Chapter 31: Mortal Fate

I saw that scene again.

I couldn’t quite tell what the viewpoint was supposed to be. It felt like I was looking down from the sky—or perhaps seeing through someone else’s eyes. A strange, uncanny vision.

Through it, I was watching a single race.

The race was the Takarazuka Kinen.

Carrying the dreams and expectations of so many people, “that girl” was running once more today.

With light, nimble strides, she surged ahead faster than anyone else, holding the lead. She was a girl who had overturned countless assumptions before—and today, once again, she was challenging yet another one.

…But maybe today, her opponents were simply too strong.

Her rivals overtook her.

In the blink of an eye, the gap between them widened dramatically.

Even so, “that girl” didn’t give up.

Once again, she stretched out her legs, trying to answer someone’s wish—

And then, just as the final corner ended and the last straight began…

Her body suddenly buckled.

“That girl” desperately tried to regain her balance, but… no. It was no use.

The inertia of sixty kilometers per hour hurled her unprotected body forward.

And then—just like that—“that girl”…

---

“—!”

When I realized it,

What lay before my eyes was a familiar ceiling.

…My room in the trainer dormitory.

I was… lying on my bed.

A towel blanket rested on my sweat-soaked body, and my smartphone lay beside my pillow. I slowly sat up and glanced around, just to be sure…

But yes, it was the same room as yesterday. My room.

…Thank goodness. Just a dream.

Of all days to have a nightmare—it had to be the day of the Takarazuka Kinen.

Of all things…

…Huh?

Of all things, what?

What was I dreaming about, anyway?

I remember it being a nightmare, but the details won’t come back to me.

I’m sure it was the worst kind—the kind where someone close to you meets a terrible fate…

“…Well, whatever. A dream’s just a dream.”

I checked my phone. It was still four a.m.—I’d woken up thirty minutes earlier than planned.

I swung my legs off the bed, grabbed the towel from the side table, and headed for the washroom.

Still, having a nightmare on such an important day…

I’ve always been prone to nerves, and it seems this time is no exception.

…No—maybe it’s precisely because it’s this time.

The race being held today is the Takarazuka Kinen.

A G1 race of the Twinkle Series.

Alongside the Arima Kinen, it’s known as one of the “Two Grand Prix”—a first-half-of-the-year showdown to determine the strongest, with entrants chosen by fan vote.

For my trainee Uma Musume, Hoshino Wilm, this will probably be the most difficult race she’s ever faced—by any measure.

Well, it’s not like me being nervous will change anything.

If anything, as her trainer, I should be trusting her completely and standing firm…

But if I’m having nightmares, does that mean I still don’t believe in her from the bottom of my heart?

“It’s fine. She’ll definitely… come back.

…I need to leave the doubts here.”

I muttered that to myself and looked into the washroom mirror, my vision still hazy.

There, as expected, was my reflection—Horino Ayumu.

“Come to think of it… I’m used to this face now.”

Horino Ayumu—no, “I”—am a reincarnator.

Somehow born carrying memories and sensibilities from a past life, an existence that’s difficult to explain.

There were times it made things easier, and times it caused me trouble.

Especially when it came to Uma Musume… I couldn’t quite shake the habit of treating things like a game, and that caused no small amount of hardship—and inconvenience—for my trainee.

Well, speaking of inconvenience, my own clumsiness caused plenty elsewhere too… but that’s beside the point.

Before I knew it, my awareness of being “a reincarnator” had begun to fade.

Growing up in the Horino household, learning the basics of being a trainer, entering Tracen Academy…

Failing scout after scout, meeting Hoshino Wilm, signing a contract with her…

And now, a year and a half has passed in the blink of an eye.

I’ve struggled. I’ve learned. So much has happened.

And through all of that, I think I’ve gradually changed—from a reincarnator into “Horino Ayumu,” just another person living in this world.

It’s not that I’ve forgotten my past life.

It’s just that the awareness of it is fading.

I’ve grown used to the name Horino Ayumu. If someone called me by my old name now, I’d probably react a beat too late.

And a world without Uma Musume… I can hardly imagine it anymore.

Even if I were somehow given the chance to return to my previous life… I’d probably refuse.

That’s how much I’ve become part of this world—and how much I’ve come to like it.

…Besides, I wasn’t exactly a great person in my past life.

But for the past twenty years in this world, I’ve put in real effort.

In a world where being an Uma Musume trainer is a profession, even someone like me should be able to help others—at least a little.

Of course, there are plenty of trainers at Tracen Academy who are far better than I am…

But Hoshino Wilm relies on me. So I’ll do what I can, in my own way.

I never would’ve thought like this in my past life.

Maybe I’ve started to accept myself, just a little… maybe.

In that sense, I suppose I really have been changing, bit by bit.

“…Well, I’m still useless in plenty of ways—same as before.”

I muttered that to myself with a wry smile.

