Kochi Racecourse.
Taking in the cheering spectators all around her, Urara's eyes sparkled, her heart swelling with an irrepressible thrill and joy.
Even though the race hadn't started yet, even though the crowd on-site was pitifully small compared to what Barbatos drew, Urara still felt immensely satisfied.
As an Uma Musume, she'd always dreamed of the day she could run on a real track, race before an audience, and compete alongside other Uma Musume.
For that very dream, she'd trained relentlessly, keeping pace with King Halo's rigorous standards—never once slacking off.
And today was finally the day of her debut race!
Following the staff's directions, she made her way to the starting gate along with the other Uma Musume, preparing to enter her stall.
She could feel the gazes of the surrounding racers fixed on her, already treating her as an unprecedented rival. The title of Team Canopus member meant she'd be marked from the very start.
Unclenching her right hand, she looked at the charm Barbatos had given her, along with several others from her friends.
Tucking them securely inside her racing silks, she felt no pressure—only confidence and a fierce focus on the finish line ahead.
The gentle spring breeze of May brushed through her hair, a surge of spirited determination rising from within. Her body felt charged with energy, her condition better than ever before.
The thirteen competing Uma Musume finished their preparations and stepped into the starting gates, awaiting the signal to begin.
"Thirteen entries for a race like this…"
In the stands, Minamizaka frowned slightly. As Urara's trainer, he'd naturally noticed the number of entrants well before race day.
It just wasn't what he'd initially expected.
When he'd entered Urara in this debut race, the list had shown only four others—five including Urara.
"Isn't thirteen normal?" Nice Nature asked, glancing at Minamizaka with confusion. Why bring this up just as the race was about to start?
"It's not normal."
Barbatos, a local of Kochi, gave a firm answer. "Usually, races here have between four and seven entries."
"So thirteen is really unusual—that's a central-level turnout."
Local racing was different from the central circuit.
Historically, the strongest Uma Musume had moved to the center, and while their descendants might not be as exceptional, they still stayed in the central circuit, enrolling directly at Tracen Academy.
So in today's world, the number of Uma Musume racing locally was far smaller than in the center, where races often featured over a dozen runners—and that was despite the central calendar being packed with events.
"So you mean…"
A realization dawned on Nice Nature, bringing a flicker of worry.
"They're targeting a central Uma Musume—not out of malice, but out of a desire to win."
The words were calm, but the emphasis on "win" carried weight. The voice came from behind them—not belonging to anyone from Team Canopus.
It was another Uma Musume.
"You?"
The name escaped Barbatos. She recognized this racer—someone she'd met the previous year. Though the memory wasn't deep, it was recent enough for her to place the face.
"And this is?"
Minamizaka looked to Barbatos for an introduction.
After all, this was Kochi. The other girl was clearly local, and Barbatos's reaction showed she knew her.
"She's…"
"You've probably forgotten my name, haven't you?"
The Uma Musume gave a self-deprecating smile. She wasn't surprised. Back at Tracen, during entrance exams, she'd faced Barbatos.
Then, she'd proudly called herself Kochi's top Uma Musume—until Barbatos stormed through the field, overtaking thirteen rivals in one stunning run.
Barbatos, who'd risen from Kochi to the national stage, was now a legend—spoken of in the same breath as greats like the Emperor and the Empress.
It was no surprise she wouldn't remember a local rival who'd never truly been a match.
Seeing Barbatos laugh awkwardly without answering, she knew it was true—Barbatos recalled her face, but the name was gone.
Without introducing herself, she continued, "This race has already exceeded the scale of a local debut event."
"Many Uma Musume who usually skip these early races have entered this one. They all want to see how they measure up against a central racer."
"They're hoping that by defeating Urara, they might earn a chance to join Tracen Academy in Central!"
"So in this race, Urara will be marked by every other runner. It's going to be a tough fight."
Twin Turbo let out a puzzled "Huh?" and asked, "Why not just apply to Tracen? Why does it depend on beating Urara?"
No sooner had she spoken than Ikuno Dictus rapped her lightly on the head.
For the members of Canopus, getting into Tracen was no big deal—they were already students there. But for local Uma Musume, only the absolute best stood a chance of moving to the center.
And even that standout talent could easily be overshadowed in the central circuit. Not everyone was a natural genius like Oguri Cap, Inari One, or Barbatos.
"Even so, I believe Urara will be just fine."
Barbatos steered the conversation away, voicing her own faith. She trusted Urara, and she trusted Minamizaka—certain they'd prepared thoroughly for this race.
"Is that so? The confidence of the center, I suppose."
The local ace seemed to have expected such self-assurance.
Barbatos chuckled lightly. "Right, I'm Barbatos. May I ask your name? This time, I won't forget."
She did feel a bit embarrassed about not remembering earlier. Though she followed the races of many top-tier Uma Musume, they were all at her own competitive level.
Running into a hometown rival from the entrance exams and drawing a blank on the name was… awkward.
"Let's skip the name for now."
"After I win the Kochi Derby, I'll head to Tracen Academy in Central and see the sights there."
"There will be time for introductions then."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! 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.