Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Main story
Chapter 4: Roiling Craving
13 scenes, 767 lines
1. Insatiable
52 linesThe racers up front set a brutally high pace. There was seemingly little hope of catching up, but then... Narita Brian overtook them all and seized the win!
Not only was it a Satsuki Sho record, she set a new top time for the 2,000-meter Nakayama track!
What a heart-pounding race! The thunder of applause from the stands won't stop!
...
Wha... What was that explosion on the final stretch?!
This is a G1 race, but those other racers looked like toddlers! I had no idea Narita Brian was so good!
She gets a landslide three-length lead, with a course record to boot. And yet she stands there, looking disappointed the race ended so soon.
Oh, Brian... Even on the track, you're still my greedy little sister.
The Classics are prestigious races as it is, and that win was phenomenal.
It cemented Narita Brian's reputation: she's the best racer of the generation.
Whoo, Brian's outta this world... Every single lap is a new personal best.
I know she ran an amazing race in the Satsuki Sho, but who would've thought she had this much more potential?
Look at that, even the onlookers are standing there dumbstruck.
She shoots past our expectations every run. I've had to revamp her training routine over and over.
Hmph...
Nice going, Brian. You're getting comfortable with that running style.
Low center of gravity, right? I heard you two created it together when you scouted her.
I gave some advice, but Brian's the one who made it work. I was blown away the first time I saw it.
All right, let's finish off with one more lap.
Just one? Then I'll take it seriously. Get that stopwatch ready.
Say what? You weren't serious this whole time?!
...You may need to rework that training routine again.
Looks like it...
Excuse me, Brian! Do you have time for a quick question?
Whoa, what the heck?! We're in the middle of training here!
I'm so sorry to interrupt, but I couldn't get a hold of Narita Brian anywhere else. This is the only chance I've got!
If it means that much to you... I've got you covered! What's your question?
...I'll let you handle it. I'm off.
Aaah, wait! Just one thing!
You ran a beautiful race at the Satsuki Sho, but what's next for you? Will you try to become the fifth ever Triple Crown champion?
Stepping stones? H-hey, what exactly do you mean?
I thought I'd find you here.
There's a flood of reporters down at the training grounds, trying to find you for an interview.
Oh, hey Sis...
At the Satsuki Sho... the leaders set a breakneck pace from the start. Usually, everyone would be worn out by the final straight.
Nevertheless, you met the challenge, and when everyone else ran out of steam, you shot through to victory.
It's no wonder you've thrown everyone into an uproar.
I didn't mean to do anything special. It didn't feel particularly fast to me.
I know all too well there are racers out there who could've run faster.
You've caused quite a stir in the racing world with your astounding win, but you still don't seem happy.
I wonder when exactly that appetite of yours will be sated.
...
I suggest you use the back entrance to the dorms. There aren't any reporters on that side.
You've found yourself a good team, your wins are proof of that. I'll be watching what you do next.
When will my appetite be sated? You should know that better than anyone else.
It'll be the day I beat you.
2. Heap of Talent
79 linesBack when I first met Narita Brian, several months before her astonishing win in the Satsuki Sho...
Her running was, in a word, "restrained."
Huff... Puff...
Gaaah... This's haaard!
Good run, you two! Keep it up! You'll be ready for the next race in no time!
You should be running too...
There's some things you can't get just by running! What that is exactly... I'll tell you when I think of it!
Uhhh, okay then. Anyway, that's enough training for today. Good job, everyone.
Whoo-hoo! Time to eat! Later, alligator!
Thank you, Trainer.
See you tomorrow... Huh? Over there, is that...
I follow Winning Ticket's gaze and find a racer training tirelessly.
Exhale...
Hup!
She moves flexibly, with powerful strides.
It's not bad running at first glance, but something isn't quite in sync.
That's Hayahide's little sister, Narita Brian.
Hayahide's sister?
Yeah, but why's she out here training alone? Shouldn't she be with the rest of her team?
Her team... So she's debuted already?
Yeah, she's run five races, I think, with two wins so far. It's not bad, but I get the feeling it could be better.
After all, Hayahide gushes over Brian, she calls her a huuuge heap of talent!
A heap of talent, huh?
The analytical Biwa Hayahide, a heap of talent in her own right, would praise her sister that much?
Hearing that alone would've piqued my interest, but then... Not long after, I find Narita Brian again in an unexpected place.
There are some major athletes at these tryouts. I've really gotta think things through before scouting anyone.
Hm? Narita Brian's up next, but didn't she debut already?
I heard she dropped out of her team. Things weren't working out with her trainer.
Tryouts are where racers who don't have a team yet try to be scouted by a trainer.
(Now I get why she was training on her own, but what happened with her trainer that made her quit?)
While I'm still pondering that, Brian's race begins.
And Narita Brian finishes five lengths behind first! Did she lose all her energy before the last sprint?!
With two Twinkle Series wins under her belt, it's hard to believe her result today!
That was a great run! I'd love to have you on our team!
Y-yes! I'd love to join!
Seeing the other trainers approaching Umamusume, I head over to the racer who caught my interest.
...
Hey, Narita Brian. Mind if we talk?
I don't think I did anything today worthy of being scouted.
She's right, she didn't display much of a performance and lost speed near the end.
Yet I can't help but think that awkward running form of hers is to blame. And I have to know if I'm right.
Your flexibility and momentum were good. Perfect form as well.
But I think those pieces aren't fitting together well.
...
Your form's too textbook. It's holding back your power.
Try running more freely, and let your strength guide you.
...?!
Whatever I was expecting, it wasn't this.
