In Japan, the Arima Kinen takes place in the final few days of the year, signaling the year's end.
This year's Arima Kinen was no different, coincidentally falling on December 25th, Christmas—a day that, for everyone, felt like the New Year.
"Weeeeelcome everyone, toooooooo THE NAKAYAMA RACECOURSE!!"
"It's Christmas today, so it's clear that you are here watching this grand showdown alongside your family. And I'll assure you, this race will be a monumental moment that will go down in history!"
"Thus, I had readily accepted the invitation to commentate on what just might be the most spectacular Arima Kinen in history."
"I am your host, Akasaka Misato, and the track commentator is none other than Ms. Junko Hosoe!"
It was still the same two female commentators as the Kikuka Sho.
Just then, Akasaka Misato spoke to Junko Hosoe beside her,
"Ah, since this year's Arima Kinen was set during Christmas, I was sure everyone would be watching the live broadcast from home; I didn't expect so many people to gather here in the Nakayama Racecourse with us today!"
"Indeed, the fans truly are dedicated."
"—Also, because it's currently winter, we don't have to worry about delays due to high temperatures like in summer. We can finally actually start the race on time!"
Junko Hosoe said with a gentle smile.
"So, to remind all our viewers, at 8 PM tonight, today's Arima Kinen will be rebroadcasted on television."
"If anyone wants to reexperience this once-in-a-century showdown, or if for various reasons, someone you know couldn't make it in time, you can pass on the news."
"Well then, without further ado, I believe all our viewers are already eagerly anticipating this race, THE ARIMA KINEN!!!"
Akasaka Misato looked at the list in her hand.
Even though she had read the list many times already, when it was time to announce it, she couldn't help but smack her lips.
"The participants on this list make my blood boil in excitement! I'm sure the viewers who participated in the voting would feel the same, right?"
"Now, in accordance with the final results of the fan poll, we will announce the participants of today's Arima Kinen one by one."
"Starting with the fourteenth favourite. I believe everyone will be surprised to find that even the fourteenth favorite is a familiar Uma Musume!"
"Of course, it must be stated again and again that popularity DOES NOT equal an Uma Musume's strength! The Arima Kinen is filled with the best of the best..."
...
"DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT! Tha' twat Rudolf! She frickin' blocked ma' application!"
"She's hoardin' T.M. Opera O all to 'er self! Unfair! This is tyranny! I wanna sue Rudolf for power abuse! YAAAAAAA!!!"
In the stands, during the announcement of the popularity rankings of the Arima Kinen, a short, grey-haired Uma Musume seemed incredibly unhappy.
Tamamo Cross, sitting next to Oguri Cap, waved her small fists in the air with righteous fury, as if she wanted to hit Symboli Rudolf.
Evidently, Tamamo Cross's application to participate in the Arima Kinen and compete against T.M. Opera O was ultimately not approved.
And judging by Oguri Cap, who had just stuffed a ginormous fried chicken drumstick in her mouth next to Tamamo Cross, she had also failed to participate in this Arima Kinen.
"Thama, shtop mahking a fhuss. Gulp. It's fine if we can't participate in the Arima Kinen. Don't we still have a chance in next year's Takarazuka Kinen?"
Oguri Cap didn't seem too bothered, only concerned with the next gigantic piece of fried drumstick in her hands.
However, in reality, she was simply trying to find a way to cope with the situation. (T/N: Oguri is Copemaxxing)
Her constantly drooped ears showed that she was also very dissatisfied with Symboli Rudolf's action of stopping them from participating while she herself excitedly went forward to challenge T.M. Opera O one-on-one.
They were all Uma Musume with extremely strong competitive spirits, so they all understood just how intense that feeling of excitement and restlessness was when encountering a strong opponent after such a long time.
And being able to compete in a GI race against the strongest Uma Musume of an era was what almost every highly competitive Uma Musume desired.
Not only for honor and attention, but more importantly, the ability to actually go all out and display their true strength.
The kind of exhilaration brought by races like these was unmatched by any unofficial race or sparring.
