"Daughter of an elite family! The highly anticipated supernova! A long-distance prodigy! The undisputed number one in popularity, Mejiro McQueen!"
"McQueen! McQueen! McQueen!"
Mejiro McQueen entered the arena with her characteristic elegance, instantly drawing the hungry gazes of her challengers. Such fame inevitably breeds hostility—a universal truth. Amidst this animosity, the Red Oni honed her claws.
No words were needed; an Umamusume's true purpose lay on the racetrack.
Anxiety, excitement, or any other emotion vanished completely the moment they entered the starting gate. Only the victor mattered—no mercy, no compassion. They would wager everything for a ticket to the future.
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"Current favorite Mejiro McQueen has chosen a front-running strategy, maintaining third position. Kousei is still struggling, and her situation isn't looking good. The Umamusume are bunched together, and being squeezed against the rail counts as being trapped in the pack. How will Kousei break free?"
The turf was in excellent condition, and the 2000-meter race would proceed clockwise.
The same track as before... McQueen, are you watching me?
McQueen ran at the front, closely following the Umamusume ahead to minimize wind resistance. Due to their racing styles, the Umamusume tended to bunch in the middle of the pack, allowing McQueen to gallop freely without obstruction.
If I can just maintain this position, I can decide the race in the final stretch. But a faint unease lingered in McQueen's heart. She could feel a persistent gaze fixed on her from behind. Without even turning, McQueen knew exactly who it was.
"That Kousei is so annoying!"
At the rear of the pack, chaos erupted as the tightly packed group struggled to maneuver.
"Isn't that Kousei?"
Even in the thick of the crowd, Kousei stood out. Her lustrous coat, refined features, and graceful figure that seemed to dance with the wind captivated onlookers.
"Yeah, she's stunning. It's a shame she hasn't achieved any significant results as an Umamusume."
"This time, she's not only facing Mejiro McQueen but also trapped in the pack. It looks like her debut will be delayed again."
Most people felt a pang of regret for Kousei. With her natural gifts and a few victories, she would undoubtedly become a star athlete. Many had once fantasized about entrusting their dreams to her dazzling figure. Sadly, Kousei lacked nothing but the innate talent necessary for success.
If she couldn't win, nothing else mattered.
A scout had once suggested Kousei participate in local races, assuring her she would become a sensation even as a regional idol. But the stubborn Umamusume refused without hesitation, seemingly fixated on competing in the national circuit.
"This is the third time I've seen her race," someone muttered in the raucous crowd. "I really want to see her win."
A poor start, formidable opponents, and an underdog Umamusume.
It seemed as if the outcome had already been decided, as if they were merely watching a replay of Kousei's race.
As Kousei galloped forward, she neither knew nor cared what people thought. This race was for herself, and for Mejiro McQueen.
If no one believes in you, win and prove them wrong.
Go on, leave the world speechless!
"Here comes the first turn! Mejiro McQueen clears it safely! Now it's the pack behind her—who will be the first to make it through? An Umamusume is making a move... it's... it's... it's Kousei!"
Kousei found herself boxed in, whether intentionally or not, as a wall of rivals closed around her.
"The End-of-Century Overlord returns for an encore! But alas, I'm no T.M. Opera O, and you're no Meisho Doto. We don't need a miracle!"
Her hooves barely touched the ground, light as a feather. The pristine white Umamusume danced among the stars, her sharp turn carving a crescent path through the field. Then, with a powerful surge, the white dancer broke free from the pack and sprinted toward the horizon with all her might.
"This is...!"
The audience gasped, unable to believe their eyes.
"Incredible! Kousei is the first to break free from the pack!"
"Is she... dancing?"
"It's unbelievable! I always thought she was just a resilient runner, but her technique is astonishing!"
In that moment, the crowd's perception shifted. A new admiration blossomed in their hearts.
Their collective gasp of astonishment echoed through the venue, a spontaneous ovation for that fleeting moment. Even without looking back, Mejiro McQueen knew who the applause was for.
Every pore on her body sensed the challenge in the air—the challenger had arrived, and the weight of that gaze burned on her back.
Kousei strategically maintained her position two horse lengths behind McQueen, expending considerable energy to keep up with the unimpeded Mejiro McQueen. She knew she couldn't win a straight-line sprint against McQueen in her current condition. This race had only one true "Star"-level competitor: Mejiro McQueen.
"Run, McQueen," Kousei muttered, her pupils constricting as she locked onto her target.
"Kousei has broken free from the pack, but instead of closing the gap with Mejiro McQueen as expected, she's maintaining a steady distance. What could she be planning?"
McQueen herself was puzzled by Kousei's reluctance to close in. "Staying back like that... is she planning to rely on her Final Burst for the win?"
Despite her confusion, the second turn was fast approaching. Knowing Kousei's cornering skills all too well, McQueen couldn't maintain the status quo. She needed to take the initiative.
"I'll start my move at this turn! I'll force her to chase me with my acceleration!"
As McQueen prepared to surge forward, she realized Kousei had already slipped into the overtaking lane ahead of her.
"What?"
Just as McQueen thought Kousei was about to surge ahead, Kousei maintained her position, showing no intention of advancing.
"Don't move, McQueen."
The unspoken command flashed in Kousei's eyes, and McQueen suddenly realized she was trapped. An Umamusume blocked her path ahead, while Kousei lingered in the overtaking lane behind, invisible hands clamping down on Mejiro McQueen, rendering her motionless.
This was Kousei's Gate Technique—a way to restrain opponents without direct confrontation.
Forced into this position, McQueen entered the turn. Though she couldn't widen the gap, Kousei was equally unable to leave her position and attempt an overtake while restraining McQueen.
No matter. She'll have to break free after the turn. I'll use this chance to surge ahead with my leg strength.
McQueen remained calm, fully aware of Kousei's capabilities. She had anticipated this scenario.
As they emerged from the turn, McQueen carefully monitored Kousei's movements. Instead of falling back as expected, Kousei redoubled her efforts and surged forward.
Trying to overtake me?
Kousei suddenly shifted her course, but McQueen was ready for this maneuver.
Trying the same trick again?
McQueen blocked Kousei's path. Undeterred, Kousei pressed on. She knew the same trick wouldn't work twice on Mejiro McQueen; she had anticipated this.
But the race was far from over.