The moment those words were spoken, the reporters in the room lost all restraint. They surged forward frantically, each desperate to catch Nearl's eye and secure a chance to ask more questions.
"The Yayoi Sho, though a G2, holds an exceptional status—it's arguably the cream of the crop among G2 races. And the reason for that, undoubtedly, is its connection to the Satsuki Sho!"
"The winner of the Yayoi Sho gains priority entry to the Satsuki Sho. It's essentially the precursor to the Classic Triple Crown! Are you aiming to tread the glorious, kingly path?"
The reporters below buzzed amongst themselves, whispering fervently.
"Incredible! Such confidence? She truly believes two OP races are enough to earn a spot in a G2 event?"
"Yet, absurdly, I one hundred percent believe this Uma Musume. In my heart, I feel certain that with just one more race, she'll undoubtedly qualify for a G2."
"Who doesn't? Her performance today was terrifying. It's utterly impossible to imagine a scenario where Nearl loses."
But amidst the heated discussion, Nearl felt no joy.
Instead, she faced her journalist fans with profound regret, revealing a harsh truth.
"I'm very sorry, but I cannot participate in the Classic Triple Crown. My entry into the Yayoi Sho was simply because it's the highest-grade race being held in the near future."
"!!!"
The venue fell into a dead silence for a moment, only to erupt into a boiling frenzy seconds later.
Many reporters even forgot their professional roles, voicing their complaints purely as disappointed fans.
Nearl went on to explain her reasons.
"The specific reason is that I missed the registration deadline for the Classic Triple Crown. It's unfortunate, but there's nothing to be done about it. It's not that I'm unwilling to participate."
"Missed registration? Not this again! It was the same with Oguri Cap back then—she missed the Triple Crown because of that foolish rule! Otherwise, the races that year would have been even more spectacular!"
"They talked about changing the rule back then. It's been two years now! What is the URA even doing?"
Though journalists, most had been completely captivated by Nearl's performance. The tragedy of such talent being held back by a mere regulation was something they simply couldn't accept.
"In any case, my apologies to everyone. Even if I cannot participate in the Classic Triple Crown, I will continue to strive and run my hardest on the track, hoping to bring hope and dreams to as many people as possible."
Bowing deeply, Nearl then swiftly exited the press room.
It seemed that even when faced with friendly reporters, the underlying discomfort she felt towards them in her heart wasn't so easily dispelled.
After Nearl's departure, the venue became as noisy as a mahjong parlor. Everyone voiced their opinions, but the core sentiment was unanimous: it was a profound shame that such an outstanding Uma Musume would miss the Classic Triple Crown.
"Ren, what's on your mind?"
"You know exactly what I'm thinking."
"Writing the piece tonight? Do you think your editor-in-chief will approve it?"
"He's a crazy fan of Oguri Cap. Our office has more than enough space to double as an Oguri Cap merchandise store. When he sees how similar Nearl's situation is to Oguri Cap's, I'd say there's a ninety-nine percent chance it gets approved."
"Brilliant. My side might take a bit more work, but don't worry, I'll definitely get it through."
"Good! Let's pour some fuel on this injustice!"
Their right hands met in a firm handshake, sealing a pact.
--+--
"Nearl, is the view from Central any different?"
Waiting for her at the exit, Kitahara Jo asked this question.
"Not particularly. But if I had to say, the fighters here have such intense determination. Even when they're behind, they give their all to strive for victory."
"Right, everyone is so resolute. When I asked to try a bite of their snacks, they all stubbornly refused."
Oguri Cap, standing to the side, nodded repeatedly in agreement, which only made Berno Light's face twist with distress. She had clearly experienced one of Oguri Cap's 'snack sampling' episodes firsthand.
"That's because your idea of 'a bite,' Oguri-chan, is completely different from everyone else's."
"?"
Oguri Cap's face morphed into a perfect picture of confused bewilderment, complete with imaginary question marks.
"Ha ha ha ha…"
Seeing her adorably clueless expression, everyone burst into hearty laughter.
Wiping a tear of laughter from the corner of his eye, Kitahara caught his breath and then asked Nearl about her plans.
"Nearl, are you planning to run in another OP race?"
"Yes. After all, there aren't any other suitable races at this time. And you know, Trainer, even running two races in a row, my body still feels perfectly fine. This level of competition doesn't tire me out much at all."
Pressing her right fist to her chest, Nearl assured her trainer that her physique could easily handle the strain.
"Alright, I'm well aware of your monstrous stamina, Nearl. Permission granted."
"Thank you, Trainer."
"So, Nearl, which race are you planning to enter next?"
Without hesitation—she had already looked it up the moment the decision was made—Nearl had her answer ready.
"It has a lovely name: the Anemone Stakes. It's held at Nakayama Racecourse, 1600 meters on turf."
"1600 meters... that's a mile race, isn't it?" Everlamp asked curiously.
"Correct. It's not exactly within Nearl's ideal distance range, but I believe she can handle it," Kitahara reassured them. Then, he clapped his hands together, drawing everyone's attention.
"Alright, let's go! We need to celebrate Nearl's first victory here in the central circuit! My treat—let's go get something to eat."
"Wooohooo!!!"
No need to guess who that enthusiastic cheer came from—a certain grey-haired individual.
"Um, Trainer, is that really okay? Will your wallet be able to handle it?" Berno Light asked worriedly, glancing first at Oguri Cap, who was already vibrating with excitement, and then at the pocket where Kitahara usually kept his wallet.
"Ha! You think I didn't anticipate this? Of course I factored it in."
With that, Kitahara pulled out his wallet and produced a card voucher. Everyone crowded around curiously, with Everlamp snatching it up first.
"Designated 'Eat-Free' Pass for One Person... at a buffet?" she read slowly, then looked up at Kitahara in utter astonishment. "How did you get this?"
"Won it in a lottery, of course."
"But Oguri Cap and anyone closely associated with her are blacklisted by the buffet chains! They aren't allowed inside, and they're banned from all their events and promotions!"
At those words, a torrent of bitter tears seemed to well up instantly on Kitahara's face.
"So... I obtained this at great personal cost."
The memory of helping Okino polish off over thirty boxes of yakisoba flashed in his mind, making his stomach do the disco right then and there.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.