Inside a narrow iron cage, I wait quietly for the moment of release.
A boiling impulse rises from the pit of my stomach, setting me ablaze.
The wind feels pleasant, the sunlight is gentle.
Your beautiful eyes make my heart race.
---
"Under a beautiful blue sky, we are here at Tokyo Racecourse! The turf condition is perfect!"
"The stage is set for an incredible showdown!"
"The 3rd most popular is No.9, Tropical Sky. Perhaps a little dissatisfied with that ranking? The 2nd favorite is No.2, Weiss Grimoire. And today's top favorite is none other than No.5, Ash Stone!"
"They all look like they're in great spirits today."
"All Uma Musume have entered the gates and are set!"
---
So watch me — watch me win.
---
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The cherry blossoms have fallen, and the humid season has come. I'm Shiro no Lily, and I'm happy that my stamina has been building up nicely lately. I can now last for 1800 meters. At this rate, by the time I reach the Classic Class, I might even be able to run 5000 meters!
It's been about two months since I enrolled in Tracen Academy, and now it's early June. Ever since then, I've been living a training-packed life every day. Right now, I'm swimming in the pool for stamina training. Ruru-chan said swimming is an efficient way to build endurance.
Since I'm a smart girl, I leave that kind of specialized thinking to capable people. You could say I trust them. Well, in truth, I really do rely on her a lot!
Swimming in the pool is actually quite fun. It feels different from running, a refreshing sensation that's pretty new to me. It's fun and builds stamina — talk about killing two birds with one stone!
Oh, and speaking of which, Ruru-chan said after training I should come by the trainer's room. I wonder what's up? I'm curious!
---
"You're both here? Great. Let's get straight to the point."
Standing in front of the whiteboard, Ruru-chan was jotting down various notes. Sitting with Rice-chan on the sofa, we watched her as she turned to face us once she was done writing.
"First off, the dates for your Make Debuts have been decided. Two weeks from now, in late June. Lily goes first, then Rice on a later day. Both races will be at Tokyo Racecourse. Lily's will be 1600 meters, Rice's 2000 meters. Any questions so far?"
Oh! It's finally happening! There's still time, but that means I have to train even harder now!
"No questions? Alright. I'll explain the details of the course later. But Lily, there's a notable Uma Musume in your race — this girl, Ash Stone."
She placed the profile on the desk.
I see — she's a large, power-type Uma Musume.
"As for your strategy… honestly, there isn't one."
"So basically, you mean I can just run however I like?"
"...I was expecting a bit of a reaction, but yeah, pretty much. For now, it's better to keep things simple — find a comfortable position, save your legs, and unleash everything at the end."
"Because Lily-chan doesn't have much experience yet, right? Rice is the same, really."
"Exactly. I wanted to arrange mock races, but since I'm a rookie trainer, nobody would take us on…"
In a low voice, Ruru muttered, "...Those bastards, looking down on me."
With Uma Musume hearing, even whispers like that are perfectly audible. …Let's pretend I didn't hear that.
"It's a shame we couldn't do mock races, but on the bright side, it means there's very little info about Lily circulating among the other trainers. Rice, being in the upper division, already has more data out there though…"
"It's fine, Onee-sama. Rice will win anyway."
"Confident as always — good. …Though, Lily's fame so far seems to be more for her looks than her strength. Anyway, let's move on to the course explanation—"
After going through the race details, the meeting was over.
Two weeks — long yet short. When I told Mom and Dad the date of my debut, they said they'd come to cheer me on in person. Even though they're so busy with work… I'm really grateful! I'll just have to show them my best self!
Time passed in the blink of an eye, and soon it was the night before my debut.
I did some light training to keep my rhythm, reviewed my opponent's data, and checked the course again.
Finally. My first race is here.
---
"Lily-chan, it's finally tomorrow!"
"Yeah! I'm a bit nervous, but I'm so excited too!"
We were sitting on my bed, facing each other and chatting. I'm getting super hyped! Right now, I'm feeling super strong — it's Mighty Lily time!
"We've done everything we can. All that's left is to give it our all!"
"And one more important thing, right? That is…"
"'To enjoy the race to the fullest!'"
We said it together, then laughed. Rice-chan's smile is beautiful.
"It feels strange, doesn't it? We're really going to race for real… The same races we used to watch on TV…"
"Yeah… it doesn't even feel real yet. But we made it. We finally made it this far."
Looking into Rice-chan's eyes, I spoke.
"This is only the beginning, but we've come so far. We won't run together yet, but this is where it all starts."
"Lily-chan… yeah, you're right. This is just the beginning… Hey, Lily-chan… don't lose to anyone, okay?"
"No, Rice-chan — I won't even lose to you."
Our serious expressions made us giggle.
"I'll cheer so hard for you tomorrow, Lily-chan!"
