The difference in training is quite different from what Echo Eclipse remembered; the old dy had not taught her in great detail. Only expining the base knowledge on the body and how umamusume runs, then proceed to train her in a standard way of how she trains other regur umamusume. But the trainer she is now under is completely different.
Kazuo takes in everything special about Echo Eclipse’s body. From the flexibility of the body and joints to the dense muscles packed in that tiny body of hers, with metal-like bones.
If he could say one thing about Echo’s Body. It will be “perfection.”
This is the umamusume that is quite literally blessed to run.
He could increase the intensity of the training to the point that other umas would colpse, but she would only feel immense discomfort and still have energy to continue moving for the next few hours.
‘No wonder Symboli Rudolf went this far to help her; her instinct must have felt the immense potential she has.’
If Symboli Rudolf’s body is considered to be able to conquer and dominate the track, then Echo Eclipse’s body is made to run no matter the restraint pced on her. Truly an umamusume that is blessed by the goddesses.
“Echo.”
“Yes?”
“Mishori-sen will be 1600m long. You will be running a mile on turf ground.”
“And?”
“You’ll just keep training as you usually do. I’ll give some advice and tips if necessary.” He gnces at Symboli Rudolf.
“You’re the same as that girl.” Echo proceeds to go bnk, wondering how she is the same as Rudolf Reindeer. Is she actually polite and serious in other people's eyes?
“Khaha! No no! I don’t mean appearance or personality-wise. What I meant is your will.”
“... ?”
“You wouldn’t succumb to obstacles in your way of running, wouldn’t you?” And in that instant, he finally saw the gaze of the king in those unique eyes of hers. She stared down at Kazuo with a cold and domineering aura. He chuckles.
‘There goes another thing I need to write about her.
“It’s a hypothesis, not for real.”
“Oh.” She reverts to normal instantly.
“Let us go back on track. Oi Oi! Don’t go running all of a sudden!”
“But you said let's get back on track,” Echo said with such a serious expression that is giving him headaches.
“It’s a metaphor…”
“Oh.”
“...”
“...”
“Anyways, you will continue to train as you usually do. But you will be wearing 20kg cleats in your boots every day except for showering and sleeping.”
“I have a question.”
“Go ahead.”
“Will there be an uma that can run beside me in Mishori-sen?”
“No, they simply can’t.”
“I see.” Her ears drooped down dejectedly; she had expected this, but she could not help but hope. What if there’s another symboli Rudolf there.
“I guess I should finish the race fast.”
“You should run so fast that you can enter G3 races, the cssics.” He grinned as he leaned back.
“You won’t need to enter an OP race. “
“...” She turns around and starts jogging on the track. She sees other umas also training and exercising. She is feeling envious because they are weak, and since they are weak. They can run alongside others.
She checks her status.
[Name: Echo Eclipse
Track Affinity: [Dirt: A] | [Turf: S]
Running Affinity: [End: E] | [Late: C] | [Pace: A] | [Front: S]
Distance Affinity: [Sprint: A] | [Mile: A] | [Medium S] | [Long: B]
Speed: 153 (F: Beginner)
Stamina: 184 (F: Beginner)
Power: 155 (F: Beginner)
Guts: 122 (F: Beginner)
Wits: 161 (F: Beginner)
Zone: —
SP: 0]
“...” The light in her eyes starts to dull at this; she wants to run. But does it mean to win with such lengths between her and the other umas in the race? Her eyes become dimmer. Does it mean to destroy the dreams and hope of those umas?
Then, someone passed her on the track as she jogged. Waking her up as she noticed Symboli Rudolf.
“Don’t lose to anybody else besides me.”
“... But I want to run alongside other umas.”
“...”
“...”
“Japan Cup.”
“Hm?”
“You will be able to run alongside umas that are faster than you.” This sends a jolt through Echo Eclipse's entire being as she focuses on her. Symboli Rudolf spoke again.
“And I will win.”
“...”
“...” Only the clopping is heard as they jog.
“Not if I win.” She grinned widely.
“Good.” Symboli Rudolf begins to speed up. Leaving Echo Eclipse behind.
“Hey!” She proceeded to speed up to jog alongside her.
Meanwhile, a uma is watching them from behind the fence. She hummed as she analysed Symboli Rudolf. Her long brown hair that curled outward on the sides, and was wearing a white mini hat with a “CB” Badge on her head. Her cyan eyes gleamed excitedly.
“There she is, the one who is pnning to take my crown, huh?” She grinned as shehoppeds up and down. The other uma beside her chuckles.
“She’s your junior, Mr C. B.”
“Why does that matter, Maruzensky?”
She chuckles as she gnces at Echo Eclipse.
“Don’t you want to befriend them?”
“Please. She’s my rival; she already proved herself in the Yayoi Sho that she is aiming for my crown. She or I will win the Satsuki Sho. There is no other umas.” She chuckles before pulling away from the fence, stretching.
“I will protect my crown.”
Maruzensky sighed with a soft smile. She turned around and left the spectator seats, but not without gncing at Echo Eclipse.
“Eclipse First, The rest nowhere.” She hummed before skipping away. She’s going to help the student president with their task. She is excited to see this generation of umas grow.
***
“It’s that time of the year once again! Welcome to the first race of the Cssic Triple Crown series, the Satsuki.” The commentator's voice echoes throughout the stadium as the spectators cheer loudly.
“Right, today's condition is perfect! Sunny and clear, and the excitement is palpable. All eyes are on this year’s favourite and second-favourite, Mr C. B. and Symboli Rudolf respectively.” The spectator gave another loud cheer, startling Echo Eclipse, who was watching from the stand, alongside Kazuo Fujisawa.
“Why am I here?” She covers her ears with a miserable expression.
“Rudolf wants to show you.”
“Mh?””
“She wants to show you that she won’t lose to anybody else.” Echo gnced at him before looking at the tunnel.
“Nakayama Racecourse, the turf is firm, and the range is 2000m.” The commentator spoke, slowly increasing the excitement and hype.
“This year’s Satsuki Sho features eighteen entrants.”
“The Satsuki Sho is the first race of the Cssic Triple Crown Series.”
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime challenge for these runners.”
At that moment, the audience’s voices slimmer down.
“Bizen Nishiki is making their way to the gate.”
“The Wild Sea is making its way to the gate.”
“Lea…”
…
“Symboli Rudolf is making their way to the gate.” At the mention of his name, the audience cheers for him. Surprising Echo Eclipse at this
“Symboli Rudolf appears to be in top form, and just listen to those cheers!”
“Ah! The reigning triple crown owner, Mr C. B., is making their way to the gate!” All of the audience creates a roar of cheers, surpassing the cheers for Symboli Rudolf.
“So many people… are here to watch them run?” Echo spoke in awe and slight excitement, the atmosphere of the stadium making her blood pump up.
“Which of these runners will be taking home the first crown? Or will Mr C. B. defend her first crown?”
