After days of rigorous training, the day of Haru Urara's debut race finally arrived.

It was a short-distance grass race—1,300 meters, clockwise—with ten Uma Musume participating.

A gentle drizzle fell from the gray sky, dampening the grass and lending a slightly somber mood to the entire venue.

As it was only a debut race, spectators were sparse, huddling around a small stage either clad in raincoats or clutching umbrellas.

Before the race officially began, each Uma Musume contestant would walk onto the small stage, introducing themselves briefly to the crowd.

"Our first contestant today is this young lady…"

As the announcer's voice echoed, an unfamiliar Uma Musume strode confidently from the corner, reaching center stage before dramatically tossing aside her jacket.

"Oooh!" Cheers rose from the crowd.

"This one looks good!"

"So fresh, so delicious."

"Sodayo~!"

"Let me be your loyal dog!"

After a few moments in the spotlight, the unknown contestant calmly picked up her jacket and exited.

"Now, our second contestant…"

"The third contestant…"

"The fourth…"

After introducing several more unknown participants, it was finally time for the main attraction.

"Next, our sixth-lane, number five contestant—Haru Urara!"

With the announcer's enthusiastic introduction, a small pink-haired Uma Musume emerged from the corner, energetically waving her arms high as she bounced joyfully toward center stage.

Her jewel-like pink eyes and lively smile instantly evoked the warmth and brilliance of spring, melting away gloom with boundless energy radiating from her petite frame.

At the precise moment Urara stepped onto the stage, something magical happened.

The gentle drizzle abruptly ceased, clouds parting as warm sunlight flooded the entire arena.

"Ohhh!" The crowd erupted in amazement at this sudden, miraculous change.

Standing proudly at the center, Urara threw off her jacket in excitement.

"Hello, everyone~! I'm Haru Urara~! Nice to meet you all~!" she greeted brightly, waving at the crowd with a smile even more dazzling than the sunlight itself.

The audience was instantly captivated.

"So cute!"

"Her smile heals my heart!"

"I'm officially her loyal fan from today onward!"

"Urara-chan, please let me be your dog!"

Urara's first-ever appearance was met with overwhelming praise.

"Urara-chan!"

Among the crowd were her teammates from Team TAC, energetically cheering her on.

Rice Shower, King Halo, Tokai Teio, Mejiro McQueen, Gold Ship, and Mizuno himself all stood squeezed together, waving excitedly.

Right in the middle of them was Mizuno-san.

Initially, he hadn't wanted to stand in such a risky spot, but somehow found himself firmly sandwiched between Rice Shower and Tokai Teio, with other Uma Musume pressing behind him—escape was impossible.

This scenario was simultaneously a blessing and terrifying, leaving Mizuno internally conflicted.

"Everyone!" Urara called joyfully, waving enthusiastically toward them.

"Urara-chan!" Rice Shower and the others eagerly waved back.

"Trainer-san~!" Urara spotted Mizuno trapped among his trainees and called out specifically.

"Mhm," Mizuno nodded slightly in reply.

Technically, thanks to the presence-reducing effect of his [Doctor's Outfit], Urara shouldn't have been able to spot him. Yet, afraid she'd be sad if she couldn't see him supporting her, Mizuno had devised an ingenious solution.

He'd personally made a giant headpiece—a comical, bright yellow "T"—and placed it atop his head.

Ridiculous? Absolutely.

Effective? Undeniably.

Since the headpiece wasn't part of his [Doctor's Outfit], others could see it clearly—allowing Urara to identify her trainer from afar.

"Thanks, everyone~!" Urara waved to the rest of the audience once more, then retrieved her jacket and stepped offstage.

As Urara exited, Mizuno suddenly had a question for Luck.

Luck, was that your doing? Stopping the rain earlier?

Urara's timely appearance coinciding perfectly with the sudden clearing skies had deeply impressed the audience, enhancing her angelic reputation. It seemed too convenient, prompting Mizuno's suspicion that Luck was involved.

[Nope, wasn't me. I didn't intervene—it was pure coincidence.]

[In fact, I'm strictly forbidden from influencing any competitions.]

Mizuno: Why not?

If Luck intervened, wouldn't it be easier for his Uma Musume to secure victory, thus collecting more Hope Energy?

[Think about it—if I blew a 'victory wind' behind Urara, or made another Uma Musume stumble, Urara might benefit, but everyone else would feel cheated.]

[Unfair victories produce resentment, not Hope.]

[Only genuine victories earned through their own strength create meaningful Hope Energy. Anything else is meaningless.]

I see.

Interfering in races was something only villains like Misfortune would do. Luck absolutely wouldn't meddle; Urara needed to earn victory entirely through her own skill.

Fortunately, talent was never something Urara lacked.

Under Mizuno's dedicated guidance and her teammates' support, Urara had greatly improved—muscle strength, running form, stamina management, and agility had all significantly advanced compared to even a week ago. If the present Urara raced her past self, it'd be an easy victory.

Moreover, most competitors in today's debut race weren't particularly strong, clearly weaker than the current Urara.

Top popularity, excellent condition, and my coaching advantage—all factors point to victory!

Mizuno's only real concern was that among Urara's competitors was an incredibly strong opponent—one he actually knew.

"Next contestant, lane seven, number seven—Happy Meek!"

Accompanied by the announcer's voice, a calm-looking Happy Meek coolly walked onto the stage and threw aside her jacket.

Boom!

A subtle yet palpable blue aura of confidence radiated from her, immediately capturing everyone's attention.

"Ohh~!" The crowd marveled at her overwhelming presence.

While her aura was modest compared to someone like Symboli Rudolf—more like a firefly's glow versus the brilliance of the moon—having this kind of imposing presence in a debut race hinted she'd undoubtedly become an incredibly powerful Uma Musume in the future.

"So cool!"

"Her confidence is amazing!"

"I adore Urara's cuteness too, but Happy Meek's charisma is unbeatable!"

"Happy Meek-chan, I'll gladly be your dog!"

Indeed, Urara's powerful rival today was none other than Kiryuin Aoi's trainee, Happy Meek.

When Mizuno first saw Happy Meek's name on yesterday's race roster, his feelings had been complicated.

The stronger the opponent, the greater the Hope Energy earned from victory—but if Urara didn't secure first place, energy gains would drop dramatically, rendering it meaningless.

Thus, Mizuno remained anxious: with a rival like Happy Meek around, Urara's victory wouldn't come easily.

"As I thought it was you, Mizuno-san," Kiryuin Aoi's voice came suddenly from behind him. She leaned forward, examining his peculiar headpiece curiously.

While awaiting Meek's appearance backstage, she'd already spotted the mysterious trainer wearing a strange yellow "T" headpiece. Upon closer inspection, her suspicions were confirmed—it really was Mizuno-san.

When she'd seen yesterday's participant list, Kiryuin had also been surprised to find Mizuno's trainee Urara competing today.

Yet excitement soon replaced surprise.

Trainer Mizuno, you truly are my destined rival!

Neither had told the other about entering this race, yet here they were, encountering each other once again—clearly a choice of fate!

Standing confidently beside Mizuno, Kiryuin clenched her fist in anticipation.

"Mizuno-san, let's see once and for all who'll claim victory in this debut race!"