Finale Part 2: Hope Shines On

To be the world's strongest... With that goal in her heart, this Umamusume is taking on all challengers, right here in France!

This international tour of hers is most unprecedented, but the unwavering strength of her conviction is on full display in this race!

Now, we've reached the fourth corner and are heading into the homestretch! After waiting it out on the outside, El Condor Pasa makes her move!

Wow, oh, wow! She's left last year's Arc Umamusume and Europe's Umamusume of the Year in her dust!

She's got this in the bag! Ahead by two, now three lengths, she crosses the finish line!

Triumphing over the giants of the world stage, the winner of the French G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud is...

EL CONDOR PASA! She's made another dream come true for her fans back in Japan!

Bien! Even across the globe, El's the greatest!

And now... I'm one step closer to my goal. The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is finally within my grasp!

Until now just a mere fantasy, her dream of conquering the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe feels more and more real!

Will El Condor Pasa achieve this magnificent feat and make history? Her fans the world over are anxious to find out!

Wow, El, you're so cool!

Okay... Before we begin, let's hear a few words from Special Week, the star of today's show!

You go, Special Week!

Give us a good speech!

Ah, u-ummm! These consecutive wins are all thanks to my teammates'...

Cheers to that!

Wha-huh?! Ch-cheeeers!

Now that I think about it, Spe's been in the news a whole lot lately. Everyone's saying the Golden Generation's Derby Umamusume is the real deal!

Yeah, and your showing at the spring Tenno Sho really helped.

Wow! Do you mean that?! Thank you so much!

To be perfectly honest, I feel like I've changed a lot too! It's like... I can run with confidence or something!

We also have a present for our talented Special Week... Well, rather than a "present," I should say we have some wonderful news.

What kind of news?

In the Takarazuka Kinen fan polls... you ranked number one, Spe.

Wha... what?! I-I'm number one?!

Is that so...

Now that you mention it, compared to when you first transferred in, you're way more reliable now!

Huh?! Do you really think so?!

But you've got lots and LOTS of races ahead of you... so make sure you stuff yourself silly with this here banquet! Fine food makes fine racers!

A fine racer... I see what you mean! Then I better not let any of this fine food go to waste!

Okaaay! Whether it be the Takarazuka Kinen or this food, I'll show no mercy!

Um, thanks, everyone! Today was really special!

Maybe this goes without saying, but both my stomach and heart feel full after hearing you all say such nice things about me...

So now I'm ready to give training even more of my all and make my dreams come true!

How exactly I'll become the best in Japan still isn't totally clear to me...

But even if it's just to pay you all back for your love and support, I'll make sure it happens!

Awwww! That's so noble of you, Spe! We'll be cheering you on the whole waaay!

Indeed, we will do everything in our power to help. Seeing you become the best racer in Japan will more than suffice as thanks.

So if I want to make my dream come true, if I really want to be the best, I need to keep running like I did today!

Got it!

C'mon, Spe, over this way! El's already on the call!

Sorry for the wait! Are you there, El?

"Oh, sounds like Spe's arrived!"

Bonjour! You all seem in high spirits! Of course, the same goes for yours truly!

Spe, congrats on winning the spring Tenno Sho! You did great as well, Sei!

"Yeah, she really got me good this time..."

"My pride has been so wounded that I can't sleep at night. It's her fault I keep falling asleep in class..."

"Whaaat?! Wait, are you for real?!"

"Sei is always falling asleep in class. You know that..."

"I got yelled at for sleeping in class too... I had swimming class right before, and I guess I went a little overboard..."

Ahaha! Glad to see nothing's changed back home.

Congratulations on your international G1 win, El! The news here can't stop talking about you!

"Hehe, seems I'm a real celebrity back home! However! I will not be satisfied with this level of accomplishment!"

"My goal is to be the world's strongest! That's why I will be taking on a BIG race no Japanese Umamusume has ever won before!"

"By taking home the gold at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, I will have officially achieved my dream!"

Yeah! We're all rooting for you!

And it's not just us. All of Japan is behind you, El.

But as your friends, and your rivals, we all expect to see an amazing performance at your next race.

"And I'm looking forward to seeing you race, Grass! Don't you dare forget, we promised to race again someday!"

Yes, and I cannot wait... for that day.

Now, let's talk about me next!

Hey, wait a minute, shouldn't I be next in line?

Hey! What about me?! I'm here too!

El...

The pack's turning the fourth corner into the final stretch! This year's Derby Umamusume, Special Week, surges ahead from the outside!

Special Week! Special Week takes the lead! But senior racer Air Groove "The Empress" is closing in!

Swooping in, it's El Condor! El Condor! El Condor Pasa takes the win at the last moment!

The distance proved no challenge for her! Despite her inexperience as a classic racer, El Condor Pasa has conquered the Japan Cup!

Huff... Huff... Wheeze!

Huff... Phew...

That sure was one intense race, Spe!

Huff... puff... Ehehe, yeah!

(I'll never forget that Japan Cup... El was just so cool.)

