It was a quiet afternoon after Simon got the answer he was looking for. He was now walking towards the open field on the shore of Royal Navy Harbor.
But how shocked he was when he saw that what was supposed to be a race between Stay Gold and Yukikaze had instead become a huge, frenetic race. What is going on here? he thought as he looked at the group of shipgirls watching from the sidelines and some of the shipgirls participating in the race.
Among them, of course, were Stay Gold and Yukikaze, but also several shipgirls Simon recognized from the Azur Lane games and anime. He had already met some shipgirls, such as Javelin, Laffey, Ayanami, and Z23 (Nimi).
Then there were some shipgirls he had only seen in games and had never met before.
She had short pink hair and large, expressive eyes. Her trademark was the cat ears (nekomimi) on top of her head. She wore a Japanese school uniform (JK uniform) styled like a modified sailor outfit, with bright colors like white, blue, and pink accents. Her outfit was simple yet cute, with a ribbon and scarf around her neck. In addition to the cat ears, she had a tail that matched her hair color. Appearance: As a Mutsuki-class destroyer, she had the appearance of a child or teenager, younger than the others.
Beside her stood another shipgirl with brown hair styled in two small pigtails.
She had green eyes. She has cat ears and a long cat tail, indicating her Sakura Empire lineage.
She has a petite/short stature, typical of child characters in the game. She wears a blue kindergarten uniform with a white collar and cuffs with red stripes. She also wears a yellow scarf.
Her skirt is yellow with white stripes and white tassels at the bottom, tied with a green ribbon. She wears folded white socks with red ribbons and small cat bells, and black and red loafers. She is also seen wearing a yellow school cap.
Both are known as the cutest loli kindergarten girls by Azur Lane players, Kisaragi and Mutsuki, but there are other loli girls as well.
There's also a loli shipgirl from the Royal Navy faction participating in the competition. She has long, curly, lavender hair styled in a side ponytail bun with a black accessory, and bangs framing her face. Her eyes are a captivating purple.
Her main outfit is a lacy white dress with black frills at the hem, small butterfly motif accents, and dark blue ribbons on each side. She wears white thigh-high stockings, shoes, and detachable sleeves. She holds a small, white unicorn plushie with purple hair that, in battle mode or in the anime, can come to life and grow. She also wears an accessory resembling a horn on her head.
Two other shipgirls stand nearby.
She has short black hair with blue highlights, tied partially in a small side ponytail with a blue ribbon. Her eyes are bright blue. She wears a sailor uniform consisting of:
A white jacket with a dark blue collar, gold accents, and buttons.
A gray vest and a white collared shirt underneath, complemented by a blue bow tie and blue cuffs.
A navy blue pleated skirt with yellow trim and frills.
White thigh-high socks and brown shoes.
She wears a sailor hat on her head. She has a slender figure and a small bust.
Her waist-length blonde hair is tied in twintails with a navy blue scarf. She has blue eyes. She wears a navy blue school uniform over a navy vest and a white collared shirt with a red tie. She also wears a red and black plaid skirt, white thigh-high socks, black loafers, and a white sailor hat.
These three are none other than the Unicorns, the younger sisters of every commander in Azur Lane. with Acasta and Ardent beside her, guarding her from both sides
Then there are three other shipgirls from the Eagle Union faction.
She has long red hair tied back in a ponytail. Her ponytail is secured with a square hair clip adorned with bunny ears and a black ribbon. She also has two strands of hair (ahoge) on top of her head and red eyes. She wears short blue overalls with bunny-patterned cuffs and a bunny-patterned bow in the middle.
She wears a long-sleeved white blouse underneath the overalls, with a pink lace collar and blue stripes.
She wears white thigh-high socks.
She wears gray and red loafers with a pink bunny motif.
She wears a blue bracelet on her left wrist.
To her left stands a shipgirl with long blonde hair adorned with a star-shaped hair clip and a purple ribbon. She has blue eyes. She wears a white baseball uniform with black stripes, purple cuffs, and a black emblem with red stripes and a star logo on her shoulder. He completes his look with black shorts, a purple strap on his right thigh, white socks with red vertical stripes, red and black sneakers, and a black and white baseball cap with a purple star print. His overall appearance is heavily tied to a baseball theme, reflecting his personality as a pitcher who is always talking about baseball.
Finally, on her right side stands the shipgirl, who has short silver-gray or white hair. She has light blue or cyan eyes.
Posture and Expression: She is often depicted with a calm, slightly anxious, and shy facial expression, reflecting her reserved personality.
