"You've really gone to a lot of trouble, young man!"
Watching Kazuo busily running around, the uncle probably understood why he was working so hard.
"No trouble at all!"
At this moment, Kazuo couldn't even spare a word, exerting himself to move things. His mind was completely focused on the race that was about to begin.
"Oh, then I'll help you too. After all, there are so many boxes to move into the warehouse."
"Really? Thank you so much, uncle!"
...
When Symboli Rudolf walked into the competitor's passage, she directly encountered two people who were talking.
Bizen Nishiki, dressed in a fiery red racing suit, ready for action, and Ms. Mr. CB, wearing a Branch School uniform.
Seeing Symboli Rudolf approaching, Bizen Nishiki immediately showed a hostile expression, while CB waved her hand casually and said, "Yo! Luna! That outfit suits you well!"
Luna is Symboli Rudolf's nickname. In fact, the two are old acquaintances. Before entering different academies, CB was Symboli Rudolf's Middle School senior.
This meeting added a different kind of significance to the race.
Symboli Rudolf, having already adjusted her mindset, looked calm. Ignoring Bizen Nishiki's hostile gaze, she looked at CB and smiled, "Thank you... And, Chiaki, long time no see."
Mr. CB — Representative Chiaki.
That is also her real name.
The two had a rare reunion. At this moment, they were still in a senior-junior relationship, but their next meeting might be when they truly stand on opposing sides, as rivals on the same Racecourse.
Both seemed to have this feeling. The kings of neighboring generations, each regarded the other as their most important opponent.
Perhaps now Chiaki was still ahead, waiting for Symboli Rudolf who was catching up at full speed, but by this time next year, everything might be completely different.
"Good luck to both of you!"
At this moment, Chiaki deliberately pretended not to know about the two's past grievances, and patted Bizen Nishiki hard. Faced with her senior, Bizen Nishiki couldn't really react, so she could only turn her focus towards Symboli Rudolf.
However, Symboli Rudolf returned a smile and said, "Let's have a good contest, Bizen Nishiki."
"...Hmph... See you on the Racecourse."
After uttering a defiant remark, Bizen Nishiki turned her head and walked towards the exit. Watching her figure, Symboli Rudolf also recalled something someone once told her —
An Emperor is supported by others, but is also solitary.
Chiaki looked at Bizen Nishiki and couldn't help but show a wry smile: "Although I don't think you'll lose, you still need to be wary of my junior here. If you're not careful, an upset isn't impossible."
"I will be careful."
Symboli Rudolf would absolutely not let that happen.
Seeing her serious expression, Chiaki also smiled and said, "Well then, I'll go to the stands to watch your performance too."
"Mhm — watch closely."
After speaking, the two turned their backs and walked in different directions, but as long as they kept going, one day in the future, their paths would surely converge again.
...
Loud brass music began to play, a concerto woven from the sounds of trumpets and drums. This is a fixed tradition for major Horse Racing events.
And the sound of this music also signaled that the race was about to officially begin.
The entire Nakayama Racecourse was now bustling with noise. Today, the venue was packed, with a massive crowd gathered here, all for this long-anticipated and exciting Satsuki Sho battle.
"Brother, it's starting!"
Aoi exclaimed excitedly as she saw the words "G1 Satsuki Sho" appear on the TV, and the camera panned to the band playing music beside the Racecourse.
Aoi couldn't help but cry out excitedly, and Kiryuuin also leaned in closer, as no one could refuse a first-stage race that might witness the birth of a new king.
As for the other side.
Listening to the sound of the race music playing on the car radio, Kazuo knew that the race was about to start, but only a small portion of the cargo in the car had been moved.
"Yargh —"
Cursing, Kazuo could only work harder to move the goods.
He didn't want to end up only being able to listen to the entire race on the radio.
...
"The live signal switches to the scene. NHK is broadcasting live. This is Nakayama Racecourse, this is Nakayama Racecourse in Chiba Prefecture. I am today's commentator, Koji Hashiguchi."
"I am commentator Akasaka Satomi."
"As you can all see, it's a Golden Week holiday, and the entire venue is packed to the brim, a buzzing atmosphere as everyone eagerly awaits the athletes' entrance. And if we pan the camera over here, you can truly feel the audience's enthusiasm. This event, held at Nakayama Racecourse, is the first leg of the G1 Classic Triple Crown series, the Satsuki Sho."
