Inside Tracen Academy.
Admire Vega stood in place.
At first glance, her appearance suggested a mature "Onee-san" type, yet she seemed cold and unapproachable.
In reality, Admire Vega had a temperament gentler than anyone— kind, meticulous, and almost incapable of saying "no."
Had her sister not passed away, she likely would have been an incredibly tender older sister.
However, that didn't mean she would let her sister become a lazy or shiftless person. If necessary, she was capable of using iron-fisted methods.
Unfortunately, those days would never come. She'd never get to be an elder sister.
And this realization has kept Admire Vega in a dark, dark place. It's made her push away the Umas that've tried to be her friends.
That was until Trainer Mizuki's diary appeared, bringing a drastic change to her life and her sister's fate.
Through the URA training rewards, she gained the possibility of saving the "sister" from the other world— the world of real horses.
In the months since the diary first appeared, she had been running with everything she had to complete the URA training objectives.
Finally, she fulfilled every requirement and earned the right to unlock the final URA reward.
When she opened the reward with a trembling heart and saw its contents, the emotions in her eyes could no longer be contained. Tears began to fall uncontrollably.
The reward?
The reincarnation of her twin from the real-horse world.
On that day, Admire Vega covered her face with both hands and cried out loud in her room. She sobbed and wailed until her tears ran dry.
But she knew that this time, they were tears of happiness and gratitude. Because... this "incompetent" sister had finally, finally done something for her sibling through her own two legs.
That night, she even had a dream.
Or perhaps it was more than that, as she couldn't be sure if it was a dream or reality.
She dreamed of saying goodbye to her sister's soul.
In the dream, Admire Vega found herself on a grassy plain. A soul that looked exactly like her stood there, waving at her with high spirits.
When Admire Vega desperately ran toward her, the girl smiled cutely and said:
"Big Sister, you're finally here. I've been waiting a long time for you. I've come this time to say goodbye."
"I know what happened. You fought to give me a chance at life, a chance to run, didn't you?"
Hearing this, Admire Vega was momentarily speechless. She didn't know what to say, only managing to choke out a few words.
"Sister, this... this is what I should have done."
"I'm so sorry, sister... for taking away everything that belonged to you..."
"Your body, your legs, your hands, your life... and your right to run."
However, Admire Vega's sister seemed to have anticipated this reaction.
As if prepared, she immediately shook her head and said:
"Sister... why are you saying sorry? You're blaming yourself again, aren't you?"
"Actually, I've wanted to tell you this for a long time. I discovered something."
"Big Sister, you are a total idiot."
Admire Vega was stunned.
"Eh...?! An idiot...?"
"That's right, a total idiot. Why do you always feel like you owe me? Why... do you always think I'd hate to see you run? When actually, I love the way you run more than anyone else."
"I look up to you. I admire you. I even... wanted to be with you forever and keep running together."
"But just a while ago, I felt my soul being summoned to another world. That must be the world of real horses."
"In that world, I can run just like the sister I admire most. I can run in OPs, G3, G2, and even G1 races. All of this was won for me by my sister."
"So, how could I blame you? I have nothing but eternal gratitude and admiration for you."
Admire Vega's sister spoke her heart.
Admire Vega couldn't stop the tears from welling up again, though she tried her best to hold them back.
Seeing this, her sister immediately smiled and comforted her:
"Alright, Sister, seriously! We're about to part ways, so don't cry so sadly. You're so pretty, Sister, it won't look good if you keep crying."
Admire Vega's face turned bright red as she looked away, feeling incredibly embarrassed.
She muttered, "I... I wasn't that pretty to begin with."
Her sister gave a playful, coquettish huff. "Oh? Not pretty? Really, Sister, what are you saying? We have the same face. If you say you aren't pretty, are you saying I'm not pretty either?"
Admire Vega realized her mistake and immediately waved her hands in distress, stammering, "No, no! I didn't mean that. I mean... I'm not pretty, but you are very beautiful."
Her reaction made her sister burst out laughing.
She looked at her older sister tenderly, knowing that this was the kind of thing only she would say.
"Alright, Sister, it looks like my time is running out. There's still so much I want to say to you. But... I can feel the soul on the other side calling me. I have to go soon."
"So, Sister, you must take good care of yourself from now on. Don't let yourself get hurt like you used to."
"And I believe that as long as you keep running with confidence, whether it's T.M. Opera O, Narita Top Road, or anyone else, you won't lose."
Admire Vega nodded firmly, making a silent promise.
Finally, her sister's soul grew increasingly faint until it vanished completely.
But before she disappeared, she left behind one last gentle phrase:
"Goodbye, my most admired Sister. Please remember... I will love you forever."
...
At that moment, Admire Vega looked into the distance with a hint of nostalgia.
Seven days had passed since the day she parted with her sister. Throughout those seven days, she hadn't stopped missing her.
However, besides missing and worrying about her sister, she was thinking about something else.
'How can I ever thank Trainer Mizuki? Her appearance had truly been too important to me.'
When she first appeared, she not only helped to resolve Admire Vega's inner turmoil, but she had also stayed by her side through her most difficult moments.
Simultaneously, the diary she brought had bestowed upon her something incredibly precious, giving her sister a new possibility in the world of real horses.
Admire Vega felt that she could even entrust her life to Trainer Mizuki. She was willing to do almost anything for her.
Although her sister had simply gone to the world of real horses, it was effectively a gift of new life. Admire Vega can't but into words how grateful she is.
Now, whenever Admire Vega thought about her sister enjoying the joy of running in another world, an incredibly happy smile would immediately grace her face.
Even Narita Top Road and T.M. Opera O had started saying that she was smiling more often and more brilliantly lately.
She looked down at the diary again.
But to her slight disappointment, Trainer Mizuki's diary was the same as before— there was still no new content on the pages.
Looking at Trainer Mizuki's empty diary, she found herself feeling a bit unaccustomed to the silence.
Over the past few months, checking the diary after her daily training had become an unconscious reflex, to the point of being a deeply ingrained habit.
Right now, she found herself yearning to learn more about Trainer Mizuki through those pages.
Instead of hearing more stories from the real horse world, she'd like to hear stories about Mizuki. What she liked, what she needed, what her life was like before coming to this world...
Admire Vega made a silent vow: If she ever discovered through her logs that Mizuki was lacking something, she would do everything in her power to provide it.
Even if Trainer Mizuki wanted the moon itself, she would find a way to pluck it from the sky for her.
She quietly closed the diary, gazing toward the distant horizon with a sentimental sigh.
'I wonder how my sister is doing in the real-horse world right now. If only... if only I could talk to her.'
'I suppose I'm being too greedy.'
