On November 11th, the overseas Uma Musume participating in this year's Japan Cup arrived in Tokyo. Under the guidance of URA Association staff, they were escorted directly to the official guesthouse adjacent to Tokyo Racecourse.
"Honestly, I'd rather pay for my own hotel than stay here," FolkQueen complained as she dragged her suitcase down the corridor. "At least then I'd have some freedom. My vacation was forcibly postponed—if I can't rest properly in Japan, what's the point?"
Her Trainer, Miss Sullivan, responded lazily, unfazed. "Then go out and have fun. There's no curfew here. The URA isn't putting you under house arrest."
"…Tch."
FolkQueen fell silent. She knew full well that her complaints were nothing more than displaced resentment over her delayed vacation. There was no logic behind them—only emotion.
Sullivan seized the moment. "By the way, the Japan Cup's prize money is 100 million yen. One of the richest turf G1s in the world. If you win, FolkQueen, I won't take my share. It'll all be yours."
"Eh?" FolkQueen turned sharply, disbelief clear on her face. "Why? That's twenty million yen. That's not a small amount. Trainer, you still need to think about your own future, don't you?"
"That's true," Sullivan admitted, sticking out her tongue, "but you look like you're lacking motivation lately. Think of it as an incentive."
"Forget it. You should still take your share," FolkQueen muttered, pouting. "Even if this is my first time challenging 2400 meters—you know me."
She reached up, smoothing her silver-gray hair, then extended her right arm. Her open palm clenched into a fist, twisting slightly in the air.
"I'll bring us the victory."
————————
For Shuta An, the arrival of the overseas Uma Musume meant one thing—Berno Light's workload would increase again.
"I need Berno to go to Tokyo Racecourse every day," he said calmly. "Observe the overseas Uma Musume's training, and record their serious pursuit-cut sessions."
Berno Light had done similar work before. Shuta An trusted her completely—and as expected, she delivered.
Every two or three days, Berno Light returned from Tokyo Racecourse carrying a trove of footage and notes. The data poured steadily into Shuta An's hands, refining his understanding of the battlefield.
"It looks like my earlier judgment was accurate," Shuta An said, pointing at a training clip of Run to the Top. "They're still not fully adapted to Tokyo's turf."
"Strictly speaking," Oguri Cap added thoughtfully, "in terms of hardness, several West Coast American tracks aren't inferior to Tokyo. The real issue is the grass—Tokyo's turf is cut too short. Even after the species improvements, it's still difficult for European runners."
"That has nothing to do with us," Shuta An said with a grin. "When Oguri challenged the French Two Crowns, was she ever accustomed to those tracks?"
He shrugged lightly. "If not for the restrictions on local classics, I wouldn't have wanted Oguri to run there either."
Oguri Cap blinked. "So…Ann, are you planning to have me challenge America's Twinkle Series next year?"
"That's exactly what I mean," Shuta An admitted without hesitation. "The more I think about it, the less sense European races make. The suitable European G1 tracks just don't align well with your strengths. America's different—higher prize money, and you're already familiar with the track style."
"That's true," Oguri Cap nodded. "But shouldn't we focus on the present first?"
"Of course," Shuta An replied, smiling as he pulled her into an embrace and planted a light kiss on her cheek.
Bamboo Memory, meanwhile, wasn't discouraged by Shuta An's rejection. She had also received a message from Symboli Rudolf.
An overseas challenge…I'll be fine, she thought confidently.
Her Trainer, however, was furious.
"Bamboo Memory," Nase Hideto said sternly, "I believe you can defeat Oguri Cap. But her current objective is the Japan Cup. You shouldn't be causing trouble at a time like this."
He continued, voice heavy with restraint: "Fortunately, her Trainer is Shuta An. He has the influence to reject you outright without backlash. But if Oguri Cap had accepted your challenge and then failed to win the Japan Cup—losing her chance at consecutive victories—who do you think the media would blame?"
Bamboo Memory stiffened.
"Even if Oguri Cap defended you publicly, you'd still be crushed under pressure you never deserved. You know how overwhelming her popularity is. Even she can't fully control her fans."
As compensation, Nase Hideto personally escorted Bamboo Memory to apologize to Symboli Rudolf. Afterward, the man known as the "Magician" requested Shuta An's address, determined to apologize in person.
Three days before the Mile Championship, Nase Hideto arrived at Mejiro, souvenir in hand. The moment he saw Shuta An, he froze.
So young…He's about the same age as Fumino. I imagined someone far more mature.
Shuta An, already aware of his visit through Symboli Rudolf, led him into the living room and poured barley tea for both of them.
"I know why you're here," Shuta An said calmly.
"I'm truly sorry," Nase Hideto replied. He handed over the souvenir, then rose and bowed deeply. "Bamboo Memory acted recklessly. As her Trainer, the responsibility lies with me. And I'm grateful that you didn't make this matter public."
"There's no need to involve reporters in private affairs," Shuta An said with a gentle smile. "Please sit. My stance should already be clear through President Rudolf."
Nase Hideto nodded, then pressed carefully.
"About… next year's overseas challenge. What exactly do you mean?"
Shuta An's grin widened.
"The Breeders' Cup."
"…The Breeders' Cup?" Nase Hideto repeated softly.
"The Breeders' Cup Mile," Shuta An added. "Interested?"
Having studied abroad, Nase Hideto knew exactly what that meant. He fell silent for a moment, then nodded.
"I understand. I'll discuss it with Bamboo Memory."
With that, the two Trainers shifted naturally into a discussion of the Autumn Japan Twinkle Series G1—quiet, professional, and already looking toward the battles ahead.