"It's a 2000m turf graded race, and today's weather is clear, perfect for the competition. The race, postponed by nearly two weeks, this long-awaited showdown, will finally take place at Nakayama Racecourse."
"Oh, at this moment, the athletes are also emerging from the race tunnel, and a huge wave of cheers erupts from the stands. The list of athletes has already been displayed on the screen, let's take a look."
"There are eighteen Uma Musume participating in this Satsuki Sho race, but unfortunately, before the race, the association received an application stating that Uma Musume number nine, Foster Solon, experienced physical discomfort. After deliberation, her qualification for this race was cancelled. In reality, there are a total of 17 Uma Musume competing today. We can see that every Uma Musume is now standing on the track in her winning uniform!"
"Ho! I didn't expect Symboli Rudolf's outfit to be so good! Wouldn't you say so, old man?!"
Yoshida glanced at Koji, who looked completely unbothered beside him, and couldn't help but let out a sigh. However, since he had said so, Yoshida could only continue to wait.
For now, let's focus on the race.
"Hmm… As expected of the Emperor, she commands an overwhelming Kiai (Fighting Spirit) the moment she appears. However, this race won't easily become her solo stage."
Yoshida said, clearly having already shifted his gaze to another chestnut-haired girl with a ponytail, wearing a red racing suit. If he remembered correctly, this girl also used to be a student of the Main School… "Hmph… Has it started?"
Kazuo, dragging his exhausted body, arrived at the shop. The back-and-forth weighted shuttle runs were practically killing him.
His obsession with the race forced him back to the shop, and at this moment, the display screen was just showing close-ups of each Uma Musume.
"They are currently introducing the Uma Musume and interviewing guests."
Aoi said, quickly getting up to make room for him. Kazuo didn't hesitate and sat right down.
.
"We know the Satsuki Sho is the first leg of the Classic Triple Crown. The Uma Musume who wins the first leg is often someone on whom great hopes are placed."
"Yes, speaking of which, we have to mention an Uma Musume, after all, the Uma Musume who achieved the Triple Crown last year can be said to be the first Classic Triple Crown Uma Musume to appear again after ten years!"
It was still the Uma Musume's warm-up stage. At this time, the two commentators mainly relied on introducing the Uma Musume to the audience while also exchanging banter, gradually guiding the conversation to another Uma Musume.
"Oh, speaking of her, she is also known as a national idol, a local Triple Crown Uma Musume. She can be said to be a king who created a new era, and I believe everyone here must have heard her name. And she has also been invited to the venue today, she is—"
"Mr. CB, Representative Chiaki!"
As the commentator introduced her, the camera shifted to the black-haired girl in the audience, and upon discovering that this national idol was also present today, the cheers from the stands once again escalated.
Representative Chiaki's appearance even had a hint of upstaging the main event. Everyone wanted to witness the birth of a new era, and Representative Chiaki, as an acclaimed figure, was certainly a representative of that.
Representative Chiaki, however, appeared very casual, simply waving her hands towards the camera and then blowing a kiss. This gesture, no doubt, would captivate countless fans waiting in front of their televisions.
.
"Mr. CB… Representative Chiaki…"
Looking at the figure on the TV screen, Kazuo couldn't help but recall the scene he witnessed in the school cafeteria last year, the name of the Triple Crown, bestowed upon her—
"Symboli Rudolf is also desperately chasing her now," Kiryuuin said, pulling out a cigarette, skillfully lighting it, and taking a deep drag. "At this stage, the only one qualified to challenge for the Triple Crown is probably Symboli Rudolf."
"Brother."
"Hmm?"
"The shop is a no-smoking area."
"…Yes."
Aoi looked at Kiryuuin with a very intimidating smile. The usually lazy and casual shop owner was actually very afraid of his sister—
.
"Speaking of Representative Chiaki, one cannot help but mention her Triple Crown achievement last year, which can be described as dominating the entire year and earning her the honor of being the best Uma Musume of the year."
"Yes, but, on this Racecourse today, I believe there are also stars who will prove themselves."
"Yes, so let's now introduce today's top three popular Uma Musume!"