'But if I remember correctly, Agnes Tachyon hypothesized that once everyone's training goals in the diary reached 100%, the "key" Mizuki mentioned might open the door to a new world.'
'But now... is that really the case?'
Admire Vega pondered the question once more.
She knew for a fact that every Uma Musume's URA training goal had reached 100%.
To be precise, everyone had completed their objectives and claimed their rewards a week ago.
And yet...
There had been no movement from Trainer Mizuki. The "key" she spoke of hadn't been used.
In fact, she hadn't written a single word in the diary for seven days.
Just as these thoughts swirled through her mind, a familiar burst of laughter cut through the air, interrupting her reverie.
"Ha—ha-ha-ha! That radiant lady over there— isn't she the 1999 Japanese Derby champion, Admire Vega-san? How about it? Care to run a heat against me, the Overlord of the Century's End, T.M. Opera O?!"
T.M. Opera O walked over with a boisterous laugh.
Beside her was another Uma Musume who looked timid and hesitant. It was none other than our lovely cat-mouthed girl, the "Vice-Overlord," Meisho Doto.
"Opera O?"
Admire Vega looked at her with a face full of resignation.
She was truly curious: Why did Opera O have to make an entrance with that laugh every single time? Didn't her throat ever get sore?
Vega also looked at Meisho Doto with a touch of speechlessness.
Doto often claimed Vega herself spoke similarly to Opera O, but how could Vega ever be as dramatic as that?
'Doto must have remembered it wrong!'
"It is I! If you want an autograph, I can grant it now, Ayabe-san!" T.M. Opera O struck a dashing pose, her bright smile a testament to her robust health.
"I'm speechless..."
Admire Vega was momentarily dazed by Opera O's antics, but she wasn't about to turn down a racing invitation.
Her sister had explicitly told her that her favorite sight was the image of Vega running with all her might. As long as she was running, she was invincible.
So what if it was T.M. Opera O?
So what if she was the Overlord of the Century's End?
So what if she had 7 G1 wins and had smashed through every tactical encirclement?
Admire Vega told herself that this time, she absolutely would not lose.
Because this time, her running wasn't just for her sister.
Suddenly, another energetic voice drifted over from the distance.
"Hey! You guys are too cruel! How can a race like this happen without me, Teio-sama!"
"And Neicha-san, hurry, hurry! Opera O, Admire Vega, and Meisho Doto are about to race! Let's join in!"
It was the high-spirited Tokai Teio, running toward them with her signature Teio Step.
She looked at the trio with eyes full of anticipation. She lived for the chance to compete against such powerhouses.
Meisho Doto, however, froze.
She hadn't actually said she wanted to race, so how did she get included?
She tried to explain that she didn't want to run, but Teio just laughed and playfully dragged her along.
Doto, the victim of "bullying," had no choice but to participate. She truly didn't know how to say no, one nudge from Teio and she folded.
Nice Nature spoke up in surprise.
"Eh? I have to participate too? Aren't all of you G1-winning champions? I guess getting third place this time wouldn't be so bad, would it...?"
Nature wore a cute expression, even poking fun at herself. She had grown used to being teased.
Ever since Mizuki's diary appeared, the students at Tracen didn't even call it "third place" anymore when someone finished third in training or races. They just called it "getting a Nature."
She had become a permanent fixture in everyone's life at Tracen.
After every race, a second-place "Doto" and a third-place "Nature" were inevitably born. Every time Nature heard it, it hurt. It hurt so much!
And she knew exactly who was responsible: Trainer Mizuki!
She had expressed her gratitude to her early on, but business was business.
For the crime of being called "Third-Place Nature" every single day, she was eventually going to drag her to the basement and force Mizuki to find a way to compensate her!
"Wow, it's Neicha! Is Neicha joining the race too? Me too, me too!"
Suddenly, the petite and adorable Mayano Top Gun appeared out of nowhere, grinning ear to ear.
The moment Top Gun appeared, Nature's eyes lit up.
Top Gun was truly endearing. She was gentle and soft, with eyes full of innocent wonder. She was exactly the type that trashy adults like Nature felt an urge to playfully tease.
Nature felt that making her cry (just a little) would be a moment of absolute satisfaction.
Nature suddenly balled her fists, filled with a mysterious fighting spirit.
She wondered if she could honestly outrun and bully Top Gun in a fair race just once.
After all, it was just Top Gun!
Even if she had four G1s!
Even if she was a genius girl!
Nice Nature wasn't without a chance! Her hooves weren't slow either!
However, Nature's confidence didn't last long. She started strong, but as she mentally listed Top Gun's accolades, her courage deflated, and she returned to her usual self-deprecating state.
She realized she might have been a bit too arrogant just now. Thinking she could win against Top Gun or take first place in a field of G1-winning monsters was a tall order.
Just keeping up would be an achievement.
While Nature was having this internal brainstorm, she noticed something very strange...
For some reason, more and more people were gathering near the "therapy stump" area of Tracen Academy today.
Originally, it was just Admire Vega. Now, it wasn't just Opera O, Doto, Teio, Nature, and Top Gun.
Even Mejiro McQueen had arrived.
McQueen was looking around with a baffled expression.
"Gold Ship? Gold Ship?! Honestly, was that you talking just now? I'm not hallucinating, am I? I clearly heard your voice! Come out now, don't scare me!"
Gold Ship was actually hiding in the bushes behind McQueen, wearing a mischievous expression.
This was the face of someone about to cause chaos.
'Hehe, McQueen... that's what you get for staying up late watching horror movies yesterday. Get ready for my "surprise"...'
Indeed, McQueen loved horror movies but was easily terrified. Gold Ship knew McQueen was still jumpy from her movie night.
She planned to give her "dear old Grandpa" a proper fright. She had pre-recorded some sounds and even had Twin Turbo add some ghostly sound effects.
She'd asked Nakayama Festa and others to hide them near the hollow stump to play when McQueen passed by alone.
Then, she herself would leap out of the bushes wearing a ghost mask, just like the spirit in the movie.
The thought of McQueen trembling with fear made Gold Ship giddy with excitement. She waited impatiently for her to get closer.
Meanwhile, McQueen, the fat pony, was shivering. She was clearly spooked by Gold Ship's antics.
Terrified, she quickened her pace toward the crowd. Specifically toward Admire Vega's group.
Seeing McQueen get closer, Gold Ship knew the moment had arrived. She pulled on her mask and prepared to pounce.
However, something happened that even Gold Ship didn't expect.
"Wow! It's Tokai Teio-san!!!"
Kitasan Black suddenly came running over happily.
That alone wouldn't have been a problem, but her path took her right over Gold Ship. Kitasan's sturdy hooves trampled right over Gold Ship's head as she lay in the grass.