My lack of efficiency hasn’t changed since my past life.

If reincarnation was on the table, you’d think they could’ve fixed that part too.

…Though I guess being bad at things is exactly why I never stopped putting in effort.

I’m keenly aware of how I fall short compared to others.

That’s why, to stand alongside them—or surpass them—I never neglect hard work.

It may sound self-serving, but I think that stoic streak is one of my better qualities.

Still, even effort requires the right environment.

In this world, I’ve been helped by so many people.

First and foremost, the Horino family—Dad, Mom, my older brother, my younger sister. Dad’s secretary supported me in countless ways, and the housekeeper even secretly took me to the library more than once.

After coming to Tracen, there were Chairman Akikawa, Tazuna-san, my kind-hearted fellow trainers, Hoshino Wilm, Nice Nature, and Tokai Teio.

…Back then, the people at Tracen Academy—and the Uma Musume—were just game characters to me. Before I realized it, they’d become my superiors, my friends, my students.

Uma Musume, too—I’ve come to see them not as something strange, but as neighbors… good neighbors.

Supported by all these lives in this world—

“I” became “Horino Ayumu,” and I think I’ll keep becoming him.

“…All right, then.”

Looking back on my life like this before an important event—it almost feels like I’m raising a death flag.

Even though I’m not the one who’s going to die.

…Me, “not” dying?

No, no. No one’s going to die.

What’s wrong with me today?

Something feels… off.

“Ugh, come on. Focus.”

Today is the decisive day for the girl who’s been second only to the Horino family in how much she’s relied on me.

I’ve done everything I possibly can.

I gave her razor-edge training that pushed safety right to the limit—just as she wanted. I focused on workouts that minimized strain, like hill courses and swimming, and put her through every bit of conditioning I could.

I carefully selected her shoes and horseshoes to reduce stress on her legs, and did everything possible—taping, hot-spring therapy, all of it.

…There’s only one thing left I can do.

Believe in her.

---

“So… it’s finally the day of the Takarazuka Kinen. How are you feeling, Hoshino Wilm?”

“I’m in perfect condition. I think I can run even better than usual today.”

At Hanshin Racecourse, in the waiting room.

The two of us—Hoshino Wilm and I—go over today’s strategy while waiting for our call to the paddock.

As usual, on the “App Reincarnation,” her condition reads as excellent.

But after watching her for the past year and a half, I know better.

She’s awakened right now.

Thinking about it, that “excellent” rating on the app is probably just a broad label for anything above a certain threshold.

But for those living in the real world, even within that “excellent” range, there are good days and bad days.

An awakened state is the cream of the crop.

It’s a condition even better than excellent—one where she can pour everything she has into the race.

Today will be a critical turning point for her.

The fact that she can face it in peak condition can only be called a blessing.

Over the past week, we’ve finished her conditioning as if to make up for her hospitalization period…

And now, her efforts have borne fruit.

Hoshino Wilm is a genius to begin with—and she’s piled effort on top of that.

So surely… no, absolutely, she will win.

“As I’ve told you many times, this race includes the twin pillars of Mejiro, as well as that trickster.

The level of competition will be on a completely different tier from before, and unforeseen situations are unavoidable.

Just like in the Derby, if push comes to shove, deal with it through your own ad-lib judgment.

…But of course, an early forward-leaning sprint is forbidden. You understand, right?”

“Yes. Thank you for being considerate of my legs.”

“That’s my job, after all.

As long as you meet the conditions I mentioned earlier, this is by no means an unwinnable race.

So go out there and run without regrets.”

She wears her usual expressionless face, but I can feel a deep, fulfilled motivation toward the race radiating from her.

…And that’s exactly why I’m worried.

This race will be even harsher than the Japan Derby.

Hoshino Wilm has only just begun to truly feel passion for racing…

She might not be able to hold back—and end up giving it everything.

And if that happens, her legs—

I raise my face, and the moment my eyes meet hers, the “App Reincarnation” converts her specs into text.

…Among them, one condition—something I’d gradually been paying less attention to—catches my eye.

“Life-or-death.”

If my analysis is correct, its effects include making stats rise more easily, and temporarily placing her in excellent condition when she enters a race.

…But that can’t be all.

Life-or-death. Betting one’s life.

What exactly is the downside of such an overwhelmingly powerful condition?

Is this unpleasant premonition I’m feeling right now… just my imagination?

…No. A premonition without logic is nothing more than a hunch.

And it’s not something I should say to an Uma Musume right before a race.

I need to cut this line of thought off.

“As you say, I’ll believe in your victory—and your safe return—and wait.

Do your best, Hoshino Wilm.”

As I say that, I place my hand on her head.

I was about to stroke her as usual, but—

“Yes, Trainer.”

Hoshino Wilm gently envelops my hand with both of hers.

Slowly, she guides it downward along her face…

Until it reaches her cheek.

Caught off guard by the sudden action, I find myself at a loss for words, and she—

“Please watch closely. And be captivated.

