Winning Ticket's story

Uwaaagh! It's sooo touching!

No matter the distance, they have the guts to move forward, step by tiny step! They don't give in, even with those little bodies! Be brave and carry that huge load!

Wahaaagh! It's so... It's so amaziiing!

You're amazing, little ants!

Right! Ants are the best!

They're trying... so hard! Waaaaa!

Wait! Don't tell me! You're gearing to go after watching them too, am I right?!

Yeah, I know just how you feel! Seeing them work their hearts out really boosts my spirits! Fills me with courage! Sets my soul on fiiire!

I'm exactly the same! Today's a super important race, but now I know I can blast through it!

The ants got me ready to win, and I've made a new friend who's as pumped from watching them as I am...

I'm WAAAY happy! Whoo-hooo!

Hey... Would you stop screaming? It's still morning, and your yelling's rattling my head.

Oh! Taishin! It's Taishin! Good mooorning! I'm so glad to see you!

Right in my ears now... Ugh, that hurts.

Seriously... Not that I care, but do you really have time to idle away here?

Idle? I'm never idling. I'm always geared up and ready to go!

That's not what I mean, dummy! Aren't you also racing in today's tryouts?

If you are, you'd better stop standing around staring at ants!

Huh? Oh my gooosh! No way! It's time already?! Thanks, Taishin. You're so kind for telling me!

I mean... sniffle... really... Your friendship... just means... so muuuch!

Who said anything about friendship?! Ugh, whatever. This girl is crazy.

Wha! Wait, wait, wait! I'm coming too! Welp, fellow ant-fan, guess I'll see ya arooound!

Ticket's in the 1,200-meter turf race! I just love the way she runs. She never holds back!

Sure, but it's not always good to go in full charge. That no-holds-barred spirit is commendable, but you can't win a race with heart alone.

The leaders crossed the 600-meter mark! What a sudden turn of events!

Whoa! Everybody's running all out! Nooo sweat! Time for me to go all out too!

Uraaaaagh!

And here comes Winning Ticket! She's not far behind and gaining speed! That's some amazing sprinting!

Hrgh! Uuugh! Full... poweeer...

They're round the fourth corner and into the final stretch! Winning Ticket's falling behind! She's losing it!

Ghaaaaah! This is the wooorst!

But I won't let it stop me! I'm not gonna quit! One day, I'm for sure gonna...

Ticket! The results might not have been what you wanted... but you ran a nice race! Good job out there!

Wha! W-wow... Thank you! Wait, could it be? Are you scouting me?!

Whoo-hooooo! Together, we'll definitely win...

THE JAPANESE DERBY!

Murmur...

Th-the Japanese Derby? Um, Ticket, are you saying you want to be a Derby champion?

Yeah! You've got that right! That's the reason I came to Tracen Academy!

Listen... I'm sorry. You're one heck of a sprinter, but I don't have what it takes to get you ready for the Japanese Derby... I'm really sorry.

What? Hey, wait a sec!

Awww, I couldn't get scouted... I could just... cryyyyy!

But I won't back down! I won't give up!

I have to go all out until the day I win the Derby! Full Speeeeed!

The day is finally here! The only question is, which Umamusume will take the crown and give us a new dream for the future?!

The Japanese Derby is about to begin!

Prime minister? I don't think I know what that is! But they must be pretty amazing, right?

And the Derby's even harder than becoming a super awesome person like that, huh. That's exactly why...

The Umamusume who wins it will inspire hopes and dreams in alllll the people watching her!

Course I'm here! It's the Japanese Derby we're talking about! A must-see!

But, hey! I never thought I'd see you here, ant-fan! Sooo glad I did though!

Whoa! The race is about to start!

This is it! The dream race for both fans and racers...

Begins now!

All racers have rounded the fourth corner! They're on the fated final stretch!

Wahaaagh! Go, go, go! Go for it, everybodyyy!

