As Kitasan Black guided Almond Eye on the practice field, Yasui Makoto encountered several familiar faces across campus—Air Groove among them.
Having frequently communicated over matters regarding Kitasan Black and Crushing Raise recently, Yasui found himself walking alongside Air Groove after their coincidental meeting.
Given Air Groove’s reputation, her appearance at the event naturally drew considerable attention.
Nearly every few steps they took, they were accosted by excited fans and reporters who seemingly sprang from nowhere.
These reporters, besides grilling Air Groove on the recent developments at Tracen Academy and Crushing Raise’s preparations, focused predominantly on next week’s Satsuki Sho.
Clearly seasoned in such situations, Air Groove handled each impromptu interview gracefully, effortlessly composed every time.
After silently observing yet another spontaneous interview conclude, Yasui couldn’t help but smile wryly as Air Groove rubbed her forehead, finally showing a hint of fatigue.
“It seems I’ve underestimated just how much excitement the Satsuki Sho generates… No, it’s more like you can’t really grasp the hype until you’re personally experiencing it.”
“To be honest, it surprised even me… Let’s head straight to the cafeteria; they restrict reporters from entering there.”
Massaging her temples, Air Groove lowered her voice, warily scanning the surroundings as she gave a resigned smile.
“When I was actively racing, or even later as student council vice-president, we didn’t have so many pre-event activities… or rather, they were fewer back then and have only grown in recent years.”
“The popularity of races has skyrocketed, especially events like the Classic Triple Crown.”
“This year, tickets for the Satsuki Sho sold out within five minutes, and sponsors even raised the price for advertising spots by 30 percent on short notice.”
“After accompanying Crushing Raise here, I’ll have to head back to the university division to handle some related matters.”
“You’ve really got it tough,” Yasui nodded, filled with genuine respect and gratitude.
Every Uma Musume wholeheartedly loved running. Regardless of whether they shone brightest on the track or behind the scenes, each contributed passionately to the Twinkle Series within their capabilities.
Air Groove was undoubtedly one of these dedicated Uma Musume.
Chatting idly, the pair evaded the crowd to reach the cafeteria. After lunch, it was about time for the afternoon event.
The race was evidently well-prepared. Although the participants were mere children, the proceedings subtly mirrored a genuine competition.
After guests and parents were guided into their seats, the broadcast even included an introduction segment akin to a proper paddock presentation.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the special event ‘Mini Satsuki Sho.’ As you can see, after a morning of careful preparations, our future stars have stepped into the spotlight.”
“First entering is contestant number 6, Shining Starlight!”
Amid joyful cheers, a young Uma Musume made her entry, confidently assuming her role as though she were already on the main stage.
With impressive composure, the girl strode to the center, swinging her jet-black twintails before dramatically removing her jacket in perfect imitation of her senior competitors.
The crowd’s cheers and applause grew even louder.
Amidst the excitement, Yasui pondered who could be coaching this child, when Air Groove’s approving voice reached him.
“Hm… Starlight has a much better temperament than Crushing Raise. And here I was worried she’d become nervous under her guidance.”
“Oh?” Yasui blinked, interest piqued. “So, this child is connected to you, Air Groove-senpai?”
“Her mother is a junior colleague of my own mother’s,” Air Groove confirmed, clapping gently, a hint of pride visible in her expression.
Understanding dawned upon Yasui as the announcer echoed Air Groove’s words, mentioning Crushing Raise as the trainer responsible for Shining Starlight.
The announcement of Crushing Raise’s name stirred an even greater roar from the audience.
Yasui wasn’t surprised. URA Association had already publicly shared much about the upcoming Satsuki Sho, including popularity rankings. Crushing Raise’s fanbase currently placed her third overall.
Even putting aside next week’s main event, today’s spectators likely included many drawn here specifically by her name.
Above Crushing Raise in popularity were Satono Crown and Indomitable Steel.
Yet, following Starlight’s appearance, the next child introduced was coached by neither of these two.
So, were contestants not presented by popularity but randomly selected instead?
While contemplating this, Yasui applauded alongside the audience, searching subtly for his own Uma Musume among the spectators.
Kitasan Black was officially attending today’s event as a “trainer” and had a special viewing area near the front.
Yet, before Yasui could spot that familiar figure, the announcer’s next words sharply caught his attention.
“And next up, contestant number 12—Almond Eye!”
…
…Huh?
A coincidence of names? Or…
Is this really THAT Almond Eye…?!
Yasui Makoto’s thoughts briefly scrambled.
In another timeline, his knowledge of horse racing had been limited, growing even hazier the further back he went.
Take Kitasan Black, for instance—his recall mainly centered on major victories and anecdotes, some remembered only after personally coaching her.
Conversely, the further forward the timeline moved, the clearer his knowledge became.
Almond Eye was precisely one of those figures.
This was the only racehorse in Japanese history to achieve the unprecedented feat of “9 G1” victories—a fact that made her impossible to ignore.
Months ago, after repeatedly failing to secure a trainee among age-appropriate Uma Musume, he’d even briefly considered heeding other trainers’ advice to first work as an assistant, building experience, before seeking out those promising young Uma Musume that left a deeper impression—Almond Eye had crossed his mind then.
Yet after his accidental collision with Kitasan Black and their unexpected contract, those thoughts had vanished.
Knowing an Uma Musume had remarkable talent was one thing; having the capacity to nurture it was entirely another.
Right now, rather than fantasizing about distant prospects, his focus remained firmly fixed on Kitasan’s training.
Yet, suddenly hearing that familiar name now, Yasui found himself unable to suppress the urge to dash over to the paddock, to see if that little girl with chestnut hair really was the Almond Eye from his memories.
But alongside curiosity came confusion.
If this was indeed Almond Eye, how on earth did Kitasan come to know her?
From his recollections, the two hadn’t seemed particularly connected in the parallel timeline…
Before Yasui could ponder further, Air Groove’s puzzled voice interrupted his thoughts.
“Eh? Lord Kanaloa’s junior… Why would she want to join an event like this…?”
It really is THAT Almond Eye!
Turning instinctively towards the confused Air Groove, Yasui’s certainty solidified in an instant.
He clearly remembered Almond Eye’s sire being none other than Lord Kanaloa, known famously as the “King of Short-Distance Racing.”
In this world of Uma Musume, of course, it was exactly the senior-junior relationship Air Groove had just described.
Suddenly, Yasui regretted not bringing binoculars—or even a drone—to better observe Almond Eye’s race today.
Yet soon he regained composure.
Even if the Uma Musume who’d just left the paddock truly was Almond Eye, his primary responsibility remained Kitasan Black.
If he wanted to learn more, he could simply wait until after the event.
—
This is a fan translation of 赛马娘：从被撞飞十米开始 by 百升飞上天 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!
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