Chapter 187: What matters isn’t fate, but choice.

Well, it’s obvious when you think about it, but time itself doesn’t change the speed at which it flows depending on the moment.

No—your perception of time can change dramatically, but… how should I put it? Regardless of how it feels to you, the speed at which time flows through the world is always constant.

Which means the time we racehorse Uma Musume are given to grow is finite—and the same for all of us.

It feels long, yet it’s short.

Only three years.

Whether you slack off and waste time, throw yourself into work, or train so hard you feel like you’re dying, the same amount of time passes. In other words, the same amount of time is lost.

That’s why every single second of our lives has incredible value. To borrow Masa-san’s words: “a moment of the highest value in this world—something absolute that can never be replaced.”

For example, even when it comes to work, there are rough metrics used to measure the value of our time. Something like: if you want to keep this Uma Musume occupied, it costs this much per minute, and depending on what you make her do, there’s an additional premium.

In my case—since I’m allowed to call myself the strongest in the world, and because Ayumu-san carefully limits the jobs I take—even filming a short commercial can bring in enough money that… well, I could probably spend several years just playing around without worrying about anything.

Honestly, I don’t even get dizzy looking at the balance in my bank account anymore. It just feels too unreal.

It’s an amount of money you could live several lifetimes on.

…Oops. I didn’t mean to start talking about money. Anyway, back to the point.

The point is, our time is finite, precious, and something we have to treasure.

In that sense, one of my juniors—Bourbon-chan—has really been working hard.

Following Ayumu-san’s Perfect Plan, she uses the maximum amount of time for training in the most optimal way possible, rests efficiently when needed, and occasionally goes out with Ayumu-san to refresh her mood.

Apparently the training menu is already so intense that ordinary Uma Musume can’t keep up with it—and on top of that, there are even harsher finishing workouts. Yet she completes all of them perfectly.

Ayumu-san’s training plan is essentially the optimal answer when it comes to how time should be used.

Which means that the Bourbon-chan in this world should undoubtedly possess the greatest ability out of any Bourbon-chan across all parallel worlds.

Probably the same way I do.

…And yet.

To be honest, I’m still half-doubting whether Bourbon-chan can win this Kikuka Sho.

One reason for that is—embarrassingly enough—my own actions.

I couldn’t abandon my cute junior. I lent a hand to a certain Uma Musume who happens to be Bourbon-chan’s rival and helped with her growth.

Right now… well, it’s not anywhere near the level of Ayumu-san’s buffs, but she should still be a little stronger than before.

…But that’s not the biggest reason.

No—in a way, it does involve her as well, but…

The biggest problem is this.

Most likely, this race will become a turning point for Bourbon-chan.

---

"Do you believe in fate?"

About five hours by car from Tokyo, where we normally live.

The autumn sky over Kyoto was clear and refreshingly bright.

It was October 25th, with November just around the corner. The short—truly short—autumn was coming to an end, and the bitter, bone-chilling winter was approaching.

I stood beside Ayumu-san and Masa-san—the trainer siblings—looking down at the turf of Kyoto Racecourse.

That’s right.

Right now, we were waiting for the runners to enter the track for the Kikuka Sho.

Thinking about Bourbon-chan before the race, I muttered those words, which were met with tilted heads from the Horino siblings.

"Fate… you say?"

"Hm. Well, if meeting you can be called fate, then I would gladly affirm it."

"Big brother’s brain has been turning into a flower field lately…"

"I’m truly happy to hear that… but that’s not the kind of fate I mean here."

How should I explain this feeling?

As I struggled to find the right words, Masa-san looked at me with a rather—no, actually very—surprised expression.

"Hoshino Wilm-san… isn’t getting into a romance topic…!?"

"Is that really the surprising part?"

Even I can talk seriously sometimes.

…Especially on a day that will decide the fate of my adorable juniors.

"What I mean is… the fate of an Uma Musume.

