

"So you’ve come, Nature."

Standing before me under the clear sky, firmly planted on the green turf like the protagonist of this world—

My best friend, Nice Nature.

She walks toward me steadily, unfazed by the overwhelming attention of the crowd… and not intimidated in the slightest by my presence.

The quiet confidence hidden beneath her expression makes me break into a full smile.

"Yeah."

…This is bad.

Even though it’s Nature, I can’t bring out my “friend” mask.

I’m good at wearing masks.

Lately I’ve been slacking off, but I’m confident enough in my acting to make a profession out of it.

Thanks to certain experiences in childhood, I’m used to separating my mind and body. Smiling when I’m irritated, crying when something’s funny—that’s easy.

And yet… right now—

I can’t take off my mask as a racer.

Because facing the current Nice Nature as anything less would feel disrespectful.

"You’ve changed over these past three years."

"Have I?"

"You’re aware of it, aren’t you?"

"...Well, yeah. Not as much as you, though."

"Who knows? At the very least, if your past self from three years ago saw you now… she’d be shocked."

She’s become a true racing Uma Musume.

Three years ago, Nice Nature was trying to come to terms with reality—trying to give up.

She wasn’t foolish enough to look away from reality, but not wise enough to cut her losses either.

She would say things like "someone like me…" and yet still couldn’t give up, continuing to run anyway.

Just an ordinary girl.

But now?

Now she stands before me, confident in the “racing Uma Musume” she has forged through relentless effort, encounters, and fate—

A girl who can face Hoshino Wilm head-on.

She’s no longer just a child.

Even compared to Rudolf-san, she doesn’t fall short—

A true thoroughbred… a warrior.

"Truly… you’ve come to have wonderful eyes, Nature.

The glimmer I saw back then—the brilliance I admired—you’ve refined it into something complete.

To be able to run alongside you on this grand stage… makes me happier than anything."

Not as playful friends—but as rivals, enemies, and objects of admiration—

I place a hand over my chest, narrow my eyes, and smile at her.

…Having memories from my past life lets me see myself a bit more objectively.

Right now, I’m probably giving off an aura strong enough to make an average Uma Musume freeze in place.

As I continue honing myself as a racing Uma Musume, I’ve apparently developed a rather unusual presence without even realizing it.

According to some of the junior girls this year, when I’m in race mode, I give off such an intense aura that I feel hard to approach.

And since I don’t bother suppressing that presence at all, if I face someone head-on like this… even a G1-level Uma Musume would instinctively gulp or widen her eyes.

But… Nature no longer wavers at that.

If anything, she simply shrugs casually and says—

"Well, anyone would change after three years of experiences this intense.

I stopped sulking and wishing for what I don’t have. Otherwise, my trophies would never become the real thing."

Come to think of it… she showed me once.

That flimsy origami trophy her trainer made for her.

It was proof that he believed she would win someday. A symbol of their bond…

And at the same time, one of the reasons she could never afford to break down—a vow she carried.

"I don’t have the kind of talent people would call amazing. So if I want to knock you down, I’ve got to throw away everything weighing me down and just run. …Hesitation, doubt, resignation—I left all of that behind."

To run—she discarded every impurity.

She reached the very extreme of something everyone does, to some degree.

Nice Nature’s legs will no longer stop.

She’ll keep running endlessly—until she surpasses me.

Seeing my best friend’s growth… and the feelings she holds toward me, my chest tightens, my eyes almost sting—

…But this is the day of our decisive battle. I can’t show that.

So instead, I follow her lead and joke a little.

"Hehe… to feel that strongly about me. Is this a confession?"

"Yeah, something like that."

She nods without the slightest hint of embarrassment.

Honestly… what a troublesome girl.

Throwing everything away just to surpass me? That’s one hell of a love confession.

Nature, you like me way too much, don’t you?

Well… I like you too.

If it’s to beat Nature, I’d throw everything away as well.

…No, in my case, it’s more accurate to say I’d do it to beat everyone. Sorry—I’m a bit of a fickle Uma Musume.

And as the two of us indulge in this quiet moment, another voice calls out—

"Hey, you two look like you’re having fun!"

Unlike the tense, battle-ready atmosphere around us, the voice is light—almost bouncing.

And as for who it belongs to… there’s only one Uma Musume in all of Twinkle who can casually step into a conversation between me and Nature.

I turn around.

Raising a hand casually is our shared rival—

Japan’s defensive ace. The absolute emperor. The second star who keeps chasing after me, no matter what.

None other than Tokai Teio.

"Hey, Wilm—long time no see. Has it been a week? No, two?"

"You and Nature have been avoiding me lately, haven’t you? That’s mean."

"It’s not like we were avoiding you… well, actually, maybe we were."

I puff out my cheeks slightly in mock sulking, and the two of them respond with wry smiles.

Even if it was to avoid Ayumu-san’s watchful eye… being avoided by friends still stings a little.

…But then again.

Hunger is always the best spice.

That time apart from my friends will surely make the upcoming race all the more exhilarating.

So this time, I’ll let it slide.

Seeing me shrug, Teio resets the mood and changes the topic.

"The last time the three of us raced together was last year’s Arima, right? People call us the ‘three stars,’ but we don’t actually race together that often."

"Back in the Classic year, Teio got injured after the Derby. And in our senior year, Nature took a break in spring. Then in autumn, Wilm was overseas, right?"

Nature recalls it vaguely, but the truth is, the only official race all three of us ran together was last year’s Arima Kinen.

But back then, Ayumu-san wasn’t there for me, and Teio was still experimenting with a new running style—none of us were at full power.

This will be the first time all three of us can truly go all out.

"What unfortunate timing… or maybe fortunate.

Right now, with my prime ending, with no excuses left… I can crush both of you completely."

A grin spreads across my face—twisted, almost wicked.

Honestly, it’s not exactly media-friendly. Acting? Yeah, that’s nowhere to be found right now.

But… how others see me, my public image—

Right now, I couldn’t care less.

I know it matters. I usually keep up appearances. But it’s not the most important thing to me.

At least…

"You’re pretty bold. You really think you can beat me right after coming back from overseas, without even a prep race?

I’ll have you know—this version of Tokai Teio is the strongest she’s ever been. Honestly, I feel so invincible right now I could do anything."

A dazzling, radiant star shining high in the heavens.

"Yeah… over these three years, I’ve watched both of you more closely than anyone. If I lose in this situation, I really won’t have any excuses left.

But that’s exactly why—I’ll win. Me and my trainer… we’ll surpass your brilliance."

A blazing, burning star raging in the sky.

…Just imagining running with these two—

And completely crushing them—

Everything else truly becomes irrelevant.

And that feeling is surely the same for them as well.

"Let’s make this a great race."

"Yeah. One where we won’t be able to say ‘if only’ afterward."

"A race we can look back on as the best of our lives."

Without planning it, our words align naturally.

"Then—"

"I will win!!!"

"I will win!!!"

"I will win!!!"

---

There are eighteen different forms of determination.

But all of them point toward a single crown—victory.

Now then—staking everything we have…

Let the decisive battle begin.