A vast sea of green stretched endlessly around me. Beneath the amber light, I ran firmly, cutting through that sea along the black road. The whispering wind carried the chirping of birds, as if urging me to go even faster.
Every time I increased my speed, the rush of wind mixed with fresh dew struck my body. The wet rice stalks swayed as though they were cheering me on.
Sometimes, the locals greeted me warmly. Watching the farmers at work lifted my spirits even more.
Before I realized it, the sea of green gave way to rows of houses. From here, more people called out to me. I even stopped to help a few locals load their harvest into the back of a pickup truck.
"Thank you, Nak Milord."
A simple sentence that kept me smiling.
I resumed my run, following a sidewalk quiet from pedestrian traffic. Vehicles passed each other in opposite directions, but at this hour, it wasn't too crowded yet.
I turned toward a vending machine beneath a shady tree. I swiped a card and selected my favorite carrot juice with extra honey.
Then I sat on the nearby metal bench.
"Sluurp! Aaah—! Ma'o eeee!"
Nothing beats a fresh, sweet drink in the morning after an exhausting run.
I looked up at the sky that had shifted from darkness to bright blue. Only a few white clouds hung above. It seemed like today would be as hot as usual.
I sat there for quite a while until I heard a sharp beep! from the vending machine. I glanced over and saw a familiar girl choosing a can of orange juice and a bottle of isotonic drink.
"Good morning, Milord-san! Out jogging?" asked the girl in toska.
"Yeah. You too, Gavi?"
"Yep," she replied, popping open the can.
She took three gulps. Looks like she trained hard this morning too. Speaking of hard training, that introverted horse crossed my mind again.
"Surprised you're alone. Where's Argentine?"
"Ah… she left earlier at dawn."
"Yeah… figures."
Gavi leaned against the nearest wall, calmly taking another sip.
"I saw you talking to Aru yesterday."
"Hm? Oh, after training?"
"So… what did you talk about?"
The rim of the can still rested against her lips. Her voice sounded calm, but I could feel the pressure behind it.
So our meeting wasn't a coincidence after all. She came to question me.
"Just asked her a little about tomorrow's race," I answered lightly.
Her eyes didn't look satisfied.
"Okay, okay. I'll answer properly." I took a sip of my drink before continuing. "I just feel uneasy about Argentine."
"Uneasy how?"
"She doesn't understand what she's doing. All she knows is run, run, and run."
"And?"
My eyes widened. "'And'? You're her sister, aren't you? You should know. What if one day she can't run anymore?"
"…!"
"As Uma Musume, we run because we have a reason. If we can't run anymore, it's the same as being dead. At the very least, it's that reason that keeps us alive."
Gavi fell silent. Her fingers toyed with the bottle in her hand.
"… You actually care a lot."
"…!"
She turned to me, her gaze flat.
"And we've only known each other for a few days."
When I thought about it… she wasn't wrong.
Why am I thinking about someone else?
Why am I getting emotional over someone I just met?
Does being in a new environment change me?
Gavi looked up at the sky. "Well, what you said is true. Of course I'm aware of it." She murmured softly, "Even since we were little."
"…?"
Without answering my curiosity, she finished her drink in one go.
"Sorry, Milord-san. I made you uncomfortable."
I looked away. "I'm sorry too," I replied quietly.
She tossed the empty can into the trash and walked off calmly.
"Good luck in your race."
"… Yeah," I answered, almost inaudible.
And just like that, our brief encounter ended.
My eyes remained fixed on Gavi's back. The farther she walked away, the deeper the memory of home settled within me.
Now… I lifted my head and looked at the same sky Gavi had been staring at.
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: Argentine]
I sprinted along the riverside, moving farther from the main road. Gradually, the houses thinned out, replaced by vast stretches of rice fields.
The air today felt cool and refreshing, even though it was already seven in the morning and the sky was a flawless blue.
To escape the sun's glare, I stopped briefly beneath the trees near a small gazebo to wipe my sweat. Once done, I dashed forward again.
There was nothing along this road but rice fields on both sides. As I pumped my legs, I slowed my breathing, sharpening my focus straight ahead.
Until I reached a lane lined with houses on each side.