For example—like when an Uma Musume has a destined connection with a particular race, and no matter what… she’s meant to lose there."

"Hm."

Ayumu-san kept his eyes on the turf as he rested a hand on his chin in thought.

That reaction was… a little unexpected.

Since Ayumu-san is such a logical thinker, I figured he would dismiss something like this immediately, or say something like, “That’s one way to think about it, but there’s no scientific evidence.”

"If you’re asking that question, then you must believe in fate to some extent. And there must be experiences in your life that led you to that conclusion."

"Well… yeah."

The fate of an Uma Musume.

Especially a racing Uma Musume.

The first time I felt it… was over a year ago, during that Takarazuka Kinen.

That day, I was cornered.

Cornered by what?

By myself. By none other than me.

It’s unscientific, intuitive, and has no evidence whatsoever.

But sometimes I think about it.

That day, at that moment—if I hadn’t opened my Zone and resisted the three of them…

I might have destroyed these legs beyond repair.

In that darkness, when something pushed me forward and I opened a new world—

I felt like I had broken through a solid wall.

It was like stepping off the rails I had followed until then and finally starting to walk on my own legs. A floating, unstable feeling.

A sense of freedom that made it feel like I could fly anywhere. An incredible condition where my legs felt weightless.

Including my previous life, I had never experienced such overwhelming… omnipotence.

There was also that unique sensation that comes from opening the Zone for the first time, but even so, I can confidently say that feeling was truly one of a kind.

At that moment, I made a decision that only this version of me could make, and carved out a future that belonged only to this me.

…And I’m sure that experience wasn’t unique to me.

Maybe it took a different form, but Teio must have experienced something similar.

Tokai Teio.

In the anime of my previous life, she was pushed to the brink physically and mentally after suffering three injuries. But in this world, she’s only been injured once.

The turning point that improved things was probably the Japan Derby, when she reexamined her running and her way of being.

Because she accepted defeat once there and eased up for the sake of the next victory…

Right or wrong, because she chose a path she didn’t take in the previous-life anime, she’s still my strongest rival without losing her brilliance.

As for me—no, that’s not quite right.

I don’t know whether Hoshino Wilm even had a real-world counterpart in the previous life—some historical racehorse that served as the original inspiration.

Maybe a Hoshino Wilm without “me” was just a background extra. Or maybe she was a named character with a real-world inspiration. Or maybe she never existed at all—an original creation.

But no matter what, it seems I had a fate I was meant to follow.

Just like Tokai Teio was destined to push herself too far in that moment, suffer a severe injury, continue achieving brilliant results while repeating tragic injuries, and still stand back up like a protagonist…

Hoshino Wilm probably couldn’t win that Takarazuka Kinen.

She would lose to the senior-class elites—or perhaps stop running altogether.

That was probably the fate I was meant to follow.

Well, both Teio and I overcame those kinds of fates.

"We Uma Musume are kind of… guided by something like souls, you know? Or something like that. Well, maybe not as much lately… how should I explain it…"

One reason I believe in fate is, well… the anime from my previous life.

In that anime, the setting was that “Uma Musume inherit the names and souls of historical racehorses.” And because of that, most of the girls followed almost the exact same fates as the horses they were based on.

Though some were different—like Suzuka-san, who managed to come back.

That’s why I thought that we Uma Musume might also be strongly bound to history—to the fate determined by those souls—and unconsciously follow that same rail.

Because I view things with that knowledge and assumption in mind, I interpret that sense of omnipotence I felt back then—and Teio’s decision—as actions that stepped off those rails.

Of course, I couldn’t exactly explain all that to Ayumu-san and Masa-san, so as I struggled to figure out how to phrase it…

"Hm. Well, I wouldn’t say I don’t believe it. In fact, I can believe it quite easily."

"Eh!?"

Masa-san and I exclaimed in surprise at the same time.

Believe it…?

Ayumu-san?

