The arrival of Super Creek took Kitahara by surprise — and the same could be said for Komiyama and the others.
However, following Creek's gaze toward the whiteboard, his eyes swept over the data she'd written. After a brief moment of thought, Kitahara more or less understood.
It seems not only we trainers are analyzing the race — these kids have been thinking a lot as well.
Kitahara mused silently.
Could it be that she feels pressured about this upcoming race…? Creek…
That's possible.
Her numbers in several aspects were clearly lower than Oguri Cap and the others — something already evident from daily training.
As trainers, they could observe detailed data through all kinds of equipment and records, but the horse girls themselves also had a direct, intuitive sense of it.
She must've realized that compared to Oguri and the others, she's a little behind…
With those thoughts in mind, Kitahara fell silent for a moment, then looked toward Komiyama and the rest.
"I'll step out with Creek for a bit," he said, gesturing at the whiteboard and projection screen.
"Please sort through the relevant data based on what we discussed earlier. When I'm back, we'll continue studying potential strategies for this race and the special training plan for the next two weeks."
After the others acknowledged, he nodded at Creek and led her out of the office, turning the corner into the hallway.
"What's wrong, Creek?"
Though he already had a hunch, he didn't bring it up directly — instead, he smiled and asked casually:"I thought I heard you all saying something about going shopping earlier. Didn't you go with Oguri and the others?"
"…I told them I had something to do, so they went ahead."
It took Creek a while to answer. Her lips pressed together as she lowered her head slightly and spoke softly.
Her hands were tangled in front of her chest, fingers interwoven tightly. One foot tapped nervously against the floor, tracing small circles — the very picture of hesitation.
But her next words were direct.
"Mr. Kitahara… I… I want to withdraw from the Satsuki Sho."
As she said it, she slowly lifted her head, her eyes wavering with uncertainty.
"At my current level, I can't perform my best in a 2000-meter race like the Satsuki Sho. It's not because I haven't trained enough, nor is it your fault, Mr. Kitahara — it's just…"
She took a deep breath. "That's simply the truth."
"So I've been thinking, maybe… maybe I should withdraw and choose a race more suited to me."
"For example, a long-distance race…"
But as she changed her tone, she looked even more conflicted.
"Yet if I go for long-distance races… Tamamo Cross and Inari One will be there, won't they? They both just won the 3000-meter Hanshin Daishoten — and tied, no less. Their strength in long-distance races is undeniable, and they're both older now. But me, I'm still in the classic year..."
"I'm afraid that against them, it'll be the same as against Oguri and the others — too much of a gap…"
Her gaze dimmed, and even her long brown hair seemed to lose its luster.
As I thought, Kitahara sighed inwardly. She's noticed the same problems.
Outwardly, though, his expression didn't change — he still smiled, though his eyes grew more serious.
According to the URA Association's classification, the first two years after formal development were called the Classic Years, and the years that followed were the Senior Years.
Those who completed development last year — like Tamamo Cross and Inari One — were "Senior" horsegirls. Creek, Oguri, and the others who were still maturing were "classic year" horse girls.
Generally speaking, older horse girls had superior physical strength and more racing experience, giving them a distinct advantage over their younger peers.
That's why certain races — such as the Classic Triple Crown — were restricted to classic-year horse girls only.
The Triple Crown's importance to all horse girls came precisely from this limitation: it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
[Poor Kitasan Black Bloodline]
The gap between classic and senior horsegirls wasn't absolute, though — in both this world and the other, there were plenty of classic-year horse girls who could compete with and even defeat older horses.
Still, judging from current data, Creek might be able to beat some older horses — but against Tamamo Cross and Inari One, the difference was still significant.
"The Satsuki Sho is on April 23rd, and the Tenno Sho (Spring) is on April 29th," Kitahara said gravely. "If you want to enter the Tenno Sho, you'll have to forfeit the Satsuki Sho."
Looking at Creek, he continued, "But even if you choose long-distance races, you still seem uncertain. In that case… what's the point of changing?"
"Creek, what are you really afraid of?"
He didn't think Creek hadn't considered all this. It was common knowledge for trainers — and something horse girls themselves were taught in their coursework.
