Time flew by with the TCB members' training, and in the blink of an eye, it was already the Spring Tenno Sho in late April.
On this day, Sakura Bakushin O also brought Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond to the spectator stands of the racecourse early.
While cheering on Mejiro McQueen, it was also to let the two new Horse Girl who had just joined the team experience the intense atmosphere of a G1 race.
A few days ago, Sakura Bakushin O would still give them nutritional drinks, but in the following days, Sakura Bakushin O refused to provide nutritional drinks, citing reasons like them being too expensive and not cost-effective, replacing them all with aojiru.
This time, the two Little Horse Girls who had just enrolled truly experienced what hell was like.
Today, the two newcomers finally had a chance to escape Sakura Bakushin O's terrifying torment of aojiru and paper cup cakes, and they were absolutely overjoyed.
Sakura Bakushin O knew that Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond had basically watched all of Tokai Teio's and Mejiro McQueen's races live.
However, at that time, they were merely ordinary fans and spectators, and could not truly experience the intense racing atmosphere among elite Horse Girl, which allowed no room for slackness.
"You two, watch McQueen's race this time very carefully. Remember, you two are McQueen's teammates, not her fans." Sakura Bakushin O said to Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond.
"Okay!"
Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond both nodded with somewhat tense expressions. They had already felt an unusually tense atmosphere even before the race began.
The main reason for this feeling was probably that they too would soon stand on the track as competitors, and not merely be spectators who needed to cheer from the stands.
--
In the competitors' waiting room, Tokai Teio watched Mejiro McQueen, who was calmly tying the laces of her white long boots, and teased her:
"McQueen looks really composed, as if she's already secured victory."
"Yes, Teio, you just look forward to my victory from the stands."
Mejiro McQueen looked up and gave Tokai Teio a faint smile, her face bearing her usual confident expression.
"Bourbon recovered earlier than you, McQueen, and she's also participating this time. You need to be careful not to be too overconfident."
"But didn't she lose to Rice Shower in the Kikka Sho?"
"Although that's true, Bourbon is truly an opponent not to be underestimated. After all, she almost achieved the Triple Crown. Moreover, it was Bourbon who helped Rice Shower regain her competitive drive after she had lost it."
"I know, I won't be careless."
Mejiro McQueen recalled the beast-like Presence emanating from Rice Shower, which she had experienced several times at close range during last year's Spring Tenno Sho.
She had never imagined that such terrifying pressure, as if it would tear her apart, would come from the usually gentle and delicate Rice Shower.
"So it was because of Bourbon..." Mejiro McQueen mumbled.
"What did you say, McQueen?"
"Nothing." Mejiro McQueen stood up and shook her head, "I'm going, Teio."
"Mm, good luck. I'll be in the stands with Trainer-san, Kita, Diamond, and the others, cheering for McQueen."
Tokai Teio tilted her head and smiled, looking very cute.
--
Meanwhile, in another Uma Musume's lounge.
Mihono Bourbon, dressed in a highly futuristic winning uniform, was making her final preparations before the race.
"Bourbon..."
Rice Shower, with her long bangs covering her eyes and a hat embroidered with blue roses on her head, was nervously clasping her hands in front of her chest, her voice trembling slightly.
"Check complete. Condition excellent."
Mihono Bourbon let out a soft breath and then stood up.
"Bourbon, good luck! But please, this time, be sure to stay safe. Rice doesn't want to see Bourbon get injured again." Rice Shower encouraged Mihono Bourbon.
Hearing this, Mihono Bourbon gracefully walked over to Rice Shower. A smile appeared on her beautiful face, which rarely showed emotional fluctuations.
She reached out a hand and gently stroked Rice Shower's incredibly fair cheek, speaking in a rare gentle tone:
"Rice's words are enough. I will do my best."
"Miss McQueen, she's very strong..."
Mihono Bourbon's touch slightly eased the tension in Rice Shower's heart. She also reached out and gently placed her palm over Mihono Bourbon's hand on her cheek.
"Rice, don't worry. I saw your training before, and you were right. McQueen is very strong. To surpass her, I must defeat her mentally. I've also intensified my training in that area, and after Master's training during this period, I can feel that I am stronger than before."
"Bourbon, good luck!"
"Mm, thank you, Rice."
Mihono Bourbon smiled gently again, slowly withdrew her hand from Rice Shower's cheek, then opened the door and exited the Uma Musume's preparation room.
The moment she opened the door and left the preparation room, the gentle smile Mihono Bourbon had shown to Rice Shower instantly vanished.
She reverted to her usual unsmiling, expressionless self, the one countless people suspected of being a robot.
"Rice, you are my hero. After being defeated by you last time, I have always strived to defeat you. The one who took away your dream, this time I will defeat her for you."
Mihono Bourbon's expression was resolute as she looked at the white figure ahead and walked towards it step by step.
Mejiro McQueen, who was ahead of her, suddenly raised an eyebrow, as if feeling that pressure from behind once again.
She looked back and saw Mihono Bourbon walking towards her step by step. This feeling was very similar to Rice Shower, who had competed with her in the Spring Tenno Sho a year ago.
Mejiro McQueen once again felt that heart-pounding and tense sensation. She looked at Mihono Bourbon, who was walking towards her step by step, with a surprised expression, somewhat astonished by the changes in her.
Mihono Bourbon walked past Mejiro McQueen without glancing sideways, then was greeted by the enthusiastic cheers of the audience amidst the Announcer's introduction.
"Now entering is, the 3rd favorite, Mihono Bourbon."
"Since her injury in the last Kikka Sho, she has temporarily been out of our sight."
"This Uma Musume, who won the Satsuki Sho and the Japanese Derby, is making her comeback after a year and a half, and many fans are looking forward to it."
"Speaking of which, the Horse Girl who snatched the Triple Crown from her last time was Rice Shower."
The Commentator interjected.
"Yes. But Rice Shower was defeated by Mejiro McQueen in the previous Spring Tenno Sho. What kind of performance will Mihono Bourbon deliver this time?"
Amidst the introductions from the Announcer and Commentator, Mihono Bourbon walked expressionlessly onto the turf in front of the gate.
"Now entering is, the 2nd favorite, Biwa Hayahide."
"She unfortunately finished third in last year's Arima Kinen, but with her exceptional strength, she is still highly anticipated."
"This time, two members of BNW are here; Narita Taishin is also participating in this Spring Tenno Sho."
Mejiro McQueen stood still, taking several deep breaths to dispel the pressure Mihono Bourbon had just brought her.
A confident smile reappeared on her face, and then she gracefully stepped out.
"Of course, the most anticipated Horse Girl is still this one, the only holder of the Spring Tenno Sho consecutive wins record in history—Mejiro McQueen!"
Along with the Announcer's introduction, there were cheers from the entire venue, several times more enthusiastic than when Mihono Bourbon and Biwa Hayahide had entered.