True Blooming—is the most rapid growth phase in a Uma Musume's life, granted through the blessings of the Three Goddesses.
When a Uma Musume enters True Blooming, her body "evolves" into its adult form.
From there, her potential is gradually unlocked, typically over the span of three years—known as her Rookie Year, Classic Year, and Senior Year.
But while that's the standard path, there are exceptions.
Some undergo True Blooming through external stressors.
When subjected to intense mental stress or trauma, a Uma Musume can force her body to bloom prematurely—compressing three years of potential growth into just two… or even a single year.
The price, however, is steep. Once she fully blooms, her peak will arrive much faster—and vanish just as quickly. Her body will also suffer varying degrees of damage.
Thus, there are two primary ways for a Uma Musume to improve:
1. Training Growth: This is the stable, natural route. It allows a Uma Musume to grow without over-consuming her True Blooming potential, meaning she can race comfortably throughout all three years—and even stay in her prime for one or two years post-retirement.
2. Over-Blooming: This is triggered by psychological stress that rapidly unlocks her potential. It allows a Classic-Year Uma Musume to reach her peak far earlier, sometimes even in her second year.
But such accelerated growth comes with a ceiling. A naturally developed Uma Musume may have over 1,000 in stat potential. Over-bloomed ones might only hit 700–800.
Not only that, their career spans are cut dramatically short—while others may run 3–5 years, they'll be lucky to last two.
Uma Musume are simple, pure-hearted girls. All they want is to run longer, to win more.
They don't pursue early glory at the cost of their future.
But Over-Blooming isn't something a Uma Musume chooses. It's a result of unbearable pressure.
That's why Kuroha never supported that kind of forced growth.
Even so, he had to admit—Seiran Nichirin was dangerous.
The glow of [Body and Breath Perception] flickered in Kuroha's eyes.
Her base stats were around 600. Terrifying.
But still—if it's today's Fujimasa March...
Below the stage, Fujimasa March looked up at the imposing Seiran Nichirin, then quietly lowered her gaze.
Having raced against Oguri Cap multiple times, she was already numb to intimidation.
After all, in the Classic generation, Oguri Cap was the undisputed number one.
Who could out-stat Oguri Cap?
Even without Over-Blooming, she crushed Mature-year G1 horses head-on with nothing but her Classic-level physicality.
Half a year later, she'd push Tamamo Cross—already at peak and brushing the edge of Domain—into utter desperation, all without even touching Domain herself.
After being forged through so many matches against such monsters, Fujimasa March wasn't fazed by anyone anymore.
...
"Alright, the Uma Musume have entered the gates! The final prelude to the South Kanto Triple Crown—the Keihin Cup—is about to begin!"
From gate 4, Fujimasa March took a deep breath, shook out her tension, and braced herself.
Her eyes burned with steely resolve.
This was a race she had to win.
Even with few spectators present, this was still a major stakes race in Oi. Plenty were watching from home on TV.
The announcer remained just as passionate.
Clack!
The gates flew open—and Fujimasa March burst forward like a bullet, immediately seizing the lead!
Thanks to the ten days of parallel-run training with Yuzuhara Tatsuko and her team of grizzled Mature-year veterans, even they had a hard time competing with March's launch.
Reaction, explosive power, positional awareness—she was flawless.
Dada-da-da-da!
The other Uma Musume reacted quickly—though a beat late. They scrambled to secure favorable Pace Chaser positions.
"So fast?!"
From gate 1, Haru no Hikari gritted her teeth as she followed just behind the gray-haired March.
Outside the group—
Seiran Nichirin, with her blue hair flowing and lioness-like strides, quietly held her position mid-pack.
She fixed her gaze on the leading gray-haired filly.
"Just you, huh?" Seiran muttered.
Thanks to her Over-Blooming, her intuition was honed to a sharp edge. She could vaguely feel the strength of her rivals.
And right now—there was only one she couldn't see through: the Front Runner at the head.
...
In the scattered audience, two middle-aged men sat observing from up high.
"Not good," murmured one in a business suit.
"What is it?" asked the other, dressed casually, sipping wolfberry-infused tea.
Below, the group of Uma Musume had just passed the first corner.
Oi's first corner was gentle with no major inclines or dips. The girls easily adjusted and glided through.
"Looks normal to me."
"That might've been true a few months ago. But now? It's a whole different game," said the suit-wearer darkly.
They both looked up—the rain had begun falling harder.
"The track's turning to sludge. It's no longer about just strength or speed. Technique, strategy, and stamina will decide this one."
"And most importantly—" the suited man narrowed his eyes—
"That Front Runner is setting a brutal pace!"
"She's running like the heavy field has no effect on her. Every step is stable, unlike the others!"
"If this keeps up, then the final stretch will be—"
...
Elsewhere in the audience—
Kuroha lowered his head slightly, lips curling.
He whispered:
"Mass deceleration."
...
On the track—
"Damn it!"
A nearby Uma Musume hissed as her foot nearly slipped.
Haru no Hikari could barely focus on anything around her. Even just running was draining her dry.
Splash!
Muddy water splashed high. The ground was soft, slippery—nowhere to push off.
"Why isn't she affected at all?!"
Rain slid into her eyes. Haru no Hikari squinted and gasped for breath.
But ahead of her, Fujimasa March was nothing like the others.
Her steps were firm, posture light, sprinting cleanly at the head of the pack.
"Hah… Hah…"
Her breath came in rhythm, each exhale forming a puff of white mist.
She looked almost luminescent.
It was the wind's song again.
Fujimasa March felt what she had felt back in Kasamatsu—the wind was pushing her forward again.
It wrapped around her like a cloak of momentum, guiding her to the finish line.
After months of Kuroha's training, she was almost done evolving.
Her Heart, Body, and Skill had reached their peak. And now, the wind flowed beside her—
Victory was calling.
This race would be her solo performance.
A faint white glow shimmered in Fujimasa March's eyes.
"The pack has passed the third corner. Still leading is gate 4—Fujimasa March! In second is gate 1—Haru no Hikari…" the announcer shouted through the storm.
"And gate 7—Seiran Nichirin—is still holding back in seventh place. She doesn't seem eager to pass anyone yet?"
(End of Chapter)
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