Brand New Friends

Do you mean it? Like... really, really mean it?

Haha! You bet! Wanna pinky swear on it?

Pinky swear? What's that?

Oh, you don't know? Well, you see... we put our little fingers together like this...

Then you gotta say, "Cross my heart and hope to die." It's like a magic spell to make sure we keep our promise! Got it?

A magic spell... I got it! Okay, one, two, three!

Cross my heart and hope to die. Together forever, you and I!

Come on, Dia! Hurry up!

Slow down, Kita!

But we'll be tardy if we don't pick up the pace! Seriously, how can it be this late already?!

Well, of course we're late! You went into Friendly Neighborhood Kita mode, after all.

First you helped that old lady with her bags, then there was that lost kid... And let's not forget how you cheered up that lonely old man.

I-I mean I couldn't just ignore them! But I guess we'd better make a run for it...

Ah, wait, Kita! Look over there!

What is it?! Is someone in trouble?

There are stones bouncing all along the river's surface! Do those boys have psychic powers?!

Oh, honestly... They're just skipping stones! You know, I think your curiosity might be another thing slowing us down here...

Anyway, no more distractions! Let's keep moving, we've got people to meet!

...And now, for the benefit of our new students, allow me to reiterate the purpose of today's race.

Phew... Looks like we made it just in time! Thank goodness!

Shh! The student council president has already begun her speech.

What does it mean to run at Tracen Academy? In order to discover the answer firsthand, all of you who have yet to debut are invited to witness a special event, a welcome race, so to speak.

That said, it is bona fide race featuring a coterie of exceptionally gifted runners clad in their racewear. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and impressions afterward.

Prez! Let us take over from here!

Ah! That voice...

Heh... Well, someone's certainly eager. In that case, come show everyone exactly how we chase our dreams.

Sorry to keep ya waiting! I'm none other than Tokai Teio, the strongest racer ever!

Ta-daaa! Like my new racewear? It's like I'm a blazing fire on the track! Pretty cool, huh? ♪

Unbelievable. The president was still talking, you know? How hungry for attention can you be?

I could ask you the same thing, McQueen. I bet you'd kill for some spotlight too.

That new racewear of yours is pretty stylish. Sure ya don't wanna flaunt it a little?

Wha... That's none of your concern! And I have no need to show off, everyone's eyes will be on me regardless.

Hehe, that's more like it. But I won't lose to you, McQueen!

...?

Ohh... McQueen is so cool... Isn't this great, Kita? Your beloved Teio is right there in front of you!

O-oh, yeah... Teio's super cool. In fact, she's almost... too cool...

Ah, that's the fanfare! Kita, the race is starting!

(And so, the race begins. The other Umamusume are all fast, but Teio and McQueen are in a league of their own!)

Our racers are approaching the final stretch as Mejiro McQueen maintains a sizeable lead! What a show of power!

But what's this? Tokai Teio is hot on her heels! Tokai Teio is closing the distance! She's just two, no, one length away!

They're neck and neck! Go, Teio! They're neck and neck! Go, McQueen!

Haaaaah!

(At that moment, I feel a gust of wind.)

(Teio's so cool, and her running's as powerful as always. But somehow...)

(McQueen's so wonderful, and her running's as powerful as always. But somehow...)

(This time... I feel more inspired than ever!)

So this is how they chase their dreams, in a genuine, all-out race. What a feeling that must be.

From this point on, we'll be running just like them...

At Tracen Academy, the school of our dreams!

Together we'll run for our dream! ♪ We'll keep trying, and wring out all our strength! ♪

Wow, that was amazing! Both the race and the concert! My heart's still pounding!

I know, I know! And the best part of all was...

Teio! McQueen!

Huh?

Did you see Teio's final sprint? Her power is incredible! She's second to none!

But McQueen had perfect pacing! She stays calm and composed all the way to the finish line. No one else can compare!

Teio!

McQueen!

Well, did you see the way Teio's cute ponytail flutters in the wind as she runs?!

