I am hereby to apologize for the knowing typo in the previous chapters about the mixed gender in the dream world. Actually in RAW there is no term mentioning "Uma Musume", everything goes by "Racehorse" to refer for the horse in reality or dream and using the gender in reality as a benchmark.
When I changed it in the Office, I was knowingly "replace" all "Racehorse" as "Uma Musume". Since I usually done the story in bulk, most of the term got changed.; thus came the previous mistakes. So, please be accommodating in reminding me in comment if there are mistakes.
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December 22nd, Thursday—three days remained until the race.
That morning, Ann reminded Oguri Cap and Berno Light to rest well at noon. "The URA Association is holding the Arima Kinen draw ceremony at 4 PM. We need to arrive early. I'll go up to draw, and you two will wait beneath the stage. Make sure you look presentable—reporters will be taking plenty of pictures."
"We know," Oguri Cap and Berno Light answered in perfect sync.
"Since we're attending the ceremony today, there's no training," Ann continued, tapping the table lightly. "Oguri, I'm sure you noticed. Tomorrow, we'll just do some simple warm-ups, a slow run up Slope Road, and that's it. After that, we'll wait calmly for race day. You'll save all your strength for the Arima Kinen."
"Okay!" Oguri Cap replied brightly. The thought that the 25th would be her final Twinkle Series confrontation with Tamamo Cross filled the Gray Uma Musume's chest with both reluctance and quiet anticipation.
In the afternoon, Ann drove Oguri Cap and Berno Light to the URA Association headquarters for the Arima Kinen draw ceremony. This year's draw rules differed from previous years: first, the gates for the three URA-recommended Uma Musume would be drawn. After that, the fan-voted entries would be drawn from the lowest rank upward.
Upon entering the venue, Ann noticed immediately that their team was the first to arrive.
"I didn't expect us to be the first," he remarked to a nearby staff member.
"Ah—please follow me!" Realizing who he was speaking to, the staff member hurriedly escorted Ann and his group to their assigned seats.
Sometime later, the Trainers from Central Tracen Academy arrived, accompanied by the Uma Musume under their care.
"Honestly—my body is trembling right now," Miss Komiyama confessed as she took the seat beside Ann.
"Is that so?" Ann glanced over. Her arm was indeed trembling slightly. "It's understandable. After all, the Arima Kinen is Miss Tamamo Cross's retirement race."
"Yes. Tama-chan is the only Uma Musume I've ever trained. After she retires, I'll need to find a new Uma Musume who hasn't debuted yet." Komiyama watched Tamamo Cross with complicated eyes.
Ann couldn't find any words that would help, so he fell silent, leaving Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross to chat nearby.
At 4 PM, the draw ceremony began on time.
This year's host was not an entertainment celebrity, but Symboli Rudolf herself. Dressed in a formal gown, she radiated authority and elegance. Ann kept his eyes lowered, barely paying attention.
"The draw is about to start. Shuta-kun, what gate are you hoping Miss Oguri Cap gets?" Komiyama asked again.
"A position to Miss Tamamo Cross's left," Ann replied without hesitation. "That way, it'll be easier to mark her."
"Miss Oguri Cap usually runs from the front, while Tama-chan comes from behind," Komiyama said with a small laugh. "So Shuta-kun, you're actually planning to have her run with a marking tactic?"
"This race is Miss Tamamo Cross's retirement. No amount of preparation is too much," Ann said firmly.
Komiyama's shoulders stiffened.
The ceremony officially began. The first three to draw were the URA-recommended Uma Musume: Super Creek, Kosei, and Hawaiian Coral.
Kosei drew gate 2. Hawaiian Coral drew gate 12.
Neither were major threats in Ann's eyes, so his attention was fixed on Super Creek, the third to step onstage. Speaking of which—I've never met Super Creek's Trainer. I wonder what kind of person could train someone like her?
Just then, Super Creek's Trainer appeared onstage—expressionless, distant, with an aura that warned others not to approach. Her eyes were cold, focused, almost intimidating. Ann's sharp gaze caught the name engraved on her badge: Nase Fumino.
"Nase Fumino" he murmured to himself.
"Nase-san comes from a distinguished family," Komiyama whispered, unable to hide her envy. "Super Creek is the first Uma Musume she's trained. She's the type who has both excellent background and strong ability."
Nase Fumino drew gate 7 for Super Creek—a favorable mid-position. Her eyes glimmered with satisfaction, though she remained composed as she gave her statement.
"Since Creek will be facing opponents she has never met before, our goal is a top-three finish. Of course, if there is a chance to win, we will not let it slip."
Next were the fan-voted draws. Tamamo Cross, being second to last, was drawn by Komiyama—gate 11. Which meant Oguri Cap's gate was automatically set: Gate 10. Right beside Tamamo Cross, but on her right, not her left.
"When we were offstage, Shuta-kun said he hoped Miss Oguri Cap would be positioned to Tama-chan's left," Komiyama said gently. "When I stepped onstage and saw that only 10 and 11 were left, I realized—I was lucky. Now Tama-chan can mark Miss Oguri Cap instead. I hope this luck carries over into her retirement race."
Even though Oguri Cap's gate was already determined, Ann still needed to go up for the formality. He didn't play it up. He simply reached into the draw pool, took the last remaining ball, unwrapped it, unfolded the paper, and held it toward the cameras.
"10."
"Since this is Miss Tamamo Cross's retirement race," Ann said with a grin, "Oguri and I want to give her an unforgettable memory. We'll make sure Miss Tamamo Cross never forgets it."
December 25th—clear skies, yet biting winter cold.
