April 16th, 1984

  Subject: Analytical Observations of Central Tracen Academy, Css 1A

  Author: Gold Way, Second Daughter of the Gold Family

  My name is Gold Way, the second daughter of the current head of the Gold family. Having recently enrolled in Central Tracen Academy on April 5th, I am currently seated in Css 1A. The following constitutes my formal observations regarding my tenure at Tracen Academy and the Uma Musume within my immediate vicinity.

  Central Tracen Academy is less a conventional educational institution and more a crucible. It is an environment that pits Uma Musume together like a pot of poisonous insects fighting until only one remains: Kodoku. For example, the Suzu sisters were recently subjected to the ultimate test against the raw, unpredictable ‘real-world’ capacity of outliers such as Onward Cameroun.

  Within my css, I recognise three Uma Musume as noteworthy and two with the distinct potential to be Triple Crown winners.

  First, I shall address Onward Cameroun. From my observations, she appears unremarkable in css and during team training sessions. Surprisingly, however, she is an underdog hidden in the dark. She recently competed in the Satsuki Sho against two cssmates who secured 1st and 2nd pce respectively; Onward Cameroun achieved 3rd pce, successfully defeating Suzu Mach's older sister, Suzu Parade.

  For an individual as silent and dependable as her, securing 3rd pce was unexpected, as such results rarely manifested during training. It is possible that her true capacity only emerges during live race conditions.

  Next, I turn to my cssmate Suzu Mach, the younger sister of Suzu Parade (who holds 4th pce in the Satsuki Sho). Suzu Mach is an incredible racer with a foundational burst of speed faster than most juniors; however, she possesses a massive fw. Two, in fact. Primarily, she is constantly preoccupied with her future and her competitive standing. Secondly, she suffers from stage fright.

  Consequently, she is never truly able to run to her fullest capacity. If she resolves these fws, there is a possibility she could defeat Symboli Rudolf in the future, but currently, these limitations hinder her greatly.

  The personality variance between her and her older sister is striking. While Suzu Mach is talented and industrious, her fws diminish her performance. Conversely, Suzu Parade is of an academic temperament, converting her studies into methods for enhancing speed and performance.

  This methodology proved effective, as she maintained 3rd pce until Onward Cameroun usurped the position.

  Regarding the third noteworthy subject, Bizen Nishiki, she is the self-procimed rival of Symboli Rudolf, though it is evident Rudolf does not acknowledge her as such. Despite this, she remains warm and outspoken. She operates in two distinct modes: a hardworking, competitive state and a happy-minded, respectful state. She has focused her ambitions on surpassing Symboli Rudolf to gain her acknowledgement; yet, following her 2nd-pce defeat in the Satsuki Sho, she failed to achieve this desire.

  Nevertheless, she did not succumb to the humiliation dealt by Symboli Rudolf, rendering her quite likeable and facilitating friendships across the junior and cssic-year levels. While the student body maintains high expectations for her to defeat Symboli Rudolf, I strongly doubt she will secure such a victory in the near future.

  Finally, I address the two subjects I have reserved for st: Echo Eclipse and Symboli Rudolf.

  Echo Eclipse was recommended by a Hokkaido trainer despite never having been a student there. Having never trained seriously or raced before enrollment, she entered as a junior this year.

  It is regrettable, as she possessed the potential to match Symboli Rudolf; she nearly defeated Rudolf during the aptitude test on the first day. While I am aware Symboli Rudolf was not utilising her full strength due to the nature of the test, it remains a significant feat for Echo Eclipse.

  My initial impression of Echo Eclipse is that she possesses a genuine love for running and will happily engage in races upon request, cementing her status as the cssroom mascot. Despite this, her potential is unparalleled. Regardless of whether one underestimates or overestimates her, she is an unstoppable force—much like the wind itself.

  She is currently sponsored by the Symboli family, likely due to Symboli Rudolf’s early recognition of her potential, and remains protected from media reporters. I had assumed this was at Echo’s request, but she appears utterly clueless regarding the arrangement. Her personality is, put simply, that of an airhead regarding non-racing matters.

  Curiously, she answers Teacher Rei’s inquiries correctly despite appearing disconnected during mandatory morning csses. Further observation is required to resolve this anomaly.

  Lastly: Symboli Rudolf. The only child of the current head of the Symboli Family and a childhood friend of Sirius Symboli (who is currently abroad). Symboli Rudolf serves as css president and is the premier Uma Musume of our css. She is—for ck of a more precise term—unnervingly calm. Following her victory in the Satsuki Sho yesterday, she immediately resumed her duties as css president upon her return.

  She is polite and direct, a demeanour seemingly at odds with Bizen Nishiki’s assessment: “She doesn’t see us as equals, whether in school or in a race.” This suggests her colder side is her authentic self, and the personality dispyed before the Satsuki Sho was a facade. I posit that the only individual who might be her equal is Echo Eclipse, as she is the only girl Rudolf acknowledges as a rival—excluding Sirius Symboli, whom Rudolf views as a rival internally, if not overtly.

  In conclusion, this year signals the inception of a new era for Uma Musume, and I am gratified to be a participant in it.

  “...”

  Gold Way puts down her pen and stretches before closing the book. Bizen barged into the dorm with a wide grin. Normally, Gold Way would hate it if somebody did that, but Bizen is her roommate. Plus, she is a great source for collecting information, because Bizen Nishiki is friends with almost everyone, being able to collect rumours and new insight on racers.

  “Gold Way!” Bizen shouted out excitedly, her eyes shining.

  “Have you seen the lineup for next month's race?”

  Gold Way tilted her head, wondering what Bizen was talking about. Three races are occurring in May.

  “Are you talking about the G2s race or Mishōri-sen?”

  “Mishōri-sen!”

  This increases Gold Way's interest. Why would Bizen Nishiki be excited about a maiden race, unless someone they know well is debuting…

  “...”

  “...”

  “Echo Eclipse?”

  “How did you know!” She grinned as she plopped down on the Gold Way bed. Her tail thumped against the mattress excitedly.

  “It was a simple deduction.”

  Bizen Nishiki Chuckles before grinning widely. “Let’s go there and cheer for her!”

  “Unnecessary.”

  “You have no choice! You’re coming with me no matter what!”

  “...”

  “...”

  “Tsk.”

  Bizen Nishiki's grin became even wider after winning the ‘match.’ She knows her roommate's personality and how she can be, but she doubts even Gold Way wants to skip out on seeing Echo Eclipse’s performance.

  “I’m still not cheering.”

  “Fineee~”

  “...”

  “Hehe.”