Orchestra in Late Autumn

Whether it's the dazzling tiara, the valiant chrysanthemum that represents the final crown...

...Or the honorable autumn shield we're competing for, late autumn is a lively time when Umamusume and fans alike are in heightened spirits.

The shrine is carried to the sound of music, a beautiful dance offered to the Three Goddesses, and arrows released to ward off misfortune...

This all takes place at the festival for Umamusume, by Umamusume.

The Fleetfoot Festival is coming up soon! This year I finally wanna try the stall that sold the first grilled carrot. I'll have to line up early to get some before they sell out!

I can't wait to see the performances the different groups are gonna put on, too! I wonder which ones Tracen Academy will be in charge of this year.

Now then. As you are all aware, the Fleetfoot Festival is fast approaching, and it is an important annual event for us all as Umamusume.

I have heard word from the URA that Tracen Academy will be in charge of the ceremonial dance and archery shows this year.

I will now announce the participants for each event. Participation is optional, but I hope you will rise to this honorable duty.

First, the ceremonial dance devoted to the Three Goddesses. The first of three dancers is... Gold City.

...!

The second dancer is Curren Chan. Finally, the third dancer is...

Hey, for the Fleetfoot Festival, think we can leave the academy early? I really, really wanna get a good spot for the ceremonial dance!

Can you believe we'll get to see City dancing?! Not to mention Curren! She's always so perfect on stage.

Waaah...

There's the top model, City, and the real pop'lar influencer Curren...

They're so glam'rous, I can see why they were chosen to perform an import'nt dance for the Three Goddesses. But what I don't understand...

Yukino... Yukino? You don't look too well. What's wrong?

Ah, sorry 'bout that! Lemme turn my phone on silent.

Oh, uh, no worries... So um, that was an Umastagram notif'cation, right? Did someone like your post?

Yeah, I let everyone know I'll be dancing and asked them to come see it. It looks like they're looking forward to it, so I'm happy! ♪

You told "everyone"? So, um... how many likes has it got so far?

At the moment? Uh... 26,000? Oh, it just turned to 27,000!

TWENTY-SEVEN THOUSAND?! Y-you only posted ten minutes ago, didn'tcha?! Eeeek!

(Oh, City's manager posted too... And it's already got almost 10,000 likes?!)

(So many people want t'see City and Curren dance! And I don't blame 'em! That's why it's so gosh darn scary!)

Oh yeah! I was thinking we could take a team photo of the three of us and post it to Umastagram later. That okay with you?

Let's do our best on this ceremonial dance, Yukino!

O-okey dokeyyyy!

(Ohhh, I'm in the soup!)

"I'm looking forward to seeing your beautiful dance." "She's so stunning, her visuals are insane!" "Please post lots of pictures of your costume!" Hm...

...I thought so. So that's why I was chosen, huh...

It is hereby... approved! Please work hard on your preparation trip for the Fleetfoot Festival!

Expectations! I am eagerly awaiting the Fleetfoot Festival! Of course there is the beautiful ceremonial dance to look forward to, but also...

Valiance! Symboli Rudolf and Narita Brian. I will most certainly be there to watch you both show off your mastery of archery!

...Thanks.

Thank you, Director. I am grateful for the honorable appointment, and I will work diligently to fulfill my role to the fullest.

Thanks to the vigorous efforts of the Umamusume, there has been tremendous excitement in the racing world recently.

That's why I believe that our duty to pray for their growth and safety at the Fleetfoot Festival is even more pertinent this year than ever.

With that being said, I can say with absolute certainty that we will rise to the occasion.

Please expect great things, Director. I hereby pledge to make this year's Fleetfoot Festival a success like none other!

Hm. Five minutes have passed since our designated departure time, and yet Yukino Bijin and Gold City are nowhere to be seen...

We don't necessarily have to go together. We're all going to the same place, right? So what's the big deal?

Well, we don't have to go together, but since we're a team, I think we should!

The bus ride to the training camp is pretty long, right? So I prepared lots of stuff for us to talk about! ♪ I can't wait to chat with you all!

I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Curren Chan. I, too, believe that in order to make this festival a success, we will need to work as a team.

Thankfully, we still have some time. Let's wait five more minutes and then...

