Time flew by in a blink.
Minamizaka was behind the wheel of a Toyota minivan, heading toward the Tokyo Racecourse.
Barbatos found herself sitting in the "driver's seat."
Even though she'd long known that in Japan the driver's seat was on the opposite side from "back home," actually sitting there still felt strangely off.
Here she was, planted in what should be the passenger seat, yet seeing everything through a driver's eyes—and it was like they were driving the wrong way!
In most countries, the driver sat on the left and drove on the right. In Japan, the driver sat on the right and drove on the left.
Weird. Just plain weird.
As for why Minamizaka, who usually took the train with her to Tokyo, had decided to drive this time—Barbatos tilted her head slightly and glanced toward the seats behind her.
Tomorrow was her first G2 race—the Keio Hai Junior Stakes. Today, she had a pre-race interview to attend.
This time, every member of Team Canopus was coming along to cheer her on.
Even though they were confident she could win this race, to the outside world this event meant something more.
"The Prodigy of Our Time"!
That topic, which had started to fade from conversation, began spreading again on the eve of the race.
It added even more buzz to a competition that was already drawing plenty of attention.
"Hehe, after B-chan wins the Keio Cup, let's all go visit Tokyo Tower! We hardly ever get to come to Tokyo, after all."
Twin Turbo swung her legs on the back seat as she made the suggestion.
Ordinarily, Barbatos might have objected to such a bold assumption, but this time she just smiled and didn't stop her. She quite liked this feeling of being trusted by her teammates.
Besides, it had been so long since the whole team had rallied together like this. She had to win this race—then they could all enjoy themselves properly at Tokyo Tower.
"In that case, there's a good hotpot place near Tokyo Tower."
Ikuno Dictus's glasses glinted with a flash of wisdom. "For our plans to go smoothly, B-chan, you really have to win this one."
If Barbatos lost, her teammates wouldn't be in the mood to go out and celebrate anyway.
"Leave it to me."
Barbatos leaned forward from the "driver's seat." "If we win, this one's on me."
"Yay!"
Matikanetannhauser and Urara cheered together.
Nice Nature couldn't help but sigh softly as she gazed out the window. "If only things could really go that smoothly."
Her teammates all seemed a bit too optimistic. She'd thought Barbatos was more level-headed, but lately even she seemed to be changing.
As for Seiun Sky, she was already fast asleep in the far corner.
As the most senior member of Canopus, Nice Nature felt she had to step in and pour a little cold water on the excitement.
"This time, the competition might not be so easy."
"Tacit Accord, the second favorite, placed second in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies her debut year. Five months ago, she finished in the top five in the Takarazuka Kinen, and she's the reigning champion of the Keio Hai Junior Stakes."
"She's probably running to defend her title."
"And runners like Waterline River and Girl Smile have also won G2-level races before."
Even if it wasn't the best time to bring it up amid such a cheerful mood, Nice Nature laid it out anyway.
Minamizaka, who was driving, chimed in as well.
"That's right. Tacit Accord is definitely one to watch."
"Also, there's another Uma Musume in this race who has a bit of a connection to you."
"Connected to me?" Barbatos looked over, puzzled.
"Remember what happened with Dramatic Development last race?"
Barbatos froze. Of course she remembered that name—vividly, in fact.
Back then, she'd only said a casual hello. She hadn't been trying to trash-talk or anything, yet the other girl had responded with such a serious bow that it made her start late and all…
She could swear on her own hardworking nature:
She absolutely had not planned for things to go that way with Dramatic Development.
"Is she running in this race too?"
"Yep. It's probably her revenge match for that late start. I'm sure she's fully prepared this time."
"Still, your main rival should be Tacit Accord."
Revenge match? What the—?
Barbatos felt a little thrown. Last time, hadn't she just made small talk with Dramatic Development? How did that turn into a grudge?
Still, she took Minamizaka and Nice Nature's advice to heart and decided to be extra cautious around Tacit Accord during the race.
But… a top-five finish in the Takarazuka Kinen—was that really impressive?
In her mind, usually only the champion was remembered.
No one remembered who came in second or third—unless they were always second or third, like Meisho Doto.
Ahem. Not that she'd ever say that to Doto-senpai herself.
The scenery outside flew past.
Ever since becoming an Uma Musume, most of her travel had been on foot—or rather, at a run. In crowded areas, running was often much faster than driving.
But… maybe she could get a driver's license?
Cars were every "boy's" dream. She remembered there was a really cool red sports car at Tracen Academy.
Its doors even opened upward, just like the supercars she'd always imagined.
In some less crowded parts of Japan, you could really open up a sports car on the roads. Wouldn't it be nice to buy one someday and go on trips with her friends?
Between her streaming income and race earnings, she could probably afford an entry-level model.
"Minamizaka, can I get a driver's license?"
"??"
Weren't they just talking about the race? Where did that come from?
--+--
A red sports car sped down the road, its sleek body leaving a blurry trail in the traffic.
Maruzensky, her wavy hair bouncing, kept a firm foot on the accelerator as she struggled to maintain what was, for her, a "slow speed." Tokyo traffic really was too much.
"Senpai, you really don't have to go this fast!"
"It's fine, really! Even if we miss Barbatos's pre-race interview, we can always watch the live broadcast."
In the passenger seat, the normally calm and smiling Grass Wonder was breaking out in a cold sweat.
Even when she was running at full speed, it was nothing like this. They were doing 110 km/h in heavy traffic!
Why had she agreed to come with Maruzensky to watch Barbatos's race again?
Sure, as a fellow student and a future rival, it made sense to go cheer her on in person.
But still…
They could've just taken the train!
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 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!
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If you guys wanna check it out.