She wears a navy blue and white top and miniskirt, with red accents and gold buttons. Her outfit is designed with futuristic/fantasy touches, such as metal braces or diamond-shaped holes in her shirt. She wears a grey, white, and red headset on her head. She has black and blue long-sleeved gloves with protective details. She wears navy blue thigh-highs with white stripes, armored cuffs, and enhanced protective high-heeled shoes.
There's also a small anchor symbol on her hip.
The three shipgirls are Bailey, Bogue, and Helena.
'What the heck is this?' Simon shouted in his mind as he saw the loli shipgirls and cute shipgirls there. Well, even though Azur Lane doesn't recognize the concept of age, they still look like loli girls, and no one can deny that.
On the sidelines stood the shipgirls, who seemed to be spectators of this race.
Most of the shipgirls are from the Royal Navy and Eagle Union factions, such as the Queen Elizabeth and the Belfast, but there are also other shipgirls Simon hasn't met yet.
Her face features prominent blue eyes and a gentle expression. Her long white hair is tied back in a low ponytail with a black ribbon, and two strands of hair are tied with a floral ribbon in the front. Don't forget her signature "ahoge" (a single strand of hair sticking out) on top of her head. Her outfit consists of a separate white collar with black tassels and purple diamonds, a strapless white dress with black tassels, a white cloth wrapped around her waist, and a white fringe skirt. She wears elbow-length white gloves and black high-heeled shoes.
The Aircraft Carrier Illustrious is the older sister of the unicorn. Beside her are her two other sisters.
The first has long blonde hair and light-colored eyes (often depicted as blue or light purple, in keeping with the Royal Navy).
Her outfit emphasizes the elegant British Royal style, featuring bare shoulders. The designs tend to be intricate with gold accents and delicate military details. She has a tall and graceful stature, similar to her sister, Illustrious, and the other girl next to her.
She is seen wearing a black and white maid-style dress, one of her iconic costumes. The dress is long-sleeved, accented with lace, ribbons, and other intricate details, adding a luxurious and slightly formal feel. She has long, golden-blonde hair and blue eyes. She has a straight posture and a calm, confident facial expression, indicating a slightly arrogant and graceful demeanor.
Both are Victorious and Formidable, both aircraft carriers of the same class as Illustrious.
And in the audience section of the Eagle Union are shipgirls whom he has never met before.
Two of the shipgirls Simon had already met and were introduced to by the Enterprise.
The first girl had long blonde hair styled in twintails and green eyes. Her outfit consisted of a tight black bikini top that exposed her midriff, black denim shorts with a yellow belt, and black sleeves with yellow stripes.
She wore a large black collared cape with yellow lining on her shoulders.
She wore white knee-length socks under black thigh-high socks.
Silver metal boots with red soles completed her look.
A black cowboy hat with a yellow ribbon served as her signature headpiece.
The other girl wore a white, blue, and red combat outfit, reflecting the colors of the United States flag, with slight gold accents. Her outfit included a minidress, long gloves, and thigh-high boots. Her signature features were a headdress resembling an airplane wing and an officer's cap with a crest on the front. She also had combat accessories. She had long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a slender yet well-proportioned figure. She has a gentle, caring, and responsible personality, as evidenced by her calm and friendly facial expression.
The two shipgirls are Hornet and Yorktown, sister ships of the Enterprise, with Yorktown being the older and carrier-based shipgirl, and Hornet, also a carrier-based shipgirl. The two are seen chatting happily in the audience seats.
Simon felt something was strange but didn't know why and decided to approach the audience seats.
The first to notice his arrival was Belfast, the royal head maid bowed slightly while lifting her skirt slightly with both hands, since Simon started to work together and unite the Royal Navy and Eagle Union to work together in one faction the shipgirl started to act warmer and friendlier towards him, almost like his own personal head maid
"Glad you came, Master Simon. The race is just about to start." The ship's maiden spoke softly, and it was something he wasn't used to, especially the title of Master.
Simon simply nodded in response and glanced at the other shipgirls he hadn't yet met.
"Oh, so you're the digger Enty mentioned."
A voice, with a distinctive manner of speaking, reflected her confident, cheerful, and slightly flirtatious personality, sounded from beside him, causing Simon to turn and see a shipgirl standing not far away.
Dressed in nautical-inspired attire, but with a modern and attractive twist. Her outfit featured a color scheme dominated by navy, white, and gold accents, reflecting the classic naval uniforms and the opulence of warships. She was seen wearing a stylish beret or officer's cap.
She accessorized with red ribbons, badges, and ornaments that referenced awards or the history of her original ship. White gloves and high boots were also integral to her look. She displayed a confident, bold, and slightly mischievous posture. Her expression was cheerful and friendly, with a seductive smile, reflecting her friendly yet strong personality.