I will win—as your Uma Musume—both the Takarazuka Kinen and the contest between you and me.”

She rubs her face against my hand as if savoring the sensation, casting a sidelong glance my way…

And smiles, bewitchingly.

Seeing an expression I’ve never seen from her before, I’m momentarily taken aback…

And then feel my cheeks relax into a smile.

So confident, huh.

I guess there really was nothing for me to worry about.

She’s Hoshino Wilm.

The word “defeat” simply doesn’t suit her.

“…Right, that’s right—we had a bet.

Very well. Show me, Hoshino Wilm.

Your running—and your victory.”

---

『And once again, this day has come—the first-half championship decider, the G1 Takarazuka Kinen.

Can the Uma Musume chosen by fan vote live up to the dreams and expectations they carry on their backs?

Under a brilliantly clear sky, the inner course at Hanshin Racecourse—turf, 2,200 meters. The track condition is officially announced as firm.』

『The spotlight naturally falls on the clash between the three senior first-year powerhouses: Mejiro McQueen, Mejiro Ryan, and Innocent Grimoire.

Joining them is the golden fragment of the senior third years, the trickster Seiun Sky!

And of course, the undisputed classic-class champion—the Ash-Gray Serpent, Hoshino Wilm!

Even for one of the Two Grand Prix, it’s rare to see such a stacked lineup.

Surely, this will be a memorable race etched into everyone’s hearts!』

---

As I gaze at the Uma Musume on the turf from the stands, my thoughts turn to the race about to begin.

Hanshin Racecourse, inner course—turf, 2,200 meters.

This course has two defining characteristics.

The first is the third and fourth corners.

Most racecourses used in the Twinkle Series are shaped like rectangles with semicircles at both ends, but this one is different.

It’s often called an “onigiri shape,” though it might be easier to imagine something like a bicycle chain.

Here, the first and second corners measure about 350 meters, while the third and fourth corners stretch to over 550 meters.

As a result, for stalking and closing Uma Musume coming from behind, cornering technique becomes crucial when closing the gap after the third corner.

Of course, frontrunners and pace-setters also benefit greatly from good technique when maintaining their lead.

Hoshino Wilm has “Corner Adept ○,” so this aspect should work in her favor.

The second feature is the sharply changing slopes.

The Takarazuka Kinen course includes a gentle downhill followed immediately by a somewhat steep uphill, which runners pass through twice.

It begins with a downhill stretch, then suddenly switches to an uphill around the 300-meter mark. The climb lasts about 120 meters, followed by a flat section.

The next slope begins around the third corner, with roughly 800 meters remaining. From there, a gentle downhill continues for a full 600 meters into the final straight, before switching back to an uphill at around the 200-meter mark.

After cresting that climb, there’s about 80 meters of flat straight to the finish.

Generally, frontrunners and pace-setters spend stamina early, making them more prone to fading late. Hitting an uphill in that state will naturally slow them down.

…That said, compared to the famous Yodo slope, the elevation difference here is only about half, and at 2,200 meters, the course isn’t especially long.

For Uma Musume with near-bottomless stamina like Hoshino Wilm or Mejiro McQueen, it’s fair to say this isn’t much of an issue.

---

All things considered, this race places Hoshino Wilm in a fairly even position—neither particularly advantaged nor disadvantaged.

…After all, Hanshin Racecourse tends to produce fewer course-based advantages and disadvantages than others.

The outcome will be decided by the Uma Musume’s raw ability itself.

And if we ask who forms the very core of this race…

The answer naturally narrows down to four.

---

『Calm as ever today—your third favorite, still undefeated and a two-crown Uma Musume: Gate 7, number 13, Hoshino Wilm!』

『She looks in magnificent condition, showing no sign of fading even among senior-class competitors.

Having already carved out numerous legends, will she rewrite the impossible yet again by conquering the Takarazuka Kinen as a classic-class runner?』

“Let’s look forward to the efforts of the Ash-Gray Serpent!”

Up until now, aside from her very earliest races, Hoshino Wilm has consistently dominated as the top favorite.

That was how deeply her running had captivated people—and how firmly it had made them believe in her victory.

…Even so, there were probably many people who, today of all days, simply couldn’t bring themselves to believe.

After all, there was that half-established jinx that said, “Classic-class Uma Musume can’t win the Takarazuka Kinen”…

And more than anything else, she had spent a full week hospitalized with a muscle tear right after the Japan Derby.

Compared to senior-class Uma Musume, she already had a full year less to build her body.

On top of that, she was still carrying fatigue from the Derby, and one of the final two weeks before the race had been spent recuperating.

Under those circumstances, could anyone truly believe in her from the bottom of their heart…? That would be asking a lot.

But still—she would win.

She would take first place and come back without incident.

---

“Is that evaluation a bit unsatisfying? The second favorite is the Kikuka Sho winner, Gate 5, Number 10—Mejiro McQueen!”

