The Arima Kinen had finally come to an end.
The instant McQueen crossed the finish line with an unprecedented lead of thirty-nine lengths, Nakayama Racecourse erupted.
All one hundred thousand spectators rose to their feet at once, their cheers shaking the heavens.
Again and again, they chanted "World's Strongest" and McQueen's name, unable to contain their excitement even after the race had ended.
Yet this was only the beginning.
Within half an hour of the Winning Concert's conclusion, every major sports outlet in the Far East had replaced its front page with the image of the purple-haired girl in white.
On social media, reports about Chasing Light and McQueen occupied every one of the top trending spots.
After all, in only three years since her debut, she had amassed a perfect record of fourteen victories from fourteen races, twelve consecutive G1 wins, a Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe championship, two consecutive Arima Kinen victories, and countless other glorious achievements.
Faced with a record like that, even her most devoted critics could only remain silent.
By that evening, the Umamusume Associations of Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania had all posted official congratulations on their social media accounts.
The level of recognition she received even surpassed what previous Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe champions had been given.
From Kuroha's perspective, congratulations from Asia and Europe were perfectly understandable.
He was from Donghuang, while McQueen was from the Far East. She was also the reigning Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe champion.
Oceania had longstanding ties to Chasing Light as well, so its congratulations were not particularly surprising.
The Americas, however, left Kuroha somewhat puzzled.
Aside from Obey Your Master having come from White Eagle, he did not seem to have any meaningful connection with that part of the world.
Had Secretariat, whom he had met briefly in Europe, pulled some strings?
He could have used Divine Vision to find out, but after considering it, Kuroha shook his head. There was no reason to investigate something so trivial.
Because of this, the more excitable fans in the Far East interpreted this historic phenomenon as recognition from every nation that McQueen truly was the strongest in the world.
While the outside world remained consumed by all that excitement, the members of Chasing Light had already quietly returned to the Chasing Light Training Grounds.
Or rather, it should now be called the Chasing Light Training Base.
Ever since the enormous facility, modeled after a European training estate, had been completed, Kuroha had officially given it that name and moved every member of Chasing Light into the complex.
Naturally, that included Rudolf, who had only recently confirmed her relationship with him.
At the training base that evening, a bright moon hung in the sky.
It was the perfect night for a victory celebration.
The first-floor hall of Chasing Light Villa had been completely transformed.
Colorful streamers and balloons covered the ceiling, while the long dining tables were laden with all kinds of food, from exquisite delicacies to desserts and snacks.
The hall was packed.
Every active and retired member of Chasing Light was present.
Ramonu and the other girls from the Mejiro family had come, as had legendary central-circuit Umamusume such as Mr. C.B. and Katsuragi Ace.
Godolphin Barb, Darley Arabian, and Byerley Turk were also there.
Then there were Ines Fujin, Ryan, and the others whom McQueen had invited, along with Dancing Brave, whom Suave Dancer had dragged along.
Altogether, more than thirty vibrant Umamusume filled the hall with excited chatter and laughter.
"McQueen! Congratulations on conquering the Arima Kinen!"
"World's Strongest! World's Strongest!"
"Here, McQueen, try this! Your big sis made it herself!"
McQueen was surrounded by the crowd.
Today, she wore a pale purple dress, and her hair had been gathered into a simple high ponytail. She looked completely different from the fierce competitor who had dominated the racetrack, appearing exceptionally gentle and approachable.
Whenever someone offered her food or raised a glass in congratulations, she responded to each of them in turn. Every movement was calm and graceful, displaying the impeccable upbringing expected of a daughter of the Mejiro family.
"All right, all right. Give McQueen some room to breathe."
Fujimasa March approached with a plate of sliced fruit, rescuing McQueen from the crowd.
"Honestly, you're all swarming her like you haven't eaten in days."
"This is what I call a celebration."
Inari grinned from nearby, a chicken leg in her hand. She glanced to the side.
"Hey, C.B., haven't you finished exploring yet? You've already wandered all over the training grounds several times!"
"Not even close!"
Mr. C.B. wore a brilliant smile as she continued looking around curiously.
For a free-spirited Umamusume like her, the unfamiliar and fascinating Chasing Light Training Base perfectly satisfied her desire for adventure.
Elsewhere in the hall, Maruzensky, Aldan, Super Creek, and several other Umamusume overflowing with maternal energy carried plates around, making sure everyone had enough to eat.
The girls had gathered into more than a dozen little groups, chatting and laughing happily among themselves.
Meanwhile, in the most inconspicuous corner of the hall, Kuroha lounged in a single-person armchair.
Sea the Stars sat in his arms, while he held a bottle of soda in one hand and quietly watched the lively scene before him.
Constructing such an enormous training base had cost him a considerable amount of money.
However, judging by the results, it had been worth every last coin.
Besides, now that he had become a god, money had effectively lost all meaning to him.
If he ever truly needed more, casually producing several tons of gold would only take him a few minutes.
At that moment, one of the small horse ears beneath his chin twitched and brushed against him.
Kuroha looked down.
Sea the Stars was sitting quietly in his arms, holding a small cookie in both hands and taking tiny bites from it. Her large eyes curiously surveyed the bustling room full of her seniors.
"Are you sleepy?"
Kuroha lowered his head and looked at her.
The little girl would normally have fallen asleep long ago. Growing Umamusume always needed plenty of rest, especially one with as much potential as Sea the Stars.
"No."
Sea the Stars shook her head, her voice soft and sweet.
"It's so lively tonight."
Kuroha smiled and said nothing more. He merely adjusted his posture so the little girl could lean against him more comfortably.
Then he took another sip of his soda and breathed out contentedly.
Honestly, this was exactly how a Trainer ought to live.
There was no need to maintain a dignified image and no need to worry about racing strategies.
All he had to do was sit comfortably on the couch with a soft little Umamusume in his arms like a living pillow, sip an ice-cold soda, and watch his girls laugh without a care in the world.
Kuroha narrowed his eyes in satisfaction.
His life was complete.
(End of Chapter)
[Get +30 Extra Chapters On — P@tr3on "Zaelum"]
[Every 300 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter Drop]
[Thanks for Reading!]