Uma Musume: From Being Knocked Ten Meters Away

Chapter 523 The End of Imitation, the Beginning of Transcendence

On the track, two completely different yet equally dazzling lights are tearing through the air at an unprecedented speed.

The Northern Black Steed's lightning-fast figure was like a black streak, each stomp of the ground carrying a do-or-die determination;
The pink silhouette of Good Opera is like a grand finale, maintaining its unique rhythm even in its strides.

The two walked almost side by side, the grass billowing beneath their feet, forming two parallel green waves.

This sudden, unpredictable acceleration instantly captured all eyes and ears in the arena.

The cheers that were originally scattered in various places seemed to be gripped tightly by an invisible hand, and then suddenly released, for this sudden, almost crazy peak showdown.

"Whaaaaaah——!!"

"It's the Northern Black Horse! And a great opera veteran!"

"This speed...it's terrifying!"

"Are those two... going to have their showdown here?!"

The audience in the stands went wild, with many waving their arms and shouting until their voices were hoarse.

What was originally just a practice match overnight turned into a tense and exciting event comparable to a G1 tournament due to the outbursts and commotion caused by these two players.

Meanwhile, in the commentary booth, McQueen's grip on the microphone tightened slightly, his voice filled with undisguised amazement:

"Unbelievable! The Northern Black Horse driver only chose to accelerate after exiting the turn, and with such an aggressive acceleration!"
"By doing this... she almost abandoned her forte of long-distance rhythm control and instead competed with top opera singers in short-distance explosive power!"

She hadn't offered much commentary before, but now, before Megumi McQueen's words had even finished, the Great Shock beside her unusually frowned and said in a deep voice:
"This... is too risky."

"The 2000-meter race distance is not exactly the best for Northern Black Horse. The great opera predecessors had an unparalleled speed in the final stride over this distance. Northern Black Horse is using its weakness to attack the opponent's strength..."

"and……"

She paused, her gaze fixed on the figure on the track:

"Judging from her posture, at this speed... she probably can't hold on for long."

On the track, the other female racehorses that had just passed the bend were also shocked by this amazing momentum.

Forest Treasure Cave stared wide-eyed at the two figures disappearing into the distance, ignoring the gust of wind rushing into its mouth, muttering indistinctly:
"This girl... Northern Black Steed, right? Has she... gone mad?"

Right next to the forest treasure cave, Vodka vaguely heard the surprised sounds coming from there.

But she didn't respond; instead, she stared wide-eyed at the back of the Northern Black Steed ahead.

She was well aware of the Northern Black Steed's strength, but its running style at this moment was completely beyond her expectations.

Uncontrollably, the same bewilderment as that of the forest treasure cave arose in her mind:

"What...is Xiao Bei thinking?"

Not only them, but also the racehorse girls who were familiar with or knew the Northern Black Horse couldn't help but feel confused, anxious and puzzled by her unusual behavior.

Meanwhile, the Miqi Rocket, which was slightly behind, suddenly stopped its chaotic thoughts after its initial astonishment.

As she watched the unwavering yet resolute figure of the Northern Black Horse, and her relentless pursuit of a fine opera, a flash of lightning seemed to strike her mind.

"I don't think that Miki-chan can't surpass her predecessors just by imitating their methods."

"Doesn't every artist begin their artistic journey by learning from their predecessors, and doesn't they all stand on the shoulders of their predecessors to achieve amazing accomplishments?"

"We...we must follow in the footsteps of our predecessors, and then...surpass them."

I see……

So that's why Senior Xiao Bei ran like that...

Imitate...and then surpass...

That's right...

That's it……

This isn't imitation, you're a great opera pioneer...

This is the path I will take to surpass you!

In an instant, the fog in Miqi Rocket's heart suddenly dissipated.

The stiff, out-of-shape posture that had become due to the good opera seemed to be infused with soul at this moment.

She took a deep breath, and classic scenes from the opera competition flashed through her mind. Her body subconsciously adjusted her pace, breathing, and arm swing...

Every detail is exactly like that of the legendary racehorse girl in my memory, but with an added touch of her own steadfastness.

"Drink!" the Miqi Rocket shouted, its previously sluggish speed suddenly increasing.

