Chapter 77: Before the Grand Prix

The Arima Kinen is the Grand Prix. Right from its unique qualification requirement of "top 10 fan-voted horses," you can tell this isn't an ordinary G1 race. As the highest-grade festival race involving fans, it attracts incomparably more attention. That's why media interviews before the Takarazuka Kinen and Arima Kinen have become tradition.

This year's event, rumored to be the greatest Arima Kinen in history, is seeing particularly extensive interviews. The venue is Tracen Academy's gymnasium. With such a strong field in this year's Grand Prix, over 100 reporters have gathered - double the usual number.

Well, with eight G1-winning horse girls ranging from classic to senior divisions, of course the media would pounce. Eight G1 winners in a full gate of sixteen - nobody would argue calling this the greatest Grand Prix ever.

"Ca-ca-cameras... oh no..."

Number 12 in Gate 6, Little Flower-chan, was panicking at the sight of enormous cameras she'd never seen before. When I whispered "They say those cameras cost hundreds of millions each," she nearly fainted, eyes rolling back. Destiny-chan and I caught her as she staggered, and she quickly regained her composure.

"How can anyone be this nervous?"

"S-sorry..."

Normally these interviews would be in Tracen's meeting rooms, but with so many reporters, we're in the gymnasium instead - which led to "If we're using the gym, might as well bring more staff and better equipment" - hence this massive production. I get why Little Flower-chan's overwhelmed.

Countless camera lenses are already trained on us on stage, with reporters filling every folding chair arranged for guests. Some are even scribbling notes before the interview's begun.

The calm ones here are - Air Groove-san who seems used to this, always-composed Grass-chan, Meek-chan and Mejiro Bright-san who might be focused or spacing out, plus me and Destiny-chan who grew calmer seeing Little Flower-chan panic. Sei-chan... Seiun Sky's hard to read.

The nervous ones are Matikane Fukukitaru-san and Little Flower-chan. Though Fukukitaru-san's always like that, so really Little Flower-chan's the only one actually freaking out.

Stage left: Standing with microphones beside the media horde are Chairman Symboli Rudolf, Narita Brian-san, and Hayakawa Tazuna-san. The director's here too. Probably Tazuna-san and Chairman Rudolf will host with Brian-san assisting, like during the Takarazuka Kinen interviews.

Stage right: Seats for our trainers and other Arima Kinen participants' teams. When I waved slightly, Tomio responded with a wry smile and a "Focus" gesture. It hasn't even started yet, I thought while adjusting my racing outfit.

Today's interviews are conducted in our racing gear. While the Twinkle Series is sports, it's also entertainment that can't exist without fans. These media events are essential for staying connected.

The plain gymnasium contrasts sharply with our flashy outfits, the URA backdrop on stage, and massive lighting rigs, creating an intense atmosphere. With reporters and trainers in suits, it feels like pre-race tension.

Perhaps sensing this gravity, even student spectators are quiet - most sitting properly in their chairs without fuss. Their seriousness is making me nervous too.

As I scan the stage, cameras suddenly whir to life at the appointed time. Red recording lights glow - this is being broadcast live. While Takarazuka/Arima interviews are usually pre-recorded, today's is live. I spot anxious faces among staff.

Tazuna-san's amplified voice echoes from overhead speakers, announcing the interview's start. DSLR flashes erupt simultaneously, making us instinctively wave and smile.

(...These flashes are blinding)

(Quiet!)

(Senpai, can you handle the camera flashes?)

Arranged by gate order, I'm between Mejiro Dober-san and Little Flower-chan. When Dober-san mentioned "senpai," I realized she meant the Empress, Air Groove.

There's a famous story about Air Groove-san getting distracted by paddock camera flashes before her Shuka Sho attempt, the final Tiara race. She entered the track unsettled and finished a dismal 10th without contention.

When a right leg injury was discovered afterward, it caused quite a stir. While paddock flashes were subsequently banned... Air Groove-san developed an aversion to them. We'd all been warned to be especially careful about camera flashes around her...

Hearing Mejiro Dober-san's murmur, me, Little Flower-chan, and Joyful-chan instinctively synchronized. Waiting for a lull in flashes, we cautiously glanced at Air Groove-san - subtly, since this was live.

What we saw was the Empress wearing an eerily mechanical smile. Even without knowing her, anyone could tell - she was furious.

Exchanging looks with Mejiro Dober-san, whom I barely knew, created awkward tension. Our eyebrows held a silent conversation:

(Is this okay?)

(No idea)

(Will Air Groove-san snap?)

(Senpai would never—)

"Apollo Rainbow-san, Mejiro Dober-san, eyes front please!"

"Ah, yes!" "Sorry!"

We hurriedly turned our attention back to the cameras, drawing a wave of laughter from the reporters. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Chairman Rudolf frozen with an unreadable expression, while Dober-san's trainer and Tomio both facepalmed. Dober-san and I managed to awkwardly smile through the rest of the photo session.