"First up is the third most popular Uma Musume, number six, Asaka Jumbo. Among the seventeen Uma Musume this time, she is the only one who qualified from a local selection to participate in a Central Race. She possesses good sprinting ability and achieved good results in the preliminary race."
"Next is the second most popular Uma Musume, number three, Bizen Nishiki. As a student of the Tresen Academy Branch School, she once set an undefeated winning streak of four races last year. However, in this year's preliminary race, the Yayoi Sho, her winning streak was finally broken at the very end, placing second. Can she successfully exact her revenge today? Let's wait and see."
When this was mentioned, even the camera captured her hostile gaze. Clearly, in this race, she was bringing 100% Kiai (Fighting Spirit) to compete against that one.
"Alright, next up is the most popular Uma Musume, the highly anticipated number ten, Symboli Rudolf. As a child born in Chiba, she is now able to return to her hometown and fight at Nakayama Racecourse. Having also achieved four undefeated victories, can she prove her name as the 'Emperor' in her first G1 graded race? All will be revealed in the upcoming race."
When Symboli Rudolf was mentioned, the camera thoughtfully provided a close-up. The beautiful Uma Musume in a military uniform, embodying the majesty of a monarch, Symboli Rudolf at this moment was like a general standing on a battlefield, her sharp blade slowly drawing from its sheath, her hidden pressure gradually revealing itself.
"The President's outfit is really cool!"
Kazuo couldn't help but exclaim, and the other two also nodded in agreement.
This was the Emperor's first time appearing before the public in her winning uniform. The cheers and shouts that erupted from the stands were enough to prove her immense popularity.
"The race is about to start soon, isn't it?"
Kazuo was excitedly rubbing his hands, and Aoi also excitedly leaned closer. This unconscious action made them seem as if they were pressed together.
Kiryuuin, standing nearby, instantly frowned, as if he had noticed something.
Coincidentally, at this very moment, Kiryuuin's phone rang again.
Upon hearing the phone ring, Kazuo's body couldn't help but tremble. But just as he realized something was amiss and tried to move away.
A pair of large hands firmly gripped his shoulders.
"Asama, there's another thing I need you to do—"
"What!? But the race is about to start in a bit!?"
"No choice, who told them to send a sudden message. The flower arrangement ordered earlier from the flower shop should have arrived. If possible, I hope you can pick it up for me directly."
"—"
"Do it, or not?"
Although he had a casual demeanor, this kind of pressure made it impossible to refuse.
"I'll go."
Kazuo, though looking heartbroken, still got up and walked towards the door.
"Remember, it's at the flower shop right across the street, it won't take long! Once the delivery person arrives, just sign for it and bring it over. You'll definitely be back in time to watch the race."
Seeing Kazuo being sent out by Kiryuuin again, Aoi seemed to sense something.
Her brows furrowed slightly, and she asked, somewhat confused, "Brother, are you targeting Kazuo?"
"How could I be? It's just two flower baskets, he'll be back with them quickly. Plenty of time, plenty of time."
Although he appeared harmless in front of Aoi, this guy was an ultimate siscon.
When he previously noticed the two addressing each other by name, he felt a hint of unease and an inexplicable sense of crisis. Coupled with his sister's generally unguarded nature, Kiryuuin immediately became vigilant. While he had indeed received a call earlier, the delivery wouldn't arrive for another twenty minutes, which meant he could completely send Kazuo away.
The so-called "plenty of time" was just a deceptive phrase; by the time the other party realized it, the race here would have long been over.
Plan complete.
...
"Seriously, why are there so many things to do before the race… Good things come to those who wait, I guess—"
Kazuo clearly didn't know he had fallen into a trap. He mumbled to himself as he crossed the street, scratching his head and sighing helplessly.
Now, he could only pray to get back to the shop in time before the race.
However, when he reached the flower shop across the street that Kiryuuin had mentioned, he suddenly realized something was amiss.
The girl sitting on the bench in front of the flower shop happened to look up at him, and for a moment, both of them froze.
"Guh-eh?"
The moment Daijin reacted, she immediately showed an expression of having run into trouble.
Kazuo, having come to his senses, also raised his hand in greeting.
"What a coincidence… Daijin."
"…"
She silently turned her body, as if trying to ignore Kazuo.
...
