Aldan's Expectations

If Oguri Cap had been given that chance, her record would have shone even brighter. But there was no changing the past.

Oguri Cap really is remarkable.

If she had not seen it with her own eyes, who would have guessed that this sweet, innocent girl—adorably blank-faced, cool on the outside but warm within—was a monster in her own right?

Aldan watched Oguri Cap in silence, as though she meant to memorize every movement and every line she took.

But every Uma Musume had her own way of running. Aldan had no intention of copying her.

Life was like a race. Only by finding your own path could you charge toward the finish line.

Whether you won, and when you crossed that line, came down to understanding and effort.

And what about that crucial bit of luck?

Luck was an opportunity handed down by heaven. A runner's job was to prepare through hard work, then catch that opportunity in the net she had woven.

A runner who put in no effort did not deserve to seize an opportunity—or cross the line ahead of anyone else!

Aldan adjusted her pace and stayed close behind Oguri Cap. She paid no mind even when the dust Oguri kicked up stained her red-and-white tracksuit.

If an important race left even her splendid Victory Outfit caked in mud, so be it.

Come to think of it, we're both unlucky girls in a way.

Aldan gazed at Oguri Cap's back and pondered.

One Uma Musume had the ability, but bad luck had kept her out of the Classic Race.

The other had been even less fortunate. She had talent, but the frail body she had been born with made even her debut a challenge.

They were both unlucky Uma Musume, destined by their misfortune to carry