August.
The peak of summer.
Heavy heat lingered across the highways of Kanagawa.
Even the air itself felt slow and heavy beneath the afternoon sun.
Above Hakone—
The skies were almost perfectly clear.
No signs of incoming rain.
No dark clouds.
No wind.
Nothing.
Only endless blue stretching across the horizon.
Leaves rustled endlessly along roadside barriers and guardrails as warm mountain air rolled through the roads.
The scent of damp asphalt mixed with forest air filled the region once again.
Heat waves shimmered above the roads.
The mountain looked calm.
Peaceful.
But anyone familiar with Hakone knew better.
Because despite it being August—
Came the return of one of Japan's most anticipated automotive events.
The Hakone Turnpike Uphill Time Trial.
For another year, a designated section of the famous Hakone Pass had been fully closed under special authorization.
The course began just beyond the toll gate at the Anest Iwata Turnpike Hakone Road.
Then climbed.
And climbed.
And climbed.
Stretching relentlessly uphill toward the Sky Lounge near the summit.
A brutal uphill course.
Fast.
Technical.
Unforgiving.
And unlike a racing circuit—
There were no wide gravel traps.
No massive runoff areas.
No forgiving asphalt escape roads.
Beyond the few emergency escape zones scattered throughout the course—
There was only steel barrier.
Guardrail.
Trees.
And mountain.
It was one of the very few events in Japan where tuners, privateers, manufacturers, racing teams, and underground legends alike were given a chance to unleash their machines on a public mountain road—
Completely legally.
The popularity of the event had exploded after last year's broadcast.
This year—
The turnout had nearly doubled.
Spectator parking areas were overflowing.
Cars packed every available space.
People stood under portable tents carrying cameras and drinks while others sat on folding chairs waiting for their favorite drivers.
Crowds lined designated viewing areas behind steel barriers and fencing.
Camera crews constantly moved between checkpoints.
Photographers crouched low beside protected zones with massive telephoto lenses.
Broadcast helicopters circled high overhead.
Drones flew through the skies, following cars screaming through the mountain roads below.
Massive LED timing boards displayed live sector splits in real time.
Driver names.
Vehicle information.
Gap times.
Current rankings.
Everything updated instantly.
The entire event was being livestreamed nationwide.
Social media platforms.
Major automotive channels.
YouTube livestreams.
Television networks had returned as well—
Drawn by the massive audience generated the year prior.
Commentators shouted over roaring engines.
Reporters rushed between paddock areas.
Interview crews followed teams and drivers through the crowd.
The sound throughout Hakone was deafening.
Rotaries shrieked against mountain walls.
Turbocharged inline-sixes howled violently through anti-lag systems.
V8 engines thundered.
Flat-six engines screamed.
Naturally aspirated engines sang at redline.
One after another—
Cars launched violently from the starting line.
Tyres chirped.
Exhausts barked.
Turbochargers screamed.
Every machine here had arrived prepared for battle.
Marshals stood stationed at every major technical section wearing bright orange safety suits.
Radio operators constantly relayed updates between sectors.
Corner stations remained on standby.
Emergency crews waited nearby.
At several downhill runoff areas—
Massive sand pits had been prepared.
Specifically designed to stop cars if brakes failed during the relentless climb.
Ambulances sat quietly nearby.
Engines idling.
Fire crews stood beside fully equipped rescue trucks.
No one underestimated Hakone.
Especially not after previous years.
Because everyone knew one thing.
The mountain did not care how powerful your car was.
It did not care how famous you were.
It did not care how talented you thought you were.
Hakone demanded respect.
And everyone here—
Knew it.
Near the toll gates—
A very different crowd had gathered attention.
The Umamusume teams had arrived.
And unlike the previous year—
There were far more of them now.
Far more cars.
Far more names.
Far more attention.
And like previous years, given the scale and publicity surrounding the event, every Uma participating had elected to appear in their official G1 racing outfits rather than casual clothing.
The result was immediate.
And absolute.
Camera shutters flashed endlessly.
Reporters shifted positions.
Fans gathered behind barricades trying to catch glimpses of famous racers.
Commentators repeatedly shifted attention toward the growing lineup of legendary drivers.
Even spectators who had originally come only for the cars found themselves stopping.
Looking.
Watching.
Whispering.
Because the gathering in front of the toll gates had become something of a spectacle itself.
People pointed excitedly.
Phones were raised.
Names were being shouted.
"It's King Halo!"
"Rudolf's here!"
"Suzuka too!"
"No way—Mr. C.B actually came?!"
The noise level around the area only continued rising.
Last year—
More Umamusume had attended and participated than the year before.
With King Halo ultimately claiming victory.
Rudolf taking second.
Suzuka taking third.
That battle had become one of the most replayed moments in the event's history.
Even now, clips of the final sector still circulated online.
Now—
King Halo had returned.
To defend her title.
And unlike last year—
The field had grown even larger.
Much larger.
Manhattan Cafe had entered.
Vodka had also entered in her restomodded 1973 Dodge Charger R/T.
Its Hendrick-built NASCAR V8 engine already drawing massive attention from nearby spectators.
The deep thunder of the engine alone caused people to turn their heads.
Mejiro Palmer had joined the lineup as well.
Her metallic dark-purple Toyota Supra MK4 reflected hints of blue under the summer sunlight.
Nearby photographers immediately swarmed around the car.
But perhaps the most surprising of all—
Mr. C.B had chosen to participate.
And not with the Singer.
No.
Instead—
She stood beside the infamous Porsche TAG Turbo.
The silver machine sat low against the asphalt.
Based on the Porsche 930 Turbo—
But hiding something utterly absurd beneath its bodywork.
A twin-turbo Formula One V6 engine developed between Porsche and McLaren.
Even among experienced spectators—
People stared.
Some blinked.
Others looked confused.
Some simply stood frozen.
"...Wait..."
"Isn't that the Formula One engine car?"
"No way..."
"That thing is actually here?!"
Meanwhile—
Several others had returned as spectators and support crew rather than competitors.
Mejiro Ardan returned alongside Meisho Doto.
Jungle Pocket had returned too.
And somehow—
She looked even more excited than before.
She practically bounced in place watching cars launch from the start line.
"EHHHH?!"
"LOOK AT THAT ONE!"
"THAT ONE'S EVEN LOUDER!"
Nearby—
Special Week and Forever Young wandered around the event grounds together.
Occasionally stopping whenever another interesting vehicle rolled past.
Special Week had already gotten distracted multiple times.
"Eh?!"
"A 430 Scuderia?!"
"No wait!"
"A Camaro?!"
"No—"
Her eyes widened again.
"A drift car?!"
Forever Young simply sighed beside her.
"...You've been saying that for thirty minutes."
Even more Umamusume had arrived to support their fellow classmates.
Grass Wonder.
Mayano Top Gun.
Kitasan Black.
Satono Diamond.
And several others.
The atmosphere surrounding the event felt more alive than ever.
But despite all of the excitement—
Despite all the attention—
Despite all the new arrivals—
There remained one memory from last year that still lingered.
One incident.
One moment.
Near the beginning of Sector Two—
At a left-hand corner.
Tokai Teio had lost control.
Her R34 GT-R had stepped out violently.
And moments later—
Crashed into a tree.
Even now, some people still remembered the footage.
