Chapter 213: Peerless Star

“Now then, amid the roar of a 150,000-strong crowd, the Uma Musume are entering the gates one by one.

The year-end grand festival, the Arima Kinen. The lineup carrying the dreams of this year is every bit as brilliant as last year’s—perhaps even more so. A magnificent, dazzling banquet of champions is about to begin.”

As the announcer’s voice echoed in the distance, laced with unmistakable tension, I gazed out from within the gate at the turf of Nakayama Racecourse.

Gate 5, Stall 3.

That was the position assigned to Tokai Teio for this year’s Arima Kinen.

According to my trainer, the data puts it second-best in terms of win rate—and the best when it comes to placing or finishing on the board.

Simply put, it’s a very favorable position.

…That said, depending on how the race unfolds, that advantage could easily be overturned—that’s the frightening part.

Nakayama Racecourse, 2,500 meters on the inner right-handed turf.

It’s called the year-end showdown, the stage of dreams—but in truth, it’s a highly distinctive course.

Six corners make up a large portion of the track. The final straight is under 300 meters, forcing an early sprint to the finish. The elevation changes are sharp and relentless, rising and falling dramatically…

And then there’s the opening—just 100 meters before immediately entering a corner.

Uma Musume can’t run at full speed through corners. More precisely, trying to do so results in a massive loss.

That’s why, generally speaking, the early positioning battle happens on the opening straight before the first turn…

But since that stretch is only 100 meters here, the fight for position becomes especially fierce right from the start.

In that sense, Stall 3—already toward the inside, but not the innermost lane that’s hardest to maneuver—is a very manageable position.

Looking at that alone, I could call it a stroke of luck, but…

…There are five front-running Uma Musume in this race.

Even more than last year’s Arima, it’s almost guaranteed the pace will explode right from the start.

And in that kind of chaotic development, the battle for position only intensifies.

…On top of that, from what I saw earlier, she looks nervous—but Souri Cross is here.

Her “territory” interferes with others. Most likely, she’ll pressure the front-runners and force them to overcommit.

If that happens… Wilm could use being “pulled along” as an excuse to take off at a ridiculous pace.

And if that happens, there’s no telling how fast the other front-runners will push things.

Beyond the opening, the rest of the course is just as demanding.

With six corners, cornering skill is essential. The steep elevation changes drain stamina, and without smooth transitions, your pace falls apart.

And above all, the short final straight. In less than 300 meters, we have to close the gap to the leader—so everyone will be bringing aggressive strategies.

All in all—

The Arima Kinen is, for better or worse, extremely difficult to read—a race where management and planning are everything.

So then, what kind of prediction has my camp made for this race?

Based on my trainer’s projections and my own observations before the race…

The primary key player is—well, obviously—her.

“Now, let’s introduce the favorite!

Waiting quietly within the gate—the radiant dragon of legend. Is that smile on her lips confidence in victory, or the thrill of battle?

Ten stars align in the sky, reducing all to ash! Gate 13, Stall 7—Hoshino Wilm!!”

Even from a distance, I can make out Hoshino Wilm’s profile—expressionless, save for the faint, delighted curl of her lips.

From what I saw earlier, she’s in perfect condition today—body and mind alike.

She’s clearly looking forward to this race, to facing all of us… more than anything.

And yet—not a trace of tension.

That boldness is the composure of the strong, the delight of a battle addict—no, a racing addict—and the pure joy of competing with friends.

That’s just the kind of Uma Musume she is: simple, yet multifaceted.

…Still, it’s been a while since we’ve raced together.

And as always—she’s unbelievable.

Gate 13 and Gate 5.

We’re separated by half the field, and yet I can feel it crackling through the air.

That overwhelming presence… an aura of strength—something even the Chairwoman could rival.

The greatest physical ability in the world.

Technique likely at its absolute peak.

A runaway racing style unaffected by others.

A “territory” sharpened through competition with us.

And that mysterious ability to accelerate her thinking.

A being blessed with everything—no, a star in the heavens.