Yet while maintaining my pace, I was suddenly greeted by a familiar figure. Her ears, adorned with butterfly accessories, twitched gently. She was leaning against a fence wall near a large tree.
I stopped. "Gavi?"
"This is for you." She held out a bottle of drink.
"Thanks." I opened it and drank deeply, nearly finishing it in one go.
"How was training today?" she asked.
"The same as always."
"Hmm." Gavi glanced at my shoes.
"I-I didn't ruin them again!" I protested.
"Yeah, I know," she said with a smile. "But you're still training really hard. So I'm a little worried."
I fell silent for a moment. The words of someone I couldn't stop thinking about echoed in my mind. Every sentence still felt vivid.
"… Gavi."
"Yeah?"
"… Do you think… I…?"
"Hm?"
"… No, never mind."
"What's wrong with you? Don't leave me hanging."
"It's nothing. I was just thinking about tomorrow's race."
"Ah, that? That's normal. It's your first race, after all. Don't overthink it. Just treat it like regular training."
"… Yeah. I understand."
"That's more like it! Alright, let's head back. Trainer's giving the final briefing today."
Gavi reached out her hand to me. For a moment, I stared at her wrist wrapped with a toska-colored bracelet—a woven bracelet I made during a crafts assignment when we were little.
I took her hand. It felt soft.
Just like she has always been to me.
A faint smile curved on her beautiful lips as she pulled me gently, and I followed her steps.
I looked at her from behind.
The same back I've known since the first time we met.
From the person who has always been there for me.
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: 3]
Time kept moving forward. The numbers on the calendar continued to change until they reached April 28.
On a fairly bright Sunday, a major race for the Uma Musume was being held. A red carpet was rolled out.
Triple Crown Series—Round 1 was about to begin.
A sea of people filled the grandstands. The commentators murmured among themselves, exchanging data and analysis for each racer who would soon take to the track.
Including a horse girl who would be stepping onto the racing arena for the very first time.
The girl stood still, though her heart was restless. Another girl carefully fastened her bib number onto her uniform.
"There! All set!" Gavi said.
Argentine turned toward a large mirror. The bold number "6" covered her chest, making her fall silent.
"Your debut's finally here, Aru!"
"… Um." Argentine smiled and nodded.
"How is it? Still nervous?" the Trainer asked.
"Yes. But I can manage."
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. A voice followed from the other side.
"Trainer-san! May we come in?"
"Ah, Sunny? Go ahead!"
The handle turned. The door swung open. A cheerful face appeared—her long tied-up hair swaying gently as she stepped in.
"Yahoo! Wah—! Argentine-chan! It suits you so well!"
"Eh? Um… thank you," Argentine replied shyly.
"Don't just stand at the door! Hurry up and come in!" Milord protested.
Hearing that, Sunlight Nagari snorted in disappointment. "So different from my own little brother. Not even a tiny bit cute with me."
"Move it!"
Sunlight stepped inside. And she wasn't alone—another figure followed quietly behind her.
The moment she entered, everyone in Team Emerald froze.
Long jragem-colored hair flowed neatly down her back. A small butterfly-shaped crown adorned her left ear. Her proportional figure beneath the academy blazer, her graceful long legs, and the warm smile on her beautiful lips only enhanced the elegance she radiated.
"Good afternoon, everyone," she greeted softly.
"Thalassa-senpai!" Gavi replied at once.
"Ah, Gavi! Sorry I'm late."
"It's fine, Senpai. Aru just finished getting ready too."
"Hmm?"
Her eyes turned to Argentine, smiling at her younger sister now wearing her racing number.
She stepped closer and placed both hands gently on Argentine's shoulders.
"So you're finally racing, Argentine-chan."
Argentine couldn't meet her sister's gaze. She simply responded with a small nod.
"By the way, which gate did you get?" Sunlight asked.
"Gate two."
"Two, huh? Hmm. That might be a bit tough. The distance between the start and the first corner is too short. Everyone's going to fight for the inside line right away," Sunlight explained.
"Well, that's how it is. Just focus on what I taught you. Remember! The key is in the start!" the Trainer reminded her.
"I understand."
"Alright, everyone. The race is about to begin. Let Argentine calm herself for a moment," the Trainer said.
