After the race, Rice Shower, the first-place winner, was guided to the podium to give her acceptance speech.
Although she was nervous while speaking, Rice Shower did her best to thank Kaito and everyone who supported her.
She even went as far as to thank her competitors on the same stage, which left the reporters a bit bewildered.
But seeing Rice Shower’s calm smile, Kaito stopped trying to guess her intentions.
As long as the kid was happy, that was all that mattered.
“Onii-san!” Rice Shower walked down from the podium, carrying a small trophy, and came up to Kaito.
“Great job!” Kaito welcomed her with a smile and reached out to pat her hair, but Rice Shower took a step back.
“S-sorry, Rice Shower just finished the race and smells like sweat…” “I don’t mind.” “B-but…
Waaah!” Before she could finish her sentence, Kaito was already ruffling her hair.
“Congratulations, Rice Shower.
You did an amazing job!” Rice Shower struggled for a few seconds, but ultimately accepted Kaito’s praise, obediently breaking into a happy smile.
“Thank you, Onii-san, hehe…” After the head-patting reward was over, Rice Shower suddenly remembered something and hurriedly handed the trophy to Kaito.
“Onii-san, here!” Kaito took it.
The trophy was small, but still heavy and substantial.
Clearly engraved on the base was a line of text: [Hanshin Debut Class Condition Race – Heather Stakes Winner: Rice Shower – Specially Commended] “So this is the first trophy we’ve won.” Kaito stroked the trophy, feeling a bit emotional.
Rice Shower nodded.
In her eyes, scenes of her past gloom briefly flashed: the loneliness of having no one to help her, the repeated failures…
Then her gaze shifted back to Kaito, who was holding the trophy.
Rice Shower clasped her hands over her chest and bowed deeply to Kaito.
“Thank you, Onii-san.
If it weren’t for you, Rice Shower could never have won this trophy on her own.
You have already fulfilled Rice Shower’s dream, so thank you, Onii-san!” “Rice Shower-san…” Kaito was slightly taken aback; it was the first time someone had thanked him so solemnly.
Then, looking at Rice Shower, he spoke in a serious tone.
“Rice Shower, stand up straight!” “Y-yes?!” Startled, Rice Shower shot up straight, her body and ears both standing at attention, only to see that Kaito’s face wasn’t serious at all.
“Don’t so easily say that your dream is already complete.
For us, the dream has just begun!” “By winning a Condition Race, we can build up enough popularity to enter Graded Races.
If we win a Graded Race, we’ll still have time to participate in next year’s Classic Races: the Satsuki Sho, the Japanese Derby, the Kikuka Sho…
Rice Shower wants to stand on those stages too, right?” “The Classic Races…” Rice Shower murmured, her hands clasped over her chest feeling the beating of her heart.
For all Uma Musume, the Classic Triple Crown is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete for the strongest honor among their generation.
The greatest stage, the strongest rivals, the most classic distance, the most passionate audience.
Every Uma Musume watched those unforgettable scenes on TV when they were little.
If given the chance to participate, no one would refuse to try.
Did she, now, have the chance to participate in the Classic Races?
Rice Shower had never even considered this possibility before.
She just trained with all her might, feeling incredibly happy and content just to win a single Condition Race.
But hearing Kaito’s words, a path she had never imagined began to appear in her eyes.
“Onii-san, do I really have a chance to participate in the Classic Races?” “Do you want to participate, Rice Shower?” “Yes!” “Then Rice Shower will absolutely be able to participate, and she will win the Classic Races.” The afternoon sunlight fell on Kaito and Rice Shower, followed by Kaito’s reassuring words.
“I believe Rice Shower has this talent, and I will help her bring it out.
Whether it’s the most efficient training regimen, studying videos of various Classic Races, or, of course, making your daily bento…” “I will use everything I can to make Rice Shower the Classic Race champion!” “Rice Shower, are you willing to believe in me?” “Yes!” The words left her mouth before Rice Shower’s inner thoughts could even finish, representing her strongest feelings.