Sorry, I was too busy staring at McQueen's beautiful locks gleaming in the sunlight!

Grr...

Hehe, look at those girls playing together. How adorable.

...!

Ahem. Anyway, let's just agree that they were both incredible...

Hehe. Yes! Both of them were really cool! How could they not be?

Um... Aaand Tokai Teio makes her move! She puts on a burst of speed to chase down Mejiro McQueen!

Hehe. Is that an impression of the caster?

Yep! It's a little off though, don't you think? Doesn't quite do Teio justice.

But we've only just joined the academy. There's so much to learn! I'm gonna become just like Teio and my dad!

Your father... Oh, of course, he's a kind man who everyone in town loves, isn't he?

Hehe, thanks for saying that. Yeah, I really admire my dad. He always puts other people's happiness first!

Wherever he goes, he's always surrounded by smiles. That's why I wanna do the same and make people smile with my running!

Just like Teio does too! I'm sure it'll make my mom happy as well!

Though my reason's not exactly super deep like yours, Dia!

I mean, you joined Tracen Academy to fulfill your family's wish, didn't you?

Hmm, not quite. My family's wish, for me to win G1 races, is actually my dream too.

I was born thanks to the hopes and dreams of many people, my mother, my father, and everyone connected to our business.

I want to meet their expectations and show everyone my own unique style of running... just like McQueen!

I see! Well, I know you'll be able to make your dream come true!

You too, Kita! You'll make everyone smile, I'm sure of it! That's one of your strengths, after all!

Hehe. ♪

Wait, that chime... Oh no! It's almost curfew! We have to hurry back to the dorm!

No need to panic. I'll just call my driver... Oh, I don't have my cell phone.

Then let's take a taxi... Um, you don't happen to have my wallet, do you, Kita?

Nope, and I don't have any money on me either! We'll just have to make a run for it! C'mooon!

"I messed up again today. Why does this always happen to me? Sigh..."

"But it's okay! I'll have another chance with my next race. I'll push myself harder and definitely win the next one!"

Phew, we're finally done. This place is way too huge for just two people to clean.

Ahaha... Well, it was the dorm leader's decision, so what could we do?

"Quite brazen of you to break dorm curfew so soon after entering the academy. As a tribute to your bravery, I'll reward you both with a week's worth of cleaning duty."

Hehe, is that your impression of the dorm leader yesterday? You're really good at impersonations, Kita!

Ehehe. I was so bummed out that it stuck in my head. But whatever! Cleaning duty just feels like another part of school life!

Plus, you're here with me, Dia!

Huh? What about it?

Anything's fun when you're with your best friend! I can't wait for us to go running together too!

...Yeah. I feel the same way. But...

WAAAAAH!

WAAAAAH!

Gasp! Someone's in trouble! That voice came from the school gates, let's go!

WAAAH! No... No! You're scaring me, Nature! Don't come any closer!

Don't worry, I'm not scary at all! Come here... so I can cover you in mud too!

WAAAH! It's a monster! Go away!

What're those two up to? And, uh, why's Nature all caked in mud?

Did Turbo prank her? Or, like, maybe they're having a mud party! I lowkey wanna try that. ☆

Ooh, a mud party, huh? I heard they're all the rage right now! Well... I think I did anyway. Maybe?

Real talk though, it looks super lit. C'mon! Let's get dirty!

Sounds good! I'm in!

Sup, Nature! Wahey! ☆

Nobody invited you!

Um... What do you think is going on?

I haven't got a clue. But we should probably call someone just in case...

...?!

So this is where you've all been... I thought I told you to meet for a joint training session after cleaning.

Geez, Ikuno, you had me shook! Those were some serious decibels for just slamming your book. Talk about a literal clapback! ☆

Daitaku Helios. Mejiro Palmer. I believe the two of you were assigned to cleaning duty for skipping classes and playing around.

