Chapter 9: First Time Jii-One: Midwinter Great Escape Special

Lately, everything around me has been changing at a ridiculous pace.

For example, the number of interviews and press conferences has suddenly shot up.

Things like,

"Do you have any thoughts on winning by such a huge margin in both your debut race and the Habotan Sho?"

"Is there any Uma Musume you’re currently keeping an eye on?"

"What are your aspirations for the Hopeful Stakes, your first G1?"

"You mentioned aiming for the Triple Crown—how confident are you?"

…Even if they ask me all that, I honestly can’t give a decent answer.

After all, in my previous life I was just an ordinary otaku. I’d never had to speak in public while cameras flashed and a sea of microphones were shoved in my face. And in situations where my past-life knowledge is useless, I’m just a first-year middle-schooler.

Naturally—well, embarrassingly—I got so nervous I couldn’t think straight, and I ended up answering whatever popped out of my mouth.

"Nothing in particular. It’s simply the result of the training I’ve put in—and the natural outcome."

"No. There’s no one in front of me."

"Not really. I run, I keep running, I win. That’s all."

"Not the Triple Crown—the undefeated Triple Crown. If I enter, I’m going to win."

…Yeah, I know. I know. I understand perfectly well that those answers made me sound absolutely awful.

The Japanese really value humility. Being a bit more considerate in my phrasing would’ve definitely been better.

My trainer didn’t butt in, but the reporters looked stunned, and I’m sure the articles must be brutal.

It’s honestly so scary I’ve been avoiding magazines lately. I don’t want to read anything that might be trashing me… For the first time—on my second run through life—I understand why celebrities get so sensitive.

And then, there’s my relationship with Neicha-chan.

Yes—Nice Nature-chan! Nice Nature-chan!

The UMA girl from Season 2 who saw Teio-chan as her rival, acknowledged her own lack of power, yet never gave up—twisting her face in sheer effort as she kept running! She never managed to beat Teio-chan in the end, but that’s only because Teio-chan is just too strong. The blood, sweat, and tears Neicha-chan shed are something no one has any right to dismiss.

I was so deeply moved by how she kept trying that I ended up loving her.

The miracle main heroine Tokai Teio-chan, the Double-Jet masters who guided her comeback despite not being insanely strong themselves, and Nice Nature-chan—the symbol of effort and sports spirit. If I had to choose my favorites from Season 2, it would be these three.

And now, in this life—one of my past-life favorites actually became my friend!

That day, when I heard my trainer had arranged a mock race, part of me thought, "Again?" Mock races exhaust me, and I can barely get in any personal training afterward. They don’t give me that much in return.

So, I didn’t have a very positive impression of mock races.

But when the day came… my unbelievably adorable oshi showed up!

I was so shocked I accidentally let out the dying-screech imitation of a seal I’d mastered in my previous life, and my mask almost went flying. But the embarrassment was completely drowned out by my nerves and excitement. That’s how powerful the feelings toward your oshi can be.

And then—on top of that!

Neicha-chan actually held out her soft little hand to me…!

…And that caused a massive internal conflict.

Hoshino Wilm. You were originally an otaku. Is it really okay… to touch your oshi?

But think about it.

She isn’t just a character anymore. She’s a living being, a girl in this world just like me. If she offers her hand and I ignore it—is that really the right thing to do…!?

All this took about 0.3 seconds. I reached my conclusion.

—Yes, Nature. Let’s touch.

For an Uma Musume, it may have been a small step—but for Hoshino Wilm, it was a monumental leap.

After that, I basically forced her to become friends with me on the spot. Then she cornered me in the mock race, I panicked and sprinted away at full speed, then I overdid it and ended up in the infirmary… among other things.

A lot happened…

But the important thing is just one thing.

I got to meet Neicha-chan—the oshi from my previous life—and she became my third friend in this one…!

And I even used my Makeup Debut reward privilege to get joint training sessions arranged through my trainer!

If anyone has perfect timing, it’s me. Fufun.

And… yeah. There’s also something else. Something pretty serious.

It’s about my trainer—my contracted trainer, Trainer Horino.

He seems troubled about something lately.

Normally—or at least up to the Makeup Debut—he would watch me closely whenever I trained. But now, at those moments, he just stares blankly at his binder.

What is he thinking? Honestly, I don’t really know.