“She narrowly missed out on the Spring Tenno Sho, but there’s no denying her true ability. Can she claim the Grand Prix with her trademark move from a strong forward position?”

Mejiro McQueen.

One of the strongest Uma Musume alive, often referred to as a master of the turf.

A stayer boasting near-bottomless stamina, to the point that people said, “If McQueen just runs at her own pace, the other Uma Musume will fade on their own.”

Due to delayed maturation and a bout of periostitis, she had been unable to enter the Satsuki Sho or the Japan Derby. However, at the Kikuka Sho, she defeated Innocent Grimoire and Mejiro Ryan, hammering her strength into her generation’s collective consciousness.

After that, she claimed first place without incident in the Hanshin Daishoten, earning recognition as the best stayer of her generation.

Looking purely at the numbers, her stamina surpassed Hoshino Wilm’s.

Her grit was also quite high, so at this point, it was fair to say she was better suited to long-distance races overall than Hoshino Wilm.

…Though really, what was strange was that Hoshino Wilm—despite being classic-class—had stamina on par with senior-class Uma Musume in the first place.

Either way, the Takarazuka Kinen was 2,200 meters. Not exactly a long distance.

It was an awkward middle ground, one that didn’t fully let any of them leverage their strongest traits—but… we’d see how it played out.

As I watched, Mejiro McQueen stepped onto the turf and called out to Hoshino Wilm, who had been stretching nearby.

I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but judging by their expressions, it didn’t seem hostile.

McQueen was a proud Uma Musume.

She had probably acknowledged Hoshino Wilm’s strength and said something along the lines of, “Let’s have a good race.”

Hoshino Wilm took the hand McQueen offered without hesitation, and the two exchanged a firm handshake.

Just as Hoshino Wilm was a formidable opponent for McQueen, McQueen was a formidable opponent for Hoshino Wilm.

…And at this point in time, she was a far greater threat than Tokai Teio.

Even though Hoshino Wilm unconsciously carried the arrogance of the strong, she didn’t let her guard down against someone of higher standing.

The strongest of the classic class and the best of the first-year seniors acknowledged one another.

That sight alone was enough to send the crowd into a frenzy, even before the race had begun.

…But there was someone no one had forgotten.

No—someone no one could forget.

The Satsuki Sho three years ago. Then the Kikuka Sho.

And this year’s Spring Tenno Sho.

The Uma Musume who had displayed miracle-like tricks in all of them and emerged victorious.

No one could forget that blue sky.

---

“And the top favorite, as expected, is this girl—the revived two-crown Uma Musume, Gate 6, Number 12, Seiun Sky!”

“The seasoned veteran who once battled the Golden Generation has descended upon us once more! Can this miraculous golden fragment, now fully revived, show us her trick again here?”

Calling out to both Hoshino Wilm and McQueen was a gray-coated Uma Musume.

…Seiun Sky.

Unlike the other two, who looked fired up and ready, she wore a loose, carefree grin.

She hardly looked like someone about to compete in an official race—and yet, McQueen tensed visibly, while Hoshino Wilm’s aura grew even colder.

I had already told Hoshino Wilm about her.

Mejiro McQueen must have felt it firsthand in the Spring Tenno Sho.

Seiun Sky’s smile was an extremely sturdy mask—one that might rival even Hoshino Wilm’s.

She never let others see how formidable she truly was. She always looked lazy, grinning as if unmotivated.

But that was a deliberate fake, meant to lure her opponents into lowering their guard—to make them underestimate her.

Her true nature was similar to Nice Nature’s, but taken to an even higher level. A master schemer.

Not just the situation during the race, but pre-race evaluations, her own reputation, interview articles, even trivial rumors—she controlled all of it, steering everything toward a state where she could win.

That was her trick.

For runners like Hoshino Wilm and Mejiro McQueen, who relied heavily on their own specs, she was practically a natural enemy.

Her smile. Her words. What she said. Her attitude and energy. Her running style. The pressure she gave off.

Which of those were genuine, and which were tricks—you couldn’t even tell.

…And making you think about that in the first place might have been her greatest trick of all.

You could never be too wary of her. But if you were too wary, you’d fall straight into her trap.

That was the kind of terrifying Uma Musume Seiun Sky was.

Hoshino Wilm, Mejiro McQueen, and Seiun Sky.

Looking at their respective stats…

Speed was almost even across the board. If anything, Hoshino Wilm was just slightly behind.

Stamina was highest for McQueen, followed by Hoshino Wilm, then Sky.

Power went to Sky, then McQueen, then Hoshino Wilm.

Grit—by a narrow margin—was highest for Hoshino Wilm, followed by McQueen. Sky wasn’t particularly strong in this area.

As for intelligence, unsurprisingly, Seiun Sky was far and away the best, with Hoshino Wilm at the lowest.