Well, I didn't want to ditch class. I was just feeling different that day and didn't wanna kill the vibe, ya know? ☆

Geez, you guys are hopeless. Guess I'll have to show you how to act right!

Ahem... Twin Turbo. You, too, were given cleaning duty as punishment for running around the room during class, were you not?

That wasn't a punishment! The vice president just asked me to "try and calm down."

Is that so? Then I apologize. As for you, Nice Nature...

...Hm? Why are you here again?

I want someone to tell me that...

Ooh, I understand now, Dia! It's a skit! They must be practicing a comedy routine!

Ah, that makes sense! Where's my coin purse? I want to support them.

This isn't a skit! Wait... Huh? You two...

B-b-boom! Kita and Sato, mad props on the cleanup job aaand for joining the academy! Time for a welcome party, wahey! ☆

Waheeey! Thank youuu!

A party? Really?

Certainly, a celebration would help ease the tension of entering an unfamiliar environment. I agree with Helios, actually.

Guess you really can't judge a book by its cover, huh?

Thank you so much for going out of your way for us! You're all so kind!

I'm sorry for any trouble that Turbo and the others may have caused. Incidentally, what were you two doing back there?

Ah. Um... Well, actually, we also got assigned cleaning duty as a punishment. Ahaha...

Seriously? That makes us, like, total "prison pals." PPs for life! Woohoo! ♪

So what did you do? Throw a BBQ in the schoolyard? Or maybe a skateboarding contest in the hallway? You're unhinged!

Er...

No, no! They were definitely building an ocean! I mean, Golshi was making waves earlier!

Or maybe they got sucked into one of Marvelous's schemes. You two okay? Do you feel like your normal selves?

Eeeep!

Haha, don't scare them, Nature. Don't worry, you two. Not all of us here are such wild characters.

Oh, Palmer! Thank goodness at least somebody here is normal!

Oh, please. Normal's the last word I'd use for Little Miss Mejiro Princess here.

Huh?! Mejiro?! Then you're from the same family as McQueen?

But wait, there's more! Palmz is the explosive runaway pro, the front running goddess! My super runaway bestie! ☆

A-a goddess?! Tracen Academy really is incredible. The Umamusume here are literally out of this world!

Hmm... What should I do?

Hmm... Hmmm... Ohh, what should I do?

Hey, who's that? Do they need help? I'm gonna go see if I can lend a hand!

Oh, Kitasan? ...Dang, she's pretty light on her feet.

Hehe. That's Kita for you. Ever since we were young, she's never been able to turn away from someone in trouble.

Since you were young? Oh, so you guys are childhood friends, huh? In that case, you're both sure to grow by leaps and bounds.

Hm? Uh, thank you...

Ahhh, the pork cutlet curry has way too many calories... But I just can't resist that crispy, fluffy goodness...

If you want to eat it so badly, why hold back? The extra calories will give you more energy for training!

That's a great point! I think I'll go with the curry so I can work even harder!

I always have trouble making up my mind, so I appreciate the push! Umm...

Oh! I'm Kitasan Black! I'm new here to the academy!

I'm Matikanetannhauser! Thanks again, Kita!

Tanny-in-the-Hauserrr! Machitaaaan!

Wahhh! You scared me!

Whatcha got there? Pork cutlet curry? Hmm... The brown vibe works, but how 'bout adding a tomato salad for a splash of color?

Oh, tomato! Yeah, making it more colorful would definitely up the flavor!

Check this! I'm gonna add even more colors! Ketchup! Mayo! Mustard! Fish eggs! ...Grapes!

Uh-huh, uh-huh... Huh?! That sounds gross!

Don't hate, let her cook! Why not go all in and make it an Umasta-worthy rainbow curry?!

Rainbow curry?! C-careful not to overdo it, now...

Hey, Kita... There's something almost soothing about that Tannhauser girl, don't you think?

I was just thinking the same thing! Guess there are people like her here at Tracen Academy too.

Btdubs, now that Tannhauser's here, how about we kick off the grand finale? I was hoping you could do me a solid, Turbo... Mutter, mutter, mutter...

