The Stage Long Dreamed Of
The Stage Long Dreamed Of (憧れた景色, Taisuke Tsukuda) is the 1st episode of the 3rd season of the Umamusume: Pretty Derby anime.
| The Stage Long Dreamed Of | |
|---|---|
| Season 03, Episode 01 | |
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| Kanji | 憧れた景色 |
| Romaji | Akogareta Keshiki |
| Air Date | October 5, 2023 |
| Director | Taisuke Tsukuda |
| Songs | |
| Ending Song | Lost Shine |
| Insert Song(s) | Gakkyu Iincho desu Kara |
| Episode Guide | |
| Previous | 1st Anniversary Special Animation |
| Next | The Start Line |
This page contains spoilers. Proceed with caution! |
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Summary
Kitasan Black hopes to duplicate Tokai Teio's feat of winning the Japanese Derby after coming in third at the Satsukishou. But the Japanese Derby's course layout doesn't support her strengths as a racer...
Plot
Kitasan Black is running in her first ever G1 race, the Satsuki Sho, along with Satono Crown and Duramente. Nearing the front at the final corner, Kitasan aims to win just like idol Tokai Teio had previously. Satono Crown pushes forward, but is soon blocked by Duramente as she pushes to the outside.
Just before the finish line, Duramente dashes forward, passing the racers fighting for first and taking the win. With the race now over, Kitasan looks at Duramente, and is shocked to come to terms with the fact she had just lost her first G1 race.
Following the race, Kitasan wakes up early to get a headstart on training. Satono Diamond, her roommate, wishes her luck, and Kitasan leaves to start her run. Kitasan reflects on the Satsuki Sho, her first loss in racing, but still shows determination in winning the Japanese Derby.
Kitasan helps several people around town as she runs, as she is well known to help out around the neighbourhood. She ends up getting carried away and losing track of time, making her late for class.
Dia, who is waiting for Kitasan at Tracen, is dismayed to find Kitasan late again. Kitasan runs to her and apologizes, and Dia urges her not to overwork herself, especially directly following a race. The two then rush to first period together upon hearing the bell.
In class, Kitasan and Dia are embroidering as a part of their lesson. Kitasan accidentally pricks her finger with the sewing needle, and Dia rushes to give her a bandage. Kitasan brings up the upcoming Japanese Derby, and Dia expresses she wishes they could have debuted within the same year of one another.
Continuing their classes, Kitasan shows huge enthusiasm in participation. When class is over and the time to begin training comes, Dia comments on Kitasan’s lively mood, which Kitasan credits to being able to see Teio, her idol and fellow teammate. Dia apologizes to Kitasan for joining a different team due to family tradition, but their conversation is then interupted by Sakura Bakushin O, causing Dia to run off. Bakushin enthusiastically tries to convince Kitasan to become a sprinter like her, but Kitasan states she already apart of Team Spica and runs off.
At the Team Spica office, Kitasan waits for the others by cleaning. Soon, Special Week, Silence Suzuka, Daiwa Scarlet, Vodka, and Gold Ship all arrive, greeting her. Kitasan begins watching taped footage of Teio’s past races. Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen soon join them, and Kitasan asks Teio what went through her head before a race. Teio admits to only thinking about the performance afterward and impressing Symboli Rudolf, before being interrupted by their trainer’s arrival.
Team Spica go to the track, where their trainer discusses his plans to train Kitasan, who notices Duramente preparing to train on the track as well. Kitasan then begins training, as Dia and Satono Crown watch from a distance.
Dia asks Crown about the Japanese Derby, and Crown shows confidence in her ability to win it. Despite her fatal mistake at the previous Satsuki Sho, Crown vows to be the Satono family’s first G1 victor. Suddenly, Duramente begins her training, running along the track with impressive speed, shocking those who are spectating.
Kitasan counts down the days to the Japanese Derby, training vigorously in preparation. The night before, she goes to the nearby shrine to pray.
The day before the Derby, Kitasan overhears people discussing who they think the winner will be while out running. Duramente and Crown seem to be the most popular choices, with many doubting Kitasan’s ability to withstand the race.
Kitasan returns to Tracen seemingly a bit upset, and meets Dia at the gate. Dia comments on Kitasan’s hard work, and Kitasan tells Dia to wait for her while she gets changed. The two then leave to attend the local celebration in anticipation of the coming Japanese Derby.
At the celebration, Dia notices Kitasan seems to be worried about the race, which is unusual. Kitasan asks Dia if she was running, what would she focus on, and Dia responds saying she would focus on winning. Dia explains the inportance of being confident in yourself during a race, which Kitasan admits to having trouble with, along with her fear of racing in the Derby.
Kitasan then overhears a child call the Derby a festival, which suddenly motivates her due to her love for festivals. Kitasan runs off to get them both taiyaki, suddenly cheery and confident again.
On the day of the Japanese Derby, Kitasan walks down the tunnel leading to the racetrack with confidence, thinking back on the encouragement given to her by her teammates. She remembers her younger self with Dia, watching Teio race, and realises Teio is now the one watching her race. Kitasan heads to the gate, ready to begin.
The race starts, and Kitasan takes her place right behind first. Kitasan is motivated by the crowd, and continues to keep her pace. As they round the final corner, Kitasan begins to pick up speed as she sees the goal in front of her. Kitasan struggles to overtake first, when Duramente suddenly makes her move and flies far in front of her. Kitasan begins to lose momentum, and falls far behind.
Duramente continues to dash forward, winning the Japanese Derby with a new record time. Meanwhile, Kitasan ends up placing fourteeth, much to her team’s dismay, and much to her own.
Characters