I had trained her with the goal of maximizing her chances of winning the Takarazuka Kinen, but…

Even so, taken as a whole, she did end up looking slightly inferior.

To win a race, speed and stamina came first. Without those two, victory was impossible no matter what happened.

Next was power. Without it, reaching top speed took too long, making it practically essential.

Then grit. With enough of it, you could compensate for a lack of stamina, gain an edge in positioning battles, and unleash a sprint when it truly mattered.

Finally, intelligence. Ad-lib decisions in critical moments, preventing bad starts or overexcitement, timing skill activations—rather than directly securing victory, this helped stabilize overall performance.

Based on those priorities, I had compromised somewhat on intelligence and reinforced the other stats instead.

With that, she should be able to put in a strong performance in this Takarazuka Kinen.

“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this a gathering of the very best across three generations… what an incredible lineup. We may not see a Takarazuka Kinen this stacked again for the next ten years.”

“Will Seiun Sky remind us of the terror of the Golden Generation? Will Mejiro McQueen prove herself the best? Or will Hoshino Wilm usher in a new era? In this race, blinking is strictly forbidden.”

…And there were more than just those two to be wary of.

Standing a little apart from them, glaring intently at the turf beyond the gates, was Mejiro Ryan.

Her stats were lower than Hoshino Wilm’s.

But… today, she was awakened.

Uma Musume in that state could perform beyond their specs.

There was no harm in being cautious.

On the other hand, Innocent Grimoire—often mentioned alongside McQueen and Ryan—was unfortunately not in good condition today.

She was undeniably strong, but a fight for the minor placings seemed the most realistic outcome.

Therefore, the core of this year’s Takarazuka Kinen would be Seiun Sky, Mejiro McQueen, Mejiro Ryan, and Hoshino Wilm.

This was a race where those four would contend for supremacy.

If the race unfolded as it usually did, the ones who would break away first would be Hoshino Wilm and Seiun Sky. Those two would set the pace.

McQueen, meanwhile, would settle into a strong forward position, then begin advancing after the third corner to challenge for the lead.

As for Ryan… she was harder to read, but the most reasonable approach would be a mid-pack run followed by a late charge. That said, if she consciously marked McQueen, she might move up early and block her path to slow her down.

…For Hoshino Wilm, this was a difficult race.

Mejiro McQueen had even more stamina than Hoshino Wilm. Letting her run freely would be dangerous.

If the goal was to neutralize her, then Hoshino Wilm—as the pace-setting frontrunner—would have to deliberately slow the tempo, cap the pack from the front, and then try to hold on with a late kick.

But that would play straight into Seiun Sky’s hands.

She would calmly take the lead and open her Domain.

Sky’s Domain—if my assumption was correct—likely activated when she was running in front during the late-race corners.

Its effect was very simple: increased acceleration.

But activating it during the final phase, when everyone began their sprint, allowed her to skip what should have been a gradual acceleration and instantly shift from a middle pace to a high pace.

While we accelerated little by little, she would hit top speed in an instant.

What that meant was obvious… the gap would inevitably open.

On top of that, Sky’s speed—her top speed—was on par with McQueen and Hoshino Wilm.

As long as she maintained that maximum velocity, the distance between them would barely close.

It had already been a terror in the app, and there was no reason to think it would be any less threatening as a Domain in this world.

If anything, becoming a Domain may have made it even more vicious.

If my projections are correct, the moment Sky activates her Domain, the balance of the race will tilt sharply.

Which means that for Hoshino Wilm, the absolute top priority is to prevent Sky from taking the lead from the final corner onward—and to escape out in front.

…But if she raises the pace carelessly to do that, stamina immediately becomes an issue, and Mejiro McQueen will come charging from behind to mow her down.

For Hoshino Wilm to win, she needs exquisite pace control—one that denies Seiun Sky the lead while also preventing Mejiro McQueen from overtaking her.

On top of that, there’s no telling what Sky might attempt. She needs enough mental leeway to respond on the fly.

I did pass along a few contingency plans for cases where Sky takes the front or starts closing in, but…

How effective will those tactics really be against that trickster?

"Mind games, huh…"

I just lost at the Derby, so I can’t say I’m brimming with confidence…

But if it’s a battle of wits with Seiun Sky, I won’t complain.

Now then… what are you going to do, trickster?

---

"All Uma Musume are in. Preparations are complete."

From a distance, I can see Sky talking to Hoshino Wilm inside the gate.

…But Hoshino Wilm, already in her “Cold” state, doesn’t seem bothered at all and keeps her focus fixed on the gate.

Good. She isn’t worked up or startled, and for now, there’s no sign her condition has been thrown off.

The prerequisites for victory are in place.

Now, as long as she follows those three conditions during the race…

Hoshino Wilm can win.

"And they’re off!"

The gates fly open, and the Uma Musume burst forward all at once.

…As expected of the Takarazuka Kinen—a clean start. No one is left behind.