Her grades were excellent, every assessment was outstanding. She knew perfectly well she couldn't compete in both the Satsuki Sho and the Tenno Sho.
She also knew that as a classic-year horse girl, though strong, she still lacked the experience to truly rival older competitors like Tamamo and Inari.
Kitahara had a feeling — like Oguri Cap a few days ago, Creek was troubled by something deeper.
After he asked, the horse girl bowed her head again, twisting her fingers, her toe tracing imaginary racetracks on the floor of the Tokyo Racecourse — yet she said nothing.
Kitahara sighed softly, walked closer, and patted her on the head.
"Honestly, I'm not that surprised."
"You probably saw the analysis on the whiteboard earlier."
"That was only a rough comparison of data, before the more detailed breakdown — but even so, it's already clear you don't have the advantage in this Satsuki Sho."
"Your current numbers just don't stack up."
"That means your chances of winning are small."
"So once we finish the analysis, we might very well have to reconsider your race plans anyway."
"If we change it now, there's still time to report it to the URA Association — it'd just mean delaying your debut a few days, giving you more preparation time."
Kitahara was about to continue when Creek spoke, her tone low and defeated.
"…I see. So Mr. Kitahara already thought so too, huh…"
Hearing the disheartened tone, Kitahara couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head.
"Not exactly. I said we'd decide after today's meeting, didn't I? Nothing's set in stone yet."
After a moment's thought, he decided to bring up an alternative path directly.
"If you really want to give up the Satsuki Sho, we can shift your career plan toward the middle-long or long-distance circuit."
"For long distances this year, you could still enter the Kikua Sho, Arima Kinen, Copa República Argentina, or the Long Distance Championship."
"The Sapporo Nikkei Open and Tancho Stakes are also options, though the timing's a bit tight — we'll think about that later."
"Next year, you'd have even more choices."
"You could continue with Arima Kinen, and also enter the Tenno Sho (Spring), Hanshin Daishoten, Nikkei Sho, and Meguro Kinen."
"Of course, this year's Japan Derby is still open to you, along with the Japan Cup, Kobe Shimbun Hai, and Kyoto Daishoten."
"Those are technically middle-distance races, but they're still 2400 meters long."
"At that distance, your strengths could really shine."
"However…"
His tone suddenly sharpened.
"Are you really okay with giving up the Satsuki Sho?"
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime race for every horse girl. The other races I mentioned? You can still run them next year — but the Satsuki Sho comes only once."
"It's good that you recognize the gap between you and your rivals — but you shouldn't belittle yourself because of it."
"Yes, Oguri, ArDan, Chiyono O, Dicta Striker, Yaeno Muteki — they're all strong. The numbers say you're behind. But that's not the point."
Kitahara paused, then smiled faintly, remembering something.
"As a horse girl, it's not shameful to strategically withdraw when the odds are clearly against you."
"Many trainers and racers do that — it's nothing to be embarrassed about."
"What is shameful is refusing to race when you have no reason to withdraw."
"And more than that — to refuse to race while still feeling unwilling deep down… that's far worse."
"Isn't that right, Creek?"
When he mentioned the data earlier, Creek had already lifted her head slightly. Now she raised it fully, her expression shifting from confusion to something closer to realization.
"...Mr. Kitahara, are you saying I'm… unwilling?"
"Yes. Of course you are. It's the Classic Triple Crown — the Satsuki Sho. A horse girl only gets one shot at it."
Kitahara's tone was firm as he seized the moment to ask what had bothered him from the start.
"So tell me — what's your real reason for wanting to withdraw? I don't believe it's just about strength or wanting to avoid Oguri and the others."
"If it were just that, you wouldn't back out of the Satsuki Sho — not when the Tenno Sho has Tamamo and Inari, where your odds are even lower."
"So no — I don't think it's your strength you doubt."
"What are you afraid of, Creek?"
This time, Creek fell silent again — but she didn't lower her head. She drew a shallow breath, and unexpectedly smiled.
"As expected… I can't hide anything from you, Mr. Kitahara."
Her voice softened with a hint of guilt.
