Feeling the power surging from within, Dream Weaver felt no surprise in her heart. After several months of recuperation, Narita Brian had now reached her absolute peak.
While her base attributes might not have improved drastically due to the break, the power and momentum she could unleash now were worlds apart from the Spring Tenno Sho.
Back during the Spring Tenno Sho, Narita Brian had been like a blood-soaked feral wolf. Each time her fierce golden eyes swept over an opponent, it was accompanied by a low growl that made one's hair stand on end.
She had been terrifying then, yet incomplete. Desperate to defeat Dream Weaver, Narita Brian had almost transformed herself into an Asura—a vengeful spirit—her ferocious aura nearly swallowing the entire racetrack.
But now she was different. This Autumn Tenno Sho version of Narita Brian wasn't as agitated as before.
She simply waved to the fans as routine dictated, yet the aura she naturally radiated was even more intimidating than during the Spring Tenno Sho!
Like a gathering storm about to break, Dream Weaver knew that once on the track, Brian would surely stir up tidal waves of excitement.
This time, her shadow-wolf wouldn't fall short halfway.
"I'm here."
After acknowledging her supporters, Narita Brian walked straight toward Dream Weaver. Unlike last time, she seemed much calmer now.
But Dream Weaver could still see the thirst for battle in those golden eyes. Narita Brian's nature hadn't changed—she had simply learned to restrain her desires.
Perhaps that was proof she had fully mastered her domain. Over those months, her rest hadn't been idle. Ever since making that vow to face Dream Weaver again, she had honed her spirit relentlessly.
All for this moment—to defeat her rival in their third showdown, the Autumn Tenno Sho.
"I knew you'd come."
Dream Weaver paused briefly before speaking.
"You're strong today."
Hearing this, Narita Brian allowed a faint smile. She looked down at her clenched fists and said, "It's thanks to your warning. You made me realize how many hidden injuries had accumulated in my body."
"If you hadn't pointed it out, and I'd kept training recklessly, the compounding damage might have exploded someday… and I'd have lost any chance of reaching my current state forever."
"But it's fine now. The me standing here… is the strongest I've ever been!"
Narita Brian lifted her head abruptly, flashing an eager grin at Dream Weaver. Clearly, she couldn't wait to clash with her on the track once more.
In her mind, Dream Weaver had surely seen through her hidden injuries—that's why she'd warned her. It proved that Dream Weaver, too, longed to face Brian at her peak.
What could excite Narita Brian more than being acknowledged by a rival she saw as her equal?
"That's exactly what I wanted to see."
Dream Weaver gave a slight nod. Though the challenge would be tough, only by defeating a Narita Brian like this could she complete her second stage mission.
And to bring her mother back, Dream Weaver would not flinch.
Narita Brian's heart raced at Dream Weaver's words. She could feel her rival's burning anticipation for their duel. The chance to battle a recognized equal at the peak of their power filled Brian with indescribable joy.
Her excitement nearly spilled from her golden eyes. The bloodthirsty aura she unconsciously released—like that of a wild beast—suddenly engulfed the entire venue.
At that moment, every Uma Musume who had entered the track turned their gaze toward the two.
These were seasoned warriors, each tempered through countless trials. Unlike rookies in their classic years, they wouldn't be shaken or dazed by mere pressure.
Every Uma Musume standing on the Tokyo racetrack that day had faced terrifying auras like this more than once.
But not being dazed was one thing; feeling daunted was another.
The dreadful presence Narita Brian unconsciously radiated made their hearts grow heavy. They had heard of her reputation, of course, but hearing and experiencing were two different things.
Only now, sharing the same turf with her, could they truly grasp her power.
"Narita Brian… truly worthy of her dual classic crowns," murmured Sakura Chitose O, her braids swaying as she spoke quietly.
She was near the end of her career. The number of chances she had left to win a G1 could be counted on one hand.
Facing such a powerful rival as Narita Brian at this stage was far from ideal.
And…
She shifted her gaze to the Uma Musume standing calmly at the storm's center, and frowned with unease.
"Northern Dreams… even Narita Brian couldn't defeat her. Winning by five lengths, then seven… with such absolute dominance, she must be even more fearsome than Brian!"
"This Autumn Tenno Sho… will become a slaughterhouse."
Feeling the weight of such powerful rivals, Sakura Chitose O's chest tightened, almost breathless under the pressure.
Yet there was no trace of fear in her eyes. Her opportunities were scarce now. If she backed down from this Autumn Tenno Sho, what about the next one? What if her next G1 also had rivals as strong as these?
Would she keep retreating again and again?
Sakura Chitose O's answer was clear: absolutely not.
She knew she wasn't a once-in-a-generation talent.
Winning even one G1 in her professional career might be her limit. For that one chance at glory, she wouldn't back down—not even against Uma Musume like Narita Brian and Dream Weaver.
She took a deep breath, forcing all distractions from her mind. Against rivals like these, she couldn't afford to lose focus.
Her eyes, marked with cherry-blossom-like patterns, scanned the other Uma Musume on the track. With each one, she recalled their profiles.
"Genuine, Ayrton Symboli, Toyo Lyphard…"
Every one of them was a powerful competitor. When her gaze fell upon a brown-haired Uma Musume wearing a cap, her hair fluffy and full, she paused briefly before looking away.
The other Uma Musume were also quietly observing each competitor. They all knew how strong Narita Brian and Dream Weaver were, yet each had her own reason not to yield easily.
Before the race began, they used their own eyes to determine who would pose the greatest threat once the race was on. As this silent assessment continued, time slipped away minute by minute.
When Sugimoto Kentaro finished announcing the last competitor's name and watched her enter the track, everyone at the Tokyo Racecourse knew:
The race was about to begin.
--+--
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.