Air Groove's POV
["The time has come again… The race that launched our global ambitions. Here at Tokyo's 2400m, the world's elite Uma Musume converge! Japan's champions aim to shine against the overseas titans! Soar to the world stage—the international G1 Japan Cup begins!!"]
Announcer: "Here we are, folks—the international G1 Japan Cup! Last year, Britain's Singspiel took the crown, with Japan's best finishing a heartbreaking nose behind in second. But this year, we're different! The [Empress] Air Groove storms the stage as the top favorite!"
Commentator: "Her Emperor's Cup run was stellar. At 2400m, she's got no issues. Let's see her carry that momentum!"
Announcer: "In second place, we have Bubble Gum Fellow, who fell to Air Groove last race. After a lackluster 13th last year, we're hoping for a strong showing. And in third, Ireland's Pilsudski!"
Commentator: "Pilsudski could've easily been second. It's a close call, but her skill's undeniable."
Announcer: "And this year, we're honored to host legendary Uma Musume, here to cheer on the competitors with their storied presence at Tokyo Racecourse!"
I wasn't shocked, thanks to Secretariat-dono's heads-up yesterday, but this must've been a secret. The overseas contenders' eyes are wide with awe.
Announcer: "First up! After a fierce rivalry, she claimed the 11th American Triple Crown, while her rival took silver in all three classics! Introducing the 11th American Triple Crown Uma Musume, Affirmed!"
Affirmed: "…Hello, everyone in Japan. My name is Affirmed. Nice to meet you."
Announcer: "Next! An Irish Uma Musume who conquered the British Triple Crown—the fourth in history to do so undefeated! Ireland's hero, Nijinsky!"
Nijinsky: "Hey, guys! How you doing~? I'm super fine!!"
Announcer: "Third in line! Her prowess and pedigree are legendary! She battled on the world stage, winning the Arc de Triomphe against history's greatest field! Europe's mightiest, Britain's champion, Dancing Brave!"
Dancing Brave: "Good day, everyone. I'm Dancing Brave. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Announcer: "And finally! Years ago, she stormed this Japan Cup, claiming victory with a world record—a monumental feat for Oceania! This year, she's here to cheer! New Zealand's hero, Horlicks!"
Horlicks: "I'm Horlicks. To everyone racing, do your best."
Announcer: "These are the world-renowned Uma Musume gracing us today!"
Indeed… their brief introductions alone convey their overwhelming strength.
Announcer: "And now, we've gathered all 14 Uma Musume and their trainers in the paddock for a special meet-and-greet with these four legends!"
Hachiman: "Oi, I wondered why they dragged me here, and this is why?"
Junior Trainer: "I-I feel so out of place!"
Hachiman: "Stand tall. You're the trainer of the second favorite. Don't show weakness."
Junior Trainer: "But these are the world's top Uma Musume and trainers! I'm intimidated!"
Air Groove: "I get it, but you're on this stage too. Don't do anything shameful."
Junior Trainer: "Y-Yes…"
We mingled with the international Uma Musume and greeted the four legends. As expected, my undefeated Triple Tiara and Hachiman's reputation have spread. [Empress] and [Clairvoyant] are already whispers abroad.
"Hachiman," I said, "is Secretariat-dono here? In the stands?"
"Normally, yeah," he said. "But with all these legends and what we heard yesterday? She's definitely coming with the Professor. I know how my mentors roll—'Hachiman~! I'm here!' …See?"
"…That's her," I said.
"Yup, my mentor's mentor, Man o' War," Hachiman said. "Kinda late to mention, but despite not staying here long, her Japanese is surprisingly good."
Man o' War and Secretariat-dono entering the paddock together—either the organizers are in on it, or this is a genuine surprise.
Affirmed: "The legendary Big Reds!? Oi, let's go! We've gotta greet them properly!!"
Astalabad: "Y-Yes!!"
Affirmed and Astalabad rushed over, kneeling and bowing. When the announcer introduced the two, the crowd erupted. The top two Uma Musume in American racing history, standing before us—how could it not cause a frenzy? Other Uma Musume and trainers swarmed them, seeking handshakes and greetings. The flash of cameras when Europe's mightiest, Dancing Brave, shook hands with America's best was blinding…
Man o' War: "Good grief, this isn't America… Nice to meet you. I'm Man o' War. Hachiman's told me about you."
Air Groove: "I'm Air Groove. It's an honor to meet someone like you."
Man o' War: "Heh, I'd normally cheer for America, but I'm fonder of my grand-disciple's Uma Musume. I'm rooting for you."
Hachiman: "That's allowed?"
Secretariat: "Pointless, Hachiman. You know the Professor doesn't care about those norms."
Hachiman: "…Yeah, you're right."
Afterword
The Japan Cup ignites with a parade of legends—Affirmed, Nijinsky, Dancing Brave, Horlicks, and the surprise arrival of Man o' War alongside Secretariat. Air Groove stands tall as the Empress, her bond with Hachiman's Clairvoyant shining globally. The Yahari crossover fuels their dynamic as the world watches—can she seize victory? The American titans' entrance was a showstopper!
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