Chapter 51: Takarazuka Kinen

The fourth week of June, Sunday. Weather: clear. When you think of June, images of hydrangeas and the rainy season come to mind—but in reality, the stationary front over Japan doesn’t appear until late June to mid-July. Maybe it’s due to global warming or something, but lately, the rainy season has been arriving later than usual.

I woke up early in the morning, swatting Umaho (my alarm clock) before it could even ring. Today was the day Trainer and I were going to watch the Takarazuka Kinen. I had to get ready fast. I quickly washed my face and stripped off my pajamas.

If I didn’t put effort into my makeup and outfit, I wouldn’t be able to catch Trainer’s attention. Of course, the main goal was to watch Silence Suzuka’s race and pick up hints for my own running… but I also wanted to make some progress in my relationship with Trainer.

I pulled out the few civilian clothes I had stored in my closet and held them up against myself in front of the mirror. Should I go with a cute, frilly skirt or a cool pants look? And then I’d have to coordinate the top accordingly… Fashion is hard.

Back when I was a guy, I’d just throw on a hoodie or a plain shirt, pair it with black skinny jeans and sneakers… Since no one really cared how I dressed, I usually just went with whatever. But now, I’m desperate to impress that person, even just a little. I’ve been spending my allowance on trendy clothes, taking care of my skin, and doing everything I can to be cuter than I was yesterday.

…Why am I trying so hard? The reason’s simple. While I’m aiming to become the strongest stayer, I also need Trainer to like me more.

When I first became an Uma Musume, I was still stuck in that otaku fantasy of "I wanna be a cute girl and mess with guys' heads!"—a pretty gross mindset, honestly. But after a while, that desire shifted into "I wanna win Trainer over!" Probably a result of Apollo Rainbow’s innate girlishness mixing with my old adult male psyche.

Ugh, I really should’ve asked Trainer what kind of girls he likes back when we weren’t so close. At least whether he prefers the cool or cute type. If I asked now, the mood would get way too heavy… If only I had the social skills to casually bring it up without making it awkward!

After piling clothes onto my bed and agonizing over the choices, I ended up going with my usual casual outfit—a bright-colored blouse, denim pants, and trendy sneakers. The kind of look you’d see on any random girl walking down the street. I accessorized with a slim wristwatch and a handbag, then spun around in front of the mirror.

…Not bad, but nothing outstanding. Still, the ribbon on my right ear stands out enough, and maybe a slightly plain outfit is better? Tomin seems like the type who’d prefer a quieter girl anyway. This’ll do.

By the time I finished picking my clothes, thirty minutes had already passed since I woke up. Clamping a hand over my mouth to stifle a yelp, I started on my makeup, careful not to wake Guriko. Not that there was much to do—just fluffing up my bob cut and putting on some lipstick.

Since becoming an Uma Musume—well, a girl in general—I’ve gotten used to wearing makeup. Back when I was a guy, I never bothered with it before going out. At first, I thought it was a pain, but now I feel too embarrassed to show my face without at least some makeup. The power of environmental changes is terrifying.

Adjusting the angle of my hand mirror, I examined my naturally pale pink lips. Honestly, the me from back then wouldn’t even notice the difference before and after makeup. And Tomin probably wouldn’t either. No—he definitely wouldn’t. It’s just a slight change in glossiness.

But that’s fine. Today’s just the two of us. The person I like will be looking only at me—I couldn’t ask for more than that.

Stuffing my handbag with a handkerchief, wallet, spare clothes, shredded squid and wheat chocolate (snacks), and other miscellaneous items, I double-checked everything with a pointed finger.

"…Hair? Good! Collar and hem? Good! Outfit? Good! Belongings? Good! Snacks? Good! All set!"

Nothing forgotten. My outfit looks decent enough. Just barely on time to meet at Trainer’s office. No reason to stay in my room any longer. Alright, time to head to the Takarazuka Kinen!

