February in Tokyo still carried the lingering chill of winter. In this transitional period between the end of winter and the beginning of spring, people had to bundle up tightly even under the sun.
However, the blazing fire in Tagami Kan's heart made him completely oblivious to the cold wind brushing against his cheeks. He gripped his camera firmly, his eyes fixed intently on the racetrack before him.
Tokyo Racecourse: clear weather, firm turf.
Kyodo Tsushin Hai.
(T/N: From my ability to look up on google, this is the 2011 Tokyo Tsushin Hai if you want to get into the specifics)
Truth be told, Tagami hadn't originally been assigned to cover this event. But ever since he'd shouted at that Golden Tyrant in front of the Gold family, the memory had stuck with him. When the time felt right, he'd mustered his courage and personally requested the assignment from his editor-in-chief.
He could still vividly recall the amused look on the balding chief's face after he'd made his plea—and the small plush doll the man had pulled out from his desk.
"It's Dream's race, isn't it?"
The chief had held up the exquisite little doll. As the absolute top Uma Musume in the Kasamatsu region, Dream Weaver's merchandise had already begun circulating around the area, even showing signs of growing popularity.
Tagami just never expected that the always stern, middle-aged chief would have such a plush toy in his office.
As if reading his mind, the chief chuckled.
"Did you think you were the only one asking to be sent to cover the Kyodo Tsushin Hai? Dream is Kasamatsu's pride! Who wouldn't want to see her first race at the center stage?"
Feeling a little embarrassed at having his thoughts seen through, Tagami scratched his head. He assumed his chance was gone—that he'd have to watch the race on TV or his phone like everyone else.
But just as he was feeling down, the chief stood up from his office chair, walked over, and gave Tagami's shoulder a firm pat.
"However! I really admired that piece you wrote on Orfevre!"
"You said it well—even if every aspect seems inferior to the central competitors, victory isn't impossible. The racetrack is a place of miracles, isn't it?"
Tagami could still remember the excitement that had rushed through him at those words, his hands trembling uncontrollably. In his memory, even the stern-faced chief seemed to grow taller and more majestic in that moment.
"Go to Tokyo! Go to the Kyodo Tsushin Hai! Write a perfect article celebrating our star!"
Just as Tagami lost himself in the memory, a woman's voice echoed throughout the Tokyo Racecourse, snapping him back to reality.
"Now entering the track is number seven—a top-tier Uma Musume from the local circuit! Bring your glory to the center stage! Dream Weaver!"
The passionate, powerful introduction instantly set Tagami's blood ablaze. He immediately raised his camera and began snapping away at the figure making her entrance onto the track.
Up in the commentary box, Akasaka Rin let out a soft sigh of relief after finishing her lengthy introduction. Ignoring the slightly reproachful look from her partner, she knew she'd let too much personal emotion slip into her introduction of Dream Weaver.
But even if her bonus was cut after the race, Rin had no regrets.
She clearly remembered herself a year ago—a lackluster rookie commentator drifting through the local circuit. If she hadn't witnessed Dream Weaver's breathtaking front-running victory in the Young Crown Cup, she might never have made it this far.
Rin had followed Dream Weaver's journey through every local race since the Junior Crown Cup. With each event, she honed her skills and grew more confident, until finally her uniquely passionate style earned her a spot in the central commentary team.
If it weren't for Dream Weaver—if she hadn't witnessed that peerless, dominating run—she might still be stuck in that dreary local corner where everyone lacked spirit, still just going through the motions as a rookie commentator.
It was because she had seen that brilliance that Rin resolved to better herself. Even in her spare time, she practiced her commentary skills, determined to keep up with Dream Weaver's footsteps all the way to the center stage—to the Kyodo Tsushin Hai.
With these thoughts in mind, she secretly pulled out her phone and smiled at the tiny Dream Weaver charm dangling from it.
And it wasn't just her. That once lifeless Kasamatsu Racecourse had been revitalized by Dream Weaver's inspiring victories time and again.
The once nearly empty stands gradually filled up because of her. Rin still remembered last November's Kasamatsu Kinen—the roaring crowd had nearly lifted the racetrack right off its foundations.
From obscurity to Kasamatsu fame, Rin had witnessed every step of Dream Weaver's rise. And now, at last, she had arrived at the center—at the Kyodo Tsushin Hai.
Clutching the charm tightly, Rin gazed with brilliant eyes at the figure on the track and made a silent vow.
She, too, would start from here—and leave her mark on the central stage alongside Dream Weaver.
On the track, Nakayama Knight scanned her opponents, a cold smirk playing on her lips.
This year's Kyodo Tsushin Hai had no star Uma Musume participants. Nearly all the competitors were from Central Tracen Academy.
And as their usual classmates, Nakayama had every one of them figured out long before the race began.
Take that platinum-haired Universal Bank over there, for instance—she was probably the strongest in this race aside from Nakayama herself.
But at best, her abilities were only enough to win in OP-level races.
The Kyodo Tsushin Hai was a G3 race. Against Nakayama, Universal Bank stood no chance.
After sizing up Universal Bank, Nakayama turned her gaze to Deep Sound nearby. Watching her warm up so earnestly, Nakayama couldn't help but let out a dismissive snort.
Deep Sound was the third strongest Uma Musume on this field after Nakayama and Universal Bank. But in Nakayama's eyes, she wasn't even capable of winning an OP race—at best, she could only compete in events below the listed level.
And yet, someone of Deep Sound's caliber was among the top three in this race.
So… was there any doubt left about her own victory?
The more Nakayama thought about it, the more her confidence swelled, as if she were already stepping onto the winner's podium.
Suddenly, her eyes fell upon a black-haired, dark-eyed Uma Musume. Nakayama watched her standing still, almost dazed, and after a moment of scrutiny, let out a faint, contemptuous laugh.
She knew this Uma Musume, of course. Among a crowd of Central Tracen students, a mud-soaked rabbit from the local circuit stuck out like a sore thumb.
"Pathetic, really—"
Before Nakayama could finish her muttered remark, Dream Weaver suddenly opened her eyes.
Nakayama's heart seized violently. She stumbled two steps back instinctively and glanced around, but found nothing out of the ordinary.
What was that just now…?
Gasping for breath, Nakayama placed a hand over her chest uneasily. The sudden stabbing pain in her heart felt like it must have been an illusion.
A wild thought crossed her mind, but she quickly shook her head and dismissed it.
It was too absurd. That sudden sensation had to have been her imagination—nothing more. There was no other possibility!
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.