Chiya had said it before. Rice Shower's biggest weakness was her body. She was not built for direct contact. Once an opponent got close and physical contact happened, Rice would need to spend several times more stamina than them just to resist. That alone would cause her to burn out much faster.
Under normal circumstances, this weakness would not matter much. Most Uma Musume avoided direct contact, each running their own line while searching for the right moment to accelerate.
But in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, things were different. If a runner could not find a good position or was trapped in the pack, they would force their way out, even if it meant crashing through others. No opening meant you created one. No position meant you took one.
From that alone, it was clear that their racing environment was far harsher than in Japan.
It was not just the competition. Even the tracks were different. Central racecourses in Japan were carefully maintained after almost every race, keeping the surface smooth. Overseas, tracks could go long periods without maintenance. According to Uma Musume who had run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the ground was filled with uneven holes left by previous races, and some areas even had pooled water. Running there was extremely difficult, and a single misstep could cause you to slip.
Not just the intensity of competition, but even the terrain itself was more dangerous.
Using pressure to force an opponent out of position was common in places like the U.S.
And now, that same brutal style had appeared here.
Unable to maintain her position any longer, Rice Shower was forced to fall back. She gasped for air, sweat covering her forehead. Those few collisions had drained far more stamina than she expected.
Soon, another runner from the outside lane surged forward, and both passed her.
I misjudged it…
If she had fallen back earlier, she could have avoided wasting so much energy.
Rice reflected on her mistake. She could no longer sprint all the way to the finish like before.
"Sorry, miss."
The runner ahead glanced back coldly.
"This is racing."
Using your natural advantages to disrupt your opponent. That was part of the race.
Hearing those words, Rice bit her lip.
Too naive…
That was what they meant.
And she knew it was true.
She had believed that simply stepping onto the track would be enough. That she could find happiness here. That she could shine like the heroes in the stories she loved.
But when she actually stood on the track, she realized the truth.
She was not a shining star.
She was just dust mixed into the ground.
Something no one would notice, even if it disappeared.
And yet…
A miracle had happened.
That day, she met her Onii-sama.
He reached into the dirt, lifted her up, and gently told her, "Rice Shower, you will become the person you want to be."
If her persistence could create miracles, then she would keep going.
For herself. For her small dream. And for him.
Rice clenched her fists.
The race entered the final 200 meters.
The two Central runners began to accelerate.
Because of her aggressive start, Special Week was already reaching her limit. She tried to push forward, but her legs felt unbearably heavy.
Behind her, steady footsteps were closing in.
They're catching up…!
Panic rose in her chest.
She knew they were about to overtake her.
Using the last of her strength, Special Week pushed forward.
"This race… Rice doesn't want to lose!"
Just as the two runners were about to reach Special Week, a black figure surged forward from behind.
Rice.
Her legs trembled with every step, as if they could give out at any moment. Even so, she gritted her teeth and forced herself forward, wiping the sweat from her face. Her eyes were locked ahead.
Just look at the finish line.
That was what Onii-sama had told her.
When you feel like you cannot go on, imagine the moment you cross the finish line. Your body will find the strength.
Her heart pounded faster than ever before. Even from several meters away, the other runners could hear it.
It felt like a beast baring its fangs.
A chilling presence.
But—
They could also see it.
She was already at her limit.
How much longer could that willpower carry her?
Fifty meters to the finish.
Special Week ran out of strength and was overtaken.
At the same time, Rice forced out the last of her energy and passed one opponent.
In the end, the race finished with Special Week in second and Rice in third.
After crossing the finish line, Rice collapsed to her knees. She did not even have the strength to stand. Her legs trembled uncontrollably.
She should have finished far behind in last place. But through sheer will, she dragged herself forward.
The cost was everything.
Her legs could no longer move.
"Rice! Are you okay!?"
Special Week rushed over, worried.
"I'm okay… Rice is just… a little tired."
Rice forced a bitter smile.
She had given everything.
And still finished third.
She had promised Onii-sama she would win. She had been so certain she could prove herself.
And yet…
She could do nothing.
Her determination, her words, everything had been shattered by overwhelming strength.
I really was naive…
Even until the end, she had believed she could do it.
Rice lowered her head.
She had disappointed him.
"Rice!"
Chiya rushed over.
He had already prepared a towel soaked in cold water.
Kneeling beside her, he carefully wiped her legs. Just as he expected, her muscles were burning hot from being pushed past their limit.
She had run beyond what her body could handle.
"Onii-sama…"
Looking at him, sweating as he carefully took care of her, Rice reached out.
"This race… Rice lost…"
She wrapped her arms around his waist.
And cried.