Well… I do have an idea.

"I’ve been causing… trouble for him."

Even I think I’m a difficult Uma Musume.

I’m a reincarnator, which already makes me unusual. I can’t stay calm unless I’m constantly self-training, and whenever I race, I go all-out and end up exhausted.

I’ve learned since coming to this world that trainers and Uma Musume move forward together. If either side takes too long a stride or too short a stride, the whole thing falls apart.

In that sense, I’m a very hard Uma Musume to train.

The only reason it’s worked out is because the one who picked me up is Trainer Horino—an elite among elites. Even then, I just keep causing trouble.

If there’s anything I can give back to a trainer like that, it can only be victory.

"Yeah… I’ll win today too."

My tiny, tiny whisper echoed through the cold, empty waiting room.

"Hoshino Wilm. It’s about time to get ready for the race."

"Yes, understood."

From outside came the trainer’s voice. I stood up and once more checked my outfit in the mirror across from me.

A tight-fitting set of shorts and an inner shirt, black with white lines running through it. Over that, a short jacket in deep crimson, trimmed in gold with subtle light gray accents. And from the collar of the jacket… what is this? Some kind of holographic or particle-like material, glittering as a gray cape. I don’t really understand it, but it sparkles beautifully.

It can be fastened with a star-shaped button sewn onto the chest like a brooch, though even if you touch it, your hand passes right through—practically a convenient design that doesn’t get in the way.

It matches perfectly with the symmetrical earrings my mother left me.

The design turned out exactly as I ordered… no, even cooler than I imagined. A little flashy, maybe, but undeniably awesome.

…This is my race outfit.

My very own uniform, made for running in a G1—the highest standard of domestic competition.

Today is the day I face my first G1: the Hopeful Stakes.

---

"The Uma Musume slice through December’s icy air one after another as they enter the turf. Today’s stage: Nakayama Racecourse. Right-handed, turf 2000 meters. The only middle-distance race for the Junior class—will the stayers of the future be born here?"

"The weather is unfortunately overcast, but the track condition has been announced as Firm. Let’s hope for a smooth, enjoyable race."

"The Uma Musume have finished their preparations and are stepping into the gate."

Clank.

…Ugh, cold.

"Let’s introduce our race favorite. Rumored to be the strongest of her generation, the successor beyond dimensions—Gate 3, Number 6: Hoshino Wilm!"

"As always, a perfect poker face. Both her ears and tail are calm. An Uma Musume with exceptional breakaway speed and stamina. Will she be able to maintain her usual long-range escape pace on this grand G1 stage she’s never experienced before? We’ll be watching closely."

"And here’s the second most popular—Gate 7, Number 15: Pampa Grande!"

"Considered a talent of enormous potential, she won her last two official races back-to-back. She narrowly missed being the favorite, but judging from the paddock, her conditioning and mood are excellent. Will her powerful final kick shine again today?"

Honestly, I feel bad for the commentators, but… they’re noisy. We Uma Musume only run with everything we have and aim for victory. Being judged and labeled every step of the way is a hassle, and having all that spoken like it’s some official verdict is just… annoying. Worst of all, it breaks my focus.

"I’ll win…"

I force all my attention onto the lane ahead—until nothing exists except the thought of victory.

"Gate loading complete. The race is ready to begin."

While I wait, all the sounds fade. It feels like the moment the race starts, something frozen inside me will stop completely.

"…Start!"

The gates burst open.

“—!”

Perfect start dash.

The right-side escape runner tried to take the lead, but the moment she hesitated, that future vanished. The gap widened mercilessly. With my speed, she’ll never catch up now.

"All Uma Musume launch from the gate! Oh—Gate 4, Number 7, Sowasowa is late out! Was she too concerned about the others!?"

"For many, this is their first G1 stage. The Uma Musume must be tense. How long can they maintain their composure?"

"And as expected, Hoshino Wilm takes the lead! Will she show us another runaway performance like the Habotan Sho?"

"But every Uma Musume here has trained for this day. With all the hills on this course, anything could happen!"

I run. Run. And while running, I feel the presence behind me. Only one is sticking with me. Judging by her footfalls, she’s pushing herself with an unfamiliar strategy—no, she’s running overheated. Her distance… more than three lengths. Still widening. Not a threat.

