Author's Note: I am not an editor or a professional writer. I will write this and edit it the best I can. I also do not own Uma Musume, which is owned by Cygames. Watch the animes and read the mangas, for they are pretty good. Finally, please enjoy.
Mina Sakamoto / Du Vault POV
Today, I am set to meet what could very well become my team.
I rose early, summoning my staff to prepare for what I consider a crucial and… rather exciting occasion. A scout I met only a few days ago promised me something rare—a team both creative and powerful. If her words held even a fraction of truth, then today could mark the beginning of something extraordinary.
I am already a successful businesswoman. I did not need this venture.
But I wanted it.
I was born the twin sister of an Uma Musume—yet I was born human. While she brought our family honor and glory across Europe, I was… tolerated. Lesser, in their eyes. Despite the wealth I generated, despite the empire I began to build, I was always standing in her shadow.
So I left.
As far as possible.
I took my father's name—Sakamoto—and built something of my own. A fashion brand that has already begun to thrive both locally and internationally. But success alone was never enough for me. I wanted influence. Expansion. A statement.
And so, I turned my eyes toward professional Free-Style Running.
My sister dominates the traditional racing world.
I will conquer what she cannot.
⸻
Of course, assembling a team proved… difficult.
International stars had no interest in relocating to Japan, and the sport itself lacks strong domestic popularity. So, I turned to scouting agencies—leveraging every resource at my disposal.
That is when I met Ayana Hiraga.
She spoke with confidence. Certainty. She showed me footage, records, data. From what I observed, her team possessed world-class ability in flat racing. Their adaptability to free-style disciplines, however, remained uncertain.
Naturally, I asked the most important question:
"What is the catch?"
Her answer was… bold.
High pay. Performance opportunities. Creative control. Strategic control. A budget to support it all.
Ambitious.
Perhaps even arrogant.
I agreed to the pay without hesitation. Talent deserves compensation.
However, control… is not something I relinquish so easily.
We negotiated. Creative and strategic authority would be shared. Performance funding would be conditional—earned through proof. I required a demonstration, and I mandated structured practice for both performance and training.
Additionally, I made my authority clear:
Staff decisions are mine.
Player trades, releases, and renewals—those would require team and agent approval unless otherwise requested.
She accepted.
And so, this meeting was arranged.
⸻
When I received word that the agency's bus had arrived, I stepped forward to greet them at the entrance of my newly constructed base—a western-style mansion designed to reflect both prestige and power.
First impressions matter.
They arrived in track suits.
Simple.
Unrefined.
Yet, there was presence.
I greeted them with composed elegance.
"Good morning, Miss Ayana Hiraga. And these must be the ladies you spoke so highly of. I look forward to seeing what they can do."
They… froze.
Interesting.
Ayana quickly recovered and guided them onward, and soon we moved to the practice field.
⸻
What followed exceeded expectations.
I tested them thoroughly—distance, terrain, adaptability.
One by one, they revealed themselves.
Victory Gate—undeniable leader. Tactical, adaptable, respected.
Mama Blues—observant, nurturing, yet frighteningly fast with immense stamina.
Tactical Gray—not naturally gifted, but sharp, strategic, dangerous in execution.
Tyrant Rose—charismatic, controlled, swift, and nearly untouchable.
Great Wonder—refined, kind, and gifted… perhaps too gentle.
Enduring Rain—bold, relentless, built for endurance.
Edged Lily—exceptionally talented, aggressive, socially… lacking.
Steel Valkyrie—intensity incarnate. Victory is not her goal—it is her obsession.
High Spice—perfect pacing, terrifying finishing speed… and a personality to match.
Imperial Punk—honest, observant, versatile.
Sweet Pollen—strong, durable, embraces physicality.
Black Diamond—creative, explosive, a natural sprinter.
Endless Journey—brilliant. Adaptable beyond expectation. Fascinating.
Norn Viking—free-spirited, intelligent, driven.
And finally…
King Wild.
Unstable. Chaotic. Endlessly energetic.
Dangerous.
⸻
I was impressed.
More than impressed.
⸻
After allowing them time to rest and recover, I gathered my staff for their evaluations.
Training and medical personnel approved—but requested full examinations.
Logistics and performance teams withheld judgment.
They wanted proof.
So, we watched.
⸻
The video was titled:
"Out of the Way"
Written and produced by Black Diamond.
It began simply.
Then it captivated.
The performance carried a raw, magnetic energy—unpolished, yet undeniably compelling. The vocals ranged from strong to exceptional. The choreography lacked perfect synchronization, the recording quality was amateur, and the outfits were… rented.
Yet none of that mattered.
Because it worked.
It connected.
By the end, the entire room was engaged.
They were not perfect.
But they were real.
And more importantly—
They were moldable.
⸻
That was the moment I knew.
I wanted this team.
⸻
Negotiations resumed immediately.
Medical examinations were agreed upon.
Contracts were drafted and finalized.
They were granted naming rights for the team.
In return—
I retained full control over staff.
Creative direction and training responsibilities would be shared.
Terms were established.
Signatures were made.
⸻
And just like that…
I now have a team.
⸻
I provided them with an allowance to begin settling in and instructed my staff to begin preparations immediately.
There is still much to do.
Infrastructure.
Scheduling.
Brand integration.
And most importantly—
I need a coach.
Because if this team is to reach its full potential…
Then this is only the beginning.