Gold Ship twitched in pain, her mind going blank.
She had just put on the mask and laid down, only to be flattened by Kitasan Black. It wasn't a "ghost mask" anymore, it was a "mask of pain."
She was about to look up and scream at Kitasan, but then Satono Diamond came running right behind her.
Dia-chan landed a perfect second hit right on Gold Ship's head.
This second strike nearly sent Gold Ship to the afterlife to meet her Great-Grandma.
After Dia-chan ran past, she looked down at her feet in confusion, wondering if she had stepped on something or if there was something wrong with her leg.
She wiggled her toes. Everything seemed fine.
"Hey, Dia-chan! Hurry up!" Kitasan Black urged with a laugh.
"Coming!"
Satono Diamond brushed it off as an illusion.
After all, who would be stupid enough to lie in the grass under the blistering summer sun? That would be a total idiot, right?
She also called out a response and ran toward the hollow tree.
As for why Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond were here today?
They happened to be on vacation and had come to play with Teio and McQueen, naturally ending up at the hollow stump gathering spot.
"Come to think of it, it really is like that... what's going on? There seem to be more and more people? And I have this strange feeling, like everyone has gathered here for some inexplicable reason..." Nice Nature said, scratching her head in confusion.
"You're right. I actually wanted to stay home today, but for some reason, I suddenly felt like coming for a stroll here." Cheval Grand added.
"It feels exactly like you said, Nature-san: Inexplicable. More accurately, it's as if an invisible force is pushing me..."
Upon hearing this, a look of doubt flickered across Orfevre's breathtakingly beautiful face. She began to think.
'It's true. My coming here seems to be due to a certain push as well. It feels like I absolutely have to be here today...'
Soon, the number of Uma Musume continued to climb. For instance, Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka, those two Spica rivals, came walking over while bickering as usual.
"Hah? Vodka, what do you mean? The heroine in yesterday's detective drama was clearly the cute type!"
Vodka snorted. "Cute? The way she handled the case, that cool look in her eyes... even I had to back off. You actually call that cute? Let's go find someone to ask right now if she's cool or cute!"
Hokko Tarumae followed behind, wanting to mediate but mostly wanting to complain.
'Why on Earth are Vodka-san and Scarlet-san fighting over whether a character is cool or cute?! I thought she was both!'
As for Copano Rickey, she was measuring the feng shui.
She vaguely heard the sound of "Earth Dragons" near the hollow tree, and she and Matikane Fukukitaru were currently exploring.
And they kept coming. One after another, Uma Musume appeared.
Grass Wonder, Matikane Tannhauser, Twin Turbo, even Dream Journey, Blast Onepiece, Gentildonna, Symboli Rudolf, Jungle Pocket, Air Groove, Duramente...
Even Equinox, Titleholder, Do Deuce, and countless others arrived.
Soon, everyone realized that their gathering really did seem driven by a mysterious power. A possibility flashed through their minds.
There was likely only one reason to explain this phenomenon.
Could it be... related to Trainer Mizuki's diary again? If not that, how else to explain this situation? It wasn't like they were all under a curse.
They took out their diaries and checked repeatedly, but Mizuki's log clearly hadn't changed at all.
What was going on?
Agnes Tachyon remarked, "Perhaps it only triggers once all the 'candidates' have gathered?"
Daiwa Scarlet asked, "Is that even possible?"
However, everyone settled into a wait.
And finally, the moment the group was fully assembled, the atmosphere turned tense.
In the next instant, to everyone's surprise, they realized they had guessed correctly.
The moment everyone was present, a new entry in Trainer Mizuki's diary appeared.
Even more shocking was that the diary no longer possessed its ordinary color, it was now glowing with a faint golden edge.
Tokai Teio gasped, "Eh... a go... golden diary? What's going on?"
Agnes Tachyon: "I don't know, but it's definitely related to the final reward. Let's look."
Immediately, everyone focused their attention. Mizuki's diary once again appeared before them.
[Come to think of it, I haven't written in the diary for seven days.]
[The reason is simple: I've been faced with a choice. This choice has made me hesitate for a full week.]
[Now, I know for sure what the final reward of the diary is.]
[The "keys" I collected from all the Uma Musume can allow me to open the gate to the real-horse world. I can take all the Uma Musume back with me to meet the real horses.]
[That's right. Crossing time and eras, all the real horses will be gathered together, all in their prime.]
[Furthermore, the diary told me that besides bringing all the horses together, I have an absolute right of choice.]
[If I want to return to the real world, I can choose to go back and take all the rewards with me. I'd have money, wealth, houses, cars... I could become a billionaire and live in luxury forever.]
[But if I want to stay at Tracen Academy, I can remain here forever, paying only a small price.]
[Of course, that choice isn't important. I'm definitely staying at Tracen.]
[There's no backstabbing here, no horrific corporate lifestyle. Here, you wake up to countless cute Uma Musume preparing breakfast for you, planting flowers outside your room, or telling you daily puns.]
[Even though I don't strictly need those puns...]
[What's truly agonizing is whether I should show them photos of their real-life horse counterparts before we set off for the real-horse world.]
[After all, I have photos of every single one of them in my hands. I'm torn.]
[If I show them now, I won't get to see their raw first reactions when they meet their horses. But if I don't show them, what if they can't recognize themselves?]
[Take Special Week, for example. That girl is so silly, if she stood in front of the real Special Week, she probably wouldn't believe that aloof guy is actually her.]
[The real Special Week would probably be speechless too, thinking: 'This ditzy girl is my Uma Musume? If I'd known Cygames would draw me so goofy, then the copyright... agemasen!']
[That scene would be hilarious to watch.]
At Tracen Academy, countless Uma Musume were stunned by the content.
Agnes Tachyon chuckled.
"Oh? Now this is interesting. As expected, the keys are the secret to opening the door to the real-horse world. Connecting two dimensions... this is fascinating, even a bit nerve-wracking."
Tachyon twirled her hands, her shutter-like pupils reflecting her excitement.
As a mad scientist, she had to record the feeling of the crossing, perhaps she could add "interdimensional travel" to her future research goals.
However, no one expected Mizuki to be so mischievous at the last second.
Initially, everyone thought she might choose to leave for the real world, and they had felt no small amount of panic.
Every girl at Tracen was immensely grateful to her. If she left just like that, they would have lived with regret and pain forever.
She had given them so much, and they had repaid nothing...
Then they read the rest and were left speechless.
Mizuki never intended to leave. The thing she was actually agonizing over was whether to show them photos!
This jerk! Could she stop pausing for dramatic effect like that?!
Nice Nature snorted. Trainer Mizuki really could be quite mean sometimes.
