I was panicking.
My heart ached unbearably.
Before I knew it, my legs had started moving, and they wouldn't stop.
That day, I experienced my first defeat.
It was a mile-long simulation race. Starting from the back, my legs couldn't carry me to first place.
Before I knew it, I was running.
Just running. Running endlessly.
*I can't win.*
That single phrase echoed endlessly in my mind.
*I have to win. If I don't win, no one will acknowledge me.*
*I'm scared.*
*...I'm cold.*
*I'll win. I'll win. I'll win next time.*
"...You! Stop!"
Someone stopped me. My focus shattered.
I nearly collapsed, but somehow managed to stay on my feet.
*Ah, I'm reaching my limit. I can't feel my body anymore. Yet despite the numbness, a chill still ran down my spine.*
But I can't stop. To win, I have to become faster.
I can't lose.
*If I don't win, it's meaningless.*
My mind was completely consumed by that single thought.
Someone was talking to me, their face grim and their voice urgent.
*Were they asking a question?* ...Um, how should I answer? My thoughts were jumbled and disorganized.
...Wait, what was I even saying?
Gradually, the heat clouding my brain began to dissipate, and I started to hear my own words.
*Something felt off, didn't it?* Risking my life? What on earth was I talking about?
If I needed a Trainer to become faster, then I definitely wanted one.
And if this person could guide me, then maybe that would be okay.
*Since when was I the type to say such poetic things?*
Lost in my own thoughts, I found myself instinctively reaching out to him.
"I offer you my life.
...Please take care of me, my Trainer."
The heat suddenly vanished completely, and I snapped back to reality.
N-n-n...
*What am I even saying?!*
*Isekai reincarnation—it's actually real?!*
That was my first thought upon being born.
Babies have immature brains and can't process complex thoughts, right?
Then why could I, as a baby, engage in logical reasoning like this?
That's right—I'm a reincarnated person!
And the type who perfectly retains their personality and memories!
Huh? Wait a minute... if my brain hasn't developed yet, how can I even think?
*Eh? Then why am I able to ponder all these things?*
...Maybe I should stop thinking about this for now. I might uncover some terrifying truth.
Anyway, I've been granted a second life.
And there's another incredibly joyous thing to celebrate:
"Waaahhhhh!"
"Ah, she's crying vigorously. This child will grow up healthy."
"No, Doctor, I'm not crying. This is a triumphant roar of joy!"
"Thank goodness... I was able to give birth to her healthy."
The woman lying in bed stroked my tiny head.
Horse ears sprouted from her head, and a tail flicked near her hips.
"Even an Uma Musume like me... I'm so glad I could bring a future into this world."
Yes, she was an Uma Musume—a mysterious being from another world, inheriting the names of legendary racehorses and possessing superhuman abilities.
Uma Musume. Or Uma Musume: Pretty Derby. Even in my original world, it was a name known only to a select few.
It was an anime that had aired in the world I once lived in—a two-season series with around 25 episodes in total.
The animation and direction weren't particularly outstanding, nor was the content itself especially compelling.
But it was an anime I loved dearly, one that meticulously respected the historical facts of Horse Racing while weaving a romantic narrative.
Ah, the nostalgia... I rewatched Twin Turbo-sensei's "This is what it means to never give up—aaaaah!!" countless times.
The underdog character rising to the occasion when the protagonist was struggling—it's a classic trope, but I find it so moving and exhilarating.
...I've digressed a bit. Let's get back to the main point.
It seems I've been reincarnated into the world of that anime.
Or rather, judging by the ears on my head and the tail sprouting from my waist, I've become an Uma Musume myself.
I don't recognize the name of my own Uma Soul, so I'm probably just a mob character who got reincarnated.
Now, with isekai reincarnation, the cultural differences are always a major concern, aren't they...?
Fortunately, language wasn't a barrier. In fact, apart from anything related to *Horses*, everything else seemed identical to my previous life—proverbs and common expressions were used just as they always had been.
The cultural sphere was nearly identical too. The only real differences seemed to stem from the presence of *Uma Musume*, which had slightly altered historical narratives and moral sensibilities. Compared to my previous life, people here seemed far more inherently virtuous. That was a good thing.
The geography remained identical to my previous life as well. ...Ah, but my birthplace had shifted from Chiba to Hokkaido, so I lacked any local familiarity.
In essence, this was modern Japan, almost exactly as I remembered it. I was truly fortunate to have been reincarnated into an era where living comfortably was relatively easy.
...However, now that I'd been reincarnated, I really should have studied up more on *Horse Racing*. If I'd only known how strong an *Uma Musume* I was, I would have realized it simply by knowing the historical facts behind my namesake.