The sound of brakes locking.
The spinning tires.
The impact.
The silence afterward.
Thankfully—
The injuries had not been severe.
Only a sprained ankle.
But for Teio—
It had been much worse than that.
Because it had taken something else from her.
Her confidence.
Her direction.
Her belief in herself.
But this year—
Tokai Teio had returned.
Not with uncertainty.
Not with fear.
Not with hesitation.
But with fire.
With purpose.
With a goal.
Redemption.
And a place—
Within the Top Five.
Ahead—
Cars lined up before the toll gate.
Marshals raised flags.
Engines roared.
Turbochargers screamed.
And one after another—
Cars launched from the starting line.
Hakone had begun once again.
And so far—
The mountain had already begun deciding who would rise.
And who would fall.
Cars continued launching from the starting line one after another.
Sector times updated constantly on the giant LED boards near the Sky Lounge.
Numbers shifted.
Names climbed.
Names dropped.
Crowds reacted every few minutes.
Some cheered.
Some groaned.
Others stared in disbelief.
So far—
King Halo, Rudolf, Suzuka, Mejiro McQueen, Daiwa Scarlet, and T.M. Opera O had already completed their runs.
And the current standings had become very interesting.
King Halo sat back on top.
First place.
Her Kyoseki Green R32 GT-R had once again shown why it remained one of the most terrifying machines on the mountain.
Not far behind—
Suzuka held Third.
Rudolf sat in second.
Opera O had shocked nearly everyone by placing fourth.
And Scarlet currently held fifth.
Even Mejiro McQueen—
Who had surprised everyone by bringing her Bullitt Mustang instead of the Porsche—
Sat comfortably in eighth.
Far from slow.
And far from struggling.
Around the starting area, conversations immediately began.
"A Mustang in eighth?!"
"That's actually ridiculous."
"I thought she'd bring the 917!"
Nearby—
At the starting line awaiting her turn—
Sat Vodka's 1973 Dodge Charger R/T.
Idling menacingly.
Even sitting still—
The car looked angry.
The metallic dark gunmetal paint reflected sunlight across its long body while heat waves rose from the hood.
The massive Hendrick-built NASCAR V8 underneath shook the entire car at idle.
Bwoom... bwoom... bwoom... bwoom...
The body slightly trembled.
The mirrors vibrated.
The deep exhaust note rolled through the staging area like distant thunder.
Nearby spectators turned instinctively.
Some pulled out phones.
Others simply stared.
Because unlike most cars here—
The Charger didn't sound refined.
It sounded violent.
Vodka stood outside beside the right front fender.
Arms crossed.
Waiting patiently for her run.
Then she turned slightly toward the rear of the car—
And spotted Maruzensky approaching.
Vodka raised a hand.
"Ah! Maruzen-san!"
Maruzensky winked and waved back.
"Ciao, Vodka-chan!"
She stopped beside the Charger and immediately looked it up and down.
Her eyes wandered from the front splitter...
To the widened rear tires...
Then toward the hood.
"...Just sitting here idling this thing sounds angry."
She placed both hands on her hips.
Then looked back toward Vodka.
"Seriously, how did you even manage to get your hands on a genuine racing engine?"
Vodka chuckled awkwardly and scratched the back of her head.
"Well..."
"It's actually a pretty long story."
She shrugged.
"But to put it simply..."
"A friend in the U.S helped me out."
Maruzensky slowly nodded.
Then curiosity took over.
She reached for the door handle and carefully pulled it open.
The heavy door swung outward.
Maruzensky leaned inside.
Then blinked.
Her eyes widened.
"You are still running bench seats?!"
Vodka laughed nervously.
"Y-Yeah!"
She quickly pointed inside.
"I do have a four-point racing harness though!"
The bright harness straps contrasted against the old-school interior.
"So I get to keep the vintage interior..."
"...while having the safety from racing harnesses."
Maruzensky stared a little longer.
Old interior.
Modern electronics.
Racing harnesses.
NASCAR engine.
She slowly pulled back out.
Then gently shut the door.
Click.
She pressed her lips together.
Then nodded.
"...Impressive."
As if perfectly timed—
Someone approached from the side.
An event organizer wearing a headset and bright orange safety gear.
"Vodka-san!"
"Time for your run!"
Vodka immediately looked over.
Then nodded.
"Will do, bossman!"
Maruzensky winked.
"Good luck!"
Vodka grinned.
"Thanks Maruzen-san!"
The two exchanged a quick high five.
Smack.
Then Vodka turned.
Walked toward the driver's side.
Pulled the heavy door open.
And slid inside.
The old leather seat creaked slightly.
She reached over her shoulder.
Pulled the harness straps over herself.
Click.
Click.
Click.
The four-point harness locked firmly into place.
Then—
Her hands moved toward the steering wheel.
And her grin slowly widened.
Outside—
The Charger continued idling.
Like a predator waiting to be unleashed.
Then—
Thud.
Vodka pulled the door shut.
The entire Charger shook slightly.
She wrapped both hands around the steering wheel.
Then gave the throttle two quick blips.
BRAAAP!
BRAAAAAAAAP!!
The Hendrick NASCAR V8 exploded to life.
The RPM needle shot violently to five thousand.
Then dropped almost instantly.
Bwoom... bwoom... bwoom...
The entire car shook against its suspension.
Nearby spectators physically flinched.
Some turned.
Some laughed nervously.
Others simply stared.
Vodka smirked.
"I'm coming for your time, Daiwa."
She raised a thumbs up toward the starting official.
The official nodded back.
Then raised a hand.
Vodka pulled the shifter firmly into first gear.
Clack.
Left foot on the clutch.
Right foot hovering over the throttle.
Both hands tightened around the steering wheel.
And she smirked.
Slowly building RPM.
The starting lights flickered on.
One light.
Two lights.
Three lights.
Four lights.
Vodka buried her foot into the throttle.
BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA—
The V8 screamed.
Nine thousand RPM.
Hard limiter.
BRAP-BRAP-BRAP-BRAP-BRAP—
The noise was absolutely ridiculous.
People nearby immediately covered their ears.
Even experienced spectators winced.
Meisho Doto practically ducked in place.
"A-AHHH?!"
She crouched down and covered both her ears and head.
Five lights.
Then—
Lights off.
Vodka dumped the clutch.
BANG!
The Charger violently lurched forward.
The massive rear tyres instantly lost grip.
Smoke erupted.
The rear stepped sideways slightly.
The V8 screamed.
RPM climbing violently.
Then—
Grip.
The rear tyres bit hard into the pavement.
The entire car launched forward like it had been kicked.
First gear.
Second gear.
BRAAAAP—CLACK—BRAAAAAAA—
The Charger roared into Sector One.
Its NASCAR engine echoing through the mountain roads.
Maruzensky smiled.
"What a beautiful racket..."
She watched the Charger disappear.
Then slowly turned around.
Toward her own car.
The red Countach sat idling nearby.
Bwoom... bwoom... bwoom...
Twin turbos softly whistled beneath the engine cover.
But unlike before—
The rear hatch remained lifted.
Maruzensky's smile slowly disappeared.
She walked toward the rear quarter panel.
Then leaned over slightly toward the engine bay.
She pressed lightly against the body panel.
And sighed.
"...Something still feels really off."
