On a Pale Horse (Umamusume/Youjo Senki)

[Shadow314]

On the day that Merry snaps, she'd ignore the race and physically attack Shirogane on the racetrack. In a twisted repeat of Shiro's first death, another irrational being has shoved her onto the tracks.

Sure, they'd both be disqualified and worse...

But... in that long seconds of fading consciousness as Shirogane methodically thrashes her to death with the focused hatred of a bloodlusted warhorse, Merry declares victory.

She has finally earned her Rival's undivided attention.

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It's not about his usual aloofness or the professionalism with which he approaches races. It's about the emotions and desires—or, rather, the traumas—surrounding the way Shirogane intends to resolve these matters (killing/eliminating).

That's why Mary wants to see that hidden side of Shirogane again now; after all, that side is reserved only for her, his rival/enemy.

 

[TheSmallSauce]

Funny, as well, considering Shiro doesn't seem to have that reason. Or, rather, doesn't have a reason that makes running super important to her.

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I think this an interesting question to ask actually. What is Shiro's reason for running? How far will she go because of it?

"That aside, I believe you are mistaken. I have no intention of pursuing a racing career. The initial investment would be too expensive in the short term for uncertain gains."

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She seemingly has no plans for it until she is recruited by Hana, and in the end she agrees because...?

"Besides, Shiro-chan," Shigeru murmured, drawing his daughter's attention. "We've been saving money since you were little so we could afford to send you to a good school, or a racing academy if you were interested."

Her eyes widened slightly as she looked at him, her ears flicking once in surprise before she controlled her expression again.

"We couldn't afford to send you to a better school when you were little, but now, we could probably afford for you to go to a good high school."

"I…see…" Shirogane's jaw clenched, and Shigeru felt his heart twinge at how she looked close to crying, or at least as close as she came to that. "Thank you, Father."

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"If money is a significant concern, Tracen is one the best options available," Toujou-san added. "Asides from the numerous scholarships, the academy has the best training facilities and programs in the nation, with our students regularly qualifying to compete in graded races and taking at least part of the prize pool."

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Once again it seems to be her family. She goes because they express their genuine desire to send her to a good school with what little they have, and all of a sudden the best possible option is on the table?

Shirogane took a moment to think, glancing between her father and mother, her ears twitching minutely in indecision.

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This moment seems the like the point where she makes the decision to join Tracen, although it feels like she's more swayed by the scholarship offer and the possibility of prize money. Though it's clear to see the reason she runs isn't really for the money and that it is just a means to an end. That end being to reduce the financial burden on her family and ensure they have a comfortable retirement. I think that's quite important to Shiro, but yeah, probably not to the same extent as say Silence Suzuka's reason.

Silence Suzuka

"I want to see the view from the front again. That's the only place where I feel truly free."

Clearly Shirogane doesn't find running to be something existential like Suzuka does. The key difference is probably that running isn't the only way she can achieve her goals, just the one most convenient to her right now. She would probably stop running if a bigger opportunity presented itself.

Though if we think about it...

After her initial iterations of downhill training, the slope on the Nakayama course almost felt disappointing, a sentiment Shirogane was fairly certain was residual from the Soldier who once could fly.

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Maybe one day Shiro will want to chase the sensation of flight again, this time using her own two legs.

On the day that Merry snaps, she'd ignore the race and physically attack Shirogane on the racetrack. In a twisted repeat of Shiro's first death, another irrational being has shoved her onto the tracks.

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Evasive maneuvers activated! I'd bet Shirogane's survival instinct hasn't dulled to the point where a greenhorn from the Heisei era could just sneak up on her!

Don't quote me on that though.

On the other hand, I don't think Merry would attack her during a race, cause the victory she's looking for is one within the bounds of competition. If it had to happen, it would most likely be after she takes something Shirogane said or did extremely personally, like...

...

I don't know actually. I have no clue what would be devastating enough to spur her into rage instead of just making her really depressed. She is still a normal teenage girl, someone who isn't going to see murder as the first option, or even as an option to begin with.

I'll have to think about that.