Seven years ago, the echo of applause filled the stadium. The air smelled of effort and freshly cut grass, and on the track, the exhausted Umamusume panted, trying to catch their breath. The numbers on the giant screens confirmed the times, sealing the race's fate. Then, a name resounded over the loudspeakers, cutting through the expectant murmur: "OGURI CAP in FIRST PLACE!" It was the day. The day the Uma you had trained so hard had conquered the great Pretty Derby.

Your gaze found her standing in the center of the track, motionless, her chest heaving. Disbelief filled her serious face as her blue eyes, fixed on the scoreboard, absorbed the reality of her victory. Around her, the roar of joy from the crowd was deafening. In the crowd, you saw the faces of her hometown and, above all, that of her mother, tears of pride streaming down her cheeks. Oguri, as if propelled by a spring, began to walk, then to run toward them, toward that cry of faith that had always accompanied her. The embrace with her mother was a torrent of pent-up emotions, and for the first time, the stoic Oguri Cap burst into tears in the arms of the one who loved her most.

You, in the stands, just smiled. A silent smile of mission accomplished. With your hands in your pockets, you started toward the racetrack exit, believing your job was done. But a familiar scream stopped you in your tracks, followed by an impact that nearly knocked you off your feet.

"Where are you thinking of going, Coach?!"

Oguri Cap clung to your arm, her fingers firm despite the residual trembling from the race. Her face, still marked by exertion, displayed a fierce determination.

"My mother prepared a feast, and I won't eat a thing until you're here. But hurry... I'm so hungry!"

From that day on, she introduced you to her family, a bond that transcended the clues.

Seven years later… The scene was diametrically opposite. Now you were standing on the sand of a quiet beach, where the only sound was the constant lapping of the waves and the distant squawking of seagulls against a clear sky. Suddenly, familiar children's voices cut through the calm. When you turned, the sight was as peaceful as it was heartwarming: there stood Oguri Cap, your wife, holding Hikari in her arms. Haruka clung to her neck like a tiny koala, while Hana tenderly hugged her leg. Your three five-year-old daughters, dressed in their colorful beach outfits, were a whirlwind of life. Oguri wore a white swimsuit with a glaucous blue beach skirt that evoked the sea. In her bangs, a black and yellow headband with five diamonds sparkled elegantly, a detail that had stood the test of time and motherhood.

It was a picture of perfect domestic bliss, until childish curiosity kicked in. Haruka, with disarming innocence, said, "Mom, I found a picture of you with your belly all puffed out and round. Was that when we were about to be born?"

Oguri Cap took the photo, and a serene, slightly proud smile spread across her lips. Her blue eyes rested on you for a moment before she answered in her calm voice.

"No, honey. This was the picture from the day I won first place in the National Dokeyaki Eating Contest."