(After going up against such an amazing runner, I realized I still had more to give in my races. I wouldn't have learned that without her.)

(Just watching her gets my heart beating... That sensation must be why everyone expects so much from El.)

(Someday, I wanna be an Umamusume like that!)

Hraaauuugh!

Phew... That's three laps on the dirt track! Trainer, what should I do next?

Right! Okay, here I gooo!

She sure is motivated, that Special Week.

There's a reason she was number one in the polls... But even considering that, she's been extra gung-ho lately.

Her heart's in her training...

When we were aiming for the spring Tenno Sho, we tried out all sorts of techniques. I suppose this is quite similar.

I felt like I was facing my dream head-on. Perhaps Special Week is feeling the same thing.

Okaaay! Great work, everybody!

Just so you know, that's especially true for you, Spe! It's like your engine was on FULL BLAAAST! I had a hard time keeping up.

Ehehe... It's kinda weird, but my body was just bubbling with energy today.

If this keeps up, your performance at the Takarazuka Kinen is sure to impress!

Ah, actually... Trainer, I have a request of sorts!

Right now, Suzuka is doing her best in America, and the same goes for El in France. They've got lots of fans cheering them on.

As racers trained in Japan, naturally they're representing the whole nation on the world stage, and the fans are eager to see them succeed.

Do you remember when I mentioned that the key to being the best racer in Japan might be to become an Umamusume who makes everyone smile?

I think Suzuka and El are exactly the type of Umamusume I want to be.

I want to be a racer worth supporting, one who takes all of her fans' dreams and makes them come true. So if I win the Takarazuka Kinen...

I want to follow El's example and take on the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe!

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?! Really?!

No wonder you were workin' overtime at practice!

That's right!

Hehe, you haven't changed one bit since you joined us. Your dreams are always on such a grand scale, Special Week.

Wh-what do you think, Trainer?

Does that mean...

Okay!

Huff... puff... Huff... puff...

Phew...

With France eight hours behind... El should also be training about now.

Grass Wonder, despite being the favorite to win, takes sixth after losing steam in the homestretch!

Though she dominated her junior year, it seems her classic-year struggles continue even after her unfortunate injury!

...

Grass...

My apologies... Had I won here, I hoped to join you and Spe for the Japan Cup, but unfortunately...

That is no longer possible. Not like this...

Sigh... This won't do.

Grass! Why are you being so wishy-washy lately?! That is not who you are!

The Grass I know is composed, but deep in her heart, she burns with passion! In fact, it is when you are quiet that you are the scariest!

El...

After the Japan Cup, I'll be going abroad to achieve my dream of being the world's strongest.

But once I'm back, I want to race you again! So before then, I expect you to get much, muuuch stronger!

If you don't, there's no way you'll be able to handle me, the world's strongest!

...You're quite right.

I mustn't falter here... My gaze must be fixed ahead.

While you are away proving yourself the world's strongest, I shall prove I am the strongest in Japan...

By overtaking our generation's Derby Umamusume.

Speaking of hot topics, this'll be the first time Special Week and Grass Wonder face off.

Yeah, that's the showdown everyone's been waiting for, the Derby Umamusume Vs. the Grand Prix Umamusume.

Now, let us begin today's conference with Team Sirius. Special Week, please take to the stage.

Thank you all for coming!

After three graded race wins in a row, are you feeling good going into the Takarazuka Kinen?

Yes! Practice is going smoothly as always, so I don't see any issues popping up.

If you win the Takarazuka Kinen, rumor is your next goal will be the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but is this true?

If my trainer decides I have the potential to do well there, I will be going abroad!

I see. So this race will be the deciding factor.

Now then, this will be your first race against Grass Wonder. How do you view your opponent?

Grass's performance at last year's Arima Kinen was amazing. It's no small wonder that she won.

However, that won't shake me up one bit!

Coming off of my victory in the spring Tenno Sho, I won't lose, even to Grass!

Uraaugh! Goooo, legs, goooo!

Foooorm!

Huff... Huff... Uwaaugh...

Whoooa! Your time's even better than yesterday! That's amazing, Spe!

Phew... Right!

It seems both her condition and attitude are in perfect order.

Ehehe, I'm also excited to see Spe become the best racer in Japan!

So let me know if there's anything I can do! As long as it doesn't involve using my head, I'm game!

Likewise, I will offer any assistance I can. I love to see our teammates succeed, after all.

Now, let us claim victory at the Takarazuka Kinen!

Last year, after Silence Suzuka crossed the finish line, she took off for the world. Even now, her name sends her fans into an uproar!

And we're back today to do it all again! Welcome to today's main race at Hanshin Racecourse, the Takarazuka Kinen!

The crowd anxiously awaits the first showdown between Special Week and Grass Wonder, but there's no telling who will take home the crown!

Inhale... Exhale...

There ya go. Nice and calm. If you keep a cool head like you did at the spring Tenno Sho, you'll have this in the bag!

