The day of the selection exam had arrived, and the entire track was filled with participants making their final preparations.
Several veteran Trainers stood along the rails as evaluators. This test wasn't just about time. They would also assess acceleration timing and running form. In other words, it was a comprehensive evaluation of each Uma Musume's overall ability.
Standing at the edge of the field, Chiya watched the massive crowd. There were over two hundred runners, split into groups of ten, making twenty-two groups in total. The evaluators exchanged quiet remarks as they observed, their sharp, hawk-like gazes sweeping across the field.
Even Chiya found himself getting tense.
Strictly speaking, it wasn't him being tested.
It was her.
Shirayuki stood among the runners, her heart beating faster than usual as she watched the other Uma Musume stretching and warming up.
I still can't get used to this…
"Go, Rice Shower… you can do it…! For Onī-sama's reward…"
Among the crowd, Rice Shower quietly encouraged herself.
Every time Shirayuki saw that determination, her heart softened. She's way too adorable. Maybe after the race, she should take her somewhere fun.
As for the others…
Her eyes scanned the field until she spotted Meisho Doto spinning in place nervously.
Today's outfit was a loose T-shirt and shorts. Even with Doto's… impressive build, there was no way she'd burst through that. Her shoes had also been checked multiple times before arriving. No problems there.
Satisfied, Shirayuki moved on and found Matikanefukukitaru kneeling in an open space, performing some kind of ritual.
"Shiraoki-sama, please bless me with good fortune~"
She muttered to herself while striking odd poses.
"Heiya~ great luck and prosperity!"
It reminded Shirayuki of the time she burned incense in front of Conan before her Central exam.
Whether it worked or not didn't matter. The important thing was peace of mind.
Exactly. That's what prayer was for.
Without interrupting her, Shirayuki quietly moved on. Since Mejiro Dober belonged to the middle division, their exam times didn't overlap. She wouldn't be here today.
Still, there was no need to worry about her. Aside from Rice Shower, Dober was the most hardworking. She trained even after regular sessions ended, often staying until sunset. Shirayuki even made her a nutrient drink every night to help with recovery.
Compared to before, Dober had improved significantly. This level of test shouldn't be a problem for her.
That left one last person.
Gold Ship.
Shirayuki searched the area again and again.
No sign of her.
Where did she go? Don't tell me she overslept…
She reached for her phone—then suddenly—
"Fresh sushi! Freshly made sushi!"
Hearing that voice, Shirayuki instantly spun around and ran toward it.
Sure enough, there she was.
Gold Ship stood there in full sushi chef attire, a headband reading "Gold Ship Sushi" proudly displayed. In front of her was a makeshift conveyor setup… manually rotated by herself.
"…What are you doing?" Shirayuki asked flatly.
"Oh, Shirayuki. Want some sushi?" Gold Ship grinned, spinning the tray.
"No, do you even know what today is?"
"The selection race."
"And you still set up a sushi stall?"
"Because there's a crowd," she said proudly. "When everyone gathers like this, it's either a competition or a school event. Perfect business opportunity."
Shirayuki covered her face.
"That's not what I meant…"
"I'll take five," a voice interrupted.
A gray-haired figure stepped forward.
"Oguri-senpai!" Shirayuki blinked.
Oguri Cap was already reaching for the sushi.
"Shirayuki? You're here too?"
"I'm taking the exam… why are you here?"
"I smelled sushi," Oguri replied simply. "Thought there was an event, so I changed clothes and came."
She began eating immediately.
"Want some?" she asked between bites. "I can share."
"…Maybe a little." Shirayuki hesitated.
"You won't run well if you're hungry."
Hearing that, Shirayuki swallowed.
"…Alright, just a bit."
"Five more," Oguri added.
"Coming right up!" Gold Ship beamed.
Elsewhere, Chiya's jaw moved unconsciously, as if chewing something that wasn't there.
"…Am I being too relaxed about this…"
"Too relaxed about what?"
"—!" Chiya snapped back to attention.
"Oh, sorry. Did I startle you?"
"Trainer Naze?"
Naze Fumino stood beside him.
"Is your arm alright now?"
"It's been fine for a while."
Compared to the injury itself, being force-fed bizarre food combinations by Tokai Teio had been far worse.
"Still here to watch Shirayuki?"
"Of course," Naze replied without hesitation. "I want to see how much she's improved."
"You'll be surprised."
"I hope so."
Chiya tilted his head. "Usually people worry when their rivals get stronger. You seem… excited."
"No matter how strong she becomes, I'll raise my Uma Musume to surpass her."
"Confident."
"That's only part of it."
"…Oh?"
"She's your cousin. So naturally, I want her to become stronger."
"…What does that even mean?"
"Chiya!"
Another voice called out as Aoi Kiryuin jogged over.
"Aoi, you came to watch too?"
"Yeah." She noticed Naze. "And this is…?"
"A colleague. Trainer Naze."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Aoi Kiryuin."
They exchanged greetings.
"So you and Trainer Aoi knew each other before?" Naze asked.
"We were classmates in university," Aoi replied. "And rivals."
"Rivals?"
"Yes. Our Uma Musume will grow together through competition. We'll be destined rivals."
She smiled proudly.
Naze's expression didn't change much.
But her gaze turned noticeably colder.
"…I see," she said quietly, turning toward the track.
"But the one who'll defeat Trainer Chiya… won't be you."
"…Huh?"
"Group A, get ready!"
The announcer's voice echoed across the field as the exam began.