"Passing the first corner, the race enters its midsection. Perhaps dragged by Hoshino Wilm’s usual long runaway, the pace is faster than in past years. Will the Uma Musume’s stamina hold?"

"The field is cleanly split. The frontrunners chase Hoshino Wilm, while the mid-pack and closers are keeping their own pace. Will their late charge be enough to cut down this massive lead?"

According to my trainer, this course is roughly divided into five parts: a 400m straight, a 450m corner, a 350m straight, a 500m corner, and a final 300m straight. In total, the straight and corner distances are almost the same. But individually, the corners are longer. And the race includes three uphill sections and one downhill.

…Ah. So that’s why he had me repeat cornering and hill work so often. At my current level, this course won’t give me any trouble.

"Hoshino Wilm descends the downhill beautifully! Her pace management looks perfect!"

"Following her, Keyboard Rhythm descends cautiously—perhaps to conserve energy. Will this decision bless her or curse her?"

"The Uma Musume in the rear are calmly watching the race. Oh—Pampa Grande slips through cleanly and escapes the pack! She’s setting up for her move!"

So this is the highest-level stage in the country. Eighteen stamina-proud Junior-class Uma Musume from all over Japan. Every one of them could easily dominate an Open or G3 race. Fast. Sharp. Heavy.

"Past the straight and into the final corner—this development will determine the winner! Nakayama’s final stretch is short; will the girls in the back make it in time!?"

"Keyboard Rhythm can’t hold on and falls back! Pampa Grande is moving up instead!"

"Pampa Grande—she’s starting a long spurt from here! There’s still over 700 meters left—will her stamina last!?"

A faint pressure reaches me from behind.

…Only now do I understand my trainer’s warning. Today, Pampa Grande isn’t just in top condition—she has a demon in her. He said she’d bring out power beyond expectations.

If I need to be wary of anything, it’s that single point: her getting close enough to push me into losing control.

Hoshino Wilm wasn’t incapable of overheating. It was precisely because my desire to win was so strong that I was vulnerable to someone closing in from behind. That weakness was discovered during a mock race against Neicha-chan.

If another Uma Musume closed in within two lengths while I was running a long-range escape, I would get flustered and push the pace too hard. In the mock race, I was purposely keeping my speed down, so it wasn’t too bad—but in a G1, where I must raise the pace to some degree, losing control like that could be fatal.

"Pampa Grande is accelerating—really accelerating! She’s finally unleashing all the power she held back until now, and the gap with the leader is shrinking fast!"

"The other closers are trying to break out as well, but the exhausted frontrunners are forming a wall! With this in mind, Pampa Grande’s choice to escape earlier was absolutely the right call."

I can feel her coming. I don’t know exactly how many lengths remain… but judging from the sound, maybe around seven. And even now, the gap keeps shrinking. She’s so close I can practically feel the killing intent radiating off her.

This is a G1 race. A race where you cannot relax—one that decides the strongest in Japan. Yeah… this is a little scary. If coincidence had piled up, I might have lost.

…If my trainer weren’t Horino Trainer.

I shorten my stride and increase my leg turnover. My legs feel heavy, but nothing unmanageable.

"Here I go."

Spurt—start.

"Can Pampa Grande really catch up? The distance between her and the leader, Hoshino Wilm, is now five lengths, four lengths—wait, Hoshino Wilm begins her spurt!!"

The wind resistance slams against my body harder. Being stuck with a human body is frustrating—if I had a form built purely for running, I wouldn’t have to deal with this pointless drag.

"Only 200 meters remain! And accelerating while climbing this slope is—no, she’s accelerating! She’s actually accelerating!"

"Hoshino Wilm powers up the steep incline, unfazed! She isn’t just showing stamina now—she’s showing raw power! The gap begins widening again!"

I’m not particularly smart. I can’t manage the entire race pace on my own. All I do is run exactly as my trainer taught me: maintain this pace through the whole race, and at 200 meters remaining, dump all remaining stamina into my spurt.

That’s Hoshino Wilm’s way of running. Even if the last 200 meters happen to be uphill… even if an Uma Musume is chasing from behind… none of that matters. All I do is run the way Horino Trainer taught me—because that is how I win.