For once, Gold Ship's words actually make sense. You must focus on your own running.

Keep a cool head, and focus on my running... You got it!

Okay!

One by one, today's racers are entering the course!

There's Special Week! Oh man, listen to those cheers!

What did you expect? She took first in the fan polls! Special Week! You've got this!

Wooow!

Okay, I've done everything I can, and I'm in tip-top shape... I'm a little nervous, but those nerves are keeping me focused!

I can do this!

It seems the time has come, Spe.

Grass.

It may have taken a while, but today, we're running together at long last.

I fell in love with the Twinkle Series as a child... and now, it is my dream to stand at its peak.

In order to do that, I must surpass both you and El.

I won't make it easy, Grass!

Well then... may the best racer win!

Each Umamusume has entered her gate.

Will the winner be Special Week? Grass Wonder? Or another talented racer altogether?

We'll find out with the finale of the Twinkle Series spring season, the Takarazuka Kinen.

Their fans in the stands and across Japan watch on with hope as our twelve racers... take off!

...

I was in tip-top shape and practiced lots and lots... I really, truly gave my all in that race.

But Grass still passed me. No matter how hard I ran, I couldn't get the lead back.

After that race, it's crystal clear... I wouldn't win the Arc even if I did enter.

Okay...

Huff... Huff... Huff... Huff...

Leeet's gooo!

Huff... puff... Phew!

Allo! Bonjour!

"Hello, El. I'm not interrupting your training, am I?"

I was just about to take a break! I need some grub, and fast!

"Hehe, well, I'm glad you've still got your appetite."

Grass, good job at the Takarazuka Kinen! That final stretch especially was intense, astonishing, downright amazing!

And sooo inspiring to watch! My competitive spirit was setting my whole body on fire!

"Oh my, I'm honored to hear you feel that way."

Watching you... Spe... all our friends running so brilliantly, that is what kept my own dream alight in my heart.

For that, I must repay all of you... And I will. I shall make my dream come true, and stand above you all.

"Wow! Sounds like you're as competitive as ever!"

You're also approaching your goal of being the strongest, no?

Just three more months until the Arc. By then, I'll be even faster than I am now!

And with that race... I'll show everyone that I'm the world's strongest!

"It sounds like you'll have no problem giving this race your all."

My all, huh?

Guys! You have my gratitude, appreciation, my deepest thanks for seeing me off!

Are you sure you don't want us to go to the airport with you?

All bien! It's a weekday, right? Make sure you learn lots and looots in class!

Don't you worry! I'll study enough for both of us, so use that energy to give the Japanese racing fans a real show!

Having a classmate taking on the world will be something I share with pride.

I await good news from overseas. And don't you worry, I shall ensure my achievements reach you as well!

Ehehe, I'll do my best!

Well, I guess I... better go now...

I really... should get going...

...

El, surely you don't have to leave right now, do you?

Qué?

Hehe... In that case, to start your journey off right...

Wh-what are you all doing?!

Like I said, we're setting the mood for your journey. ♪ Watch out, if you don't pay attention, we'll pass you.

A special send-off from all of us, eh? Hehe, a splendid idea indeed!

Here I gooo! I'm sending you off with all I've got! Urrrraaaugh!

Count me in too! Draaaauuugh!

Oho, what a motivated bunch.

Hey, wait a sec! Are we racing for real?!

Huff... huff... El, it's your turn.

Show us the run of the world's strongest!

...!

I am the Umamusume who will be the world's strongest! If you're gonna take me on...

You better be ready for a fight! Yaaauuugh!

You're right, I left all my fears behind me in Japan. I'm giving the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe everything I have!

"Good. I cannot wait to see you shining in your full glory."

"And someday... I hope to race with the El I see at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. ♪"

Hehe, right!

At long last, today's the day that Japan's El Condor Pasa takes on the top racers of the world!

In addition to viewers the world over, two thousand of her fans are here, hoping their cheers will push her on.

...

El Condor Pasa... Will she be the one to make history, to go where none of Japan's racers have gone before and snatch the gold?

(This is it. The race that will prove I'm the world's strongest...)

And now, the Umamusume on everyone's minds enters the paddock!

Coming off six wins with only one second-place race! France's strongest, Montjeu, steps onto the track!

...Heh.

Montjeu...

El Condor Pasa... I've heard much about you. Including how you've traveled across the globe to win this race.

I hope you will show me just what the Umamusume of Japan are capable of.

Don't you worry, I'll give you a race to remember!

<May this race be our best.>

The pinnacle of racing, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. My opponents include top-class racers from all over the world, including France's strongest, Montjeu...

The players have stepped into the ring. All that's left is to take them on, show them my strength, and emerge victorious... as the world's strongest!

Will Japan's El Condor Pasa be able to snatch victory from the world's top racers, including Montjeu?

Leaving the paddock behind, our racers ready themselves for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe!

Yesterday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was sooo close!

I don't know about close, but El Condor Pasa certainly put up a fight.

