Only One Year Left—I'll Become a Legendary Uma Musume!

Today, Yaeno Muteki was brimming with excitement.

What mattered most in an Uma Musume's life? Races, running, glory, defeating formidable opponents!

And what about Yaeno Muteki herself? What drove her relentlessly forward?

She wanted to honor her grandfather's legacy by perfecting the martial art he taught her—the Invincible Yaeno style.

So, what stage could best showcase her power as an Uma Musume?

Without a doubt, it was the prestigious Classic Triple Crown. Winning against absolute champions in these races would reveal her strength to all of Japan.

Fulfilling her dream, defeating the strongest—just imagining it made Yaeno Muteki tremble with anticipation.

Yet, things hadn't been this exciting at first. Just a week ago, she'd looked at the entry list and felt a bit disappointed—she was the clear favorite.

That didn't guarantee victory, of course, but having no worthy opponent was certainly disheartening.

The martial way was about challenge! For Uma Musume, it meant striving to surpass the peak!

Back then, Yaeno Muteki had secretly wished that the legendary gray monster from the countryside could finish her paperwork in time to join the race.

The stronger her opponents, the better! Only through tough challenges could true strength be proven.

Unfortunately, it seemed that horse-girl hadn't secured her place in the Satsuki Sho, or even the Derby for that matter.

Disappointed, Yaeno Muteki had felt bored—until that moment.

The competitor who conquered America and earned entry into the American Triple Crown was considering running in the Satsuki Sho!?

With the Kentucky Derby less than half a month away, wasn't it logical to pick only one of the two?

Yaeno Muteki couldn't care less about what Twilight Song was thinking. All she knew was that her blood had been boiling since she first heard the news a week ago.

Dressed in her martial attire, she carefully tightened the cloth wrappings around her wrists, gazing expectantly toward the competitor's tunnel.

As the second favorite, it wasn't her turn to enter yet, but since the other participants had already gathered, who else would be coming from that direction?

Yaeno Muteki turned around, instantly tensing up at what she saw.

She really lives up to her reputation… Just a glance sent shivers down her spine, as though confronting a terrifying predator. Despite her small stature, the presence radiating from the newcomer made everyone else seem utterly inferior.

The fearsome Caesar from the streets of New York—Twilight Song.

"I will defeat you!"

Yaeno Muteki saw herself as the challenger, but that was no reason to back down. She genuinely, wholeheartedly believed she had what it took to defeat the opponent before her.

Even if Twilight Song was the stronger one.

In her elaborate racing outfit, donning her battle costume for only the second time, Twilight Song paused as she heard the announcer proclaim her arrival once again.

An unfamiliar track, and only her second time facing a Japanese audience.

So, before my announcement, you—Yaeno Muteki—were the favorite? Well, sorry about that. I'll remember you properly this time.

At the very least, she wouldn't recall a name like "Festival Glory" only after the race ended.

Twilight Song had carefully reviewed the participant list, sincerely committing… a few names to memory.

Yaeno Muteki, Sakura Chiyono O… and who else was there?

She couldn't remember.

"You say you'll defeat me? Easier said than done."

"Yes, I know! But I'll still do it!"

Twilight Song felt an odd sense of familiarity toward the name "Yaeno Muteki," prompting her to speak a little more than usual.

"And why's that? Blind confidence doesn't suit a… wandering swordsman?"

"Ha! Because I'm strong! And I'll burn everything I have to win this race—I'll unleash absolute power!"

Burning everything you have to win…

A pang of envy unexpectedly arose in Twilight Song's heart. To casually speak of burning one's life so easily…

You're really only thinking about yourself, aren't you?

"You won't be able to do it."

Twilight Song didn't allow her time to respond, instead walking forward, leaving words lingering behind her.

"Saying you'll burn your life isn't something to be thrown around so lightly. If you really mean it, prove it—then we'll talk about beating me."

[Time remaining: 309 days, 12 hours, 25 seconds exactly]

Because my life really is counting down. Unlike those who just talk about burning life.

Your resolve is merely about proving yourself. But the price I pay… is smiling in the face of death.

A cold breeze blew like a scythe across Twilight Song's cheek, sending her long white hair fluttering until she held it down with her small hand.

Her third time stepping onto the track.

Compared to the excitement of being the favorite in her debut, and the pride of surpassing expectations in her second race, Twilight Song found herself adapting with remarkable ease to the racetrack.

She wasn't afraid. Fear belonged to the banners bearing her name, because Twilight Song was truly burning her life away, challenging death itself with every stride.

She looked around. Fans waved her flags enthusiastically from the stands—understandable, considering she had made her name abroad, a horse-girl who debuted in Japan and became a star in America.

Naturally, among the sea of her banners, a few scattered flags supporting other Uma Musume stood out rather pitifully.

Like patches of greenery lost amidst blooming flowers.

Then, what gesture should I use this time?

"The undisputed favorite of today's race! Our top contender! She qualified for the American Triple Crown, conquered the Gotham Stakes, the Caesar herself!"

"Our pride and joy! Everyone, please welcome today's big surprise, Twilight Song!"

"The King of Gotham!"

A thunderous roar from the audience. Twilight Song's lips twitched slightly—thankfully, she was far enough away that nobody could notice.

After some thought, she settled for a simple gesture.

She raised her hand high, pointing one finger toward the sky.

If I win all three legs of the Japanese Triple Crown and sweep the American one too, maybe I'll lift both hands next time?

Ha! Tokai Teio, you'll just be imitating me.

And what was the first step toward making Tokai Teio her successor?

Simple—transform the favored contender into a new emperor.

Those rival banners scattered in the stands really were an eyesore…

After completely crushing their favorites, only her name would remain, wouldn't it?