Uma Musume: From Being Knocked Ten Meters Away

Chapter 543 Atmosphere
Northern Black Steed's gaze lingered on the screen of the Heavenly Emperor's Song phone for a long time.

Those news headlines seemed to carry a certain weight, pressing down on her heart little by little.

She recalled the digital version of "Flash" magazine she had been reading during this time, the television news she had glimpsed during training breaks, and the event posters plastered on the streets.

Almost everywhere you can find information, her name is inextricably linked with the "Autumn Three Crowns".

When she used to read these reports, she felt more excited and nervous, thinking that it was a recognition of her and an expectation that she needed to respond with victory.

But now that the Heavenly Emperor Song has pointed out the word "protagonist," she suddenly has a completely different feeling.

Those dense texts and images are no longer just simple attention; they are more like invisible starting lines.

The sharpness in Tian Di Song's eyes, the unspoken worry in Gao Shang Jun Yi's voice, even the seriousness beneath the calm tone in the video...

All of this is a reminder that this journey to win the "Autumn Triple Crown" is no longer a solo endeavor for her.

She felt as if she were standing in the center of a giant circular racetrack, with eager figures all around her.

Unwavering composure, agility under the clear blue sky, and the tenacity of a blessed man, not to mention the Emperor's newly acquainted challenger, Emperor Song, and his friend, Satomi Kaname, who also covets the Emperor's autumn viewing...

Behind every name lies the power to create a storm and the relentless effort to achieve it.

"So... everyone was watching."

Northern Black Horse unconsciously muttered to herself, and suddenly felt her throat go dry.

It's like the suffocating feeling you get when you're doing extreme training in a hypoxic chamber, but with a completely different kind of exhilaration.

That was the thrill of being targeted by countless strong competitors, the urgency of having to fight with all your might to avoid being overwhelmed.

"It's not just about staring."

Suddenly, the thunderous voice in the video spoke, her voice coming through the receiver with a clarity that seemed to transcend mountains and seas:

"Xiao Bei, you may not know this, but now not only Japan, but also many people in the overseas horse racing industry are paying attention to you."

Northern Black Steed suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with surprise: "Overseas...?"

"Ah."

The thunderous roar nodded:
"After the Arc de Triomphe performance, I heard a lot of discussion at the training center in France."

"They say that if Northern Black Horse can win the Autumn Triple Crown, it might become the most promising female racehorse in recent years to challenge for the 'world's number one' title."

“Some European sports commentators have already started analyzing your strengths and weaknesses compared to Yan Ji Ke Xun and Xia Xin.”

"The world's number one... horse girl?"

Xingmu opened her mouth wide in surprise, and the lobster claw in her hand fell back onto the plate with a "thud." Gao Shangjunyi also looked somewhat surprised.

The Heavenly Emperor Song adjusted his glasses, a meaningful smile playing on his lips:
"It seems you haven't realized your current importance."

"The Autumn Triple Crown is the pinnacle of honor in Japanese horse racing, and every female racehorse that can achieve this feat in its current stage will be measured on the world stage."

"You are now like a stone thrown into a lake, the ripples you create... have long since gone beyond the boundaries of Japan."

"Hmm, indeed... wait a minute."

Subconsciously echoing his friend's words, Gao Shangjunyi hesitated again, gently tugged at Tian Di Song's sleeve, and whispered:
"Xiao Song, don't make it sound so scary..."

"It's okay, I... I think I understand."

Somewhat rudely, Beibu Xuanju interrupted Gao Shangjunyi, his eyes meeting Tiandi Song's intently.

Throughout, she seemed to see those gazes scattered all over the world.

There are expectations, doubts, scrutiny, and a hidden desire for challenge.

Just like the sharp edge behind the elegance shown in the video, just like the domineering look in Yanji Kexun's eyes when watching the finish line at the Arc de Triomphe... Those strong people who were only seen in the news before now seem to have become opponents on the track, waiting to compete with them someday in the future.

"So this is ah."

Northern Black Horse took a deep breath, and what surged in his chest was no longer just simple pressure, but more of a fighting spirit that had been ignited.

She recalled Yasui Makoto's words, "Limits can always be broken," and the training plans that Alice Soko tirelessly adjusted in the laboratory, as well as the match videos she repeatedly studied on countless nights...

All that effort and perseverance has already been placed on a broader scale.

She clenched her fists, her crimson pupils shining brightly in the crystal chandelier.
"If everyone is watching, then I... can't afford to lose."

This statement, though simple, carries an undeniable firmness.

The hustle and bustle of the banquet hall seemed to fade away at that moment, leaving only the girl's clear declaration.

The Heavenly Emperor looked at the flame burning in her eyes, a hint of approval flashing in his own eyes:
"That's more like it."

"The feeling of being watched by the whole world is not something everyone can bear."

"but……"

She abruptly changed the subject, her tone becoming even more challenging:

"At the Emperor's Autumn Appreciation Ceremony, I will show you that the protagonist's position is never fixed."

The Northern Black Steed met the Heavenly Emperor's gaze without flinching, instead revealing a radiant smile.

That's the purest excitement that races horses experience when facing formidable opponents:
"Then I... am really looking forward to it."

"Let the racetrack decide who gets to be at the front!"

……

In the days that followed, Northern Black Horse continued to immerse itself in rigorous training.

Compared to before, in these last few days before the Emperor's autumn viewing, every time she stepped onto the track, she seemed to see those eyes from all over the world, burning with anticipation.

Under that hallucinatory gaze, she constantly challenged her limits, each breath and each step forward carrying a do-or-die determination.

As she trained intensively, she became increasingly aware of the changes in the external atmosphere.

Every time I go to the training ground, there are many female racehorses watching from outside.

The older female racehorse was holding a notebook, seemingly taking notes of her running posture.

The younger students held their phones, and the cameras followed her every move.

She was also followed by various discussions and exclamations.

"Look, it's Senior from the North! He's really fast!"

"I heard she's aiming for the Autumn Triple Crown this time. If she succeeds, she'll be the number one in the academy for the last few generations!"

“My dad is a sports reporter, and he says that all the news is reporting on the veterans from the north, even in foreign newspapers!”

During my lunch break, I went to the cafeteria for lunch. As soon as I got to the door, I saw a special report about the Emperor enjoying the autumn scenery on the TV screen.

The host, microphone in hand, stood beside the Tokyo Racecourse and said excitedly:

"With three days to go before the Emperor's Autumn Appreciation Tournament begins, the most anticipated event is undoubtedly the Northern Black Horse."

"Her training condition is excellent, and many predictions indicate that she is very likely to achieve another great result in this competition and take a solid step toward the triple crown in the fall."

(End of this chapter)