That ultra-logical, reasoning-obsessed Ayumu-san?

He believes in something like this?

When I looked at him in shock, he returned a slightly exasperated glance.

"You were the one who asked whether I believe in it."

"It was more like a conversation starter. You deny it first, then we expand the topic from there. I didn’t expect you to just agree…"

That was a bit unexpected.

Still, it makes the conversation easier for now.

"Well then… getting back to the topic.

I think this Kikuka Sho will become a fateful battle for Bourbon-chan."

In the anime of my previous life, Bourbon-chan’s Kikuka Sho was treated rather lightly.

Or rather, the focus there was more on Rice-chan.

For Rice-chan, the Kikuka Sho was like the opening stage before her big moment at the Tenno Sho (Spring). At least, that’s how I remember it.

Just like Tokai Teio the year before—who won the two classics undefeated…

—or rather, in this world, I should say like me—

Mihono Bourbon also won the Japan Derby without suffering a single loss.

A potential Triple Crown since Symboli Rudolf.

The performance people had hoped to see from Teio.

And the rise of an escaping-style runner.

From many angles, people were eagerly awaiting her victory at the Kikuka Sho.

And that’s exactly why—

When Rice-chan won the Kikuka Sho, what she received wasn’t overwhelming applause.

Instead… the crowd looked at her with cold eyes, as if saying the result was disappointing.

…That’s roughly how I remember the Kikuka Sho being portrayed in the previous-life anime when I compare it with Bourbon-chan’s current situation.

For Rice-chan, it was the first moment where she thought, “Huh… something’s strange.” The beginning of things falling apart.

Just the buildup before the catastrophe.

But if you shift the perspective to Bourbon-chan…

It’s far too tragic to call it mere buildup.

Her one and only goal—the Classic Triple Crown—that she had long desired and refused to abandon no matter how her former trainer tried to persuade her.

In the end, it was crushed by the wall of aptitude and her temperament… the disadvantages she was born with.

That… was probably the path Mihono Bourbon walked in the historical past.

The bad ending she has to break through.

I didn’t explain it in quite that much detail, but the two trainers seemed to grasp the general nuance anyway, nodding quietly.

“…Yes. This Kikuka Sho will likely become the first and last special battle for Mihono Bourbon.

After all, the goal she’s pursued since childhood is riding on this single race."

"That’s right. …With the person she is now, even if she were to lose here, she’d probably be able to learn something from it and stand up again. Still, whether she wins or loses will have a major impact on her self-awareness and the way she thinks.

In that sense as well, it’s fair to call this a fateful battle."

Bourbon-chan may be a beloved junior to me, but to those two, she’s also their precious trainee Uma Musume.

It wasn’t just me watching over her—if anything, the two of them probably spent far more time observing Bourbon-chan than I did.

As I nodded along in agreement, Ayumu-san suddenly shot me a sidelong glance.

“…Though a certain senior Uma Musume knowingly decided to support a rival who could become her competition.”

"Ugh… well, um…"

It was true.

I had supported Rice-chan—the girl who would become Bourbon-chan’s rival… or rather, the one who defeated her in the anime from my previous life.

Of course, it wasn’t like I was helping Rice-chan one-sidedly. If anything, I spent more time helping train Bourbon-chan as someone in the same camp, and I never leaked information from our team.

Still, the fact remained that I had joined Rice-chan for her personal training, run alongside her sometimes, and even given her some light instruction now and then.

When someone pointed that out, it definitely put me in an awkward position…

"Hmph, I’m joking. As I said before, I have no intention of blaming you for that.

Uma Musume naturally influence one another, raising each other’s skills and physical abilities. That happens even between rivals, so a trainer has no right to complain if you did the same.

If anything, it’s the trainer’s job to surpass the opponent even after taking that into account.

…Sorry, I interrupted you. Go on."

Ayumu-san smiled lightly as he said that and gently patted my head.

Feeling a little relieved, I continued.