Once the photos were done, Chairman Rudolf would introduce each Arima Kinen participant one by one, followed by questions and their personal declarations.

"Now, we will hear the aspirations of the horse girls competing in the XXth Arima Kinen. First, Gate 1, Number 1—Matikane Fukukitaru!"

Chairman Rudolf’s dignified voice called Fukukitaru-san’s name. With a bright "Hai!", she energetically stepped forward, her sailor-style racing outfit swaying as she approached the mic stand. From behind, all you could see was her oversized maneki-neko charm.

Fukukitaru-san stood at the mic while her trainer, sweating bullets from the staff seats, watched nervously. He wouldn’t look like that if this weren’t live. He must’ve been terrified—even he probably couldn’t predict when she’d start spouting occult nonsense.

"I’m Matikane Fukukitaru! Pleased to meet youuu!"

Her usual sing-song voice and wiggly demeanor showed no signs of tension—just the same old Fukukitaru-san.

"If any reporters have questions for Matikane Fukukitaru, please raise your hands."

Tazuna-san’s voice rang out, and another round of flashes went off as a journalist raised their hand.

"Hosokawa from Monthly Turf Vision. Of course, your goal is to win the Arima Kinen—but who do you consider your biggest rival?"

"Hmm… Everyone’s a strong opponent, but I’d say Mejiro Bright-san and Apollo Rainbow-san! I absolutely can’t lose to those two!"

"Kumazawa from Weekly Uma News. Matikane Fukukitaru-san, has your leg injury fully healed?"

"Completely! …Though I might not be able to run exactly how I want. But it’s fine! I have the blessing of the White Demon!"

Mejiro Bright and Matikane Fukukitaru were from the same class, so her naming Bright-san made sense. Fukukitaru-san had also been injury-prone since entering the senior division—but given that I (and Suzuka-san) had also experienced the White Demon’s "blessing," her injuries likely wouldn’t affect her.

After a few more exchanges, Tazuna-san signaled the end. With 16 horse girls to get through, they couldn’t spend too long on each.

Next was Gate 1, Number 2—Grass Wonder. Compared to Fukukitaru-san’s energy, Grass-chan moved with refined grace as she stepped forward. Even from behind, her elegant bow was unmistakable before she approached the mic.

"I’m Grass Wonder. Pleased to meet you~"

"If any reporters have questions for Grass Wonder, please raise your hands."

Grass-chan, too, seemed completely unfazed. After the cameras flashed, journalists fired off rapid questions.

Everyone knew she wanted to win, so reporters skipped the obvious ("Aiming for 1st place?") and went straight for the core:

"Who do you see as your biggest rival?"

"Any injuries or concerns about your condition?"

"What have you focused on in training for the Arima Kinen?"

Grass-chan paused, resting a finger against her cheek with a slow, thoughtful tilt of her head. Then she smiled and answered each question carefully.

"The one I’ll be marking in the Arima Kinen… Well, Seiun Sky-san is tempting, but… ultimately, it’s Apollo Rainbow-san. ♪ I can’t even consider anyone else. As for my condition, no issues—my doubts have cleared. And in training, I’ve focused on stamina management since it’s my first time running this distance…"

A ripple ran through my chest. Grass-chan hadn’t so much as glanced at me, yet her back radiated overwhelming pressure—I will defeat you.

I shivered. Maybe it was because I was the provisional favorite, or maybe because Fukukitaru-san had named me as a rival—but no one reacted when Grass-chan declared she’d be marking me. Wait, did they even notice? The question was about her biggest rival, not who she’d target in the race.

Seeing someone as a rival and marking them are entirely different. But it was hard to believe someone as sharp as Grass Wonder would misspeak.

I glared at her unreadable back, searching for meaning in her words—but her airy responses gave nothing away.

"Starting from the inner gate, might you employ the currently popular front-running strategy?"

"Hmm~ The inner gate is advantageous in the Arima Kinen. To make the most of it… I might just do that. Ufufu."

…Was I really going to be marked by everyone in this race? If Grass-chan hadn’t misspoken, and Fukukitaru-san had already named me as a rival… I really didn’t want to be the target of the entire field just because I was the provisional favorite.

But then—Air Groove-san’s answer sent a cold sweat down my spine.

"I consider Mejiro Dober and Apollo Rainbow my rivals."

Just like that, in the midst of subdued flashes, the Empress dropped that bombshell.

A terrible premonition swelled inside me. At this point, the difference between "rival" and "marking" didn’t matter anymore. I desperately scrambled for a way to stop this momentum—but just as my dual-classic victories were undeniable, the tide of rivals zeroing in on me seemed unstoppable.

The worst-case scenario was becoming reality.

Meek-chan had been silent for so long that it nearly turned into a broadcasting disaster, but she eventually spoke up: "I consider Apollo Rainbow to be my rival."