It wasn't that they couldn't go out in simulated races, but the combination of factors like being in a GI race, the winning outfit, and being in the spotlight truly made these Uma Musume itch with anticipation.
"Waaaaaahhhhh!!! But I'm still angry as hell! Who knows if T.M. Opera O will still be at 'er peak after this Arima Kinen?!"
"If this Arima Kinen burns T.M. Opera O out too much, ain't it goin' to be way less excitin', even if we win later?"
Tamamo Cross still said unwillingly.
Her biggest concern was that after this Arima Kinen, T.M. Opera O, who had passed her Classic Year, would decline in form.
After all, judging from T.M. Opera O's current growth trajectory, T.M. Opera O was considered an early-maturing Uma Musume, and there are countless examples of Uma Musume who rapidly declined in form after their Classic Year.
This is also why Tamamo Cross was so unwilling to accept that she didn't have the chance to challenge T.M. Opera O in this Arima Kinen.
Because in her perception, even if she could compete against T.M. Opera O again in next year's Takarazuka Kinen, T.M. Opera O would have likely passed her prime and be unable to unleash the same strength as she did this Arima Kinen.
However, Oguri Cap seemed to have a rare differing opinion.
She quickly gobbled up the drumstick in her hand and said to Tamamo Cross:
"Tama, T.M. Opera O might still have yet to reach her peak—I've sensed her Aura and Zone."
"During the Kikuka Sho, although T.M. Opera O was very strong, her full strength should be far more than that. She is still missing a crucial piece."
"Without that piece, her Aura won't be able to reach full output, and her Zone won't be stable. Although she is still very strong, competing against the President... will be difficult."
"So, I don't think T.M. Opera O has reached her peak yet. Even if she has, she should be able to maintain her peak until the end of her Senior Year without a problem."
"Oh... I'm not as good as ya at perceiving Zone, Oguri... But if ya say so, then I'll be patient and wait."
Tamamo Cross nodded, half-understanding. After all, she also possessed Zone; it could be said that whatever T.M. Opera O could do, she could also do.
However, Tamamo Cross's peak had already set.
Even if she exerted her full strength right now, it would not surpass her peak. She was destined to remain in a realm where her Zone was still in a pseudo state.
But Oguri Cap was different. Her talent was higher than hers; Oguri Cap's mastery of Zone and, later in her career, Aura, was no less than Symboli Rudolf's. Truly The Gray Monster.
Therefore, Tamamo Cross trusted Oguri Cap's words.
She finally quieted down, and then her gaze unconsciously turned to the other side.
"...Huh? Ain't that Trainer Wada?"
"Why is he... dressed like that? Doesn't he look like one 'na those race car drivers?"
Tamamo Cross's words made Oguri Cap silently turn her head to look, and she discovered a very conspicuous looking figure in the front row of the stands.
The figure was next to Ikezoe, Imanami, and a group of Uma Musume who were not participating in the Arima Kinen.
This figure wore a helmet, protective gear, and clothing that seemed to have a protective effect, even having a wind-blocking visor.
Although Wada's attire completely covered him, making it almost impossible to discern his appearance, his identity could be known from the fact that Fumino Nase was standing beside him.
"...I don't know, but I feel that Trainer Wada is wearing this to represent that he and T.M. Opera O are fighting together?"
"Huh? What kinda morale boosting tactic is this? Can she even see him?"
Tamamo Cross expressed some incomprehension.
Similarly, Oguri Cap was also a little puzzled, but for some reason, she vaguely felt a sense of familiarity from this outfit, as if she had seen it somewhere before.
Moreover, Oguri Cap was surprised by her own judgment, realizing it belatedly.
Why would she think this outfit represented a Trainer and their Uma Musume fighting together?
...Oguri Cap wasn't quite sure.
She finally shook her head and refocused her gaze on the racecourse.
There currently, the popularity rankings were still ongoing...
-----+-----
Fun fact, similar to Seiun Sky. After this, other than maybe a few mentions, I remember that Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross won't ever appear in this fic again.
-----+-----
If you spot any errors, feel free to comment about it and I will fix it as soon as I can.