Oh come on, did you see Montjeu in the homestretch? It's amazing she could put up a fight at all!

...

Well, I will admit that of all of Japan's racers, El Condor Pasa had the best chance at winning.

That's right, you're always going on about her, saying she's the best Japan has to offer.

Yeah, I guess I already knew this, but... winning overseas isn't that easy.

Not even the best in Japan can compete on the world stage.

Not even... the best in Japan...

Best in Japan, here I cooome!

...!

Huff... Huff...

Spe, are you all right?

A-ahaha... I messed up my pace.

Would you like to take a break?

No, I'm fine. I just need to catch my breath.

The best in Japan...

Even if I become the best in Japan, what good...

Ah, never mind me! I think I've caught my breath, so I'll take another lap!

(2,400 meters... Keep that distance and your pace in mind...)

(I'll win the Kyoto Daishoten, get my groove back, and enter the fall G1 races in high spirits...)

(Then I'll be one step closer to being the best in Japan...)

Japan's El Condor Pasa was so close... So close! But she was passed at the last minute!

We've witnessed the barrier to the world in action! El Condor Pasa's journey ends in a heart-wrenching second place!

(Even if I become the best in Japan, does that really mean anything?)

(Why even race at all... when the rest of the world is so much stronger?)

As the fall races fast approach, popular racers gather to battle it out here at the G2 Kyoto Daishoten.

The fan favorite today is Special Week. After an amazing spring season, the crowd has high hopes for her!

The second most popular is Mejiro Bright, and in third is T.M. Opera O, A lineup packed with G1 winners!

But we can't forget about this racer! In fourth place in the polls is the racer who rose to fame over the summer, Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi!

At last... At long last, I'm here! A G2 race! The Kyoto Daishoten!

I've only ever been able to watch, no matter how much I wanted to run. At times, running a race like this felt like a fantasy...

But finally, this day has come! I'm racing with G1 racers! I'm racing with my friends! At long last!

...

Oh, Spe!

Ah, Tsuru.

Ehehe, I heard you're the favorite to win, Spe! That's so amazing!

But don't get comfy! I'm in perfect racing form! Not to mention all the hard work I put in preparing for this day!

...

Huh? Spe, what's wrong?

Ah, nothing. You really worked hard, didn't you?

Ehehehe, yeah!

Gotta say, I'm feeling pretty proud of myself. Getting to this point took so, so long...

Oookay! Tsuyoshi's revved up and ready to race! I'll give all you G1 Umamusumes a run for your money!

And don't you dare go easy on me! I wanna see just what the Derby Umamusume can do!

R-right...

Two hundred meters to go! But something's off with Special Week! Really, really off!

Huff... wheeze... Hnnngh!

...?!

From the inside comes Mejiro Bright!

T.M. Opera O has caught up as well!

But in the lead is Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi! Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi!

This late bloomer has proven to be the Golden Generation's secret weapon! The winner of the Kyoto Daishoten is Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi!

In second is Mejiro Bright, followed by T.M. Opera O!

As for the fan favorite Special Week, for the first time ever, she's not even on the scoreboard!

Huff... huff...

Sigh...

Spe...

What was that?! Spe, what was that?!

Do you know how much I was looking forward to this?! Today was supposed to be the day we finally competed for real!

I've wanted to run with you guys for so long. I wanted to run with you.

But then you had to run the race like that!

...

If you don't even want to run, then don't enter races!

"Hello, Trainer?"

I'm sorry to call you so late at night...

Ah... right, there's a time difference. I'm still not used to that.

Anyway, um, I'm calling about... Spe's last race.

"I've never seen Spe look so lost while running."

I've felt lost before too. Especially when my strategy didn't work, or when I didn't place as well as I wanted...

However, it was always your words that helped me get back on track and move forward.

Even knowing it went against your job as a trainer, you still told me to run the way I wanted. I remember feeling saved when you said that.

So cheer up. I'm sure the same thing will happen with Spe. You just need to talk to her.

If there's one thing that the members of Team Sirius know, it's that you're always thinking of us.

The best in Japan...

Even if I become the best in Japan, what good...

"Huh?"

"Um... Trainer?"

"All right. I leave her in your hands."

...

Trainer?

...

Yeah... it really is. It's like I'm looking at something shining far off in the distance. And now I don't know what that something is.

After winning the spring Tenno Sho and seeing all those smiling faces, I thought I'd finally found the path to making my dream reality.

I remember thinking that maybe the best in Japan is someone who can bring joy to others.

But I don't have near enough strength to be the best in Japan...

And well, even if I did achieve that goal someday...

Not even the best in Japan can compete on the world stage.

After seeing how people viewed "the best in Japan" after the Arc, I felt so frustrated... and hopeless.

If the best in Japan couldn't even compete on the world stage... maybe I should just give up.

But how could I think such things when I'm not even the best yet? I knew I had to forget all this, that I had to work harder! But when I tried...

That one question just kept coming back... Even if I become the best in Japan, what good will that do?

What good am I doing with my races? Do I even have a reason to run anymore?

