At the registry office outside the arena, Longjing led Peach Waves to fill out her entry form.
"Here's your number plate. Hang it up properly and don't lose it."
"Got it, Grandpa. Don't worry."
After changing into her race uniform, Peach Waves adjusted her outfit and prepared to enter the field.
"Don't be nervous, Peach. Just relax and run your race."
"Mm-hmm. I'm fine."
She wasn't nervous—not really. Her appearance had already drawn attention, and her mental fortitude was solid.
"Wait… Grandpa, do you have a coat I can borrow?"
Longjing tilted his head, puzzled.
"A coat? What for?"
"I need something to toss dramatically at the review stand. You know, for flair."
Longjing sighed, mildly exasperated, but handed over his coat.
"You're something else. It might be a bit big on you."
She slipped it on. It hung down past her calves.
"Eh… it'll do."
From a distance, Okino's voice rang out.
"Whoa…Peach Waves looks completely different today!"
"Mr. Okino? Aren't you working?"
"I came to see your debut. I told the others to train on their own."
"Haha, I see."
"So, little Peach—feeling confident?"
"Confident enough. I'm about to unleash a whole wave of surprises."
Just then, the radio crackled to life. Peach Waves waved at the pair and jogged toward the field.
"Let's go, Grandpa."
"Right behind you."
As she queued for the review, Peach Waves glanced at the two racers ahead of her.
"Next time, I'll bring my own coat. This one's a bit much."
She stepped through the red curtain and into the spotlight.
Cameras flashed. Reporters leaned forward. Spectators murmured.
Her appearance stunned the crowd.
Hair like crashing waves. Eyes like ice crystals. A mask covering half her face—but not her charm.
She moved with elegance, ready to toss the coat from her shoulders with dramatic flair.
And then—
She stepped on the sleeve.
The coat tangled around her foot, and she slipped, landing flat on the ground.
A collective gasp rippled through the audience.
Longjing covered his face, unable to watch.
Okino doubled over laughing, nearly choking on his lollipop.
"Hahaha—Ahem! Oh no, that was a big one!"
"Maybe it's part of her strategy," Longjing muttered.
"She's trying to make her opponents laugh before the race starts! Genius!"
Peach Waves scrambled up, cheeks flushed.
"I'm sorry! What was that?! I looked so cool—and then the coat ruined everything!"
"I can already see the headlines," she groaned.
In the commentary booth, Akasaka chuckled.
"Our No. 4 racer, Princess, certainly made a memorable entrance. I'm excited to see her performance."
In the stands, Silent Suzuka frowned. She scanned the field, watching the eight Uma Musume warm up.
"Where's Peach Waves? She said she was racing today…"
Her eyes drifted to Okino.
"Wait… that's Mr. Spica's trainer. Why is he here?"
Her mind raced. The pieces clicked.
"Peach must be here… maybe in disguise."
Back in the booth, Akasaka adjusted her headset.
"Welcome to the Twinkle Series debut race! I'm your commentator, Akasaka. Let's meet our third most popular racer—No. 5, Lightning Box!"
"And of course, the crowd favorite—King Halo. A rising star from Tracen Academy, known for her explosive speed."
Peach Waves, now fully in character as Princess, eyed Gate No. 1.
The light brown haired King Halo stood tall.
"King Halo… a golden-generation racer. Always the backdrop, never the lead. Let's change that."
Before the staff could guide her, Peach Waves strode confidently into her gate.
"Princess has entered the gate early—such poise for a newcomer," Akasaka noted.
Peach Waves glanced up at the commentary booth, spotting the bespectacled announcer.
"Bright eyes, you mother—!"
Her muttered words startled Lightning Box beside her.
She kicked in place, fired up.
The staff blinked.
"Wait—why did she come back out? We just pushed her in!"
Fortunately, it was just a momentary hiccup.
Green light. Gates open.
Eight Uma Musume burst forward.
Peach Waves held back, trailing the pack.
Okino leaned toward Longjing.
"She's chasing from behind."
"Makes sense. With a B-rank start, it's the smart move."
Silent Suzuka, nearby, overheard them.
She looked at the masked racer in eighth place.
"So it is you, Peach. Even with a mask, your cuteness shines through."
She smiled faintly.
"Lightning Box leads, three lengths ahead of second place."
"King Halo is right behind her."
"Princess is currently in last. It seems she's employing a chase strategy."
King Halo glanced at the two racers ahead.
"Hmph. This is my debut. I'll win it clean."
As Turn One approached, she accelerated, swinging wide.
"Whoa! King Halo is making her move early!"
"She's passed and is now neck-and-neck with Lightning Box!"
"Now she's in the lead—her speed is climbing!"
The formation held steady through the mid-race.
Akasaka leaned forward.
"We're entering the final stretch—400 meters to go! King Halo leads, Lightning Box in second…"
"Princess is still last. Is she waiting to strike?"
Okino frowned.
"Why hasn't she accelerated yet?"
Longjing smiled.
"Just wait. I believe in her."