"Yeah! Thanks, Rice-chan!"
Ah, what a nice mood. Is this what they call youth? …Oh, but there's something I've been wondering about, so I decided to ask.
"Hey, Rice-chan."
"What is it, Lily-chan?"
"Um, every morning before I wake up… why do you always smell my hair?"
Rice-chan froze. Her eyelashes are really long.
"I'm sorry, Lily-chan… It's just… you smell really nice. I've always thought that, and I just couldn't resist…"
"You wanted to sniff it?"
"Yeah… ah! But if you don't like it, I'll stop—"
"? If it's you, I don't mind."
"Really?"
"Y-yeah… Rice-chan, your face is really close…"
Her presence felt intense. My mom sometimes does the same thing — hugs me tight and says, "I need my Lily-chan essence!!" She told me that kind of thing's normal among family and close friends, so I guess it's fine with Rice-chan too.
Huh? Rice-chan's eyes look a little scary…
"...This is your fault, Lily-chan."
After that, she spent about thirty minutes smelling me. I got kind of tired. She said my scalp, neck, and collarbone smelled the best, but I don't really get it.
Still, living together lets me discover new sides of Rice-chan I never knew, and that makes me happy.
Also, Rice-chan smelled really nice too. I think I'll sleep well tonight.
---
Rice Shower's motivation increased!
---
Right now, we're driving to Tokyo Racecourse. But since this morning, Rice has been all shiny and glowing. And she's wearing a backpack — I wonder what's inside?
"Rice, you seem fired up today. Something happen?"
"It's all thanks to Lily-chan♪"
"…I have no idea what that means, but as long as you're feeling good, fine."
I glanced at Lily, but she just had her usual innocent face — no clue at all. Oh well, both of them seem in good shape, so that's what matters.
"…You two seem awfully close."
That's definitely not my imagination. They're practically glued together, no space between them. I almost feel bad for the seatbelt caught in the middle.
"...It's always like this."
"...Yeah right." Their timing was too perfect.
"We're almost there, get ready, both of you."
It's a nice view, but man, I could really use a black coffee right now…
---
"Any Uma Musume you've got your eye on for this debut?"
"For me, it's Ash Stone. That power is rare — and, well, she's got a lot of… big assets."
"...I see. Personally, I'm curious about Tropical Sky. She's cute, after all."
"Hold up, Ash Stone's cute too! Did you know she can't handle carbonated drinks? …Actually, every Uma Musume is cute."
"Agreed completely. …By the way, you know that girl, Shirono Lily? She's the only middle-schooler in the lineup. Hardly any info on her, but rumor has it she's super cute…"
"No clue myself. …Oh, the paddock introductions are starting."
The announcers began introducing the Uma Musume for today's race.
"Number 1, Ribbon Operetta — she looks really nervous."
"Hopefully she'll calm down before the start."
The spectators watched warmly as each Uma Musume was introduced. The first one was so tense that her arms and legs moved in sync, earning a few gentle chuckles from the crowd.
Even the Emperor, Symboli Rudolf, had once been nervous on her debut. It's only natural.
Then, the top favorite appeared — Ash Stone.
"No.5, the top favorite, Ash Stone! She looks composed and confident."
"She's in great form. It's as if she's declaring herself today's leading lady. Expect a strong performance."
"...Yeah, Ash Stone's in a class of her own."
"True. But in racing, nothing's guaranteed. …Still, we're just fans — our opinions don't mean much."
"Way to kill the mood…"
They sighed, watching the paddock. Among these girls, one of them might become a future star. Then, as another Uma Musume entered, the crowd suddenly fell silent.
"...Number 8, 7th favorite, Shiro no Lily. The only middle-school participant."
"...And she looks well-prepared. Can she stand up to the upper division? Let's see."
What appeared before them was living art.
A flawless, pure white Uma Musume. Her beauty silenced the stadium. Even the veteran commentators momentarily forgot their words.
Naturally, the spectators were entranced, mouths agape, unable to look away.
When she heard someone shout "Lily-chan!" — likely her parents — the white-haired girl's face bloomed into a radiant, sunlike smile as she waved.
Her noble, angelic grace instantly transformed into innocent warmth — captivating everyone even more.
"…I'm gonna stan her."
"…Me too."
"She's waving to her parents. Adorable!"
"So heartwarming."
---
The race begins.
I can hear the wind.
I can smell the fresh turf.
The iron gates will open any second.
Hurry, hurry — I can't wait any longer!
---
Clang!
The gates burst open, and I tore into the turf.
"Start!"
"All horses got off to a clean start!"
"Who will take the lead?!"
"Battling for the front — No.7 Lady Adamant, No.6 Faster Than Ray, No.3 Tomoe Nage — all showing strong starts! The favorite, Ash Stone, in fourth position, keeping pace well! Lady Adamant takes the front, followed by Tomoe Nage — an intense fight early on!"
