Sakura Baimu spent the entire day in a daze.
That morning, the video Maruzensky showed her of her old Winning Live performance kept replaying in her mind, impossible to shake off.
When Sakura Baimu was dancing on stage, she was fine, surrounded by a group of Umamusumes dancing along, and didn't feel awkward.
But not having sung and danced for so long, coupled with watching the video of herself dancing from that time from a third-person perspective, it felt incredibly shameful.
Every time Sakura Baimu thought about that video, she felt so ashamed she wanted to tear her hair out.
Her unusual behavior naturally caught the attention of her Umamusumes.
"What's wrong with Trainer-san today? She seems a bit distracted."
"She's probably having another episode."
"Falco doesn't know either..."
"Onee-sama..."
The Umamusumes discussed for a while, speculating many things, but given Sakura Baimu's unpredictable behavior, they were still unsure about her situation.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Team Rigil...
Maruzensky was in an exceptionally good mood all day.
Although she mostly wore a smiling, kind, and gentle older-sister demeanor, everyone could see that Maruzensky was noticeably happier than usual today.
"Maruzensky, what's wrong today? Did something good happen?"
Mr. CB walked over to Maruzensky, who was rubbing her cheek, surrounded by what seemed like floating red flowers, and asked curiously.
"Yeah, I found something finally a bit of fun in this boring school life!" Maruzensky said with a smile.
Seeing Maruzensky in such a good mood, Grass Wonder and Condor's eyes lit up. They rushed to her side.
"Maruzensky-senpai, please do some sprint training with me!"
They spoke in unison.
"I was here first!"
"I was here first!"
"One at a time, it's fine." Maruzensky smiled as she watched her two juniors eager to run alongside her, interrupting their argument.
Condor and Grass Wonder exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.
It seems Maruzensky was truly in a very good mood today.
--
That evening, Sakura Baimu, still dressed in the same athletic shorts and short-sleeved hoodie, arrived at the Tracen Academy track and met Maruzensky, who was already waiting.
"Finally here, Sakura-san~"
Maruzensky greeted her casually with a smile, looking at the hooded Sakura Baimu.
"Hmm..."
"Don't be so quiet. You were quite lively when you were a trainer; why are you so quiet now that you're back to your usual self~?"
"Who knows if anyone's eavesdropping."
"Running with a hood must be uncomfortable, right? Why don't you take it off? Speaking of which, I don't think I've ever seen your real face, Sakura-san~"
"I'll tell you after you win."
Sakura Baimu sighed, tossed her backpack onto the grass, and began doing some simple pre-race stretches.
Unexpectedly, the next moment, Maruzensky's face appeared before her.
"Oh, you really do look better with long hair! You give off a completely different vibe with long hair compared to when you had short hair. You seem so much more gentle and sweet So cute"
"After all, I don't have to compete anymore, so there's no need to keep my hair short."
"So, you kept your hair short before for the competition?" Maruzensky asked, somewhat surprised.
"Yes, I wanted to minimize the impact of external factors on the competition."
"Sakura-san is really hardworking~" Maruzensky spoke, then started admiring herself again.
Sakura Baimu was speechless again.
"Maruzen-san, can you stop talking like a mother hen? Your character is repeating a certain someone!"
"Did I sound like a mother hen just now?" Maruzensky seemed quite taken aback.
"..."
After a moment of speechlessness, Sakura Baimu looked up at Maruzensky.
"How many distances should we race?"
"It's fine for you to choose the distance, Sakura-san~"
"How about Maruzen-san?"
"Then let's stick with the Japan Cup distance." Maruzensky said, walking towards the starting line for the 2400 meter turf.
"Actually, I'd really like to race you in the 3200 meter long distance, Sakura-san. Your stamina is a huge advantage, Sakura-san~"
"Then 3200 meter is fine too, I'm okay with it."
"Never mind, the academy's track is a replica of the Tokyo Racecourse. If we're talking about the distance of the Spring Tenno Sho, it's better to race at the Kyoto Racecourse."
"Then I guess there's no chance." Sakura Baimu chuckled.
Both of them stood at the starting line, ready to start.
Maruzensky turned to look at Sakura Baimu beside her and noticed that Sakura Baimu's expression wasn't the same reluctance she had shown when she refused her invitation.
On the contrary, Sakura Baimu's face also held an expression of excitement and anticipation.
Maruzensky was all too familiar with this expression.
It was etched into the soul of every Umamusume.
Anticipation for the match, and a thirst for victory.
Except for Gold Ship, of course.
That Umamusume was from outer space, not from Earth.
"Sakura-san seems to be looking forward to it too That puts my mind at ease. I was worried that Sakura-san would be reluctant" Maruzensky chuckled softly.
"Who wouldn't be excited to race Hotrod? Who wouldn't be thrilled?"
Sakura Baimu smiled at Maruzensky. "It's been such a long time since I've raced anyone. I didn't expect so many races to come with Pluto Academy. Of course I'm happy."
"If Miss Sakura wants to race, I'm always ready!" Maruzensky exclaimed excitedly.
"Never mind then. It's been fine in the last two years; I'd better keep a low profile."
"Why are you like this—?"
Sakura Baimu took out a coin and flicked it into the air.
She licked her lips slightly, her heart already brimming with excitement.
Since her identity was revealed, challenges from strong opponents came one after another.
Sakura Baimu truly hadn't expected that after Obey Your Master, she would immediately face a challenge from Hotrod.
A challenge from an Umamusume whose skill was at the pinnacle of Tracen Academy and even the entire Japanese racing world.
"Miss Sakura, let's see how many more surprises you have in store for me!"
Maruzensky thought excitedly, also assuming a starting stance.