She reached toward the throttle linkage.
Then carefully blipped it.
Brap.
Brap.
Brap.
Then held it steady.
Three thousand RPM.
The V12 stabilized.
Steady.
Smooth.
No strange noises.
No hesitation.
Nothing.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
Then she released it.
The engine settled back to idle.
Bwoom... bwoom...
Maruzensky rested a hand on the panel.
And sighed again.
Then reached upward and slowly pulled the rear hatch down.
Click.
Chiyono O, who had been standing near her Aventador behind her, walked over.
"Something the matter, Maruzen-san?"
Maruzensky shrugged.
"Even though I changed the plugs and coils..."
"...something still feels off with the engine."
Chiyono tapped her chin.
Elbow resting on her palm.
Eyes closed.
Thinking.
Then—
She opened them.
And looked at Maruzensky.
"Timing?"
"Air-fuel ratio?"
Maruzensky shook her head.
"Timing's correct."
"So is AFR."
Then—
Teio stepped over.
"Like... what do you mean by off, Maruzen?"
Maruzensky stared upward for a few moments.
Thinking.
"Uh..."
"It feels like it's misfiring..."
She narrowed her eyes.
"...but for some weird reason I can't tell."
Chiyono blinked.
"Oil?"
Maruzensky immediately shook her head.
"Changed it when I swapped the plugs two months ago."
Then she crossed her arms.
And suddenly smirked.
"But I know exactly how to get rid of it."
Teio and Chiyono tilted their heads.
Chiyono spoke first.
"...How?"
Maruzensky winked.
"The old-fashioned Italian tune-up."
Teio blinked.
"...The what?"
As if perfectly timed—
Another official approached wearing orange safety gear.
"Maruzen-san!"
"It's your turn!"
Maruzensky turned around.
"Okie-dokey!"
She raised a thumbs up.
Then looked back at Teio and Chiyono.
"Well?"
"Off I go!"
She walked toward the Countach.
Reached up.
And lifted the scissor door.
The hydraulic hinge rose upward.
She slid down into the seat.
Pulled the door shut.
Thud.
Then pulled her four-point harness over herself.
Click.
Click.
Click.
Her right hand moved toward the shifter.
First gear.
Clack.
Then—
She launched once.
Hard.
SCREEEEEECH!
The rear tyres instantly broke loose.
The twin-turbo V12 roared all the way toward its 7500 RPM redline.
BRAAAAAAAAAAAP—
Then she immediately lifted.
Allowing the car to coast calmly toward the starting line.
The Countach rolled forward.
Slowly.
Smoothly.
Then stopped exactly on the marker.
Maruzensky raised a thumbs up toward the official.
The official nodded.
Then raised his hand.
One light.
Two lights.
Three lights.
Four lights.
Maruzensky slowly brought the RPMs up.
Four thousand.
Four-five.
Five thousand.
And held it there.
The V12 behind her growled steadily.
Bwoooommmmm—
The entire Countach lightly vibrated beneath her.
Her eyes narrowed.
Locked onto the starting lights.
Waiting.
Then—
Five lights.
And—
Lights out.
Maruzensky buried the throttle.
And dumped the clutch.
SCREEEEEEEECH—!
The rear wheels instantly lit up.
Smoke exploded behind the Countach.
The nose rose slightly.
Then the tyres bit.
Hard.
The twin-turbocharged V12 roared violently.
BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP—!
"And Maruzensky is OFF! Starting her run!" one commentator shouted through the broadcast.
The red Countach shot uphill.
First gear.
Seven thousand RPM.
Clack!
Second gear.
The rear tyres chirped.
Then—
Third gear.
The speed continued climbing.
Past the opening section.
Into Sector One.
Unknown to Maruzensky—
As she swept through a slight right-hander—
A faint stream of blue smoke began trailing from behind the car.
Very faint.
Barely noticeable.
But visible.
The commentators immediately noticed it.
"Maruzensky is looking really quick through these opening corners!"
"Yeah but look behind her!"
"A faint blue smoke trail is following the Countach!"
The first commentator looked toward his colleague.
"Could it be possible engine problems?"
The second commentator shook his head.
"It could be."
"But it could also simply be oil burning off after maintenance."
"Hard to tell right now."
The first commentator nodded.
"Fair point!"
Meanwhile—
Maruzensky powered through Sector One.
The Countach moved with precision.
Into the slight left.
Back right.
Braking.
Turn in.
Back on throttle.
The twin turbos screamed.
The V12 echoed through the mountain walls.
Then—
Sector One time appeared on the timing board.
MARUZENSKY
SECTOR 1
PURPLE
Fastest.
The crowd reacted immediately.
"OHHHHHHH!!"
"FASTEST SECTOR!"
"No way!"
Maruzensky smiled slightly.
"Good girl, Ta-chan..."
Then she entered the first right-hand hairpin of Sector Two.
Hard braking.
Downshift.
Heel and toe.
Fourth.
Third.
Second.
Turn in.
Then—
Something felt wrong.
Very wrong.
Her smile slowly faded.
Her eyes narrowed.
Her mind raced.
"...Why am I lacking power?"
She glanced toward the gauges.
Oil pressure—
Normal.
Water temperature—
Normal.
Boost—
Normal.
Everything looked fine.
Yet—
The acceleration wasn't there.
The engine felt... lazy.
Like something was holding it back.
"Come on, Ta-chan..."
Her grip on the wheel tightened.
"Just hold on for me..."
"...until the end of this run at least."
The right-hand hairpin flowed immediately into the next left hairpin.
Back at the starting area—
Teio crouched slightly beside Chiyono O's Aventador.
"Chiyo..."
"Did you notice something strange with Maruzen's car during launch?"
Chiyono slowly nodded.
"I did."
"I noticed faint blue smoke from the back."
Teio slowly exhaled.
"I thought I was the only one..."
Chiyono shook her head.
"No."
She looked back toward the event feed.
"Even the commentators noticed it."
Her eyes narrowed.
"But..."
She stared at the sector data.
"...Maruzen-san is off pace."
Then—
Another name appeared on the top-ten leaderboard.
VODKA
8TH PLACE
Chiyono glanced toward the small timing screen beside the Aventador.
Then chuckled.
"Looks like Vodka missed beating Daiwa."
Teio laughed.
"All that power and no handling."
She smirked.
"I bet she tuned that suspension for oval racing."
Right on cue—
An official approached.
"Chiyono O-san."
"It's your run."
Chiyono blinked.
Then nodded.
Teio patted the Aventador's roof twice.
"All the best, Chiyono."
Chiyono smiled.
"Thanks."
The window slowly rolled upward.
Whrrrrrr.
Teio stepped back.
The twin-turbo V12 continued idling quietly.
Waiting.
Ready.
And soon—
Chiyono O's Aventador—
It would be unleashed.
One Light.
Two Lights.
Three Lights.
Chiyono O planted her right foot onto the accelerator while her left firmly held the brake pedal down.
Immediately—
The V12 behind her rose violently in pitch.
3000 RPM.
4000 RPM.
5000 RPM.
The entire Aventador shuddered slightly.
Then the digital gauge cluster flashed.
THRUST MODE AVAILABLE
The twin turbos began screaming.
Wheeeeeeeeeeeee—
The anti-lag crackled alive.
POP.
BANG.