Her stance is so low, she looks like an animal on the hunt.
Haaaaah!
Huh? Wh-what's up with that run?!
Wow... And she keeps getting faster!
Haha... She really is a heap of talent.
If you ran like that in the race, you would've placed first for sure.
I still have to think about it too much. Once I get the hang of it, I'll be even faster.
Even faster than that? Well, can't say I'm not looking forward to it.
If you don't mind me asking, why'd you leave your team? Your trainer must've been proud that you racked up two wins.
Because I want to run more.
More?
Apparently I don't get consistent results because I don't know how to keep my composure.
So they said I needed to take a break from racing.
Composure, huh...
She must not have a good handle on her excitement when she's competing.
It's important to be hyped up, but a racer also needs to keep cool when making critical, split-second decisions.
But I didn't accept that explanation or their decision.
I understand why my trainer made that call, but I simply disagree. Nothing more, nothing less.
Wanting to run is as simple as it gets, and she's certainly strong-willed to leave her team over that.
And she has the ability to turn that passion into raw physical power!
If we start now, we could still make the Kyoto Junior Stakes. There's the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes too.
What's that supposed to mean?
Rather than hold back your desire to run, I think it'd be better to channel it through more races. So...
Would you like to race on my team?
Oh right, I was at the tryouts to get scouted. The run just now was so much more impactful, I forgot why I was even here.
Let's try out that new running style in the next race!
You got it. I'll take any chance I can get to run!
And so, Narita Brian becomes the newest member of Team Sirius.
I'll soon get to see exactly how boundless her talent really is.
3. Endless Strength
62 linesAfter joining the team, Narita Brian's performance doesn't just stabilize, it gets better and better.
With the Satsuki Sho won, next will be the most celebrated race in the Twinkle Series, the Tokyo Yushun, the Japanese Derby.
After your last race, some are predicting you'll be a Triple Crown champion! Are you confident you can become the fifth ever to do it?
I haven't even gotten the second crown in the Japanese Derby yet. Why bother jumping the gun?
Racers who didn't participate in the Satsuki Sho will be running in the Japanese Derby. What's your strategy against these new rivals?
Strategy? Hmph... All I need to do is get to the finish line first.
Brian, please, over here!
Huh?! Me first, hey Brian!
Just look at the number of journalists.
Everyone's got their eyes on her right now.
She's in the middle of a five-win streak, with two of them being G1 races. That momentum has taken her straight to the Japanese Derby.
When the big day comes, I have no doubt she'll be the favorite.
...Is there something wrong with that?
The thing is, high expectations mean one misstep could do immense damage... like what happened to me.
How will she face the pressure of being the favorite in such an important race? It'll be the moment of truth for her.
Let me do one more sprint on the ramped track!
Good idea, go for it!
The Japanese Derby is 2,400 meters. We've gotta get the ideal pace into your muscle memory!
All right, understood!
The mood on the training course has been so tense lately...
Yeah, well it's the Derby! Everybody's desperate for this once-in-a-lifetime chance.
That's not all. Heaps of peeps have been watching Brian train!
They're all devising ways to beat her.
Her rivals are persistent, and they've all marked Brian as their target. Winning the Derby's not going to be easy.
Which makes a certain something all the more important...
Hey, Trainer, aren't you gonna get the big announcement soon?
Right, I'll go check. Everyone keep training.
Hey, what's this about?
They say only the luckiest racer wins the Derby, right? Well, we're about to find out whether Brian's got the luck.
Brian's good at keeping up with the lead pack in a race. So it'll be important to get into a good position while conserving her stamina as much as possible.
And the key to that is having the right starting gate.
No way...
Post eight-seventeen... The farthest from the inside rail, with the most ground to cover. Luck isn't on Brian's side.
It's finally the day of the Tokyo Yushun, the Japanese Derby!
Will the standout favorite Narita Brian take the win? Or will it be one of her many rivals who've pushed so far to make it here?
You're in perfect shape! Believe in yourself and run with all you've got!
Okay! When I'm out there, I'll remember all the training I did!
A good start is key! Take all the advantages that inside post has to offer!
Thank you so much for training me! I'll definitely bring back first place for you!
The stands might be roaring with excitement, but the air back here is tense, huh?
...
You know the Derby's special. Every racer's trained their heart out to have a shot at glory here.
And they've been prepped to go up against you specifically. Plus, you're in the worst starting gate.
Obviously, winning this is going to be a challenge, so...
So what?
Huh?
I don't need to worry about any of that. All I need to do is rip through the pack and win.
Ready or not, the Derby gates open, and I'm reminded once again...
They're at the last corner, and Narita Brian's sweeping in from far outside! Just like that, she's taken the lead!
She blasts ahead, that's it! Brian wins it!
Narita Brian has her second crown! With an unbelievable five-length lead, the Satsuki Sho winner has claimed another amazing victory!
Wooooo!
No matter the opponent, no matter their strategy, no matter the odds, she still wins!
Hey, rockstar! You tore up the competition!
Whooooa! That was better than anyone could have hoped for! Another Derby legend is born TODAAAY!
You just keep on raising the bar, Brian!
I don't care about other people's expectations. Like I said before...
The Derby, the Triple Crown... They're all just stepping stones.
Um, hey, didn't she just run 2,400 meters? Does she breathe like the rest of us?
Now that you mention it...
Hahaha, you've gotta be kidding me...
I'm her trainer, but even I have no idea what she's really capable of. I can barely hide how excited that makes me.
4. Catching up to My Sister
58 linesNext is one-furlong sprints. Racers, you've all practiced for this. Parents, guardians, friends, and family, make sure to cheer for these kids like crazy!