Gah! Look at number five! What an amazing last push! Ah, but number eleven's making a late charge too!

Whoooa, there's the favorite, but she's coming in from far outside! Is she going for it? For real?!

THAT'S THE FINIIISH! The top Umamusume has been decided!

She did iiit! Amazing... Everyone tried... so hard...

Waaaaagh! I'm melting wiv emoshooooon!

Ahhh... What an amazing race!

The Derby really is the best! Uuugh! I can't wait to race in iiit!

You bet I do!

I got to do so many sports when I was a kid, but watching a race for the first time was really special for me!

I was only watching on TV, but even so! The energy of the crowd was sooo amazing!

I could tell the crowd got all charged up from watching the racers giving it their all!

It was so... so... incredible! I just... Sniff...

Pwagh! I'm fine! Heheheh, thinking about it suddenly got me all choked up!

That's the gist, though. The race track was always where I wanted to be...

And then one day, I went to see it with my family! The Japanese Derby!

The heat! The passion! Even as a little kid, clueless about racing, I could feel it!

I knew it was a totally special, one-of-a-kind place!

And then! All the fans around me told me, "The Derby is a place filled with dreams!"

"And the Derby champion makes all those dreams come true!"

That's why I've got to win the Derby!

Just like the racers I saw on TV back then! Like the racers I saw from the stands that day! Like everyone who ran so hard here today!

One day, I'll do it too! I'll be the one who inspires dreams in everyone's hearts! The Derby champiooon!

What?! You think it's a-a-ambirable?!

Heh, really? Hehehe... Eheheh! Whoa, I'm all jittery and blushing. Almost itchy...

But thanks! I'm gonna work hard for my dream!

Oh, before that, I need to find a trainer to work with. So I can make... my...

Debuuuuut?!

W-w-wait! Ant-fan! That... that badge on your collar! Could you be...

A TRAINER?!

Yep! Just now!

So, I'm begging you! Please be my trainer!

Please. please, please! I've got to become a Derby champion! I just have to!

Reallyyy?!

Yaaa-HOOOOO!

Thank you! I really mean it! Thank you... Thank you...

Thank you sooo muuuch! Waaaaah!

Today's the day our training begins! I'm so glad to work with youuu!

Yeah! I'll put my all into whatever you throw at me! Just tell me what to do!

Oh yeah, you wanted to talk before practice, right? What is it? What should we talk about?

Aaah! I get that a lot! But I have a hard time keeping it cool...

Every Umamusume gets heated up in a race, don't they? I get caught up in the energy, that feeling of, like, "waaagh!" I can't help it.

My instructor at the academy used to say, "You lay your emotions completely bare."

Is that really true though? I always thought that was pretty normal.

The story about Umako?! Yeah, yeah! I know it! I saw the anime! I even read the book in school!

What a great story, riiight?! The first episode where Umako finds the little girl's lost carrot was so... touching!

Ug... Hic... Umako! Such a kind child! Waaah!

Say whaaat?!

Hey, Trainer! You okay?! Did you get lost in your own head?

Wait, wait, wait... Is how I'm behaving really bad?!

Oh nooooo! How could I annoy you like this? I'm useless... I'm the wooorst!

Really?!

But even during tryouts, I got overexcited and ended up in fifth...

You mean it?! A weapon... Yeah... Yeah!

Whoooah! What, what, what?

I have to... study?

Guhyaaagh! You gotta be kidding meeeee!

Hyaaaaagh! Phew!

How was that, Trainer? I ran at full speed!

...Time? What?! How'd I forget thaaat?!

Sorry, I'll go again! Hyaaagh!

Finish in a minute! Finish in a minute!

Huh? I made it here in twenty seconds. Is that too slow? Too fast?

Aaaaagh! I dunnooooo!

Let's see. The favorite for this race couldn't win it. But why...

Ah! She didn't train enough! So if I try extra hard in training, it's in the bag! You gotta train to gain!

Another?! Like... like what?

