Chapter 58: Wilm-san was grinning like an idiot—LOL.

Well, it was finally happening… or rather, something like that.

By mid-November, reports began circulating that Special Week and Silence Suzuka—both of them—would be competing in the Arima Kinen. What had initially been nothing more than rumors spread rapidly once the URA acknowledged them as coming from a reliable source. Before long, all of Japan knew.

Apparently, their participation itself had been decided months earlier. The reason it hadn’t been made public was simply to protect the integrity of the ongoing Twinkle Series—especially the Classic races.

Naturally, compared to girls still running in the Classic category, Spe and Suzuka were vastly more popular. To fans watching the races, Classic-class Uma Musume were little more than “newcomers who just showed up.” When set against familiar Senior-class racers who had been running at the forefront for years, it was only natural that fans felt less emotionally invested.

And among those Senior-class racers, it was no exaggeration to say that Special Week and Silence Suzuka stood head and shoulders above the rest in popularity. One was the team captain—the pride of Japan—who had fought for the nation’s honor as its number-one Uma Musume. The other transcended even that: a living protagonist from a story, someone who had given dreams to fans everywhere.

Precisely because everyone believed they would never again see the two of them run in the Twinkle Series—and because, deep down, everyone wished for “just one more time”—the news spread across Japan in an instant.

If information like “Those two will run in this year’s Arima Kinen as their final race” leaked out, it was inevitable that the impact would be overwhelming. There was a very real risk that the Classic races being held at the time—Hoshino Will’s… no, Will’s races—would be completely drowned out.

From the URA’s perspective as the organizer of central races, that kind of disruption was unacceptable. As a result, they reportedly imposed a strict gag order on both Spe and Suzuka, as well as their trainers.

…Though, realistically, it wasn’t the sort of thing that could be hidden forever. People didn’t entirely buy the claim that “she couldn’t possibly be in Japan,” sightings of a disguised Silence Suzuka cropped up here and there, and Sky had already received leaked information anyway.

Those half-baked rumors—too thinly sourced to be truly credible—were exactly how the so-called “Arima Kinen rumors” came into being.

On top of that, after hearing the news, Happy Meek—who had originally planned to skip the Arima Kinen this year in order to focus on short-distance and mile races—also announced her participation.

As a result, the runners scheduled for this year’s Arima Kinen were as follows: Silence Suzuka in her fourth Senior year; Special Week, Seiun Sky, and Happy Meek in their third Senior year; Mejiro McQueen, Mejiro Ryan, and Daitaku Helios in their first Senior year; and the Classic-class racers Hoshino Will, Tokai Teio, Nice Nature, and Twin Turbo. Eleven in total.

…Is this hell?

There was still plenty of time before the race itself, yet my head already hurt. This year’s Arima Kinen was going to be chaos. No—more than chaos, it would be a race unlike anything ever seen.

Of course, as Will’s trainer, all I could do was believe in her victory. But the rest of the world didn’t see it that way.

With a month and a half to go, you could already feel the hunger for any scrap of information about this unbelievable, miracle-like—no, frankly, outright miraculous—race.

As a result, Will and I ended up giving a joint interview with the Mejiro McQueen camp regarding our next race, the Japan Cup, as well as the year-end Arima Kinen.

At a certain studio.

Will and I, along with McQueen and her trainer, stood surrounded by reporters.

"Then, we’ll begin the interview. As always, please feel free to answer at ease," the interviewer said.

"Thank you," I replied.

"Thank you very much," McQueen added gracefully.

At that cue, both Hoshino Will and Mejiro McQueen dipped their heads slightly. The press, poised not to miss a single movement, burst into action, cameras flashing in rapid succession—click, click, click.

Mejiro McQueen went without saying, but Hoshino Will was now a full-fledged star Uma Musume as well. An interview like this couldn’t be exclusive; in fact, an almost absurd number of media outlets had gathered.

Since Uma Musume are both athletes and idols, interviews like these always come paired with photo shoots.

This time, in addition to the lead interviewer—likely the one who had organized the entire project—numerous outlets, including Monthly Twinkle, held microphones and cameras. Everyone’s eyes gleamed with determination, eager to extract even a shred of useful information about the Japan Cup just two weeks away and the looming storm that would be the year-end Arima Kinen.