"Well… if this really is that kind of battle, then I’m worried whether Bourbon-chan can overcome it.

Overall, the Kikuka Sho is really unfavorable for Bourbon-chan, isn’t it? Even with the Ayumu-san and Bourbon-chan combo, I’m not sure you can beat a pure-blooded stayer under these conditions…"

If it were me, I could say with certainty that I’d win.

Hoshino Wilm and Horino Ayumu are the perfect duo. No matter where our opponent comes from, we’d just whoosh—throw them over our shoulders for a perfect knockout… well, maybe not that easily, but I definitely wouldn’t lose without a fight.

Even if someone suddenly told us, "You’re running a sprint now," or "You’re switching to dirt racing," I feel like the two of us would still find a way to conquer it.

But a big reason for that is my reincarnation perk: “Anime Reincarnation.”

With it, I can massively boost my thinking ability for short periods, allowing me to improve my aptitude in a very short time.

…Though I do push myself a little too hard sometimes, which can cause side effects like the ones I’m dealing with now. But still.

Between Ayumu-san’s support, my own efforts, and that ability, I can confidently believe in my victories.

But Bourbon-chan is different.

She doesn’t have a reincarnation cheat like mine.

…Right?

I mean, she has that insanely accurate internal clock and can measure distances with precision like she’s got a meter built into her body, but that’s not a reincarnation cheat, right?

Suzuka-san was like that too, but this world seems to have a lot of people who are naturally overpowered even without reincarnation cheats. Anne-chan’s ridiculous growth speed probably falls into that category too.

Well, anyway.

Either way, Bourbon-chan’s abilities aren’t the kind that can overturn a disadvantage in aptitude over the short term.

Her disadvantage in the Kikuka Sho is obvious as daylight.

If anything, the person most aware of that fact is probably Bourbon-chan herself.

But my concerns were brushed aside when Ayumu-san snorted lightly and laughed.

"Don’t worry. Mihono Bourbon will win. As long as she doesn’t lose to herself, she won’t be defeated."

"Wow, that’s a lot of confidence."

"She’s my trainee Uma Musume. If I didn’t believe in her, what kind of trainer would I be?"

Ayumu-san didn’t show even the slightest hint of doubt.

Now that Bourbon-chan had already been sent off through the underground paddock passage, there was nothing we trainers or seniors could do for her anymore.

All we could do was believe in her victory.

And pray.

From Bourbon-chan’s perspective, the sight of Ayumu-san placing absolute trust in her must be incredibly reassuring—exactly the kind of partner you’d want by your side.

Honestly, I had been encouraged by that side of Ayumu-san myself ever since the beginning of this year.

…But still.

Looking at it from a third-party perspective, a trainer like that feels strangely fascinating.

Apparently I wasn’t the only one who thought so, because Masa-san voiced the question aloud.

“…So what’s the basis for that? I mean, leaving aside belief and faith—realistically speaking, what do you think Mihono Bourbon’s chances of winning are?”

"Fifty percent."

"Seriously…?"

A coin toss?

…That’s not exactly a number you say “she’ll definitely win” about.

Honestly, if this were the Ayumu-san from a year and a half ago, he’d probably be clutching his head going, "Ughhh! Because of my own shortcomings, I couldn’t guarantee her victory!"

Perhaps sensing the skeptical looks from me and Masa-san, Ayumu-san scratched the back of his neck and began explaining—though he still looked completely confident.

"Well, realistically speaking, even if her physical ability is excellent, a one-rank difference in aptitude is hard to overcome.

Knowing her, Rice Shower will arrive in proper honor-student condition. If that happens, stat-wise we’ll probably only have a slight lead once aptitude is factored in.

After that, it comes down to how much Mihono Bourbon gets distracted by the other Uma Musume, and how favorable the race’s pace becomes for someone breaking away from the pack.

Taking all that into consideration, the numbers put her win rate at about fifty percent."