Wow, amazing! Narita Brian jumped ahead! She's Biwa Hayahide's sister, all right.
Brian wins first place!
She's pretty fast out there, just like her big sister! Give her a round of applause, everyone!
She'll make big waves if she ever gets into the Twinkle Series.
She might even be faster than her sister.
(Brian...)
Narita Brian proved she has more than what it takes to win the Japanese Derby.
Her final sprint is all anyone can talk about, and there have been nonstop requests for interviews.
The media's clamoring outside the doors again. Ms. Tazuna was practically in tears begging Brian to talk to them.
I wouldn't mind making time if it was one or two people, but Brian wouldn't get a minute to train if we let all those reporters in...
Guess I'll have to save the day. No worries, I'll answer all their questions as Brian's spokesperson!
Go ahead, so long as my run isn't disturbed.
Great, that settles it! Fact or fiction, I'll talk about it all!
How about we stick to fact?!
Well, I don't think they'll agree to it, but I guess it's worth a shot.
I'm heading out to train. The media's all yours.
Oh, if you're going now, you'd better train outside the school grounds. The academy's teeming with reporters.
Alright.
She really only ever has racing on her mind. However many races she conquers, it never seems to be enough.
Her focus is what drives her ability. I'm sure it'll continue to drive her past what we can imagine.
But just what is the source of all that focus?
Huff... Puff...
Wait! Hey, waaait!
Huff, huff... I did it! I win!
Puff... Oooh, why didn't you wait?!
'Cause it's a race, silly!
Waaagh! Waaaaagh!
...
What's this? You're training outside too?
Sis...
So the reporters have been hounding you. It's no surprise with you on the brink of becoming a Triple Crown champion.
And... do you think you can win the Kikuka Sho?
Beats me, haven't given it any thought.
I don't mean to say it's meaningless or anything, but... the Triple Crown's not my goal.
My focus is on my own path, and on that path, the third crown is just a stepping stone.
A perfectly fitting answer for you.
You've always been called a heap of talent, and now you're living up to it. I'm incredibly proud of my little sister.
Even so, I haven't beaten you yet.
I don't give a damn about talent or being amazing. Those are just words.
All I crave is to finish ahead of you when we race in the Twinkle Series.
I'm honored to be the target of your ambitions, but I'm afraid I can't grant your wish so easily.
I understand that much after trying to catch up to you all this time.
I should get back to training. Later, Sis.
Take care of yourself.
My word, it's difficult having a sister overflowing with talent. Continuing to stay in front of you is a Herculean task.
But I also have my pride as your Big Sis. I can't lose to you, Triple Crown champion or not.
GOOO! HAYAHIDEEE!
Biwa Hayahide glides to the front with ease on the final turn! The favorite, Biwa Hayahide, is in the lead!
Her pace isn't letting up even in the stretch! The rest of the pack is speeding up, but Hayahide's lead is only growing!
Absolutely amazing! Biwa Hayahide claims victory in the Takarazuka Kinen!
Just like her sister, Narita Brian, she wins it with a landslide five-length lead! And in record time!
Wowie! Hayahide's incredible!
Waaagh! Congrats, Hayahideee!
She really is your sister.
That goes without saying.
Though they're taking different paths through the Twinkle Series, both sisters are making big waves.
If they were to race against each other, there's no telling who'd come out on top.
5. A Worthy Opponent
59 linesThe first half of the year's Twinkle Series ends with Biwa Hayahide's tremendous victory in the Takarazuka Kinen.
Now with summer here, Team Sirius goes shopping to prepare for summer camp.
Let's see, there's fireworks, watermelon, carrots... Aaah, we've got so much to buy!
Prepping for camp is hard, but we'll have a chance to stretch our legs once we get there. It's a training camp, but this is also a vacation for us.
Oh! It's Narita Brian!
Wow, it's really her! It was so amazing to see you win the Derby with that five-length lead!
Thanks...
Next up is the third crown, the Kikuka Sho, right? Are you gonna race the Arima Kinen after that?
Oh, I was wondering that too! Well, Trainer?!
Nothing's set in stone yet, but I'm thinking that'll be the schedule.
Wow! Seeing you take the Triple Crown and go on to win the Arima Kinen would be amazing! We've got high hopes for you!
You don't have to tell me. I'm going to win all my races.
Wooow! I'm gonna go watch you with my family! We can't wait to see your big win!
Everyone is confident in her victory. She deserves nothing less.
Honestly, it's hard to imagine her losing. At Brian's level, she's got both the Kikuka Sho and the Arima Kinen in the bag.
Though depending on her opponents, things might get shaken up.
But who could win against her?
Oh? Well, if it isn't Brian.
Isn't that...
She's Hishi Amazon, the leader of the Miho dorm. Doing a little shopping, Amazon?
Yeah, the juniors aren't goin' home for summer, so I thought I'd make a little treat for them.
They're gonna start calling you dorm mom instead...
Heh, taking care of people isn't just about feeding 'em.
I set an example on the track too. Whoever you face, you can take 'em on if you've got the guts!
It sounds like Hishi Amazon's got the same never-fail attitude as Brian.
Whoa! Watch out!
Screeeech!
Phew, too close for comfort.
Sniffle... Uwaaagh!
Hey! Don't you know to look both ways before crossin' the road?!
You've got ol' Hishiama watchin' your back this time, so let's see you try that again safely, okay?
Sniffle... Thanks, miss...
Nice moves, Ama.
Hey now, I wouldn't be a good dorm leader if I didn't watch out for the kids. Now... where were we?