Naturally, with us trainers standing right beside them, we had no intention of letting anything reckless slip out.

Before I realized it, the preliminary coordination wrapped up, and the interview finally began.

"With the autumn G1 season now underway, we’ve already seen the Shuka Sho, Kikuka Sho, Tenno Sho (Autumn), and the Queen Elizabeth II Cup conclude. Among those, Hoshino Will claimed victory in the Kikuka Sho, and Mejiro McQueen won the Tenno Sho (Autumn). Could you share your thoughts on those wins?"

Here we go, I thought, as my usual anxiety welled up. Will wouldn’t drop a bombshell comment this time… right? Even if she did, could she at least express her honest feelings without going too far?

She handled most things competently, but interviews were another matter. She was… clumsy, or rather, prone to tripping herself up.

I’d gone over the planned talking points with her just yesterday, but there was something about her—an unconscious arrogance born from being strong—that sometimes led her to say things that were difficult to defend.

Lately, though, her interviews had softened. She’d started praising other racers and speaking more about her own satisfaction with each race. Still, I couldn’t fully relax. I was always half-expecting an unexploded bomb inside her to suddenly go off.

Beside me, as I fretted, Hoshino Will briefly glanced at McQueen, confirmed she had the floor, and then opened her mouth.

"The Kikuka Sho was an incredibly enjoyable race. I was supported by so many fans, and I was able to battle fiercely with Nature, my rival. In the end, I achieved my original goal: an undefeated Triple Crown. I’d like to once again express my gratitude—for such a wonderfully fulfilling race—to my parents who gave birth to me, to my trainer who raised me this far, to my friends who competed alongside me while sharpening each other’s speed, and to all the fans who supported me. Thank you very much."

…Oh.

How should I put this?

Normal.

And I meant that in the best possible way. She answered exactly like a proper interviewee. If I had to nitpick, starting with such an extensive expression of gratitude might have been a bit early in the interview, but that easily fell under the umbrella of youthful charm.

I’d known she was improving, but today she was especially solid—almost startlingly ordinary.

That strong, confident edge she’d shown in earlier interviews had probably been half arrogance from her own power, but the other half was likely rooted in her trauma. “I mustn’t lose.” “I have to win.” That intense fixation had probably forced her into an overly aggressive posture—like she was constantly psyching herself up.

When she provoked Teio back then, it wasn’t as though she was ignorant of Tokai Teio’s reputation as the dominant force of their generation. There really hadn’t been any other clear explanation.

Thinking about it that way, her interviews might continue to soften from here on out. As her trainer, I couldn’t be more grateful—it saved me the trouble of showing up later with apology gifts.

Once Will finished speaking, McQueen took her turn.

"Unlike Hoshino Will, I must admit that I feel apologetic. For nearly half a year following the Tenno Sho (Spring), I showed the fans some truly disappointing performances. However, the me standing here today is different. I will certainly deliver a run that lives up to everyone’s expectations."

As expected, McQueen was as stable as ever. Any mental wavering I’d once worried about was gone; she was filled with fulfillment, accomplishment, and renewed motivation.

I felt a faint twinge of guilt toward Will… but seeing McQueen like this also brought me a quiet sense of relief.

To be honest, my knowledge of horse racing from my previous life isn’t especially deep, and my memories are a little hazy. Still, historically speaking, Mejiro McQueen won the Tenno Sho (Spring) twice—and never won the Tenno Sho (Autumn).

The one time she did run in it, she crossed the finish line first with an overwhelming lead, only to be demoted after obstructing another runner’s path, ultimately placing eighteenth.

Uma Musume McQueen follows the same fate in the main story, and the greatest cause of that failure was impatience.

After losing to Ryan at the Takarazuka Kinen and being forced wide, that memory pushed her into rushing inward. A heavy track, the field compressing, the pressure she exerted on others, and her own decision to cut in and block their path—everything overlapped.

The result was a mistake far too large to make on the grand stage of the Tenno Sho.

…At least, that’s how I remember it. My recollection might be imperfect.

In this world, however, she didn’t just lose the Takarazuka Kinen—she also suffered defeat in the Tenno Sho (Spring), a race she was originally meant to win.

