Changing into her Race Outfit in the Locker Room, Gold Legend looked at the British socialite reflected in the mirror, her expression subtle.
"It really doesn't look like me at all."
The temperament and everything else are completely different.
She tapped the floor with her shoes, making a "da da" sound, and then ran her hand through her hair, adjusting to the outfit.
"Amazing, there's absolutely no discomfort."
What kind of Black Technology is this?
Gold Legend's limited vocabulary failed to describe the gratitude she felt at that moment.
Stepping out of the Locker Room door, the Trainer and McQueen had been waiting outside for a long time.
"Ara, that outfit really looks beautiful on you. It reminds me of how I felt the first time I saw you."
McQueen's eyes lit up when she saw Legend's new attire.
"Eh? Seriously? Was I such a wonderful image in McQueen's eyes back then?"
Gold Legend, who was generally self-aware, said in surprise.
"Well, purely based on appearance, you are indeed flawless."
The Trainer nodded, wearing a reminiscent expression.
Gold Legend ignored him.
"But it's so amazing. Even though the attire is so complicated, there's no discomfort at all, and this hat doesn't fall off even when I move."
Gold Legend adjusted her hat.
"That's also why Race Outfits must be custom-made."
McQueen nodded, placing her hands on her hips.
"...Hey, don't ignore me!"
The Trainer protested.
"You're still here, Trainer."
Gold Legend this time indicated, "Oh, so you were still here."
"...Damn it!"
"Do you have any other instructions, Trainer?"
Legend waved her hand dismissively.
"No, I'm quite confident in you."
The Trainer said, and then seemed to remember something.
"Oh right, be careful of your old rival."
"Old rival? Oh, her."
Remembering that white figure, Gold Legend understood.
"Don't worry, Trainer. I have never underestimated her."
"Alright then, the race is about to start. We'll head up now. Good luck."
The Trainer acknowledged, planning to lead McQueen back to the Spectator Stands.
"Oh, wait, McQueen."
Gold Legend called out to McQueen, who was preparing to leave with the Trainer.
"Hmm?"
"This, I'm entrusting it to you."
Gold Legend took off her hat and placed it on McQueen's head.
"What are you doing?"
"Ah, as expected, I'm not used to running while wearing a hat, so I'll give it to you."
"Ha, I understand. I will cherish it."
McQueen was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said.
"Well then, I'm off!"
"May fortune in battle be with you."
...Inside the pitch-black Contestant Tunnel, Gold Legend hummed a tune as she walked toward the place illuminated by light.
Suddenly, she seemed to sense something, stopped, and looked back.
"You certainly have plenty of composure."
A voice unheard for two months echoed in the tunnel, and a white figure stepped out from the darkness.
She walked up to Legend's side, and the two stood shoulder to shoulder.
"...Long time no see, Hei Hu. Can I call you that?"
Gold Legend turned her head, looking toward the bright exit ahead.
"Whatever. A name is just a title."
The white Uma Musume kept her eyes straight ahead the entire time.
"What have you been doing for the past two months?"
I actually feel a sense of pressure coming from you.
Legend, whose curiosity was ignited by this novel experience, asked casually.
"I found a respected senior, went on a hellish journey, and then, I stood here."
Her voice was firm and pure.
"I see." Gold Legend closed her eyes, processing the information.
"Hey, Gold Legend, why did you choose to become an Uma Musume?"
The sudden question made Gold Legend open her eyes again, and she saw that earnest face and those eyes as clear as sapphires.
She realized for the first time that the Uma Musume in front of her was also a beauty.
"...I probably haven't thought it through yet, but the initial reason was likely the Arima Kinen two years ago."
Recalling the fragmented memories of the past, Gold Legend spoke truthfully.
"...Two years ago, huh? So you were the one from back then..."
"What?"
"Nothing." She shook her head and then said, "This time, I will win."
There was no passion or righteous indignation; she simply stated it in a tone of declaring a fact, calm yet resolute.
"Heh."
When did you get so confident?
Gold Legend didn't describe it as arrogance, because her senses and intuition told her that this individual had the qualifications to say such a thing.
"Just wait. Today, I will prove my [Answer] here, not to you, but to myself."
After the white Uma Musume finished speaking, she walked towards the place illuminated by light.
"...Proof? Heh, then I shall wait and see."
Let me see if you truly possess the qualifications to capture my attention.
Then, Gold Legend took a step forward, heading towards the promised land... "Is that child the one you value so highly?"
In the Student Council's exclusive seating area, Emperor Symboli Rudolf looked at the white Uma Musume below and spoke with surprise.
"That's right! How is she? Isn't she great?"
Qian Ming Representative boasted proudly.
"Visibly high talent, that sharp aura—even I feel a little excited."
Rudolf did not hesitate to use words of praise.
"However, if she is only at this level, she is still not enough to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Legend."
"Well, compared to Legend, even we back then were slightly inferior. But a race isn't decided just by looking at these things, you know."