*Or rather, I only have knowledge from watching the anime twice. Am I even qualified to handle this?*
My mother, who was also an Uma Musume, didn't seem to be very strong.
She spent most of her time lying in bed, but she would occasionally pick me up and hold me.
"Uma Musume, you are. Uma Musume."
"Uma Musume!"
"Oh, what excellent pronunciation! Are you a genius?"
*Well, it's my second life, after all. I'm quite used to pronouncing Japanese.*
...Though, to be fair, I did have a slight lisp and my enunciation wasn't the best.
"Such a good girl. You'll become a strong Uma Musume someday."
"Yes!"
...To be honest, I still carried some lingering attachments from my previous life.
There were anime and manga series I wanted to continue watching, and goals I still wanted to achieve.
But, well, I was dead now. Spilled water can't be returned to the basin, and the dead can't return to their previous lives.
Rather than dwell on that, I should focus on enjoying the present moment in this new life.
Having been reincarnated as an Uma Musume, I wanted to race—just like Special Week-chan and Tokai Teio-chan!
***
Yes, that was my reason at first.
***
As I grew, I became increasingly aware of my own strength.
I was far stronger than ordinary humans, especially my legs. In races, no one—not even the Uma Musume—could defeat me.
"This before your True Potential? Your growth rate is exceptional," a Trainer from a Regional Training Center remarked after a chance encounter. "You're likely an early-blooming talent. You might even excel at the Central Tracen Academy."
*...So Reincarnation Perks are real after all?!*
*This world has everything! Is reality becoming stranger than fiction?!*
*Well, if isekai reincarnation is real, it's not too surprising that Reincarnation Perks exist too... right?*
A Reincarnation Perk—a protagonist's unique and extraordinary ability, often seen in isekai reincarnation novels and anime.
They're usually powerful enough to completely change the story's course. Thinking about it that way, my own might not quite qualify as a cheat. It's just physical strength, after all.
*Wait a second... A Reincarnation Perk?* I honestly had my doubts, but it's real!
The isekai reincarnation itself was amazing, but as someone familiar with this kind of trope, it's just... so hype!
Alright, here begins my legendary undefeated run! ...Maybe?
Then again, it would feel weird to completely dominate and beat the original Uma Musume girls from the series... I'm a fan, after all.
Might as well give my abilities names while I'm at it. It's not like I'll ever tell anyone, but these things just feel right with proper names. That's just how it is.
"Enhanced Physique"... Lame. "Reincarnated Body"... Not bad, but it doesn't sound like an ability. "Super Runner"... It doesn't quite fit.
*Hmm, "Anime Reincarnation"?* Well, since I've come to the world of anime, even though it feels a bit simplistic, this is probably about right.
But Central Tracen Academy, huh? That's where Spe-chan and Teio-chan went, right?
I only learned about it after arriving in this world, but Central Tracen Academy is apparently a prestigious elite school. The competition for admission is incredibly fierce, and getting in is considered proof of exceptional talent.
Spe-chan doesn't seem to realize it, but she's incredibly gifted. I bet her mother believed Spe-chan would pass too. Ugh... what a wonderful bond of trust.
...But what about me? I know absolutely nothing about horse racing, and I haven't been studying at all since I got here. Will I even have a chance of passing?
Ah, well. I'll just do what I can.
If I want to get faster, I have no choice but to do everything within my power.
***
"Congratulations! Welcome to Tracen Academy! From today onward, you are all students of this prestigious institution!
We expect you to excel in sportsmanship and dedicate yourselves wholeheartedly to your studies, upholding the honor of our academy!"
*I actually made it.*
Wait, I actually made it? Did I just slip in that easily?
Well, when you think about it, it makes sense.
Thanks to my "Anime Reincarnation," my physical condition is perfect. Despite my small and slender frame, my leg strength is phenomenal.
Academically, my previous life's university education means that middle school-level exams (excluding Horse knowledge) don't feel particularly challenging. Though I've forgotten quite a lot.
...This Reincarnation Perk is powerful, but the memories from my Previous Life are equally valuable, especially in a reincarnation into modern society.
Everyone, make sure to study hard in preparation for your own reincarnations! ...Everyone? What am I even saying?
Now, Uma Musume affiliated with Central Tracen Academy must first aim to secure a contract with a Trainer.
They can sign an exclusive contract with one Trainer or join a team where they'll be overseen by multiple Trainers.
In any case, without a contract with a Trainer, I couldn't even enter the Twinkle Series.
The terrifying reality was that some Uma Musume could spend years unable to compete because they couldn't find a Trainer willing to contract with them.