Because I spurred on Seiun Sky and raised Hoshino Will, McQueen ended up facing hardships greater than anything she had experienced before.

That was why—or perhaps precisely because of that—I feared the Tenno Sho (Autumn) might turn out even worse than it had in my previous life.

I wanted to help her. Truly.

Will saw right through that, forgave me for it… and I chose to act on my own selfishness.

…That said, it wasn’t anything grand.

All I did was tell her trainer, "Mejiro McQueen is mentally unwell. Before things reach a critical point, please talk to her properly and help shoulder the burdens she’s been carrying alone."

McQueen’s slump stemmed from mental strain and impatience. If her trainer addressed it correctly, then maybe—just maybe—it could be resolved.

That was my reasoning, and perhaps her trainer had already sensed the same issue. Encouraged by my words, he seemed to take action.

I don’t know what exactly happened between them afterward.

Later, as a follow-up, McQueen’s trainer told me, "Thanks to you, I avoided making a mistake far too big to fix. I truly appreciate it. This debt—I’ll repay it someday."

At the very least, I knew things had ended amicably.

Whether McQueen would truly overcome her fate, though… that, I didn’t know.

Still, maybe even someone like me managed to give her a push—or at least became the trigger.

As a result, the Mejiro McQueen standing before me now had won the Tenno Sho (Autumn) and faced the interview with a clear, unwavering expression.

And that… I think, made me happy.

Even though I wasn’t her trainer, I felt a genuine sense of relief that she’d managed to win.

…Honestly, I’m probably not cut out to be a trainer.

I should be focusing solely on my own charge, yet I can’t help but pay attention to the other girls.

Or maybe the real talent lies in being able to avert your gaze from things like that altogether…

Anyway, right now, they were in the middle of an interview.

I needed to pull my attention back to reality.

"So, would it be fair to say that both of you were satisfied with your performances?"

"Yes. I believe I was able to meet everyone’s expectations," Will answered.

"Of course. I believe I was able to demonstrate the full extent of my current abilities as well," McQueen added.

"I see. Then, do you have any particular thoughts about each other?"

At that question, McQueen—rather than Will—spoke up first.

"To me, Hoshino Will is a wall I must overcome, and at the same time, an Uma Musume worthy of my respect. At the Takarazuka Kinen, she surpassed me magnificently. However, to remain forever in her shadow would be a disgrace to the Mejiro name. Someday, I will surely surpass her. Beyond that, I believe Hoshino Will is also exceptional in terms of character. I’ve heard that she often listens to her juniors’ concerns and reaches out to help Uma Musume who have lost their way. There is much about her spirit that deserves admiration."

"Ah, ahaha… that’s embarrassing…"

Praised so thoroughly in public, Will scratched her cheek, her face tinged faintly red.

…In truth, it’s undeniable that she helps other Uma Musume. The reasons behind it aside.

When she’d once said with a smile—more accurately, with a sly grin—that “Isn’t it more fun when there are lots of strong girls?” that probably hadn’t been the whole story.

Considering the kindness at her core, there was even a chance that had simply been her way of covering up her embarrassment.

Now it was Will’s turn. Given the flow so far, she should offer a safe, well-balanced response suited to the occasion…

"To me, McQueen-senpai is… let’s see, one of the greatest rivals I have. She presses close, heats me up from the bottom of my heart—an irreplaceable competitor. …Ah, of course, I respect her as a person too, you know? I heard she provided Teio with a rehabilitation facility, and—ah, no, that’s not meant as sarcasm, like ‘you didn’t offer one to me’ or anything. I just mean that helping someone in trouble with such a matter-of-fact expression is amazing, or rather…"

…Ah. Yeah.

I’d let my guard down there.

Calling McQueen merely a “competitor” right after McQueen had elevated Will as a “wall to overcome” came off as careless—almost dismissive.

And then there was the awkward, tacked-on praise, followed by that frantic clarification that it wasn’t sarcasm. That part was really, really bad.

Why was it that this girl, who was usually so articulate, always tripped herself up during interviews?

Maybe she was bad at speaking to large groups—especially away from home.

Or maybe talking about racing just got her too excited, her tension spiking until her thoughts spilled out unfiltered.

Either way, analysis could wait. It was time for me to do my job.

"Sorry—what she just said could be misunderstood. Please cut that."