M-my apol'gies!

Ah! Yukino and City, you made it! You okay?

Pant... Wheeze... G-guys, I'm so sorry! I ended up spend'n too much time pack'n my stuff...

No, it's my fault! Yukino's only late because I overslept and she came all the way to the Ritto dorms to pick me up.

No, not at all! I was already runn'n late by the time I came t'pick you up!

Yeah, but seriously, you were actually getting ready. I just totally screwed up.

Aaand that's enough of fighting for the blame!

We've got a bus to catch! We were just saying we've got plenty of time, so no hard feelings. 'Kay?♪

...Okay.

Ugh... Pretty sure this trip is gonna be what you would call "an uphill battle."

Heh, do you think so? Well then, let's be on our way.

We're heeeeere! Wow, it's so traditional and Japanese-feeling! How exciting! ♪ Oh, Brian? Can I get a snap of you in front of the inn?

You know... You haven't stopped blathering since we got on the bus.

Hehe, yeah, I'm just so excited! ♪ But that makes me easy to get along with, right? I'm just like your bestie Maya!

...You're infuriatingly mistaken.

Ah, you must be the group from Tracen Academy! I bet you're tired from the long journey. Please come in! Welcome to our inn!

Hello. I'm Symboli Rudolf, the one you spoke to on the phone the other day. Thank you for your cooperation with this training camp.

The pleasure is all mine! My grandchild is an Umamusume too, and we look forward to the Fleetfoot Festival every year. Please let me know if I can help you with anything!

We appreciate it. Now then, let us head to our rooms and unpack our things. When that's finished, we'll have a briefing.

It looks like everyone is ready. Then let's begin.

The aim of this training camp is to improve our skills in preparation for the Fleetfoot Festival. I want each of us to fully comprehend the roles and responsibilities we were dealt, so allow me to explain.

Firstly, Narita Brian. You will be performing in the archery show with me.

It is a ritual of unparalleled valor. With a purified bow and arrow in hand, the archer must leap over rocks and cliffs on the sacred mountain as they shoot at a number of targets that represent misfortune.

Or so it was. In modern times, the ritual has been simplified, and now there is only one target set up in front of the sacred mountain.

Nevertheless, archery practice will be essential. I believe you have some experience with it, correct?

I had to go to lessons with my big sis.

Heh. Perhaps because it is tradition, archery is a popular skill to learn among Umamusume.

I, too, have received instruction in the past, but we will work together to further improve our skills at this camp.

They've set up a temporary training ground for us nearby. Our equipment has also arrived. Shall we begin practice this afternoon, Brian?

Ugh... I'm tired of having the Empress yelling in one ear and my sister blathering on in the other. I get it, this is serious.

Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it. But I won't practice for a moment longer than I have to. I'm leaving as soon as I've got the feel for it back.

All right, that's not a problem. Let's move on to the ceremonial dance.

Yep, yep! Me, Yukino, and City are gonna devote a dance to the Three Goddesses, right? ♪

We'll thank them for everything and ask them to keep watching over us... with our super cute dance!

Cute?! I-I'll do my best!

Calm down, Yukino. So the lessons will be in the local community hall, and our teacher is being sent from the URA, right?

Yes. The teacher is a member of the URA who is well-versed in the ceremonial dance. They should be arriving this afternoon, too.

I've danced for my concerts before, but I've never done a ritual dance like this... I'm gonna make sure I get it super cute and polished! ♪

Good... Then we're all finished here. Meeting adjourned! I expect each of you to dedicate yourselves to your training!

Oh, I almost forgot. There's one more important thing I want you to keep in mind.

...?

As Umamusume, our physical condition is of utmost importance. Please take care not to get too overzealous.

In other words, during your training, be sure to stay on track!

...

So, our Fleetfoot Festival training camp has officially started, but...

Pant, pant... Phew... Damn it. This isn't enough.

Brian! There you are.

Rudolf... What do you want? If it's about archery training, we still have some time until it starts.

Hm? Well, if you can get ready with lightning speed, then yes, but...

Then that's what I'll do. Leave me alone.

I can't believe that in between the blood-boiling battles of the Kikuka Sho, the autumn Tenno Sho, the Japan Cup, and the Arima Kinen, I'm wasting away out here in the sticks.