The center of the world, of Japan, of Twinkle. The eye of the storm in the racing world.

Just as she always has, she’ll be the core of this race.

…But.

If my prediction is correct, there’s one more key player who will decide this race.

“And the second favorite—of course, it’s her!

Following the brightest star comes the second—the only emperor to stand alongside the dragon. Her fighting spirit is more than enough—can three years of patience allow her to shatter the myth?

Can the absolute surpass legend? Gate 5, Stall 3—Tokai Teio!!”

…They’re really hyping me up.

But the other key player isn’t me.

Unfortunately.

“…This is probably going to turn into a tug-of-war.”

I murmur, once again tracing the race in my mind.

Souri Cross will pressure the front-runners, dragging the pace higher.

For Hoshino Wilm—who possesses the greatest stamina and long-distance aptitude in the world—that’s the ideal scenario.

It’s Mejiro McQueen’s signature tactic: overwhelm the field with sheer endurance, grind them down at high speed until they can’t even run properly.

If you try to match Wilm’s pace in this race, you’ll be crushed. And for her, that’s the most reliable path to victory.

But… it probably won’t play out that way.

Because the other key player will try to stop it.

She understands races far more deeply than I do—even with my instincts.

She’ll recognize just how dangerous Wilm’s extreme front-running is.

The girl who controls races from the shadows will likely try to split the four runaway leaders from the rest of the pack.

In other words—

Wilm pulling us forward, and her holding us back.

A tug-of-war between the two.

“…Yeah. It really is those two.”

The ones pulling on the rope that is the pack in this race are—

Gate 13, Stall 7: Hoshino Wilm.

And—

“The third favorite remains unchanged!

Through relentless training and razor-sharp intellect, can she reach the brilliance of the stars? Having finally claimed a G1 and proven the strength of a third star—a master tactician of rare caliber!

The race is in her hands—victory lies ahead! Gate 1, Stall 1—Nice Nature!!”

Nice Nature.

…My instincts are telling me.

This race will come down to Wilm and Nature.

Of course, there are others. But…

Right now, Nature is seriously dangerous.

Wilm is backed by Trainer Horino and trusts his guidance. With her runaway style, she likely won’t fall for Nature’s manipulation.

But on the flip side… the others—maybe even me—could end up as pieces on her board.

If she controls the entire race, then rather than 18 runners, it becomes:

Wilm vs. Nature, with the other 16.

At the very least, that’s what Nature is aiming for—and she’s grown strong enough that it’s no exaggeration.

It might even be fair to say she now stands on equal footing with Wilm—just like I do.

She’s reached the point where she can challenge Hoshino Wilm with everything she has—herself, and the race itself.

No wonder Wilm acknowledges her… especially with that look on her face.

Honestly, if you told me this two years ago, I’d have thought it was a joke.

Tokai Teio isn’t the one being chased anymore—I’m the one doing the chasing.

While I hesitated, Wilm claimed the throne of the strongest. And depending on timing and resolve, Nature might even have surpassed me.

I’ve fallen a long way from being called the unrivaled best.

…But I don’t regret it.

Even that shameful past is part of who I am.

And because I moved beyond it, I’m who I am now.

What I need to do now isn’t regret or reflection.

It’s to keep thinking about how to defeat those two.

Though no matter how I look at it… it’s anything but easy.

“…Haha, this is rough.”

A wry smile slips out.

There’s no stopping Wilm.

No one can match her explosive start.

Try to force it, and you’ll only break your rhythm and lose miserably.

Who could threaten her once she takes the lead?

At the end of the race, the only way is to surpass her with pure strength.

And I know better than anyone how difficult that is.

Beating Nature with strategy is just as hard.

When it comes to race planning, I can’t compare to her.

That’s the limit of being an instinctive runner.

I can see the single optimal path—but not alternatives or contingency plans.

Without a habit of structured thinking, I can’t catch up to someone like Nature, who’s spent three years mastering it.

Honestly, my rivals are monsters.

In talent or ability—I can’t confidently say I surpass them.

This race is going to be incredibly difficult.

