Uma Musume: From Being Knocked Ten Meters Away

Chapter 450 The competition isn't just about the two of you.

As the Northern Black Horse was lost in thought, its head sang thunderously as it looked back at the television screen, its peripheral vision lingering on this friend, who was also its rival.

It seems like around this time last year, or even earlier, she wouldn't have cared about racehorses other than herself like she does now.

Or rather, she doesn't even care about herself.

All she cares about is the goal of "becoming the strongest racehorse girl".

However, perhaps it was because she met Genkobuki, who had a completely different personality and goals, or perhaps it was because of her experiences since her debut, that she has unknowingly changed her mind.

After meeting Northern Xuanju, she discovered that besides being the "strongest," there were many other interesting and worthwhile things to strive for.

Her experiences so far, especially the injury she sustained during last year's training camp and the defeat in this year's expedition to Dubai, have made her realize that a single thought is far from enough to make her the "strongest".

All these changes, combined with the catalyst of the previous intensive training match, gradually gave her a clearer and more defined goal.

"Xiaobei, you..."

Looking at the already started match on the TV screen, she abruptly turned to Beifang Xuanju and asked, "Don't you have any intention of going to the Arc de Triomphe to receive the prize?"

While watching the match on the screen, comparing the players' strategies with his own, Beifang Xuanju subconsciously looked over and asked:

"Huh? What are you thinking... the Arc de Triomphe Award? Why... why are you suddenly bringing this up?"

"because……"

Staring blankly at the northern black steed, its neigh thundered as it quietly clenched its fist.

"I've realized that, even before titles like 'strongest,' I... still really want to compete against you."

"Huh? This..."

Completely bewildered by the sudden outburst of thunderous roar, the Northern Black Steed was utterly dumbfounded:

"Even if you say that, Narumi-chan, my tournament schedule for the second half of the year is pretty much set. I'll definitely be participating in the Japan Cup, and then I'll want to compete in Europe..."

"That's it."

After interrupting quite rudely, Ming Shengleidong said earnestly:

"If I win this Takarazuka Memorial, then we'll go to the Arc de Triomphe together."

"If you win, it's unlikely I'll be able to go to Europe even if I want to, so let's participate in the Japan Cup together."

"is that OK?"

Northern Black Horse didn't know what Thunderous Roar was thinking, but faced with such a challenging declaration, she instinctively didn't want to admit defeat.

At the same time, she also recalled whether in Tokyo or Takarazuka, whether it was the Thunderous Roar, the Satomi Crown, the Takasho Junichi, or the Sunny Sky, the Lone Wolf of Toho, or the Clever Labyrinth.

They are both friends and rivals, and they are training with all their might. Especially after I went out to rest and play a few times, I heard that they were still sweating on the training field when I came back.

Thinking of all this, the fighting spirit in the Northern Black Horse's heart instantly burned fiercely.

She took a deep breath, met the thunderous gaze with unwavering determination, and nodded vigorously:
"Okay! It's settled then!"
"But whether it's the Takarazuka Memorial or the matches to come, I will give it my all and I will definitely not lose to you!"

Although the agreement came somewhat abruptly, once the words were spoken, the Northern Black Horse immediately lost interest in watching the race.

She originally wanted to spend more time preparing before the competition, but now, ignoring the unexpected roar of the bell, she said she was going back to the preparation room and left with Almond.

Back in the corridor of the preparation room, Kita Genko had just calmed down his emotions caused by the promise when he saw Satomi Kou and Takasho Junichi talking not far away.

The two must have just come from the display area; fine water droplets still clung to their foreheads, and their hair was somewhat disheveled, as if they had been caught in the rain outside and then ran over in a rather disheveled state.

Further along, the female racehorses that had gone to the final race of the day had mostly arrived at the preparation area, all looking disheveled and soaked from the rain. "Huh? Little North..."

While they were whispering something to Gao Shangjunyi, Satomi Takashi glanced over and beckoned, saying:

"How did you get here from over there? Were you stopped by reporters?"

Following Satomi's gaze, Takasaka Junyi paused, a flicker of anxious anticipation crossing her eyes. She lowered her head, pulled down her hat brim, and whispered:
"Hello, Xiao Bei, and... Ming Sheng."

Just as he was about to greet them, upon hearing Gao Shangjunyi's words, Beibu Xuanju unconsciously looked back and realized that Mingsheng Leidong had followed them, probably because he and Xingmu had left the rest area.

"Hello."

Walking towards the Northern Black Steed, she greeted it briefly with a thunderous neigh. Seeing the questioning look in Satomi Crown's eyes, she thought for a moment, then pointed to the Northern Black Steed and said:
“We arrived a little earlier, and the trainers were all stopped, so we took the opportunity to wander around and chat.”

"...and they even had the leisure to stroll around and chat..."

Satomi Takako was momentarily speechless, but then a fighting spirit gradually appeared in his eyes:

"But the fact that you can be so relaxed means... you're determined to win this Takarazuka memorial?"

Startled, Northern Black Steed and Thunderous Roar exchanged a glance. Before Northern Black Steed could speak, Thunderous Roar shook his head and said in a deep voice:
"Determined to win... I don't know."

"I just made a promise with Xiaobei that if I win this time, she will come with me to the Arc de Triomphe."

"On the contrary, if she wins, I will go to the Japan Cup with her."

As they talked, they noticed that the expressions of Satomi Crown and Takashiro Junichi had become somewhat strange. Thinking he hadn't explained clearly enough, Raying thought for a moment and added:
"My family has set a goal for me to receive the Arc de Triomphe, and I have been working hard towards that goal."

"But I increasingly feel that, more than this goal, I... would like to compete with Xiao Bei."

Without prior arrangement, both Satomi Kou and Takasaka Junyi, still wearing strange expressions, looked towards the northern Black Horse.

A moment later, Gao Shangjunyi pursed his lips, his fair cheeks gradually flushing with excitement, while Satomi Kouha raised his head slightly and took a deep breath:

"So, the purpose of the cry... was indeed Xiao Bei as well."

Then, she looked to the side:

"Although I haven't had a chance to ask yet, Gao Shang, your idea is probably... to beat Xiao Bei?"

These words stunned the other female racehorses, especially Northern Black Horse, whose expression immediately turned to surprise and uncertainty.

Her gaze lingered on everyone for a moment, then she couldn't help but point to herself, saying with great surprise:
"Me? Why me? I mean... why is it always me?"

"Is that even a question...?"

Having remained silent until now, as if finally unable to hold it in any longer, Gao Shangjunyi pulled down his hat brim, turned his face away, revealing the bulging veins on his neck, and said forcefully:

"Of course it's because Xiao Bei... you're really strong..."

"I think it's not just us, even many seniors... probably consider you their strongest rival..."

"So, so...but!"

Suddenly, she raised her voice and stared straight at him:

Even if you made a promise... but...

"This match... isn't just about the two of you!"
"I...I won't let you, I won't let you win this Takarazuka Memorial so easily!"
"Especially you, Xiao Bei, this time... I'm determined to beat you!"

(End of this chapter)