New Jersey, shipgirl aboard the Iowa-class battleship
"And you must be NJ, Enterprise's closest friend," he said, smiling broadly at the girl. When she acted friendly and open like this, Simon actually liked New Jersey's character even more and immediately called him by the nickname the cast gave him.
"Wow, that's a great nickname. I like it. Thanks, honey." New Jersey clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling. She increasingly felt that the man in front of her was more interesting than she had expected.
The affectionate term surprised Simon a little, but only for a moment because he knew New Jersey was like that and didn't protest. Instead, he felt a little happy about it.
"But how did you know me and Enty were close friends? Did she tell you, honey?" the shipgirl asked him. She leaned forward slightly, making her two large breasts bounce and sway slightly under her clothes.
'Indeed worthy of the title of BB ship,' he thought, nodding in agreement as he looked at New Jersey's two breasts. Although they didn't fit into the BIG SEVEN, they were already quite large by shipgirl standards.
"You could say that," Simon said as he regained his focus and looked towards New Jersey. Don't blame him for being distracted for a moment. Even though he'd lived two lives and had experience facing multiverse-scale enemies, in his previous life he was still just a single 25-year-old otaku, and his new body was still 21.
New Jersey, who was certainly aware of Simon's fleeting glance at his two mountains, only grinned mischievously. He wanted to tease the man in front of him, but before he could speak, the loud sound of gunfire rang out, signaling the start of the race.
"Oh, it's finally starting," he said, quickly turning his attention to the racetrack. The shipgirls and the one uma were already running at full speed, the sound of their footsteps echoing loudly in the air as the ground beneath them shook.
"Well, everyone, the first shipgirl race is finally starting!" the shipgirl's cheerful and cheerful voice came from the speakers. Simon turned his attention to the two shipgirls who were commentating.
The first had long blonde hair tied back in a ponytail and expressive blue eyes.
Her outfit was navy blue, white, and red, resembling a modified military uniform. It featured a short skirt, ribbon accents, and elements reminiscent of a bunny, along with bunny ears on her head. She wore long gloves and thigh-high socks or stockings that matched the color scheme of her outfit. Her posture suggested her agile and quick nature.
Next to her sat another shipgirl.
She had long, soft pink hair tied in high twintails with black ribbons.
Her eyes are pink or magenta. She has a well-proportioned body and a large bust, with a cheerful, friendly, and energetic expression on her face.
She wears a black crop top with a white jacket over it and a black pleated miniskirt.
She wears black thigh-high socks with a hint of gray. She wears short white gloves and a small military-style hat that matches her uniform.
"Oh! And it looks like Stay Gold and Yukikaze are leading the charge," the shipgirl's voice was no less cheerful and enthusiastic than the shipgirl next to her. Both are the Sakura Empire destroyer Shimakazake and the Eagle Union heavy cruiser Bremerton.
A small drone belonging to Sakura Empire recorded the race while following from the sidelines, with a large virtual screen also appearing in front of the bleachers, allowing everyone to clearly see the shipgirls and the one uma running.
Simon watched calmly from the screen as Stay Gold and Yukikaze ran at the forefront, his Uma running alongside the luckiest destroyer girl.
Behind them were the other ship girls, Javelin and Ayanami following close behind, followed by Z23 (Nimi), Bailey, Bogue, and Helena. Kisaragi, Mutsuki, and Unicorn were in the middle, and behind the three loli ships were Acasta and Ardent, who constantly glanced worriedly at the three. Finally, Laffey was at the very back.
'She has no intention at all in this race!!' thought all the shipgirls and Simon who saw Laffey running lazily and sleepy
But they all immediately turned their attention to the three shipgirl lolis who were running cutely and pathetically there. 'So cute' thought all the shipgirls while holding their chests at the sight of that cuteness, even Simon got a nosebleed because of it and he quickly wiped it before anyone thought he was a lolicon or something.
Belfast of course noticed that and she quickly took out a handkerchief and silently gently wiped the nosebleed on his nose.
Simon was silent at Belfast's attention, but didn't speak, simply letting him wipe his nosebleed. New Jersey watched intently beside him, a mischievous smile spreading across her lips. She was sure to tease him later.
The race continued peacefully, with Stay Gold and Yukikaze leading the way, and Laffey, who had fallen asleep midway through the race, wasn't even bothered by Shimakaze and Bremerton's loud comments.
"ooh!!, we're almost at the finish line. Only 500 meters left to go," Shimakaze exclaimed cheerfully into his microphone, practically jumping out of her chair.
"Stay Gold and Yukikaze are still in the lead. Will the destroyer girl win or will Uma Musume win!!??" Bremerton was no less excited, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement and anticipation. "Oh!, it looks like Z23 has caught up with them!?."