Three years ago, I probably would’ve dismissed it as boring.

But…

“…Heh.”

Now—

I think it’s fun.

Back when I was called the unrivaled best of my generation—

I didn’t think racing was “fun.”

My pride was satisfied.

I was called a genius, praised as expected of Tokai Teio, and believed—without doubt—that I would one day reach the Chairwoman’s level.

Back then, my childish desire for recognition may have been more fulfilled than at any other point in my life.

Every day was enjoyable.

But…

If you ask whether running itself was fun back then—the answer is no.

I couldn’t compete with anyone on equal footing, and whenever I ran, victory was guaranteed.

That wasn’t even a race—just a solo run. There was no way that could be fun.

And then, like a comet, Wilm appeared—and Nature began to shine brighter too.

For the first time in my life, I experienced defeat… and at the same time, I learned what it meant to truly compete with someone.

Because of that, I learned how fun it is to run.

I might not win.

But that’s exactly why—I don’t want to lose.

That feeling gave meaning to running.

Wilm and Nature are my rivals, my friends—and also my benefactors.

They’re precious comrades who taught me this joy rising from deep within my chest.

…That’s why—

On this battlefield, I’ll crush them completely.

“Now, number 18, Happy Meek, has entered the gate.

At last, preparations for the start are complete.”

There’s no way I could’ve made it this far on my own.

I was defeated by Hoshino Wilm.

Caught up to by Nice Nature.

Supported by my trainer.

Cheered on by all my fans.

And that’s how I’m standing here now.

The Tokai Teio of today exists because of everyone—no, because of everyone who’s been part of my life.

And the way to repay them…

Well, for a racing Uma Musume, there’s really only one answer, isn’t there?

To aim for victory.

To win this race.

Right now, I pour all my focus into that single point—like freezing liquid solid.

“…Start!!”

“—Hah!!”

The instant the gates snap open, I burst forward.

Nearly perfect—my extreme concentration gives me what you could call an ideal start.

…But the same goes for the others.

No one running in the Arima Kinen would neglect the start. The Uma Musume surge forward as a single mass.

And even among them, the one who stands out is—of course—Wilm.

She launches at almost the same moment as the rest of us, but her acceleration is on an entirely different level.

A three-step leap, perhaps? A violent burst of speed that devours stamina—she instantly vaults to the front—

…But in that very instant—

As if refusing to let her run free, the world before my eyes suddenly shifts.

Overlapping with the turf of Nakayama Racecourse is a world of darkness.

A void where not even an inch ahead can be seen—a darkness that feels like the denial of all possibility.

And yet—

Within it, she stands, drawing a bow with a demon-like expression.

“Even if I don’t belong! Even if it’s impossible! …Even so, I—!!!”

A scream soaked in bloodlust—raw and feral.

“I am an Uma Musume!!!”

…Ah. Déjà vu.

For a moment, I almost let out a wry smile—it’s like looking at Nature.

Even if she can’t surpass a first-rate star through talent alone—

Even if she falls short of a second-rate star in racing sense—

She keeps saying “even so”… and before long, she’s not just caught up—she’s on the verge of surpassing them.

Maybe someday, Souri Cross will become like that too.

…No—she might even go beyond it.

That’s how much power I can feel from her.

Because trainers only take one Uma Musume, I don’t have many chances to interact with juniors…

But even so—the next generation is already producing new champions.

The arrow is released—a dazzling, fleeting trajectory.

Even I almost have my gaze stolen by it—and the front-runners competing with her all surge forward at once.

“Here comes the fierce battle for position heading into corners three and four! The front-runners explode forward all at once, fighting for the lead!

Following them, a gap of two, three lengths—Triple Crown runner Mihono Bourbon! Behind her, led by Unison Black, the rest of the field forms a tight pack!”

A territory that interferes with others.

Like me, like Nature, like Wilm—most Uma Musume awaken territories that enhance themselves—self-actualization types.

Even the Chairwoman’s ability, according to my trainer, was originally that type—only later evolving into something else.

Racing Uma Musume instinctively wish to become stronger, faster.