Huh?

I'm the best in Japan... to dream alongside?

As many things as the number of people watching...

Not even the best in Japan can compete on the world stage.

I could become... any one of them? Ah...

What kind of Umamusume is the best racer in Japan?

Well, let's see... I'd say it's an Umamusume who gives races her all and crosses the finish line without issue.

That's all I need to do to be the best in Japan?

Yeah, according to your mom, anyway!

But I bet that's not the only answer. I'm sure there's lots of ways to be the best in Japan.

Like what?

For example... You could be the most famous, or...

That's right... Mom said the same thing. She has her own idea of what makes me the best in Japan...

Trainer...

Right! I'll run, then run some more, and then...

I'll become someone everyone can happily call the best racer in Japan!

Whoa, whoa, whoa, you're not going to run in the middle of this mudfest, are ya?

Hehe... If you'd like, we could go for a run together.

I'll follow behind Spe!

Let's do this, Spe!

Y-you guys?!

Right! I've got this!

It's finally here, the center of the autumn season, the autumn Tenno Sho! This year's lineup is as ferocious as ever!

We've got the Double Crown champion Seiun Sky! Not to mention the racer that fought her tooth-and-nail, King Halo!

Then we have the runner who came out on top in her race against giants, Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi! Only one racer stands in the way of the Golden Generation's domination, Mejiro Bright!

And of course, the winner of this year's spring Tenno Sho, Special Week, will be competing to see if she can take home the autumn shield too!

With all these talented racers, this is sure to be the fight of the century! But just who among them will emerge victorious?!

Spe.

Ah, Tsuru!

...I'm sorry about our last race. You had every right to be mad after that terrible performance.

But that won't happen today! I promise I'll give a performance that will make it up to you!

Ehehe... Now there's the eyes I spent so much time chasing, the eyes of the Derby Umamusume!

Now we're talking! You better bring it today!

Yeah, I'll give this race my all!

Now they're headed into the straightaway! From the inside comes King Halo! But Seiun Sky follows close behind from the outside!

But from even further outside comes Special Week! Special Week is gaining at ferocious speed!

Graaaaaugh!

Special Week! Special Week! Special Week! She takes the lead and finishes first!

She's a true champion after all! Special Week has now taken both the spring and fall shields!

And with a time of 1:58.00, she's broken a new record! She may have lost her last race, but with this win, she's made a stunning comeback!

"Just as the buzz around the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has quieted down, we received news that has sent us all into an uproar!"

"We're here to report that one of the world's strongest racers will be joining the Japan Cup! Her participation is causing quite the stir!"

...

Grass! Nice to see you again!

Welcome home, El. I suppose our room will be much noisier going forward.

Wow! Nice to hear those biting comments again too!

Now I need to get used to Japan again, and fast! After all, I was away for over half a year!

That's very true... There's the time difference, the food, and of course... studying. Returning to daily life is certain to be quite the challenge.

Aaaahhh! Studying is the one challenge I don't want to face!

Of course... you also need to reacquaint yourself with Japanese racecourses. We still have our promise to keep, you know.

Ehehe, originally you'd be racing against the world's strongest racer, but... I guess there'll be a slight change of plans...

Ehehe...

El... regardless of how you view that race, I still saw your Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as a magnificent race.

Even after running in such an important race, I still see you the same way... You still encourage me to run as my rival... and my inspiration.

That alone has me excited for this year's Japan Cup. Naturally, it serves as another stepping stone on my way to the top, but...

It is also a chance for your Japanese competitors to carve our names in the hearts of people the world over.

Grass...

Hehe... You better show 'em how it's done! Let them see how strong my rivals are!

"We will now move on to our interview with the racer herself."

Hey, it's starting!

We hear you'll be heading to Japan soon. Please tell us about that!

Yes, gladly.

I have participated in races the world over, and now, I have taken on the pinnacle of racing and won.

However, that race also showed me that this world is still filled with talented Umamusume.

And I must admit... my interest was piqued by these yet unknown foes, by these racers running in Japan's Twinkle Series.

El Condor Pasa may have lit this fire in me, but I have heard much about her contemporaries, Grass Wonder and Special Week.

As they are both participating in the Japan Cup, I too shall be taking on this challenge.

<I hope you will look forward to it.>

Who would've thought the Arc Umamusume would come here.

She even mentioned Spe by name...

"Next up, we'll hear the fan reaction to the news of Montjeu's participation."

"Her race with El Condor Pasa was totally intense! Seeing just how strong our Japanese racers are really got my blood pumping!"

"Which made losing so much harder... But that's why I want our racers to do their best in this next race!"

"Special Week, Grass Wonder... If you're watching, just know everyone in Japan is rooting for you!

"As you can see, many fans are looking to get payback for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. They've thrown their support behind our Japanese racers."

...

Right!

...

Grass...

Can you believe the sun is already setting? Winter is just around the corner.

Yeah... Um... About the Japan Cup...

It seems I... went a little too far during training.

