Compared to Kitasan Black's debut race, today's weather was slightly cloudier, but the course conditions remained excellent.
Arriving at Tokyo Racecourse for her second official race, Kitasan was visibly calmer than before. Unlike last time, when Yasui Makoto led her into the grounds, she wasn't constantly glancing around curiously.
Their race was scheduled as the seventh of the day at 1:25 PM. After completing standard procedures—adapting to the track, warming up, and introductions—they headed to the dedicated cafeteria for lunch.
And there, they encountered three unexpected Uma Musume.
"You didn't even know the cafeteria window moved, yet you claimed to be familiar with Tokyo Racecourse?"
"Well, I did compete here a lot back then. Besides, I've been studying in Europe these past years. It's not like they'd send me renovation notices, you know."
"Europe? Ha—Hahaha! What a coincidence! I've been touring Europe frequently these past years too. Did you catch any of my performances, Vodka?"
"I've heard about your performances, senpai. Actually, I planned to attend one, but unfortunately, a critical stage in my research came up... But next time you perform, I'll definitely come to support you."
"Ha—Hahaha! It's settled then—I'll reserve the best seat in the house for you!"
"I'll go support you too, senpai!"
"No problem, leave it to me!"
"Hey, stop copying me!"
"How am I copying you? Besides, I'll have plenty of free time for the foreseeable future, okay?"
"Like I'm gonna be busy or something..."
"Well, you two get along as well as ever. Shall I arrange a private box for the two of you?"
"Absolutely not! And we don't get along at all!" came two simultaneous voices.
From a distance, Yasui Makoto, drawn by the chatter and bickering, stared blankly upon recognizing the voices.
Beside him, Kitasan Black had already exclaimed excitedly.
"Ah! It's Opera-senpai! And Daiwa-senpai and Vodka-senpai too!"
...So how did these three end up together?
As Makoto puzzled over this, the three Uma Musume overheard Kitasan's excited shout and turned to look in their direction.
"What a coincidence, Kitasan. I was planning to look for you later... Come join us." Daiwa Scarlet smiled and waved, then glanced at her tablemates.
"Opera-senpai, this is the junior I mentioned—the one we're cheering for today, Kitasan Black."
Even as Daiwa spoke, Kitasan eagerly grabbed her tray and hurried over, Makoto following thoughtfully behind.
"Hello, senpais! I'm Kitasan Black, a new student at Tracen Academy this year! And this is my trainer, Yasui Makoto!"
"Hello, I'm Yasui Makoto. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
"You probably already know Opera-senpai," Daiwa Scarlet continued the introductions. "And you know me, of course. As for this one..."
She gave a slightly disdainful glance to the brown-haired Uma Musume beside her.
Ignoring Daiwa's look, the short-haired Uma Musume coolly brought two fingers to her temple and gave a casual, confident salute, smiling at Kitasan.
"Yo, Kitasan. It's been a while."
Then she turned toward Makoto.
"Nice to meet you, Yasui Trainer. I'm Vodka. Please take care of me. Oi, Scarlet, could you at least give our guests some space?"
The last sentence came with a mildly irritated glare toward Daiwa Scarlet.
Refusing to back down, Daiwa Scarlet shot back, "I already moved over, didn't I? Anyway, did you put on weight in Europe? You're taking up too much space."
"I've been training every day, okay? Maybe you're the one who got fat?"
"You call this daily training? No wonder you're fat."
"Doubt me? Tokyo Racecourse is right outside. Wanna race a lap right now?"
"As if I'd back down! Let's go!"
Just as it looked like the two might roll up their sleeves and dash straight onto the track, Opera-senpai calmly sipped her tea, entirely accustomed to this scene and showing no intention of intervening.
Kitasan Black wore an awkward, helpless smile, while Yasui maintained a calm facade, inwardly intrigued by the scene.
Vodka and Daiwa Scarlet—famous rivals known throughout the racing world as the "Unrivaled Duo"—had shattered prejudices about mares' competitiveness in open-class racing. Their fierce rivalry was legendary.
Their first encounter at the Tulip Sho featured an intense showdown on the final straight, securing the top two spots and leaving third place 15 meters behind. Vodka won that race, but Daiwa Scarlet quickly evened the score in the subsequent Oka Sho.
In the Shuka Sho, Daiwa Scarlet again emerged victorious. However, the next year, Vodka triumphed spectacularly at the Tenno Sho Autumn, breaking Special Week's course record by a full 0.8 seconds.
Their legendary careers were widely celebrated, passionately discussed by fans everywhere.
Yasui had previously wondered if these two fierce rivals carried their intense competition off-track as well. But seeing them interact in person, while it appeared they were bickering fiercely, something about it felt oddly...
Like flirtatious banter?
"...Trainer, don't be alarmed," whispered Kitasan Black, gently tugging Makoto's sleeve, seemingly aware of his confusion. "These two senpais have always been like this. They're actually really good friends, even if it looks like they're arguing..."
"We are NOT good friends!" came two voices in perfect unison.
"...Erm, see?" Kitasan finished awkwardly.
Yep, definitely flirting. Makoto silently nodded in conclusion.
Then, Opera-senpai spoke, breaking the playful tension.
"Kitasan Black... I just realized, your race today is at 1:30 PM, correct?"
"Hai! That's right, Opera-senpai!"
Kitasan immediately straightened up, responding as though in class, before looking confused.
"But...how do you know my race schedule, senpai...?"
Opera-senpai had an elegant, flamboyant air, accented by two gemstone earrings per ear and a glittering crown atop her head.
"Well, one of my juniors is also racing in that event. I'm here to cheer for her. Do you happen to know Satono Gallant?"
"Yes, I know her—we play together often, actually, but..." Kitasan hesitated slightly, tilting her head. "I don't recall Gallant-san ever mentioning she knows you, Opera-senpai...?"
"She probably knows my name, but we haven't met personally yet," Opera nodded gracefully, though a hint of bittersweet nostalgia flashed briefly in her eyes. "To be precise, I'm actually here to support her trainer."
"Her trainer…? Opera-senpai, you know Gallant-san's trainer?" Kitasan's ears perked up curiously.
"Of course I do. After all…"
With a subtle sigh, Opera-senpai rose elegantly from her seat, a wistful yet radiant smile on her lips.
"In a way, she used to be my trainer too."
"Well, it's about time for our appointment. I'll excuse myself first."
"By the way, for my upcoming performances—you four... yes, I mean all four of you—feel free to come and watch if you're interested. I'll make sure to reserve seats for you."
"Rest assured, it'll definitely be a world-class show—Ha, hahaha!"