The show may have ended, but the real surprise came afterward: the fan club announcement.
The concept was innovative—a support-group-style fan club where fans could sponsor horse girls even before their debut. But not many applied.
Most horse girls already received patronage from their families. Doubling up felt unnecessary, even awkward. In the end, only those with weak backing or no support at all joined.
On my team, it was me, Thank You—who was in a full-blown feud with her hometown—and Rice, who joined for fun.
"Viola's number one fan, isn't she?"
"Why!!"
"There are all kinds of opinions. Some say it's cute how hard you try even though you're clumsy. Others admire that you made Grand Live happen. And some just think you're small and adorable."
Apparently, I had factions.
Some praised me for being one of the organizers and a certified trainer. Others were drawn to my conspicuous purple hair and tiny stature.
And then there was the… clumsy loli with big breasts faction.
There was a lot to say the least..
"But Fan No. 1 belongs to Rice."
"Why is Rice-chan in my fan club?!"
She proudly held up a membership card with the highest number. So I couldn't help but tease her. But hey—career freedom, right?
"By the way, Viola."
"What's going on?"
"That's your monthly sponsored pocket money."
Hello showed me the numbers.
It was an amount no elementary or junior high student should legally possess.
"…Is this sane?"
"It's real. No need to be stingy here."
I had unexpectedly earned regular income.
Which meant… fan service was now a responsibility.
"I'm thinking of providing something first."
"How about this photo?"
"Why do you have that Rice-chan!?"
She pulled out the infamous string swimsuit photo from summer training camp.
"This is kind of inappropriate. Not a good swimsuit for teens."
"You're the one who dressed me in it!"
"Let's just use a normal live photo. I will make sure it looks good."
Thankfully, Rice and Thank You had plenty of fans. So their pocket money was secure for a while.
"I would like to share practice videos regularly…"
"I record basic practice scenes every day. If that's okay."
"Really?"
"There's a camera on the course. But only trainers usually see it."
It was useful for checking form and tracking progress. So I had been saving the data.
"Even kids without contracts can access it if they complete the procedures. Might be worth collecting."
"That helps."
And so, the fan club system began.
Some Uma Musume services go on for years—photos, mini-events, and more. Sometimes they overheat and get restricted.
But while everyone else was busy building their fan empires…
I just need to focus on keeping my core fans.