Brian, I'd love to race you out on the track. A battle to see who's really the best racer! Sounds good?
One day we'll race each other, so don't go runnin' away on me!
I'd never run from a race, but I have no intention of waiting. If you want it so bad, you'll have to keep up.
Heh, that's the spirit! Anyway, I'm gonna hit up the egg sale. Later!
...Like I said, dorm mom.
Whoa, that almost made my heart stop. Seeing her bust that speed outta nowhere to save that kid was even more surprising though!
Have you never seen her race before? It's a sight to behold when she charges from the back to the very front near instantaneously.
Some say it's even more impressive than Brian's races.
With Brian on the radar of a racer like her, we're not lacking in worthy opponents.
...Heh.
So! We're having our summer camp at the Mejiro villa. You two wanna come?
Sorry, but I'll have to pass. I got injured before the Takarazuka Kinen, so I'll be visiting the hospital.
Awww... That's a shame. Looks like it's just me and you, Hayahide! You're in, right?!
No, count me out as well.
Whaaa?! But there's gonna be fireworks and watermelon and carrots!
Sorry, I have something that needs attending to.
Don't tell me you're working on summer homework. Is that what you've been scribbling in your notebook?
Huh? Wh-what is this?
Muscle and core training... Sprints on dirt and ramps... Gate training and pool training... wow, the notebook's completely filled!
No way, you're gonna do all this stuff for summer?!
I am. I need to prepare for the races in the fall, both the All Comers and the Tenno Sho.
Then finally... I'll hit the Arima Kinen.
You're going for the Arima Kinen?! That means you and Brian are gonna be in the same race!
6. A Promise Between Sisters
46 linesCamp finishes without a hitch, and though it's now autumn, the Twinkle Series is wrapped in what feels like the heat of midsummer.
In the center of that heat are the sisters Narita Brian and Biwa Hayahide.
Narita Brian conquers the Kikuka Sho, beating last year's record set by Biwa Hayahide!
Before you is the fifth ever Triple Crown champion!
The younger sister crushes the Japanese Derby, so the elder breaks the record for the Takarazuka Kinen. Then the younger sister breaks another record.
They may be competing in different races, but the whole racing world's watching their records as if they're facing each other.
Everyone believed it wouldn't be long before we saw the two race head-to-head in the Arima Kinen. That is, until recently...
Sheesh, reporters are still crawling all over this place. They don't give up easily, huh?
Of course. Given the title's prestige, it's no wonder they all want an exclusive interview with a Triple Crown champion.
Who knows when we'll see such a historic event again? This kind of media attention is a given.
Welp, they must be pretty disappointed that the all-important Brian's nowhere to be found.
Isn't she visiting Hayahide in the hospital?
Yeah, I told her she should.
She refused when I asked her to go with me. Perhaps she wasn't prepared at the time.
Well, she's family after all. That'd be a shock for anyone.
That and I believe Brian was rather excited to be racing Hayahide in the Arima Kinen.
That's true. Every time Hayahide achieved something big, the flame in Brian's eyes would grow even stronger.
Her desire to compete against her sister was so strong that she considered even the Triple Crown a mere stepping stone. But now...
To see your biggest rival unable to so much as enter the race... I'm worried about the two of them.
Brian...
I do wish I could've been the one to topple the mighty Triple Crown champion.
Glad to see you're well enough to talk smack.
My injury in the Tenno Sho was worse than I realized. Such a shame, really... I'd already formulated my winning equation to defeat you.
Only you would think to use equations in a race. Way too big-brained for a racer.
M-my head isn't that big!
...
Brian, my equations aren't empty theories. I was set to win the Arima Kinen.
Do you remember the sports competition you won when we were young?
No, not really.
I figured... Ever since then, winning's been natural for you. It means so little to you that you don't remember placing first in the competition.
A genius mathematician is never satisfied with mundane problems. The only joy they find is in tackling the unsolvable.
It's the same for you. You're not satisfied with ordinary races because of your outstanding talent. You have a hunger that can't be sated.
...
I can't compete with you through mere effort. So I sought a solution, and what I found is the method I use now.
The results I've produced prove that I'm not shooting in the dark. I've nailed down my formula.
...I would've preferred you prove it to me in the Arima Kinen.
I'll get to the point. I've had plenty of time lying here, so I've made an equation for the Arima Kinen, removing myself from the variables.
But no matter how much I recalculate, the results show that you'll win.
I'm not sure how you feel not getting to race against me there, but... you've got to win this one, Brian.
...Heh.
You didn't need some special equation to tell me that. Obviously I'm going to win.
...And even if you were there, you'd have seen that they were just empty theories once I beat you.
So promise that you'll prove those equations of yours to me one day.
Hehe... Sure. I promise.
7. Still Hungry at the Arima Kinen
35 linesWe're here at the Arima Kinen, the final race of this year's Twinkle Series, and the star of the show is the Triple Crown champion, Narita Brian!
We didn't get our wish to see her take on her sister, Biwa Hayahide, but she's ready to race for the two of them!
However, it's also her first mix-up with racers in the senior year!
Against these top-class veterans, can she win her fifth G1 race and become a Five Crown champion?
...
Good, looks like you're focused even in a huge race like this.
I don't know how long I can keep steady though. My whole body's aching to run.
Hayahide's not here today, so that means all your opponents will be going after you.
But knowing you, that won't be a problem. Go blow everyone away with some crazy running!
You don't have to tell me twice. They'll find no mercy.
Hehe... You made it after all, Narita Brian!
Yeah...