And that desire to realize themselves manifests as their territory—or so my trainer says.

If that’s true, then someone who awakens an interference-type territory from the very beginning…

Might be someone with even less self-confidence than Nature.

And yet—someone who never gives up.

…Yeah. I can’t lose to her either.

As a senior—and as a rival.

Far ahead, the runaway front-runners charge on.

Of course, we mid-pack runners—and even Bourbon, who’s probably a bit fired up herself—don’t follow that suicidal pace.

Wilm blasts forward as if her restraints have snapped, with Daitaku Helios and Mejiro Palmer chasing after her, and Souri Cross desperately clinging on.

That group of four—aside from Wilm, who possesses absurd stamina—is running at a pace that simply can’t last 2,500 meters.

On top of that, with the sharp elevation changes and the immediate corner after the start, this course only makes it worse.

It’s not just reckless—it’s outright self-destructive.

The moment they chose a full-on runaway style and decided to challenge Wilm, they stepped onto a path of defeat.

But…

Souri Cross, the one who triggered all of this—she hasn’t given up on winning.

After seeing that vision of her territory, there’s no way that’s true.

This is what gives her the highest chance of victory.

Or rather—this is the only way she has any chance at all.

Because… when you think about it—

The one opponent we must defeat above all else is a single person.

Hoshino Wilm.

“They’re rounding the first corner at an unbelievable—truly unbelievable—speed! The runaway runners, the very symbol of modern Japanese racing—

And Hoshino Wilm is pulling ahead by one, two lengths—no, she’s already six—no, seven lengths clear of even the other front-runners!!”

If you strip it down to its essence—

To win a race, you only have to beat the runner in second.

At the moment you cross the finish line, if you’re ahead of everyone else—that’s all it takes to claim first place.

And in that sense, the one most likely to be leading everyone this time is…

Well—Hoshino Wilm.

To put it more bluntly—

Unless we force her down to second or lower, there is no such thing as victory in this race.

You could say that much.

They call her the Ashen Dragon—but having actually raced against her, I’d say Hoshino Wilm is more like a kaiju.

Not something any one of us can overcome alone, but a true monster that has to be brought down by the race as a whole. A vicious opponent that demands teamwork and tactical coordination.

She once joked, “Do you guys think I’m some kind of raid boss?”—but honestly, that’s probably exactly what she is.

I mean, just look at last year’s Arima Kinen—it was brutal.

Her trainer, Horino, wasn’t even there. She clashed with Silence Suzuka and Turbo at an absurd pace, likely burned through her accelerated thinking ability—and even then, it took a near-perfect Special Week, unleashing a razor-sharp finishing kick, to barely overtake her.

The entire race—all of us Uma Musume together—had to suppress her, and even then, the margin was just three centimeters.

A tiny gap. One that could have been overturned in an instant.

Even back then, Wilm was already an absurd, monstrous force.

And since then—she’s grown even stronger.

The aura pouring from her, her physical ability, her refined technique, her mastery of her territory—perhaps Nature surpasses her slightly in that one aspect—but in everything else, she stands unmatched.

And now, her contracted trainer has returned.

Her most trusted partner, the one she always speaks of with affection.

With Trainer Horino—who can even outmaneuver Nature strategically—back at her side…

Her threat level isn’t even comparable to last year.

Honestly, the pressure I feel from Wilm now is nothing like what I felt from Special Week or Silence Suzuka.

She’s already on par with the Dream Trophy League runners… no—if my instincts are right, she’s equal to, or even slightly above, the Chairwoman at the very top.

At this point, it almost feels like Wilm racing in the Twinkle Series is against the rules.

Competing under the same standards as the rest of us—it just doesn’t feel right.

Using her own words, this is a “forced-loss event”… a “no-win game.”

Well…

Maybe we’re just as crazy—for wanting to overturn that unwinnable scenario and beat her anyway.

In the end—

For us, this race splits into two battles.

One: among the seventeen of us, who can take the lead.

And the other…

Whether we can drag Hoshino Wilm down from her throne in the heavens.