POW.
Flames spat violently from the rear exhaust.
Heat waves distorted the air behind the car.
Four Lights.
Five Lights.
Then—
Lights off.
Chiyono instantly released the brakes.
The Aventador launched.
All four wheels immediately broke traction.
SCREEEEEEEEEEECH—
The car squirmed aggressively left and right as all four tyres fought for grip.
The V12 roared to redline.
The RPM needle slammed into the limiter.
BA-BA-BA-BA-BA-BA—
Still spinning.
Still fighting.
Still clawing for grip.
Then—
It bit.
Violently.
The entire car lunged forward.
Second gear.
POP.
Blue flames erupted from the rear.
Third gear.
POP.
Another sharp explosion echoed through the mountains.
Within moments—
The Aventador had already disappeared into Sector One.
Teio blinked twice.
Her ears twitched.
"...Jeez."
She stared at the disappearing Lamborghini.
"It's way wilder than I imagined..."
Almost as if perfectly synchronized—
The commentators practically said the same thing.
"WHAT A LAUNCH BY CHIYONO O!"
"ONE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED HORSEPOWER GOING UPHILL IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE!"
Then suddenly—
Their excitement shifted.
"Maruzensky has passed Sector Two! And she's multiple seconds off the pace!"
"Yeah! Something is definitely wrong with Maruzensky! Maybe a mechanical fault?!"
Maruzensky's run—
Went from bad...
To worse.
Further up the mountain—
The Countach pushed onward.
But something felt horribly wrong.
As she reached midway through Sector Three—
The RPM needle climbed.
5000 RPM.
Then—
BRRRT—BRRRT—BRRRRRT
The engine sputtered violently.
Maruzensky's eyes widened.
The smooth screaming V12 sound had completely changed.
The power delivery felt broken.
Interrupted.
Weak.
The sputtering continued.
From six thousand.
All the way to redline.
7500 RPM.
BRRRT—BRRRT—BRAAAP—
Maruzensky began sweating.
Her mind immediately started racing.
Panic began setting in.
"No no no no no!"
Her grip tightened around the steering wheel.
"Hold on for me Ta-chan!"
"Just a little more!"
She quickly pressed the clutch pedal.
Shifted into third.
But immediately—
The engine bogged.
Its power disappeared.
Then—
THUD.
A dull metallic sound.
And suddenly—
WHOOOOOOOSH
A thick cloud of white smoke violently exploded from the rear of the Countach.
Her speed immediately dropped.
The acceleration disappeared.
Maruzensky's eyes widened even further.
Then—
She started yelling.
"NO NO NO NO!!"
"TA-CHAN!!"
She immediately pressed the clutch pedal again.
But—
The engine suddenly—
Almost instantly—
Died.
Complete silence.
Maruzensky looked around frantically.
Then spotted a small scenic area up ahead.
A place to pull over.
Back at the event broadcast—
The commentators immediately lost it.
"OH NO!! MARUZENSKY!!"
"THICK WHITE SMOKE FROM THE BACK!! IT'S HER ENGINE!!"
"MARUZENSKY IS OUT OF THE EVENT!!"
"THE FAVORITE COMING INTO THE EVENT IS OUT!!"
Maruzensky slowly guided the powerless Countach into the scenic turnout.
The tyres rolled over loose gravel.
Crunch.
Crunch.
Crunch.
Then—
The Countach stopped.
Silence.
The roar of the V12 was gone.
The only sounds remaining—
Hissssssss...
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
Cooling metal.
And—
Drip.
Drip.
Fluids falling beneath the car.
Maruzensky hyperventilated.
Quick breaths.
In.
Out.
In.
Out.
She punched the steering wheel.
"FUCKING HELL!!"
Immediately she unbuckled her harness.
Click.
She shoved the scissor door upward.
Jumped out.
Reached behind the seat.
Pulled the rear hatch release.
Then sprinted toward the back.
She pushed the engine hatch upward.
CLACK.
Instantly—
Thick white smoke poured out from the entire engine bay.
"Cough—!"
She waved her hand in front of her face.
Then crouched slightly.
Looking underneath.
Oil.
Oil dripping steadily onto the pavement below.
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
Maruzensky slowly stood back up.
Her fist clenched.
Her jaw tightened.
Then—
She kicked the ground.
Sand, gravel, and small rocks scattered away.
The commentators had gone quiet.
Their voices lowered considerably.
"I really feel bad for Maruzensky..."
"She worked so hard preparing for this event only for it to end with a blown engine..."
The second commentator slowly nodded.
"Anything can happen."
"It just happened at the worst place."
"The worst time."
"And during an event..."
Maruzensky lowered her head.
Walking around in circles.
She ran both hands over her head and through her hair.
Trying desperately to calm down.
Trying to let all her frustration out.
Back at race control—
The Event Director reached for the radio.
"Hold the next vehicle."
"Repeat. Hold the next vehicle."
"Do not release Mr. C.B until Maruzensky and the disabled vehicle are clear from the course."
Unknown to Chiyono O—
Who at that point had already passed Sector Two—
The screaming twin-turbo Aventador was rapidly approaching Maruzensky's location.
Twin turbos whistled violently.
The V12 behind Chiyono O roared through the mountain roads, the sound bouncing endlessly against Hakone's walls.
Third gear.
Fourth gear.
Pop.
Pop.
Exhaust cracks echoed through the forest.
The speed climbed relentlessly.
Further up at the Sky Lounge—
King Halo and Rudolf stared at the large timing screens.
Neither said anything at first.
Both still had Maruzensky's retirement lingering in their minds.
King Halo crossed her arms and lowered her head slightly.
"...I'm just glad Maruzen came out of that car unscathed."
Rudolf silently nodded.
"Good thing no oil spilled onto the road during her run."
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
"That could've become much worse."
Opera O walked over beside Rudolf.
She folded her arms and glanced at the timing monitor.
"Any idea for the cause of failure?"
Rudolf shrugged.
"Could be anything really."
She blinked.
"But most certainly internal."
She looked back at the replay screen.
Blue smoke.
Power loss.
Then thick white smoke.
Oil dripping underneath.
Her expression became slightly serious.
"Piston failure..."
"Blown rings..."
"Head gasket..."
"Rod damage..."
She sighed.
"Hard to tell without opening the engine."
Rudolf then glanced behind her.
Further away—
The faint sound of yet another "friendly argument."
Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka.
Again.
Somehow.
Vodka pointed dramatically.
"I'm telling you! Straight line speed is king!"
Daiwa crossed her arms.
"And I'm telling you that corners exist!"
Vodka raised both hands.
"They're optional!"
Daiwa stared at her.
"...No."
Back on the course—
Chiyono raced through a fast right hander.
The steering wheel moved only slightly under her hands.
The Aventador remained planted.
As she exited—
Something caught her attention.
A cloud of white smoke.
Far ahead.
Off to the left.
Her eyes shifted.
Then widened.
She saw it.
Maruzensky's Countach.
Engine hatch open.
Smoke still slowly drifting from the rear.
And beside the roadside—
Maruzensky sat on a rock.
Head lowered.
Hands running through her hair repeatedly.
Motionless.
Chiyono's smile disappeared.
"Oh no..."
"Maruzen-san..."
For a brief moment—
Her foot eased slightly.