Ooh, yeah! That sounds awesome! Gimme a sec to get set up, 'kay?

I've got a bad feeling about this...

Yo, yo! What's up guuuys! ☆ Who's ready to P-A-R-T-Y? B-b-boom!

Yeaaah!

Wh-what the heck is this?!

It appears to be a DJ kit. When did they set it up?

Make some noise for Kita and Sato! DJ Helios here, ready to turn up and lay down some sick beats! Hit it, Turbo! ☆

Aye aye, sir! Time to start the music! Clickety-poke!

Waaaaagh! Yo, Turbo! That's way too loud! I know I said to "turn up," but still...

Urgh...

She's down?! S-somebody stop the music!

That's easier said than done!

We'll burst our eardrums if we get any closer!

This is bad! If we don't do something quick, you-know-who is gonna notice...

Eek! Palmer, look behind you!

Huh? ...Oh.

Okay, it's way cleaner now! Let's take a break, everyone! Nice work!

You know it! We make one heck of a team! Wanna form a squad? We can be "The Super Trash Troopers ☆" or something! Woohoo!

Considering we'll be participating in a wide range of student council-organized activities, I think a more appropriate name would be "The Community Service Squad ☆."

Kitasan, Satono, sorry for getting you guys mixed up in all this. But I gotta say, I'm impressed. You two've got some skills.

You think so? Well, I guess we're used to it. I used to do volunteer work like this all the time with Dia's family!

Oh yeah? Your family has a passion for that kind of thing, Satono?

Yes. I actually first met Kita while volunteering. It feels so long ago now. By the way, will you all be okay? Don't you have races?

Yeah, but they've organized our schedule to keep this community service from interfering with our training, so we'll manage. Hehe.

So carefree...

"My to-do list keeps growing day by day. But it's a lot of fun. From now on, I'm going to get up early and go running every morning! ...Unless I snooze too long."

The days go by as we continue our community service together. Today, we have a special task lined up...

Whoa, awesome! I know you! You're really good at running!

Ohh, you know me? Uhh... Thank you?

Wow, your hair is so soft! You're even cuter than you look on TV!

Huh?! I-I'm cute?!

Super cute! I looove you!

Er, um... You really shouldn't use that word so lightly... Hey, Tannhauser! Help me...

Her tail is so fluffy and soft, right? And just look at those cute little ears!

No, don't encourage them! Ugh, why meee?

Hey, Nature! Sing something for us! We wanna hear a cute song!

Sing?! Come on, cut me some slack!

All right, everyone! Today, we're going to teach you little ones a few things about how we big Umamusume run!

Okaaay!

Pant... Wheeze... Nope, I can't do it anymore... Their innocence really hits you in the heart in more ways than one...

We're not even that much older, Nature. You're so overdramatic.

...

Oh? Hi there. Why don't you come over here and play with us?

...I know you. At the race before, you caught a cold and couldn't run!

Huh?!

My mommy said you always finish in a good position. But isn't a "good position" usually first place?

Urgh! Augh... Oof... I tumble.

Yep, there's that pure, unfiltered innocence for you. You're gonna need a picker-upper after that blow. I'll buy you a soda on the way back.

Okay, everyone, this way please! You're getting a real training session today!

Aye aye, boss!

How'd she get them so organized? Meanwhile in this corner...

So I was thinking. If you just zoom to the front near the end of the race, you'll win for sure!

Mhm, I see. Yeah, that's an interesting idea. Thanks for the advice.

Getting schooled by a little kid... You're just gonna let that happen, Tannhauser?

Hehe. As long as everyone's having fun. Hm? Tannhauser, those notes in your journal...

Also, don't you know you get jinxed if you eat curry before a race? You won't be able to run your best.

Jinxed?! Wait, you have to tell me more! How can I break the jinx?!

Wait, you too now?! Am I the only one thinking straight today?

All right! Looks like all the kids have gone home! Shall we pack up? ...Oh?

