That "assassin" act might fool some clueless kid.
Do you really think your blade could even graze my shadow?
Sunday Serenity let out a dismissive snort, her tone dripping with scorn. There was a clear edge of resentment in her voice.
If that's the case, and it's all so unnecessary, then why the rush to pick tonight of all times?
But it didn't really matter. Because the running style known as the "assassin" was exactly what Sunday Serenity lacked.
Or perhaps it was something beyond "front-running" or "come-from-behind"—not just a racing style, but a form of tactics.
It was a strategy unique to Uma Musume, one that merged their innate adaptability with their physical abilities.
Looking across the racetrack, what Green Grass had to do was fix her gaze tightly on the competitor most likely to win, relentlessly wearing down her stamina and will, then overtake her at the final moment.
The assassin strikes, the opponent falls.
If it weren't for training, the one Green Grass would've been marking wouldn't be Manhattan Cafe, but Ten Point or Tosho Boy.
According to a few seniors who'd spoken after training, being targeted by Green Grass felt incredibly uncomfortable.
During the Kikuka Sho, Tosho Boy had been so pressured by Green Grass's intense presence that he underperformed.
The menace of the assassin took down two strong rivals—no matter how hard they pushed forward, it was like chasing a fading shadow, forever out of reach.
"Huh? Am I really that scary? No way, definitely not, right?"
Hearing her friends describe her in such blunt terms, Green Grass seemed genuinely flustered.
It looked like this ability had already become second nature to her.
In situations like this, even asking her for tips or insights would be tricky.
Because for Green Grass, standing on the track, locking onto her target—it was as natural as eating or drinking, something ingrained in her very flesh and blood.
Her experience and skill, forged through countless training sessions and races, had merged seamlessly.
That's exactly why Sunday Serenity wanted to experience it for herself.
"Green Grass-senpai, sorry to keep you waiting."
The sun had set, stars dotted the night sky, and the training field was lit by pale, ghostly lights.
Sunday Serenity, now changed into training gear, walked over to Green Grass.
Today's training had been intense—Manhattan Cafe was too exhausted for evening self-practice and had turned in early to sleep in the dorm.
Borrowing training gear from her had taken a little effort.
'Changing into training clothes on purpose… You're not thinking of training with someone else, are you…'
Manhattan Cafe's tone was flat, but there was an unsettling emotion hidden just beneath the surface.
Only after plenty of reassurance did she finally lend the gear.
Seeing Green Grass standing dazed under the lights, it was clear she'd been waiting for a while.
"No, no, I just got here too!" she waved her hands nervously, a happy smile spreading across her face.
"Just thinking about being able to help a junior makes me feel like I have to give it my all."
"Is that so… Having a senior like you is a real honor."
"Cafe!" She covered her mouth, unable to hide her delight. "This is great, really great. My time at Tracen Academy is finally complete. Now I can leave with no regrets…"
"What are you talking about, senpai?"
The dark-haired girl looked at her. "I still have so much to learn. In the days ahead, I'll be counting on your guidance."
"The days ahead!"
She clutched her chest dramatically.
"I understand—a senpai who only thinks of herself isn't much of a senpai at all! Don't worry, Cafe, I'll help you become the brightest star on the track… Hehe, maybe that sounds a bit presumptuous, but if there's anything you need, just ask your senior. If it's about races or training, I'll share everything I know."
"As for things outside of racing…" Her blue eyes darted toward the girl, then shyly away again.
"Going out together and such? Don't worry, senpai. I'm really looking forward to chances to grow closer with you."
"Aww… Having a junior like you makes me so happy, really so happy."
Wiping her watery eyes, Green Grass was deeply moved.
This was good.
Whether in training or daily life, having a senior's support would make things much easier.
She hoped that through her own efforts, those who looked at Manhattan Cafe with judgmental eyes might gradually change their attitudes.
"Well, no time to waste—let's get started."
Green Grass prepared to show her reliable side.
"Oh, by the way, is Cafe feeling okay? You looked really tired when you left earlier."
"I rested for a bit and I'm feeling better now. But senpai, didn't you exert yourself a lot today? How are you holding up?"
"D-don't worry! My body's in great shape. No matter how much I train, it's fine. So whenever you want, just come find me!"
It sounded a little exaggerated, but for Green Grass, who'd won the three-thousand-meter Kikuka Sho, a two-thousand-meter practice race was nothing.
Especially since she'd held back a little during the actual race.
"That's good. Then in our race, Senior, please don't go easy on me."
"O-okay!"
She clenched her fists excitedly.
Then the two moved to the track and got into starting positions.
Well then, Green Grass-senpai—let's see just how far your skills can go.
Bang!
Something bounced on the ground, like a starting signal. The dark-haired girl launched forward.
Green Grass followed close behind.
Once she got into the zone, everything around her faded away.
Her eyes locked solely on the "rival" running ahead.
So fast!
Green Grass's eyes widened in surprise.
This was much quicker than during training—her starting speed was on par with Ten Point and Tosho Boy.
Had Manhattan Cafe been holding back during practice?
Green Grass wasn't sure.
But whatever the case, with a powerful start like that, she couldn't judge Manhattan Cafe by her training performance.
Besides, the point of this session wasn't about who reached the finish line first.
It was about whether Green Grass could keep her locked in her sights.
After they'd covered 200 meters, the dark-haired girl up ahead suddenly spoke.
"Senpai."Her voice reached Green Grass's ears, carried by the wind.
"I want you to bring the same intensity you would in a real race. Don't hold back."
A real race…
"I want to see the strongest assassin—on the greatest stage—"
Her golden eyes flicked toward Green Grass.
Thump!
Her heart pounded violently.
The girl's gaze was dead serious.
Her eyes seemed to say: If you don't give it your all, you're going to lose badly.
The distant roar of a beast seemed to echo in her ears. Green Grass's heartbeat sped up.
How could she have changed this much in just a few hours?
Are you really the same Manhattan Cafe from training?
Or is the real you, the one in race mode, completely different from your usual self?
Whatever the answer, Green Grass's response was already clear.
She couldn't let her junior down—and she couldn't let herself down, either.
Watch closely.
This is the one they call—the Green Assassin.
Gradually, the world before Green Grass began to shift. The cheers of a crowd surrounded her.
Noisy shouts filled her ears.
Turf course today: heavy.
Weather: clear.
Race distance: 3,000 meters.
Popularity: 12th.
Spectators stood at the rails, their eyes full of anticipation as they watched the track.
The starting gates flew open, and the competitors surged forward.
Moving within the shadows, the assassin slowly tightened her grip on her blade.
Her gaze fixed intently on the target she'd marked.
The dark figure racing ahead of her.
She waited patiently, calmly—for the moment to strike—
The sound faded.
The girl running in front could no longer hear anything behind her.
It was too quiet—as if she were the only one running in the whole world.
Hah… hah…
Her breathing grew heavy, her blood pulsed faster, her body screamed with danger signals.
Heh.
So it's finally coming, is it?
The girl grinned excitedly.
A sudden sting prickled her skin—as if a cold, gleaming dagger had silently pressed against her neck.
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T/N: New Uma Musume fic up!
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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.