Still, when she heard she might leave, her first instinct was to forcibly keep her here. At the very least until everyone had thanked her properly.
Nature blushed and touched her hair, feeling guilty for having such a thought.
But excitement, tension, and joy soon took over. They truly knew it now: They were about to go to the real-horse world and meet "the other them."
Special Week immediately began to stammer, her body swaying anxiously.
"Wh... wh... what do we do?! Suzuka-san!!!! Should I... should I bring a gift? Does the real me like carrots? Will I see the real-life Mom? I... my head is a mess!"
Silence Suzuka started pacing in circles, no less anxious than Special Week.
Matikane Tannhauser was the same, wondering how the people in the real-horse world appraised her.
She cared deeply about that.
Gold Ship burst into laughter.
Her physical constitution was excellent, she had already recovered from being trampled by Kitasan and Diamond, though there were still two faint hoofprints on her hair.
She found it all very entertaining. Mizuki had said the real-world Gold Ship was a real "character" too.
'Of course she is. It's Gold Ship, after all. You can lack a life, but you can't lack entertainment.'
'Let's see how you measure up to me, Other Golshi!'
"Ikezoe... I... I'm coming for you!" Sweep Tosho clenched her fists.
The Little Witch's day of reckoning was here.
'You said I'm not the girlfriend type? Let's see if I don't break your legs!'
Orfevre nodded silently, a murderous aura emanating from her beautiful face.
For some reason, hearing Ikezoe's name made her blood boil.
'If that guy had just tried harder to keep up with me, couldn't we have raced the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe together?'
'Instead, his spot was snatched away. Just wait until I get my hands on him.'
At this moment, all the Ikezoe Uma Musume were in total agreement.
Once they reached the real-world, he was in trouble.
They all followed a single principle:
Keep the joy for yourself, and leave the pain for Ikezoe.
"Oho~ ho ho ho! I, King Halo, am a first-rate Uma Musume, so I'm not nervous at all!"
King Halo tossed her hair, still talking tough.
"You say you aren't nervous, but King Halo-senpai, why are your hands shaking?"
Rhein Kraft chimed in with a sharp retort.
At that moment, Mizuki's log continued.
[I gave it some thought. Maybe I should show them a photo of a real horse after all?]
[How about this one?]
[Gold Ship's?]
[Let me look for it...]
The moment Trainer Mizuki said this, all the Uma Musume froze.
After all, this was the first time they would see a photo from the real-horse world.
What would it look like?
Everyone began to imagine.
However, they could never have guessed what was coming.
[OK, here's a good picture. It's the one with the tongue sticking out. It's a timeless classic.]
Soon, Mizuki posted the photo of the real-life Gold Ship in the diary.
The image of the real Gold Ship appeared before the Uma Musume of the entire world for the very first time.
And as expected, the moment the real Gold Ship appeared, whether it was the Uma Musume in Japan, America, France, Ireland, China, or anywhere else in the world, they all simultaneously made the same expression.
Shock. Absolute, utter shock.
Even Gold Ship herself had her mouth wide open and her eyes bulging.
She leaned her head right against the diary, unable to believe her eyes. Was this really "her" in the real-horse world?
It wasn't just the sticking-out tongue, it was the fact that in the real world, she was actually... a four-legged creature?
How was that possible?!
Stay Gold's eyes went wide as she stared at the screen. Her expression was an exact mirror of the "shocked Teio" meme.
Of course, it wasn't just them, countless others were reeling.
After all, if Gold Ship looked like this, didn't that mean they were all four-legged animals too?
Rice Shower was stunned, she couldn't imagine a four-legged version of herself.
At this moment, everyone looking at Gold Ship's photo in the diary fell into a state of extreme shock and deep contemplation.
In the picture, the real Gold Ship was snow-white all over, with hooves like snow.
Not only was he incredibly sturdy, but his face, combined with that tilted head and protruding tongue, was hilariously comedic.
But looking at that face, none of the girls could bring themselves to laugh.
Fate felt like that Gold Ship in the photo: Pulling a naughty face at them, mocking their current sense of shock.
They were speechless. This "real horse" appearance was something they had truly never considered.
In truth, before this photo was revealed, whether it was Gold Ship, Special Week, Mejiro McQueen, or Tokai Teio, they had all fantasized about their real-world selves.
But no matter what, they at least expected a human form! And then, the final reveal tells everyone that it's an animal?
At this point, Agnes Tachyon was also extremely surprised, yet she managed a small smile.
"My, my... so that's how it is? I had considered that the 'real horses' might be animals rather than humans, but I didn't expect them to look quite like this."
"As I thought, people cannot imagine what they have never seen, even if it is another version of themselves."
As Tachyon spoke, everyone suddenly recalled the many suspicious points that had appeared in the diary previously.
For example, the descriptions of jockeys riding them, mentions of "front legs" and "hind legs," the three-year-old Newcomer races, horses dying at twenty or passing away of old age at thirty.
And then, of course, there were the mentions of Sunday Silence and Galileo as "stallions."
All the clues, accompanied by the photo of the real Gold Ship, finally linked everything together.
Everything truly made sense now.
If they were humans, Mizuki's descriptions in the log would have been bizarre, calling figures like Northern Taste or Sunday Silence "Legendary Studs" would be hard to explain for a human.
But if they were animals like these real horses, it was a perfect explanation.
Nice Nature sighed.
"Whew, my body feels hot just looking at this picture. But this form does explain some of Trainer Mizuki's previous descriptions in the log"
"I wonder what my real horse looks like? Surely it doesn't stick its tongue out like that too?"
Twin Turbo laughed. "Probably not, right?!"
Special Week was still dazed.
"It's so unbelievable. But if that's the case, how am I supposed to find my real horse? Uwaa, I have no idea what to do anymore."
Hokko Tarumae comforted her.
"Don't panic, there will be a way. Although the appearance has changed, look, Spe-chan— the behavior of the real Gold Ship seems no different from our Gold Ship here at Tracen. If we look for that pattern, we'll definitely find them."
Special Week: "Really? That's good. I hope I can communicate well with him. Ehehe... but I'm also a bit worried."
"Trainer Mizuki said he's 'Special Fierce.' Does that mean he has a really bad temper? Waaa, what if I make him angry?"
Silence Suzuka said gently, "It'll be fine, Spe-chan. The 'you' of the other world is surely very kind as well."
Sweep Tosho nodded. "And the real horse thing makes no difference to me. Besides meeting my real horse, my other goal is Ikezoe!"
Mejiro McQueen spoke up at this moment:
"Come to think of it, the moment I saw the 'real' Gold Ship, I felt a sense of... freedom."
"I don't know if it's temporary or permanent, but I have the feeling we can now tell Trainer Mizuki that we know about the real horses and that we can see her diary."