"All Uma Musume have now entered the gate, awaiting the final adjustments—"
Symboli Rudolf stood inside the gate, taking light breaths, as if searching for a feeling, needing to enter a certain state. This was like a process of meditation.
Her competitors were by her side, but there were also those she needed to chase ahead.
That's right—
"…Let me show you the might of the Emperor."
She murmured softly, the flame in her eyes already burning.
"Ready—"
"Thud"
The light then amplified.
...
In just two minutes—
"Let me see too! Bring it a little closer, I can't see clearly."
"Too close! Don't put your face so near!!"
"Ow, ow, ow! My neck, my neck is going to break!"
Daijin's small hand pushed against Kazuo's face, resisting with all her might, but he was currently so focused on the race that he couldn't care less about anything else.
Through casual conversation, he learned that Daijin was also out waiting for a delivery. Realizing he had been tricked, Kazuo no longer had time to rush back.
But hearing the sound coming from Daijin's phone, he instantly understood everything and, disregarding his dignity as a teacher, squeezed closer, wanting to watch the race together.
As for why he wasn't using his own phone, on one hand, his data plan had no allowance, and on the other, his phone was left in the shop.
Hearing that the race had entered the preparation phase, he now sat closely with Daijin to watch the race.
Although Daijin wanted to resist, Kazuo, who was only thinking about watching the race, couldn't care less about anything else at this moment.
So, the two of them sat together in a very strange posture.
Although they still wanted to bicker, with the crisp sound of the starting gate opening on the live broadcast, the race had officially begun—
...
"Start!! The race has begun, the race has begun! What everyone is seeing now is the 44th G1 Satsuki Sho, 2000m middle-distance turf race at Nakayama Racecourse!!!"
"All Uma Musume have exited the gates smoothly, with no delays. From the very beginning, everyone has adopted a stance of fighting to the end. Currently in the lead is #6, Asaka! But quickly catching up is #11, #11 Luminous Racer, she is overtaking from the side-rear, taking the inside lane and a leading advantage early in the race!"
"Meanwhile, #10 Symboli Rudolf has not chosen to cut to the inside, but continues to maintain her speed on the outside, currently in fifth position! Behind her, #3 Bizen Nishiki is also conserving her strength at this stage, seemingly preparing to make her move!"
Symboli Rudolf had directly chosen the outer lane, not getting involved in the scramble with the others. She was running at a pace equal to the main group, maintaining her own speed. The 2000m middle-distance track, especially here at Nakayama Racecourse, only has four large turns, which means Symboli Rudolf would definitely make her move before the last two turns.
However, at least for now, she remained composed, running calmly with the main group.
(This time, I will definitely keep my eyes on you! Symboli Rudolf!!)
Following closely behind her, Bizen Nishiki had transformed into an ambush hidden within the pack. Her eyes were solely on Symboli Rudolf from beginning to end. She would stalk her until the very end, and then use her own strength to shatter Symboli Rudolf's Triple Crown dream!
The speed was fast. Besides the cheers from the audience, there was the dense thudding sound like drumbeats. All the participants in this race were strong contenders who had overcome many challenges to reach this point. From first place to last, the distances remained very tight, especially as the middle group entered the first turn, all scrambling for the inside lane.
Using the turn to overtake and then block positions was a tactic many would employ.
"Quickly approaching the first turn! Taking advantage of the turn to overtake in one fell swoop is #6, Asaka! Her ability is outstanding; she instantly overtakes here and widens the gap with #11, Luminous Racer!"
"Behind her, #10 Symboli Rudolf has already appeared here!? Symboli Rudolf is accelerating at this position, moving into third place. However, why did she choose the outer lane and not use this advantage to cut to the inside? What exactly is Symboli Rudolf planning!?"
Everyone present watched Symboli Rudolf hand over her advantage to others, and couldn't help but feel puzzled and confused.
She didn't use the advantage she had gained to block a position; instead, she gave it up. What exactly was Symboli Rudolf trying to do?!
"Entering the second straightaway, this is the second contested point of the 2000m race. The leading group is still these three, but the order behind them has changed. #3 Bizen Nishiki has now overtaken two Uma Musume, moving into fourth position, which is quite surprising. Besides her, #18 Onward Cameron has also sprinted up from the rear. The race is starting to get intense!!"