"The gap will not close! Hoshino Wilm—it’s Hoshino Wilm! The fourth G1 Uma Musume of this generation is now decided—Hoshino Wilm crosses the finish!! Her spurt remains overwhelming even in a G1, proving her strength with yet another massive-margin victory!"

"Three races, three wins—all by wide margins, even including this G1. The terrifying serpent has now set her sights on the Classic crown!"

I cross the finish line. I slow my pace. Since I’ve won, there’s no need to run any further… slowing down gradually, just as instructed. Little by little, warmth returns to my body and heart.

…Whew. Finally. It’s over.

And that’s when I finally noticed the massive cheers surrounding me.

"Hoshino Wilm!!"

"You were amazing!!"

"Don’t lose!!"

"Can’t wait for the live show!!"

"Keep winning!!"

"Good luck in the Satsuki Sho!!"

…It feels like I’m being praised a lot. I mean, I’ve been praised before when I won races, but this… this feels different. The intensity of it—the density of the heat—catches me off guard.

Ah, there’s my trainer. I look around and spot him in the front row of the staff area. He was looking my way too, and when our eyes met, he nodded with a firm “Mm.”

…Good. At least I was able to do something for him.

---

After that, my Trainer welcomed me back, I finished the Winning Live, and then—out of nowhere—a Uma Musume named… Pampa Grande? Something like that—slapped a challenge letter into my hands. A lot happened.

Once everything was wrapped up, we headed straight back to Tracen Academy.

Nakayama Racecourse isn’t that far from Tracen, which is nice. When it was Hanshin Racecourse, the travel alone ate up the whole day, and I could barely train at all. That was… really inconvenient.

And as usual, once we got back to Tracen, we headed to the Trainer’s office for the reflection meeting. Though honestly, “reflection meeting” is mostly just a name. In reality, it’s more like: here’s what didn’t go well, here’s what to improve, so from now on we’ll focus on this kind of training. Basically a big information‑sharing session.

To be honest, I am a little tired, but I want to share my thoughts while it’s still the same day I raced. If you wait, the sensations fade and the feedback becomes unreliable.

We reached the Trainer’s office, and the Trainer walking ahead of me came to a stop.

“Mm, sorry, Hoshino Wilm. I’ve got a call. Go on in first.”

“? Okay.”

I don’t really get why he can’t enter the office just because he’s on the phone, but for now I push the door open.

Pop-pop!

“Hoshino Wilm, congratulations on your G1 victory!”

“Congrats—!”

…Nature-chan and her Trainer blasted party poppers at me.

“…………???”

“Ah—she froze. Trainer, what do we do?”

“Don’t ask me. Horino-kun?”

“It’s just a temporary slowdown. No problem. Give her about ten seconds and she’ll start moving again.”

…Um.

This is Horino Trainer’s office… right?

There’s a Christmas tree in the corner, wreaths on the walls, the whole room decorated… and a huge banner that says “Congratulations! Hoshino Wilm, G1 Victory!”

A lot has changed, but this should still be my Trainer’s office. I think.

“…Why are you two here?”

“Oh, she’s back.”

“Horino-kun, as the mastermind, shouldn’t you be the one explaining?”

“Mm… hm. Yes, that’s reasonable.”

My Trainer walked past me and stepped inside first. Then he turned to me and held out his hand.

“It’s called a surprise party. A slightly early Merry Christmas. …And once again, congratulations on your G1 victory, Hoshino Wilm.”

“Um… for me?”

“Of course. And when I asked these two, they gladly agreed to help. We owe them our thanks.”

“…Yes. Thank you. Truly.”

I’m still a little shocked, but I take his hand and step into the room.

“Don’t think too much of it. I also wanted to celebrate the victory of a Uma Musume I’m connected with.”

“Congrats, Wilm-chan! Tell me what the G1 felt like later, okay? I saw the broadcast, but you almost never get to hear it directly from the winner!”

“For now, the food is ready—though I must apologize; it’s mostly delivery. You must be hungry. Eat whatever you like, as much as you like.”

They’re smiling.

Smiling at me.

…Haha. I’m not used to this.

Warm. The room, the food… the people.

“…Thank you, everyone.”

In a voice quiet enough that no one could hear, “I” whispered it.

---

The party went on late into the night.

Nature-chan asked about the G1, and when I told her, “It was just my usual race,” she gave me this indescribably conflicted look, then sighed, “Are all geniuses like this…?” and wilted.