Nice Nature immediately nodded.
"Exactly, I felt it too. It seems I wasn't the only one. Doesn't this mean we can finally get our revenge on Trainer Mizuki?!"
Orfevre wanted to say the same thing, she nodded firmly.
She had been thinking about revenge on Trainer Mizuki for a long time.
'Trainer Mizuki, your day of reckoning has come. You dared to say such things about me and broadcast my dark history to the whole world.'
'Where are you? Come out here right now!'
In an instant, countless Uma Musume snapped out of it.
The "real horse" situation could wait, business was business, and right now, the target was Mizuki.
Take Sakura Chiyono O, for example. She was puffing her cheeks out in anger, remembering Mizuki's sharp evaluation of her. [A silly little cow with four ears.]
Tosen Jordan was even angrier, she was one to hold a grudge.
She remembered clearly that Trainer Mizuki taunted her about failing in both academics and athletics.
Today, Mizuki will see who the real idiot is!
McQueen was the same. She was one of the most persecuted victims, the very first log entry called her a "fat pony."
Did she, the eldest daughter of the Mejiro family, have no pride?
When the time was right, she was going to have her revenge.
As they discussed this, Mizuki's log appeared once more.
Everyone immediately tuned in, as no one wanted to miss a single detail regarding the real horses and the final reward.
[On second thought, I won't show them any photos.]
[I think it'll be more interesting for them to find their own real horses.]
[But how should I explain it to them? Explaining that I can take them to the real-horse world and the whole concept of "real horses"?]
[Oh? Wait, the diary told me it will handle everything appropriately.]
[Then it seems there's no problem.]
[Next, I just need to follow the guidance of the golden key and head over to the therapy stump.]
[It's only a five-minute walk. I'll be there shortly.]
Immediately, the Uma Musume at Tracen Academy stood ready.
They had waited so long for a chance at revenge, and soon, they would gave it.
However, while they were waiting, they suddenly discovered a little "Easter Egg" regarding the real-horse world.
Right by their hands, alongside the golden diary, an exquisite "Real Horse Booklet" had appeared.
Special Week asked curiously, "What is this?"
Symboli Rudolf picked up her booklet and read it seriously.
"This appears to be a competition for us in the real-horse world."
[Quest: Find the Real Horse!]
[Find your real horse as fast as possible. You will receive different amounts of points based on your speed.]
[Points range from 100 to 1,000!]
[These points will be used in one final race.]
Gold Ship saw it too.
"Haha! Then I'll definitely be the first to find mine. I already know what the real horse looks like. I know that the other Golshi is..."
"..."
"..."
"Eh? Wait, my memory? It's been deleted!"
"Hey, no way! You won't even give me that bit of an advantage?"
McQueen snorted.
"Gold Ship, you were the one scaring me just now, right? This is your karma!"
Soon, the five minutes passed in a flash. Mizuki walked over.
Looking at the scenery of Tracen Academy, she felt a sudden surge of nostalgia.
This was the hollow stump she had crawled out of back then, and since then, she had experienced so much.
She had first become a Trainer, then gradually became close friends with the Uma Musume of Spica and many others at Tracen.
She didn't just find a career here. She found her place in the world and the friendship of countless Uma Musume.
And now, she was going to take a trip back to the real-horse world, bringing these lovely fillies with her.
Think of it as... a summer camp exclusive to Tracen Academy.
Mizuki soon reached the hollow stump.
She saw that the Uma Musume were already there.
'Is this because of the diary? Its efficiency is really high...'
'But do they really know they're about to go to the real-horse world? Why is there no reaction?'
Mizuki was momentarily puzzled. However, she decided to head over and ask what was going on anyway.
"Trainer Mizuki, you finally showed up!!"
But as soon as she approached, Sweep Tosho, the little witch, brandished her broom and marched right up to her side.
Simultaneously, other Uma Musume followed suit. Nice Nature, Dream Journey, Satono Diamond, and Orfevre, among others.
Mizuki felt a bit strange.
"Um, so you guys know about going to the real-horse world? Also... what are you doing?"
Sweep Tosho nearly flared up.
"What are we doing? We're doing YOU!"
(T/N: ?!)
Without warning, Sweep Tosho struck first, grabbing Mizuki's left arm.
Meanwhile, Satono Diamond, with a sweet smile on her face, pulled the trainer's right arm firmly into her warm and soft embrace.
Then, Mizuki watched in shock.
The moment she was caught in this inexplicable situation, Gold Ship suddenly appeared a short distance away, wearing boxing gloves and hopping from foot to foot.
She began throwing punches at the air.
Beside Gold Ship was McQueen, brandishing what looked like a whip or a lead rope.
She swung it back and forth, her face flushed red as she tried to maintain a "fierce" expression.
Our Big Mac was still as adorable as ever.
As for Mejiro Ardan, she looked quite shy as well.
She was wearing high heels and a majestic outfit, attempting to intimidate Mizuki with a domineering, majestic gaze.
However, judging by how out of breath Ardan looked, it seemed she had sprinted back to the dorms to change into this outfit.
Dream Journey was in a similar state, though the slightly dangerous glint in her eyes didn't look like she was acting.
Mizuki's mind went blank.
'What is this? What's going on?'
'Diary, it's one thing to gather them here, but what exactly happened?!'
"Can someone explain?" Mizuki blurted out.
"Everyone, look at Trainer Mizuki's face! This is the girl who made us wait forever, right?"
Gold Ship suddenly began a "public execution" of Mizuki.
"RIGHT!!!"
A chorus of Uma Musume shouted in unison below.
However, some remained silent, like Mejiro Ramonu and Air Groove. These cool, stoic types wouldn't be acting like overexcited little fillies just because they can get revenge.
Air Groove even covered her face, amazed that so many people had actually responded to Gold Ship's ridiculous public execution plan.
Yet, she too had a smile on her face, looking forward to the show.
"Trainer Mizuki, you might not understand the situation right now," Gold Ship started. "But let me tell you: The world has suffered under your diary for far too long!"
"Did you think we couldn't see your diary?"
"You were wrong! Dead wrong! Every single one of us can see your diary! Not just us, but Uma Musume all over the world!!"
"We just couldn't tell you. We had to let you taunt us however you wanted! We were helpless against you!!"
"But today, everything changes!!"
"Today, we saw the real-horse photos you posted. In that moment, it was like a switch was flipped for everyone. Now that the switch is on, we can finally speak up and take our revenge!"
"And I, along with McQueen, will serve as the primary disciplinarians for today's vengeance!!"
"McQueen!! Shout our revenge slogan!!!" Gold Ship turned around and spoke with an air of absolute gravity.