That was the one thing I desperately wanted to avoid.
And so, I decided to find a Contract Trainer.
My primary target was clear: Trainer Okino, the Trainer in charge of Team Spica, the team where the protagonists of the anime series belonged.
...Well, to be precise, Okino wasn't actually his surname, apparently. Since his name was never revealed in the anime, fans traditionally referred to him by his voice actor's last name.
Well, he's got a very distinctive symbol mark. I doubt I'd mistake him for someone else.
After that, all I had to do was walk around Tracen Academy and search.
Ohana-san from Team Regil seemed like a skilled Trainer too, so I considered her as a backup option...
That person—Suzuka-san—made me nervous by running her as a Pace Chaser and being a bit too aggressive... So, after careful consideration, I concluded that joining the protagonist's camp was the best option.
After all, I'd get to run alongside Spe-chan, Suzuka-san, Scarlet-chan, Vodka-chan, Teio-chan, McQueen-chan, and Gold Ship.
I'd admired, cheered for, cried, and laughed while watching their triumphs. As a reincarnated person, how could I *not* find that romantic?
But, mercilessly, my plan was destined to fail.
"...No one by that name?"
"No, no such Trainer currently belongs to this academy.
Are you looking for someone? If Hoshino Wilm-san approves, I can inform the Chairman."
"No... that won't be necessary. Thank you."
Hayakawa Tazuna-san.
A beautiful staff member who looked stunning in her green uniform and yellow tie.
The Director's Secretary often appeared in the anime. *But was catching runaway Uma Musume really part of a secretary's duties? Weren't they a bit too strong and fast?*
Since I couldn't find Trainer Okino anywhere, I asked Ms. Tazuna, whom I happened to run into. She said the thirty-something male Trainer who always had a candy in his mouth and his hair tied back wasn't currently at Tracen Academy.
Judging by her puzzled expression, it didn't seem like he'd ever been here before either.
...Wait, why?
No... *Huh?!*
If there's no Spica, where would Spe-chan belong? Would Suzuka-san have to keep running as a Pace Chaser? And where would Gold Ship be?
*Or perhaps...*
"A parallel world...?"
Could that be the only explanation?
This world is based on the anime—that's undeniable.
But it's not exactly the same. A parallel world based on the anime... something like that?
When I arrived here, I didn't meet God.
Dying was excruciatingly painful. Just when I thought I could finally rest, I realized I'd become a baby.
Now, I'm grateful for my familiarity with otaku culture from my previous life. Otherwise, I would have dismissed reincarnation as impossible and been utterly bewildered.
...No, honestly, even now it's still hard to believe. I'm forcing myself to accept reality as it is, swallowing the truth against my will.
But if God exists, even if I didn't meet him... could the God of Destiny be trying to write something different from the original story?
For example, if I were an original protagonist in fan fiction, what would the author want to write?
...No, this is just getting into the realm of pure fantasy. I should stop.
*As I peer at the fan fiction author, the readers are also peering at me.*
"Still, this is troubling."
Trainer Okino and Team Spica, whom I had been relying on, didn't exist at this academy.
The only other person whose abilities were confirmed was Ohana-san, but... I wondered if she even existed here.
Ah, no, wait. Considering how she kept Suzuka-san running as a Pace Chaser, Ohana-san seemed like a rigid, by-the-book type—a little intimidating, honestly.
As a reincarnated person with an unusually robust and powerful body, I suspected I had several differences from ordinary Uma Musume. Being raised solely by the book felt risky.
In that case... well, there's no choice.
Either I'll audition, or get scouted.
***
I learned these things from my fluffy senior, who was my roommate at the Dorm.
Basically, an Uma Musume's primary goal is to secure a contract with a Trainer.
And apparently, there are several ways to achieve this.
First: participate in simulation races or Selection Races and get scouted by a Trainer.
This is the classic path for strong Uma Musume. Win races or showcase exceptional talent, and securing a contract is a mere formality. In some cases, they can even afford to be selective.
Second: take tests or race trials administered by Trainers.
Passing the test or meeting the required conditions—such as finishing first or placing within the top spots—guarantees a contract. However, Trainers who administer tests often manage many Uma Musume, so receiving personalized attention might be difficult.
Third: this is more of a loophole, but you can find a Trainer and approach them during free time.
Overdoing it is forbidden, but moderate approaches are acceptable. ...What exactly constitutes "moderate," though?
Of course, I was aiming for the first option.
Let me be clear:
I, Hoshino Wilm, am strong.
In casual races in my native Hokkaido, I was undefeated—often winning by a wide margin.