Maruzensky interjected.
"You're right, I was being presumptuous. Then let me see if the person you favor so much, Qian Ming, has the ability to fight Legend."
Rudolf was visibly excited, which was rare.
"Hehe, just watch. You won't be disappointed."
You have to work hard, Little Black Tiger.
Qian Ming Representative waited expectantly... "This is Hanshin Racecourse. The horn signaling the start of the duel has sounded, and the highly anticipated Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes is about to begin. The Uma Musume are all high-spirited and full of energy, entering the starting gates in succession."
Accompanied by the Commentator's friendly voice, Gold Legend entered her position.
Taking another look at the focused white horse, Gold Legend exhaled.
Since her first race, it had been a long time since she felt this burning sensation.
Don't disappoint me.
She thought, adopting the starting stance, a dangerous curve forming on the corner of her mouth.
"The favorite, Black Tiger, has also entered the gate!"
"And now, Hanshin Racecourse, the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes."
"They're off!!"
The gates opened, and the Uma Musume bolted out!
"Right at the start of the race, the competitors began fighting for the front row, and the one who broke away first is—Ginza Suzume!"
"Can this Gray Coat Horse Girl, famous for her beautiful Great Escape running style, maintain the lead until the end today?"
"Passing through the opening curve, the competitors are heading towards the straight track of the first lap!"
The Commentator's voice was passionate yet maintained its professional standard.
"Legend isn't using the Great Escape strategy?"
The Trainer said in surprise.
"Hmm, it seems she chose the Leading running style. She's currently in... fifth place?"
McQueen also watched curiously.
"Why did Legend suddenly change her running style?"
Teio asked curiously.
"Running styles are actually categorized just to help the audience distinguish them; they aren't crucial for the competitors actually on the track. Legend must have a deeper meaning... right?"
The Trainer said, lacking confidence.
So, what will you do?
Gold Legend thought, paying attention to the white Uma Musume behind her.
She was currently in the middle of the pack, maintaining distance from her surroundings while also benefiting from the draft—a quite excellent position.
She didn't deliberately use the Great Escape because she knew that if she chose Great Escape, that girl would definitely go all out too early, and that would be boring. Besides, the Leading experience wasn't bad either.
It feels quite comfortable running like this.
Gold Legend looked at the Bay Coat Uma Musume ahead and thought.
"Eleven Uma Musume have passed the second curve and entered the backstretch."
"It's not as intense as we imagined."
Another Commentator said.
"Still Leading is Ginza Suzume, ahead by one horse length, closely followed by Ya Mo, then Pa Pa La Qia, 1364."
"Gold Legend is in fifth place, waiting in the middle of the pack, and Black Tiger is close behind!"
"The competitors are conserving their stamina, seemingly planning to decide the outcome on the final curve!"
The Commentator's articulation remained clearly audible.
"Isn't this a bit boring?"
In the stands, Maruzensky raised an eyebrow, speaking in a tone that suggested she wanted to see a bloodbath.
"This is the rhythm of a normal race, isn't it?"
Qian Ming Representative said helplessly.
"But this is Legend-chan's race! Why would Legend-chan suddenly change her running style?"
"Because of that Black Tiger, right? It seems she truly has the ability to catch Legend's attention."
Rudolf guessed something.
"Deliberately changing her running style for a better duel—no, is it to crush the opponent? Should I say Legend-chan is too arrogant, or should I be happy that Little Black Tiger is acknowledged by Legend?"
Qian Ming Representative also realized this, her tone complex.
"However, the decisive point should be at the final curve."
Rudolf guessed.
"That's not necessarily true. Look, Little Black Tiger is accelerating."
...You truly are full of composure.
Watching Gold Legend conserving energy in the middle of the pack, Black Tiger ran earnestly.
Of course, she could discern the Chestnut Coat Uma Musume's thoughts, but she wasn't angry.
The strong should naturally have the right to choose; that is her freedom.
However, it suits me perfectly.
If she had still used the Great Escape as usual, my situation would be much more dangerous.
The technique Senior Qian Ming taught me consumes too much stamina to support me throughout the entire race.
I won't let down your [Kindness]. Starting right here!
Watch your back, Gold Legend!
...It's time to make a move.
Approaching the final curve, Gold Legend started to accelerate.
"Oh! Gold Legend is accelerating! Her speed is increasing rapidly, surpassing Ginza Suzume! Gold Legend takes the lead! Gold Legend takes the lead!"
Effortlessly.
Gold Legend easily overtook the field.
Just like this, she'll secure the race.
"Oh!" Cheers erupted from the audience stands.
Huh?
Gold Legend felt a presence from behind her.
"What is that!"
Rudolf stood up in surprise.
"What did you do to her? Qian Ming, that's not something a Rookie Horse can master!"
Maruzensky excitedly questioned Qian Ming Representative.