McQueen was dying of embarrassment. "Do... do I really have to say it?"
Gold Ship leaned into McQueen's ear. "Hurry up! Weren't we prepared?"
McQueen, blushing furiously, shouted at the top of her lungs:
"GOLD SHIP!!!!!"
"HERE!!"
"MCQUEEN!!!!!!"
"HERE!!"
"THE TWO HORSES SET OUT, AND NOT A BLADE OF GRASS REMAINS!!!"
That final line was shouted by Gold Ship and McQueen in unison.
Then, Gold Ship shook her head, adjusted her gloves, and stepped toward Mizuki.
Mizuki was dumbfounded.
She never in a million years imagined that the logs she wrote could actually be seen by the Uma Musume.
And it wasn't just Gold Ship and McQueen. Countless Uma Musume with a red glint in their eyes were walking toward her.
Nice Nature snorted, reaching out to tilt Mizuki's chin up. She spoke in a domineering tone:
"Trainer Mizuki, when you get to the real-horse world, don't forget to tell everyone that it was us Uma Musume who sent you off on your final journey!"
"So you like calling me 'Third Place,' huh? Well, after Gold Ship and McQueen are done with you, I'll be the third one up to give you a thorough interrogation."
"Everyone! Those with a grudge, take your revenge! Those with a grievance, settle it now!"
"Keep it orderly, people! Show some class, don't cut in line!" Gold Ship was actually trying to maintain order.
She pulled back her fist, looking like she was about to punch Mizuki.
Mizuki reflexively closed her eyes.
But when she opened them, the expected punch never came. Instead, she saw Gold Ship's smiling face.
In her hands was a vibrant, multicolored garment that looked like an Uma Musume's Winning Outfit, but in a style she had never seen before.
By now, Mizuki could tell that Gold Ship and the others were just messing around, they weren't actually going to hurt her.
She could see how red McQueen's face was— there was clearly another plan in motion.
But she definitely didn't expect an Uma Musume's Winning Outfit.
Or rather, it wasn't an Uma Musume's Winning Outfit. It was hers.
As she realized the origin of this outfit, she was stunned.
Nice Nature spoke: "How about it, Trainer Mizuki? This Winning Outfit is for you."
"The way it was made is very simple. After we completed the final URA reward, the Three Goddesses decided to give us a little help with making a Winning Outfit."
"We all discussed it and decided together: Each of us would cut a piece from our own Winning Outfits and sew them together."
"Trainer Mizuki, it's because you appeared that we were able to pass the URA challenges and resolve so many of our regrets."
"And we know... that you gave up a lot to trade for these opportunities for us."
Mizuki was taken aback.
It was true. Just a moment ago, she had written in her diary: [I can remain here forever, paying only a small price.]
In reality, the price she paid was the Authority of the Three Goddesses.
The diary had given her a choice: Gain part of the power of the Three Goddesses and become the fourth, or grant several Uma Musume the chance to mend their regrets.
Mizuki hadn't hesitated to choose the latter.
The power to change the real horses' fates was born from her trading away significant power to provide for the horses she found so precious, lovely, and healing.
The Goddesses' powers aren't unlimited, and if she had chosen to spend so much of that power to become the Fourth Goddess, all the rewards the girls have gotten until now would've faded away.
Her reason for making her choice was simple.
First, through the diary, she had already gained enough lifespan and rewards, and she had no interest in becoming a divine entity like the Three Goddesses.
As the saying goes: With great power comes great responsibility.
She'd rather have less power and less responsibility, she didn't want to "go to work" every day like the Goddesses.
Second, she wanted to give these girls a chance to permanently fix their regrets, regardless of the method.
The Authority she gave up was indeed important. It was immortality, a right the diary hadn't given her yet.
But from the moment she arrived at Tracen and was cared for by so many Uma Musume, it became clear that no reward could match the care they've shown her.
Immortality didn't mean much in comparison to them.
Living forever isn't necessarily a good thing. It's better to enjoy the present with them.
"Alright. I suppose you all know what I'm about to do next, then?" Mizuki said with a smile.
Kitasan Black nodded. She walked up to Mizuki with immense affection and took her hand.
"Trainer Mizuki, thank you so, so much for giving Piedra De Luna the chance to keep running. I will never forget my gratitude to you."
"If you're ever tired, just call me, I'll carry you on my back all around Tracen!"
Satono Diamond agreed.
"Me too. The Satono family would love to invite you over, you can take a high-level executive position or even just an honorary post if you like."
"Also, Spica is going to merge with our Team Capella. When that happens, Trainer Mizuki, please give me your expert guidance." Dia-chan bowed slightly, a blush on her cheeks.
"Hmph. Trainer Mizuki, it's all your fault that everyone calls me 'Third Place' every day. You owe me big time. How are you going to pay me back?" Nice Nature said, looking adorably aggrieved.
"Sorry, sorry. But you were quite skilled at tilting my chin up just now, weren't you?" Mizuki joked, settling the score.
"Uh... haha! I just watched a drama recently to brush up on my technique! Don't blame me."
Nature playfully twirled her hair and glanced at Mizuki. Then, she stood on her tiptoes and whispered in her ear:
"By the way, Trainer Mizuki, I'll tell you a little secret. The piece I cut for your Winning Suit... it's the part right over the heart."
With that, Nature smiled tenderly at her.
Mizuki was stunned. In that moment, Nature looked breathtakingly beautiful, with the charm of a girl-next-door.
Her words truly made her heart skip a beat.
The position over her heart on her suit was the same as the position over hers.
At this moment, Biko Pegasus spoke up.
"Trainer Mizuki-san, truly, truly, arigato."
"I have no way to repay you right now, so if there is an opportunity to do so in the future, please find me. I'll do anything."
"Also, when we go to the real-horse world in a bit, can you take me to see the heroes in that world?I really want to see what their version of Carrot Ranger looks like."
Biko Pegasus had been looking forward to this for a very long time.
At the same time, Smart Falcon ran over and said:
"Trainer Mizuki, could Falco invite you somewhere tonight...?"
"I've prepared a special dance for you... one I'll only perform for you alone."
Falco was incredibly shy, she had practiced these words for a long time, and only now could she finally say them to Mizuki's face.
"Alright, sounds good."
Mizuki smiled at their words.
'Look at them', she thought. 'Such healing and kind-hearted girls. What could be wrong with helping them?'
She sighed with contentment as she held the Winning Outfit they had crafted for her.
She smiled.
'Uma Musume... they really are so gentle. As long as I'm with them, I feel like any hardship could be healed.'
After a short while, Mizuki stopped hesitating. she reached out her hand, and a golden key appeared before everyone.
Countless girls swallowed hard as they stared at it.
