[TEN YEARS AFTER THE GREY-HAIRED MONSTER, OGURI CAP, FIRST AWAKENED THE ZONE.]
[ANOTHER UMAMUSUME HAS REACHED THE PERFECTED FORM OF THE ZONE.]
[HER NAME IS…]
....
...
...
[THE END-OF-THE-CENTURY OVERLORD—T.M. OPERA O!!!]
[189 SECONDS REMAIN UNTIL T.M. OPERA O FULLY AWAKENS ZONE.]
...
Tokyo Racecourse.
Today's weather was nothing like the stormy skies of the Satsuki Sho. It was a cloudless day—no excuses for losing this time. The stands, capable of holding over 200,000 spectators across their 13,750 seats, were steadily filling with excited fans.
Math is a curious thing, isn't it?
Among the throng were two young men with glasses, chatting as they entered.
"It's been ages since I last watched the Japan Derby in person…" The first man adjusted his glasses thoughtfully. "Last time was probably when Narita Brian took the Classic Triple Crown."
"So, you think Garden Gale can win the Triple Crown?"
His companion was direct, cutting straight to the point.
The first man didn't rush his answer. He frowned, carefully choosing his words. "It's tough to say. Garden Gale's performance always felt inconsistent to me. Her Runaway last time was pretty ugly—well, maybe not ugly exactly—but certainly shaky. She only won thanks to that explosive final spurt."
"If she can keep her form stable, though," he continued, "I think she's got a pretty good shot at victory."
"Looking back, from her debut race up to the Wakagoma Stakes, she consistently used Late Surger tactics. It's strange she suddenly chose Runaway for the last race. Honestly, having multiple running styles like Garden Gale is scary enough on its own—could she become the second coming of Mayano Top Gun?"
—The endlessly versatile king of adaptability, Mayano Top Gun.
Famous for top-level performances in all four running styles.
"Also, another interesting thing—across these two races, Garden Gale first defeated Narita Top Road, kicking her straight into the losers' bracket, and then broke Admire Vega's winning streak."
"You could say these few represent the strongest of the new generation."
After saying this, he paused thoughtfully.
His friend immediately argued back, "But I think T.M. Opera O's chances are even higher. Sure, she got overtaken at the end last time, but like you said, her overall performance was impeccable. She's steady and extremely powerful."
"It could've been just the heavy rain that stopped her from pulling away earlier!"
Their passionate debate intensified.
But, of course—
These two were good friends, simply heatedly arguing over who'd win the Derby. Nothing more. But suddenly, someone forced her way between them, wielding an absurdly long pole—roughly two meters—that made them wonder how she'd gotten past security.
"Hey, hey, coming through, stop arguing for just a sec, okay? You can resume later."
Air Shakur pushed forward, reaching the front.
She glanced proudly at the long pole she was holding.
With a beaming smile, she joined their conversation:
"Garden Gale is absolutely going to win this race!"
She nodded firmly, completely certain.
The glasses-wearing fan adjusted his frames skeptically. "What makes you say that?"
"It's obvious, isn't it? Let me analyze it for you," Air Shakur began enthusiastically. "Garden Gale's strength lies in her running styles. Do you realize how huge an advantage that gives her over a full 2400-meter race? And most importantly, unlike Mayano Top Gun—who picks one running style per race—Garden Gale can freely shift styles mid-race…"
She immediately launched into her passionate analysis.
...
Meanwhile.
Back in the waiting room, Garden Gale wasn't filled with nerves anymore.
Instead, a strange calm had settled over her.
She'd already been through the worst anxieties possible—surely she'd grown since then. She'd even won the Japan Derby instance, so why fear this real-life Derby? All she had to do was race and claim victory. That was enough!
She waited calmly until the appointed time.
Following directions, she walked toward the brightening entrance.
The race hadn't started yet.
It was the pre-race showcase—responding to fans' support. Similar to Winner's Live, but slightly less extravagant.
Emerging from darkness, she was instantly bathed in brilliant light.
And deafening cheers surged forward like a tidal wave:
"Garden Gale!!!"
"Garden!!!!!!!"
Thousands, tens of thousands—even perhaps over a hundred thousand voices combined into a thunderous roar, filling the heavens. Today's Japan Derby was packed to capacity, and many attendees were Garden Gale fans.
A smaller group had even come after watching the Dancing Bear meme.
So somehow… without realizing it… I've already gained this many fans.
A strange warmth bloomed in her chest.
She gazed toward the cheering stands where supporters waved banners bearing her name. Strength and unwavering faith in her victory gathered from each and every one of them. Garden smiled gently, waved to the audience, returning their enthusiasm.
Returning the support she'd always received.
She was no longer unknown; it was time to carve her throne.
No more weakness—she'd run resolutely forward until she clinched victory.
Garden Gale's brief appearance concluded, and she stepped back to exit.
But as she descended the stairs, the next Umamusume heading up appeared directly before her—it was none other than the endlessly talkative T.M. Opera O.
Or rather—
Her biggest rival in this Japan Derby. Could T.M. Opera O really surpass Admire Vega, who'd spent a month training in harsh mountain snow? Doubt crept into her mind, but Garden wouldn't underestimate anyone anymore.
She met Opera's gaze.
Garden Gale offered a polite smile.
Unexpectedly, T.M. Opera O said nothing. No grand speeches, no exaggerated theatrics. She simply tilted her head slightly and returned Garden's smile.
Before Garden could even register surprise at this newfound silence—has she gone dark-mode and gotten ten times stronger?—she dismissed the thought. Surely losing the Satsuki Sho wouldn't trigger such a drastic change.
Garden could feel it.
T.M. Opera O's burning desire to win, an unquenchable fire roaring fiercely within her chest. Even this brief encounter revealed her blazing heart clearly.
As T.M. Opera O passed into the light and Garden Gale retreated into shadow, T.M. Opera O suddenly spoke without looking back:
"Are you prepared for the opening of this magnificent End-of-the-Century Opera? An epic tale of unprecedented greatness is about to begin."
"Of course," Garden Gale replied quietly.
She didn't say anything further.
Because...
The aura she sensed from T.M. Opera O carried the unmistakable scent of Symboli Rudolf.
The aura of absolute strength.
The aura of a beast.