Chapter 27: Empress Unleashed on the Track!!

Race day. Finally, my starting line as the Empress. This is where it all begins…

Hachiman: "Don't overdo it."

Air Groove: "!"

Hachiman: "It's written all over your face. A bit of nerves can sharpen you, but too much is just pressure. Stay calm."

Air Groove: "…Right, I get it."

♪~♪~

Announcer: "Uma Musume scheduled for Sapporo's fifth race, please finish changing and gather at the paddock."

Hachiman: "…Looks like it's time."

Air Groove: "Yeah, I'm off."

Hachiman: "Go get 'em."

In the changing room, I muse over Hachiman's words. Don't overdo it, huh… I hadn't realized my emotions were so obvious. But he's right. This isn't a guaranteed win, but if victory's in sight, I just need to run with focus.

Announcer: "Gate 1, Number 1, Maxim Mercy."

Commentator: "Third favorite, but she seems a bit off her game. It'll be interesting to see how much she brings to this race."

My bib number's 3—I'm up soon. No need to rush, just stay steady.

Announcer: "Next up, Gate 3, Number 3, Air Groove."

Commentator: "Oh, what a specimen! Only the third entry, but she's arguably the best-prepared Uma Musume today. As the overwhelming favorite, all eyes are on her performance."

I'll win this race—no question!!

Spectator 1: "Did you see Air Groove's condition?"

Spectator 2: "Yeah, what kind of genius trainer's behind her?"

Spectator 3: "Junior Class is tough—training's one thing, but race-day prep is brutal. That's unreal."

Spectator 2: "Maybe Air Groove's just that good. The trainer's skill is undeniable, but sometimes it's the Uma Musume herself."

Spectator 1: "True. That presence doesn't feel like something a trainer could orchestrate."

They're talking big… not that I care, Hachiman thinks. My reputation's irrelevant. The spotlight's on the Uma Musume, not me. I'm just a trainer—nobody needs me stealing the show.

Announcer: "That concludes the Uma Musume introductions. The fifth race starts at 11:55. Please wait until then."

Hachiman heads to the stands, hoping she's not too fired up. Her temperament's tricky—she better not get swept up by the crowd…

At the race start, the announcer's voice booms: "Here in the northern land of Sapporo, the 2000-meter debut race begins! How will these rookie Uma Musume conquer this challenge? Third-favorite Maxim Mercy and second-favorite Sunrise Spec seem a bit tense. Top favorite Air Groove enters the gate smoothly, waiting calmly. And now, outer Gate 7, Sunrise Spec, is in. All Uma Musume are set!"

Clang!!

The gates spring open. "They're off! All Uma Musume with solid starts! Sunrise Spec takes the lead, followed by Maxim Mercy, with Daiwa Texas in third. Air Groove holds back just behind Daiwa Texas. They head to the first corner, cheered by the homestretch crowd. Sunrise Spec leads by one and a half lengths, trailed by Maxim Mercy and Daiwa Texas. Air Groove shifts slightly outward, followed by Epsom Audrey and Thurston Prime, with Mood Up at the rear."

Her form's solid, navigating the corner well, Hachiman notes. The real game's in the final stretch, past the 1000-meter mark. Don't mistime it, Air Groove.

The announcer continues: "Sunrise Spec holds the lead, setting a strong pace! Can she escape? Maxim Mercy trails, but Air Groove surges outside, closing from third to second! Maxim Mercy and Daiwa Texas are neck-and-neck in third, with Epsom Audrey and Mood Up gaining. Thurston Prime lags. Air Groove narrows the gap to half a length but doesn't settle—she surges to the lead, heading into the third corner!"

Air Groove's thoughts blaze: Burn this into your eyes! This is the Empress's power!!

"Air Groove takes the lead, pulling away fast! Sunrise Spec, Maxim Mercy, and Daiwa Texas chase, with Daiwa Texas pushing into second! The pack tightens, but Air Groove rounds the fourth corner into the final stretch with a lead of over five lengths! Daiwa Texas climbs to second, Sunrise Spec in third. Air Groove, untouchable, crosses the finish line!! An overwhelming victory! Truly unstoppable! Second place, Number 4 Daiwa Texas; third, Number 7 Sunrise Spec; fourth, Number 5 Epsom Audrey; and fifth, Number 1 Maxim Mercy."

What a dominating win, Hachiman thinks. To crush it like that in Sapporo, with such a gap…

Fifth Race Results

1st: ③ Air Groove – 2:02.6

2nd: ④ Daiwa Texas – 7 lengths

3rd: ⑦ Sunrise Spec – 3 lengths

4th: ⑤ Epsom Audrey – 1 1/4 lengths

5th: ① Maxim Mercy – 1 3/4 lengths