Gaaaaah! You're totally right!

Knock, knock! Coming in!

Heya, Trainer! I watched tons of those racing videos I borrowed yesterday!

And get this! I took notes on how I could run better. You gotta take a look!

Oh, it's late, huh? I didn't mean to disturb you.

Nothing less!

I always pull out all the stops, but... I dunno, I feel like I can pull way more stops than before!

I mean, you're serious about this, right? About winning the Derby!

Right! I'm totally getting that vibe from you! You've always felt that way!

My trainer really believes in me! It gives me the energy to try harder than I've ever tried before!

Sooo... Thanks so muuuch!

Hey, Trainer! What did you think about my running ideas?!

That baaad?!

Rrraaaaagh! I wanna go faaaaast!

You know it! This is the perfect chance for everyone to see the fruits of our training!

It seems like lots of debuting students are doing the same 1,700-meter turf race that I chose...

Oh, um, what was this called again? The pre... pre-lee...

The preliminaries.

Yeah, yeah! THAT! Oh, is that you, Hayahide? Gooood morning!

Good morning. I'm glad to see you're in high spirits, Ticket. A lack of anxiety means you can achieve your full potential.

Heh-heh! Yep! All thanks to my trainer here!

Oh, that's right! Let me introduce you to my classmate, Hayahide! She's SUPER smart!

And if she's here, that means... Let's seeeee...

Ah-ha! Taishiiin! Get over here, youuu!

Ugh! Keep your big dumb voice down, stupid! Everyone's looking!

Hahaha! Sorry, sorry! But I'm so happy to see you two! Hayahide, I didn't think you'd be here yet since your race is in the afternoon!

Well, I wanted to observe your run.

Awww! Thank youuu! I'm going to give it my best shot!

And what about you, Taishin? Hold on a sec, didn't you tell me you usually skip these "boring" events?

I was just taking a walk and happened to pass through. It's irritatingly noisy though, so I'm out.

No way! You're going home already?

But you have to see me show my stuff in the raaace! Don't make me all saaad! Waaaaah!

Ugh, geez, quit crying, you baby!

I'm still leaving though. Later.

Nooo! TAISHIIIIIN!

Worry not, Ticket. Taishin went in the direction of the spectator stands.

Ah, really?! T-T-Taishiiin! I'm SO touched by your super awkward friendship!

Hey, Traaaineeer! It's time! I'm finally racing!

You've been such a great trainer to stick with me. I... I could just... Ngh!

No, no, no! I need to tell you something before I start crying!

Well... I don't think I've ever inspired anyone with my running.

But still! I met you and learned a lot from our training. So, now... now I...

Nnngaaah! The words aren't comiiiiing!

Sorry! I'll just have to show you in the race!

The 1,700-meter turf begins! But what kind of show will these potential stars give us?

Huff, huff, huff...

Winning Ticket pulls out ahead! It's a strong, yet controlled, pace!

(Hm? Huh?! What is this? It's so weird!)

(Is it 'cause we trained together all that time? Did I learn this from all the talking we did every day?)

(Stay calm and watch your surroundings. Think about pacing. Stay at your own speed... It's like I can hear Trainer's voice in my head.)

Huh? Her running's different. When did she learn how to do that...

Fascinating! Heh, you've met a fine trainer, Ticket!

(I understand... I see it, Trainer!)

It's the stretch! This is it, right?! Time for full poweeeeer!

Winning Ticket's speeding up! She's leaving everyone behind!

She's going! She's really moving! What an incredible burst of speed!

Urrraaaaagh!

FINISH! Winning Ticket takes first! What a stunning victory!

Wooo!

Thanks for cheering for me, everyooone!

Congratulations, Ticket! You were amazing!

Waaah, thank you, thank yooou! I'm so HAPPYYY!

I'll return the favor... Someday I'll be an Umamusume who inspires everyone!

That's why... I wanna vow to everyone here, as well as the trainer who taught me how to run!