But only slightly.
She still had a run to finish.
She shook her head.
"I'll ask if I can pick you up later..."
"Just..."
"Just hang in there for me..."
The screaming Aventador blasted by.
Wind rushed over Maruzensky.
Hair fluttering lightly.
Maruzensky slowly raised her head.
Her eyes followed the black-and-red Lamborghini as it disappeared into the next left hand corner.
Then silence returned.
She stared down at the ground.
Took a deep breath.
Exhaled.
And lowered her head again.
Back with Chiyono—
She continued at full speed.
The final left hander approached.
She turned in smoothly.
The Aventador gripped hard.
The road began climbing.
Then—
The final straight.
The final crest.
She slammed hard onto the brakes.
ABS clattered beneath her foot.
The nose dipped aggressively.
She shifted left.
The Aventador climbed the crest—
All four wheels lifted slightly.
Suspended.
For only a moment.
Then—
THUD.
The suspension compressed.
The wheels touched back down.
Finish line crossed.
She immediately eased off.
The V12 calmed down.
The giant rear wing slowly lowered.
She signaled and pulled into Sky Lounge.
The Aventador rolled smoothly toward a marshal station.
She pressed the window switch.
Hummmm—
The window lowered.
The car came to a halt.
A marshal approached and crouched down.
"Nice run Chiyono!"
He smiled.
"Good for fifth place!"
Chiyono accepted the small timing sheet.
She glanced at it.
Sector times.
Final result.
5th place.
Then she gently placed it onto the center console display.
But her expression didn't change.
She looked back at the marshal.
"Is Maruzen-san okay?"
The marshal nodded.
"She's alright."
"But we can't get a tow truck out there until the event finishes."
Chiyono slowly nodded.
Looking away for a moment.
Then she looked back.
"Is it okay if I pick Maruzen-san up before you send the next car?"
The marshal blinked.
Then smiled.
"We were actually about to ask you that."
He stood up and pointed ahead.
"Go right at the next intersection and head back."
Chiyono nodded.
"Alright sir."
He pointed again.
"And be back within five minutes please."
"We don't want to delay the other runs."
Chiyono smiled softly.
"I'll make it quick."
The window rose back up.
Hummmm—
Then the Aventador quietly rolled away.
No full throttle.
No pops.
No screaming V12.
Just casual driving.
Back around the Sky Lounge.
Left at the intersection.
And down the mountain road.
At the top—
Rudolf, King Halo and Suzuka slowly walked toward the guardrail near Vodka's Charger.
They leaned slightly forward.
Watching below.
The Aventador appeared briefly.
Crossed over a crest.
Then disappeared downhill.
The three stayed silent.
Wind lightly brushed through their hair.
Then—
Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka approached.
Daiwa sighed.
"...Maruzensky is gonna be very quiet today."
King Halo blinked.
"And you two finished arguing?"
Vodka raised an eyebrow.
"Arguing?"
She shook her head.
"It's more of..."
A grin appeared.
"...a friendly disagreement between two friends."
Daiwa silently nodded.
Then looked down toward the mountain road.
"...Now what's next for Maruzen?"
"She has no car..."
She shrugged.
"Well."
"For a while anyway."
Rudolf sighed softly.
But then smiled.
"Knowing Maruzensky..."
She looked toward the horizon.
"...she'll find her way back."
King Halo smirked.
Suzuka quietly nodded.
And below—
Far down the mountain road—
A lone Aventador continued descending.
Heading toward a stranded Countach.
Heading toward a friend.
Back at the scenic turnout area at the half way mark of Sector Three and Sector Four—
Maruzensky sat by a rock.
Head lowered.
Silent.
The mountain road had become strangely quiet around her.
No engines screaming through the corners.
No cheering spectators.
No announcers.
Only the faint rustling of leaves from the trees nearby...
And the metallic ticking of her Countach cooling down behind her.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
She slowly raised her head.
And glanced back toward her Countach.
Rear engine hatch still open.
A faint mist of smoke continued to rise from the engine bay.
Not violently anymore.
Just slowly.
Almost like the car itself had become exhausted.
She spoke in her mind.
"I'm sorry Ta-chan..."
She blinked once.
Twice.
"I'm really sorry..."
Her eyes lowered again.
For years she had driven this car.
Morning drives.
Night drives.
Cruising around Tokyo.
Mountain roads.
Track days.
Late-night runs.
Countless memories.
And now—
To have it fail here...
On a day she had prepared for so much...
Her fists slowly tightened.
Then—
The sound of a turbocharged V12 echoed around the mountain pass.
WOOOOOOOOSH—
PSHHHT—
Maruzensky looked toward the road to her left.
And saw the Rosso Bia Aventador SVJ.
She softly spoke.
"C-Chiyono...?"
The Aventador began slowing down.
The large carbon brakes clamped down hard.
Then the car turned into the rest area.
Gravel and bits of sand crunched beneath the tires.
Crunch...
Crunch...
Crunch...
The twin turbos softly fluttered as the car rolled to a stop.
The left scissor door lifted upward.
Chiyono stepped out.
Leaving the engine idling.
The modified V12 continued rumbling quietly behind her.
She walked around the rear of the car.
Slowly approached Maruzensky.
Maruzensky stood up.
And looked at Chiyono O.
Chiyono took a deep breath.
Then exhaled.
"Are you okay Maruzen-san?"
Maruzensky exhaled sharply.
Then silently shook her head.
Her smile was gone.
Completely gone.
Chiyono's expression softened.
For a few seconds—
Neither spoke.
Because honestly...
There really wasn't much to say.
Then Chiyono pointed her thumb behind her.
Towards the Aventador.
"Come on Maruzen-san."
"I have to bring you up with the others."
Maruzensky stared at her for a moment.
Then looked away.
"...I kinda ruined everything today huh?"
Chiyono blinked.
Then immediately shook her head.
"No."
She crossed her arms.
"The car failed."
"You didn't."
Maruzensky looked at her.
Chiyono looked back.
"If anything..."
She smiled softly.
"You were still fighting for it until the very end."
Maruzensky stared at her for several seconds.
Then her shoulders relaxed slightly.
A tiny smile returned.
"...Thanks Chiyono-chan."
She nodded.
Then walked over toward the Countach.
She reached upward at the engine hatch.
And gently pulled it down.
Click.
Latched.
But not locked.
Her hand remained resting on the hatch for a few moments.
Then she slowly nodded to herself.
"...Rest for now, Ta-chan."
She turned away.
Walked back toward Chiyono's Aventador.
Opened the passenger-side scissor door.
And hopped inside.
Sliding into the bucket seat.
Pulling the door shut.
Chiyono soon followed.
Sliding into the driver's seat.
Click.
Seatbelt.
Hands on wheel.
The Aventador slowly rolled forward.
Made a U-turn.
And headed back up the course.
Towards the Sky Lounge.
Behind them—
Maruzensky's Countach remained alone beside the mountain road.
Quiet.
Waiting.
Time soon flew by.
And Teio was yet again...
The last to run...
She sat inside her RX-7.
And waited for her turn.
Idling behind the starting line.
The rotary engine behind her continuously hummed and vibrated through the cabin.
Brraaaap...
Brraaaap...
Brraaaap...
She tapped her finger against the top of her leg.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
While her left foot lightly tapped against the dead pedal.