How am I supposed to sharpen my fangs like this?!

Brian...

Good work, everyone! Let's call it a day here.

Thank you!

Curren, your moves have improved a lot. Yukino, try and relax your shoulders a bit.

Especially when it's your turn to take center stage. That part is the highlight of the performance, so enjoy it, okay?

O-okay! I'll practice 'til I'm jump'n and jiv'n the whole time!

And City... Hmm... Your dancing is beautiful, but...

But?

Hmm... No, never mind. You're doing great just as you are!

Really? Well, as long as it's pretty, that's all that matters.

...

Yes... Okay. So you received the night-time leave documents. Thank you for the swift response, Air Groove. Bye now.

President! Oh... Sorry!

Not to worry, I've just finished on the phone. Can I help you with something?

Well... I'm not sure if it's anything worth bringing up yet, but...

I see. So the team isn't meshing so well on your side either. Thank you for notifying me, Curren.

I've actually been thinking of some measures for that very issue, and the preparations have just been put in place.

Wow, really?

Yes. I will coax Brian into coming with us on my end, so I'd like to task you with bringing Gold City and Yukino Bijin along on yours.

Wow, they even have fireworks! I'd heard this autumn festival was big, and it's true!

The person from the inn said this was a pretty lively festival for the area. Ahh, the food stalls smell so good.

B-but... should we really be enjoy'n a festival right now? We didn't come here to dilly-dally...

We're starting with the basics, Yukino Bijin. Our task is to make sure people enjoy the festival, so it is vital that we see one with our own eyes. Now...

Brian, which stall would you like to try first? I like local items that have a regional flavor. Perhaps I'll buy some for the student council as thanks for filling in during my absence.

You did enough work to tide them over for your absence and more, though. Whatever. I'm hungry. Let's just find something to eat.

The lanterns on that shop are so cute and colorful! The lighting is nice and soft, and if I stand right about here and look over my shoulder... Mm-hm! The perfect shot! ♪

Haha, true. I'll take it for you later, Curren. What about you, Yukino? Don't be shy if there's anywhere you wanna check out too.

Umm, in that case, the yo-yo fishing? Ah, but that's too childish, isn't it? Haha!

Why not? Sounds good to me. The designs are usually pretty cute too. Besides... that's such a Yukino thing to do! I'll snap a pic of that too.

Gee, thank you!

E-excuse me! You're Curren, right? Sorry to approach you out of the blue! It's just I... I follow you on Umastagram!

Oh, thank you! I'm glad you came to speak to me! ♪

You're training for the ceremonial dance at the Fleetfoot Festival right now, aren't you? Ooh, I just can't wait! I'll definitely come and see it!

Thanks, I'll see you there! Oh, and please use the tags "#Curren" and "#CeremonialDance" when you post about it, okay? ♪ I'll be searching for people's comments! ☆

Okaaay! We're gonna make sure you're trending! Thank you for talking to me in your private time! I'll leave you to it now!

Your post about the ceremonial dance went pretty viral, huh.

This whole dance thing is a bit different from my usual vibe, so I think everyone's just surprised. I'm glad the reactions have been mostly positive on the whole though! ♪

And with that, I think I've done a good job of playing my role.

What do you mean, your role?

Like, my part? I think I was chosen as a mascot this time around. My image doesn't exactly shout "history" or "tradition" or anything, y'know?

So I thought I'd do what I do best and make sure this festival goes viral. I'm serious about the dance, though. I wanna surprise people with that.

Or at least, that's what I thought would be cutest! ♪

Curren... Oh. Wow, you're amazing.

Seriously... amazing.

Mmm, what a wonderful aroma! The scent of sizzling sauce is truly exceptional. Brian, shall we go to the yakisoba stand next? I bet that's the "sauce" of that scent...

I don't want any. Not enough meat. That won't fire up my body at all.

Hm, if you say sauce. Let's go down that path over there then! They had skewered meat and vegetables on the grill. I'm sure we'll find something to your taste.

Tch... What is this? Trying to act like my older sister? As if you're doing me a favor?

Not at all. I don't intend to challenge Biwa Hayahide in that regard.

I just... want you to enjoy yourself. However you see fit.

...What?