"Actually… it's about something that happened during the martial willpower training a while back."
"You remember, don't you? Back when Oguri was under a lot of pressure about the 'Undefeated Triple Crown.' That… that was my fault."
"I was the one who suggested we help Oguri understand what that title really means…"
She recounted the story briefly, smiling wryly.
"Now, Oguri seems fine — she's eating well, training enthusiastically. I think she's over it."
"But… I still feel like I wasted some of her time. And since my chances in the Satsuki Sho seem so low, I thought…"
"I thought maybe—"
"I only want to ask you one thing," Kitahara interrupted her gently, for once breaking her flow.
"If you give up the Satsuki Sho — will you really be satisfied?"
For the first time, he interrupted her words, then raised his head and took a deep breath.
"I understand what you're worried about now — or rather, what misconception you've fallen into."
"First, I don't think Oguri's pressure was because of you. Even if you hadn't said anything, someone else — like me — would've told her what the Undefeated Triple Crown truly meant. That's what President Rudolf told me himself."
He then quoted that day's words from the student council office: 'To wear the crown, one must bear its weight.'
"Not just Oguri — everyone in Eisei carries that weight."
"Alone, each of us only feels a little pressure. But together, we create expectations — from fans, from the world. That's what really builds the pressure."
"You're wrong, Creek. You're not the source of her burden."
"That's your first mistake. The second — is thinking that quitting the Satsuki Sho is some kind of atonement."
"...Atonement?"
Creek froze.
"What else could it be?" Kitahara asked, his tone growing more stern.
"If it weren't, then why, knowing Tamamo and Inari are even stronger, would you choose the Tenno Sho instead? Isn't that just avoiding Oguri?"
"Don't you think that by quitting, you'd be giving Oguri a better chance?"
"That kind of thinking means you do believe you could beat her."
His voice rose, sharp and clear.
"You think your presence makes it harder for her to win."
"If you leave, her odds go up."
"So doesn't that mean you believe you could surpass her? Or at least… that you want to?"
As he spoke, his gaze locked onto hers — sharp, unwavering. His peripheral vision caught her hands, slowly clenching into fists.
So she really is unwilling.
Kitahara didn't soften.
"If you're that unwilling, then why give up?"
"Do you really think Oguri, or anyone else, would be happy if you bowed out?"
"Even if you stay in the race, do you think Oguri or Ardan couldn't win?"
"Why do you always think so much about everyone else, Creek?"
He knew Creek too well — a kind, self-sacrificing girl who would endure injury rather than worry her parents or burden others.
It made perfect sense she'd try to atone by giving up her chance.
And yet, staring at her wide, trembling eyes, Kitahara knew words of comfort would never reach her.
Someone like Creek would rationalize it all away — unless confronted head-on.
Only when cornered, when she could no longer hide behind excuses, could she face her true feelings and the challenge ahead.
But even so — his tone softened at the end. He couldn't help it.
I hope that didn't ruin the effect… he thought with a wry smile.
"…Mr. Kitahara," Creek said suddenly, calm now. "I feel like your words had another meaning just now."
"You thought of something… didn't you?"
"Huh? Thought of what?" Kitahara blinked.
"I mean — a horse girl who had the strength, but avoided racing anyway. Does such a one exist?"
You're too sharp, Creek… I didn't even say anything yet…
"Uh… who knows…" he scratched his head awkwardly, glancing toward the sky. "Maybe someday there'll be one."
A few white clouds drifted lazily across the endless blue.
What Kitahara thought of was a horse from another world — Contrail, a legend whose career infuriated fans to no end.
Or rather, it was the team behind him that did.
Despite having the record of an "Undefeated Triple Crown," Contrail's handlers bizarrely skipped major races like Arima Kinen and Takarazuka Kinen. He placed only second in the Japan Cup, third in the Osaka Cup, second again in the Tenno Sho (Autumn).
Compared to an unbroken streak like Symboli Rudolf's, it was hard not to question his true strength.
If not for one later Japan Cup win as an older horse, Contrail might've been remembered as the "weakest Triple Crown winner in history."
