A Special Song

"Mhm, that's what the Trainer said from the beginning."

Nodding, Hokubu Genkoma became a little embarrassed.

"My training results weren't that great, so even though I won my debut race, I didn't have that many fans yet.

"I was secretly worried about it and even told Hikari-chan that I was afraid the Trainer was too busy to bother him.

"But it turns out the Trainer had already thought of this and even wrote a song for me.

"With such an amazing song, once it's done and posted on the race account, I'll have enough fans for the next race!"

The Satono sisters both nodded. Rizumu Hikari pondered, "It sounds like this song will need music and things. Xiao Bei and the Trainer are training usually, so won't there be enough time?"

"Mhm, so I was thinking of asking Grandpa and the others to help," Hokubu Genkoma nodded.

"Is that so...?"

Rizumu Hikari said in surprise, "But didn't Xiao Bei say before that your grandfather and the others wouldn't interfere with your affairs at the Academy?"

"Yes, and Emperor-senpai specifically reminded me of that."

Hokubu Genkoma scratched her cheek.

"My family is different from Crown-chan and Hikari-chan's families.

"My family has never really been involved in racing. While we're well-known in the music industry, those two things are completely unrelated.

"If Grandpa and the others came to support me, their apprentices, students, friends, and fans would definitely come to pay attention to me, whether they watched the races or not.

"Would that be something I earned through racing, or something I gained because of Grandpa and the others?

"So, only some of the older members of my family know about my debut; others probably don't know yet.

"But I'll definitely let them know through my races from now on!"

The Satono sisters unconsciously exchanged glances, seeing a mix of strangeness and admiration in each other's eyes.

They had discovered a long time ago that Hokubu Genkoma had only a vague understanding of her family's reputation and status in the music industry.

Putting aside everything else, her grandfather alone held a position in the industry that couldn't simply be described as 'well-known.'

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that whatever that person said defined Japanese music, the entire industry's textbooks would have to be written according to his definition.

Yet, in Hokubu Genkoma's words, her grandfather "merely" sang very well and had many student friends and fans.

At the same time, this friend had never considered leveraging her family's influence.

If she had, her current fan count wouldn't necessarily be first among active racers, but it would definitely be very high.

This determination to rely entirely on her own strength was indeed worthy of admiration.

"But this song is different."

While the Satono sisters exchanged glances, Hokubu Genkoma continued, "This was written for me by the Trainer, and it's to help me gain enough fans to participate in races.

"The Trainer told me that the fans gained this way are limited, and the association won't recognize them if they exceed a certain amount.

"But that's okay; it'll be enough for me to participate in the conditions race next month.

"I don't think there will be any problem with this.

"Grandpa and the others will definitely be happy to help; they've wanted to do something for me for a long time, but I just never agreed."

Hearing Hokubu Genkoma mention the race, Rizumu Hikari's eyes showed anticipation and envy, while Satono Crown let out a bright laugh.

"With this song, Xiao Bei, your appearance in the next race is definitely secured.

"I saw your race schedule; after the conditions race next month comes the Spring Stakes, and then the Satsuki Sho.

"It looks like we'll meet at the first leg of the Triple Crown, Xiao Bei."

Rizumu Hikari blinked, hesitating for a moment whether to say something to soften her sister's challenging tone.

Hokubu Genkoma also paused, then walked back to the stage.

Picking up the two microphones on the stage, she held one in her hand and extended the other to Satono Crown.

"Xiao Bei, what are you...?"

Not only Satono Crown but also Rizumu Hikari didn't understand what Hokubu Genkoma was trying to do.

"Winning the Soul, Crown-chan has definitely practiced it, right?"

"Winning the Soul..."

Rizumu Hikari still hadn't understood, but Satono Crown smiled confidently.

Walking towards Hokubu Genkoma, Satono Crown took the microphone.

"Of course, I've practiced it! I will definitely sing this song on the Winner's Stage three times this year!"

Without yielding, Hokubu Genkoma immediately said, "I will too, and I'll be standing in the very center!"

"That's not necessarily true, Xiao Bei. The one standing in the middle will be me!"

"Then let's wait and see, Crown-chan!"

"Of course!"

As they exchanged words, the two Uma Musume looked at each other without flinching.

Finally, with unspoken agreement, they both looked towards Rizumu Hikari.

"Then, Rizumu-chan/little sister, could you please pick this song for us!"

Nodding silently, Rizumu Hikari searched the karaoke machine for the song her friend and older sister had mentioned.

Winning the Soul. This song was special.

The URA Association directly managed a total of 10 central-level racecourses, with 104 race days per year. Each race day had about 12 races, and each race had a corresponding performance on the Winner's Stage that evening.

If you included local races, the number of performances would more than double.

And out of tens of thousands of performances every year, Winning the Soul would only be played 3 times.

This song was exclusive to the Satsuki Sho, Japanese Derby, and Kikuka Sho. It was the dedicated Winner's Stage theme for the Triple Crown, and only Uma Musume who stood at the pinnacle of their generation were qualified to perform it.

The one standing in the very center, the "C position," was undoubtedly the Uma Musume who had won the Triple Crown.

Rizumu Hikari had actually practiced this song before, so as the passionate and rousing intro began, she couldn't help but hum along with the two Uma Musume on stage.

At the same time, she secretly envied them in her heart.

It's so nice, Older Sister and Xiao Bei...

But it's okay. Next year, I'll be like them too...

I'll challenge the Triple Crown just like them...

An hour later.

"Hee yah! Singing really is so exhilarating!"

Emerging from the KTV, Hokubu Genkoma exclaimed enthusiastically, "Thanks for coming to sing with me, Crown-chan and Rizumu-chan!"

"There's no need to thank us... Well then, Rizumu and I will head back. See you on Monday... Huh?"

Waving a casual hand, Satono Crown's eyes shifted as she looked behind Hokubu Genkoma.

"That figure... it looks like Vodka-senpai?"

Hokubu Genkoma and Rizumu Hikari also looked over.

Seeing the back of an Uma Musume with short black hair, Rizumu Hikari nodded after observing for a moment.

"It is... Is Vodka-senpai also out shopping here today?"

"Maybe the university department isn't busy today."

Making a guess, Satono Crown looked at Hokubu Genkoma.

"So, Xiao Bei, shall we... Xiao Bei, is there something you need from Vodka-senpai?"

"Ah... Ah? Ah, no..."

Retracting her gaze, Hokubu Genkoma was momentarily stunned before unconsciously looking back again.

Beside the Uma Musume with short black hair was also the back of another Uma Musume.

However, it wasn't black hair, but rather long, slightly gradient brown hair.

"...It's nothing."

Retracting her gaze once more, Hokubu Genkoma smiled and waved to the Satono sisters.

"I'm heading back to the dorm then. See you Monday, Crown-chan, Rizumu-chan!"