"…S-sorry, Trainer," Will said.

"Hm? …I’m not entirely sure what you’re apologizing for, but a cut is fine, correct?"

"Yes, please."

Will lowered her gaze, clearly embarrassed.

Unlike live broadcasts, interviews could be edited.

Live shows demanded careful wording and generally followed a script. Interviews, on the other hand, might share the questions in advance, but detailed rehearsals were rare.

That approach allowed answers closer to the truth—and if something went wrong, it could be cut or adjusted later.

Taken on its own, at least the first half of Will’s answer wouldn’t have caused much trouble.

But McQueen’s response had been textbook-perfect, which only made Will’s rough edges stand out more starkly.

Things like this happened all the time in interviews.

And stepping in as an adult to apply the brakes—that was one of a trainer’s responsibilities.

So was ensuring no misunderstandings or lingering resentment remained.

"My apologies, Mejiro McQueen. She had no intention of belittling you. I hope you understand that. Right, Hoshino Will?"

"Y-yes, I’m sorry, McQueen-senpai…"

"Please don’t worry. I’ve taken no offense. Isn’t that right, Trainer?" McQueen said.

"Yes. I’m well aware of Hoshino Will’s temperament during interviews," her trainer replied.

He said it lightly, letting out a small chuckle.

…I see. From the outside, Will probably looked like a problem child during interviews.

She wasn’t quite that bad, but… now wasn’t the time to clear up that misunderstanding.

"Hoshino Will."

"Yes. Um—right. I respect McQueen-senpai as a wonderful senior and an excellent competitor. She reaches out to others far more readily than I do, and she’s a rival who truly sets my heart ablaze when we race. That’s why I’m genuinely looking forward to our matchup in the upcoming Japan Cup—and at the year-end Arima Kinen."

"Then I feel the same. I intend to settle the score from the Takarazuka Kinen," McQueen replied.

The two exchanged sharp grins.

Faced with the fiery exchange between rivals, the cameras erupted once more in flashes.

…Yeah. That was a really good answer—hard to believe she’d put it together in just a few seconds.

This kid really is quick on her feet. It helps more than she probably realizes.

"Well then, it seems the two of you share a strong rivalry. …Next, I’d like to ask about the Japan Cup. This year’s race will feature as many as nine overseas Uma Musume. Are there any runners in particular that have caught your attention?"

Will glanced at me. It felt like she was silently asking whether it was okay to answer honestly, so I nodded once in response.

"…No. There isn’t any particular Uma Musume I’m focusing on. No matter who’s in the race, all I can do is give my best and run with everything I have."

"For me… yes, I suppose it would be Witch Evening. Finishing second in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is no small achievement. I intend to give it my all and respond with a performance worthy of that name."

Their answers couldn’t have been more different.

Hoshino Will was aggressive, arrogant, and utterly self-centered. Mejiro McQueen, on the other hand, was calm and humble, her gaze always turned outward toward others.

…Strictly speaking, McQueen’s answer—the one that showed respect toward overseas Uma Musume—was probably the “correct” one.

In the world of Uma Musume, talent alone isn’t enough. Without popularity among fans, even securing race entries can become difficult. With so many people listening to this interview, it would have made sense to leave behind pleasant-sounding words and polish one’s public image.

That is, in one sense, undeniably true.

…But.

Unlike McQueen, who genuinely feels that way, Will doesn’t think like that at her core.

If McQueen is outward-facing, then Will is inward-facing. For her, what truly matters isn’t who’s in the race, but how far she can push herself—and how much she can enjoy running an even better race.

So should she lie to herself and say considerate things purely for the sake of others?

I don’t think so.

I won’t condemn suppressing one’s true feelings to gain popularity—but at the very least, it’s not what she should be doing right now.

Hoshino Will, as an Uma Musume, naturally has both strengths and flaws. Is it really healthy to smother the bad parts and present only the good?

Of course, Uma Musume racing is a commercial enterprise, and perhaps a certain degree of cold pragmatism is required.

Even so, I can’t believe it’s right to keep forcing a mask onto Will—a mask she doesn’t even want to wear.

To be truly loved probably means having those flawed parts accepted as well. Being told, “This is where she’s bad—and I love her, flaws and all.” Having her whole self affirmed.