[Hopefully Contrail's son "Going to Sky" will carry on the tradition of Deep Impact Bloodline and get the triple crown again ]
Kitahara thought of him because Creek's hesitation — avoiding a race not due to strength, but emotion — reminded him of that story.
Of course, Contrail wasn't even "born" yet in this timeline, so he couldn't really explain.
[My Goat Deep Impact is still not here]
Still, hearing Creek's last question, he felt she'd understood something.
"So, Creek," he asked, meeting her eyes directly, "do you still want to skip the Satsuki Sho?"
Creek didn't answer immediately. She drew a deep breath, then smiled.
"Then, I'll be counting on you and the other trainers to find a way that fits me best."
"No matter win or lose — I know you'll come up with the perfect plan."
"As for the Tenno Sho (Spring)… I'll think about it after I win the Satsuki Sho!"
On that gentle, graceful face of hers — was now a look of unshakable determination.
Kitahara couldn't help but laugh.
"Don't worry. I won't let you down."
Although there had been a brief interruption because of Super Creek, the final lineup for the Satsuki Sho remained unchanged, and the selected racers would still participate according to the original plan. With previous analysis serving as a foundation, their training and strategy adjustments continued smoothly and methodically.
During training, everyone gained a clearer understanding of both the overall race and the rival teams. By the time the day of the Satsuki Sho arrived, the team was once again gathered in the preparation room for final tactical confirmation and pre-race motivation.
Oguri Cap, Mejiro Ardan, and Super Creek had already changed into their racing outfits. Under the gleam of their fresh uniforms, a powerful, spirited aura surrounded them—completely different from their usual appearances.
Oguri Cap's outfit resembled a navy uniform, though the coat tails were longer.A pure white base, blue collar and cuffs, three golden diamond buttons, and red-and-blue epaulets at the shoulders. A large golden diamond emblem on her chest pinned down a red neckerchief. Her lower half was clad in a deep blue pleated skirt, black stockings outlining her powerful thighs, and metallic combat boots.
Compared to her usual, somewhat clumsy and simple image—a girl whose greatest passion was simply running—Oguri now radiated an aura of icy sharpness and composure.
[Someone add the Images]
Super Creek, by contrast, retained her gentle, radiant charm. Her outfit was a soft white-and-blue dress paired with deep blue knee-high boots and a small blue shoulder bag. Standing next to Oguri, she looked more like a warm, friendly lady going on a seaside trip than a fierce racehorse on the track.
Mejiro Ardan's attire, meanwhile, exuded a noble lady's grace—a dark navy dress trimmed with lace along the button line, extending to her shoulders, leaving her white, rounded shoulders partially exposed. The hem of her skirt blended white fabric edged with pale green patterns, and her short boots matched the same green-white color scheme. Her entire appearance was refined yet playful.
The three of them, in their stunning new appearances, drew countless admiring remarks from the team. Only when it was time for the pre-race briefing did everyone settle down.
At the center of the room stood a sand table, showing a model of the racecourse. Sixteen miniature horse-girl figures represented all the competing racers.
The entire Eisei Team gathered around, with Kitahara standing at the long end of the table, his gaze fixed intently on the pieces.
"First, let's talk about Domains."
He began without preamble. "Our competition with the Chouetsu Team is… very special."
"In previous races—or when facing other horse girls—we didn't have to think about Domains at all, since most of the time, encountering one depended purely on luck."
"But our case is different. Thanks to our previous data and the experiments at the Hanshin Daishoten, we now know exactly how to deliberately trigger a Domain."
"And in recent training, we've confirmed it again."
Just as Kitahara said, with both data and examples to reference, practice inevitably involved testing Domain activation.
The results were mixed.
The good news: during controlled training designed to create ideal conditions, the horse girls did show physical changes consistent with Domain activation.The bad news: the changes were too subtle—not enough to reach full Domain level.
This meant that while controlled training could consistently reproduce suitable conditions, such control likely reduced the intensity of competition—and competition was one of the key conditions for triggering a Domain.
So, ultimately, a real Domain could only be triggered in an actual race.
"They'll have realized this too," Kitahara continued."Naise Fumino is a genius, and both Dino-Senpai and Mr. Konai are no pushovers. They've likely run similar experiments."