Meanwhile, Mejiro Bright stated, "I’m keeping an eye on Apollo Rainbow, Grass Wonder, and Machikane Fukukitaru."

And then, starting with Little Flower right before me, it seemed like "I see Apollo Rainbow as my rival!" had become the default response—resulting in everyone calling out my name.

"Next up, Gate 7, Number 13: Apollo Rainbow!"

I stepped forward, pretending to be composed. The moment I did, I was met with a different kind of gaze—not just from the other horse girls lined up beside me, but from the reporters as well. Hostility… or intense scrutiny. I tried to relax as I stood in front of the mic, but the atmosphere was undeniably different. This couldn’t be more awkward. Might as well follow the others and bow first.

The second I thought that—BONK!—the mic slammed into my forehead, producing a shrill, earsplitting noise.

"Agh—! A-A-Apollo Rainbow! Nice to meet you!"

Tomio’s face turned pale as she clutched her head, but the audience and press erupted in laughter. This is NOT the time to play the klutz! And I’m not even the airheaded type!

…I messed up on live TV. So embarrassing!

As I pressed my ears flat and pursed my lips, cameras flashed relentlessly, seizing the perfect shot. I’m scared to check the news tomorrow…

"…If anyone has questions for Apollo Rainbow, please raise your hand."

At Tazuna-san’s cue, twice as many hands shot up compared to before. A middle-aged man took the mic and asked in a gravelly voice:

"Sasaki from Weekly Gate In. Could you tell us who you consider your biggest rival?"

Tomio had told me, "Fans want to see the real you," so I planned to speak freely—within broadcast-appropriate limits, of course. I wasn’t about to reveal my actual strategy for the Arima Kinen, so I’d keep my answers surface-level.

"I think every opponent is formidable, but for the Arima Kinen, my biggest rival is Seiun Sky."

We’d clashed multiple times in classic-grade races. The reporters nodded, as if this was the obvious answer. I considered bringing up the Satsuki Sho but decided against it—no need to give them extra material to sensationalize.

The next reporter introduced themselves before asking:

"How do you feel about ranking first in the fan votes for this year’s Arima Kinen?!"

The Twinkle Series had long been a national pastime, and its recent surge in popularity had pushed this year’s Arima Kinen votes to historic heights. Rumor had it the total votes amounted to a fifth of the country’s population…

And among them, I’d won first place with around two million votes. I couldn’t hide my shock—entertainment in Japan rarely saw numbers like this—but it was undeniable proof of the Twinkle Series’ momentum. Honestly? I was just happy.

"Um, I’m not sure how to put it… It still doesn’t feel real, but I’m really, really happy. Knowing so many fans are supporting me makes me more determined than ever to win the Arima Kinen."

Cameras pointed at me unabashedly. Beyond them were tens of thousands of fans—my fans. The thought made me swallow hard. Mom and Dad are probably watching too…

Suddenly nervous, I settled for a safe answer into the mic.

As soon as I finished and stepped back, another flood of hands rose. The one who seized the spotlight was a reporter from Monthly Twinkle.

"Otoshi Fumio, Monthly Twinkle. Apollo Rainbow, you’re running a tough rotation after the Stayers Stakes. How confident are you in your condition?"

"I’ve fully recovered from the Stayers Stakes, so the rotation isn’t a concern. Historically, no horse girl has ever won both the Stayers Stakes and the Arima Kinen… but I’ll rewrite that history."

"……………………Ama—"

"…Ama?"

"—Amazing!!"

"!?"

The reporter—Otoshi—kicked her folding chair aside and shot to her feet, pupils dilated as she scribbled furiously. She must’ve tossed her mic away, because a high-pitched feedback screech echoed through the gym.

And then, mic-less, Otoshi began bellowing at the top of her lungs while continuing her antics. Uh, hello? This is LIVE TV…?

"Countless stayers have challenged the Arima Kinen before! But unlike the Stayers Stakes, which demands stamina and power, the Arima Kinen prioritizes speed! There’s a jinx that ‘No Stayers Stakes winner has ever conquered the Arima’—and yet, Apollo Rainbow is charging straight into it, fully aware! Ama—AMAZING!! That mental fortitude—I, I—!!"

Th-This woman’s insane! Who acts like this on national broadcast?! Are all horse girl journalists this unhinged?!

Otoshi’s wide, double-lidded eyes made her striking beauty all the more terrifying. Trembling, she took a deep breath—then snapped back to normal like nothing happened.

"—My apologies. Thank you, Apollo Rainbow."

"…Uh, sure…"

Monthly Twinkle was a reputable magazine—was this their star reporter?!

As Narita Brian’s security dragged off that infamous reporter, our pre-Arima Kinen interviews finally concluded.

…Oh, and apparently, even Mejiro Dober and the other outside-gate horse girls saw me as their rival.

A brutal race awaits. I wiped away a quiet sweat.