Just have fun, Brian. That goes for this festival, the Fleetfoot Festival, and the archery show with me.

That's all I wish for you.

...

...Haha. Well this is rare. Out of everyone at training camp, I'm the first one up and about.

(As if... It's not like I planned to get up early. I just couldn't sleep.)

Sigh... I should run a little.

Pant, pant, pant...

"I'm looking forward to seeing your beautiful dance." "She's so stunning, her visuals are insane!" "Please post lots of pictures of your costume!" Hm...

...I thought so. So that's why I was chosen, huh...

...To be a pretty face?

Hmm... No, never mind. You're doing great just as you are!

Really? Well, as long as it's pretty, that's all that matters.

And with that, I think I've done a good job of playing my role.

What do you mean, your role?

Like, my part? I think I was chosen as a mascot this time around. My image doesn't exactly shout "history" or "tradition" or anything, y'know?

So I thought I'd do what I do best and make sure this festival goes viral. I'm serious about the dance, though. I wanna surprise people with that.

Or at least, that's what I thought would be cutest! ♪

Pant, pant!

AAAAAGH! Damn, I'm such a loser!

(I'm so over being judged by my looks. But all I do is sulk about it.)

(Should I accept it, like Curren, and just play out my role properly? Is that how I'll become my own person and not just a pretty face?)

(No, that can't be it. Curren is Curren. What works for her isn't gonna work for me...)

Pant... Pant... Huh?

Hup! Doo-doo-doo! Then like this!

Yukino?

Huh?! Oh, City! Good morn'n! Um, were you doin' some practice?

Yeah, well, something like that. What about you? Practicing the dance on your own?

Ahaha... Yeah. I'm no good at danc'n c'mpared to you two, and I'm in the middle for th'best part...

So at the very least, I just don't want to stand out for th'wrong reason and ruin it for you, oh my gosh!

Whoa, you okay? It's too early to be pushing yourself this much. Besides, I've never once thought you would ruin it or anything like that.

Ah... I know, let's go rinse off together. I'm all sweaty too, and the day hasn't even started.

Wow! It's so thick and fluffy-wuffy, I almost can't believe this is my tail! What a treat, hav'n you wash my tail! Sigh...

I just have a few tricks up my sleeve from experience, that's all. The oil and conditioner did the rest.

The only reason those tricks worked was because your tail was already in good condition. That goes for your hair and skin too.

Oh, and your dance, too. I think you should believe in yourself more, Yukino!

City... Hehe! Thank oodles.

But still, it's an import'nt festival p'formance. I've gotta work harder so I don't look like a chowderhead up there!

I guess it is important...

...Do you like festivals, Yukino?

Hm? Um... Yeah, I s'pose I do.

We have an autumn fest'val in my hometown too, to celebrate the harvest. It's real small c'mpared to the Fleetfoot Festival or the one we went to yesterday, though.

But it's still a roar'n good time! Food stalls sell the freshly picked veggies, and we all eat, dance by the fire, and sing the rice-plant'n song together.

When wint'r comes, ev'thing gets covered in snow and it goes quiet... But when I think of the fun of the festival, it perks me right back up!

I see... So that's what festivals mean to you.

Yeah... What do they mean to you, City?

...Me?

What do they mean...

Hey! So this is where you two were!

Hmph. You went for bath time without me? That's so mean! We're the ceremonial dance trio!

Ah?! Gee, I'm sorry! We didn't mean to leave you out!

Apology not accepted! ☆ If you're really sorry... Come to the outdoor bath with me so we can all chat and bathe together! ☆

C'mon, c'mon! Let's go!

(Curren is Curren. Yukino is Yukino...)

Then... what about me?

Um, President! Could I talk to you for a minute please?

Oh, Gold City. What is it?

You had some documents about the Fleetfoot Festival, right? Could I... see them, please?

Hm, next is "one-on-one races." Ohhh, I didn't know they put on these kinds of shows in past festivals.

(I thought I'd be able to figure out what the Fleetfoot Festival means to me by learning more about it, but...)

Hm...

Hm... Forgive me for interrupting your reading, but can I make a suggestion?

This is only a personal opinion, but I recommend reading the letter excerpt on page fifty-three.

Page fifty-three?