With all of Japan watching, this race was bound to lead me to the top. Not to mention, it was a chance to take on the one who beat El.

The racing fans of Japan want to see one of their racers win, and I wanted so desperately to be the one representing them.

...Of course, I also wanted to run with you.

Me?

Your performance at the autumn Tenno Sho was simply amazing.

Hearing we were both going to be in the Japan Cup, I was naturally very excited. I couldn't wait... to run with you...

I really... wanted to run this race...

Grass...

...

I promise, Grass...

I'm going to win.

Huh?

I wanted to race you too.

I wanted to beat both Montjeu and you. I lost our last race, after all.

So I swear I'll win. I'll prove that I, Special Week, am Japan's strongest Umamusume.

And then, I'll be waiting for you at the Arima Kinen... as the best racer in Japan!

Spe...

Hehe, in that case, I should recover quickly so I can appropriately prepare for our race.

Yeah!

Please do your best in the Japan Cup. I want you to show them just how strong the Umamusume of Japan are.

Show them how it's done, Ruler of Japan.

So this is a Japanese racecourse... Not bad at all.

Far-east nation of Japan... Do you truly harbor the opponent I seek?

Huff... Huff... Ngh!

...Had my timing been even slightly off, it would have been you who crossed the finish line first.

This truly was a narrow victory... I've never had a race that left my heart pounding like this before.

...

Only the strong could do this to me. El Condor Pasa, you are truly worthy of the title champion.

...In that case, coming to Japan will make your heart pound even harder.

Japan?

I didn't get this strong on my own. It was thanks to my friends, my rivals in Japan, that I got to this point.

If I'm worthy of the champion title, that means we've got lots more champions in Japan!

I can still vividly recall how my heart soared hearing those words. Even now, they make every cell in my body quake in anticipation.

...Be sure to entertain me, Umamusume of Japan.

At last, the day we've all been waiting for! Acclaimed Umamusume the world over have gathered here for the Japan Cup!

And we have quite the lineup this year! We have a total of four Derby Umamusume, including the winner of the Japanese Derby!

But the name on everyone's lips is the winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the one who defeated El Condor Pasa, Montjeu!

Just how will the racers of Japan face her?! And who among these racers will be declared the world's strongest?!

I can't believe Grass Wonder had to pull out...

With Grass Wonder, I was sure Japan had a chance, but I'm not so sure now.

These overseas racers are on a whole nother level... And that's not even considering Montjeu.

Even so, I bet you're still rooting for Japan, right?

Of course I am, but I also want to be realistic...

Inhale... exhale...

I see you're a little nervous after all.

Ehehe, more like super nervous...

Of the Japanese racers, you're the one people have the highest expectations for right now.

Conversely, you could say you show the most potential of all the Japanese racers. You should be proud.

Right!

That's right, you did everything you could to prepare! You even got down to your ideal weight! Way to go, Spe! Congratulations!

Wh-why do you know about my weight?!

And what's more, you'll have a reassuring ally watching over you soon enough.

Who could that...

Perfect timing.

Good... Looks like I made it in time.

Huh... Whaaat?!

Suzuka's here?! Wait, why would, America! You were in America!

Hehe, I wouldn't dare watch such an important race on TV.

Woooow! It's Suzuka! She's here! She's really here!

It's been a while since Team Sirius was all together, huh?

Well, this is a big race! We need the whole team here!

Our cheers will be the loudest in the stands!

Spe, I've heard a lot about today's racers while overseas.

Which is why I want you to show them all how much you shine. I believe that is our greatest wish as your teammates.

My teammates' wish...

Right!

Heeey! Spe!

Ah, Sei! Everybody!

We're here to cheer you on, Special Week. I'm happy to see you look calm and collected.

Well yeah, she's not you, you know.

Pardon?! Are you implying I get nervous?!

Ahaha, thanks for coming, King, Sei.

They always call Japanese racers weak, but don't let them get in your head. If you run like you always do, I'm sure you'll do fine.

Seiun Sky is injured... and I've decided to take a different path, so we won't be running today.

You know what that means, Spe. You gotta work hard for all of us!

The Satsuki Sho, the Japanese Derby, and finally the Kikuka Sho... Run like you did against us in the Classics!

Yeah, I'll run fast enough for both of you.

Spe, I've always admired you, and I think that's what helped me run with the energy I have now!

So you better show 'em all! Show 'em the run I saw at the autumn Tenno Sho, the one you can't help but try to chase!

Your running form is also forever carved into my heart.

At the spring Tenno Sho... your performance left me wanting more... I wanted to follow after you, to someday surpass you.

Therefore, I hope you will allow me to race you again. I would like very much to win against a world champion.

Yeah! Don't worry, Tsuru, Bright! I'll give a race performance that'll get your competitive fire burning!

Sounds like you're more than ready for this, Spe!

Yes, my faith in you feels much more secure than usual.

El! Grass!

To be honest, I would prefer to pay back Montjeu myself, but...

You'll have to do it for me, Spe! Don't you dare lose!