Only the toughest of the tough race in the Arima Kinen. But I've got my eyes on you alone.
And you better know it's 'cause I think you're the best! So don't you dare back out of our race.
Like I would. You're on, Ama. Give me everything you've got.
I hope you're ready to have some fun!
The racers are waiting in the gate.
Will the Triple Crown champion, Narita Brian, win? Or will another racer finally stop her? Get ready to find out as the Arima Kinen... begins!
A legend was born today! Not even those in the senior year can match her!
Narita Brian has become a Five Crown champion!
Uh... Like, whoa...
Really... She shook off all her would-be rivals.
Hah... Brian never disappoints.
Wow! You're getting another phone call...
Another interview request? How many is that now?!
It hasn't stopped ringing since we left the Arima Kinen yesterday... Yes, hello?
The amount of media coverage is unbelievable...
Pardon me! The calls from journalists won't stop, they want to speak with Narita Brian...
Wahhh! They're coming from everywhere!
Brian continues to amaze me, both on the course and with the reaction she's garnered...
And just where is the ravenous rascal herself at a time like this?!
...
Triple Crown champion, victory at the Arima Kinen, five G1 wins...
But the gnawing won't stop. I'm still aching for more...
When... When is the next race?!
8. Always Starved for More
55 linesBrian's whirlwind of a record, Triple Crown and beyond, continues into the new year.
They've passed the final corner into the last stretch! Narita Brian has already taken the lead!
She's blasted ahead! Brian's lead is only growing now!
She's unchallenged, no one can catch up to her six, no, seven-length lead! And that's the finish!
There was never any doubt! Narita Brian's won the Hanshin Daishoten!
...
Well done, Brian.
I can't believe you made a personal best time in a long-distance race. You truly have no bounds.
You've been chosen as Racer of the Year, you're winning all these races...
Daaang, Brian! You're not just making Team Sirius happy, you're making the whole Twinkle Series ecstatic! Keep it up!
You're welcome.
Next is the spring Tenno Sho, which Hayahide won last year. Let's make it a win for both siblings!
Of course I'll win... But first I've got a winning concert to go to.
Everyone says she'll beat President Rudolf's seven-crown record. This looks to be quite a year for Brian.
Indeed. Everyone, including me, has high hopes for her.
I'm like one of her fans, unable to hold in my excitement for what she'll accomplish next.
Briaaan! Your race was the best today!
We know you'll win the spring Tenno Sho too!
Hwaaa! Brian! So that's how a Triple Crown winner races!
I wanna soar high in a race like that too!
...
I had a feeling I'd find you here.
Sis... How's your leg?
I'll need a little longer until I've recovered. I'm starting to get out of shape.
You're doing as well as ever, Racer of the Year. After that tremendous victory at the Hanshin Daishoten, I can't help but wonder how much higher you'll soar.
I don't really have a goal in mind yet. I'm just trying to finish before anyone else. That's all.
Of course. Your goalpost is ever-moving, always leaving you hungry for more.
You do look like you're having fun though. You really love nothing more than running.
I look like I'm having fun? Even though I'm never satisfied by any race?
Yes, I'm sure of it.
...
With the Hanshin Daishoten behind her, Narita Brian is back to training.
She needs to be in top shape for her next big race, the spring Tenno Sho.
Exhale...
You look a little tired. Everything good?
It's no problem. I'm not even running at full strength.
Glad to hear it. Let's play it safe and run the woodchip course next.
All right, got it.
Brian has the drive to keep running forever.
That's what makes her so good. We'd better raise our expectations to match her.
I'm excited to see her next race too.
I feel the same, but we can't simply expect her to do everything. We need to follow her example.
I'll do my best to make sure she's ready to perform at her peak.
What's wrong?
The race, isn't it almost the deadline for Brian to register?
I think you're right.
Oh my... It'd be bad to forget that.
However good her performance, it's meaningless if she can't enter the race.
I'll go right now before I forget. McQueen, take care of everyone's traini...
Wh-what happened?!
9. Unbreakable Spirit
57 linesAfter Narita Brian experiences a sudden, sharp pain in her leg, we rush her to the hospital for an examination.
There, we learn that the cause is arthritis in her hip, and that she won't be able to race for several months.
Ahhh, that was a good run! Time for a much-needed rest.
Yeah, take a five-minute break, then we'll move on to start drills.
I should mention, with this spring's Tenno Sho getting close, reporters have started coming again.
Normally, I would expect them to be here for Brian since she was scheduled for the race, but that's not the case anymore...
I'm happy she's not gravely hurt, but she'll be recuperating through spring, won't she?
Yeah...
Nothing wrong with taking a break. She'll be back to crushing the competition in no time!
Hey, you there!
What's the commotion?
"What's the commotion"?! Isn't Brian injured?! So why's she training at the gym?!
What?!
Exhale...
Brian! You're in no condition to be training right now!
It's my leg that's hurt. The rest of my body is perfectly fine.
I know that, but you need to rest!
There are still things I can do. You know racing is no simple game you can win without working for it.
And I'm racing to win. I run to get to the finish before anyone else.
Brian's always been an insatiable runner. It seems not even her injury can change that.
I'm still worried though. If your condition gets too bad, I'll be forced to stop you from racing.
So are you going to stop me doing this training too?
No, a trainer's responsibility is to support their racers. I respect your feelings more than anything.
You can train while recovering, but I want to be around to supervise everything. We'll explore our options and prepare for your comeback race.
Huh... Fine.
With Brian unable to run, we start a new, special training regimen for her.
Doing core training will let us strengthen your inner muscles. This'll prevent atrophy while your joints are still recovering.
