Uma Musume: From Being Knocked Ten Meters Away

Chapter 604 "Get rid of" them, don't hold back.
The cold wind at the end of December swept across the Zhongshan stadium, but it did nothing to dispel the burning excitement in the air.

As dawn broke, the area outside the stadium was already bustling with activity. Various banners and flags symbolizing different racehorse girls stood tall, resembling a swaying, colorful forest.

A huge Arima commemorative poster hangs from a high place, with the image of the Northern Genko sprinting and the eye-catching words "Autumn Sankan - Final Battle" constantly stimulating everyone's nerves.

In the morning, the sunlight dispelled the chill of dawn, illuminating the grassy track in a vibrant green.

The seventeen racehorses, dressed in various colorful racing outfits, made their entrance one by one in the main grandstand area, guided by the emcee.

Each time a name was called out, it drew thunderous cheers from the corresponding supporters in the stands.

"The Northern Black Steed! It's the Northern Black Steed!"

"Young Master Bei! Look this way!"

"Three championships in autumn! We must succeed!"

Beibu Xuanju stood in the most conspicuous position, wearing her black and gold victory outfit. Facing the flashing cameras and the roaring cheers, she calmly waved to the crowd.

Her gaze swept across the stands, and she could clearly feel the anticipation that was heavier and more intense than the Emperor's autumn viewing or the Japan Cup, weighing heavily on her shoulders while igniting a fire in her heart.

Not far from her, Hikari Satomi, dressed in an elegant light green dress, stood gracefully, her tone gentle yet her eyes sharp during the interview…

The golden-clad performer maintained a cool and aloof expression, while Wan Laizheng, as if attending a party, blew kisses in all directions, eliciting screams from the fans...

Gao Shangjunyi blushed slightly and tried his best to straighten his back...

Emperor Song calmly analyzed the track data while adjusting his glasses...

The thunderous roar swept away the usual vague bewilderment or "coldness," and it silently surveyed its surroundings...

Old rivals and new challengers gathered together, the air thick with silent sparks, each glance seeming to ignite a burst of energy.

During the brief group interview, reporters bombarded several key racehorse models with questions.

"Northern Black Horse rider, as the most popular player and carrying the hopes of taking the final step towards the Autumn Triple Crown, how are you feeling right now?"

"Satomi Kozumi, as this year's Chrysanthemum Sho Horse Girl, you will be facing off against Koki-senpai from the Year of the Horse. What are your strategies?"

"Golden Actress contestant, the vote count is very close this time. Do you think this is the best opportunity to surpass her?"

Each topic brought about a stir.

When it was Kita Genko's turn to answer, she faced the microphone, her tone calm and firm, her words concise and powerful, and the light in her eyes startled the reporters who had asked the questions:
"I will do my best to run my best race and repay everyone's support."

The presentation ended amidst even louder cheers.

The racehorses of the final race returned backstage and headed to their respective preparation rooms, temporarily shutting out the noise.

Time flowed slowly in the tense wait.

The excitement outside the venue never stopped.

Long lines formed at the ticket booths, limited-edition merchandise at the convenience store was sold out, and announcements of the first nine matches and the names of the final winners were broadcast over the loudspeaker.

Discussions about the "Autumn Triple Crown", "Destined Showdown", and "The Strongest Ancient Horse vs. The Strongest Classic" filled every corner.

The start time of Arima Kinen was displayed on a giant electronic screen:
3:25 PM, like a rapidly approaching countdown, pounded on everyone's heart.

In the afternoon, there was still some time before the tenth and final match began.

The atmosphere inside the private preparation room at Treson Academy was completely different from the bustling outside; it was a quiet, almost stagnant, focused stillness.

The heavy curtains were half-drawn, and the afternoon sun slanted in, casting long shadows on the polished floor, with dust particles floating in the air.

Northern Black Steed was still wearing his black and gold final battle outfit, doing his final stretches.

As Alice looked at the latest real-time data on the tablet, Yamato Akaki silently checked the connection of the heart rate monitoring device.

The second hand of the wall clock dutifully ticked away, one tick at a time.

The faint ticking sound was amplified in the silence, clearly foreshadowing the inevitable approach of the decisive battle. Then, Yasui Makoto closed the technical documents in his hand, which no longer needed to be looked at, breaking the silence.

His voice, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, echoed clearly in the preparation room, setting the tone for the final battle:
"...Regarding strategic thinking, this is what I think:"
"With the highest popularity, the final battle of the Autumn Triple Crown, and the last grass court G1 of the year, it is destined to attract all the attention and pressure..."

"More attention and pressure than ever before."

"This is no longer a stage where you can rely on clever tactics to get ahead. Any wishful thinking will be exposed on the Zhongshan field and become the key to being defeated by your opponents."

He paused, his gaze finally settling on the Northern Black Steed, his tone resolute:

"So this time, there are no complicated strategies or clever arrangements."

There is only one thing to do:

"A head-on collision."

"Use your most heroic and solid run to crush all challengers head-on."

"Any, note that I mean any."

"Any opponent who tries to provoke you, don't hold back, 'take them down'."

"Then, let everyone see who is the undisputed champion of this fall, this year's Shining Series."

These words carried undeniable weight and resounded with conviction.

Alice pushed up her glasses, her eyes gleaming behind the lenses:

"Wow... the purest showdown? Yasui, you're as bold as ever, or rather... insane?"

Yamato Akama crossed his arms, nodded slightly, and succinctly commented: "It feels like... there are certain risks, but it may also be the most efficient tactic."

Yasui Makoto did not immediately respond to his two companions' comments.

He simply watched the northern black horse quietly.

Looking at the unusual calm on her face, her crimson eyes no longer held the leaping restlessness of the past, but only the deep pool-like stability and restrained flame.

Suddenly, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a very faint but extremely gratified smile.

"As expected..."

He spoke softly, as if confirming something:
"You're ready."

"Huh?" Alice and Yamato Akaki were both taken aback, not understanding his sudden words.

Yasui Makoto looked at them and explained:
"If it were two or three weeks ago, with Xiao Bei in that state, I definitely wouldn't dare..."

"No, we never even considered using this strategy, but now..."

His gaze returned to the Northern Black Steed, filled with trust:

“I think you are fully ready.”

"Whether it's rich experience in matches, honed competitive skills, or current mindset, everything has been honed to its best."

"So I think that instead of having me design specific tactics to restrict you, it's better to keep it simple and, from a strategic perspective, give you a stage where you can fully unleash your potential and live up to all expectations."

"Of course, the basic procedures for exiting the gate, positioning, and cornering are still..."

He paused here, then gave a self-deprecating laugh:
"I've been rambling again... In short:"
"A head-on collision."

"If any opponent tries to interfere with you, take them down directly, don't hold back."

"Understand?"

He emphasized his words, looked at the Northern Black Steed, and nodded vigorously.

(End of this chapter)