Up in the stands, Moonlight Madness caught a small detail.
The commentator didn't introduce Obey Your Master as "a Central runner," the way she had with Super Creek.
Perhaps that was deliberate.
After all, Obey Your Master only transferred in late Senior Year. For some traditionalists, her background is still a sensitive topic.
But that doesn't dent her dominion in the least.
Below, a silver-haired, heterochromatic girl watched Obey Your Master's dazzling aura in silence—then slowly closed her eyes.
Tokyo Racecourse.
Top tier of the grandstand.
Kuroha pushed open the door.
Inside, Symboli Rudolf and Maruzensky were already at the glass, waiting for the race to start.
For the one annual Central race that truly connects with the world—
Of course they would be here.
"Kuroha~"
Maruzensky waved with a bright smile; Rudolf nodded with folded arms.
"Maruzensky, Rudolf, you're early."
Kuroha greeted them with a smile.
"You're just late," Rudolf replied, amused.
"Kaichō—!"
A crisp voice rang out.
Then, like a dart, Tokai Teio launched herself at Rudolf's arms.
Rudolf caught her with a helpless sigh, and Teio rubbed her cheek against the Emperor's chest.
"Mmm—Kaichō smells nice."
Teio giggled, thoroughly satisfied.
"Teio…"
Rudolf shook her head, exasperated, and shot Kuroha a look.
Kuroha only chuckled, hands spread in a "what can you do" gesture.
For today's Japan Cup, only Tokai Teio had come along with Kuroha.
As someone who'll have to battle overseas in the future, stockpiling experience against international runners is vital.
He joined the two legends. Maruzensky cocked her head and grinned. "Kuroha, can you win?"
"Of course."
Kuroha answered lightly, still smiling.
The review concluded.
In late autumn's colors, Tokyo's course now gathered the world's elites to cross blades.
The solemn, stirring entrance fanfare climbed into the sky!
The commentator's voice rolled across the entire racecourse.
Whether the two hundred thousand in the stands or the millions watching on screens outside—
All attention was fixed on the turf where history would be made.
"The Japan Cup—this duel of the century—is about to begin! Entrants, to the gates!"
The Uma Musume stepped onto the field of decision, toward the start gates where fate would be drawn.
2,400 meters—the border between heaven and hell.
At her stall, Obey Your Master tilted her head slightly.
As if sensing something.
The Commoner Queen suddenly raised her gaze; their eyes met. Deep within those beautiful mismatched pupils, a gold-red spark flashed like a meteor.
"Heh…"
Now that's more like it.
Obey Your Master drew her eyes back.
Only opponents who can vie with her make a race truly fun.
Thunk!
With a shift of her feet, Obey Your Master walked into the gate.
Elsewhere, Super Creek had already settled in.
Remembering the promise she'd made with Fumino before the race, the blue girl took a deep breath, clenched a fist, and set her start stance.
"I'm not going to lose that easily again!"
Outside the stalls.
The Commoner Queen watched Obey Your Master walk in so calmly. Her lips parted—but she said nothing.
Then… let's begin…
Inside the Queen's heart, another voice whispered:
Let the world see… what the strongest truly is!
"Late autumn at Tokyo Racecourse—clear skies, firm turf."
The commentator drew a steady breath for the final call.
"Now—international G1 graded stakes, Japan Cup, 2,400 meters—"
The entire world seemed to hit mute.
A heartbeat later—
"Race start—!!!"
Chak!
The lights flipped—gates sprang open!
The pent-up tension erupted like a volcano! A thunder of cheers tore at the heavens!
Bang! Bang! Bang! …
Fifteen figures shot out like loosed arrows!
"As expected of the world's top Uma Musume—everyone hits the line together—what a beautiful break!"
"The battle for the front draws the eye—now the leader is—"
Halfway through, the commentary snagged.
One figure was storming ahead with strides pounding like war drums—at a speed that defied reason!
"Hahahaha—!"
Air split.
Pirate Ravenhawk drove forward, face wild and arrogant. "I'm the strongest! Because I'm the strongest, I run in front!!"
But before she could finish boasting, another figure flashed past with a familiar triple ojō laugh, slicing by at her flank!
"O—hohoho! Pardon, pardon!!!"
Ibu Bocchi!
"It's Pirate Ravenhawk—Ravenhawk surges—and Ibu Bocchi!"
"She's fighting Ravenhawk for the point! Which of them will seize the lead and control the pace?!"
"Damn you!"
Ravenhawk's eyes flushed scarlet. "You side character—how dare you steal the front from me! Who do you think you are?!"
Before the words were done, cords sprang on her calves—she meant to blast past with even more terrifying speed—
"Side character?"
At that, shadow veiled the upper half of Ibu Bocchi's face—tracing the faintest curve at the edge of her lips…
Even so belittled, the noble Briton didn't anger. She chuckled. "I'm no side character."
"If 'the strongest must be in front'…"
Hum—!
An unseen force of spirit surged up!
"Then that person is me!!!"
In Ravenhawk's startled eyes, a searing white tracer streaked through Ibu Bocchi's pupils!
"Eyes up—watch closely!"
Boom—!
The earth seemed to tremble; turf flew in sprays!
With terrifying leg power, Ibu Bocchi flipped past Ravenhawk in an instant!
"Seeing is believing, I say—!"
Brilliant sun poured over the course!
Every fiber brimmed with power!
Glorious victory, within reach!
I am—Ibu Bocchi!!!
The girl laughed, free and bright. To bring the best race to everyone who supports her—
That is why she runs.
(End of Chapter)
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