She looked at the gauge cluster.
Oil pressure.
Water temperature.
Boost.
Everything looked normal.
Everything looked healthy.
She spoke quietly in her mind.
"Please don't do anything funky today..."
"I just want to complete this run in one piece..."
"And at least on the top five..."
She sighed.
"I wonder how Maruzen-san is doing?"
Right on cue—
Knock knock.
Teio glanced to her right.
An organizer stood beside the car.
A thumbs up.
Teio nodded back.
She tugged on the adjuster straps.
Click.
Click.
Pull.
The harness tightened around her shoulders and waist.
Then shifted the car into first gear.
Clack.
She nodded.
And placed both hands firmly onto the steering wheel.
Her grip tightened.
One Light.
She lightly blipped the throttle.
Braap.
Braap.
Building the RPM slowly.
Two Lights.
Moderate pressure.
The needle climbed.
4000 RPM.
5000 RPM.
6000 RPM.
Three Lights.
Her eyes narrowed.
Everything around her suddenly felt quieter.
Four Lights...
Five Lights...
Her right foot mashed the gas.
The RPM shot instantly toward 9000.
BRAAAAAAAAP—
The rotary screamed violently against the limiter.
BANG!
POP!
BANG!
Flames spat from the exhaust.
Special Week and Forever Young watched from behind the barriers.
Special Week immediately covered her ears—
But unlike last year...
She didn't jump.
Forever Young simply stood beside her.
Completely unfazed.
Not even blinking.
Then—
Lights off.
Teio dumped the clutch.
The RX-7 shuddered violently.
The rear tires immediately fought for grip.
Screeeee—
Teio feathered the gas.
On.
Off.
On.
Off.
On.
Off.
The rear stepped lightly.
Then—
Grip.
Second gear.
Clack.
The rear tires chirped.
Then bit hard.
Teio's run had begun.
The RX-7 raced through the first sector.
Using up the whole road.
Third Gear.
A slight left hander.
Turn the wheel left.
Aim for the inner apex.
Hit.
Immediately followed by a slight right.
Go wide.
Aim for the inner apex.
Hit.
The concrete walls slowly disappeared.
Replaced by scenery.
Trees.
Grass.
Mountainside views.
Another left hander.
Then a right hander.
And then—
The first hairpin.
Hard on the brakes.
ABS clattered violently.
Brrt-brrt-brrt-brrt—
Heel and toe.
Downshift.
Fourth.
Third.
Second.
BRAAAP.
BRAAAP.
Turn the wheel left.
Aim for the inner lane.
Close to the wall.
Closer.
Closer.
Hit.
Perfect.
Loosen the wheel.
Eyes already aimed toward the next turn.
Another right-hand hairpin.
Inner lane apex.
Hit.
Feathering the gas.
Keep the turbo spooled.
The exit is in sight.
Floor it.
The rear end slides out.
Teio countersteered just enough.
Not too much.
Not too little.
A perfect powerslide.
Aim for the outer guardrail.
Another left hander.
Then—
Turn the wheel left.
Into the inner guardrail.
The imaginary apex.
Feathering the gas.
Feather.
Feather.
Feather.
Exit in sight.
Floor the gas.
The rear loosened again.
Teio eased off slightly.
The rear didn't slide further.
Not even countersteering.
The RX-7 went wide.
Closer to the outer guardrail.
Closer.
Closer—
Then—
The tires bit.
Foot to the floor.
A perfect four-wheel drift.
The car slid as one.
Controlled.
Stable.
Fast.
Teio was unfazed.
She was at perfect focus.
No panic.
No hesitation.
No overthinking.
Nothing.
Only the road ahead.
She passed Sector One.
The timing board updated.
Sector One—
Purple.
The fastest Sector One all day.
At the top—
King Halo's eyes widened as she watched the live feed on her phone while leaning against the driver's side door of her Kyoseki Green R32 GT-R.
"Teio is flying!"
She let out a short laugh and glanced toward Rudolf.
"Looks like she learned from the best."
Rudolf simply smiled.
Nearby, Mr. C.B nodded enthusiastically.
Her own run had finished earlier after being delayed because of Maruzensky's breakdown.
Despite the interruption—
She had still managed Fourth Place.
"That four-wheel drift she pulled was insane!"
She pointed at the screen repeatedly.
"Mere meters from the guardrail!"
She then turned toward Suzuka.
"Did you teach her that Suzuka?"
Suzuka covered her mouth slightly and chuckled.
"Not at all C.B."
She shook her head.
"I only explained the fundamentals."
She looked back at the screen.
"Teio figured the rest out herself."
King Halo smirked.
"Which somehow feels even scarier."
The interphone nearby crackled.
Static hissed briefly.
"Current update—Tokai Teio has set the fastest Sector One time of the day!"
Cheers erupted around portions of the parking area.
Even some spectators turned toward the timing screens.
Then—
Across the parking area...
Far from the excitement...
Maruzensky leaned quietly against the guardrail.
Staring toward the distant final crest near the finish line.
Her eyes weren't really focused on anything.
Her thoughts remained elsewhere.
On the mountain.
On the smoke.
On the engine.
On the sound.
That sound.
That awful sound.
Chiyono O slowly approached and stood beside her.
She rested both arms on top of the guardrail.
For several seconds—
Neither spoke.
Only wind moved between them.
Then Chiyono sighed softly.
"Maruzen-san..."
"Please..."
She glanced at her.
"Talk to me."
Maruzensky blinked.
Then spoke quietly.
Her voice slightly cracked.
"...What's there to talk about?"
Chiyono sighed again.
"Please don't be so down..."
"It's not like your car is totaled."
She looked toward the finish line below.
"Engines are replaceable."
Then she looked directly at Maruzensky.
"What matters is..."
She paused.
"You are safe."
Then she looked back toward the mountains.
"And more importantly..."
"The car is safe."
Maruzensky remained silent.
Chiyono continued.
"You still have something."
"A project."
"A chance to reincarnate your car."
She shook her head.
"It isn't like Teio last year."
"She practically had to start over from nothing."
Still—
No reaction.
No smile.
No movement.
Chiyono frowned.
Her fist slowly clenched.
Her eyes closed briefly.
Then suddenly—
They opened.
"What is it gonna take to get my words through your vintage thick skull?!"
Maruzensky jumped.
"H-Huh?!"
Chiyono crossed her arms and exhaled loudly.
"You have to understand this."
"You can replace an engine."
"The body is still intact."
She raised her left hand.
"What sounds better?"
Left palm opened.
"A wrecked body with a perfectly functioning engine?"
Right palm opened.
"Or a perfectly intact body with a blown engine?"
She narrowed her eyes.
"Pick."
Maruzensky looked at the left hand.
Then the right.
"...An intact body."
Chiyono closed both palms.
"There."
She lowered her arms.
"Now you're getting it."
"A blown engine isn't the end of a car."
She looked toward the finish line.
"If that's the original engine..."
"Then use this chance."
She looked back at Maruzensky.
"Find another Countach V12."
"Take it apart."
"Rebuild everything."
"Forged internals."
"Strengthen the block."
"Port the heads."
She tilted her head left.
"For the streets."
Then tilted right.
"And for the Wangan."