If they weren't mistaken, they were finally going to the place they had dreamed of— the real-horse world!
"Are you ready?" Mizuki asked with a smile.
"Yes!!"
Everyone nodded, their hearts pounding with nerves.
"3..."
"2..."
"1..."
Click.
As Mizuki activated the power of the key, a golden light erupted throughout Tracen Academy.
It wasn't just at the academy, the light appeared in Ireland, America, France, everywhere that Uma Musume were.
The golden glow started as a small spark before surging upward, connecting the earth to the high heavens in a breathtaking display.
At the center of the light, the girls saw a strange crack appear.
It wasn't a crack in the light itself, but... a Space-Time Rift!
A chorus of gasps rang out. It really was breaking through time and space.
The rift grew larger and larger until it formed a golden gate.
Simultaneously, the "Quest" booklets in each Uma Musume's hand began to glow.
The Great Real-Horse Search was about to begin. Tension and motivation surged through them.
They were about to find the "other themselves."
Everyone was genuinely happy. Satono Diamond, ever the curious soul, clung to Mizuki's arm and said excitedly:
"Trainer Mizuki-san, do I need to hold onto you when we go in?"
Mizuki shook her head gently. "No, everyone just needs to walk into the golden light. Be careful, I'll bring up the rear."
Dia-chan nodded and prepared to step forward.
However, before she could move, she heard a voice.
"Dia-chan, move aside!"
It was Gold Ship.
She had been in a starting-gate pose, and the second the rift opened, she accelerated, bursting forward to take the lead.
Classic Gold Ship!
She flashed a dashing grin at everyone before diving into the rift.
However, once Gold Ship entered, she was stunned.
As she moved through the space-time tunnel, she witnessed a miraculous sight: The surroundings were filled with swirling cosmic energy.
Within that energy were fragments of memories. Fragments belonging to her real-horse counterpart.
She froze, staring at the shards.
'Are these the traces my real-horse self had left in the JRA?'
Suddenly, Gold Ship could hear the voices of the past.
"The one charging out is Eishin Flash and Kosei Miura!!"
"White cap, Kosei Miura and Eishin Flash are moving in!!"
"On the far outside!!"
"On the far outside!!"
"GOLD SHIP!! GOLD SHIP!!"
"In the middle is Ocean Blue!!"
"GOLD SHIP!! GOLD SHIP!!"
"Too strong!!! The Two-Crown horse is truly powerful!!!"
"Even against the older horses, he wins with dignity!!!"
"Gold Ship lets us witness a magnificent come-from-behind victory from the outside!!!"
She watched, deeply moved and curious.
'Is this my real-horse's race? Is this the cheering he inspired?'
It was incredibly fascinating.
The other Uma Musume experienced the same thing. As they passed through the turbulence, they saw fragments of reality tied to them.
Tokai Teio, for instance, heard the thunderous cheers of 1993. The "Indomitable Emperor" raced before her eyes.
"Now, 200 meters to go! Only 200 meters left!"
"Is it Biwa Hayahide?"
"Is it Tokai Teio?"
"TOKAI TEIO IS COMING!!"
"TOKAI TEIO IS COMING!!"
"Biwa Hayahide or Tokai Teio?!"
"Can he show us the will of a Derby winner?!!!"
"TOKAI TEIO!!!"
"TOKAI TEIO!!!"
"TOKAI TEIO!!!"
"A MIRACULOUS REVIVAL!!!"
T.M. Opera O felt the same as she crossed the rift.
She gasped, "Ha—hahaha! Is this the race where Wada and I broke through the encirclement?"
She watched her galloping self and, for the first time, clearly saw the young jockey, Ryuji Wada.
Although the image was slightly blurry, she felt an unmistakable connection.
The voices rose in waves:
"Less than 200 meters left! Less than 200 meters!!"
"Is T.M. Opera O unable to catch up?"
"OPERA O IS COMING!"
"OPERA O IS COMING!"
"OPERA O IS COMING!"
"Can he break free?"
"MEISHO DOTO!! T.M. OPERA O!!"
"OPERA O!!"
"OPERA O!!"
"Will it be Opera O?! WILL IT BE OPERA O?!"
"T.M. OPERA O REALLY DID IT!!!!"
At this very moment, as countless Uma Musume passed through the space-time turbulence, every single one of them witnessed the heroic spirit of their real-horse counterparts.
For a fleeting second, they seemed to see the forms of their real-horse selves and the figures of their jockeys, but the images were far from clear.
They understood now. To see those images clearly, they had to find the real horses and the jockeys themselves, right?
If that were the case, when they returned through the space-time turbulence, they would be able to see every record of the real-horse races in vivid detail.
They were all brimming with anticipation.
After all, there were so many classic battles they wanted to witness with their own eyes!
The final curtain call of the "Manly" horse, Kitisan Black!!
The race that proved King Halo's worth!!
The death-defying Great Escape of Panthalassa and the genius boy Equinox!!
Orfevre's retirement at the Arima Kinen, winning by a staggering nine lengths!!
The legendary showdown between T.M. Opera O and Meisho Doto!!
The decisive battle between the "Peerless" Tosho Boy and the "Noble Son" Ten Point!!
El Condor Pasa's final stride as he reigned over the world!!
Nakayama Festa's burning passion at the Takarazuka Kinen!!
Urban Sea shocking Longchamp and conquering the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe!!
The invincible King in the rain, Taiki Shuttle!!
Enable trampling the North to become the Queen of the North!!
Sea The Stars bursting onto the scene, breaking the Coolmore siege!!
Frankel ascending the world stage, peerless and unmatched!!
...
...
The moment the Uma Musume crossed through the space-time turbulence, they were stunned to find themselves standing upon a vast, sprawling grassland.
What shocked them even more was what stood before them.
There, standing right in front of them, were the thousands upon thousands of strong, sturdy four-legged beasts they had dreamed of.
Their true, original horse forms.
The champions of every generation stood there, all in their peak conditions.
Can you imagine it? Symboli Rudolf at his prime, Secretariat, Frankel, Enable, Deep Impact, Tokai Teio, T.M. Opera O, Orfevre...
Every powerhouse had been gathered in one place.
The aura they radiated, that suffocating pressure of top-tier champions, was overwhelming.
Looking at this awe-inspiring scene, Special Week spoke with a voice that sounded like she was about to cry.
"We... we really came here."
She wanted to shout: "Mom, I... I've really come to the other world!!"
'Uwaaa, it's too incredible.'
The "General of Japan" was truly adorable in this state.
Sweep Tosho was also extremely surprised. She tried to deflect her nervousness by changing the subject.
"D-dammit! Why are there only the horses? Where... where are the jockeys?!"