"After claiming the Satsuki Sho, I was named the Umamusume who dashed toward the stars. But at the Derby, I froze in front of a big crowd and failed miserably."

"At the Kikuka Sho, I tripped on the rough turf, missing my chance to win once again. Even still, my fans chose me to run in the Arima Kinen."

"I vowed under the light of the Fleetfoot Festival. I would not lose. I absolutely, definitely, certainly would not lose."

"I was willing to risk it all going into that race. Looking back, I think that was a necessary ritual for me at the time."

Ritual...

Late autumn... A season full of Umamusume burning bright with passion and determination. Have you ever wondered why the Fleetfoot Festival is held then?

For those running in the forefront, the festival is a meaningful milestone. A time their determination is renewed.

...

(Curren is determined to fulfil her role as a mascot. For Yukino, festivals themselves are important to her.)

(So what about me? What am I dancing for?)

(If I don't want to be a doll forever, I've got to think of a way to pull the strings myself.)

I... I want to carve my own path! I want to show my dedication as a racing Umamusume with this ritual!

Aaand stop! Not bad, not bad!

City, you've made a remarkable improvement! Not only are your moves beautiful, but you have a self-assured charm about you that I can't take my eyes off!

Thank you. I should say... I'm sorry I wasn't giving it my all until now.

But I've made up my mind. I promise, I'm going to do this right!

Wow... It's like City's unlocked a new power! Guess I can't afford to sit back either!

Uh, Yukino? Heeey! You okay? You haven't blinked in a while!

What?! Uh, y-yes?! I...

Sorry... It's just... City is so...

Okay... It's look'n a lot better now. We're going back tomorrow, so I better start gett'n my stuff together.

...The training camp's already end'n... Then when we get back to the academy, we're perform'n straight after.

(But I'm not sure if I'm good enough for it yet...)

Yukino! Yukinooo! It's an emergency! Come to the community hall right now!

Wha...

Ooh, the costumes! That means they arrived, right?

Yep! ♪ The URA made brand-new costumes for us all! And it's not just us dancers, the archers get some too!

They're all sooooo so cute! Come on, let's go try them on! ♪

Wah! Wait for me, Curren!

(New costumes... Putt'n me aside, I bet they're gonna look so spiffy on Curren and City!)

(So... glam'rous...)

...!

Yes, it's comfortable to move in. I think the length should be good like this. Oh, about the shoes...

(City... City's... so beautiful...)

(She's so beautiful... too beautiful.)

Oh, Yukino! Your costume's here too.

They wanna see how they all look together, so put yours on so we can line up.

Uh... I... uh...

...I have to go!

Huh? Hey, Yukino!

Ah! Huh? Yukino? What's wrong? Your costume is back there with City.

Curren... C-Curren, please! I'm begg'n you!

Swap with me for the center part!

The center part? You mean the highlight of the performance? The bit where you come to the middle to dance?

You want me to do that part?

Y...yeah. I've been think'n of ask'n you from the start. I'm not right for that part!

I'm just...

Put yours on so we can line up.

I... can't hold a candle to you gals.

But I can't back out now without caus'n problems. So please, just put me in the background, The spotlight should belong to you two!

...Really? Okay, I can do that part.

If that's what you really want.

Curren...

There you are, Yukino! What's up with you? You were acting kinda strange back there.

Ah, it's noth'n! I was just... so amazed by how pretty the costumes looked!

But I'm just peachy now!

I played it down, but... I should really tell City since we're dancing t'gether.

(I am doing the right thing, aren't I? Yeah, sure I am...)

Hmph. Hey, you. Free right now? Come with me.

What? ...WHAT?! Y-you... You mean me?

Calm down. I'm not gonna eat you. I just want to race. Come with me.

There's only so much I can hone my skill on my own. I need the feeling of chasing prey. Let's go.

What did you mean by "prey"? Ah, wait, Briaaaan!

Huff, huff, huff, huff!

RRRAAAAAH!

Eep!

Pant... Pant... S-sorry... I wasn't much help...

(Brian is super strong... But that's not th'only reason I lost. My legs... feel weird today...)

Where's your instinct?

Eh?

Instinct. It's what's left behind once you shave away all the unnecessary stuff. It's what drives you at the most basic level.