I believe in you, Spe. I know you can win.

And once you do, I'll be waiting for you... at the Arima Kinen.

Yeah! I swear I'll win!

At last, the racers for today's Japan Cup are stepping onto the turf.

The most popular of the Japanese racers is Special Week! Just look at how the Ruler of Japan shines!

You've got this, Speee!

Speee! Fight oooon!

You can do it!

...

Something wrong, McQueen?

No, I simply was reminded of something when I saw Special Week.

I swear that when we watched Rice, Ticket, Brian, and even Suzuka head for their races, they shined just as gallantly as she does now.

Fulfill my dream... Nothing ever changes, does it? You're always thinking of us, and we never want to disappoint you.

The members of Team Sirius all ran to achieve their dreams... Let's see you do the same, Special Week.

We finally meet, Special Week.

Huh? Ah, it's nice to meet you!

El Condor Pasa... Your friend gave me a race that I could never forget.

Running against her brought just as much joy as winning the Arc. It truly changed my perception of Japan's racers.

I want to feel that joy, that rush, once again. That desire is what brought me here today.

...

Therefore, I hope your performance today will grant that wish...

I never thought you'd have such high hopes for me.

...?

Leave it to me. I'll grant your wish by becoming the best racer in Japan, here and now!

May the best racer win, Montjeu!

Hehe...

<May the best racer win, Special Week.>

With the Arc Umamusume Montjeu closing in from the outside, Special Week shot straight through the middle of the pack and won!

On the same course as the Japanese Derby, she showed off the power and pride of the Derby Umamusume!

Special Week has made the hopes and dreams of Japan come true! The cheers of celebration from the stands are absolutely deafening!

We truly live... in a wonderful world.

Montjeu!

That was a splendid race, Special Week.

Montjeu, Japan is filled with talented Umamusume, not just me, El, and Grass.

So I hope that one day, we can all race together again!

Hehe, to think the racers here could excite me so much...

I shall be back.

Great!

Congratulations, Special Week!

That was the best race everrr!

L-listen to those cheers...

What did you expect? You just showed the rest of the world who's boss!

Saying this to the winner herself feels strange, but I do wish you could have felt the unity of the crowd back there.

The stands were positively overflowing with cheers calling your name, Special Week.

Actually, I did hear those cheers!

They all had such high hopes for me... so I knew I had to make this win happen!

And you did just that.

You were so, so cool back there!

You gave your everything to answer the crowd's expectations... Watching you made me want to race again as soon as possible.

Well, you're the one who's always helping me! I mean, seeing you after so long gave me so much strength!

And of course...

Trainer! I have to thank you too!

Ehehe... I've run plenty of races up until now, but never with as many hopes and dreams as I did today!

The only reason I was able to answer those dreams was because you've always been by my side, Trainer!

Special Week! Congratulations! That was amazing! Go, Ruler of Japan! You're the best in all of Japan!

Huh?

I'll never forget today! What an emotional race! You really are the best racer in Japan!

I'm... the best racer in Japan...

Thank you for this win, Special Week!

You went up against international giants... You even beat the Arc Umamusume...

You showed us that Japan's racers, the best in Japan really can contend with the world!

The people of Japan... see me as the best racer in Japan...

T-Trainer... I did it... Urgh... Sniff!

Hey, hey... we've got a photoshoot after this. You don't wanna be all snotty for that, do you?

You heard them! They said I'm the best in Japan!

UUWWAAAUGH! Your dream finally came true! Go ahead and cry, Speee!

Hehe, it seems there's no stopping them now...

I must say, this scene feels all too familiar for Team Sirius.

Once again, you've made another racer's dream come true.

Were you watching, Mama?

I did it! I finally became the best in Japan!

So this is where you were, Trainer. We have plenty of time before the main race today, don't we?

Hehe... Now that I think about it, this racecourse, this very race is where it all began.

I was thinking the exact same thing.

I could say the same thing to you... I'm sure my teammates feel the same way as well.

You've always been by our sides. It was only thanks to your support that we've come this far.

Without you, we wouldn't be able to run as we do today.

Another year draws to its dramatic conclusion as fourteen racers make their way to the racecourse for the Arima Kinen.

With over half the roster being G1 Umamusume, this battle of the century has got the crowd ready for a show!

Among these racers, just who will claim victory and bask in the glory of the grand prix?!

Just a while ago, if you had told me I'd be racing in the grand prix, I wouldn't have believed you.

Tsuru...

To be honest, I'm still a little upset that I couldn't run in the Classics...

President Rudolf, a Triple Crown champion herself, is my idol, and I've wanted to run in those races for as long as I can remember.

The Satsuki Sho, the Japanese Derby, the Kikuka Sho... You only get one chance to enter the Classics, and I missed mine.

And sure, I didn't make that dream come true, but I found a new dream along the way.

I absolutely, positively had to run with all of you!

I wanted to catch up to you guys, to run alongside you... and then beat you all!

