Hanshin Racecourse, one of the central main racetracks, hosts numerous prestigious events throughout the year.
But a venue isn't built just for the dozen or so Grade I races held annually—it also showcases a multitude of other competitions.
Among these, Open-class races, though only a step above Pre-Open, represent the level where most Uma Musume find themselves—you could say sixty, seventy percent of them compete in these Opens.
Today's Sumire Stakes was no exception, but the participation of two particular Uma Musume pushed this race into a spotlight far beyond its usual stature.
Silence Suzuka and Margaret Nearl.
The first was a prodigy who'd won her debut race by a staggering seven lengths, her fluid and powerful running form captivating countless fans.
The second was an extraordinary force who'd followed in the footsteps of the "Grey Monster," crushing the competition from local circuits all the way into the central arena—a true powerhouse.
Both were talented enough to compete in at least Grade III races, yet here they were, appearing together in this ordinary Open-class event. That alone was enough to get people buzzing with excitement.
"Hmm, so this is the central circuit… The intensity here is on a whole other level compared to the local tracks."
Everlamp, visiting a central racecourse for the first time, felt the pressure building. She swallowed nervously.
The live scene was nothing like watching a broadcast—the roar of the crowd, the gaze of hundreds focused solely on you—it made their attention feel almost tangible.
Even though most eyes were fixed on Nearl, waiting calmly ahead, and what she felt was merely the spillover, Everlamp could already sense a stiffness creeping into her limbs.
"Lamp-chan, take a deep breath. It's nothing serious—don't let others' expectations disrupt your own rhythm."
A familiar hand gently stroked her head—Nearl's usual caring gesture.
"Mm!"
Just leaning close to Nearl made Everlamp feel supported. She followed Nearl's advice and took a deep breath, quickly noticing the pressure ease up.
Nearby, Oguri Cap watched the scene unfold, her face expressionless as she stuffed a large meat bun into her mouth.
"Munch, munch…"
No one knew what was going through her mind—maybe she didn't even know herself.
"Nearl, it's about time. You should get ready for the parade ring."
Kitahara Jo, standing behind them, checked his watch and looked up to address Nearl.
"The central circuit's different from the locals. Trainers aren't allowed back in the preparation area before the race, so you'll have to manage on your own. Don't worry—there's a speaker in the room. It'll announce when it's your turn."
"Understood. Well then, everyone, see you in a little while."
Bidding farewell to her supporters, Nearl turned crisply and headed toward the back.
With little time before the race began, she needed to change quickly into her racing uniform and boots.
Nearby, another Uma Musume competing in the same race watched this farewell scene, her cool and detached expression masking a deep sense of envy.
"Margaret Nearl… So this is who Toujou Hana was talking about. She really is confident and dazzling, unlike me…"
She shook her head slightly, her slender frame looking even more fragile than before.
About ten minutes later, Nearl had swiftly changed into the designated racing gear, carefully pinning the numbered bib to her chest.
The room's speaker had already sounded, letting Nearl know it was nearly time to head out.
Just as she stepped out, the door next to hers swung open as well. The figure that emerged gave an immediate impression—carrots.
It was hard not to think it—the vibrant orange-red hair paired with emerald-green ear covers created a match so perfect it was unmistakable.
"Nearl-san?!"
The other girl had clearly noticed her too—and as it happened, Nearl had a fresh impression of this very Uma Musume: just an hour or two earlier, Kitahara had been talking about her.
"Hello, you must be Silence Suzuka. My trainer mentioned you—he admires your running greatly."
Gazing at the beauty before her, something flickered in Nearl's mind.
'That's right, I think this character was in Uma Musume Season 2 in my past life, but she usually appeared as a background figure, so my impression wasn't very deep.'
Once she recalled this, Nearl's attitude toward Silence Suzuka softened even further—not that it hadn't been warm to begin with.
"Y-yes, thank you for your kind words."
Suzuka's cool facade instantly melted away, replaced by a gentle, soft-spoken reply. The contrast with her first impression was so stark it even gave Nearl pause.
"Your voice is quite different from your appearance. I thought you might be the aloof type."
"A lot of people say that. But really, I prefer not to overthink things and keep my expression relaxed—maybe that leads to misunderstandings."
Suzuka let out a shy laugh, her cheeks tinged with pink.
It wasn't something she intended. She wanted to make lots of friends, to run into classmates who'd greet her casually on the street—but her natural aura was something she just couldn't change.
"Don't worry. Those who truly want to know you won't be scared off by a little coolness. Save your warmth for the friends who are sincere."
"Mm, I'll take your word for it."
"Then let's chat more after the race commentary. We're rivals today, after all. It might sound arrogant coming from me, but I'm confident I'll win."
Nearl said it with a playful smile, though it wasn't entirely a joke.
"Hehe, I expected as much. But don't think I'll just accept defeat that easily."
Walking side-by-side with Nearl down the corridor, Suzuka chuckled softly.
"That's the spirit. Even in the face of a foregone conclusion, never give up striving. What truly matters is the perseverance in the process—the strength you draw from it, to carry forward into the next challenge."
"That's exactly what I believe, too."
Nearl gazed toward the brightly lit exit at the end of the corridor, her tone resolute. Suzuka watched her intently.
"Your way of thinking is remarkable, Nearl-san. My own beliefs aren't so profound. I just… want to experience that scenery—the vast, boundless view that unfolds when you're running with all your heart."
"Have you ever felt it, Nearl-san? When you're sprinting full speed, everything around grows quiet, and the track ahead seems to stretch on and on, as if reaching toward the horizon. That's the world I've always been chasing."
Her hand lifted unconsciously, reaching forward as her eyes grew distant, the world before her turning hazy and remote.
"A world that belongs only to me… an endless sky… Ah!"
It wasn't until her fingertips brushed against something that she snapped back to reality.
Looking down, she realized her hand was resting lightly on Nearl's back—and Nearl had turned to look right at her.
"S-sorry!"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.