Curren Chan chuckled gently.
"Why don't we complete the side quest first? Maybe those who get high scores will get to meet the jockeys."
Mizuki was there as well, of course, and she was absolutely gobsmacked. This scene was simply too magnificent.
"Trainer! Trainer! We really made it!!" Tokai Teio was beyond excited.
Her heart was racing so fast that she couldn't help but bounce and skip around to calm her nerves.
They were here! They were really here!!
'So, the real-horse Tokai Teio, McQueen, and the others... where are you?'
Mizuki laughed. "Yeah, so many horses... Go on, Teio. Find your horse quickly. Team Spica can't lose!"
Silence Suzuka nodded immediately. "But... how do we find them?"
Gold Ship replied, "Look at the booklet. It says we have a map in our consciousness."
And indeed, they discovered a map appearing in their minds.
All the thousands of top-tier horses in their peak states were categorized by country, year, and gender.
The area was divided from A to Z, numbered 1 to 5, with hundreds of zones in total.
Each zone contained hundreds of stables, within which resided the corresponding real-horse for each Uma Musume.
They could use these zones to locate their counterparts. Once they found them, they were to lead the horses to the massive racetrack at the center of the area.
Doing so would complete the quest and earn them points.
The booklet even mentioned that there might be many "Special Guests" who had also been invited to the spectator stands of that giant racetrack.
Hearing this, Special Week turned her head toward the central stands.
There were so many people... were those the jockeys? Or perhaps... the owners?
She seemed to sense a certain jockey trembling in the crowd.
"Alright, Kitasan Black, full speed ahead!!!"
Kitasan was overjoyed. With her daughter, Piedra De Luna, on her mind, she began her search.
Gold Ship happened to pass by a bay horse.
For some reason, looking at that brown-furred fellow made her extremely annoyed. She suddenly felt an urge to kick it.
"Hey, what are you lookin' at?"
Gold Ship rolled up her sleeves, but before she could even speak, the bay horse suddenly reared up, let out a piercing whinny, and struck first, kicking Gold Ship right into the air.
Good grief, that's three times Gold Ship has been kicked today.
Meanwhile, Tosen Jordan felt a sudden connection.
She turned her head instantly.
"Whoa, I know it! This... this is definitely my horse!!"
Tosen Jordan didn't know why, but she felt it in her soul.
She ran over and found her real-horse counterpart to be tall and bay-colored. Why did she know?
Because she knew her horse had once been kicked by Gold Ship's horse in the stables and wanted revenge. She had earned this insight through her URA reward.
Now, the premonition was coming true! It was time for payback!
After verifying it, Jordan was successful, becoming one of the first Uma Musume to find her horse.
She let out a joyful laugh.
The real Tosen Jordan horse then gently crouched down.
"Eh? What does this mean? Are you... letting me ride you?"
Jordan blinked as the booklet in her hand turned into a beam of light and merged into her mind.
In an instant, she understood everything about how to ride and guide her horse. She immediately mounted.
She knew what the next part of the competition was: A race where they would act as jockeys for their own real-horse selves!
'This... this is so much fun!!!'
In another area:
"Found it, Suzuka-san!! Look, this has to be your horse!"
Special Week was hopping with joy
. She saw a horse wearing a green mask. Its body was lithe and slender, and it seemed very attached to its stable.
More importantly, it was pacing in counter-clockwise circles, over and over, just like Silence Suzuka.
Suzuka froze.
She felt a profound sense of connection in her heart. This mystical feeling told her: This is him.
"It's you..."
Suzuka stepped forward, stroking the horse's cheek and leaning her face against his.
"This time, in the real-horse world, you can keep running happily forever."
Then, a shocking scene occurred. Her horse crouched down, inviting her to mount.
Suzuka was startled but quickly understood and climbed onto her back.
"This time, we are together. Together, we won't let anyone else see the scenery ahead."
Elsewhere:
"Haha! Teio-sama found him!!"
Tokai Teio had found her horse because the lively fellow was doing the "Teio Step" just like her.
Being four-legged, he actually looked even cuter than her!
Time flew by.
As the Uma Musume found their respective horses, they gathered at the central stage, each riding their counterpart.
In the spectator stands, Sweep Tosho, Orfevre, and others had already cornered a man.
Heart-wrenching cries for help echoed from that direction.
Yep, those are definitely Ikezoe's screams.
Sweep Tosho said coldly. "I knew it. I knew I'd find you. How do you want to die?"
Ikezoe was terrified. What do you mean 'how do I want to die'? Can I choose 'not at all'?!
When he was pulled here by that mysterious force, he never imagined he'd be facing Sweep Tosho, Orfevre, and the countless other "problem children" he had once ridden.
However, the mood was different elsewhere.
T.M. Opera O was talking to a handsome middle-aged man, Ryuji Wada.
"Thank you, Opera O," the man said with a smile. "In this race, you will be your own jockey."
"I hope that even at nearly fifty years old, I can give you a push using the strength we once shared when we fought side-by-side."
Opera O replied, "Do you still doubt me? We'll talk more after I've finished the race. Ha—hahaha!"
Soon, all the Uma Musume arrived at the same starting line at the center of the arena.
Everyone was breathless with anticipation. How would this race end?
This truly was the magnificent power of the Diary.
To design a track where tens of thousands of horses could race simultaneously was something absolutely unimaginable in the past.
As for Mizuki, she watched the scene from a distance.
Sitting on the grass, she looked out at all the horses, marveling at the countless legends in their peak forms. The moment they bolted forward, winning or losing seemed to lose all meaning.
Mizuki watched every galloping real-horse and the smiles on the faces of every Uma Musume riding them.
They looked truly, deeply happy.
Suddenly, a saying came to Mizuki's mind.
At Tracen Academy, and indeed across the entire global racing world, there is a universally recognized phrase:
"One horse leads, and ten thousand horses lose their luster."
Only the horse that runs first can claim all the glory and supreme honor.
But now, Mizuki suddenly felt that this saying was wrong.
Because, at the very moment all the Uma Musume and their real-horses charged forward with all their might, the smiles on their faces were shining so brilliantly.
Indeed, it was these horses that, through their desperate sprinting, had painted the glorious canvas of centuries of horse racing history, one brushstroke at a time.
"Yeah... everyone is truly dazzling."
"I suppose winning the championship is very important sometimes. But a championship doesn't ultimately decide whether a horse is brilliant or not."
"Just like this race. It isn't like that."
"This isn't the moment ten thousand horses lose their luster."
"It is... The Moment the Stars Shine Together."
"To all the horses and Uma Musume who run with everything they have."
Mizuki drained the drink in her hand. She felt a slight, pleasant buzz.
"Thank you."
[THE END]