Nase Hideto—having studied abroad—indeed left Shuta An with the impression of being markedly stronger than most Trainers at Central Tracen Academy.
With the courteous exception of Tojo Hana.
"If we have time in the future, we can talk more," Shuta An said with a smile as he personally saw Nase Hideto off. "Among the people I've met since coming to Japan, Mr. Nase is one of the few whose views align quite well with mine."
Having already exchanged Line IDs, Nase Hideto returned the smile and nodded. "Since Shuta-kun is interested, I will naturally seek Shuta-kun's thoughts more often."
Shuta An waved his hand lightly. "If anything, I'm the one who still has many questions about the Japanese industry that I'd like to ask Mr. Nase."
Only after watching Nase Hideto leave did Shuta An return to the living room and sink back into the sofa.
He picked up his phone, intending to casually browse the news. Recently, however, anything related to the Twinkle Series inevitably gravitated toward one topic—the Queen Elizabeth Cup, the final crown of the Triple Tiara Route.
"The top favorite isn't Oaks Queen Light Color, but Oka Sho winner Shadai Kagura…" Shuta An raised his eyebrows slightly in surprise.
Seeing that name reminded him of something else—tomorrow night, in the Dream World, he would also be riding in this very G1. The Racehorse entrusted to him, Cutting Edge, was likewise regarded highly by experts in the real world. And the owner behind her, needless to say, was the Shadai Race Horse Club.
"How interesting," Shuta An chuckled softly. "In the Dream World, Shadai Kagura doesn't belong to Shadai, but Cutting Edge does."
"I'll gather some more information today," he thought, "then watch the broadcast tomorrow and see what lessons I can apply in the Dream World."
By the afternoon of the next day, Oguri Cap and Berno Light temporarily put aside their own work and gathered in the living room. The three members of Team Sadalsuud sat together, prepared to watch the final Triple Tiara race of the year.
"Who do you think will win, Ann?" Berno Light asked first. "Even though Shadai Kagura is the biggest favorite, there are rumors that her leg isn't in good condition. Her Trainer wanted her to withdraw, but she insisted on racing anyway…fans seem really moved by that."
"It's true," Shuta An replied calmly. He had already confirmed the matter through Symboli Rudolf. He had even asked her to relay a message to Shadai Kagura—
Don't gamble with your racing career.
But clearly, the warning had gone unheeded.
"That's reckless," Oguri Cap frowned. "If her condition can't guarantee peak performance, how can she possibly shine on a G1 stage?"
"You're right," Shuta An said, then raised an eyebrow slightly. "But there are always Uma Musume who take chances."
He paused, then added meaningfully, "If we're being honest…weren't we the same last year?"
"Guh—" Oguri Cap stiffened, cheeks flushing faintly. "But I've already got my lesson…"
"Of course," Shuta An replied lightly. "If you hadn't been injured, your first race this year wouldn't have been the Japan Cup."
After that, he brought the topic back on track.
"As for who I'm backing," he said, "I'm actually quite optimistic about Cutting Edge. I think she has a lot of potential."
As his partner in the Dream World, Shuta An still held expectations for her—not necessarily to win this G1, but at least to fight her way into the top three.
"Then I'll support this one," Berno Light suddenly pointed at the screen. "Sand Peeres. Her name sounds impressive."
"But this isn't a dirt race," Oguri Cap retorted immediately. "And her past results weren't exactly outstanding. She'd only won twice, was crushed in major races, and only entered the Queen Elizabeth Cup through a lottery—Berno, you really picked a bold one to cheer for."
—
When the final results appeared on screen, both Shuta An and Oguri Cap fell silent.
"Sand Peeres! A shocking upset! She defeats all opponents by over a length and claims the final jewel of the Triple Tiara Route! This year's Queen Elizabeth Cup winner—Sand Peeres! Top favorite Shadai Kagura finishes last!"
As the commentator's excited voice echoed through the living room, Shuta An slowly frowned.
"What…just happened?" Oguri Cap murmured, unable to process it. "That performance…was it real?"
"Hmph!" Berno Light lifted her chin proudly. "I won this time!"
"No one was competing with you," Shuta An replied flatly, finally snapping back to himself.
"Cutting Edge placed thirteenth," Berno Light added after checking the detailed results. "A crushing defeat."
"Tsk…" The Young man clicked his tongue softly, pressure settling heavily on his shoulders.
In the Dream World, I have to make Cutting Edge finish at least in the top five, he told himself.
Without realizing it, he had already lowered his expectations.
—
That evening, Shuta An sent a Line message to Symboli Rudolf.
Shuta An:What caused Shadai Kagura to finish last?
Symboli Rudolf:Torn ligament.I just left the hospital. Poor child…she's probably crying under her covers.
"Tsk…" Shuta An exhaled quietly. He felt no satisfaction at having predicted the outcome correctly. "I actually hoped nothing would happen to her."
"How could nothing happen?" Symboli Rudolf replied helplessly. "According to the doctor, if she'd undergone a check-up beforehand, she never would've been allowed to race. Now…she'll most likely retire completely. The Dream Trophy Series is out of reach."
"So in other words…" Shuta An walked out into the garden, looked up at the night sky, and sent a voice message, "Shadai Kagura has lost her racing ability."
"Yes," Symboli Rudolf answered. "It's deeply regrettable."
"What will she do next?" Shuta An asked after a brief silence.
"She'll likely study under Sunday Silence, who's coming next year. The Academy will arrange a long-term position for her."
"That would be for the best," Shuta An replied after a moment.