(This Uma Musume! Is she looking down on me!? Deliberately giving up the inside lane, does she think I'll fall for it? Symboli Rudolf! You beat me once, I will absolutely not let you beat me a second time!!)
Bizen Nishiki glared, pushing off with her feet again. Her fiery red racing suit instantly transformed into a streak of color, chasing directly behind Symboli Rudolf.
"Contestant Bizen Nishiki, number 3! She hasn't chosen to overtake, but instead is staying behind Symboli Rudolf. Does she have a plan?!"
"What exactly does she want to do?!"
Daijin looked at the scene displayed on her phone screen, feeling utterly confused.
In her opinion, Bizen Nishiki could clearly seize the advantage of position right now, but—
"...Something's not right. Contestant Bizen Nishiki, she has her own agenda. She... wants to... defeat Symboli Rudolf..."
Kazuo, completely oblivious to the slap mark on his face, frowned and stared intently at the screen, not even noticing Daijin's expression as she looked at him.
His previous intense study of race footage had subtly enhanced his cognitive abilities, combined with his innate, unnoticed talent for perceiving others' thoughts. Even from outside the TV screen, he still sensed that something was amiss.
"Bizen Nishiki... she's creating trouble for the President... she wants to mark her and kill her off."
On the racetrack, it's not always a case of 'I won't bother you if you don't bother me' to protect oneself. Physical contact allowed by the rules, as well as legitimate confrontations and aggressive maneuvers, are all recognized for their impact on ranking as long as they are within the rules.
What Bizen Nishiki is doing now is to keep the Emperor pinned down to the greatest extent possible. She doesn't want to win... the race—
She simply wants to—
"...Prevent the President from winning the championship..."
"Indeed, was she thinking this from the very beginning? Truly worthy of revenge, isn't it?"
Chloris, sitting in the VIP box, also showed a playful smile as she watched this scene. Although it might not have been Chiaki's original intention, Bizen Nishiki had undoubtedly achieved her goal.
"Will she succeed?"
It's truly exciting.
"The race is now halfway through! Symboli Rudolf is currently in fifth place, still not letting go of the inner lane! And Contestant Bizen Nishiki has now caught up, the two are neck and neck. More than a race for position, this seems to have become a personal struggle between these two!"
"Contestant Masatsugu Kei, number 18, has already overtaken both of them! He's moved into fourth place! In first place is Contestant Asaka, number 6! And the second-place contestant is still Contestant Rumina, number 11. The two leaders have entered a white-hot phase! Meanwhile, the two most anticipated contestants seem to be caught in a strange loop, as if they have no intention of participating in the race with others... they are completely engaged in their own two-person battle on the outer lane!"
"This is astonishing, but the race has already reached the final eight hundred meters! After this turn, they will enter the final sprint. Who will win the race?!"
"Brother..."
Aoi was also very nervous watching, while Kiryuuin's expression had rarely become so serious.
"No... Miss Rudolf will win. I'm the one who adjusted her racing shoes for her!"
"Why isn't the President accelerating? If she doesn't shake off Bizen Nishiki, she won't be able to win, will she?"
Daijin could see it now: Bizen Nishiki was deliberately using a side-by-side approach to block Symboli Rudolf, preventing her from having a chance to accelerate. This kind of entanglement, the longer it dragged on, would be very disadvantageous for the President.
If they continued this way on the outer lane all the way to the final straight, even if Symboli Rudolf had superhuman strength, she would absolutely not be able to sprint fully under Bizen Nishiki's interference.
If she didn't accelerate and reverse position on this turn—
"No... it's not over yet..."
Kazuo stared intently at the screen. The two of them were completely unaware that their heads were almost touching. His eyes were only on Symboli Rudolf's flying figure.
"The President... is doing it on purpose. She's doing this deliberately—"
"Eh...?"
Kazuo couldn't help but recall the race he had watched that day. The ability the President had unleashed, that was the key pivot that could turn the tide of battle, but now Symboli Rudolf was deliberately holding back, not pulling the trigger, seemingly waiting for a certain moment.
Bizen Nishiki stuck tightly, perfectly blocking Symboli Rudolf's position. This was why she abandoned her previous running style, adopting this method to restrict Symboli Rudolf.
She just wanted to trap Symboli Rudolf to death. This was her revenge against these two!