With “Concentration” and “Early Lead” activating perfectly, Hoshino Wilm takes the front.

Following her are the classic-class Uma Musume Power Charger and one of the senior first-year Big Three, Innocent Grimoire, separated slightly by the start.

McQueen also gets off well, but perhaps aiming for a strong forward position this time, she drops back toward the middle of the pack. Mejiro Ryan, on the other hand, moves up—settling just behind McQueen.

And Seiun Sky is… an uncharacteristically average start?

…This is giving me a headache. Is it going to be unpredictable right from the outset?

McQueen, who usually runs prominently, dropping this far back—and Ryan, known for late charges, taking such an aggressive forward position.

Those weren’t my top predictions, but they’re still within expectations.

The real problem is Seiun Sky’s mediocre start.

I can’t believe she’d botch it.

After all, she has high intelligence and “Concentration.”

…Sure, no matter how smart someone is, a skill can fail and cause a slow start.

But… would Seiun Sky really make that kind of mistake?

Or am I just being overly wary of her?

"All eighteen get off to a clean start. The position battle in front of the stands goes as expected—Hoshino Wilm takes the lead, followed by Power Charger, with Innocent Grimoire running third."

"The runaway frontrunner Hoshino Wilm isn’t opening up a big gap today. Is she carefully feeling things out in her first race against senior-class competition?"

Normally, Hoshino Wilm would open up a large gap early, but today she’s holding it to about two lengths, running at a middle pace.

For this Takarazuka Kinen, there are three conditions for victory.

First, deliberately keep the pace down and prevent Mejiro McQueen from saving her legs.

Second, do not yield the lead to Seiun Sky from the third corner onward.

Third, avoid an early-leaning sprint and escape from Mejiro Ryan with a late kick.

That’s why she’s abandoned the runaway strategy, instead setting the pace while exerting pressure on the pack from the front.

There was little time and barely any chance to practice, yet she’s executing it perfectly on the first attempt.

As expected of her sharp mind—credit where it’s due.

…However.

That control isn’t flawless.

From behind, Power Charger begins to move up.

A classic-class Uma Musume from Hoshino Wilm’s generation.

She’d been running as a frontrunner until now, but it seems she’s committing fully to an escape strategy today.

…No—this pace is fast even for that. She’s practically about to overtake Hoshino Wilm.

You can tell just by watching.

Today’s Takarazuka Kinen is on a completely different level compared to previous classic-class races.

Senior-class powerhouses are here. The twin pillars of Mejiro are here. And Seiun Sky is here too.

The pace is faster than ever. The opponents are stronger than ever. The pack is tighter than ever.

Accurately managing pace under these conditions is extraordinarily difficult.

And above all, the battle-hardened veterans are radiating pressure.

Slow down even a little, and we’ll pass you in an instant.

That’s why classic-class Uma Musume end up getting carried away like this.

"Power Charger moves up front! A fierce battle for position with Hoshino Wilm. Innocent Grimoire continues in third!"

"She may be getting overexcited—hopefully she can take a breather."

But… Hoshino Wilm doesn’t let her pace slip.

In her “Cold” state, she doesn’t misjudge.

Having completely overcome her weaknesses, she’s no longer swayed by others.

If she fails to maintain this pace, Mejiro McQueen will use her stamina to seize control of the race.

That’s why she absolutely cannot get carried away.

"The leaders enter the second corner! Battling for the front are the classic-class Hoshino Wilm and Power Charger! One length back, Seiun Sky lurks patiently, waiting for her chance!"

"Another two lengths back is Innocent Grimoire, and after another gap, the fifth-place group—Mejiro Ryan is surging forward in one go! Mejiro McQueen is currently in eighth!"

This pace is within acceptable limits for Hoshino Wilm.

She should be able to save plenty of strength for the final stretch.

…Of course, that applies to the other Uma Musume as well.

If things continue like this, it will come down to a late kick battle.

And if it does, then it becomes a favorable situation for Hoshino Wilm—she’ll have stamina to spare, a lead in hand, and no disadvantage in top speed.

"Just like this… go, Hoshino Wilm."

"Midway down the backstretch, Hoshino Wilm remains in front. Power Charger seems to have regained her composure and has dropped back slightly. Seiun Sky is still about a length behind, conserving her strength."

"Another length back, Innocent Grimoire is gradually closing the gap!"

"From the inside, Mejiro Ryan is making an early move—she’s just passed Innocent Grimoire and moved into fourth! Mejiro McQueen remains in eighth—how will she make her move from here?"

…Here she comes.

Seiun Sky has begun to move forward.

Slowly, subtly, without drawing attention, she’s starting to close the distance to the frontrunners.

So she’s aiming for the final corners after all. That much was expected.

But I know you better than anyone else.

And because of that, I also know better than anyone how to make you lose.

All Hoshino Wilm has to do is maintain a constant one-length gap from Seiun Sky.

