Only one Uma Musume could seize the glory, and the closer one got to that pinnacle, the more eyes would follow.
Naturally, Dream Weaver, now leading with a ferocious Great Escape, became the focus of every Uma Musume on the track.
If they couldn't even surpass that crimson streak of light, then any dream of winning the championship was futile. Unwilling to concede, the other Uma Musume adjusted their positions according to their planned tactics, all while calculating their own paths to victory in their hearts.
Each of them was a seasoned athlete, each with their own understanding of the racecourse.
The collective intensity of their gazes was like a blazing fire, scorching enough to burn anyone under its focus.
Yet, under such pressure, that crimson streak showed not a hint of hesitation. Instead, it burned even brighter, becoming the dazzling star under the gloomy, ash-gray sky.
Rice Shower placed herself in what she considered the optimal position. As an Uma Musume adept at front-running tactics, she stayed near the front of the pack as usual.
But even at the front, an almost insurmountable gap still lay between her and Dream Weaver.
'A Great Escape...'
Before the race, Rice Shower's trainer had briefed her on all the competitors. Dream Weaver, who had won the Kikuka Shō with a bold Great Escape, was naturally an opponent they paid special attention to.
They had anticipated that in this Tenno Sho (Spring), Dream Weaver would adopt either a front-running or pace-pressing tactic—something that would keep her at the front, dictating the rhythm for all the others.
After all, as professionals, they could tell that Dream Weaver's Kikuka Shō victory wasn't just about raw power; it was more about her mastery over the flow and momentum of the race.
Of course, her innate ability couldn't be underestimated, but compared to pure speed, it was this control over the race's tempo that made Rice Shower's trainer most wary.
Yet, none of them had expected that in this Tenno Sho (Spring), Dream Weaver wouldn't even try to control the race.
Instead, she shot straight into a Great Escape from the very start. Faced with such an unyielding gap, any rational Uma Musume would choose to conserve her strength for a final sprint.
'She hasn't deployed her Zone… is it because she doesn't think she can sustain it for the entire Tenno Sho (Spring)?'
Rice Shower hugged the inside rail, gracefully and nimbly navigating the turn. She was already intimately familiar with the Kyoto Racecourse, especially the path used for the Tenno Sho. She had memorized every detail.
Compared to the other Uma Musume, Rice Shower's advantage lay not only in being the current top long-distance specialist but also in her deep familiarity with the Kyoto Racecourse itself.
In a sense, this was Rice Shower's home turf. Only here could she perform at her absolute peak.
In such an environment, there was no reason for Rice Shower to rush. She quietly adjusted her position and pace, conserving her energy for the final decisive moment.
Once her path to victory became clear, a deep, almost shadowy intensity gathered in Rice Shower's eyes. Her amethyst irises seemed to flicker with dangerous blue flames.
The 'Black Assassin'—a title that once carried a derogatory sting—had been transformed into a badge of honor by Rice Shower's formidable prowess.
Striking in the final moments of a race, seizing victory like an assassin unleashing a dagger from the shadows: that was the running style Rice Shower had mastered.
Gradually, her presence within the pack faded, growing fainter until it was nearly imperceptible. Even the Uma Musume running beside her unconsciously began to overlook her, instinctively clearing a path for her as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
This was Rice Shower's Zone. Once activated, it could be maintained with minimal energy, thinning her presence to the point where those around her would forget she was even there. Within this silence, she would steadily amass her strength, waiting for the moment of decision.
A faint, ghostly blue glow shimmered subtly within the crowd. Compared to Dream Weaver's Zone, 'Cursed Blade,' it was Rice Shower's Zone that truly embodied the essence of an assassin.
Even Narita Brian, also running in the front group, had unconsciously forgotten Rice Shower's presence.
But that meant little to her, for her attention never strayed from the crimson streak of light ahead.
'Another Great Escape? Does she think the same trick will work twice?!'
Narita Brian gritted her teeth, a furious roar echoing silently in her mind.
The sight of Dream Weaver employing the same running style was like a blade twisting in her heart.
Witnessing a scene almost identical to the past, here on the Kyoto Racecourse, stripped her of all rational thought.
As the crimson streak gradually overlapped with memories of the past, the shame and bitterness of her defeat in the Kikuka Shō came flooding back, filling Narita Brian's heart once more.
The fury of being ignored by a fellow Uma Musume she recognized as a kindred spirit made her very mind tremble.
From the depths of her chest, an uncontrollable, destructive desire surged and crashed like molten lava. The fearsome, ferocious aura surrounding her exploded outwards with terrifying intensity.
A bestial roar, heavy with the scent of blood, tore across the racecourse like a thunderclap forged in gore. In the wake of this horrifying bellow, the very track seemed to transform into a jungle of blood and flesh.
Except for Rice Shower, hidden in the shadows, every other Uma Musume running near Narita Brian was shaken to their core by this terrifying roar.
Overwhelmed by the nearly suffocating metallic scent, their survival instincts kicked in, making them subconsciously slow their pace and pull away from her.
Only by breaking free from the shackles of reason could Narita Brian's true power emerge. Stimulated by the sight of Dream Weaver's crimson silhouette, her Zone erupted completely, its ferocity growing even more intense.
The angrier she became, the more she thirsted for battle, the stronger Narita Brian's Zone grew. Dream Weaver's provocation was, for her, the ultimate catalyst. Empowered by her savage Zone, even the shadow she cast seemed to morph into a tangible force, racing alongside her on the track.
Amplified by this terrifying phantom, almost like a second self, Narita Brian unleashed an overwhelming, devastating force.
Her speed skyrocketed, and in an instant, she blasted past the pack behind her, charging straight toward the crimson streak at the front.
"She's… she's accelerating?! Narita Brian is accelerating?!"
As a cry of shock came from Rin Akasaka in the commentary booth, the eyes of the entire Kyoto Racecourse focused on Narita Brian.
Under the sheer force of her speed, her purple coat became a blur of light, tearing through the gloom of the racecourse. In an instant, the hearts of all Narita Brian's fans soared. They clenched their fists, waving them fervently toward the track.
They didn't fully understand what her acceleration meant. They simply felt that once Narita Brian unleashed her power, victory was as good as hers.
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! 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.