Z23 (Nimi) caught up not far behind the two of them. Javelin, Ayanami, and Bogue also followed behind, with Bailey and Helena close behind.
The three loli girls were still running happily behind them, more in a chase than a race.
Stay Gold glanced to her side to see Yukikaze using all her strength to keep running beside her. She also glanced back to see Z23 (Nimi) chasing not far from them.
Feeling it was time to get serious and stop having fun, she pushed his feet harder, her shoes kicking the ground beneath her hard enough to create small cracks there, then quickly she ran like the wind there, leaving Yukikaze and Z23 (Nimi) behind.
"Oh, oh! Oh, Stay Gold is picking up speed! He keeps picking up speed! One length, two lengths, three lengths! He keeps picking up speed!" Shimakaze's shocked voice rang out as he watched the veteran uma continue to pick up speed. The gap between them was now almost seven lengths.
Simon watched quietly from where he stood. Honestly, he wasn't surprised by this result. While shipgirls are known for their strength and stamina, they are indeed real ships, running isn't about either of those things. It's about technique and when to use your strength and stamina at the right time.
And Stay Gold, as his uma, has all of that. In his old world, when Stay Gold was still the uma he played in the Uma Musume Pretty Derby, his stats were already at 1200 in all competitions. Before they came to this world, Stay Gold's stats were almost at 2000 in all competitions in her final training session before the URA Grand Prix.
"Stay Gold keeps dreaming, he keeps extending his lead over the others," Shimakaze shouted loudly into the mic. He was now standing on the commentator's table, staring in disbelief and awe at the running Uma.
"Only 200 meters left to the finish line, can anyone catch up?" Bremerton shouted, no less enthusiastic than the shipgirl next to her. She was also in awe of Stay Gold and wanted to see if the shipgirls could catch up to Uma, who was running ten lengths ahead of them.
Stay Gold herself continued to push her legs hard as he continued running. She didn't look back. Her only thought was winning this race. Therefore, she continued to increase her speed to reach the finish line.
Yukikaze herself stared in disbelief as he also pushed herself to catch up. Her breathing was heavy and rapid. She had never run this far or fast before, but the shipgirl still smiled broadly with joy.
Behind her, Z23 (Nimi), gritted her teeth slightly as she also pushed herself, but she didn't feel strangely sad or upset. Instead, she felt a desire to break through her physical limits and run even further.
Simon noticed that, he saw a subtle change in the two shipgirls 'It seems like no matter what world the power of the three goddesses can definitely change a race like this' he thought with a small grin, only three goddesses could make something like that happen where a race could have a deeper meaning than just running and winning.
He also felt the subtle change that Stay Gold brought to this world, Uma might not be aware of it, but Simon knew that there was a faint trace of the power of the three goddesses within her and that was natural because the three goddesses would definitely not stay silent when they saw one of their Uma being taken to another world.
'I can't wait to go to the world of Uma Musume and meet them' imagining that, she chuckled and shook her head, her indigo eyes staring calmly and with sincere trust as Stay Gold continued to run on the ground.
Uma herself continued to accelerate as she neared the finish line. 100, 90, 80, and 70 meters, she continued to push herself, her golden eyes radiating determination and unyielding tenacity, she continued to run hard.
"Fifty meters to go before the finish line, and Stay Gold is still out of reach!" Shimakaze shouted loudly and jumped onto the commentator's table. He became even more excited when he saw Stay Gold continue to push himself, giving Yukikaze and Z23 (Nimi) an eleven-length lead.
The shipgirls watching were no less enthusiastic now. They had initially come to watch and enjoy their free time, not expecting such an exciting spectacle.
Stay Gold continued to speed along the ground, her legs seemingly relentless as she continued to run merrily. Finally, upon arriving in this world for the first time, she felt so free, just like in her old world. Her heart beat faster with joy and a burning passion.
With a stronger and greater determination than ever, she once again surpassed her physical limits and pushed further, the finish line within sight.
All the shipgirls held their breath, Shimakaze and Bremerton also fell silent, as Stay Gold once again proved that she was no ordinary uma musume; she was a veteran who had created legends.
Then, as if the world were holding its breath, Stay Gold accelerated with new speed. She shot forward swiftly, crossing the finish line with a flourish as her dark brown and bright ochre hair fluttered behind her.
A few seconds passed before excited shouts and joy filled the venue. The shipgirls screamed loudly. They had never witnessed a race like this before, and it was so new in this world of endless war.
Simon simply stood quietly, staring at the finish line where Stay Gold now stood. He could see that, although she was exhausted from running, a smile of joy and happiness was etched on her face. As her coach, he was clearly happy for her.
The legend of the Golden Uma's race had just begun, and many worlds still awaited her arrival.