If she does that, Sky can never pass her.

So, sorry—but your victory is—

……?

That’s strange. What’s going on, Hoshino Wilm?

Why… aren’t you maintaining the gap?

"Seiun Sky is steadily stretching forward! The one-length gap is gradually shrinking!"

"Mejiro Ryan is also charging straight for the lead! From the third corner onward, this is where the race is decided!"

What happened? What did she do?

Hoshino Wilm isn’t increasing her speed. She isn’t.

Does she not notice?

Has she failed to notice Seiun Sky’s presence?

No—that can’t be.

There’s no way Hoshino Wilm would lose track of a runner behind her.

Her ears are special. She has an innate sense that can hear and distinguish footsteps within ten lengths.

In all her races so far, even when rain shortened that range, she’s never once failed to pick up another runner’s steps.

And yet… why?

No—wait. Hearing.

Could it be…?

…No way. Don’t tell me—

Seiun Sky’s legs. And at the same time, Hoshino Wilm’s.

This is…

Yes. Yes, that’s it.

Where did she learn this? And even if she did—would she really go that far?

Was that deliberately mediocre start at the beginning… for this?

Seiun Sky, the trickster of a generation.

Is this truly her full power?

…Hoshino Wilm measures the distance to runners behind her through sound.

She distinguishes the differences in each Uma Musume’s footsteps, grasping their pace and stride in detail to understand the situation.

It’s one of her greatest advantages—one that has supported her racing time and time again.

And when Hoshino Wilm is in her “Cold” state, she can ignore the pressure exerted by others.

That’s partly because she doesn’t need to look back—she can track positions purely through sound.

…But put another way—

She relies on her hearing to sense other runners.

Which means that if some ghostlike Uma Musume with no discernible footsteps were to close in, she wouldn’t notice them.

Of course, that should be impossible.

No matter what, kicking the ground makes noise.

At speeds nearing sixty kilometers per hour, it should be thunderous.

That’s why missing another runner’s footsteps should never happen.

…It shouldn’t—but—

Her perception looks flawless at a glance.

Yet it has exactly one weakness.

An unavoidable, fleeting blind spot inherent to hearing-based detection.

The instant she herself kicks off the ground.

In that split second, when the loudest sound erupts right beneath her, sounds from behind are drowned out.

Normally, this causes no issues.

Footsteps only ring out for an instant, and every Uma Musume has different stride lengths and leg turnover rates.

Even if one step happens to line up, the rhythm should diverge immediately after.

Miss it once, and you catch it on the next step. No problem.

…But what if—

What if someone matched her footfall rhythm exactly?

Kicked off at the exact same moment she did, again and again?

If that happens—

Hoshino Wilm can’t notice that runner.

That’s why she can’t sense Seiun Sky right now.

Seiun Sky is tracing Hoshino Wilm’s running form with extreme precision.

Using an unfamiliar stride and pace—this must be draining Sky’s stamina.

Her mind must be under tremendous strain just maintaining that rhythm.

…and running unnaturally like this must be putting stress on her legs as well.

And yet she does it.

Just to pass Hoshino Wilm.

Just to secure the lead without fail.

How much research did she do?

An Uma Musume’s leg turnover changes over time. Even shifts in running form aren’t uncommon.

So Sky must have studied Hoshino Wilm’s most recent races.

The Japan Derby… or maybe the mock race with Nature?

How many times would you have to watch that footage to reproduce her running?

And how much practice did it take?

Matching someone else’s running style is unthinkable for an athlete.

It means abandoning your own refined weapon to take on an inferior copy of someone else’s.

And the one she copied was a junior three years her junior.

Even that imitation isn’t easy.

Maintaining another runner’s cadence while sprinting—

How much training does it take to pull that off?

I thought I understood that she’d do anything to win.

I knew Seiun Sky was that kind of Uma Musume.

…But still, Uma Musume always exceed expectations.

You’re incredible, Seiun Sky.

You really are a magnificent Uma Musume.

This one’s on me.

I lost.

"Seiun Sky—Seiun Sky draws level with Hoshino Wilm! She’s alongside her—she’s past her!

And here comes the explosive acceleration! Manipulating positions at will—this is the very essence of the trickster!!"

"Seiun Sky pulls away in one burst! Showing the pride of a seasoned veteran! Two lengths, three lengths—Hoshino Wilm gives chase, but the gap opens in the blink of an eye!!"

The instant she slips past Hoshino Wilm, Seiun Sky’s body dips for a split second—then she explodes forward.

She reaches top speed almost instantly, rapidly widening the gap on the field behind her.

I never thought I’d see it with my own eyes—Seiun Sky’s unique skill… no, her Domain.

I can’t peer into the vast ocean she sees—not as a human—but there’s no doubt.

She’s ensnared her opponent in a scheme, then calmly run away on her own terms.

A terrifying trick has landed perfectly.