"Okay!" they answered in unison.
Except for one person.
He had been standing there the entire time, unmoving. Frozen.
"Mi–Milord-san, what's wrong?" Salva asked.
"…"
Sunlight noticed too. "Hm? Ah, maybe he's in shock from meeting Thalassa in person."
"Ah! Shock? … He?! Shock?! Mi–Milord-san! Milord-san!" Salva panicked, shaking Milord's body.
"Don't worry, Salva-chan. You just do this with him," Sunlight said, grabbing the back of Milord's collar and pulling him. "Then drag."
"Heee?! S-Sunny-senpai! Wait!"
Salva hurried after them. Gavi and the Trainer followed as well, though Gavi waved to Argentine before leaving.
And so, only Argentine and Thalassa remained in the room.
"You have good friends, don't you?" Thalassa said gently.
"… Yes," Argentine answered softly.
"What's wrong?"
"It's nothing… I just…"
Seeing her younger sister trying to hide her nervousness, Thalassa placed a hand on Argentine's head, stroking it gently—just as she always did.
"Every Uma Musume gets nervous during her debut. Even most of us still feel nervous in later races. So don't overthink it. You've trained hard all this time. I'm sure you'll win."
Argentine's tense body slowly relaxed. The corners of her lips lifted slightly. Relief began to bloom inside her.
"Thank you… Sis Thalassa."
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
—
["Ladies and gentlemen! We are about to begin the next race! The racers are heading toward the Starting Gate! This debut race marks their first step toward the next level of competition!"]
"Finally, we get to see Argentine-chan race!" Sunny exclaimed excitedly.
Right now, she was seated in the front row with the Trainer and Team Emerald. With a sea of cheering spectators behind them, Gavi suddenly realized someone was missing.
"Where's Sis Thalassa?"
"Thalassa's in the VVIP room. All the Student Council members are watching from there."
"Then why are you here? You're Student Council too, right? Go back there! Return to your habitat! Shoo, shoo!" Milord protested.
"I just want to watch from up close. Besides…" her face suddenly turned pale, "I'm scared."
Milord felt the same. "After being called to the Student Council room yesterday, I understand what you meant."
Meanwhile, the girl who had been silent all this time noticed something.
"Argentine-chan is okay, right? She doesn't look calm," Salva said.
"Hm?"
Behind the gate, one participant still stood frozen. One hand clutched her arm tightly. Her lips were pale and pressed together. Blue eyes stiff beneath her long bangs. Cold sweat dripped down. She trembled as she tried to step inside.
"You… don't have talent, do you?"
"...!"
The words suddenly echoed in Argentine's mind—the root of all the nervousness she had been feeling lately.
["It seems we have one participant left, viewers. Number 6—'King Argentine'—has yet to enter Gate 2."]
"Is there a problem?" the official asked.
"No. I'm fine," Argentine replied.
"In that case, please enter. The race will begin shortly."
"Understood."
She stepped inside. The remaining gate door shut tightly.
"So dull. I don't see any instinct in your eyes."—Milord's words surfaced again.
["Preparations are complete! All racers are in their respective gates!"]
"I guarantee that once you feel the sensation of competing on the track, you'll know."
["The green flag has been raised! Focus!"]
Argentine took a deep breath. Trying to steady her unease. Her heartbeat slowed, breath flowing calmly.
["Debut Race A/B 800m Triple Crown Series 1. Racers, get set!"]
Her eyes opened slowly. Fixing straight ahead. Analyzing the track, locking it into memory.
["Race… START!"]—As the alarm shrieked, the gates flew open.
'Boom!'—Argentine shot forward in a single burst.
Even so, her stride was still slightly behind several other participants.
["The gates are open! The race begins, viewers! Immediately number 4—Triumph Von Dutch—surges ahead! Trying to break away from her rivals! Kancil Mas and Pride Sion are right behind her! Three horses fighting for first place!"]
"Wait! Where's Argentine-chan?!" Sunny panicked.
"Pace Chaser," the Trainer said calmly. "Seems like she intentionally chose that position."
"Huh? But her initial burst was pretty fast too!"
"Unfortunately, the other three immediately sealed the inside lane. Forcing your way in there would be extremely dangerous."