I wouldn't have had that goal if I hadn't been watching you guys race! Thank you for giving me my new dream!

As payback, I'll be running with aaall my heart today!

Same! I'm going to give this race my everything!

Inhale... exhale...

All those hours of training have led me to today...

Ryan will be with me in spirit, so I know I will be the one past the finish line first.

Bright... She's so focused...

Which means I need to take this race just as seriously as her!

Thank you for waiting for me, Spe. At long last, this day has come.

Grass...

Your Japan Cup performance was perfection. True to our promise, you became the Umamusume I wish to defeat the most.

Today will be the day I leave that racer behind as I surge forward.

Likewise, I'm definitely gonna pass you this time!

If I want to be the best racer in Japan, I have to beat you!

Today's racers are now making their way to the Nakayama Racecourse for today's main race, the Arima Kinen!

The self-proclaimed successor to the Golden Generation, T.M. Opera O!

She may seem calm, but inside her burns a proud fire! The Mejiro's premier stayer, Mejiro Bright!

The racer who doesn't know the meaning of "give up!" The late-blooming secret weapon of the Golden Generation, Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi!

Her origins lie outside Japan, but within her burns the heart of a samurai! Champion of two grand prix races, it's Grass Wonder!

And finally, the carrier of Japan's dreams who brought us a flawless victory, the Ruler of Japan, Special Week!

Hey, Spe's finally here!

From here... she doesn't seem nervous at all.

In fact, she's glowing with confidence!

That's the best racer in Japan for you! We need to do our best to cheer her on!

Yeah! Go get 'em, Speee! Goooo!

Go get 'em, Ruler of Japaaan!

Trainer, you need to make sure she hears your cheers too.

After all, if she wins, she might become another person's best racer in Japan.

Yes, and this race may be the link that connects another aspiring racer to Team Sirius.

I wonder who will join the team next.

And we shall be right alongside you, just like today!

Another year has passed, and with it, more races and racers have made their way into racing history.

In addition to her award, this Umamusume has also received a special set of racewear to commemorate this occasion.

Now then, we shall move on to the main event. Welcome to the URA Awards Ceremony.

Okay, time to get dullsville here to make some noise...

Don't even think about it! This is not the time or place!

Hehe, but I understand the desire to celebrate.

If we were at the racecourse, we'd be drowned out by the crowd's cheers.

Mhm! "Waaah! I'm so happy for youuu!" I can totally see the stands bursting into tears and cheers!

It's so strange to think about.

When I first met her, she was a helpless Umamusume who had lost her way to the school after just arriving from Hokkaido...

In the blink of an eye, she's grown into a fine racer. But a lot certainly happened in that time.

And now we'll introduce our awardee. For her achievements and contributions to the racing world, we present this award to...

Team Sirius's own Special Week!

I-I am S-S-S-Special Week!

Congratulations on your award. Could we ask for a few words?

S-sure! I am truly honored to have received such a prestigious award!

Look at her shake in her boots...

Hehe...

Inhale... Exhale... Um... I also want to say...

Getting where I am today involved a lot of people and experience, each one just as important as the last.

This all started with a dream I inherited from my moms, and along the way, I've run with many friends, my racing rivals.

Of course, it wasn't always an easy journey. At times, the hills felt extra steep and the road extra muddy. I could have slipped at any moment.

But whenever I faltered, my trainer was there to offer their support. They showed me the path I needed to take.

Together we took on each obstacle one at a time, and before I knew it, I was the racer I am today.

I may not be able to meet all your expectations, but...

I want to be a racer that brings you hope, one that can show you that your wildest dreams can come true!

My heart is pounding, but I can't tell if it's from nerves or excitement.

I feel the same way. We're finally running together, after all!

This is our long-awaited showdown... Let us give it our all, and leave no regrets.

Yeah! We'll give our all, no holding back!

As the best in Japan, I run carrying the dreams of many!

Come and get it! Come and get it! We're offering fresh deals on the freshest carrots around!

And as an extra bonus, buyers will get to join the Team Sirius! Get 'em while they're still here!

Are we sure this will attract new members?

Doing nothing at all might work better than this...

But we need to be proactive here! Otherwise the other teams might get all the good students!

And Brian, if you keep scowling like that, you're gonna scare people away.

This is just my face.

Trainer! I put up all the posters you gave me!

All our posters are up too!

There's some at the gates, the dorm cafeteria, and every last classroom.

This should help us find new teammates in no time!

Well, yeah, but when we talked about it, we all said we wanted to see Team Sirius spread its message even further!

Huh? Actually, I wanted to ask why you guys aren't wearing yours. Didn't Gold Ship tell you we were meeting in our racewear?

I meeean, you're the best racer in Japan! Seeing you race around is sure to grab everyone's attention!

Oh, I... think that makes sense?

All right, Spe! As our Team Sirius Ambassador, show 'em your run, no, your Team Sirius spirit!

O-okay!

Hehe, running really does suit her best.

Come on, everyone! Let's spend our school days together!

And together, we'll bring your dream to life!