Ah, so he is being realistic about that part.

"Then why are you saying she’ll win?"

"Because she’s my trainee."

"…Explain that a little more."

"?"

Ayumu-san raised one eyebrow, looking like he didn’t understand what was confusing.

"Well, Mihono Bourbon is my trainee, right? So of course I believe she’ll win. That’s why I’m saying she’ll win."

"…I see."

"More importantly, the person who wants to believe in her victory the most is Bourbon herself. So I believe in it wholeheartedly—so that when she sees me, she can believe in herself through me."

"…I mean, I get the logic behind that, but still."

It made me realize again—

Ayumu-san had really changed.

Logic and passion. Reason and emotion.

In the past, he would try to eliminate the latter as much as possible and approach Uma Musume with pure logic.

But now…

If you put it kindly, he was flexible.

If you put it less kindly, he was using a double standard.

It felt like he had learned how to balance the two within himself.

People shouldn’t be too extreme about anything.

In that sense, maybe the current Ayumu-san was in the ideal state.

"…Hmm. That sounds almost fanatical."

"That’s rude. It’s pure love."

"Pure love NTR!?!"

"Will, let’s keep our voices down here. You’ll bother people."

Ah.

Right.

"Well, even so, I think that’s something a trainee would be really happy to hear. I think it’s great."

"Right? …Honestly, I don’t dislike the person I’ve become either."

---

Just as we were talking like that—

Something unusual happened.

Someone came over and spoke to us.

“…I knew it! I thought that voice sounded familiar! Hello, Hoshino Wilm!”

It was a voice that felt vaguely familiar… yet not quite.

But more than that, I was surprised to be spoken to here at the racecourse.

Right now, we were sitting in what you’d call the authorized personnel seating.

It’s a special area slightly removed from the general spectator stands, reserved for people connected to the Uma Musume running in the race or their trainers.

Talking to someone there when you don’t have much connection to them is actually considered pretty bad manners.

Most people sitting in these seats have come specifically to seriously support one particular runner. If someone unrelated starts butting in, it can easily lead to arguments.

And in this world, compared to my previous life, people’s manners are exceptionally good.

In fact, up until now, even if nearby spectators realized I was Hoshino Wilm, they never tried to speak to me while we were at the racecourse.

But it seemed that someone had finally broken that unspoken rule…

Thinking that, I turned around—

“…Are you sure it’s okay for you to reveal yourself now?”

"Well… I think it’s probably fine about now. Though it wouldn’t be great if too many people noticed."

"Then you should’ve watched the race alone."

"It’s hard not to talk to the person you’re rooting for when they’re right in front of you! I’m also one of Hoshino Wilm’s fans, you know?"

"Hmm. Not caring about manners or people’s eyes around you hasn’t changed… In a way, that’s the temperament of a conqueror."

"Was that a compliment?"

"Well… barely."

"Barely? If it’s praise, then good!"

Ayumu-san and an Uma Musume stood there talking in lowered voices, their conversation just slightly out of sync.

…Hey, hey, hey.

Who is this Uma Musume thief?

She wore a wide-brimmed hat pulled low over her eyes, hiding most of her face. The only part visible—her mouth—was curved in an amused smile.

Her long golden hair gleamed under the clear sky, and together with her thick white dress, she looked like some foreign young lady out sightseeing.

Sure, she gave off a rather—no, a very—charming aura.

But that man is mine, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t try to steal him.

Still… that voice.

No, I’d definitely heard it somewhere before.

While I was trying to dig through my memory for the answer—

Beside me, Masa-san’s eyes widened as she stammered, “Ah—eh—ah?”

That surprised?

…By this Uma Musume?

If she’s that shocked, then the girl’s identity must be something unexpected. Something unbelievable.

And with blonde hair… and that voice…

"Honestly, where’s your trainer, Anne…"

"Anne, yes. For now, I’m just Anne—the Uma Musume who came to secretly watch Japanese races.