"…Oh, oh! Almost forgot something important."

Hand on the doorknob, I suddenly remembered—I’d left The Theory of Stayer Training, my thick boredom-killer book, out of my bag. If I didn’t read it whenever I had the chance, both Tomin and I would start suffering withdrawal symptoms. Specifically, an unstoppable urge to dive into stayer theory, become the strongest stayer, and train one ASAP. We’re that hopelessly obsessed with stayers.

After shoving the hefty book into my handbag (making it noticeably heavier), I swung the bag around and grabbed the dorm room’s doorknob again.

"Alright, Guriko, I’m heading out. Make sure you’re up by noon!"

"…Nngh~…"

"Are you even gonna be okay…?"

Closing the door behind me, I broke into a light jog toward the Trainer’s dorm. Apparently, the ones going to watch the race today were me, Special Week, Matikane Fukukitaru, and (for some reason, according to rumors) Agnes Tachyon. Aside from Tachyon, we’re all Uma Musume connected to Silence Suzaka… but no one knows why Tachyon’s coming along.

Agnes Tachyon, who’s rumored to constantly use Trainer as a test subject for human experiments. Her goals and ambitions remain unknown, but it’s safe to assume she’s taken an interest in Silence Suzaka and Air Groove. Something tells me today’s Takarazuka Kinen won’t be uneventful.

Brimming with excitement (in more ways than one), I arrived at the Trainer’s office—where I was greeted by Trainer, dressed not in his usual suit but in a stylish, mature jacket-and-pants combo. Oh no, this really feels like a date… As I stood there staring, Tomin took his coffee mug to the sink. After packing up the laptop from his desk and turning off the lights, he checked his watch—seems like we didn’t have much time to spare.

"Morning, Apollo. I’m all ready here."

"Ah, yeah. Morning, Trainer. We’re heading out now, right?"

"Yep."

"Got it."

After turning off the AC, checking the window locks, and closing the curtains, we locked the trainer's office and headed to the nearest station, making small talk along the way. At one point, Tomin casually dropped a line like "You look cute today too, Apollo," so smooth it made my teeth ache—which suddenly made me suspect he might actually be good at romance. But that’s a separate issue.

We boarded the shinkansen, took our seats, and let out a sigh. Even though it was early, the train was crowded—weekends, I guess. Without a word, we both pulled out The Theory of Stayer Training from our bags to kill time until departure. Meanwhile, I noticed other passengers pointing at me and whispering. Not just two or three people, either. More like ten or twenty.

Fragments of conversation reached me: "There’s a Derby-winning Uma Musume!", "Holy crap, it’s Apollo Rainbow!", "Her casual outfit doesn’t even show her midriff…"—stuff like that. Some weird comments mixed in, but that was the gist. At least no one tried sneaking photos, but Tomin and I were still under a lot of staring.

We exchanged glances and stiffened under the awkward atmosphere. Then, as if remembering something, Tomin dug into his bag. "Might be too late, but…" he muttered, handing me a black casquette hat with holes for horse ears—complete with what looked like fake round glasses.

"Better disguise yourself now."

"Yeah, good call."

Tomin cleared his throat exaggeratedly, and the stares scattered. Guess the passengers got the hint: She’s off-duty, so leave her alone.

I slipped on the thin-framed glasses, securing them around the back of my head (Uma Musume don’t have human ears, so the straps hook differently). Then, as I went to put on the hat, Tomin mumbled under his breath:

"Should’ve mentioned the hat earlier. Your hair’s all pretty and… never mind."

"…………"

This guy’s terrible at playing it cool. Don’t know if he meant it, but he totally spilled his thoughts at the end. Yeah, smushing my carefully styled hair under a hat is a shame—but hearing him say that just makes me forgive him. What a criminal.

Hiding my flushed face, I tugged the casquette low and decided to fake sleep until we arrived.

—The Takarazuka Kinen.