Nature-chan’s Trainer—who apparently had been drinking—started crying about how amazing she is, and she turned bright red trying to shut him up.

My Trainer joined in and suddenly started insisting, “That’s why you should fold a trophy out of origami,” for reasons absolutely no one understood.

Well… a lot happened.

By the time we all went our separate ways, I felt strangely fulfilled—like I’d accomplished something, but also a little sad that it ended.

“All right then, I’ll walk Trainer-san home.”

“Sorry, Nature… I love you…”

“Ugh, will you shut up already, you drunk! …See you later, Will-chan, Horino Trainer-san.”

With that, Nature-chan lent her shoulder to her trainer and headed off.

“…Well then, I’ll escort you back too. The dorm may be on campus, but it’s already dark.”

“Thank you again, truly.”

“There’s no need to thank me. This is what a trainer should do.”

At first glance it sounded cold, but Horino Trainer’s tone was just another mask. A mask he wore to act as the proper, ideal trainer. By putting it on, he sealed away the real him. It was such a waste—his true face is warm and good-natured.

…Oh. Speaking of which.

Watching him walk ahead, something suddenly came to mind.

“Trainer, will there be no reward for completing the race safely this time?”

“There is. With the party tonight, I planned to tell you tomorrow. …Have you already thought of something?”

“…If I had to say… yes, I have.”

“Oh? It’s rare to hear you hesitating. Go on. If it’s within my ability, I’ll grant it.”

…Maybe I’m still swept up by the festival-like atmosphere of the night. That must be why something this embarrassing slipped out.

“Could you… pat my head?”

“My head? …Hmm, I’ve heard women dislike having their heads touched. But I don’t mind. Is that really all you want?”

“Yes. That’s my reward.”

The trainer turned toward me and walked closer. For a moment, his silhouette overlapped with someone else’s…

A warm weight settled gently on top of my head.

“You did well. I’m proud of you, Hoshino Wilm.”

…Ah.

My eyes closed on their own. A soft warmth spread through me, and something inside my chest bounced lightly.

“Trainer.”

“What is it?”

“If I win again… will you do this for me? …Pat my head like this?”

“What are you talking about?”

I opened my eyes. Of course, the person standing there was my contract trainer.

“Whether you win or lose, if you want it, I’ll pat your head. What I’m praising isn’t the victory. I’m praising the fact that you trained hard, did your best, and came back safely.”

…Yes. That’s his answer.

He really isn’t my father. This man is not Dad—he is my one and only contract trainer in this world.

“…Hoshino Wilm. This isn’t really an equivalent exchange, but… may I ask something from you as well?”

“Yes, what is it?”

His expression twisted in pain. Like he knew he was doing something wrong, yet believed he had no choice. He didn’t even have the strength to hide behind his mask anymore.

“You may not understand yet. But someday, you will. I’ll make sure you do. So please… someday, enjoy running. …I want to see you race with joy. Truly.”

Come to think of it, this might be the first time Horino Trainer has ever asked something of me. He has offered contracts and training for the sake of improving my ability. But never—not once—has he asked me for something simply because he wanted it.

…Is it strange? That something like this makes me happy?

“…I can’t promise that. I still don’t understand the joy of running. But if someday, the moment you speak of really comes…”

I paused mid-sentence as an idea struck me.

“…Then at that time, Trainer, it means you win.”

“Win?”

It might have sounded like a child’s game, but… at that moment, I think I wanted something more than just a “contract trainer and assigned Uma Musume” relationship.

“Let’s call it a match. In a match, the loser has no choice but to listen, right? Your victory condition is to make me enjoy running. If you win, then I’ll run with joy. For real.
And my victory condition is… let’s see. Winning all three crowns undefeated before that moment arrives. What do you think?”

“In other words, if you keep winning, then until the Kikka-shō… the time limit is ten months.”

“Yes. And when that time comes… I’ll decide what I want you to do for me then. Will you accept those terms?”

Ah… I really am swept up. Drifting.
By the celebration… by my own desires… and by the warmth lingering on my head.

“…Heh… hah. Very well.
It’s a match, Hoshino Wilm.”

The trainer grinned.
A sly, sharp grin—one that didn’t suit “Horino Trainer” at all.

…And I think I might like that face more than I expected.