"Oguri Cap is accelerating, Oguri Cap is accelerating! What incredible speed! So this is the power of the one they call the Gray Monster—!"
"Oguri Cap overtakes Casino Drive, by three lengths, two lengths, one length! They're neck and neck! Oguri Cap is now side-by-side with Land Hiryu!"
"No, not for long! In the blink of an eye, Oguri Cap has surged past Land Hiryu! What phenomenal legs—!"
Amid the roar of the crowd, the race commentator shouted.
"The Gray Monster! Oguri Cap, taking first place—crosses the finish line!! The winner of the GII [Takamatsunomiya Cup] is Oguri Cap!!"
"Oooohhhhhhh—!!!!"
--+--
A month had already passed since the tumultuous events of the [New Zealand Trophy], and the racing world was gradually settling back into its rhythm.
The Central Racing Association had announced changes to the participation rules, though many details still needed ironing out. For a long time to come, they would be busy with revisions and debates.
In the meantime, several major prize races had been held.
Unfortunately, that black Uma Musume who had drawn the Central Association's intense scrutiny had not appeared on the track.
This was only to be expected.
Racing takes a tremendous toll on an Uma Musume. Though they possess a resilience far beyond any human, their physical structure ultimately still fits within a human framework.
Pushing their bodies to the limit inevitably leads to various injuries.
Too many Uma Musume, performing beyond their limits in races, had found their bodies unable to bear the strain, suffering broken legs and fractures, forcing them to leave the track forever, their dreams filled with regret.
Thus, rest and recovery are just as important as training for an Uma Musume.
After every high-stakes race, an Uma Musume would typically enter a rest period of several months, allowing their muscles to recover while preparing for the next challenge.
People speculated that the black Uma Musume would likely reappear on the track around August, September, or October.
In the interim, quite a few other Uma Musume had displayed astonishing prowess.
First was the girl known in the regional circuits as the Gray Monster, who came to the central tracks and demonstrated breathtaking speed.
Competing in a GII-level race, she showed top-tier ability that was in no way inferior to any other Uma Musume.
Second was news that electrified the entire audience.
Due to the Central Association's rule changes, Uma Musume with the status of "returnees" could now freely participate in races.
This allowed Uma Musume who had previously been restricted to lower-level races due to pedigree limitations to return to the public eye.
"Eight races, eight victories, with a combined margin of sixty-one lengths over the second-place finishers! The genius once limited by rules, known as 'Supercar,' Maruzensky! Announces her comeback!"
In July of the same year, at the GIII [Hakodate Kinen], the girl with long chestnut hair, moving at a speed ordinary Uma Musume could scarcely comprehend, blasted past the competition, winning the race by a massive ten-length margin.
The figure waving to the crowd seemed to say, 'My era isn't over yet.'
As if inspired by her, other Uma Musume who had been unable to race due to their status also announced their intentions to return in the future.
"A hundred steeds, each blessed with fortune... Finally... my dream has taken an immensely important step forward."
Watching the Uma Musume training on the field, Rudolf was filled with emotion.
Ever since that night she encountered the black Uma Musume, Rudolf had pondered the possibility that such a change would come one day.
Finally, the stubborn Central Association, with its back against the wall, had altered its participation policy.
According to the original plan, even if her constant petitions might eventually have persuaded the Central to change, it would have taken years.
But under the pressure exerted by the black Uma Musume, if they had clung to the old rules, the Central Association's credibility would have been utterly destroyed within a year.
Rules without credibility are meaningless.
Rather than watch the classic races be ruined, it was better to relax the participation requirements.
To allow every Uma Musume the qualification to set foot on this stage.
Through constant competition, they would break through their own limits.
What a magnificent spectacle it would be when all those powerful ones who had reached the 'Zone' gathered together.
This was the scene Rudolf dreamed of seeing.
This was the stage meant for the dreams of Uma Musume.
A stage where everyone could shine.
"Did something good happen, little Rudolf?"
A girl with a maturity far beyond her years approached Rudolf and couldn't resist teasing her.
"Just thinking about ordinary matters. But if we're talking about happiness, yours surely surpasses mine, Maruzensky."
Rudolf turned to look at the girl whose blue eyes shone with exceptional brightness.
She was wearing a smile she couldn't possibly hide.
"Ara, is it that obvious?" She touched her cheek.
"How could I not see it?"
The two chatted casually.
"Actually, I've met some lovely kouhai."
Behind her back, Maruzensky held a pink gift bag that gave off a sweet aroma.
"They made these gifts to congratulate me on my comeback."
As if cherishing the feelings of her kouhai, Maruzensky hugged the gifts close.
"It seems a great many people were looking forward to it," Rudolf remarked.
"And your skills haven't diminished at all since the old days."
"Of course. Even after retiring, I kept up my training. You might not know this, little Rudolf, but every day I clung to the fantasy that someday I might be able to race in other competitions. Holding onto that obsession, during every training session, I'd tell myself that today's effort might become tomorrow's hope."
"How long that fantasy lasted, I can't really remember anymore, but that determination never left me." Maruzensky placed a hand on her chest.
"Only now do I understand how wonderful it feels when a fantasy becomes reality."
With her heart soaring, Maruzensky won her comeback race by a huge margin, just like always, possessing that enviable speed.
"What are your plans now?"
"Well," Maruzensky said, coming to stand beside Rudolf, a shimmering light in her eyes, "I want to make up for all the races I missed. Even though I can't compete with these energetic youngsters for the glorious Classic Triple Crown anymore, I still hope to leave my mark on other races."
For example, aiming for the [Tenno Sho] she had always dreamed of.
To let everyone know that the 'Supercar' was still racing down the track.
--+--
The sky turned, and night fell.
Unlike before, the most dazzling sight was no longer a single, brightest star.
Instead, the entire night sky was illuminated by a host of shining stars.
Having left her other half behind, she arrived alone outside the mysterious space.
That unseen shadowy figure gazed at the bright night sky, slowly raising a hand as if to blot out the multitude of stars.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, 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.