She then turned slightly toward the nearby area where Daiwa Scarlet leaned against her Corvette while Vodka sat on her Charger hood watching Teio's live feed.
Chiyono continued.
"Take a page from Scarlet-san."
"Reinforce everything."
"Build something stronger."
Her smile slowly returned.
"Build an engine that can actually survive the abuse you put it through."
She raised a hand quickly.
"And don't take 'abuse' as an insult."
Maruzensky blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Silence.
Then—
She inhaled deeply.
And exhaled.
"...You're right."
She looked back toward the distant crest.
Then up at the orange evening sky.
"The car is still in one piece."
A small laugh escaped her.
The first one since the engine exploded.
"This is my chance..."
"...to build an engine that makes even more power than before."
Chiyono immediately pumped her fist.
"That's the spirit Maruzen-san!"
Maruzensky smiled.
Actually smiled.
She looked at Chiyono.
Then toward the scenery.
Then reached her arm over Chiyono's shoulders—
And pulled her into a side hug.
Chiyono froze.
"O-Oh?!"
Maruzensky laughed.
"Thank you for the comfort and inspiration, Chiyono-chan."
Chiyono looked upward.
Smiling.
"There's a reason I call you my mentor, Maruzen-san."
Maruzensky looked down at her.
And smiled.
A genuine smile.
Then—
The interphone crackled again.
Static hissed.
Everyone looked toward it.
"Teio has lost quite a bit of time in Sector Three! A yellow sector there!"
"Can Teio make three out of four purple sectors?!"
Instantly—
Every pair of eyes turned back toward the timing screens.
Even Maruzensky's.
Her smile remained.
And for the first time since her engine failure—
Her mind wasn't focused on loss anymore.
It was focused on cheering for someone else.
Back at the Run—
Teio had passed through Sector Four.
Her right foot remained planted completely on the floor.
No hesitation.
No second thoughts.
The RX-7 screamed uphill as boost stayed fully built.
The rotary shriek echoed endlessly against the mountain walls.
Fourth gear.
The engine climbed.
8000 RPM.
8500 RPM.
9000 RPM.
Her grip tightened around the steering wheel.
Leather creaked beneath her fingers.
Her eyes narrowed.
"Come on..."
"Come on..."
"Come on..."
"Come on..."
Ahead—
The final crest loomed.
The same final crest everyone respected.
The same crest where braking too late meant disaster.
Where a mistake meant becoming airborne.
Where beyond the guardrail—
Were trees.
Bushes.
And empty space.
Inside the car—
Teio wasn't blinking anymore.
Her vision narrowed.
Nothing existed except the road.
The guardrail.
And the line.
She inhaled sharply.
Now.
The RX-7 moved right.
Hard.
The car positioned itself at the absolute outside edge.
Tyres nearly brushing lane markings.
Then—
At the very last moment—
SLAM.
Her right foot crushed the brakes.
The front of the RX-7 dipped violently.
Tyres screamed.
ABS clattered rapidly—
Tak-tak-tak-tak-tak-tak!
Heel and toe.
Clutch in.
Blip.
Third gear.
Clutch out.
Then—
Flight.
The RX-7 launched.
Completely airborne.
At the top—
Silence.
King Halo's eyes widened.
Rudolf froze.
C.B's mouth slowly dropped open.
McQueen stared.
Daiwa Scarlet stared.
Vodka stared.
Even Cafe's eyes widened slightly.
T.M Opera O immediately covered both sides of her head.
"EHHHH?!"
Maruzensky and Chiyono O's eyes lit up instantly.
The RX-7 floated.
Actually floated.
All four tyres completely off the ground.
The underbody exposed.
Suspension hanging freely.
Time itself felt slower.
The car drifted toward the left side—
Closer.
Closer.
Closer—
The guardrail felt impossibly near.
King Halo whispered:
"No way..."
Rudolf's eyes widened.
"Teio—"
SLAM!
The RX-7 crashed back onto the asphalt.
Tyres screeched violently.
Sparks exploded underneath.
The titanium exhaust scraped the road—
SKRRRRRRRRRRRRK!!
Orange sparks sprayed behind like fireworks.
The car bounced once.
Shifted wide.
Closer to the gutter.
Closer to the guardrail.
Closer—
Closer—
Then—
The tyres bit.
Hard.
The suspension compressed.
The RX-7 snapped itself straight.
And shot across the line.
FINISH.
Teio immediately lifted.
Brake pressure.
Third.
Second.
The rotary slowly calmed down.
Inside the car—
Teio stared ahead.
Silent.
Then exhaled.
"...I did it..."
Back at the announcer booth—
The commentators exploded.
"WHAT A CRAZY RUN!!"
"TOKAI TEIO HAS RETURNED WITH A BANG!"
"WILL SHE BE INSIDE THE TOP TEN?!"
"TOP FIVE?!"
Teio rolled toward the stopping area.
One marshal waited nearby.
She sat quietly.
Hands still gripping the wheel.
Then another marshal suddenly came jogging over.
Paper in hand.
He handed it over.
The first marshal walked toward Teio.
Teio lowered her window.
The commentator suddenly screamed.
"INCREDIBLE RUN FOR TOKAI TEIO!!"
"A RUN WORTH REMEMBERING!"
"FROM WRECKING LAST YEAR—"
"TO THE PODIUM!!"
"TOKAI TEIO HAS TAKEN SECOND PLACE!!"
Teio blinked.
Once.
Twice.
"...Huh?"
The marshal grinned.
"Great run Teio!"
"Second place!"
"Welcome back!"
Teio slowly took the paper.
Her eyes scanned downward.
Sector One.
Purple.
Sector Two.
Purple.
Sector Three—
Yellow.
Lost four hundredths.
Sector Four—
Purple.
Final Position:
Second.
Her lips slowly parted.
Then curled upward.
Then wider.
And wider.
She looked at the marshal and nodded once.
"Thank you!"
The marshal laughed.
"Go join your friends."
"And prepare for the podium."
Teio nodded quickly.
She rolled forward.
Turned left.
Climbed the slight incline toward the parking area.
Then—
Applause.
The entire Umamusume group stood waiting.
Everyone.
King Halo.
Rudolf.
Suzuka.
Chiyono O.
Maruzensky.
Special Week.
Forever Young.
Vodka.
Scarlet.
Everyone.
Clapping.
Teio parked.
Engine off.
The rotary whined softly before dying.
Click.
Silence.
She unbuckled the racing harness.
Pulled the shoulder straps away.
Opened the door.
Stepped out—
Then stood up completely.
Raised her fist.
And yelled:
"YESSSSS!!!"
She slammed both fists down near her waist.
"LET'S GOOOO!!!"
Then punched upward.
"YES! YES! YES!!"
Everyone laughed.
Special Week immediately jumped.
"SUGOOOIIIII TEIO-CHAN!!"
Vodka pumped a fist.
"THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!"
King Halo smirked.
"About time."
Maruzensky laughed for the first time since her breakdown.
"Look at Teio-chan go!"
Teio didn't stop.
She immediately sprinted toward Rudolf.
Rudolf smiled.
Then opened both arms.
Teio practically tackled her.
WHUMP.
Rudolf stumbled backward slightly.
"Oof—!"
Teio hugged her tightly.
Rudolf smiled and wrapped both arms around her.
"I knew you would do great."