Most racers unleash that instinct on the track, but I didn't see an ounce of it in you tonight.

So what is it you desire? You wouldn't be racing if there wasn't something.

Um...

...Ugh, forget it. I'm going to run some more.

The road ahead is really dark. Don't fall over on your way back.

Ah...

(My instincts...)

...What do I want to do?

(The night sky is far brighter in my hometown than it is here. It's like a sea of stars so deep you could dive right into it.)

(But the brightest stars in my eyes were the city girls. I admired them so much through the TV screen.)

(Walk'n tall and confident, ambitious, stand'n on their own two feet... Just like City, actually.)

But I've made up my mind. I'm going to do this right!

I get it now... City's so beautiful 'cause she's her own person mak'n her own decision.

(I've never heard her doubting herself and shy'n away from a challenge. I must look so silly, chicken'n out of center stage.)

(Truth is... if I do what Brian said and remove all the fluff, what I really want... when all's said and done is...)

I wanna be...

More than anyth'n, I wanna be... an honest-to-goodness... city girl!

Why'd you call me out here so early, Yukino? You have a way different look on your face than yesterday.

Curren, I'm sorry for say'n such a silly thing yesterday!

I'll do it! The highlight of the song. I'll dance to it right in the middle! But I'm gonna need a lot more practice b'fore I'm ready...

Please! Teach me how t'dance!

Hehe! Sure. ♪ Now I know how to dance your part, so...

I'll teach you how to make it look super-duper cute!

Curren... I really 'preciate it! I'll pull out all the stops t'make this dance perfect!

...Oh? So she does have instincts. That's more like it.

...

Just have fun, Brian. That goes for this festival, the Fleetfoot Festival, and the archery show with me.

That's all I wish for you.

Hmph... This training's stolen enough of my time as it is. All it's doing is making me hunger for the racecourse even more.

(Complaining from inside my cage is getting boring too. A beast would tear through it with their teeth and run wild.)

Fine then... I'll have fun all right, in a way that suits me. Time to unleash my instincts.

Oh, Brian. Here for a morning bath? It is, regrettably, the last day of our trip, after all.

I just came to talk to you. I figured you'd come here to wake yourself up, and here you are.

Haha. There are regular students on this trip with us, Brian. I'd appreciate if you didn't reference my habit of oversleeping for the sake of my appearance.

But I digress. What did you want to discuss?

The archery show.

It's too boring to just follow the watered-down version of the event. The audience must be bored of it by now too.

If we're going to do this, why not do it the original way, "Emperor?"

Oho...

You said it, didn't you? The ritual used to be performed across the whole sacred mountain.

The archers would shoot countless targets, running and leaping around the mountain in unforgiving natural conditions.

There's more to it. The object was to reach the peak of the mountain before the bonfire goes out, but the two archers also competed to see who shoots the most targets.

You proudly said to the director you'd make this year's Fleetfoot Festival "a success like none other," remember?

So you're saying that in terms of both novelty and entertainment, the original format is better? Hehe. Indeed that is a well-reasoned argument.

It almost doesn't sound like you.

...Huh?

You've shown me your power of persuasion, I require no more convincing, Brian. I just want to know one thing.

Will you enjoy doing it that way?

Hah.

What a stupid question. Join me for a real hunt, Emperor. That's what our Goddesses would want, don't you think?

I follow my instincts, and my instincts want real prey!

So the beast is finally bearing its fangs. That's what I like to hear from you, Brian.

It goes without saying that I accept the proposal. We should proceed with haste. Since we're here, shall we continue the discussion in the sauna?

What, you want to warm up with a test of endurance?

Haha! With you, Brian, that's not such a bad idea!

Shrine, coming through! Everyone join us in the chant to give us strength!

And a one, two, hup! And a one, two, hup!

I am moved! This year's shrine procession is wonderfully impactful as always!

The audience numbers have already broken records, so I hear. Let us also gear up to give our own show-stopping performances!

Y-yes, ma'am! Not long left now... 'til the show... The big show!

Yukino, you okay? We still have some time, so why don't we relax a little and wander around over there?

Oh, um...

...No! I wanna go over the choreography one last time with Curren! I'm fine, I promise!

Oh... okay. Do your thing.