I promise... to become a Derby champiooon!

Wooo!

FINIIISH! Winning Ticket takes first priiize!

Did you see it?! My outstanding victoryyy! The glory's all mine, Trainer!

I-I lost... No...

Ug... Waaaaah! This suuucks! I'm retraining from scraaatch!

Nooooo! I looooost!

I'm sorry, Trainer! I have to keep training more and more!

That's it! I'll train sooo hard! Full-speed training! First, a lap around the track, NO! A lap around Japan!

Got it! Thanks! I'm going to hit the track right now!

I'll use this loss... to propel me into the Derbyyy!

Hey, how's it going? Your student's as fired up as they say.

I don't doubt it, but... That scrimmage loss shows she's still a bit rough around the edges.

Actually, it's not just that... She's too open with her feelings.

Her mood rouses up the other racers. They see her burst of speed and feel pushed to try harder.

She needs to hide her power and lull her opponents into being careless. It's an important tactic on the track.

Aw, heck. I'm saying too much to a rival trainer. Listen, don't worry about it... See ya around.

Hello? Trainer! Oh no! Did your spirit leave your body?! No! Traineeer!

Whahuh?! You're back from the dead! It's a miracle! Oooh! Thank goodneeess!

Wait, what you were thinking about? Tell me, tell me! I'll help you think harder! Nnngh!

Ummm, hnnng... I can't take it! What are you worried about?!

What can I do to help my most special partner... There must be somethiiing!

Hnnngh, aaagh!

Huh? Trainer? Oh, hey... You look refreshed somehow.

Whoa, really? That's... great! Really great! Whoo-hooo!

I'm set to go. Let's talk about my next regimen! I'll listen at full power to whatever you say!

After all, you really see me! You think about me! That's why I trust you!

There's no doubt when I'm with you! Not one bit! I can steam forward without holding anything back!

T-Traineeer?! No way, no way! What're the impossible odds of running into you here?!

This! Is! GREAT! You know what it means? It's going to be an awesome day!

But we should make it even more awesome! Stand in line with me!

Whoooa! Look at this! The line's huge! It's always so long! It makes me... so...

Happyyyyy! Good for you, crepe duuude!

Yep! This crepe shop's been my top fav since I entered Tracen Academy!

Oh, but it used to be just a little cart that came to the park.

Even then though, it was sooooo good!

Yeah! It's the climax on my Super Charged Weekend Fun List! Aaalways has been!

Then the shop started appearing in magazines and on TV a lot, and before I knew it, it became this super spectacular place!

Just look... at this huge line...

Waaaaah! Crepe dude! Great for yooou! Congraaats!

We're sorry, but the next pair of customers will be the last of the day. Now... may I take your orders?

YES!

Extra double cream drizzle with crunchy mini bits! And make that two! Thanks so muuuch!

Sure thing...

Huh?

Mhm. It was good, huh, Trainer!

But? What's wrong? It tasted fine...

Huh? That's not right.

Yeah... It's weird! Something's weird! How could the crepes here ever be just "fine"?!

CREPE DUUUDE!

Hey, hey, crepe dude! What exactly could possibly be wrong!?!

Whoa... Huh? Oh, it's you, Ticket.

Sorry, I'm busy. Can we talk later...

Uh? Wh-what's the problem?

Crepe dude! The flavor's off! Did you change something about your crepes?

Wha! Something's off? That's crazy. The recipe, the ingredients, they're all the same as before.

But it's different! Something's different!

I still remember the first time I ate one from your cart in that little park!

It was like wow, wow, wow! SO tasty! I couldn't stand how good it was!

Nom, nom, nom! I gobbled it up and asked for more! Five times!

...!

I was about to burst, so I ran a lap. But when I got back, you were already closing up shop...

My stomach grrrowled really loud, and I asked for one last crepe! And you made me the MOST delicious one ever!

I'll never forget that taste! How could I? How, crepe duuude?!

