For an instant, the classroom fell silent—but soon erupted again with muffled giggles and lively whispers.
"…Ahhhh! Give it back!"
Her face turning as red as a boiled lobster, Jun Tsubasa charged forward, teeth bared.
"Stop laughing! Let me rewrite it—just let me rewrite it, alright?!"
Suddenly, through the still-open back door that Jun had left ajar, another Uma Musume burst into the room—a girl with long, flowing hair.
Clearly, she'd sprinted all the way here. Sweat lightly coated her delicate face, her cheeks flushed crimson, lips parting slightly as she caught her breath.
Taking in the chaotic scene, the suppressed laughter around the classroom, her expressive eyes flickered between panic and sudden realization.
Her slim eyebrows knitted together as her expression turned troubled. She bit her lower lip, gasping quietly as she scolded in a soft voice:
"Jun… what exactly are you doing…?"
Though her voice wasn't loud, Jun Tsubasa froze immediately, her steps coming to an abrupt halt.
Moments later, Jun Tsubasa's shoulders drooped and her lips formed a sullen pout as she lowered her head, looking at the floor.
"I… wasn't I just trying to help you…?"
Hearing this, the Uma Musume at the door stared blankly for a second, caught between irritation and amusement.
"…And you call this helping me?"
"How isn't it helping you?"
Stubbornly lifting her chin, Jun bristled defensively.
"A senpai told me once: an official challenge is the best way to push someone beyond their limits! That's why I wrote this challenge letter for you!"
"And besides, Aka—you yourself keep mumbling in my ear every single day about how badly you want to beat Kitasan Black!"
As soon as those words came out, the girl called Aka instantly flushed bright red.
Her eyes darted around frantically, scanning the classroom before landing awkwardly on Kitasan Black and Satono Crown. She immediately stiffened, dropping her gaze and clutching nervously at her skirt.
"See? I knew it!"
For some reason, Jun—who'd wilted like a frostbitten vegetable just moments ago—was suddenly puffing up again with renewed pride.
She boldly turned toward Kitasan, practically humming:
"So? You accepting or not? Or are you too scared—mmpf?!"
Suddenly clamping her hand firmly over Jun's mouth, the girl called Aka looked around nervously, cheeks glowing red, lips twitching as she stammered anxiously:
"Um, th-that… I'm so sorry!"
After blurting out her apology loudly, she quickly lowered her voice to a trembling whisper.
"Jun… I… She… She's my friend, and she's not a bad person, she's just… just too reckless sometimes…"
"I'm r-really sorry… we didn't cause you trouble, did we? I apologize, I truly apologize…"
Seeing this, Satono Crown glanced sideways at the still-dazed Kitasan. After brief consideration, she took a step forward.
Though her personality differed from Kitasan's, as class representative she'd naturally gotten to know many classmates and senpais due to her duties.
That's how she'd recognized Jun earlier, quickly recalling her background.
Initially, Crown hadn't immediately identified Jun because the girl had suffered an injury during her debut last year. After treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation, she only returned to racing this past May.
And just as Jun herself boasted, she'd scored two impressive wins immediately upon returning, clearly demonstrating strong potential.
But the other girl was different—Satono Crown recognized her immediately.
This was Musee Alien, their competitor in both the Satsuki Sho and Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby).
In preparation for those G1 races, her family had diligently collected data on every rival, Musee Alien included.
From that information and her own observations around the Academy, Satono Crown knew Musee Alien and Jun Tsubasa had known each other since childhood, even attending the same elementary school.
When Jun had been hospitalized, Musee Alien had frequently requested leave to care for her. Their close relationship was unmistakable.
It seemed Jun wasn't exaggerating: after losing twice to Kitasan, Musee Alien likely desperately wanted a rematch.
To motivate her friend, the impulsive Jun had clearly acted on her own initiative—thus resulting in the "Peach Battle Letter."
Since things were now clear, simply explaining the misunderstanding would suffice.
Challenges among Uma Musume weren't uncommon anyway, and since the competitive atmosphere benefited racing performance, the Academy never discouraged such exchanges.
"It seems Amakaze-san didn't consult Musee-san before sending this peach—um, challenge letter."
Considering the situation, Satono Crown spoke clearly, though her voice held a note of calm authority:
"But if I remember correctly, Musee-san, your next race is the St. Lite Kinen, right? That's also Kita-chan's next race."
Hearing that, Musee Alien froze. Taking advantage of the distraction, Jun swiftly freed herself and jabbed a finger toward Kitasan.
"That's right! And that's also my next race!"
"So that challenge letter wasn't just for Aka—I'm included too!"
"What do you say, Kitasan Black? Do you accept or not?!"
Slightly annoyed by Jun's brashness, Satono Crown quietly stepped to one side.
Things were explained clearly enough now. Since the visitors weren't here for her, it would be better for Kitasan Black to handle the rest herself.
"Um, about that…"
"D-don't worry! Please don't take it too seriously, Kitasan-san!"
Before Kitasan could finish hesitantly, Musee Alien hurriedly approached, reaching toward the letter in Kitasan's hand.
Yet she stopped herself from grabbing it, her hand frozen awkwardly midair.
"In any case, Jun made too big a deal out of it. I… I… Let's just race normally in the St. Lite Kinen, Kitasan-san—"
"Ah, uh, yeah…"
With an embarrassed chuckle, Kitasan scratched her head sheepishly.
"Actually, I was thinking the same thing… If we're all running together anyway, there's probably no need for challenge letters, right?"
Musee Alien immediately brightened up.
"Yes, yes! That's exactly what I thought! Thank you so much for understanding, Kitasan-san! Then this letter…"
"Oh? You want it back?"
Pausing momentarily, Kitasan quickly smiled and offered the unopened letter back to her.
"Sure thing! Here you—oh, wait! I still don't know your name."
"It was Musee… um, Musee Song, right?"
Instantly, Musee Alien's reaching hand froze mid-motion. Her expression stiffened, and the rosy flush drained from her face, leaving her unusually pale.
Embarrassment and disappointment flashed through her eyes, followed by a subtle spark of frustration.
Nearby, Satono Crown froze briefly, then covered her forehead with one hand, unable to watch the scene unfold any further.
Jun Tsubasa stood equally stunned, eyes widening incredulously.
"Hey! How could you even—"
"It's fine! Let's… let's go, Jun…"
Raising her voice sharply, Musee Alien turned abruptly, quickly grabbing Jun's hand and practically dragging her toward the classroom door.
Kitasan Black stood frozen, feeling instinctively that she'd made a huge mistake—though exactly what, she couldn't quite figure out. She simply raised the letter in her hand, stammering helplessly:
"Th-then… what should I do with this…?"
One of the figures nearing the door froze, trembling ever so slightly.
After a prolonged silence, without turning around, Musee Alien finally spoke, her voice soft yet steady:
"Exactly as it says. In the St. Lite Kinen…"
"I challenge you, Kitasan-san… No."
"I challenge you, Kitasan Black."
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T/N: damn kitasan... not even knowing her name...also song was used since one of the chinese characters is actually song! in fact its uhh ribbon victory song!