All right! The ending is looking good! ♪ You really nailed getting it cute, Yukino!

Curren! Thank you so much! We're so close to the performance, but you're still help'n me!

Don't sweat it! I want us all to look super cute out there!

Oh, Curren! There you are! The costume fitter was looking for you. Said they want to get started soon.

Ah! It's that time already? Thank you, City. Well, Yukino, I'll see you later!

Ever since the training camp, you've been doing a lot of practice with Curren, haven't you?

Wha? Th-that's because... we're in the same class... maybe?

Um, City... Are you... m-mad at me?

No, not really.

...You know, you could've come to me at least once. I get that Curren has more to teach you, but...

I-it's not that!

I wanna be like you... No, I mean, I wanted to make sure I wouldn't embarrass you! That's why...

Yukino...

I mean... the word's aren't com'n out right. In any case, I'm gonna give it my all!

With my head held high and pride in my heart, I'll dance my heart out!

(City is so beautiful. So, so beautiful. I've always wanted t'be just like her.)

(And this time, I managed to look her in the eyes and talk to her without runn'n away! Right now, I'm shar'n the same stage as her!)

(I want to stand tall like this forever! I wanna be glitzy and glam'rous too!)

(Yukino, ah, can't get distracted. If I'm not careful, all my attention will go on you.)

(You look beautiful, tonight, especially... But I won't be outshone!)

(Look at those two go. The mood between them is so intense, the audience can't keep their eyes off them.)

(Well, that won't do at all. ♪ Look over here, everybody. Remember who you all came to see?)

...Wow, look at City and Curren... even Yukino. They all look so dignified. So beautiful... They're simply awe-inspiring.

Yeah. You know, when I saw the older students run in the Kikuka Sho, I began to wonder if I could really do the same...

But now I'm determined. I'm gonna give it my best too.

Whoa, the target's really not here! They're inside the sacred mountain! They were really serious about doing it the traditional way?!

President Rudolf and Vice President Brian look so powerful... It's kinda scary actually. But still... I can't wait to see how this turns out!

(Hehe. Brian's idea is an instant success.)

Understood! So you're nominating Curren Chan, Gold City, and Yukino Bijin to perform the ceremonial dance, correct?

Yes. Each one will bring a unique color and charm to the performance. I believe they are all capable of excelling in this endeavor.

Approved! And as for the archery show! The URA has sent an official notice that they'd like you to participate. Will you accept their request?

If they ask it of me, I shall oblige. As for the other participant, may I make a very strong recommendation?

Indubitably! Who is it?

Narita Brian. My indispensable comrade.

Brian, do you remember the day I made you vice president?

Naturally, I've never forgotten.

You out of your mind? You want me to be vice president of the student council? Ha, you've got to be joking.

Though I am currently learning to jest, I am nowhere near skilled enough to unveil my jokes. This is an earnest request. Brian, I want to appoint you as vice president.

...Hold on. You were running the student council on your own until last year.

And then the one who went up against you for president, who was it, Air Groove? She's your vice president now, right?

You've got twice the workforce now. Isn't that enough?

Unfortunately, it is not, Brian. Now that I have my right hand, my ambition has grown. I want to reach toward an ideal world, and for that, I'd like you to join me.

An Umamusume of pure instinct. A soul that burns passionately. It can only be you, Brian.

The bonfire has been lit. The archery show hereby begins!

Ready, set... go!

GRRRAAAAAH!

(Heh... Haha! There it is! It's enough to give me goosebumps! Brian, your raging fangs... your ferocious instincts... they're as dazzling as always!)

(And the way you look doing archery...)

Whoa, so cool... I'm trembling!

(Your unveiled instincts, your vigor, they're enough to stir any Umamusume's spirits!)

And it seems like I'm no exception!

Bow before me, "Beast"! HAAAAAH!

Aw, the Fleetfoot Festival went so quickly. This year was even more lively than usual, I wish it would go on longer...

Yeah. City's group dance and the presidents' archery really lit a fire in me. I'll look back on this fondly.

Tonight's noble Fleetfoot Festival ended without incident.

May every Umamusume stay sound of health, and may they find glory in their future.

Yes, indeed. Tonight's Fleetfoot festival was simply... superb.