My trainer’s buying churros right now. Japanese churros are delicious, you know! I was surprised!"

Anne.

…Anne-chan?

As I finally realized who she was—

"It’s been a while, Hoshino Wilm. Though I suppose it’s only been about a month."

The blonde Uma Musume—

No, my rival—

Lightly lifted her hat and turned her golden eyes toward me.

"Wha—no—huh—!?"

"Will."

Ayumu-san quickly covered my mouth, which stopped me from shouting out loud… though I still ended up letting out a somewhat loud sound anyway.

But still—what!? Seriously, why!?

"Why is Understandable here!?"

Understandable.

One of my rivals in Europe.

A monstrous genius—probably on the same level as Teio—and possibly even more dangerous than me with my reincarnation cheat.

We had competed for dominance at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, promised to face each other again someday, and I figured it would be a long time before we met again.

And yet…

For some reason, she was now sitting in the authorized section at Kyoto Racecourse.

"Hahaha, surprise! …That’s what you say in Japan for a prank, right?"

"You’re getting better at Japanese every day."

"No, wait—why aren’t you surprised, Ayumu-san!? That’s Anne-chan! That’s Understandable!"

"I already knew she came to Japan."

"I told him~"

"What is wrong with you people…"

Masa-san and I both stared at them in utter disbelief.

Seriously, what is this?

He’s not even her trainer, and if anything they’re from opposing camps. Why do you two seem so weirdly close?

Well, that bothered me too, but more importantly—

"Wait, why? Why are you really here, Anne-chan?"

"For the rematch, of course! I thought Hoshino Wilm would run in the Japan Cup, so I came over to this side of the world!

…But right after arriving, I heard you wouldn’t be running, and it made me really sad!"

"Ah… sorry about that. My trainer and I talked it over, and for safety reasons…"

"I understand. It’s a little sad, but I’ll endure it.

I wouldn’t want Hoshino Wilm to get injured either… A sensible Understand—Anne-chan can endure things for the sake of her favorite."

"You’re lying. When you found out, you totally took it out on me."

"Seriously!? You’re not supposed to say that part!"

…Wait.

Hold on.

Why are these two so close!?

What is this!? Why do the Uma Musume I become friends with always end up becoming friends with Ayumu-san too!?

Not just some “friend-of-a-friend” distance either—they’re forming perfectly normal, personal bonds! Why does it feel like Ayumu-san is closer to them than I am!?

Grrrr… what is this? Am I doomed to live forever worrying about the threat of NTR!?

How am I supposed to break through this wall of fate…!?!

"Ah… Ayumu-san is my trainer, right? You’re not going to switch trainers or anything, right?"

"I’m not."

"Huh!? HoriWill is absolutely eternal! Forever and inseparable, for real!?"

Why am I the one getting scolded by Anne-chan?

And more importantly—whatever the situation is, shouldn’t you be trying not to stand out so much?

---

…Anyway.

That reunion was honestly shocking enough on its own, but…

In the end, things somehow worked out so that we ended up watching the Kikuka Sho together with Anne-chan—who was grinning and saying things like, “Hehe, drinking the pure, undiluted essence of HoriWill straight~!”—and her trainer, who had just returned with churros and was now scolding her with a slightly intimidating expression.

"Anne… weren’t we supposed to watch the race together today?"

In other words, we were now watching the race alongside the Understandable camp.

"My apologies, Trainer Horino. Understandable has caused you trouble."

"Please don’t worry about it. …I’m surprised—your Japanese is very beautiful."

"Haha, it’s only something I learned quickly. If Anne is going to study the language, then as her trainer I can’t exactly afford to slack off either."

"I see. I’m impressed. It’s an honor to watch the race alongside the genius trainer likened to the chief god of the North."

"The honor is mine! Trainer Horino’s name is quite well known over there too. I hope you’ll teach us more about Japanese racing."

