Even if Wada hadn't reminded T.M. Opera O, she would have known what to do.
From the moment she had suggested this race, T.M. Opera O had already prepared herself to face a highly aggressive El Condor Pasa who would treat this race as if it were really the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
However, what T.M. Opera O didn't expect was that El Condor Pasa was far more aggressive than she had imagined, directly deciding to put her body in detriment in order to open the distance in the middle stage of the race.
Perhaps it was because El Condor Pasa understood that unless she created a large enough lead, she would be crushed by T.M. Opera O's Final Spurt.
Thus, after carefully researching T.M. Opera O, El Condor Pasa must've decided that Meisho Doto's strategy during her only win over T.M. Opera O during the Mainichi Hai was her best bet.
It must also be said that for El Condor Pasa, who excelled at medium distances, 2400 meters was indeed the perfect distance for her.
If it were even 100 meters more, El Condor Pasa wouldn't even dare to consider using a Runaway tactic.
Unfortunately for her, despite taking advantage of everything she could, and planning everything to a tee, the Uma Musume she was facing was T.M. Opera O.
"T.M. Opera O is catching up! She's catching up to El Condor Pasa!!"
"Unveiling her Final Spurt once again, the Overlord's terrifying dominance remains unmatched by anyone!!"
"The distance is closing! She's closing in!!!! Will T.M. Opera O be able to overtake El Condor Pasa??!!"
"!!!"
Akasaka Misato's voice sounding in her ears, El Condor Pasa incredulously looked at the corner of her eyes.
At this moment, T.M. Opera O was barreling down the racetrack, steadily closing in on El Condor Pasa despite utilizing a running style that wasn't even suited for Japanese racecourses, making her feel a deep sense of powerlessness.
Was the gap between herself and truly powerful Uma Musume really that unbridgeable?
Could it be that she... truly just wasn't qualified to run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe? Was she really just a weakling who dreamed too high?
Despite T.M. Opera O not using Zone or Aura, despite her using a running style that was incompatible with Japanese racecourses, despite her being the one that consistently won during their practice sessions...
Now that the harsh reality had been laid bare before El Condor Pasa, she could only feel despair.
"Just a bit short... am I always a bit short?"
"—No, we were both a bit short, El Condor Pasa."
Just then, T.M. Opera O, who was now running parallel with El Condor Pasa, responded to her,
"I, the Overlord, couldn't have embarked on this expedition in the first place. And if it were the old me, even if this honour had truly fallen upon me, I wouldn't have succeeded, because I was just a bit short back then."
"It's just that now, by a miracle, I've managed to make up for the part I was lacking."
Saying this, T.M. Opera O turned to look at the soul inside El Condor Pasa's eyes.
"Now, let's finish this race without any regrets. You are a smart and powerful Uma Musume... so don't give up."
"If you're really that nice to willingly concede the victory of this race to me, I wouldn't have the heart to refuse!"
Following these words, T.M. Opera O continued her sprint, overtaking El Condor Pasa without hesitation.
Staring blankly at T.M. Opera O's slowly furthering figure, El Condor Pasa silently opened her mouth, before it transformed into a wide grin.
"—Don't even think about leaving me behind, T.M. Opera O!"
"I am El Condor Pasa!! The El Condor Pasa who will fly out into the world!!!"
However, despite her reignited heart, El Condor Pasa knew that her premature acceleration left her with no extra stamina to continue her sprint.
And just like that, the hysterical flame of obsession she had at the beginning to win even if she broke her legs was completely extinguished.
Slowly, the adrenaline started to fade away, the pressure in her legs finally registering in her mind, and El Condor Pasa's speed began to slow.
With it, the outcome of this race became clear to everyone.
"Looks like it's over."
As Hana Toujou said this, her face showed no disappointment; instead, she let out a sigh of relief.
Unconsciously, Hana Toujou looked at the sprinting T.M. Opera O and couldn't help but talk to Wada beside her.
"Although I don't know what T.M. Opera O said... thanks to her, it seems El Condor Pasa won't make such dangerous moves anymore."
"Yes... thanks to T.M. Opera O."
Sighing in relief as well, Wada nodded in affirmation.
He really didn't want to witness El Condor Pasa's downfall, especially considering he was the reason why her path to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was cut off.
Moreover, it would be a real shame if El Condor Pasa, the one Wada considered to be the strongest out of the 'Golden Generation,' were to have her career cut short now.
If their beloved Uma Musume achieved higher heights, but at the cost of other Uma Musume giving up or even abandoning their careers, neither Wada, Ikezoe, nor Imanami would have the heart to stomach it.
Thus, if they encountered a situation like this, not just Wada, but the two others would certainly try their best to prevent it the best they could.
"Hm? Trainer Wada, where are you going?"
"To meet El Condor Pasa, of course. She deserves an apology, don't you think?"
Turning and walking away, Wada talked with a wry smile on his face,
"Although there is a reason why Tracen's motto is 'Eclipse First, The Rest Nowhere,' it doesn't give me the right to be uncaring towards those I step on."
"Plus, I doubt I'd get a good night's rest if I don't put this off my chest now."
"Trainer, I- I'll go with you."
At that moment, Meisho Doto also came out and joined Wada's side.
"You haven't prepared an apology gift yet, right? I can help you get one now."
"Yes, that'll be great, thank you Doto."
With that, Wada and Meisho Doto walked their separate ways; yet, right then, Grass Wonder suddenly stood beside Hana Toujou with a smile.
"Indeed... Trainer Wada and T.M. Opera O really are quite similar."
"They're not bad people, that's for sure. It's just that when an Uma Musume who can truly dominate an era appears, the rest will be crushed as collateral."
Hana Toujou, as the Trainer of Symboli Rudolf, naturally understood T.M. Opera O and Wada.
Back in those days, the Emperor completely suppressed the Uma Musume of her generation, with even strong individuals like Mr. C.B. still defeated in the end; everyone had to acknowledge the Emperor's strength.
However, there could only be one winner in a race. Seeing the Uma Musume she wanted to bring up becoming disheartened and giving up, Symboli Rudolf did not feel good whatsoever.
This was also why Symboli Rudolf later halted her 'conquests,' ceded the stage, and became Tracen's Student Council President to fulfill her dream of protecting all Uma Musume.
It was because Hana Toujou understood, that she therefore appreciated Wada and T.M. Opera O's efforts even more.
They were certainly powerful, but they were also worthy of respect; not treating those below them with dismissal.
"...No wonder he has so many connections. That kid's a good one. I wonder who he'll get married to eventually."
"Trainer... why are you gossiping about such things?"
However, despite her unapproving remark, Grass Wonder had a rather mischievous smile on her face.
"But if I were to give my two cents, I think Doto-san might take it. People are overly underestimating her."
"Oh? Then how about we make a bet? I think T.M. Opera O will be the winner. If you lose, you'll make me breakfast for a month."
"No problem at all~"
Readily agreeing, Grass Wonder was clearly very confident in her judgment.
Meanwhile, the Aoba Sho had concluded safely, merely becoming another entry to both sides' records.
However, compared to the friendship and lesson they gained from this race, winning or losing was clearly no longer worth mentioning.
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El Condor Pasa: Are you T.M. Opera O because you're the strongest? Or are you the strongest because you are T.M. Opera O?
T.M. Opera O
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If you spot any errors, feel free to comment about it and I will fix it as soon as I can.