"So, by now, they probably understand the conditions for Sakura Chiyono O, Yaeno Muteki, and Dicta Striker's Domains—and have built their strategies accordingly."
He picked up the figure representing Sakura Chiyono O, identifiable by her cherry-pink hair, and placed her piece near the front of the track.
"In my view, Naise will assign Chiyono O to a front-runner strategy."
"I admit, Chiyono O is versatile—she can both Front Run and Pace Chase—but this race includes several pure escape types more suited to that role."
"In top-tier races like the Triple Crown, there are no weaklings. If Chiyono O tries to compete head-to-head against better front runners, she'll lose her edge."
"And more importantly…"
He nudged the figure slightly forward.
"Based on our estimates, Chiyono O's Domain can only be triggered when she closes the gap to another racer within the final 300 meters."
In truth, they didn't have enough data to be sure—not even the Chouetsu Team themselves did. With only a month between learning of the condition and the Satsuki Sho, and with less equipment and experience than Eisei's side, accurately determining a Domain's activation criteria would've been difficult.
Frankly, if Kitahara didn't have his own "cheat-like" insight, even his own team might not have figured out Oguri Cap's triggers.
Still, whatever he said, the rest of the team trusted him completely.
"So yes," he concluded, "from both running style and Domain perspective, Chiyono O will go Pace Chaser."
Next, he picked up another figure—short-haired and chestnut-colored—Dicta Striker, and placed it at the frontmost position.
"One of the true Front runners here is Dicta Striker."
He was about to elaborate when Oguri raised a hand, puzzled.
"Wait a second. Didn't Dicta not go for a full Front Running last time?"
She scratched her head. "When I raced with her in the Yayoi Sho, she started mid-pack and only came up near the end. Wouldn't that make her a Pace Chaser or Late Surger, not a pure Front Runner type?"
Kitahara thought for a moment and turned to two of the trainers, Komiyama and Yuubara.
"Open those race videos."
As they set up a laptop, Kitahara explained to Oguri,"You're right that she wasn't leading early in the Yayoi Sho."
"But Dicta Striker is actually a rare full-Front Running type."
He pointed to the laptop screen, showing clips of her previous races.
"You see here? Before the Yayoi Sho, her record alternated between big wins and big losses."
"Win or lose, she had one major issue: a tendency for slow starts. That's something Naise Fumino has been trying to fix."
"When she wins big, it's when she bursts out fast, immediately seizing the lead."
"When she loses big, it's when she fails to do so."
He glanced at Oguri. "You said she suddenly sped up in the mid-to-late phase, right?"
Oguri nodded. "Yeah, that's true... But if she's an Front runner, shouldn't she open distance right from the start? Speeding up that late sounds like it'd mess up the strategy."
Kitahara gave a wry smile.
"That's because of her temper."
Everyone stared at him in surprise.
"Her temper?" they echoed.
"Yes," Kitahara sighed. "Dicta Striker has a fiery personality and an incredibly strong competitive streak."
He looked at Oguri."She probably sees you as her most important rival."
"In the Yayoi Sho, even though she had a good start, she didn't dash ahead immediately. She was waiting—for you. She wanted to run alongside you and compete head-on in speed."
Kitahara chuckled."I bet Naise Fumino originally told her to go full Front Running, but she changed tactics mid-race on her own."
"That must've given their team's leader quite a headache."
"But now, after that loss, and after countless discussions with Naise, I'm sure she won't make that mistake again." Kitahara's tone turned serious."This time, to ensure victory—especially to beat you, Oguri Cap—Dicta Striker will definitely choose full escape."
"Dicta will… go for a full escape…" Oguri murmured, staring at the chestnut figure on the board.
"She's roughly equal to you in ability, maybe slightly weaker in some areas," Kitahara said gravely. "She can't afford the same risk again."
He moved Dicta's piece slightly forward.
"More importantly, her Domain triggers when she's fighting for the lead early in the race. Naise will definitely instruct her to do so."
"So, Oguri, Creek, Ardan—you three must be careful."