Well, it's all thanks to the power of "Anime Reincarnation," you know. Without knowledge or passion, I could only win because of my superior physical abilities.
But in racing, speed is absolute. Conversely, this meant that "Anime Reincarnation" was so powerful it more than compensated for my shortcomings.
Therefore, I never doubted my ability to win.
I'd start running and naturally win. That was all racing meant to me.
"Alright... let's win this."
According to the schedule posted on the bulletin board, simulation races were scheduled for today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow.
*I wonder if I can still register in time.* It's reservation-based, and I heard the simulation races get pretty popular.
*Well, whatever. I'll head straight to the registration desk for now. If I can't enter this one, I'll just enter the next available race.*
***
*It's so cold.*
"They're definitely fast," I murmured to myself. No one could possibly hear me over the pounding of hooves against the dirt.
I ran close to the inner rail, keeping to the inside lane. But even "running" was an exaggeration—I was merely keeping pace with the others.
Simulation Race: Left-turn turf course, 1600 meters. Track Condition: Good.
As the race approached its midpoint, I found myself running at the back of the group.
Compared to the casual races in Hokkaido, this pace was indeed faster. Fast, yet still too slow. At my full sprint, I could easily break free.
The problem, however...
Two to my right, three ahead, and one behind.
I was surrounded. The group had clearly marked me as an enemy and was closing in to trap me.
The Chestnut mare ahead glanced back at me. Her eyes burned with unyielding hostility and fear.
Perhaps if we ran together, she would understand that I was holding back. Or rather, I was simply imitating Spe-chan's running style.
I had no knowledge of historical Horse Racing. Even when technical terms came up in the anime, I'd just vaguely tune them out.
And after coming to this world... honestly, I hadn't developed much interest in racing either.
If you called me lazy, I wouldn't have any excuses. But I think there was a legitimate reason.
Winning by a wide margin every time felt no different from running alone. With no sense of competition, I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy it.
Perhaps my knowledge of competition was lacking. Running styles, distances—they seemed to pass right through my ears without leaving a trace.
Still, winning was all that mattered.
Victory alone was justice.
"Get out of my way."
A momentary hesitation allowed the Uma Musume holding me back on the right to surge forward, shattering the wall of bodies.
Now, all I had to do was break through.
Accelerate. Accelerate! With all my might, I pushed toward top speed.
I ran almost sideways, sliding through the group before pivoting forward.
Come on, just like always—ahead.
Ahead. Ahead. Ahead... Ahead!
One by one, Uma Musume vanished from my sight.
The wind resistance was infuriating. I felt keenly how inefficient the human form was for the single purpose of running.
Still too slow. Faster! Faster than anyone else—faster, faster!
Because I *had* to win.
"Two more to go."
Only one straightaway remained, along with the Gray and Chestnut horses.
If I could catch up to them all and overtake them, it would be over.
*Turn your legs. Turn them faster, faster.*
If I couldn't turn them faster...
"...!"
A sense of foreboding froze my heart.
*It's too short. This straightaway is far too short to overtake the leader.*
I couldn't accelerate in time. I couldn't build up enough speed. And, most importantly...
"That Chestnut... she's fast."
She was in a different class entirely from the ones at the Regional Training Center.
Usually, when I gave it my all, everyone vanished in an instant.
But now, I could still see one horse's back in my field of vision.
...*Am I going to lose?*
*Me?*
"Hey, you. The Chestnut one."
Huh?
The Chestnut... the girl I passed earlier? No, but her voice was definitely directed at me.
*Was I being called?*
*The race... I'm in the middle of the race right now.*
*Why am I stretching?*
"...Yes."
For now, I just responded.
When I turned around, there he was...
Ah, I know him. He's the Rookie Trainer about whom bad rumors had been circulating among the new students.
For us Uma Musume, the Trainer we get significantly shapes our future.
That's why rumors naturally spread about which Trainers are laid-back, which are strict, and so on.
Among them, the rumors about this Trainer-san were particularly... impactful.
A rookie male Trainer with a neat, always impeccably tailored suit and handsome features.
They said he was always expressionless and unfriendly, probably devoid of human emotions.
They said he pushed Uma Musume to the brink of breakdown during the rookie training.
They said he got his job through backdoor connections, a cunning fox exploiting his wealthy family's influence.
...It's hard to believe all of that is true. Most likely, it's a mix of exaggerations and baseless rumors.
In my previous life, I had learned well enough to dismiss rumors based on hearsay.
Therefore, I only needed to focus on one thing:
He was a powerful Trainer from an Elite School.
"May I ask your name?"
My name? Now? While the race was still underway?
But wait—that's right. I entered the race because I wanted a Trainer, didn't I?