Ayumu-san and Anne-chan’s trainer exchanged greetings in what could only be described as very proper, adult conversation.

It was kind of cool, honestly. Something to admire.

Standing just a step behind Ayumu-san, Masa-san bowed politely as well. Unlike the others, though, she looked a little tense—like she didn’t quite have the same composure yet. It’s funny thinking this about an older woman, but… it was kind of cute.

Meanwhile, Anne-chan and I spent the time catching up after a month apart while chatting about the race.

"You came all the way here just to watch? It’s not even a senior race."

"Japanese races are getting a lot of attention over there right now. In fact, Nedi and Witch said they’d be watching the Kikuka Sho broadcast too."

"Nedilica-chan and Witch Evening-chan, huh? Sounds like you’ve gotten friendly with them."

"Yes! Since they might be the kind of rivals who could defeat me, I became curious."

"I get that feeling. I really do. …Still, coming all the way to Japan for it."

"I wanted to see Japanese races live. And also… I heard your junior would be running."

"Bourbon-chan, huh? You’ve got good instincts. She’s probably the next-generation Suzuka-type, so she’s definitely worth keeping an eye on."

"Instincts… smell?

…Wait—Suzuka, as in Silence Suzuka? Is Mihono Bourbon really that strong?"

"Ah, right. Suzuka-san rampaged around Europe not too long ago, so her name’s probably known there too.

Well, yeah. Honestly, Suzuka-san might have the greater natural talent, but the Ayumu-san buff is ridiculous. After I move to the Dream Trophy League, Bourbon-chan might end up dominating all by herself."

"Buff… bahu? And ‘Doritoro’ is… uh, the Dream Trophy League…"

…Well.

That’s assuming she doesn’t get stopped here by the formidable rival named Rice Shower.

While we were talking like that, the runners finally began emerging from the underground paddock tunnel.

"Oh, here come the runners… Ah, Bourbon-chan too!"

"…I see. Watching her in person… yes, she’s in magnificent condition. I’d estimate her target pace at around twelve seconds per furlong… perhaps just over?"

"Impressive insight. I take my hat off to you. …Mihono Bourbon is in perfect shape. She’s just short of entering awakening—arguably the best condition she can be in."

Ayumu-san generally classifies an Uma Musume’s condition into several levels: “terrible,” “poor,” “normal,” “good,” and “excellent,” with the sharpened state beyond excellent being called “Awakening.”

But for Bourbon-chan in particular, it seems that being in excellent condition without fully entering awakening is actually the best state for her.

Bourbon-chan’s strength lies in consistency—maintaining a steady output at all times.

If her condition rises too high, it can create fluctuations, increasing the risk that she might push herself too hard without realizing it.

Because of that, the line where her abilities remain stable is apparently the most ideal.

"…Yes. From what I can see, she’s fully focused on the race. Or more precisely, she’s focused entirely on herself.

The real issue is her rival, Rice Shower…"

And then—

Ayumu-san’s words stopped.

The reason was probably because Rice Shower had just entered his field of vision.

Or more precisely—

Because Rice-chan’s condition was… overwhelming, even from my perspective.

"That’s…"

"That’s Rice Shower, right?"

"Whoa… what is that? She’s so fired up that… she doesn’t even feel like the same kind of Uma Musume as the others."

"…………"

Masa-san, Anne-chan, Anne-chan’s trainer, and I all reacted in our own ways.

And then—

Ayumu-san muttered quietly.

"…Do you want to win that badly?

No… of course you do. Naturally you do. But still…"

The tone of his voice was chilling.

When I looked up at him, his eyes were…

Like someone looking at something painfully fragile.

Or glaring at something unforgivable.

Or reflecting on the reckless immaturity he himself had once walked through.

…And somewhere within it, almost like a silent prayer.

"If she’s not careful, she’ll break herself.

…Just like someone once did."

His expression was filled with a complex mix of emotions.