"I'm heading to the central circuit."
The moment these words hit the internet, the online world exploded.
Shares across websites, posts on every forum sprouted up like bamboo shoots after rain, everyone voicing their opinions.
"Can't wait! I read every issue of 'Track Side'—honestly, I had no idea Japan had so many unique local customs and races. I've got to go see one if I get the chance."
"Another one from Kasamatsu, and I heard she's a friend of Oguri Cap too."
"Wow, winning every race by huge margins? What kind of monster is she! Can the central Uma Musume really handle this? Hope they don't get completely crushed by a local girl."
"Hey, above—wasn't Oguri Cap already a crush? She's one of the top Uma Musume in the central circuit now, right?"
"Oguri Cap's fine, but it's not like she doesn't have rivals. There was Tamamo Cross back then, now Super Creek and Inari One—they're all on about the same level as her."
"Not a single win by less than thirty lengths? I feel like the central circuit is doomed, but man, that's cool! Does that mean Nearl could even win abroad? I mean, if she can dominate by that much..."
"The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe! The Arc!"
And that was just the tip of the iceberg. More discussions were brewing behind the scenes, keeping trainers who wanted to monitor the flow of information busy as bees.
--+--
Like the strict Fumino Nase.
"Everyone's expectations for Nearl are sky-high, and maybe a bit too optimistic? They're already talking about her challenging the Arc, and she hasn't even raced overseas once."
Setting down her tablet, she couldn't maintain her usual cool demeanor. She rubbed her temples and closed her eyes for a moment to rest.
Recently, Super Creek had lost to Inari One by a nose, but her form was arguably the best it had ever been. Nase was full of confidence in her now.
So, the choice of the next race was crucial.
"Creek's strengths lie in her incredible stamina and sharp race sense—both proven over the past two years. Maybe it's time to aim for that prestigious shield emblem?"
Thinking this, Trainer Nase picked up her tablet again, opening her notes for a closer look.
"She definitely needs a race before the Tenno Sho to maintain her condition. The most suitable one... the Osaka Cup, perhaps?"
As she scrolled through her tablet, her long brown braid slipped over her shoulder, and a delicate, elegant fragrance enveloped her from all sides.
"What're you looking at?"
A voice, gentle yet different from Nearl's, sounded beside her. The warm breath against her ear turned Nase's earlobes bright red.
Her usual coolness vanished without a trace. Nase's eyes darted about nervously before she cleared her throat lightly, fist pressed to her mouth.
"Ahem! Creek, finished your bath? Does my yukata fit alright?"
"It's a bit of a struggle, honestly. Feels really tight—hard to tie properly."
The voice behind her sounded troubled, and she lifted something with a hand, making a soft, squishy sound.
Fume!
A vein seemed to pop on Nase's forehead as a strange emotion overwhelmed her.
She spun around instantly, not stopping to consider what her words might reveal.
"Then you should've brought your own yukata!"
She yelled as she turned, but all her anger evaporated the moment she laid eyes on Creek.
"W-wait! You! You're—!"
Look at her, now she couldn't even form a complete sentence.
"What's wrong, Trainer?"
Super Creek smiled faintly. Though just still an Uma Musume in her Classic Years, her charming demeanor was more natural and alluring than some older women.
"Your clothes—your chest! Why isn't it closed?!"
Nase, having seen something she shouldn't have, was now bright red like a boiled shrimp. Trembling, she pointed at the revealing glimpse of Creek's chest.
"Like I said, Trainer, your yukata is too small. It won't close here. Can you blame me?"
Inside, Creek was equally shy, but she kept a calm facade, stepping closer to her trainer.
"Wait, go find something else to wear!"
As Creek approached, Nase felt her heart was about to burst.
"Nase, you already promised me. What's the big deal? You've been buried in research lately, ignoring me completely."
Ignoring her trainer's slight retreat, Creek pressed forward, closing in.
"I did promise, but I said after you graduate, didn't I?"
"So you're going to keep giving me the cold shoulder until then?"
"Wait, don't—"
"Don't hug me, you just took a bath..."
"Mmm..."
Nothing really happened that night.
Seriously.
--+--
Meanwhile, in a distant rural area, the ranch was enveloped in tranquility. Sparsely populated, once night fell, it was so quiet you couldn't even hear the wind.
Honestly, it was a bit spooky.
Of course, this had nothing to do with Special Week, who was happily watching TV with her family over dinner.
She was cozy at home, with her gentle mother and her intimidating childhood friend—quite comfortable, really.
Well, unlike the awe and desire to get close she felt when they first met as kids, Special Week had been through the wringer with Platinum by now.
"So Nearl's finally going to the central circuit? Looks like she's achieved her goal. Impressive."
Platinum leaned against Special Week, watching the news coverage of Nearl's move to the central circuit, a note of admiration in her tone.
"It's amazing, Miss Nearl. Even though it's just a local Uma Musume transferring to the central circuit, it feels like every station is broadcasting it."
Special Week, now well-trained to Platinum's antics, didn't mind being used as a chair at all.
She stared at Nearl's photo on TV, a flicker of admiration still in her eyes, though her expression remained cool.
"That's the power of skill. Nearl's talent makes her impossible to ignore. You need to get strong too, or all my training will have been for nothing."
Patting Special Week's head, Platinum was as unreadable as ever, completely at odds with her words.
"I know, Master."
Special Week nodded calmly, secretly picking up a carrot cake and popping it into her mouth, chewing subtly.
Alright, so while she might appear cooler and more composed on the outside, deep down she was still the same gluttonous, earnest Spe-chan from childhood.
--+--
T/N: 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.