“Alright, then let’s hurry back to training.
That’s the attitude we should have, but first, let’s hold a victory party to celebrate this win!” “Yes!” The two walked along the corridor, leaving the competitor area.
At the registration desk near the entrance, Sachiko, the registration clerk who had originally looked indifferent, blushed as she offered her congratulations.
“Congratulations.” How embarrassing.
Before the race, she had arrogantly doubted this rookie combination, only to be slapped in the face by their victory.
She deserved to be mocked however she could be, and Sachiko wished she could find a crack in the ground to hide in.
But clearly, Kaito didn’t take it to heart.
As for Rice Shower, she just gave a slight bow.
“Thank you.
Thank you for your hard work!” With that, Rice Shower followed Kaito out of the corridor, leaving a stunned Sachiko standing there, feeling her long-numbed workplace heart nourished once again.
“What a kind child…” And so, another fan of Rice Shower was born.
On the other hand, as the two walked out of the venue, they were greeted by Belno Light and the other supporters from the Ichibangai Shopping District.
Belno Light presented Rice Shower with a bouquet of flowers.
“Great run, Rice Shower!” “Congratulations!” “The Trainer worked hard too!” “Thank you, thank you everyone!” Surrounded by everyone, the girl of the blue rose bloomed into a happy smile.
…
Hanshin Racecourse – The final race of the day.
G1 Race – Asahi Hai Future Stakes.
“Bang!” An emotionless cybernetic chariot raced across the track, the sound of her feet striking the earth like explosions.
She executed the same Runner tactic as Rice Shower, but her form was more precise, her speed more swift, and her presence more despair-inducing.
One length, two lengths, three lengths…
Unlike Rice Shower, whose lead was shortened right before the finish line, this Uma Musume adopted a slow breakaway tactic, extending her lead even further before the finish.
Behind her, countless Uma Musume couldn’t even keep up, left to show expressions of despair and frustration as they watched the expressionless Uma Musume cross the finish line.
[Mihono Bourbon crosses the line!
Mihono Bourbon crosses the line!] [The same winning method as today’s massive upset winner, Rice Shower.
No, it’s an even more dominant, crushing victory against strong rivals on the G1 stage!] [Mihono Bourbon, an absolute top contender for next year’s Classic Race circuit!] Over the broadcast, the announcer let out the loudest voice of the day, but it was still drowned out by the ocean-like cheers of the audience.
In the competitor tunnel, the girl with chestnut fur mixed with a pink halo stood expressionlessly, reporting to Riko in front of her like a robot.
“Report.
Uma Musume Mihono Bourbon has successfully completed the designated mission: winning the Asahi Hai.
Awaiting your next instructions, Trainer.” “Good work.
Hydrate first.” “Yes.” Mihono Bourbon took the water handed to her by Riko and took small sips.
After finishing her water, Riko praised the expressionless Uma Musume.
“Although victory was in the bag, Bourbon, your performance today was outstanding and completely met my expectations.” “Based on the calculations of training volume and pre-race tactics, this victory was an inevitable result.” Mihono Bourbon’s voice was equally cold, as if she truly had no emotions.
Then, her gaze shifted to Northern Rainbow, who was beside Riko, and she stated as a matter of fact: “Northern Rainbow-san lost.
This was outside the calculations.” “Tell me about it!” Northern Rainbow smiled with bulging veins, while Riko sighed.
But at the same time, Northern Rainbow didn’t forget to remind her.
“Those calculations won’t always help you win races.
The kid who beat me could become a formidable rival for you on the Classic circuit next year.” “That is fine.
I will calculate a winning strategy against anyone.
Past, present, or future, all victories are already written into my program.” Mihono Bourbon spoke word by word, a cold light flashing in her eyes.
“I will become a Triple Crown Uma Musume.”