Nakayama Racecourse greeted the morning with a chill so sharp it felt as though it could freeze breath itself. Most Uma Musume, firmly adhering to their own pride, still wore skirts despite the season. Shuta An, however, had absolutely no intention of suffering for fashion—thus, in the VIP seating area, he was unquestionably the most heavily bundled person present.
That lasted only for a moment. The instant Symboli Rudolf guided him and Berno Light into a private box, he hurriedly peeled off his padded coat.
"Shuta-kun may not know this," Rudolf explained gracefully, "but for the Arima Kinen, the VIP stands become private boxes. Each team with a participating Uma Musume receives the right to use one for the day."
"So warm~" Berno Light murmured, pressing her gloved hands together. Wearing a scarf and a fleece-lined coat over a knee-length skirt, she exhaled in relief. "And the view is even better than the outdoor VIP seats—it's just farther from the track, so I can't cheer for Oguri anymore."
"It really is warm," Shuta An agreed, hanging his thick down jacket on the rack. "And even if I could shout to Oguri, she wouldn't hear me. She's far too focused on the track."
"That's true," Berno Light said with a gentle nod.
Seeing their satisfaction, Rudolf continued, "Actually, private boxes exist at all racecourses. They're reserved for Central Tracen Academy teams that meet the qualifications."
"Then I guess that's out of reach for us," Shuta An shrugged lightly. "I don't plan to leave Kasamatsu until Oguri retires from the Twinkle Series anyway."
"There are special regulations," Rudolf countered almost immediately. "With Oguri Cap's achievements, she fully qualifies now. Since you both like this environment, I'll assist with the application later."
Shuta An didn't refuse. He didn't want Berno exposed to winter winds for every race.
Meanwhile, in the private box just one wall away—
Tamamo Cross, not yet headed to the waiting room, stood beside Miss Komiyama. Together, Trainer and Uma Musume quietly watched the stands of Nakayama Racecourse as they rapidly filled.
"It really is magnificent—" Tamamo Cross murmured, leaning against the windowsill.
"This is Tamao's first time running here," Miss Komiyama said softly. "To be honest—are you confident? The Slope Road at Nakayama isn't easy."
"Of course, I am." Tamamo Cross tightened her raised hand into a fierce fist. "Three straight G1 wins— both the Spring and Autumn Tenno Sho, and the Grand Prix Takarazuka Kinen. Last year, I never would've imagined these results. It's all thanks to you, Komiyama."
"That's not true." Komiyama shook her head. "Everything was possible only because Tama-chan worked so hard."
Tamamo Cross closed her eyes, exhaling. "Even though I lost to Oguri in the Japan Cup, I'm not discouraged. I want to win this Arima Kinen—this final, grandest race of the year—and stand proudly at the pinnacle of Japanese Uma Musume."
"My dream from that uncle—my motivation from the ranch—my training from Komiyama—my joy of fierce rivalry from Oguri—"
She turned with a radiant smile. "Honestly, I'm satisfied with my Twinkle Series career."
"Tama-chan…" Komiyama lowered her head, rubbing her eyes with trembling fingers.
"Really—" Tamamo Cross sighed helplessly. "Why are you crying already?"
Stepping forward, she wrapped her Trainer in a gentle embrace. "Cry after I win the Arima Kinen this afternoon. Okay?"
"Mhm!" Komiyama returned the embrace, nodding hard through her tears.
"The thirteen Uma Musume participating in the Arima Kinen will enter the stage shortly!" After the tenth race concluded, the commentator's spirited voice boomed across the racecourse. "Everyone, let's welcome today's stars with the loudest applause you can muster!"
Gate 1: Running Free!"After failing to lead in the Japan Cup, will she unleash her blistering acceleration here at the Arima Kinen?!"
Running Free clenched her fists tightly. "Trainer says this is my last chance to race Oguri Cap.
After this, he definitely won't let me challenge her again. I have to seize this chance—I must beat Oguri at least once!"
Gate 5: Dicta Striker!"The record holder for the fastest 2000-meter turf time this year! Will she display that explosive, bullet-like power on Nakayama's stage?!"
"Oguri Cap—" Dicta Striker turned to stare down the underground passage where the Gray Monster had yet to appear. "You're just like Tamamo Cross—someone who stands at the very top. Don't disappoint me."
Gate 7: Super Creek!"Kikuka Sho winner! With astounding stamina shown in the classic race, what new miracle will she reveal today?!"
In her winning attire for the second time, Super Creek seemed shy and slightly stiff, hands folded gently before her abdomen. Yet a quietly serene smile lingered on her lips. Her thoughts drifted to yesterday—
Inside the Trainer's office, Nase Fumino sat on the sofa, facing her one and only Uma Musume.
"Dicta Striker, Tamamo Cross, Oguri Cap—all of them performed superbly in the older G1 races—especially Oguri Cap. She's your peer, Creek, but she's already far ahead."
Not wishing to dampen Creek's confidence, Nase quickly shifted her tone.
"But Creek has nothing to fear. Just run freely, show your skill, your talent. I believe in you! The media talks about a three-way showdown—but that's wrong! It's clearly a four-way battle, including Creek!"
Standing up, Nase took Super Creek's hand firmly. "Let's show them our power."
Remembering that warmth, Super Creek clenched her fist as her awareness returned.
"Yes! I will—"
Her thought was cut short by a pressure surging up behind her.
Gate 10: Oguri Cap!"The French Double-Crown Uma Musume! Four consecutive G1 wins! The hero who kept the Japan Cup trophy on home soil after many years! The 'MONSTER' among the Gray Umamusume this year! Will she claim her fifth G1 today?!"
The commentator's voice trembled with excitement.