The end of the month arrived in the blink of an eye.
It was Wednesday, and after finishing her wave-breaking training, Peach Waves returned to her dormitory, feeling the power humming through her body.
"Feels good. Seven training potions left, but with my current condition… debuting won't be a problem."
Just then, a virtual screen shimmered into view. A red dot blinked in the corner of the roulette icon.
"A free single draw? That's rare. Well, no harm in spinning."
She tapped the button. The gear clicked and spun—and a half-faced mask materialized.
[Mask of the "Princess"]
When worn, your final outfit will appear in G2 or higher events. All attributes are enhanced. Slight appearance alteration included.
Peach Waves blinked, stunned.
"Wah… are you serious? You knew I wanted to stay anonymous and gave me a mask?"
The mask was elegant—sky blue fading into deep navy, speckled with twinkling stars. It covered only the upper half of her face.
She stood before the mirror and placed it on.
[Activate final appearance?]
"Yes."
A soft glow enveloped her. When it faded, she wore a majestic blue dress with gold and white accents. Her hair had turned a radiant blue-white, crowned with a delicate tiara. Her running shoes shimmered with mystery, and her thighs were wrapped in star-patterned stockings as thin as silk.
Peach Waves stared at her reflection.
"It's beautiful… but a bit too flashy. I still prefer Rudolf's and Teio's uniforms."
She lifted her leg, testing movement. Surprisingly, the outfit felt light—no burden at all.
"Good. No restrictions. But only usable in G2 and above…"
She removed the mask. It vanished into her inventory.
Grabbing her change of clothes, she headed to the shower.
"Should I tell Secretary Tazuna? Nah… she's busy with the buffet lunch boxes anyway."
Knock knock.
Peach Waves, mid-shower, called out.
"Who is it?"
"It's me—Silent Suzuka. Miss Peach, may I come in?"
"Ah… I'm showering right now."
Suzuka's cheeks flushed. Her mind wandered to… questionable thoughts.
"No, no, Suzuka! Don't imagine things!"
She patted her face and stepped back.
"Take your time, Peach. No rush."
Leaning against the wall, Suzuka waited quietly with a box in hand.
Just then, Tazuna passed by.
"Ah, Miss Suzuka. Visiting Peach Waves again?"
"Good afternoon, Secretary Tazuna."
"Just remember the curfew."
"I will. Don't worry."
Since Peach Waves helped Suzuka recover from her injury, their bond had grown. Suzuka often visited whenever she had free time—especially since she was the only one living in the dorm.
The door opened. Peach Waves stepped out in a short white shirt, towel draped over her shoulders.
"Good afternoon, Secretary Tazuna. Suzuka-chan."
"Good afternoon, Miss Polang. I'll leave you two to it."
Tazuna smiled and walked off.
Peach Waves welcomed Suzuka inside.
Suzuka sat down and opened the box—sweet aromas filled the room.
"Wow, smells amazing. Did you bring dessert again?"
"I bought too much and couldn't finish it. Thought I'd share with you."
"Thanks! I won't hold back."
Peach Waves set her towel aside and eagerly picked up a donut.
Suzuka smiled, then gently picked up the towel and began drying Peach Waves' hair.
"By the way, Peach… you've been training harder lately. Are you preparing for a race?"
"I'm debuting early next month… ah—cough, cough!"
She choked, realizing she'd said too much.
"Debut? That's great! I'll come watch."
Suzuka didn't notice anything odd.
"Um… okay."
"Peach Wave, I've been thinking… should I switch teams? I don't feel like Team Rigel suits me."
Peach Waves looked up.
"I don't know much about team stuff. But I suggest you listen to your heart."
"My heart… I understand."
They chatted and snacked for a while. Eventually, Suzuka stood and said goodbye, leaving reluctantly.
Peach Waves stared at the closed door and groaned.
"Why did I blurt that out? Tsk…"
She sighed.
"It's fine. Suzuka won't recognize me with the mask. If she asks, I'll say I didn't qualify due to health reasons."
She glanced at the last donut, stared for a moment, then ate it.
"Why are more and more Uma Musume talking to me lately? Some even asked for my contact info… I don't remember interacting with them."
She shrugged.
"Well, it's not a bad thing."
Debut Day.
At the registration desk, Longjing accompanied Peach Waves.
"Grandpa, no need to prep my final outfit. I've got one."
"Oh? Where'd you get it? Is it official?"
"Mr. Okino helped. It looks great."
"Alright then. I won't meddle. But you know, when you wore that mask, your voice and hair changed. I almost didn't recognize you at the restaurant."
"Hehe… that's the point. Full anonymity."
Longjing chuckled and patted her head.
"You really know how to stir things up."