"They might become rivals to watch!"
"Lady Adamant maintains her lead — can she hold it?"
---
Ash Stone is in fourth, I'm in sixth.
I want to sprint full-out already — but if I do that, I'll burn out.
It's a perfect race day. The air feels good.
So I'll hold back. I'll save it all for the final stretch.
Oh, the corner's coming up already. My legs still feel strong.
My body feels light — I'm not afraid of anything today!
---
Ash Stone was a born talent.
Undefeated in her hometown, blessed with power, size, and animal-like racing instinct. She had blown through her selection races and was scouted with ease. Today, she had no doubt she'd win again.
"With your running, Ash, this debut's in the bag."
"Leave it to me, Trainer! Celebration's at a yakiniku joint, yeah?"
"...Sure thing! There's nothing my wallet can't handle!"
---
(…Entering the corner now, but that little white one's in my way… perfectly blocking my outside…)
Shiro no Lily wasn't thinking about blocking anyone — she just happened to pick the most natural running line. But it worked perfectly.
(…No matter. My legs are fine. With my power, I'll crush it later… Just wait…)
---
"Past the Great Keyaki tree, turning into the final corner! Inside or outside — who'll make the move?! One and a half lengths ahead — can they close in?! The battle goes into the final stretch! Lady Adamant leads the pack! But the others are coming up fast! Lady Adamant still holds the front—!"
---
(Now!!)
She still doubted nothing. Victory was hers, as always.
Pouring everything into her legs, she unleashed brutal acceleration.
"Ahahahahaaaaa!!!"
Laughing like a beast, she stormed forward. In seconds, she took the lead — one length, two lengths ahead.
(This is the best! No one can catch me now!)
But then — a deafening sound tore the turf behind her.
(Huh? What's that…)
She glanced back — just for an instant. That instant was enough for a white blur to pass her side.
(Wha—?! Who the hell—!!)
The white streak surged far ahead — as if she didn't even exist.
(Don't screw with me!! The winner here is ME!!)
Fury exploded. A new, unknown power surged within her.
(Crush her! Crush her!! That's MY place!!)
Her acceleration was monstrous — unlike anything she'd ever felt.
But she couldn't catch her.
(Damn it! Damn it! Damn it all!!)
In every past race, she had never gone all-out. Her talent had made her arrogant. But now, someone ahead had shattered that arrogance.
---
Ash Stone spurred forward on the final stretch — I saw her.
She's strong. Powerful. Fast.
But it's okay. So please watch me, Rice-chan. Mama, Papa, and Ruru-chan too.
---
Because I'm faster!
---
With a thunderous roar, the turf exploded beneath me.
The girl herself vanished — only a white trail remained.
No fleeing prey, no arrogant beasts ahead — only the path before me.
With overwhelming strength, I tore through the turf, leaving two, then three lengths behind, crossing the finish line.
"What an incredible finishing burst! She mowed through her rivals and blazed past the goal!
A flawless debut victory for Shiro no Lily! First place: No.8, Shiro no Lily! Second: No.5, Ash Stone! Third: No.6, Faster Than Ray—!"
---
Smiling from ear to ear, I raised my hand toward the stands.
See? I did it! I won!
The crowd erupted in cheers, wrapping the whole racecourse in joy.
---
The first step — and many more to come!
---
"Lily-chan!!! You were SO COOL!!!"
"YEEAAAHHH!!! Lily won!!!"
"Lily-chan I love youuuu!!!! Aaaahhh!!! I love you so muchhh!!!"
"Whoa, Rice's gone nuts!? …Wait, no, this is worse than usual—"
"Lily-chan was just so amazing… so cool… Hey, Onee-sama, did you see that final sprint?! It was so beautiful… She's always cute, but that fierce look in her eyes — god, it was so cool… Ahhh, Lily-chan's incredible…"
"…Are you sure you'll survive the Winning Live? You might faint."
"For Lily-chan's big moment, Rice will never fall! …Oh! Onee-sama, use this during the live!"
Right — that backpack. She pulled out a handmade happi coat and headband, both extremely high quality.
"This is…"
"Of course, the penlight's white — Lily's image color! I can't wait for the live! Ahh! Lily-chan's waving at me!! Lily-chaaan!!! I love youuuu!!!!"
Holding the Lily-printed happi and headband, the astonished trainer watched Rice lose her mind in full fan mode.
During the Winning Live, Rice Shower waved her penlights with such insane energy that everyone around her understood just how deep her love ran.
Incidentally, Rice's own Make Debut a few days later also ended in victory. And when Lily watched her race with the same level of intensity, everyone could only say one thing —
"They're perfect for each other."
---
"Rice-chan!!! You were SO COOL!!!"
"Rice-chan I love youuuu!!! Aaaahhh!!! I love you soooo much!!!"