Teio buried her face against Rudolf's shoulder.
"...Kaichou."
Her voice softened.
"...I did it."
Rudolf nodded gently.
"Yes."
She smiled.
"You really did."
Behind them—
Maruzensky looked at the scene quietly.
Then smiled.
A genuine smile.
Not for herself.
Not for the Countach.
Not for the race.
But for Teio.
Because today—
Someone else had reached the finish line.
And for now—
Half an hour later—
At the podium.
A temporary stage had been set directly at the entrance of the Sky Lounge. Large banners fluttered lightly in the mountain breeze, their fabric snapping softly every now and then. Cameras lined the front of the stage, tripods packed shoulder-to-shoulder as spectators filled every inch of open space behind the safety barriers.
People who had watched from the base of the pass had now made their way toward the summit.
The crowd had only grown larger.
The evening sun had begun its descent.
Orange light painted the mountains.
Long shadows stretched across the parking area.
Cars sat quietly in the background.
Engines that had screamed at redline only an hour earlier now sat completely silent.
Cooling metal clicked softly.
The mountain had calmed down.
One of the commentators stood beside the podium, microphone in hand.
His voice carried across the entire area.
"Another fantastic year of this Time Trial Event here at Hakone is coming to a close!"
Applause spread through the crowd immediately.
"And we would once again like to say a huge thank you to the organizers of this annual event for making this possible year after year!"
Cheers erupted.
Whistles followed.
Camera shutters fired endlessly.
The commentator reached into his jacket and pulled out an envelope.
He carefully opened it.
His eyes moved down.
"And in third place."
He looked up.
Allowing the suspense to settle.
"A record holder at this event."
"Formerly known as the Emperor."
"And champion of this event two years ago!"
He looked back down.
Then raised his head.
"Driving the Symboli Green Ferrari F40!"
"Driven by Symboli Rudolf!"
Rudolf walked in calmly from the side.
She waved lightly toward the crowd.
Her ears flicked proudly.
Confidence remained written all over her face.
The crowd applauded loudly.
Rudolf laughed softly.
Then hopped cleanly onto the third-place podium.
Landing on the large painted number three.
She crossed her arms with a small smile.
The commentator nodded.
Then glanced back at the paper.
"And in second place..."
He paused.
Long enough.
"One who wrecked out last year."
"A story that would remain at this event for a long time."
"A story of inspiration."
"From losing it..."
"To winging it."
"A story of redemption!"
He looked toward the crowd.
Then raised his arm.
"Please welcome, for the first time on the podium—"
"TOKAI TEIO!!!"
The crowd exploded.
Special Week practically bounced in place.
"TEIO-CHANNNNN!!!"
Forever Young raised her fist high.
"TEIO!! YOU DID IT!!"
Vodka whistled loudly.
Scarlet clapped beside her.
Even Maruzensky raised both hands.
Teio smiled.
Her ears twitched rapidly.
Her tail practically swung side to side.
She jogged toward the stage while waving.
Then jumped onto the second-place podium.
Landing lightly.
She raised her hand halfway.
Then posed.
Peace sign.
Or rather—
A number two sign.
Camera flashes exploded.
She turned toward Rudolf.
The two exchanged glances.
Rudolf smiled.
Pat.
A hand landed on Teio's shoulder.
Mutual respect.
No words needed.
Then—
The commentator continued.
"And for first place..."
He paused.
"A former champion."
"And a display of raw and pure driving!"
Murmurs spread across the crowd.
The commentator scanned around.
Then smiled.
"Driving the Kyoseki Green Skyline R32 GT-R—"
"Please welcome the now TWO-TIME CHAMPION!"
"KING HALO!!!"
The crowd absolutely erupted.
Cheers thundered across Hakone.
King Halo calmly walked from the side.
Waving toward everyone.
Unlike Teio—
She looked composed.
Confident.
Like someone who had expected this outcome.
But Teio, already standing on the podium—
Smirked.
Head lowered slightly.
As if she'd known all along.
King Halo stepped onto the first-place podium.
Clean.
Smooth.
Perfect.
She looked toward Rudolf.
Nodded once.
Then looked toward Teio.
Teio extended her hand.
King Halo stared for a moment.
Then smiled.
And took it.
Handshake.
Firm.
A sign of respect.
Of sportsmanship.
Of rivals.
Three organizers stepped forward.
The first approached Rudolf.
A bronze trophy.
Rudolf accepted it with a smile and a firm handshake.
The second approached Teio.
Silver trophy.
Teio grinned immediately.
She accepted it.
Shook hands.
Then the organizer stepped away.
Teio looked at the trophy.
Looked left.
Looked right.
Then—
Kissed it.
The crowd exploded.
"EEEEHHHHHH?!"
She tossed it high into the air.
Gasps everywhere.
Special Week nearly had a heart attack.
"TEIO-CHAN!!!"
The trophy spun.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Teio caught it perfectly.
Raised it high.
Then pointed toward all of her fellow Umamusume.
The crowd erupted even harder.
Then—
The final organizer stepped toward King Halo.
Handshake.
Respectful.
Measured.
Gold trophy.
King Halo accepted it with both hands.
She looked down at it.
Quietly.
Silently.
Then smirked.
"Two time..."
She glanced at Rudolf.
Then Teio.
Her smile widened.
"I can finally properly celebrate."
"Both from this year..."
"And last year."
She looked toward Teio.
Then toward the crowd.
Raised the trophy high.
Her free hand formed a fist—
Then slowly changed.
Two fingers.
A two sign.
The crowd roared.
Applause thundered throughout Hakone.
Flash after flash after flash.
For several moments—
Nobody moved.
Nobody wanted to.
Because everyone knew—
Moments like this did not last forever.
Eventually photographs began.
The three stood together.
King Halo in the center.
Teio and Rudolf beside her.
Smile.
Flash.
Smile.
Flash.
Another one.
Another one.
Then came group photos.
Special Week immediately ran onto the stage.
Then Suzuka.
Then Vodka.
Then Scarlet.
Then Chiyono O.
Then Opera O.
Then everyone else followed.
Absolute chaos.
People squeezing in.
Someone stepping on someone's tail.
Someone else yelling.
"Move over!"
"HEY YOU BLOCKED ME!"
"VODKA STOP PUSHING!"
"I'M NOT PUSHING!"
"THEN WHY AM I MOVING?!"
Laughter erupted.
Even Rudolf laughed.
Maruzensky stood at the very edge.
Watching.
Smiling quietly.
Then she felt someone bump her shoulder.
Chiyono O.
She smiled.
"Why are you standing all the way here?"
Maruzensky blinked.
"Hm?"
Chiyono pointed.
"Get in there."
Maruzensky looked toward the crowd.
Toward Teio laughing.
Toward King Halo.
Toward Rudolf.
Toward everyone.
Then smiled softly.
"...Right."
She walked over.
And joined them.
Another flash.
Another picture.
Another memory.
Then slowly—
The sun dipped lower.
Orange skies became red.
Then purple.
Then blue.
The mountain roads slowly emptied.
Cars started one by one.
Rotaries.
V12s.
Flat sixes.
V8s.
One after another.
The event had ended.
But the memories remained.
And high above Hakone—
As night slowly settled over the mountains—
The wind carried the sounds of laughter a little farther.
Before eventually—
Even that faded.