Kentucky, America. Pimlico Race Course.
The sunlight gilded the historic racecourse in warm gold, but the air was already ablaze with feverish excitement.
The stands roared with voices. Flags of every color fluttered in the air, and countless pairs of eyes stared eagerly toward the starting point of the track.
Today was the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the American Triple Crown, and nearly everyone's gaze was fixed on the black figure displayed on the poster across the screen at the highest point of the racecourse.
Sunday Silence.
People were waiting to witness her take a powerful second step toward the great feat of the Triple Crown.
In stark contrast to the noise outside, the atmosphere inside the athletes' rest area was relatively quiet, yet taut.
In one spacious lounge, Secretariat stood before Easy Goer.
Easy Goer had already changed into her racing outfit and was making her final adjustments, relaxing her body and steadying her mind.
Compared to her elder sister's mountain-like composure, her expression held a trace of tension too faint to notice easily. In her eyes was the focus demanded by a major race, but also a hint of wariness toward Sunday Silence.
"Easy," Secretariat said in a low, steady voice that brooked no doubt. She reached out and gently set a hand on her younger sister's shoulder. "Look at me."
Easy Goer raised her head and met her sister's clear amber eyes.
"I know what you're thinking."
Secretariat looked straight into her sister's eyes.
"Sunday Silence is strong. In the last race, the Kentucky Derby, she already proved she has almost dominant speed and final spurt. Today, she may still be strong. Even stronger."
She paused, and the strength in her hand deepened slightly, as if she were trying to pass her belief on to her.
"But you don't need to fear her. Fear will only make your steps hesitate and your Zone grow fragile."
"Over these past two weeks, I've personally helped you temper your Zone countless times."
"It is solid. It is resilient. It is enough to support you in running your own rhythm, no matter what opponent stands before you."
Secretariat's tone was firm and decisive.
"Remember your strengths. Your stamina, your control over rhythm, and the power of your Zone, polished over and over until it can erupt at the critical moment."
"If she tries to crush you with her rhythm and momentum, don't hesitate. At the most crucial moment, fully unfold your Zone and push back like the toughest barrier there is! Let her know that on this racecourse, there is not only one voice, one color!"
"And when the most important moment comes, don't forget the secret move I taught you!"
She let go, took half a step back, and her eyes were filled with trust and encouragement.
"Go, Easy."
"This isn't just a race. It's also a perfect chance to prove yourself to the world! Run a race you won't regret, and make everyone—including Sunday Silence—remember your name."
Easy Goer drew in a deep breath. The last trace of hesitation in her eyes gradually gave way to a determined light. She nodded hard, then turned toward the lounge door, her steps growing steady and powerful.
Secretariat's words steadied her, dispersing the gloom around her and filling her with the courage to face the challenge head-on.
Easy Goer gripped the lounge door handle. The chill of the metal under her palm helped settle the last of her nerves.
She did not open it immediately. Instead, she turned back and looked once more at her sister standing in the center of the room.
Secretariat said nothing more. She simply watched her younger sister quietly, her amber eyes full of calm support.
A bright, determined smile bloomed across Easy Goer's face. That smile scattered every shadow, brimming with the vigorous energy and resolve of a young Umamusume.
"Big Sis."
Her voice was clear, carrying the force of an unquestionable promise.
"Wait for me. I'll definitely bring victory... back to you!"
With that, she did not look back again. She pulled the door open with force. Light from the corridor outside poured in, illuminating the fire in her eyes.
Secretariat watched her sister's figure merge into that brightness until the door closed softly.
She lowered her arm, the corners of her mouth rising slightly with undisguised pride and anticipation.
"Sakuraba, this time, my little sister won't lose to your Sunday Silence."
Secretariat smiled and murmured to herself alone in the room.
...
After leaving the lounge, Easy Goer followed the somewhat dim entrance tunnel forward. Her heartbeat quickened slightly along with the gradually clearer cheers from outside.
At the end of the tunnel lay the racecourse, bathed in sunlight and the eyes of the crowd.
Just as she adjusted her breathing and prepared to make her appearance in the best possible condition, a figure not far ahead made her eyes light up.
It was Sunday Silence!
As always, she wore her signature black racing outfit, like a moving shadow, walking quietly through the tunnel.
Sunlight slanted in from the exit, gilding her silhouette in dark gold, while making the silent, powerful pressure she radiated even more distinct.
Easy Goer's eyes lit up. She jogged a few steps forward to catch up, a friendly and enthusiastic smile on her face as she waved at Sunday Silence's back.
"Sunday Silence! We meet again. I won't lose to you today!"
Her clear voice echoed through the tunnel.
However, the black figure ahead seemed not to hear her at all.
Sunday Silence did not pause in the slightest. She did not even turn her head. She simply continued forward with those steady, almost indifferent steps, the low pressure lingering around her like an invisible wall that shut out all outside noise and disturbance.
Easy Goer's outstretched hand froze in midair, and the smile on her face instantly stiffened, turning into bewilderment and a trace of awkwardness.
She blinked, watching Sunday Silence walk straight toward the light without the slightest reaction. An emotion she could not quite name—grievance, or maybe defiance—welled up inside her.
"...?"
She muttered softly, lowered her hand, and pouted in frustration.
"What the heck... Even if you're in a bad mood, don't take it out on me..."
Easy Goer grumbled as she watched that black figure nearly merge into the sunlight. Into the fighting spirit her sister had stirred up in her, a tiny bit of dissatisfaction and an even stronger desire to challenge her quietly slipped in.
During special training, her mind had been full of Sunday Silence. But from the look of things, she was not even considered a threat in Sunday Silence's eyes...
She might even be little more than an optional presence...
"So you're ignoring me, huh... Just wait. On the racecourse, I'll definitely make you remember me properly!"
She clenched her fist, hesitated no longer, and quickened her pace as well, running toward that expanse of noise and light.
At the end of the tunnel, two Umamusume with completely different styles stepped one after another onto the battlefield that belonged to them.
The Preakness Stakes had begun.