Exhale... That's three sets. How many more should I do?
We'll rest in between, but let's do six more.
Got it. I'll do triple that.
Huh?! Triple?!
While your pain's subsided, it's still too early to run. So starting today, we're going to strengthen your legs in the pool. That'll put less weight on them.
Got it. Let me just get some tires to tie to my body while I swim.
Tires?
That'll increase water resistance, right? I'm trying to increase muscle strength, not maintain it.
Only you'd come up with an idea like that... But hey, let's try it!
Today we're finally ready to get back to running!
But I need you to take it easy. There's less impact on the dirt, so we'll start there to settle back into things gradually.
You've been practically glued to my side since my injury. What about the others?
Don't worry, I'm watching everyone else too.
Besides, your training is just as interesting to watch as your racing.
You're a strange one to get a kick out of watching someone train. If that's the case, I hope you won't mind staying until sunset.
She makes no compromises with her workouts.
What attracts her fans might not just be her strength, but her endless hunger to win.
Finally, the day comes when Brian is back to her normal routine.
How long were you gonna keep us waiting? I know you've been itching to go hog wild, you wacky wonder!
Did the doctor say this is okay?
Yeah, the inflammation's subsided, so it's no problem.
And I've been watching her this whole time. She doesn't seem to be feeling the injury or other pain.
Sweet, time to get your run on! Brian's off to the races!
Watching you train hard through the whole recovery process, I've been reminded just how much you want to win.
And just like Golshi said, we've been waiting for this day! Time to make up for all the time you've been held back!
You don't have to tell me!
The fearless runner dashes down the track with an intense momentum.
How will she race in the fall? I can't help but start getting excited again.
10. Changing Expectations
47 linesThis heated two-minute battle will make you forget the coming winter cold, because the one you've waited for is back for today's autumn Tenno Sho!
The Triple Crown champion, Narita Brian, who was injured right before the spring Tenno Sho, is ready to race!
She's overwhelmingly favored to win, but how exactly will today's race turn out?
I've been waiting since spring! Bring out the Brian!
She might break another record today! I can't wait another second!
...
We didn't get to train as much because of your injury, but you're looking good today.
What's most important though is you've got that same will to run. Now's your chance to let loose!
They've turned the final corner into the stretch! Every racer is making a dash for the finish!
What's this?! Has Narita Brian run out of stamina? She's being passed by the rear!
Her return to racing that autumn turns out to be unlike anything we had imagined. She places twelfth.
Huff... Huff...
All right, you're looking good. Your legs aren't having any trouble moving.
I was afraid she might not have completely healed yet, but she's doing well during training.
Okay, next, let's simulate doing the final straight. The Japan Cup is next, that last part of the Tokyo Racecourse is a long one.
You want to focus on... my final sprint...
Is something wrong?
Mind if we switch to something different? I'll do sprinting on my own later.
Sure, I guess...
The Japan Cup is longer than the autumn Tenno Sho, so I want to work on my pacing.
Got it. Let's do some pace training then.
All right, I'll get to it.
That's the first time she's ever asked to change the training routine.
I heard she got better... but seeing her now...
Mayano! Training's about to start!
Oh, okay! Coming right over!
Something's bothering me about how Brian's running. It's not as exciting as that time at the Hanshin Daishoten.
Brian...
We asked the fans who were there in person what they thought of Narita Brian's run.
Logically, this all makes sense. She'd been recuperating for six whole months after all.
Exactly! Brian will be back to her old self by the next race!
The TV and newspapers are all saying that her loss was 'cause of the injury.
There's also the fact that it's incredibly difficult to return in peak shape after such a long absence. Her instincts could be temporarily dulled.
After seeing her blow away the competition so many times, it's easy to forget something so simple.
Winning a race after coming back from an injury is no easy task. We just need to get her reacclimated before the Japan Cup.
Agreed. We still have time.
While I can't say I'm not concerned, her running has always topped what I thought she could do.
But... the idea that her hiatus was the sole reason she lost isn't sitting right with me.
Huff... Puff...
...
Sorry, Trainer. But I've made my choice.
I'm going to keep running as the new me.
It's the last 200 meters! "Queen of the Amazons" Hishi Amazon is in hot pursuit of the lead! Narita Brian's struggling in the final straight!
Hishi Amazon finishes in a close second! Narita Brian's fallen behind and finishes sixth!
Like the autumn Tenno Sho, it looks like she just couldn't go the distance in the Japan Cup today!
11. Unchanging Feelings
83 linesIt's the last 200 meters! "Queen of the Amazons" Hishi Amazon is in hot pursuit of the lead! Narita Brian's struggling in the final straight!
Like the autumn Tenno Sho, the Japan Cup was a bust...
Brian's winning streak felt like it could have gone on forever... I wonder what happened as I watch videos of the races to find a clue.
Following the agenda, the next race'll be the Arima Kinen. There must be a hint somewhere to getting her previous strength back.
Hishi Amazon finishes in a close second! Narita Brian's fallen behind and finishes sixth!
She's not drawing out all her energy. And the low center of gravity her form used to have is...
Knock, knock!
I'm sorry to barge in.
Oh, a visit from you is rare.
Yes, well, you're looking after my sister, and I want to speak to you about her.
Though she sounds relaxed, there's concern in her expression. She must be more worried about Brian than anyone.
Rumor has it that her injury hasn't fully healed yet...
That's just a rumor. All you have to do is watch her run to see that she's recovered.
As I suspected. I can't imagine you would let her overexert herself, but her results aren't improving.