Then perhaps I should respond.
"...Yes. I'm Hoshino Wilm."
The name of my so-called Uma Soul.
In my previous life and childhood, I had different names, but somehow this one had already become familiar.
My name as an Uma Musume.
...To be honest, I don't particularly like it.
Upon hearing my name, Trainer-san blinked several times, paused briefly, and then spoke again.
"Hoshino Wilm. Why did you run the Mile as a Late Surger?"
...Huh? Why the sudden change in topic?
Why did I run... run? Not *am running*?
There was nothing I couldn't answer. Catching my breath, I organized my thoughts and replied.
I chose the Mile simply because it was the race with the shortest time until start.
As for the Late Surger strategy... well, I'm not sure I really chose it. I was just imitating Spe-chan (Special Week) from the anime, running all-out in the final stretch.
Trainer-san blinked again, his expression unchanging.
...He really never showed any emotion. With his handsome face, talking to him felt like speaking to a well-made doll.
Honestly, it was a little unsettling. Perhaps that's where the rumors about him started.
This time, the silence stretched even longer before he spoke again.
"Hoshino Wilm," he said. "Will you make me your Trainer? I'll take you to the Twinkle stage."
...Huh?
A scout? Why?
I haven't even finished running yet. I haven't crossed the finish line in first place. I haven't won.
I haven't won...
No.
I *can't* win.
"I'm sorry, I have to decline."
There's no value in someone who can't win.
To win, I need to become even faster.
***
And I ran all day, lost in a dreamlike trance, as if frost were settling on my mind.
"I offer you my life.
... Please take care of me, my Trainer."
The dream shattered.
*My cheeks are burning hot!*
*No, no, no, no! What did I just say?!*
I'm glad I got a Trainer, aren't I? After all, it's one way to get stronger and secure my place in the Twinkle Series.
But wait a minute—"I offer you my life"? That's practically a proposal!
And I turned down his scouting offer earlier today! I rejected him bluntly, driven by pure emotion! This makes me look like a crazy person!
See? Even the Trainer is staring at me blankly! He must think I'm a total weirdo! Ah, it's over. Completely over. At worst, he might say, "Actually, never mind!" right here and now!
...As my mind descended into chaos.
Suppressing my emotions, I forced my face into a blank expression and opened my mouth.
"...Trainer?"
"Ah, yes, sorry. I couldn't quite follow the flow of the conversation, so I was a bit startled."
I never wanted anyone to see my true emotions.
After all, emotions only cause trouble. They should be killed within me, never allowed to escape.
This was the conclusion I'd reached after living through life twice—my personal philosophy for survival.
...Well, considering my rampage earlier today, it hardly sounds convincing now.
Still, "startled," huh...? He must have been repelled.
There's a saying—or rather, it applies to Uma Musume, not humans—that one's true nature reveals itself when pushed to the brink.
*So that makes me selfish, laid-back, and even a bit poetic, huh?*
Ugh... the self-loathing is overwhelming.
They scouted me twice, but now it's completely over... *I'm done.*
"...Very well. I will guide your Uma Soul faster and more brilliantly than anyone else. I look forward to working with you, my assigned Uma Musume."
*Yes! I won! I actually won!* Seriously, how magnanimous is this person?! And they're saying something so cool! Is this from a movie or something?
My gaze instinctively traced the hand that gripped mine so tightly. The hand of the person who had promised to lead me to victory.
The person whose steel-firm, handsome face had softened, just a fraction.
...U-uh...
Wait, why am I getting a little fluttery? I'm such an easy mark.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
The night's chill seeped into my bones. *If only it could cool my heart too...*
"Ugh..."
My gaze plummeted downward.
*Crap, my posture's collapsing. I need to straighten up.*
...Wait, uh, how do I stand up again?
"Hey, hey!"
Someone caught me as I collapsed.
*Big. Warm. And... a man's scent?*
"...Father?"
"Hm?"
*Why is Father here? Why is he holding me?*
Oh, but right. First, I need to report.
"Father, I'm sorry... I... I lost."
My consciousness began to fade. I couldn't even understand what I was saying.
Finally,
"...Good night."
I felt like I had received something warm.
I had a dream.
It was the familiar, cold dream.
*I was rejected.*
*I was evaluated.*
*I was ostracized.*
That was all. Just that—a wretched dream.
When I woke up, I wiped away the tears, and by morning, I'd forgotten the trivial nightmare.
But within it, there was one thing different from usual.
*If that's your wish, then...*
*...Of course, I won't let you waste it.*
Those words hadn't registered at the time, but they were seared into my memory.
*Ah, today feels a little warmer.*