Hoshino Wilm tries to answer with acceleration, but… her acceleration just isn’t enough, and the distance only keeps growing.

…No—worse than that.

The twin pillars of Mejiro, already in their sprint, are closing in on her.

And then—the fourth corner.

She’s overtaken by the two senior runners boasting overwhelming speed.

"Now into the fourth corner, the field fans out!

Seiun Sky running away on her own! Hoshino Wilm in pursuit—but Mejiro Ryan charges from behind and blows past her in one go!"

"Next, Mejiro McQueen swings wide into fifth, overtakes Innocent Grimoire, and surges forward!

Mejiro, Mejiro—the Mejiro charge won’t stop!

And now Mejiro McQueen passes Hoshino Wilm!!"

"Hoshino Wilm…"

For a frontrunner, the basic tactic is to build a lead early and maintain it all the way to the finish.

Once that lead is erased—once she’s been passed—there’s no coming back.

Because I failed to fully read Seiun Sky’s plan, Hoshino Wilm is going to lose… helplessly.

…Or so it should have been.

That’s how it goes for ordinary Uma Musume.

I did lose.

…But the one who lost was only me.

Hoshino Wilm hasn’t lost yet.

"Hang in there, Hoshino Wilm—!!"

Someone in the crowd shouts.

…No, not just someone.

Everyone is shouting.

"Go!!" "Pass them, take it back!!" "You can do it, absolutely!!" "Break the rules!!" "Snake, please!!" "Run and pass!!" "Become the first classic-class Grand Prix winner!!" "Don’t give up!!" "Show us the run that inherits the monster!!" "Win it, Hoshino Wilm—!!"

So many people—no, everyone watching this race—knew it.

Hoshino Wilm isn’t just a simple frontrunner.

Her strategy, belonging to the girl known as the successor to the otherworldly, isn’t mere escape.

She runs away—and then she passes.

Even if her lead is erased, even if she’s overtaken, even if she falls three lengths behind, she still claws her way back.

She’s that kind of dreamlike Uma Musume.

I know that.

…No—I know it better than anyone.

She’s a genius. As far as I know, there’s no Uma Musume more gifted than her.

So even if I misread the race…

"The one who wins… is Hoshino Wilm."

Her real fight starts here.

One length to Mejiro McQueen. Two lengths to Mejiro Ryan. And five lengths to Seiun Sky.

The gap has opened wide—frankly, it’s a brutal margin for a frontrunner.

But if it’s her…

If it’s… her…

Wait.

Hoshino Wilm?

…Why is her acceleration so muted?

The Hoshino Wilm I know should be pushing farther ahead.

Why is she drifting slightly?

At this pace, she should still have stamina left.

Why does she look so… pained as she runs?

No way.

No one notices.

It’s only a faint sense of wrongness—something only I, who’ve watched her all this time, could pick up on.

But unmistakably, right now—

She’s experiencing some kind of trouble.

And the biggest problem is—

She still hasn’t given up on the race.

There’s a blazing heat burning in her eyes.

I’ve seen that Hoshino Wilm before.

At the end of the Japan Derby, when Teio passed her.

Even then, she never gave up—she burned hotter still…

And used a forward-leaning sprint.

No—don’t use it, Hoshino Wilm.

That running style… it’s no good.

If you use it now, you’ll really—

The final straight is drawing near.

The fourth corner is about to end.

You’re kidding me.

There’s no way… that’s happening.

A flashback surges through me.

The nightmare I’ve seen over and over these past two weeks skims across my mind.

…Please. Stop.

Stop it. Please.

God, please help her.

She’s a good girl—a good girl who went unrewarded for so long.

She’s a girl who deserves to be recognized, praised, to enjoy countless things, and to become happier than anyone else.

I beg you.

Please stop.

Don’t steal her future away.

Slowly, her posture begins to sink.

Little by little—little by little—those legs of hers… she herself… are drawing closer to the end.

Please.

God, Buddha—anyone is fine—please, save her.

…And then, for just a moment, I feel like our eyes meet.

At last, I remember.

Who I am.

At last, I understand.

What it was I wanted to do.

No.

That’s wrong.

"Anyone is fine" is bullshit!

"Please help her" isn’t right either!!

I’m the one who has to do it.

I’m the one who has to reach out to her—who has to push her forward!

I’m a trainer of the Horino family.

Her trainer.

…No—more than that—I am!

A reincarnator who came to this world and became a trainer with an “App Reincarnation cheat”…

Horino Ayumu—the one cheering for Hoshino Wilm!

What I need to do right now isn’t to lament. It isn’t to pray.

…I should have carved this into my heart long ago, over and over again.

The one thing I must do right now.

The one thing I want to do right now.

Isn’t it to believe in her?!

Grabbing the railing of the stands, I scream with everything I have.

"Don’t lose, Hoshino Wilm—!!!"

Please—let this voice reach her.

Let my small cheer become even a little bit of strength for her.