At this moment, she thought of something: herself a year ago, Symboli Rudolf a year ago, and Toujou Hana a year ago!
Damn it!!
While running at high speed, she suddenly leaned her body towards Symboli Rudolf, seeking physical contact. This was an action that even risked both of their professional careers. This sudden move made the entire venue fall silent for a moment.
But the Emperor subtly shifted her position, directly creating space.
Missing her target, Bizen Nishiki glared fiercely at her.
"Do you really hate me?"
Symboli Rudolf kept her eyes fixed forward the entire time. She had no time to spare for the contestants beside her, because her goal was always just one.
That was the finish line.
This is what others had told her.
The path of a king is to be acclaimed by others, yet to exist in solitude.
That's what they say—
But,
"Of course I hate you!! I hate you for taking everything from me, for making me lose what I once had! It was you who stole her from me!!"
In this high-speed sprint, her entire expression became distorted.
With all pretenses dropped, she was so angry that she even directly used her hands. After one missed strike, she immediately brought out her elbow and struck towards the Emperor's body.
"Wait! What is Contestant Bizen Nishiki doing now?!"
The venue was filled with unease and clamor, and on the track, there seemed to be only the two of them left.
"Is that so..."
Symboli Rudolf once again dodged her attack while moving at high speed.
This was no longer reasonable physical confrontation, but pure malicious fouling.
However, Symboli Rudolf didn't care in the slightest. Rather, in this situation, it was a rare opportunity for the two of them to communicate alone.
Kazuo was right—
She was indeed waiting for this opportunity as well.
To find this chance to open up and communicate, she ran on the outermost lane, luring Bizen Nishiki over.
And now—
"You're right, I know you hate me… but,"
"I don't hate you."
The Emperor said calmly, words that had remained unspoken for a year.
On the track, the strong wind howled, and only they could hear each other's voices.
"What did you say…?"
"Beyond revenge, there must be something else you desire to pursue, isn't there? Don't keep blinding your true self."
"What did you say!? I just want to destroy your victory! Even if it costs me my career!!!"
She roared almost madly. This was the grudge from a year ago, a knot in her heart that she couldn't untie.
However, even with her saying that,
Symboli Rudolf still said calmly:
"You are deceiving yourself, so from now on, I won't hold back anymore… Can you catch up to me?"
"What!?"
She scoffed at Symboli Rudolf's delusion, but when she saw the expression on her profile, that look made her heart involuntarily tighten.
That kind of look, she had never seen in anyone else's eyes.
This was—
"It's time for you to witness the Emperor's divine might."
Before her words even finished, the entire situation on the track changed in an instant.
"It's coming!"
The thrill in Kazuo's heart, his blood, involuntarily boiled once more.
This feeling had appeared again.
Toujou Hana, standing in the stands, slowly closed her eyes. Although a Trainer is a beacon for a racer, on the track, the one truly controlling the race is always the racer herself.
What she knew was that Symboli Rudolf had saved not just herself, but also her—
"I must do something too…"
Whispering softly, Toujou Hana slowly turned around and walked towards a certain place.
As for the race result, she knew it… This race, in reality, no longer held any suspense.
As long as the Emperor used her true strength.
"Bizen Nishiki… Although your strength is formidable, you're always held back by the past and unwilling to break free. Luna is willing to give you a hand in this situation… I hope you can also awaken."
Looking at that figure on the track, Chiaki couldn't help but let out a heartfelt sigh.
"I really—really want to run a race with Luna~"
What exactly happened in that instant?
This was the common question among the spectators.
It was as if a clear bolt of lightning sliced through the sky, as if the thunderous Kiai (Fighting Spirit) hidden on the track had finally revealed itself.
This was the Emperor's divine might, an unparalleled oppressive Kiai (Fighting Spirit), even a tangible pressure that directly enveloped the entire track.
An almost suffocating imperial presence; only at this moment did everyone realize.
The previous Symboli Rudolf had completely held back her strength; the terrifying oppressive force released only when she was serious was the true Emperor.
—The absolute dominator on the track.
This was Symboli Rudolf, this was the Emperor.
As if there was a glint in her eyes, as if there was lightning on her body.
This was her exclusive ability, to control everything with absolute strength.
Everyone caught in her domain was now completely dominated.