...

Oh, it's you... Hehe. If you keep hanging on to me like that, I won't be able to go back to my school.

Try not to catch any more colds, okay? I'm rooting for you! I wanna see you win!

...!

Yup, got it. I'm going to win! It's a promise!

Mu-muuun! BRING IT OOOOON!

Uh... Why the sudden outburst?

I'm gonna do my best! I have to look cool for that kid!

What's the big rush? I thought you did pretty good in the welcome race. Better than me, at any rate...

What? You two were in the race?

Of course we were!

Oh, Kita... You should know better...

I'm really, really sorry! I was just so focused on Teio, I guess I didn't see anyone else!

...Sure, I mean... who can blame you? None of us can compare to a dazzling protagonist like Teio...

She makes winning look easy, then goes the extra mile on top of that. Next to her, we're just your one-off support characters there to spice up the action.

That's not true...

Nah, I'm serious. Teio's the real deal. No one racks up the wins like her.

Even so, I want to aim for the top! I'll run with all my might and get stronger... and become someone people can look up to!

You said it, Kita. I'm going to get stronger too, just like McQueen!

Oh, to be so young and full of aspirations. Wonder if I was like that when I first enrolled...

Huh? What did you say, Nature?

...It's good to be enthusiastic, but let me offer you a warning. There are some real monsters here that feed on that enthusiasm.

M-monsters?!

Th-there's no such thing... right? You're saying that as a metaphor... right?

Ahaha, sorry. Yeah, I'm talking about the protagonists of the academy. You'll see Teio and McQueen aren't the only shining stars here.

Everyone here has dreams and the raw skills to see them through. It's a hearty full-course feast of protagonists, each with their own rivals!

Dreams, skills... and rivals.

Wow, I'm all fired up now! Count me in! I wanna learn more about everyone!

All right, then today's your lucky day! 'Cause I'm gonna teach you about some of those so-called monsters! Let's go!

Nin-nin mode, activate. You two've met Helios and Palmer, right? They hype up the crowd with their flashy breakaway styles!

Yep, that's all true, but... why all the lurking in the shadows? Why not just go up and talk to them?

Reconnaissance is all about being a ninja. With that, my little fledglings, on to the next mission! Nin-nin!

Yes, master! Nin-nin!

Those three are known as BNW, and they're always competing for first place. I think there've even been races where they all finished in the top three.

Wow, that's so cool! So hey, do you think I could be called... KSB?

That's the cool part?

Umm... Those two seem like they're arguing about something...

Yep, business as usual! They haven't debuted just yet, but they really don't want to lose to each other. They're future hot tickets for sure!

Future hot tickets... Wow! Everyone is so different! There really might be some formidable "monsters" here.

The truth is, we've barely scratched the surface... Buuut it's already late, so let's call it a wrap for today.

Tannhauser, you're so knowledgeable. You've even looked into the racers who haven't debuted yet...

This much is normal. Everyone researches their opponents before a race, don't they?

You would be one to call that "normal."

Aha! I found you, Sneakyhauser!

Sneakyhauser? ...Wait, do you mean me?

Is something wrong, Turbo? Why do you seem so worked up?

I heard what you're gonna do, Machitan! You're gonna run in that, uh... "XC vision" race, aren't you?! With Bourbon and Rice!

And you're gonna wear your racewear! That's so unfair! I wanna run too! Don't leave me out!

Bourbon and Rice?

It turns out that Bourbon and Rice are scheduled to race tomorrow, so we hurry over to the track to do some reconnaissance for our ninja master.

Whoooa!

Did you see that just now, Dia?

Yes, I definitely did, Kita. Those racers are Rice Shower and Mihono Bourbon...

Their running is so powerful... They might even be a match for Teio and McQueen.

They do seem pretty monster-like. Is Tannhauser really gonna go up against them?

Wait, where is Tannhauser anyway?

Ah, Kita, Sato! Nice timing!