That's... right. I feel the same way, Ticket... I'll never forget that day.

...Wait right there, would ya?

So...

SOOO GOOOOOD! The best! It's the greatest!

I'm really glad. I went full power, just like that day.

Full power?!

You know, I did notice I wasn't looking customers in the eye anymore. Told myself it's 'cause I'm just too busy. But really? It's 'cause my heart wasn't in it.

But I remember the way it felt that day thanks to you... Making a crepe with my entire being so it could be enjoyed entirely by someone. That was true happiness.

There's plenty to try before throwin' in the towel. I could get more help, take more days off... It's time to roll up my sleeves and start fresh!

Uuug! Oh, crepe duuude!

Yep! I'm so glad it worked... Really glad!

Hey, Trainer... Let's eat here again sometime!

Here I GOOO! RAAAAAGH!

Wow! Trainer... You're geared up!

Boooom! Well, I'm burning with energy too! Like the sun! Today we see who's got the most poweeer!

Gah... Huff, puff... Y-you... okay?

Y-yeah! Our pacing... needs work!

But... Hahaha! I feel... so good right now!

As soon as you went, "aaagh!," I got all, like, "raaaaagh!"

Like, charged beyond charged! Past the max!

Synner-gee! Yeah, yeah... Sounds strong! I like it!

Joint training?! Whoooa, amazing! WOW! I'm... getting... puuumped!

Yesterday, I burned like the sun! Today, I'll... uhhh... burn like a super suuun!

It's so hot, I'm sweating already... To be honest, I just wanna take it easy, ya know?

Same here... Well, it's just one day, right? Let's get it over with.

Long-distance swimming? Sure, I'm a pretty good swimmer. How does, say, about 3,000 meters sound?

I know! We'll swim to that little island over there and back! Some front crawl! Butterfly! Finish with a tail propeller!

Huh?! That island's, like, 5,000 meters from here... Hey, wait! Hold on!

Geez! I won't be left behind! I told you, I'm good at swimming!

The tire pull, huh? No problem. Power's my specialty. I can even handle two of Tracen's super heavyweight tires.

Huff, wheeze. I brought us some super heavyweight tires.

Nice, thanks, hey, wait! You brought four each?! I was just telling you two is my limit!

Right! Exactly why I gotta pull four! Anyway, off I gooooo!

Hrnnngh! HEEEAVE!

Tch, four is no joke! Not bad. But I'm not gonna lose in a battle of strength!

She really got one over on us.

We wound up doing some intense training, huh. But...

Our times are getting better!

T-T-T-T-Traineeer!

Look! My time! I'm getting WAAAY faster!

Oooh, so this was that synner-gee thing!

It's pretty amazing! Like, wow! And you're amazing too, Trainer! Super, super special!

Thanks for a great day of training!

Yeah, it was nice! Tiring... but it felt really great!

All right! Time to hit the sack and snooooze till tomorrow...

Waaait! I TOTALLY FOR-GOT!

It's today! It's happening right now... The festival!

Barely made it! Festivals mean it's time to have fun, fun, fun, and more fun! Right?

We'll conquer all the yummy food stalls! Join the festival dance! And, and...

Ah! Look, Trainer! In the sky!

Oh... Wooooow! Fireworks! All booming and sparklyyy!

They're beautiful.

Ahhh... Those fireworks were something!

Hey, you know what... The fireworks went full power too. I felt it.

"I'm the most dazzling!" "No, me!" I could see them bursting in a bright battle with each other!

Ahaha! Hey, maybe you're right!

She's running! I'm running! We're all running! An explosion of "I'm-not-gonna-lose" synner-gee for ya!

But I... I'm going to be the biggest, brightest explosion of them all!

In training, in races, and, most of all, in the Derby!

The strongest Umamusume pitting their fullest power against each other! No matter how many other racers rise up from that synner-gee...

I'll show everyone how my full power can surpass them all... And we'll win the Derby together!