Could the terrifying green juice truly erase Oguri Cap's longing for a delicious carrot cake?
The answer, of course, was no. Oguri Cap spoke decisively: "Trainer-san, my goal is the Japanese Derby!"
Though it lasted only a fleeting moment, Fujimaru Ritsuka saw a flash of jet-black flame ignite in the depths of her eyes.
Indeed, while Oguri Cap was just a country girl—and while her reputation as a glutton far preceded her fame for hard work—once she set her mind on something, she would charge toward her goal with everything she had.
Her mother was waiting for her to step onto the track, and her Trainer-san had gone out of his way to take her to see the blood-pumping Japanese Derby!
To live up to the expectations of the people most important to her, how could Oguri Cap be intimidated by a mere cup of green juice?
"No matter if the opponent is Norn Ace or any other 'Ace,' I will win!" The girl's blue eyes shone with an unwavering light.
And so, afternoon arrived. The Uma Musume who had enrolled this year gathered at the Kasamatsu Tracen training grounds, preparing for the upcoming Newcomer Test to be held on the 800-meter dirt track.
However, they were huddled together in small groups; some talked about dazzling star Uma Musume, others discussed current fashion trends or their new running shoes—anything but the test that was about to begin.
It was hard to blame them, though. This wasn't just a Kasamatsu problem; regional Tracen academies across Japan were much the same. Most girls preferred to "lie flat" rather than work themselves into a dusty, sweaty mess.
There was no helping it. The intensity of regional races varied wildly, and the prize money never reached significant heights. Those with the drive or ambition basically transferred to Central, hoping to carve out a name for themselves—only to be crushed by a sea of geniuses and forced back to the regionals in disgrace, where they would then dominate the local scene.
Over the years, with the exception of the outlier "Highsekie," no regional Uma Musume had truly managed to create a miracle.
So, rather than making a fool of oneself through struggle, it was better to just settle into this little mud pond. Why not just take the easy path from the start?
Cold reality had curdled into a discouraging atmosphere, and that was how regional Tracen had become what it was today.
Precisely because the majority of the girls chose to coast, those who refused to "lie flat" stood out like a crane among a flock of chickens. For instance, a certain girl with blue-gray hair.
Looking at her reddish-gold eyes and her sharp gaze, Fujimaru Ritsuka sighed softly: "A good look in her eyes."
He could tell that such a gaze signified a firm resolve and the hard work to match it. As long as that girl persisted, she would surely see results—though they might only be "results" in the regional sense.
There was an absolute, multifaceted gap between the regionals and Central. Effort alone was rarely enough to overcome the disparity in resources and carve a path through the cutthroat competition of Central. Talent, diligence, luck, and a powerful physique—you needed every single one.
Another Trainer greeted Fujimaru Ritsuka and then quipped, "Fujimaru-kun, you already have a trainee, so don't you go trying to snatch Fujimasa March from me. Even though that kid is clearly the highest quality among this year's freshmen."
Fujimasa March was also an Ash-gray Uma Musume, but she had participated in community races before, and her daily hard work was witnessed by everyone. This year, she had entered Kasamatsu Tracen as a scholarship student. It was only natural for Trainers to favor her performance in the regionals.
But how much did they actually expect from her?
They couldn't say for sure themselves; after all, they were just ordinary regional Trainers. While they possessed knowledge of sports science and the ability to train Uma Musume, they lacked the "eye" for true potential.
Fujimaru Ritsuka's gaze swept over the girl's face, her core, and her legs, finally settling on her ankles. He evaluated: "If it's the current Fujimasa March, she should be able to run it in under 51 seconds."
Hearing this, several Trainers were startled. That was an excellent time; even in the genius-filled Central, it would rank as mid-tier. In the context of regional racing, that level was top-tier—she might even have a shot at the highest peak of the Tokai region: the Tokai Derby.
As they spoke, Fujimasa March burst from the gate with a dignified air.
Her start was exceptional, instantly leaving the other three girls behind. She successfully seized the lead and front-ran the entire way!
As she crossed the finish line, the powerful wind pressure she generated nearly knocked over the teacher responsible for timing, looking as if they might be blown away at any moment!
Her test result was even more staggering—50.8 seconds. She really had kept the finish time under 51 seconds!
Looking at Fujimasa March, the Trainers' eyes lit up; they couldn't wait to recruit the girl to their stables. She was so outstanding she might just be the "Best Newcomer" of the year in Kasamatsu!
The Trainers didn't even have time to praise Fujimaru Ritsuka's precise prediction. They were only worried that if they were too late, they wouldn't be able to recruit this elite freshman.
Watching his colleagues grow more excited by the second, Fujimaru Ritsuka shook his head with a smile. "An Uma Musume with such a sharp gaze is essentially a wild mare; mere words won't be enough to win her over."
He had no intention of stepping forward to recruit Fujimasa March. The next heat was Oguri Cap's test. As Oguri Cap's Trainer, how could he run off to recruit someone else at such a crucial moment?
Even if Oguri Cap probably wouldn't mind, Fujimaru Ritsuka still wanted to stand by her and personally witness her first step onto the track.
Inside the starting gate, Oguri Cap felt a sensation. She instinctively looked toward the high ground in the distance and immediately saw Fujimaru Ritsuka watching her from the steps.
It was as if a subtle electric current had generated at the base of her spine and surged all the way to her mind. The strange sensation made Oguri Cap excited. She shook her head, her body trembling twice almost uncontrollably, before she finally focused on the finish line.
Standing in the neighboring gate, Norn Ace didn't know what a "warrior's shiver" was. She only thought this mud rabbit was having some sort of fit, and it was annoying. She really wanted to snap at her: Hey, you're being really distracting! Can you just stay still!
Her irritation transformed into a sudden urge for mischief. Norn Ace immediately thought of the little "pre-race trick" Mini Lady had mentioned to her. She shouted:
"Look! It's a carrot cake chasing a Trainer!"
"?!" Oguri Cap snapped her head up, looking back toward Fujimaru Ritsuka's position. It was unclear if she was worried for Ritsuka's safety or if she wanted to taste a magical cake that could chase people.
But at that exact moment, the gates slammed open. The test had begun!
"?" Oguri Cap looked at the dirt track ahead in confusion, her clear eyes etched with the most straightforward question possible: What happened? Has it started?
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