Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Ten Meters Chapter 96: Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Ten Meters [96]

As Kitasan Black guided Almond Eye on the practice field, Yasui Makoto encountered several familiar faces across campus—Air Groove among them.

Having frequently communicated over matters regarding Kitasan Black and Durante recently, Yasui found himself walking alongside Air Groove after their coincidental eting.

Given Air Groove's reputation, her appearance at the event naturally drew considerable attention.

Nearly every few steps they took, they were accosted by excited fans and reporters who seemingly sprang from nowhere.

These reporters, besides grilling Air Groove on the recent developnts at Tracen Academy and Durante's preparations, focused predominantly on next week's Satsuki Sho.

Clearly seasoned in such situations, Air Groove handled each impromptu interview gracefully, effortlessly composed every ti.

After silently observing yet another spontaneous interview conclude, Yasui couldn't help but smile wryly as Air Groove rubbed her forehead, finally showing a hint of fatigue.

"It seems I've underestimated just how much excitent the Satsuki Sho generates… No, it's more like you can't really grasp the hype until you're personally experiencing it."

"To be honest, it surprised even ... Let's head straight to the cafeteria; they restrict reporters from entering there."

Massaging her temples, Air Groove lowered her voice, warily scanning the surroundings as she gave a resigned smile.

"When I was actively racing, or even later as student council vice-president, we didn't have so many pre-event activities… or rather, they were fewer back then and have only grown in recent years."

"The popularity of races has skyrocketed, especially events like the Classic Triple Crown."

"This year, tickets for the Satsuki Sho sold out within five minutes, and sponsors even raised the price for advertising spots by 30 percent on short notice."

"After accompanying Durante here, I'll have to head back to the university division to handle so related matters."

"You've really got it tough," Yasui nodded, filled with genuine respect and gratitude.

Every Uma Musu wholeheartedly loved running. Regardless of whether they shone brightest on the track or behind the scenes, each contributed passionately to the Twinkle Series within their capabilities.

Air Groove was undoubtedly one of these dedicated Uma Musu.

Chatting idly, the pair evaded the crowd to reach the cafeteria. After lunch, it was about ti for the afternoon event.

The race was evidently well-prepared. Although the participants were re children, the proceedings subtly mirrored a genuine competition.

After guests and parents were guided into their seats, the broadcast even included an introduction segnt akin to a proper paddock presentation.

"Ladies and gentlen, welco to the special event 'Mini Satsuki Sho.' As you can see, after a morning of careful preparations, our future stars have stepped into the spotlight."

"First entering is contestant number 6, Shining Starlight!"

Amid joyful cheers, a young Uma Musu made her entry, confidently assuming her role as though she were already on the main stage.

With impressive composure, the girl strode to the center, swinging her jet-black twintails before dramatically removing her jacket in perfect imitation of her senior competitors.

The crowd's cheers and applause grew even louder.

Amidst the excitent, Yasui pondered who could be coaching this child, when Air Groove's approving voice reached him.

"Hm… Starlight has a much better temperant than Durante. And here I was worried she'd beco nervous under her guidance."

"Oh?" Yasui blinked, interest piqued. "So, this child is connected to you, Air Groove-senpai?"

"Her mother is a junior colleague of my own mother's," Air Groove confird, clapping gently, a hint of pride visible in her expression.

Understanding dawned upon Yasui as the announcer echoed Air Groove's words, ntioning Durante as the trainer responsible for Shining Starlight.

The announcent of Durante's na stirred an even greater roar from the audience.

Yasui wasn't surprised. URA Association had already publicly shared much about the upcoming Satsuki Sho, including popularity rankings. Durante's fanbase currently placed her third overall.

Even putting aside next week's main event, today's spectators likely included many drawn here specifically by her na.

Above Durante in popularity were Satono Crown and Indomitable Steel.

Yet, following Starlight's appearance, the next child introduced was coached by neither of these two.

So, were contestants not presented by popularity but randomly selected instead?

While contemplating this, Yasui applauded alongside the audience, searching subtly for his own Uma Musu among the spectators.

Kitasan Black was officially attending today's event as a "trainer" and had a special viewing area near the front.

Yet, before Yasui could spot that familiar figure, the announcer's next words sharply caught his attention.

"And next up, contestant number 12—Almond Eye!"

…

…Huh?

A coincidence of nas? Or…

Is this really THAT Almond Eye…?!

Yasui Makoto's thoughts briefly scrambled.

In another tiline, his knowledge of horse racing had been limited, growing even hazier the further back he went.

Take Kitasan Black, for instance—his recall mainly centered on major victories and anecdotes, so rembered only after personally coaching her.

Conversely, the further forward the tiline moved, the clearer his knowledge beca.

Almond Eye was precisely one of those figures.

This was the only racehorse in Japanese history to achieve the unprecedented feat of "9 G1" victories—a fact that made her impossible to ignore.

Months ago, after repeatedly failing to secure a trainee among age-appropriate Uma Musu, he'd even briefly considered heeding other trainers' advice to first work as an assistant, building experience, before seeking out those promising young Uma Musu that left a deeper impression—Almond Eye had crossed his mind then.

Yet after his accidental collision with Kitasan Black and their unexpected contract, those thoughts had vanished.

Knowing an Uma Musu had remarkable talent was one thing; having the capacity to nurture it was entirely another.

Right now, rather than fantasizing about distant prospects, his focus remained firmly fixed on Kitasan's training.

Yet, suddenly hearing that familiar na now, Yasui found himself unable to suppress the urge to dash over to the paddock, to see if that little girl with chestnut hair really was the Almond Eye from his mories.

But alongside curiosity ca confusion.

If this was indeed Almond Eye, how on earth did Kitasan co to know her?

From his recollections, the two hadn't seed particularly connected in the parallel tiline…

Before Yasui could ponder further, Air Groove's puzzled voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Eh? Lord Kanaloa's junior… Why would she want to join an event like this…?"

It really is THAT Almond Eye!

Turning instinctively towards the confused Air Groove, Yasui's certainty solidified in an instant.

He clearly rembered Almond Eye's sire being none other than Lord Kanaloa, known famously as the "King of Short-Distance Racing."

In this world of Uma Musu, of course, it was exactly the senior-junior relationship Air Groove had just described.

Suddenly, Yasui regretted not bringing binoculars—or even a drone—to better observe Almond Eye's race today.

Yet soon he regained composure.

Even if the Uma Musu who'd just left the paddock truly was Almond Eye, his primary responsibility remained Kitasan Black.

If he wanted to learn more, he could simply wait until after the event.