Check out this letter! It says, "I'm cheering for you! Do your best!" Hehehe. ♪

Is that from the little girl we met the other day?

Yep, yep! It puts a smile on my face to know someone out there is pulling for me! All right, I'm gonna give it my AAALL, ack!

Aah! A-are you okay?!

Haha, it's just a nosebleed. I must've gotten too excited. Sniff, sniff... Okay, all good now!

Um... Rice and Bourbon are both really fast. Are you feeling okay about the race?

Hmm, well... I've raced those two a bunch of times already. And I can tell you, they're good! Really good!

There's no way I can beat them through hard work alone. Just gotta hope for a miracle! May the gods give me strength, namu-namu!

Uhh, I'm not sure that's gonna work... But hold on to that spirit and do your best!

Ahhh... She really said there's "no way" she can win. Now I'm getting all worried... Will she be okay tomorrow?

I know what you mean. I'm a bit worried too. But I think despite what she says, she's still determined not to lose.

Anyway, let's go cheer her on tomorrow! I get the feeling it's going to be a fantastic race.

"Tomorrow's the big day. I'm feeling pretty nervous... But it's okay, I've done all I can to prepare. I hope I don't let down the people supporting me!"

On the day of the exhibition race, we get to watch Tannhauser run. Afterward...

Yeah, I think that's basically how things went. That's why at this point...

Tannhauseeer!

Ah, Kita, Sato! You came to watch me! Sorry, I really flubbed it big-time, huh?

What are you talking about? Tannhauser, you were sooooo...

So cool out there!

Huh?

On the final stretch, when Rice was sprinting after the front runner Bourbon, you were hot on their heels and steadily closing the gap.

But it wasn't working! You couldn't quite reach them! With just 200 meters to the finish line, you could've changed strategies and protected your third place position.

But you never gave up. Even though you knew you wouldn't catch them, you still gave everything you had until the very end.

Yeah, but that's why I didn't notice the racer coming up from behind. And where'd it get me? Fourth place. Haha, I really don't have a good endgame.

Still, you had some sort of strategy, right? You tried to speed up despite knowing the risk.

Huh? Nah, that wasn't a strategy. I was just trying to win the race.

Isn't that what all racers do? There's no point if we don't aim to win, is there?

...!

But I guess a loser like me shouldn't be handing out advice, huh? Haha... I knew just trying wouldn't be enough.

I've got to keep pushing myself nonstop to get better, just like Teio and McQueen do.

Sigh... Which means I gotta train more. Let's see, I guess starting from tomorrow...

Whoa! My notebook!

I'll grab it for you! ...Oh, wow! The level of detail in these notes is incredible!

Ah, this is the book you carry everywhere.

"Special Pre-Race Training Routine," "Early Morning Running Checklist," "Ikuno's Recommended Gym Regimen by Muscle Group"...

Whoa, look at all the routines and schedules! And you've written "Gotta work hard!" so many times...

Aah, don't read that! It's just a bunch of embarrassing scribbles... Urgh.

You haven't been doing all of these routines, have you? Every day? Even with all that community service?

Is that weird? I thought it was a pretty normal amount of work...

This is a normal amount?! I'm no expert, but this feels like way too much!

Still, I'm pretty sure I need to increase my weight training. Hmm, I'll have to rearrange some things... My schedule's always so packed.

I don't have any secret weapons or special skills. If I want to win against those monster racers, there's only one option.

I've just gotta work as hard as I can. Push myself more and more... so I can live up to the expectations of everyone supporting me.

Tannhauser was so amazing on the track, but she still doesn't consider herself special.

Maybe that's what being at this school does to you. Tannhauser was definitely amazing, but there are even stronger racers...

Yeah, everyone here is on a whole other level. I knew that'd be the case, but still...

...Okay, we're all here! Wanna get started?

Oh? Something's happening over there...

Yeah, let's get this strategy sesh rolling! Us ex-convicts gotta make our grand comeback!

Woo, ex-comics! Wait, what's that?!

