Ask anyone connected to the Uma Musume racing world which race they consider the most important, and you'd probably get two or three different answers.
But if you asked them which race is the most treasured, the most precious, there'd likely be only one answer.
The Japanese Derby.
With origins tracing back to one of Japan's earliest established major races, even among all the G1 events, it stands at the very peak.
If all G1 races were a crown, the Japanese Derby would be the gem set right in the center of the brow.
Its prestige comes not just from its stringent entry conditions, but also from the competitors themselves—a gathering of the most outstanding young Uma Musume, a veritable feast of prodigies.
Whoever emerges victorious claims the title of the era's top young Uma Musume—at least for the moment.
The audience relishes this spectacle, their anticipation for it even surpassing the frenzy of a certain fast-food chain's 'Crazy Thursday.'
While every Japanese Derby is fiercely contested, with miracles happening now and then, this particular edition felt distinctly different.
Margaret Nearl, who had broken through every barrier from the regional circuits to reach the central track, carried an undefeated record so astonishing that it drove the crowds into a frenzy of adoration.
"The Hope of Japan," "The Empire's Super Uma," "The Unyielding Barrier-Breaker"—outlandish titles were tossed around one after another.
But this reflected one simple truth: people believed in Nearl's prowess with absolute conviction.
Some fervent fans had even started making wild claims: "Nearl will be the strongest Uma Musume in history, surpassing even the legendary Eclipse!"
Of course, such talk was swiftly suppressed by Symboli Rudolf and the URA, not a word allowed to circulate.
It was to protect Nearl. Excessive praise could lead one astray and attract unwarranted malice.
Rudolf feared that if this fellow runner were to ever stumble, she might be crushed under the weight of those words, unable to recover.
Yet, despite this, the number of people who adored Nearl was simply overwhelming, evident in the pre-race publicity for this Japanese Derby.
Every street corner, bus stop, airport walkway, online headline—any place you could advertise was dominated by her supporters. No trace of any other competitor, only her calm, composed figure.
She led the popularity polls by a mile.
Not just the limited-edition betting tickets with her portrait sold out; even the plain tickets with just a line of text were snapped up. Merchandise like plush dolls? Gone without a trace.
Remember the incident before when Nearl hadn't authorized any merchandise?
After the URA's crackdown, all the infringing manufacturers were shut down. But then Nearl made a stunning decision.
She waived her own licensing fees, deducting that cost from production. This made her official merchandise much more affordable.
As a result, almost every fan could now own something to channel their affection.
And now, they had all come to the race.
--+--
"This is insane," muttered Mr. C.B., wiping a cold sweat from her brow.
Thanks to her position, she had a private box.
"I can't believe the racecourse sold out even standing-room tickets. Unimaginable. Is this the power of Nearl's appeal?"
She'd had to queue for half an hour just to reach her box, which spoke volumes about the crowding outside.
"Well, I should thank you too, C.B.-chan," said Maruzensky, dressed in casual red, fanning the collar of her shirt.
A wave of heat she could feel herself wafted out. Her gesture was bold, provocative, even revealing a deep glimpse of cleavage.
Yet no one in the room batted an eye; they didn't even glance over.
"It's nothing, Maruzensky-senpai. This box is so big, I'd feel guilty abusing my privilege if I were here alone," Mr. C.B. replied cheerfully, running a hand through her hair.
"Speaking of privilege, Rudolf, why are you here too?" Maruzensky asked. "Didn't Tracen Academy have its own box?"
Symboli Rudolf gave a light cough before answering with perfect composure. "I gave the student council's box to some of the juniors."
"Oguri Cap?"
"Not just her. Teio, Ardan, Tachyon, and the others too."
"Tachyon and Ardan I get, I know they're close to Nearl. But Teio usually sticks to you like glue, doesn't she? Why did she go over there?"
As soon as Maruzensky finished speaking, Rudolf's back stiffened, as if pierced by an invisible arrow.
"That... might be because she has one more idol now..."
--+--
"Wow, this cheering, this passion, this weight! This is the Japanese Derby? It's on a completely different level from any race before. Oh no, I suddenly feel my legs starting to burn up."
Ines Fujin took a deep breath and stamped the turf a few times, her whole body trembling slightly.
"Nearl, the Japanese Derby, and that 'thing' I've been sensing—all the things that excite me are converging right here. Today, I'm definitely going to show my strongest power!"
"You want to compare power? I won't lose then."
Mejiro Ryan, jogging up beside her, responded with a laugh, flexing her right arm to show off her muscle definition.
"Ah, well, the power I'm talking about might be a bit different from what you're thinking, Ryan..."
Ines Fujin gave an awkward chuckle.
"Different? Then do you mean something like determination?"
"No, it's... how do I put it? I just have this feeling. I can't really describe it concretely."
"Hmm..."
The two chatted softly, getting along well—odd, considering they were rivals in the Japanese Derby, where competition should be the norm.
Then again, perhaps their mindset wasn't that of contestants vying for victory, but of challengers with their sights fixed firmly on someone else.
"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for! The undisputed popularity leader of this Japanese Derby, topping the 'Who Do You Think is Strongest?' poll by a landslide. Hailing from Kasamatsu, undefeated in over thirty races large and small, wearing the crown of the Satsuki Sho!"
"The Radiant Knight approaches! This Japanese Derby will surely mark a historic moment!"
"Margaret Nearl takes the stage!"
The roar of welcome, the intensity of the scene, was almost beyond description. One could only say that Nearl's presence had become an extension of too many people's aspirations.
"Amazing, as expected of Nearl. I can't compare to that level of popularity."
"You still have the mind to compare? I don't even dare think about it."
Ines and Ryan shared a self-deprecating laugh, but a serious light shone in their eyes.
Ines's hooves unconsciously scuffed the grass as she began adjusting to the track.
And after her presentation on the parade stage, Nearl strode onto the course with purpose.
The Japanese Derby was about to begin.
--+--
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.