"This… what exactly is…"
Bizen Nishiki's teeth involuntarily chattered. She never imagined that this person before her would make her feel like retreating.
Simply because she had become serious—
"Are you… kidding me?"
"What's going on!? All the racers seem to be losing speed!? What exactly is happening!? What did we miss just now!??!"
"Wait, look at the outer lane, racer number ten! Symboli Rudolf!!!!"
No longer was she calm and composed, handling things with indifference.
The true Symboli Rudolf revealed her kingly side on the track.
Her gaze was sharp, fierce, an oppressive look that seemed capable of piercing through people.
Meeting her gaze would make one lose their nerve; being targeted by her would certainly inspire fear.
This was the true Symboli Rudolf, the true King on the track.
The style of a king—the might of an Emperor.
She looked down at Bizen Nishiki, who was flustered and bewildered beside her, with the attitude of someone looking down on ants.
"Do you still have the confidence to catch up!?"
Before her words even fell, her body instantly transformed into an afterimage, and a loud bang was heard. The entire Racecourse only saw a green streak of light rushing towards the finish line of the track.
After a brief moment of shock, thunderous cheers erupted.
Symboli Rudolf, the Emperor, had finally stepped forward!
The rapid wind pressure and the sonic boom generated by air friction turned everything into an afterimage.
She was no longer running for the crowd before her, but for her own kingly journey.
"Hmph—"
With a sudden burst of energy, Symboli Rudolf charged from the wide curve to first place on the last turn!
She only used the distance of one turn!
"Unbelievable! It's her again!! It's Symboli Rudolf who surged forward again!!! She has once again stepped up! She overtook three horses in one fell swoop to claim first place! On the final straightaway, she left everyone in the dust! She will ascend to her throne as the Emperor!!!"
The atmosphere in the Racecourse reached its peak, and the race was clearly not over yet.
"Wait! Look behind her, it's Bizen Nishiki! Bizen Nishiki has also caught up, and both of them surprisingly chose to compete on the outside lane at the same time, even Bizen Nishiki gave up the advantage of cutting into the inner lane on the curve to overtake! Are these two really competing against each other!?!?"
"The difference between their bodies is less than half a horse length, can they still close the distance!?"
Damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it!!
Why, why, why!
Such unwillingness in her heart! I just wanted to ruin your championship! Even if it meant destroying my own career!!!
But why, even like this, are you unwilling to stop and look at me!!!
Am I really inferior to you!!!?
I want to win the championship too!!
I want to prove it to her too!!!!
"Bizen Nishiki is accelerating, they are neck and neck!!! The outcome of the race is still uncertain!! Who among these two will win the first crown of this year's Classic Triple Crown series!! It's still up in the air!!"
"The last two hundred meters, the final sprint! A stage that belongs only to these two!!!"
"Ah ah ah ah!!!!"
Bizen Nishiki shouted loudly, she had forgotten her previous stubborn actions, now she only wanted to win, to truly win against this person in front of her—
...In front?!
When she realized this—
"Symboli Rudolf! Second acceleration!! And it's a big straight acceleration!! The distance is widening!! Symboli Rudolf can keep going, she can keep going!! Symboli Rudolf—"
"Damn it ah ah ah ah!!!!"
"Symboli Rudolf————————"
As the earth-shattering horn sound drowned out the girl's unwilling cry of sorrow, she ultimately completed everything with the demeanor of a monarch.
After a brief silence, the earth-shattering cheers that erupted at Nakayama Racecourse lingered for a long time, unable to dissipate.
"Symboli Rudolf!! Satsuki Sho 2000m middle-distance turf race, 2:01.1!!! With the demeanor of an Emperor, she reigns supreme!!!"
What they witnessed was the first step in the birth of a new king.
It was Symboli Rudolf, in the name of the Emperor, claiming her fifth undefeated career crown, and her first Classic race crown!
The Battle of Satsuki Sho, in that instant, drew to a close.
The Emperor slowly stood still, then faced the crowd and raised a finger to the sky.
That's right,
With the demeanor of an Emperor, she reigns supreme.
------------------------------
"Behind the scenes, there's a world of exclusive content waiting for you on Patreon. Get early access, to see the latest chapters!!! That's where it all happens 🚀.
👉 Check it out: [patreon.com/TripleCrown07]"