Her outburst, though not as shocking as Northern Genko and Good Opera, still carried an unstoppable sharpness.

Like a cheetah freed from its reins, she suddenly felt an astonishing power erupt from her legs and her whole body, and she chased after the two figures in front of her!

Just then, the Northern Black Steed in front of them paused almost imperceptibly.

The aftereffects of the forced outburst began to appear; her breathing became somewhat heavy, her steps were no longer steady, and her posture became somewhat stiff.

Is it nearing its limit...?
She felt a pang of anxiety as she clearly noticed the change in her physical condition.

However, the next instant, when she caught a glimpse of a figure whizzing past her, she couldn't help but curl the corners of her mouth into a smile.

Did you finally feel it, Miki-chan...?

Watching the figure rush past him, the Northern Black Horse felt a sense of relief.

Yes, that's it...

Don't let a single comment from your seniors sway you...

Don't be confused by imitation...

Those day-to-day training sessions, those details studied repeatedly while watching videos, that rhythm etched into their very bones...

That's not just simple imitation; it's accumulation, learning, and the necessary path to pursue the light!

Since you've sensed it, then...

With a sense of relief and emotion, my gaze instantly shifted from the figure of the Miqi Rocket to the finish line. The Northern Black Horse was giving it its all, frantically squeezing out every last drop of energy from its body.

As a senior colleague, I cannot easily admit defeat!
……

Ultimately, the competition on the straight line remained fierce, but the focus had quietly shifted from Northern Genko and Good Opera to Leading Group ahead.

When the dust settled, the first to cross the finish line was Yamato Akaki, who had maintained a steady pace throughout, followed closely by Vodka, then Forest Treasure Cave, Manchester Tea House, and others.

Good Opera, Miki Rocket, and Northern Black Horse crossed the finish line in turn, falling behind.

Yamato Akachi, panting, turned around and looked at the three people slowly walking towards him. His gaze gradually focused on the Northern Black Horse, and his eyes were filled with emotion.

Also panting, Vodka noticed her gaze, wiped the sweat from his face, and said with a mixture of confusion and dissatisfaction:

"Hey, Yamato, what exactly did you teach Koto during this training camp? She was running like that just now, could it really be what you taught her?"

"What do you mean I taught you? You bastard..."

His wistful expression instantly turned to displeasure. Yamato Akaki glared at him, opened his mouth, then suddenly snorted, crossed his arms, and turned his head away.
"Forget it, there are some things that your blockhead can't possibly understand anyway, think what you want."

"Hey, what do you mean by 'whatever I think'? And who are you calling a blockhead?"

"...Alright, since you asked so sincerely, I'll reluctantly give you an explanation."

Ignoring Vodka's shout of "Who asked you?", Yamato Akaki looked at the northern Black Horse again and smiled:
"You shouldn't have forgotten what Xiao Bei and the opera senior said to each other at the beach that day."

"Of course I remember, afterwards we even split up to comfort them..."

Nodding in response, Vodka's eyes flickered:
"Could it be that you mean...?"

"You wouldn't admit it even if I called you a blockhead, and now you're only just realizing it?"

As was his habit, Yamato Akaki teased his friend, and Akaki smiled and nodded in agreement.
Yes, that's exactly what you think.

"Xiao Bei's behavior was simply an attempt to prove to the great opera seniors and to Mi Qi that everything she said that day was sincere."

"This little guy who used to learn how to exit the gate, lead the way, and take positions from us is now... truly a qualified senior."

"It seems...it really is."

After a moment's thought, Vodka turned his head, his gaze shifting back and forth between Northern Black Horse, Good Opera, and Miki Rocket:
"To be honest, I didn't even realize how fast time flies until you mentioned it."

"I always felt that she wasn't just following us to learn or anything. It seems like just yesterday, she was a little tagalong who was clinging to the emperor."

"A tagalong? If you describe Xiao Bei like that, I'll tell her."

"Hey, it was just an example, do you have to be so serious... But I guess it's up to you, anyway, with Xiao Bei's personality, she definitely won't care about this kind of thing."

"That's true... but I'll definitely tell her."

"Ugh, you're so boring..."

(End of this chapter)