Faced by that fact, do you still intend for her to run in the Arima Kinen?
As long as Brian wants to run, I'm going to respect her wishes.
Even though you don't know what's causing the problem?
If she were to lose again in the Arima Kinen, your guidance could be called into question. You'll have her run knowing that?
That's definitely a real possibility. But I don't care.
I will always put what Brian wants above all else.
Heheh... Good, that's a relief to hear.
To be honest, I came here to request that she run in the Arima Kinen.
You did?
But I see that wasn't necessary. You have what's best for your racers, for Brian, in mind.
I'd like to say one thing though. It's about the time she lost the autumn Tenno Sho.
I was surprised too when she placed twelfth. Afterward I went to see her, and...
...She was crying?
We're sisters, but I don't remember the last time I saw tears streaming down her face.
Racing isn't something she'd ever quit easily.
So I hope you do everything you can to help her... Please.
Hayahide may already understand what's happened to Brian.
Deep in her eyes, I see a sister's love. It's clear she's putting a lot of faith in me to help her younger sibling.
Huff... Puff...
It's after hours, Brian. The track's closed.
The Arima Kinen's almost here, so just give it to me straight.
Are you here... to tell me to stop training?
No, I came to see how you're doing.
How I'm doing?
I heard from Hayahide about what happened after the autumn Tenno Sho.
...
I don't know enough to understand why you were crying... yet.
But I do know that race was a big deal for you.
I see. So you came to check up on me.
What now? Are you going to tell me to call off the Arima Kinen?
Crying just because I lost a race... You think such a pitiful excuse of a racer has no right entering the Grand Prix, don't you?!
Brian glares at me with piercing eyes, almost growling out the words.
When I see that glimmer in her gaze, I become sure of it.
No, you're running in the Arima Kinen.
...I am?
I think... I'm starting to understand the reason for your tears. Your will can't be bent.
So I'm going to let you run wild. A trainer's there to support their racers.
Let's win this, Brian!
Right, time to pull out all the stops!
I don't know why Brian can't get back to normal, and I don't know what brought her to tears either.
But even so, I believe in her. Because in that look of hers, I see only determination.
Narita Brian holds an ideal spot as she enters the final straight! Will this finally be her day?!
That's impeccable positioning! All that's left is to charge ahead!
In the lead is the winner of the Kikuka Sho, Mayano Top Gun! Narita Brian's fiercely chasing behind!
Go, Brian! Give us that good ol' sprint we know and love!
But it looks like she's struggling! Where's that raw power Brian is famous for?
Brian runs past our section of the stands, and her expression comes into clear view.
She's running as if clawing at the ground in pure desperation.
But she's unable to reach even the shadow of Mayano Top Gun, and her other opponents soon catch up from behind.
It's no use, she won't make it!
The Brian we knew is no longer...
Her gaze never falters though. She hungers for victory, never losing sight of the finish line.
As I watch her frantic attempt, I finally understand.
Her losing streak isn't because of "lingering pain" or "poor training." It's because her old running style isn't working for her anymore.
She must've realized this during the autumn Tenno Sho... and the hopelessness of it brought her to tears.
Narita Brian can't shorten the gap! Mayano Top Gun is unchallenged!
Haaaaah!
But she continues on, she always pushes forward.
All the pieces click into place in my mind, and I shout...
You can do it, Brian!
...C'mon, Briaaan!
Yeah! Keep going, Brian!
And Mayano Top Gun wins the race! With the momentum from her Kikuka Sho victory, she's won the Arima Kinen!
Narita Brian can't hold out and finishes fourth!
I used to praise her boundless strength, but this might be the first time I shouted to encourage her.
Though the result isn't what we hoped for, I feel like we've made progress, her as a runner, and me as her trainer.
She'll never stop running toward victory. That's what makes her the best.
12. Starved for Victory
77 linesNice job, Brian.
I still couldn't bring back a first-place finish.
You gave it everything you had though. It was a good race.
You can't run with your old form... Right?
...You noticed?
Not until your race just now. I saw it in how hard you fought.
Even I'm not sure what's wrong with it.
Just... something feels off when I try. It doesn't work the way it did before.
While the injury healed, it must have changed Brian's body in small ways, a little shift to her balance, a slightly different sensation in her leg.
Combined, the changes impacted her form enough to snatch away the running style Brian spent so long perfecting. It's soul-crushing...
I should've told you. But I thought if I did, you'd make me quit.
Yeah, I might have.
But things are different now. Even if you can't run like before, you haven't changed.
You want to win so badly, you'll push through anything. The Narita Brian who first captivated me is still right here.
I'm with you to the end!
Good... Then I'll keep on running!
Brian's next race is the Hanshin Daishoten. But how do we get her to victory?
Ah, so this's where you've been! I finished warming up!
Oh, sorry. I was thinking about what to do for Brian's training.
I need to figure out a completely new way of running for her that can draw out all her power.
Hmm... That sounds way too complicated for me.
There's no time for trial and error, so I was wondering how we could train smarter.
Ummm, arrrrgh... Yeah, smarter, but... Argh, I wish I had the smarts to think smaaarteeer!
I thought it was you, Ticket. I could hear your voice from a furlong away.
Aaah! Here we go, Trainer! Someone with a big head FULL of smarts!
Hey! I keep telling you my head is not big... Wait, what are you talking about?
Right, an intellect like hers might be perfect!
Wait, what is this all about?
You guys sure are lively. I heard Brian's next race is set, so I made some rice balls to give her a boost.
Wow! Now we've even got a running partner!
Huh? You wanna go one-on-one or somethin'?
Sis and... Ama?