Held at Hanshin Racecourse, this 2200-meter turf race is the spring-closing Grand Prix G1. Fan-voted entrants make it a glittering finale to the Twinkle Series’ first half, touted as the "ultimate test of early-season strength." Only the most renowned Uma Musume earn a spot.

Though often seen as a "seniors-only" race, classics can technically enter. But this year—like most years—zero did. Can’t blame them. How many classics could hold their own against seniors who’ve leveled up over spring?

At some point, the race was designated a "Breeders' Cup Challenge" event, granting the winner priority entry into that year’s Bree—ders' Cup… Turf—plus partial travel funding. Later, the same privilege was extended to the Cox Plate. Proof, if any were needed, of Japan’s Twinkle Series standing on the global stage.

Arriving at Hanshin by noon, we scarfed down concession-stand food. "At a racecourse, you focus on the race!" we agreed, shoving our way to the front row. Binoculars and programs in hand, we noisily chewed shredded squid.

"Silence Suzuka’s totally winning."

"C’mon, Air Groove, Mejiro Bright, and Mejiro Dober are in this. Suzuka’s got an outside gate—it’ll be tough."

"You’ve got no eye for talent! Suzuka’s taking it!!"

"Uh-huh…"

Leaning on the railing, we bickered over predictions. No mood, no atmosphere—just raw hype. Nearby, someone else yelled, "I’m betting on Silence Suzuka!", "Since when?!" The crowd was electric, counting down to the main event. Can’t blame me for forgetting romance and diving into the hype.

As we debated, the roar of the crowd surged—the paddock session must’ve ended. We’d wanted to go, but the sheer number of spectators made it impossible.

The stands were packed. Over 90,000 attendees, someone claimed. The pressure was insane. Hanshin’s max capacity is 80,000, so this was way over.

Amid the chaos and near-screams, the Uma Musume appeared for their warm-up laps: Empress Air Groove, tiara-route conqueror Mejiro Dober, long-range specialist Mejiro Bright, Midnight Bed seeking redemption after her Arima Kinen loss—and Silence Suzuka, the reigning "strongest active Uma Musume," infamous for her mad dashes.

"Woooh, Suzuka!!" I think I heard Special Week’s voice in the crowd—but more importantly, I cheered at the top of my lungs:

"SUZUKA-SAAAN! YOU’VE GOT THIIIS!!"

No way she heard me. But I couldn’t not yell. Then—her gaze flicked toward us.

"!"

For a split second, I swear I saw the glint of 『Territory Zone』—

『…Of course. I’ve received your "feelings," Trainer.』

"—!?"

『I promise you—I will definitely return.』

Silence Suzuka's voice echoes behind my eyelids. Was it an illusion? Or something more? Before I can process it, she's already charging down the turf. That moment of eye contact couldn't have been imagined. As my thoughts race, the Takarazuka Kinen's signature fanfare blares across the course.

—The exclusive Takarazuka Kinen fanfare. Nothing else captures its grandeur. Though my mind's still unsettled from that vision, this fanfare remains my personal favorite. Played only once a year, its buoyant rhythm and solemn grandeur create an exhilaration unlike any other.

The gates fly open, and amidst the roaring crowd, the Takarazuka Kinen begins in earnest—

『Rounding the final corner into the homestretch! Silence Suzuka holds the lead! But the others are closing in! Air Groove surges from the outside! She’s gaining ground! Will we see a lead change here!?』

Silence Suzaka charges forward, her dominance undeniable.

『But she refuses to yield! Silence Suzuka! It’s Silence Suzuka! Her speed doesn’t fade even in the straight!』

A blinding light erupts from her body as she crushes the competition—

『Silence Suzuka—now—CROSSES THE LINE! With her signature "lead-and-hold" running, she claims the Grand Prix crown in spectacular fashion!!』

Silence Suzuka triumphs, seizing the Takarazuka Kinen victory—a long-awaited G1 title, conquered in the most glorious way possible.