That’s the kind of experience Hoshino Will needs right now.

…Probably.

So it’s fine.

No matter how arrogant or inconsiderate her words might sound, it’s Hoshino Will’s own words that should be delivered to the world. That’s what I think I need to do right now.

"The Tokyo Racecourse, where the Japan Cup is held, is often said to be disadvantageous for front-running Uma Musume. What are your thoughts on that?"

"Nothing in particular. ‘Disadvantageous’ doesn’t mean ‘impossible.’ If it’s not impossible, then I believe results can still be achieved."

"Oh my, that’s quite a bold statement. I’ll be running as well, you know?"

"Yes. …Precisely because of that, it won’t be a race where anyone can afford to let their guard down. That’s what makes it so exciting."

Unshaken even by McQueen’s remark, she sticks to her stance.

Arrogant. Confident. Aggressive.

As if to show the world exactly who Hoshino Will is on the eve of a race.

After a few more questions about the Japan Cup, the interview finally shifted to what was, in a sense, the main topic of the day: the Arima Kinen.

"Next, I’d like to ask about the year-end Arima Kinen. This year, runners such as Silence Suzuka, Special Week, Seiun Sky, and Happy Meek are scheduled to participate. Do you have any thoughts about them?"

As soon as the question ended, McQueen took the lead in answering, as if to say, So we’re finally getting to that.

"I expect every Uma Musume running to be an extraordinary opponent. That’s precisely why I intend to run with everything I have, in my own way. Otherwise, even what could be won would slip through my fingers."

Mejiro McQueen doesn’t possess a wide array of tactics. Her racing style is the very definition of orthodoxy: positioning herself just behind the leaders, then breaking free. Securing the inside line and running through faster—a simple yet flawless approach.

But that also means it’s all she has.

No matter how chaotic the Arima Kinen becomes, she has no choice but to ride those turbulent waves.

And at the same time, if those waves happen to push her forward… she becomes unstoppable.

I don’t particularly like the term, but racing is a matter of fortune. Depending on an Uma Musume’s condition and form on the day, the flow of a race can flip entirely, and whoever catches that momentum wins.

…And this time, even my own charge—the ultimate runaway type—will inevitably be swallowed by that wave.

"In this year’s Arima Kinen, many front-running Uma Musume are scheduled to participate. In particular, Silence Suzuka and Twin Turbo are known for their extreme breakaway style, much like Hoshino Will. What are your thoughts on that?"

The strength of an all-out breakaway lies in being unaffected by those around you.

You surge so far ahead that you feel no one’s presence, run an uncontested and efficient line, and as a result, waste neither stamina nor composure.

…However, in this year’s Arima Kinen, there are two other extreme front-runners.

One is Twin Turbo, an engine pushed to reckless extremes.

The other is Silence Suzuka—the otherworldly escape artist said to run at the absolute speed limit of an Uma Musume.

If Will runs her usual breakaway style, a battle for the lead with those two will be unavoidable.

That means the advantage Hoshino Will has monopolized until now will be lost, forcing her into an even—or possibly disadvantageous—fight against the rest.

In short—

For Hoshino Will, an extreme front-runner, this year’s Arima Kinen will likely be the most unfavorable race she’s ever faced.

…Even so.

My Uma Musume never lowers her head.

Instead, her eyes sparkle, and the corners of her mouth lift.

"Racing against Silence Suzuka, and b—Twin Turbo… and trying to escape from Special Week, McQueen-senpai, Teio, and Nature charging from behind… all of that sounds incredibly fun. I think this year’s Arima Kinen will be an amazing—an absolutely amazing—race. I honestly can’t wait."

As she says that and flashes a sly grin, the cameras capture the moment in a flurry of flashes.

The shackle of “must not lose” no longer exists for her.

Even if she still wants to win to meet the fans’ expectations, it’s no longer something that curses her.

That’s why Hoshino Will smiles.

As truth and performance blend together, her smile becomes… almost wicked—like a Demon King’s grin.

Watching her, I let out a wry smile inwardly and steel myself once more.

The Japan Cup, where she’ll face overseas Uma Musume.

The year-end festival—the Arima Kinen.

So that she can truly enjoy both races—and win them…

As her trainer, I have to support her with everything I’ve got.