I asked Hayahide to help brainstorm new training and running styles that'd suit you now.
And to test them out, we figured the best running partner would be someone you've raced before!
Hehe, that's right. Just let ol' Hishiama fix what ails!
A by-the-numbers approach may not be the best for a natural-born runner such as yourself, but I'm sure it'll prove more beneficial than running blindly.
I'd hate to lose our little sibling rivalry, so we must get you back to your old self, no, we must make you better than ever before.
Heh, I'll take whatever scraps I can.
All right! Time to carve a path to victory!
Yeah!
I took a peek at Hayahide's training plans for you and man. A month of that, and your quads will be JACKED!
Yeah, she always takes things too seriously, including training. No wonder her regimen is so effective.
You must be proud to be her sister.
Yeah, I am.
You two may be different, but you know each other's racing styles so well and were both Racers of the Year. You're indispensable to one another.
Oh, right! They're gonna announce the URA awards soon, huh?
It should be on TV. I'll turn it on.
This racer topped Narita Brian's record at the Kikuka Sho and went on to win the Arima Kinen!
Her sky-high success can't be stopped, so that's why Mayano Top Gun has been chosen as Racer of the Year!
Oh, uh, thank you very much!
Everyone knows you had a fantastic year, but what are your hopes for what comes next?
My hopes are the same as everyone watching, to give an ace performance in a mach-speed race!
Then we'll know to keep expecting big things out of you.
Now, are there any opponents out there that get you excited to race?
Yes! Uh-huh! There is! Someone just like that!
She was so amazing in last year's Hanshin Daishoten!
These races are all so predictable...
Awww, this doesn't get my jets burning! I should've gone back to the academy instead of coming here.
She's blasted ahead! Brian's lead is only growing now!
Whoa, no way! After all that, she's taking off even faster?!
She's unchallenged, no one can catch up to her six, no, seven-length lead! And that's the finish!
Wooow... That's unreal!
Seeing her run gave me a big rush. I knew I had to run against her in a glitzy, supersonic race like that!
But she got injured and started losing races afterward...
Still! I knew it when I raced her in the Arima Kinen!
The tingly excitement I felt during that race was the same as that day I saw her in the Hanshin Daishoten. That's why...
I can't wait to race Narita Brian again!
A race between the current and former Racers of the Year! That would be a sight to behold!
She requested you specifically... and she's quite a powerhouse too. Mayano Top Gun won the Arima Kinen in her classic year, just like you did.
Doesn't matter who I race against.
With all this support, I refuse to yield. Victory is mine.
Nothing left to do but win it!
Yeah!
13. Raging Fire
57 linesRacing's finest are gathered here for the 3,000-meter turf G2 Hanshin Daishoten.
Everyone's excited for the face-off between Racers of the Year Narita Brian and Mayano Top Gun!
The extraordinary crowd at the Hanshin Racecourse is waiting with bated breath to see the amazing finish to come!
Something about this feels different from Brian's other races.
Until now we've only been bystanders overwhelmed by Brian's achievements.
But now... things are different, right?
Race with all your spirit, Brian. And we'll cheer for you with all of ours.
I will... Thanks.
We'd better get to the stands then! I saved us one heck of a spot!
All right, Brian, you should head for the paddock. Come on, I'll walk you over.
Okay... I'm off then.
You've got this, Brian!
We wish you all the best.
Ah! Here she is!
You look like you're ready. Your desire to run is written all over your face.
I'm itching to test the results of training with you two.
I don't need to say how skilled Mayano Top Gun is, but your real opponent today will be yourself.
A one-on-one match against yourself, you'd better win!
Yeah, I got this.
You've amazed me on countless occasions. Fantastic times, surprising finishes, victories in the biggest races...
And I know you're going to continue to amaze me. Nothing's ever dampened your drive to win since I met you.
So go for it, Brian!
So many people are here! They must be excited to see this Racer-of-the-Year showdown!
And I'm right there with them! I can't wait to race you!
I see...
If I'm not mistaken, you can't pull off the running style you used before your injury.
But your passion for racing is still there! Your feelings haven't changed at all!
So I've got to race at full throttle too!
Hm... It wouldn't be right to say my feelings haven't changed at all.
I used to run like winning was inevitable. But when winning stopped being a given, it started to feel impossible.
Yet the farther away victory seemed, the hungrier I got. Every time it slipped through my fingers, it's like my heart was set ablaze over and over.
I am now burning to win!
Yeah! Great! But I won't lose, Brian!
Good, I'm counting on it!
Congrats, Brian. That was some incredible running.
It sure felt like it. That might've been the best I've ever done.
After all, it was the most I've ever wanted to win.
I think the last couple of races pushed you to grow in a way the victories didn't.
Yeah, but I'm not going to stop here. My urge to run is what I'll use to propel me forward.
Ahead of me is where my sister's waiting. She's the person I still need to defeat.
I can tell she really means it, her eyes shine passionately as she speaks.
Never stop running, Brian!
It's finally time for the monumental end-of-year race, the Arima Kinen!
Fans are excited for today's sisterly showdown. Ever since their last matchup fell through, we've been waiting to see Biwa Hayahide versus Narita Brian!
The stands are packed! This is the race that no one wants to miss!
Wooooo!
What a profound feeling to have finally made it to this day.
Yeah, I've been waiting for this a long time.
I've completed my winning equation. Don't think I'll concede this race just because you're my sister.
You're always overthinking things. Our race isn't that complicated.
Heheh, true enough. We've been destined for this since we were kids.
Shall we go resolve our little sibling rivalry?
Bring it on!