Air Groove's POV
Announcer: "And now, Ireland's contender, Pilsudski, steps onto the stage!!"
Commentator: "Her strength lies in her overseas G1 victories. Winning abroad is a massive advantage."
Announcer: "She's also the older sister of Tresen Academy's refined lady, Fine Motion. A royal Uma Musume graces this grand stage!!"
Pilsudski: "Are you watching, my princess?! I'll seize glory here! Burn this moment into your eyes!!"
Announcer: "She's settled as the third favorite, but her skill's undeniable. This race is gonna be a thrill! Only one Uma Musume remains—Air Groove!"
…Time to make my entrance.
Announcer: "Here she is!! Japan's pride, the undefeated Triple Tiara champion and unbeaten warrior, Air Groove!!"
Commentator: "I thought it in the paddock, but her condition's flawless every time. Truly the work of the rumored [Clairvoyant] trainer. Consistent brilliance like this proves his skill."
"…" I stepped forward, silent.
Announcer: "With that, all 14 elite Uma Musume for this year's Japan Cup are here! Only one will claim glory—who will it be!?"
Hachiman: "Air Groove's something else. First time since the classics, but she's got the whole field intimidated."
Fuji: "Huh?"
Man o' War: "Hmm… Hachiman, anything unusual happen before you parted with Air Groove?"
Hachiman: "There was something, but could that really set her off?"
Secretariat: "Hachiman, Uma Musume—or rather, women—are far more complex than you think."
Hachiman: "…That's deep."
Man o' War: "Even you'd need a lifetime to figure it out, Hachiman!! Haha!!"
Secretariat: "You're laughing too hard, Master… But Hachiman's right. The others are shrinking back. This could sway the race."
Hachiman: "Yeah, let's see how it plays out…"
The fanfare blared, signaling our move to the gates. My rivals' cautious movements betrayed their wariness. Sorry, but I'm far beyond that. I'm burning with fury, yet my heart's eerily calm… What is this feeling?
Bubble Gum Fellow: (This intensity… No mistake, it's Air Groove! First time feeling it up close, but it's overwhelming… The pressure's crushing.)
Caitano: (What the hell is this!? This pressure—it pierces right through!)
Ebony Grove: (My body won't move… Even pulling my tail doesn't work, a first… It's all because of this pressure. Who are you? This aura's unreal…)
Announcer: "Many Uma Musume are hesitating at the gates, both Japanese and international. What's going on?"
Commentator: "This is rare… Never seen anything like it."
Pilsudski: "…This piercing sensation, I've never felt anything like it. I can say with certainty—this will be my toughest race yet."
Announcer: "All Uma Musume are finally in the gates!! Will Japan claim victory, or will the overseas stars prove the world's might once more!?"
Clang!!
Announcer: "The Japan Cup gates open—START!! Half the field stumbles, but Air Groove, Bubble Gum Fellow, and Pilsudski nail perfect starts!! Tsukuba Symphony surges to the lead! Behind her, America's Gonz, with Tychee Fortune climbing! Air Groove and Bubble Gum Fellow run neck-and-neck in fourth and fifth! They're hitting the first turn!!"
Perfect position… I'll hold steady until the third turn, then strike hard at the midpoint!
Announcer: "At the backstretch, Tsukuba Symphony still leads! Tychee Fortune and Gonz follow in third. Air Groove's up front today, marking them! Bubble Gum Fellow, Snow Endeavor, and Royal Touch trail close! From behind, the overseas stars surge—Ebony Grove, Caitano, and Pilsudski close in! We're at the third turn's midpoint!!"
…Now!
Whoosh!!
Announcer: "Air Groove accelerates!! She's charging the leaders!! The field's moving fast now!!"
Bubble Gum Fellow: (No way… She's faster than the Emperor's Cup!!)
Tsukuba Symphony: (She's catching up—no!? This speed!? It's on another level!!)
Pilsudski: (Heh, as expected of the Empress! I've got to answer that!!)
Announcer: "Air Groove rounds the fourth turn into the straight!! Can she pull away!? The field spreads out—who's chasing!? But Air Groove's legs are unreal!! She's opening the gap—four lengths, five, six!! Pilsudski's charging, with Bubble Gum Fellow in tow!! But Air Groove's in a league of her own!! Untouchable!! This is otherworldly strength!! Air Groove, a perfect victory~~~!!!"
Yes!! I did it!!
Announcer: "One Uma Musume stood head and shoulders above!! Is this even allowed!? The world's best couldn't touch her!! The winner is number 9, Air Groove, with a spectacular triumph!!"
Tokyo Race 10 – Results
1st: ⑨ Air Groove – 2:24.3
2nd: ③ Pilsudski – 8 lengths
3rd: ⑬ Bubble Gum Fellow – Neck
4th: ⑫ Caitano – Neck
5th: ① Silk Justice – Neck
Afterword
Air Groove blazes through the Japan Cup, crushing the global field with an 8-length masterpiece, her Empress aura overwhelming all. Fueled by Pilsudski's challenge and her unyielding bond with Hachiman, the Clairvoyant, she proves untouchable. The Yahari crossover elevates her triumph—Air Groove's just too epic!
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