I'm just saying our community service is finally over, yeah? We seriously worked our butts off, headpats all around!

We brought it on ourselves, you know.

Now that we have more free time, it would be nice if we could work together to improve our skills.

I think we all know we're not exactly Tracen's best and brightest. But different perspectives might help us change that.

I agree. If you recall, I was trying to organize a joint training session in the first place. But somehow we got off track...

Seriously, how did we get dragged into this? We always seem to draw the short straw when we're with you guys.

Huuuh? You're not coming, Nature? But I wanted to run with you!

Ngh... This was all your fault in the first place... Also, I didn't say I wouldn't do it.

Hehe. All right then, let's kick off the meeting! For victory!

They're so focused all of a sudden. I feel like I barely know them...

They're all serious about getting first place. I guess at Tracen, that's a normal thing, huh.

Dia, I... I was totally clueless. About what it means to run at Tracen Academy, and probably about everything else too.

Kita...

I pictured myself training and growing stronger... and winning lots of glamorous races! I fully believed I could do it if I just worked hard enough.

But I never imagined what that "hard work" would actually look like, or how much of it I'd need to put in if I really wanted to win.

Teio overcomes all those challenges and keeps on running. That's what makes her so strong and incredible.

Yeah... You're right.

To become someone like her... Do I really have what it takes to push myself that far?

Do I really have what it takes to put a smile on people's faces?

I know what you mean, it's a scary thing. We just learned how tough the racing world really is, after all.

You feel the same?

I thought I had the necessary resolve, but I was just being naive.

Still, you know what? I think we're going to be just fine!

Because I'm right beside you, Kita!

Huh?

Do you remember what Nature told us before? The thing you need to become a shining star...

Ahaha, sorry. Yeah, I'm talking about the protagonists of the academy. You'll see Teio and McQueen aren't the only shining stars here.

Everyone here has dreams and the raw skills to see them through. It's a hearty full-course feast of protagonists, each with their own rivals!

Dreams, skills... and rivals.

Kita, you're a very precious friend to me... but you're just as precious to me as a rival!

...!

Remember when we first met? That day, you had come to help with some volunteer work.

You were the first Umamusume my age I had ever talked to, so I was really nervous.

And I was surprised that there was someone out there faster than me! It really opened my eyes!

After that, you took me to lots of new places. You taught me so many things, like how to play the games at the candy shop and how to take a tumble.

You led the way as we ran together, opening my eyes to the vastness of the world around us. Staring at your back in front of me, I came to realize something.

I wanted to surpass you, to take the lead myself.

Dia...

For as long as I've known you, you've always loved helping people. Maybe you were just showing me the same kindness.

But it was different for me. I've always seen you as a rival.

It's true that the other students here are incredible. No matter how hard we work, we may never catch up to them. But even so...

As long as you're running ahead of me, I won't stop trying to overtake you. I'll keep improving until I can.

So let's keep running together, Kita. From now until forever!

...!

Cross my heart and hope to die. Together forever, you and I!

(That's right. From the first time I met Dia, I knew she was different from my other friends.)

I'm going to win a G1 race and make everyone's dream come true!

(She was naive and a little detached, but she never cried when she fell. And she was always upfront and honest to me about her dreams.)

(No matter how hard I tried to sprint ahead, she always stuck close behind. Eventually, we wound up running side by side.)

(It was frustrating... and it made me want to get better.)

Thanks, Dia. I guess I let my worries get the better of me.

But having a rival to push you in the right direction... That's such an inspiring thought!

Kita...

I may not know everything about dreams or what it means to run, or even my own potential. But still...

I have a rival to run alongside me.

That's why no matter how tough things get, I'll be okay. I can smile and overcome any obstacle with you by my side, Dia!

Oh, but I should warn you, I won't let you catch up to me during races! So you'd better be ready!

...! Same here! I don't plan on losing!

Someday, I'm gonna become a stronger version of myself and achieve my dreams...

Because I've decided to chase them with you!