"But didn't you say we had to dash as far as possible from the start?" Gavi asked.
"Yes. But if your opponents have the same—or even greater—burst, you must be wise in your decision. Argentine's opening was good."
Gavi gripped the railing tightly.
Beside her, a small figure watched with piercing focus.
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: Milord]
My eyes locked onto her movements. A strategy I rarely see.
Pace Chaser.
A strategy where you run mid-pack, keeping distance from the Front Runner while staying ahead of the Late Surger. It demands balance—speed, stamina, control, and sharp judgment to avoid getting boxed in or overtaken at the end.
Seeing her use that strategy excites me. I want to know how good she is in that position. From the way she's been running—and those unwavering eyes—this girl might just entertain me.
This is what I want. This is the kind of opponent I desire.
The thrill of being chased—and crushing their spirit when none of them can catch me.
I truly look forward to the day I defeat her.
A grin spread across my face, uncontrollable.
"Interesting!"
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: Argentine]
["The racers are approaching the third corner! Argentine still hasn't made her move after securing third place!"]
Four hundred meters had passed. I was seven lengths behind the two battling in front.
Track Horse "Sultan Agung" Bantul.
A track with a long runway but extremely sharp turns. A stop-and-go track.
I'm currently on the inside. Making a burst now would be dangerous.
That's why…
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: 3]
["Woah—! Argentine widens slightly before entering the corner! She's giving space to the racer behind her!"]
"Huh? Why did Aru widen? Wouldn't that waste more stamina?" Gavi asked.
Milord narrowed his eyes. "No… That's not what she's aiming for."
["An intense battle at the front! Kancil Mas keeps pressing Triumph Von Dutch! Kancil! Triumph! Kancil! Triumph! They're neck and neck!"]
The roar of the crowd intensified.
["A fierce battle heading into the final corner!"]
"Geeeaaah!"
Kancil Mas poured out everything. Pressing harder as Triumph began to falter. Her vision blurred. Her breathing ragged. Her legs unstable.
"Now!"
["Kancil Mas overtakes Triumph Von Dutch! Kancil Mas takes the lead!"]
"I did it! Finally!"
Her heart surged with satisfaction. Now she only had to dash through the final turn and finish easily.
That's what she thought.
Before she realized—there were eyes watching from behind.
Silent.
Calm.
Soundless.
Even her breath barely made a noise.
Deep footfalls, almost inaudible. Every movement like a hunter marking her prey.
Through blazing blue eyes—
'Whooom!'
"...?!"
Kancil Mas's entire body tensed. Instinct screamed—she was being hunted.
Too late.
The hunter locked onto the inside lane she had abandoned.
"Impossible!"
["From the inside—Argentine surges! She overtakes two horse girls at once on the sharp corner with incredible precision! Amazing! Absolutely amazing!"]
The stands erupted. Team Emerald and Sunlight Nagari were stunned.
Milord's grin widened as Argentine overtook them in such an unexpected way.
"Hahaha! Amazing! Truly fascinating! I didn't expect her to think that far ahead!"
"W-What do you mean, Milord-san?" Salva asked.
"It's hard to battle near a corner—especially on Bantul's sharp turns. If you force a burst, you'll drift wide and lose control. That's exactly what happened to the two in front before exiting the final turn," Milord explained.
"So… Aru widened slightly to create space, then burst through the inside after they drifted wide?" Gavi asked.
"Exactly!"
Milord gripped the railing tightly.
"'ProfessorofCurvature'—the ability to turn and change direction skillfully, exploiting corners cleverly to gain advantage. Your sister is truly interesting, Gavi!"
["Argentine is pulling away! Further from Kancil Mas! Uncatchable! Unstoppable!"]
"Go, Aruuu!"
"Argentine-chaaan! Run!"
"Faster! Faster!"
"Go, Introvert! Run harder! Ruuun!"
With Team Emerald's cheers joining the thunderous crowd, the stadium roared.
["Argentine widens the gap—six lengths! Seven! Eight! Nine! Ten lengths, viewers!"]
The cheers exploded as the black-haired girl crossed the finish line.
["Finish! Finiiish! Absolutely incredible!"]
※ ※ ※ (CHAPTER 03) ※ ※ ※