"Now entering the arena is our number one favorite for this match, Satono Crown!"
The audience erupted in thunderous cheers upon hearing the announcer's call and seeing Satono Crown's entrance.
"This... this is the popularity of a Satono Clan Umamusume? It's... this is terrifying!"
Many Umamusume members warming up in front of the gates stared wide-eyed at the sudden burst of cheers.
Smart Falcon had witnessed this kind of spectacle at Satono Diamond's debut match not long ago.
However, now that she truly felt the vast difference in popularity between herself and a newly enrolled Umamusume, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.
Smart Falcon's sadness was clearly visible on her cute face, noticed by the TCB members and also by Satono Diamond's father.
"Smart Falcon looks like the kind of Umamusume who lacks confidence. But then again, she's been in the industry for so long and hasn't achieved much."
Watching Smart Falcon's sorrowful expression caused by Satono Crown's immense popularity, Satono Diamond's Father smiled at Satono Diamond's mother.
"Even if she hasn't achieved much, you don't have to be like this, do you? After all, only a minority of Umamusumes in this world can truly succeed," Satono Diamond's mother said.
Satono Diamond's father smiled and stopped talking. The more he saw Smart Falcon's lack of confidence, the happier he became.
Having witnessed Satono Diamond's dazzling performance in her debut competition, Satono Diamond's father truly recognized Sakura Baimu's exceptional qualities as a trainer. Therefore, he was determined to have Satono Crown join TCB.
"I suddenly feel that just aiming for the G1 championship is a bit too low," said Satono Diamond's father. "I heard Dia-chan say that Ms. Sakura promised her a Triple Crown, didn't she?"
"The last Triple Crown winner, Umamusume Tokai Teio, was trained by Ms. Sakura," said Satono Diamond's mother.
"I've made up my mind. Crown will register for next year's Triple Tiara tournament. Once she's in TCB, she'll aim for the Triple Tiara. Who knows, maybe next year our Satono Clan will produce two three-time champions! If we succeed, the Satono Clan's reputation will definitely surpass the Mejiro family's."
Satono Diamond's father suddenly felt that his previous focus on G1 victories for his family's champions was too superficial. Satono Diamond and Satono Crown were so talented; why not aim for something even greater?
"Hey, no way," Satono Crown's mother interrupted. "Dia-chan said the Triple Tiara is for Kita-chan. One is in the Classic Triple Crown, the other in the Triple Tiara."
"Fair competition—what's the problem? If Kita-chan wants it, let her register too. But I don't believe a commoner Umamusume can beat Crown."
Satono Crown's father chuckled, her prejudice against ordinary Umamusumes blatantly obvious.
--
On the other side, the TCB Umamusume reluctantly averted their gazes, then simultaneously made vomiting faces.
After suppressing the urge to vomit, Tokai Teio, Mejiro McQueen, and Kitasan Black all turned to look at Satono Diamond, who was hiding her flushed face with her sleeves.
Satono Diamond felt utterly humiliated in front of her teammates, especially with Mejiro McQueen, whom she idolized and who also came from a prestigious family, present.
"Um... I've already told Father that if we lose this time, he won't be allowed to see us again. So please don't hate me..."
Satono Diamond's cheeks continued to flush, and she even started to stutter.
"Ah, haha, it's okay, it's okay. We don't hate you, Dia-chan."
"Yeah, yeah, it's just that your father is acting a bit strange. Everyone else is fine."
Seeing Satono Diamond's state, the others found her both funny and adorable and quickly chimed in.
Just as the TCB team was laughing together, the announcer's voice signaling the start of the race rang out. They all stopped chatting and turned their attention back to the track.
"A beautiful, sunny day at Hakodate Racecourse."
"All Umamusume have entered the gates."
"Seaside Stakes, now—"
"Start!"
As soon as the announcer finished speaking, the gates sprang open, and over a dozen Umamusume surged forward simultaneously.
"Everyone got off to a great start... wait a minute, what's wrong with Smart Falcon?"
Hearing the announcer's voice, everyone looked toward the gates, only to see Smart Falcon standing motionless inside gate number 8, her fists clenched in front of her chest, eyes closed.
"What's wrong with Falcon-senpai?" Satono Diamond exclaimed in surprise.
"Was she too nervous? She didn't even hear the starting signal?" Mejiro McQueen was also shocked.
What the heck? Super Late Start?
It would be hilarious if they lost because of this.
"Falco-senpai, what are you doing? It's starting!" Kitasan Black shouted at Smart Falcon, who opened her eyes as if waking from a dream.
It took her another second to realize that the race had started. Her fair face paled instantly, and she hurriedly ran forward.
"Oh dear! Smart Falcon seems to have only realized the race had started due to nervousness."
The commentator exclaimed in surprise, and the audience burst into laughter.
This Umamusume is so cute.
"Smart Falcon is now about 14 Lengths behind the second-to-last runner."
"This is a complete disaster, a massive blunder!"
"Is she going to replicate Gold Ship's 'feat'? But Gold Ship was only about 10 Lengths behind!"
"Hahahaha." Satono Diamond's father who listened to the commentator's voice felt like she was about to die laughing.
"I've watched races my whole life, and I've never seen anything like this."
Not only Satono Diamond's father, but many spectators were also thoroughly amused.
They were all staring at Smart Falcon, her face flushed, desperately trying to catch up from the back, and couldn't help but grow fond of this adorable Umamusume.
Kitasan Black was dumbfounded, her jaw practically dropping in astonishment.
She pointed at Smart Falcon, who was chasing from the back of the field, and after a long pause, finally managed to utter a sentence.
"Are you sure Falcon-senpai is the captain of 'Fugitive SISTERS'?"
"Leader of the Front Runners'? She's clearly a Closer!!"