We can’t win unless we conquer both.

And in that second battle—

The one with the best chance against Wilm is…

Nice Nature.

“Coming around for the first lap, passing in front of the stands! Hoshino Wilm continues to drive the runaway group forward, opening up a three-length lead over second-place Mejiro Palmer! 2000 meters remaining—just how long can this pace hold?

In third, Daitaku Helios, followed by Souri Cross a length behind! Then a massive gap of about eight lengths—can we even call this ‘running away’? Mihono Bourbon, with Unison Black half a length behind, and then the chasing pack follows two lengths back!

The field is stretched out dramatically—completely unpredictable, a chaotic race unfolding!”

…Now then.

How much of this is going according to Nature’s expectations?

From her perspective, Wilm pushing the pace this high shouldn’t be ideal.

After all, Wilm’s stamina is on another level—the faster the pace, the more it crushes everyone else.

But even so, interfering with someone running a full-on runaway style isn’t easy.

Only other front-runners can keep up—and only they can influence her.

Unless…

You had already planted something in those runners beforehand.

Even Wilm, leading from the front, can’t completely ignore the presence or pace of those behind her.

Which means—Nature has probably done everything she can.

Even the pace Wilm is setting is likely, to some extent, under Nature’s control.

It’s only a hypothesis—but my instincts are telling me the same thing.

I can almost see it—

The invisible threads reaching out… even to me.

Nature has gone beyond being just a tactician—she’s becoming a puppeteer, controlling us at will.

Seventeen strings tied to our bodies, all drawn together to pull victory toward her…

A terrifying fixer.

That’s what Nice Nature has become.

Just like Happy Meek’s territory—

Unless I can somehow cut the threads wrapped around my body and mind, I won’t be able to beat her anymore.

Even choosing the optimal path to my own victory… would still be part of the path leading to hers.

That’s the strength of a master strategist—one who manipulates the race from the shadows.

At this point, to Nature, most of the other runners might not even register as “opponents.”

They’re tools—weapons to drive into Wilm’s throat.

Or pieces of the environment, moving within predictable bounds.

…Then again, Wilm and I aren’t much different.

Nature has become just as inhuman as we are.

Still…

No matter how much Nature grows.

No matter how close she comes to standing alongside Wilm.

No matter how much she refines her control over the race or sharpens her physical ability—

I have no intention of losing to anyone but Wilm.

“Hoshino Wilm leads the field—just as expected, she takes control of the race! Mejiro Palmer pursues from the outside, with Daitaku Helios and Souri Cross just behind!

Following the runaway group are Mihono Bourbon and Unison Black—Rice Shower is there as well, with Tokai Teio on the inside! And the third favorite, Nice Nature, waits calmly in the rear pack!

Who will make their move, and when? The dream-bearing runners thunder past before a roaring crowd as they enter the uphill stretch before the first corner—this is where the middle phase begins!”

Nature really has grown stronger.

At first, she couldn’t even come close to me or Wilm—but now, she’s the one reaching for Wilm more than anyone else.

If we’re talking pure growth, neither Wilm nor I could match her over these past three years.

Without a doubt, the one who has shone the brightest is Nice Nature.

Even so—

The blood flowing through me, and the fate that still guides me—

In that strength, I have no intention of losing.

“…It’s about time.”

Up until now, I’ve been running as calmly as possible—

…No.

Coldly.

Excess heat would only interfere, so I sealed it away—bound it deep within myself.

The heat born from fighting instinct—

For an Uma Musume’s soul, it’s like fuel.

If you unleash it, you can exceed your limits, drawing out power beyond your specs.

But if you suppress it, you can perform exactly as calculated.

A clean, predictable run.

…The one I learned this from used it differently.

They pushed it to the extreme—total concentration, followed by an explosive release of stored heat.

Like flipping a switch, they separated their mental state from that rising heat.

Because of that, they could remain calm when needed—and unleash pure passion when the moment demanded it.

That power…

I’ll use it too.

In my own way.

Click.

A switch flips inside my heart.