"Don't be so nervous, Senior Maruzensky, didn't Legend-chan set a precedent?"
Qian Ming Representative replied with a smile.
"Qian Ming, you know that Legend is special."
There cannot be a second Legend in this world.
Rudolf looked sternly at Qian Ming Representative.
"Being able to open a Zone means her Mind-Body-Technique has reached the standard, but that is impossible. Rookie Horses cannot meet those conditions; at the very least, their physical capabilities wouldn't qualify."
Even we only reached that standard after the second Inheritance.
"That child's technique has become incredibly refined through training that was akin to hell, and her resolve is like steel. All I did was teach her how to overcome her body's limitations."
Qian Ming Representative lowered her eyes, her expression carrying a hint of sadness.
"That was her own choice."
"...Is that so?" The Emperor seemed to understand something and sat back down in her chair, somewhat dejected. "When we get back, submit a letter of apology."
"...I understand."
...Experience can be accumulated, will can be tempered, the body can be trained, and senses can be extended.
Sweat and effort can allow everything to improve with the help of time, but some things, if you don't have them, you just don't have them.
If you don't have it, how can you improve?
Black Tiger ran on the track, quietly assessing her condition.
It looked as if everything had stopped. No wonder it was called a [Zone]. Was this the world she saw?
Having overtaken another Uma Musume, Black Tiger's heart held no ripples of emotion.
She had only one goal: the golden figure far ahead.
"The technique I want to teach you is called [Asura]. I got the inspiration for this from a novel. The principle is to use willpower to break free from the constraints of physical instinct, pushing your body to its absolute limit in exchange for unparalleled burst power."
The words of Qian Ming Representative still echoed in her ears.
"This technique was originally developed to defeat Rudolf, but due to my physical condition, I couldn't use it, so I sealed it away. Now is a good time to pass it on to you. But remember, do not use it for long periods. Your body has only undergone one inheritance, and reckless use could potentially affect your entire racing career. Do not use it unless absolutely necessary!"
Now, this must be what is called "absolutely necessary," right? I apologize, Senior Senmei.
Black Tiger apologized in her heart to that respectable senior, and then continued running.
Now, we are equal.
Come on, Gold Legend, this is the resolve of the [Mortal Bone]!
This is my [Proof]!!!
Zone fully deployed!
Tiger, burn bright and fierce!
Witness the steel resolve!
...This is the first time I've felt... pressure... coming from behind.
This pressure of being about to be caught and surpassed is truly intoxicating!
"I admit it! Among all the rivals I have raced against, without a doubt, you are the strongest!"
Race? Ideal? Reason? Those things no longer matter. My only thought now is to present the most perfect defeat to this respectable opponent!
An Aurora bloomed around her, as Gold Legend activated her Zone like this for the first time.
Racing is truly a fun endeavor!
She felt this way for the first time, even laughing out loud.
"So fast, so fast! Black Tiger is catching up! On this final straight, she is closing the gap! Unstoppable!"
"Ugh!"
Blue flames suddenly dominated her vision. Gold Legend shifted her eyes and saw that figure.
"Come on! Gold Legend! Let's settle this!"
A hoarse voice entered her ears. Feeling the surging Aura, Gold Legend's smile became even brighter.
"Alright, let's settle this!"
No need for superfluous words. Throw everything else aside. At this moment, just run... "Haha."
Unsure of when she crossed the finish line, Gold Legend stood in place, panting.
This was the first time since waking up that she had felt exhaustion in this body.
So this is what fatigue feels like. I had almost forgotten.
Although her body was so tired, Gold Legend was incredibly elated.
She turned to look at the opponent she had recognized, who was staring blankly at the large screen announcing the results.
Ignoring the roaring and applause coming from the stands, Gold Legend slowly walked toward the white figure.
"You didn't do badly."
Gold Legend said excitedly.
"Still, just a little short."
The white Uma Musume's voice was weak and faint.
Gold Legend looked at the large screen. Although both of them had broken the historical record for this race, the white Uma Musume still lost—by a nose.
"...But even though I lost, surprisingly, I don't feel any resentment. Is it because I gave it my absolute all?" The white Uma Musume turned to look at Gold Legend, sincerely praising her with a relieved tone, "You really are strong."
"Hmph, of course. I am a [Legend]."
Being praised by a recognized opponent, even the shameless Legend felt a little shy and could only respond with a tsundere tone.
"Is that so? Yes, you are a Legend."
The white Uma Musume whispered softly, and then slowly collapsed forward.
"Hey, hey, are you alright?"
Realizing something was wrong, Legend immediately caught her, but because Legend herself was also exhausted, she couldn't hold steady, and both Uma Musume fell onto the grass together.
"Doctor! Doctor!"
Ignoring the sharp sting of landing on her backside, Gold Legend hurriedly called for a doctor.
Meanwhile, the white Uma Musume, resting in Legend's arms, smiled and drifted off to sleep.
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