"If winning means coming in second, then there's still a chance."
That line echoed not only in Freedom Soldier's mind—the other Uma Musume were more or less affected too.
Even knowing it was pre-race trash talk, it still felt unbearably arrogant.
Yet coming from Barbatos, backed by the roaring cheers from the crowd just moments before, somehow it also seemed… fitting. After all, she had the skill to back those words up.
Barbatos was the biggest boss in this race!
But if things continued like this, if they carried this distraction onto the track, their racing form would definitely suffer!
Relax. Stay calm!
They absolutely couldn't let Barbatos's trash talk affect their start!
They were all battle-hardened Uma Musume. This was still before entering the starting gate—there was plenty of time to settle their nerves. They wouldn't be shaken by just a few taunting words.
"Now, please, all Uma Musume, prepare to enter the starting gates. The race will begin shortly."
All the participating Uma Musume made their way toward the track, waiting for staff guidance to enter the gates, all while adjusting their mindset and physical condition to get into the best rhythm.
"Mr. Yutaka Take, do you think Barbatos can win this race?"
The race commentator turned to ask the special guest analyst.
Yutaka Take could be called a legendary trainer. The Uma Musume under his care had racked up a total of 4,300 victories. He was the youngest trainer in history to reach 100, 200, and 300 wins.
He was practically an unshakeable pillar in the trainer world!
Now close to 60, Yutaka's eyes still held a sharp gleam. He wore a deep blue suit, almost black.
"It's hard to say."
"Victory can only be known once the race is over."
"All we can say is that Barbatos is the favorite to win."
A gentle smile touched his face. His hair remained jet black, and his gaze rested kindly on the Uma Musume gathered on the track—this generation's racers, ready to carve out their own glorious chapter.
Since retiring as a trainer and being invited to commentate, he'd gained a different perspective.
Barbatos, El Condor Pasa—these outstanding youngsters of this generation—did they have what it took to challenge that absolute presence among Uma Musume, to challenge Rudolf?
--+--
In the Rigil seating area.
Air Groove watched as the Uma Musume entered the gates one by one and asked El Condor Pasa and Grass Wonder beside her, "Who do you think will win?"
"Barbatos, of course!"
El Condor Pasa answered without a moment's hesitation.
Her voice carried unusual confidence. "B-chan is my rival—she won't lose here."
"Exactly right."
T.M Opera O reached up to adjust the bangs on her forehead. "If she loses, wouldn't that mean we came all this way for nothing?"
Aside from the "Emperor," these legendary Uma Musume had lost races before. But now, with the Winter Dream Cup approaching, a loss here could very well lead to a drop in form for the upcoming cup.
With the existing gap between them, how could they possibly compete with legends like us?
That was the confidence legendary Uma Musume had in their own strength, and the gap that existed between them and the rest.
Whether it was Grass Wonder, El Condor Pasa, or Barbatos, they were all excellent—each had the potential to become legends like them. But right now, they still seemed a bit green.
--+--
Guided by the staff, Barbatos slowly stepped into her starting gate.
Beside her, in gate two, was the second-favorite, Sakura Rambler. Her racing silks had that distinctive Japanese Uma Musume flair, mostly colored in shades reminiscent of cherry blossoms.
During her injury recovery, she and Seiun Sky had watched Sakura Rambler's race videos together.
Sakura was exceptionally skilled at front-running tactics and had even used a runaway strategy in two races before.
She stood out even among their generation and was likely to enter next year's Classics or the Triple Tiara races.
Noticing Barbatos's gaze on her.
Sakura Rambler's light blue eyes met hers. "Your injury is fully healed, right?"
"Completely healed, thank you for asking."
"No, I just want to defeat a Barbatos at her peak."
"In this race, the one who will win… first place will be me."
Her confident pre-race declaration faltered as Barbatos's earlier words flashed through her mind, making her pause and revise on the spot. "In this race, victory will definitely be mine."
If she phrased it the other way, Barbatos might just fire back with, 'Looks like the competition for second place is pretty fierce, huh?'
Just thinking about it made her blood pressure rise. She really could get drawn into Barbatos's mind games.
Compared to Uma Musume with two or three years of racing experience, they were still in their debut year. Though their skills weren't inferior, they were younger, more impulsive, and more susceptible to trash talk.
By next year, or the year after, Barbatos's taunts probably wouldn't have much effect anymore.
"First place, huh~"
Barbatos spoke up, deliberately lowering her voice. "To be honest, even I'm not sure about this race."
"Huh?"
Sakura Rambler slowly let out a questioning sound.
Why did Barbatos sound different from before? Earlier she was bragging about everyone fighting for second place—what was this now?
A straightforward Uma Musume at heart, she found it hard to understand. But she didn't let her guard down, keeping her focus on the starting time.
Realizing Barbatos was right next to her, she had chosen to initiate the conversation herself, keeping the initiative in her own hands. From her study of Barbatos, many Uma Musume ended up with slow starts because of her trash talk.
Unless, of course, they covered their ears before the race began.
But those who could compete in G1 races, who could enter the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, had their own confidence and pride.
They wouldn't do something like covering their ears before a race, not like in other competitions.
"See that Uma Musume in lane 13? From what I know, in her past races she's always…"
Barbatos's voice grew softer and softer.
Even straining to listen, Sakura Rambler could hardly make out the words. She knew the Uma Musume in lane 13—they'd raced together before, and the other had lost to her. But was Barbatos suggesting she'd been holding back her true strength?
The trailing words were inaudible, but she could guess the gist.
But did an Uma Musume really need to hide her strength? For an Uma Musume, running fast solved everything!
Bang!
Just as Sakura Rambler was straining to listen, lost in thought, the red light above the starting gate flashed.
The gates flew open.
Distracted, even with her earlier vigilance, Sakura Rambler burst out of the gate the instant it opened. But her starting speed was still a fraction slower than it should have been.
Was this… Barbatos's scheme?
Barbatos, you're too sneaky!
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 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.