"Escape types control the race's rhythm. Full Front Running even more so. One mistake and they'll accelerate too soon and burn out early. It's similar to Super Creek's Swinging Maestro trait—both manipulate rhythm—but escapes do it more directly."
"Swinging Maestro guides pacing through subtle bursts of acceleration; Front Runner types do it through sustained high speed."
"So, as with countering Swinging Maestro tactics—don't focus on speed. Focus on distance."
"You must always manage the gap between you and the leader. Ensure that when the final stretch comes, you can close in with one decisive burst."
"And you've all had special training on course control. This is where you must use every bit of it. Understood?"
"Understood!" ×3
Kitahara nodded at the three confident horse girls, then picked up another figure—also chestnut-haired—and placed it mid-pack.
"Yaeno Muteki will stay in the middle group. Her data shows that's where she performs best."
"In her race against Ardan, her positioning and lane control were most skilled from the center."
"Her Domain is also easiest to trigger there—it requires overtaking an opponent on the final turn and being in the lead with 300 meters remaining."
"Technically, front-running could work too, but it's more exhausting. Since she excels at both, the choice is obvious."
He then aligned the Chouetsu Team's three figures—Dicta Striker (Front Runner), Sakura Chiyono O (pace chaser), and Yaeno Muteki (Late Surger)—in a neat line.
"…How convenient," he muttered. "Three teammates, all in separate positions, avoiding interference with each other. They just need to compete with others in their lanes."
He wasn't sure whether to call it luck—or Naise Fumino's clever design.Either way, splitting teammates across different running styles was a major advantage.
Even though real horse races weren't true team battles, the principle mirrored strategy games: teams scored higher when their racers covered varied running types.
In real races, this meant teammates who'd trained together would instinctively avoid one another, spending less time making decisions and focusing more on maximizing performance—a clear edge that could decide victory or defeat.
After all, in racing, even a single breath or ounce of strength could make the difference.
Kitahara's reflection didn't last long. He soon shifted focus back to his own team—the real priority.
He picked up three figures representing his team: silver-gray long hair (Oguri Cap), brown long hair (Super Creek), and sky-blue long hair (Mejiro Ardan)—and placed them all in the Pace Chasing position.
"While the Chouetsu Team may have optimized their placements," he said, "we also have our strengths. All three of you are Pace Chaser—and that's its own kind of advantage."
"Whether by base stats or adaptability, you're best suited for it. And most importantly, your Domain conditions align perfectly."
"Oguri Cap's and Super Creek's Domains are both easy to trigger."
"Oguri's activates around the 200-meter mark; Super Creek's around the race's midpoint."
"But the easier the trigger, the more crucial it is to secure ideal conditions. The sooner you master your Domains, the stronger you'll become for future races."
He looked between them, explaining their specific tactics.
"Oguri, you don't have a fixed tactic yet, but with your current ability, Pace Chasing already gives you enough flexibility. What you need to decide—just before the final phase—is whether to overtake from the inside or outside lane."
"Super Creek, this time we'll apply Swinging Maestro differently. Normally it's about bursts of acceleration to disrupt others—but this time, it's about controlling your own rhythm."
He looked at her firmly.
"Your stamina is exceptional. Use it to make up for any speed disadvantage. Whether it's at 800, 600, or 400 meters, pick the right moment to accelerate early."
"You two got that?"
When both nodded, he turned to Mejiro Ardan.
"Ardan, your Domain trigger is also simple: close the gap with the horse girl ahead during the final straight."
"The final stretch is the most exhausting part. To do this, you'll need perfect composure—precise control of speed and stamina. That's exactly your strength."
"And…"
His expression sharpened slightly as he glanced toward the door.
"While you three may not have as diversified a layout as Chiyono O's team, you'll put them under greater pressure."
"Think about it—when you have three equally strong, evenly matched rivals surrounding you—behind, beside, ahead—can you still perform at 100%?"
"Heh. The last preliminary triple match between our teams ended 2:1, right?"
"Good. I'm curious to see how that score changes after the Satsuki Sho."
[Sorry For 1 chapter only. My semester started again and the classes took too long, and I arrived home late.
Still Congratulations Charing Cross (Kitasan Black x Rising Cross) Full Brother to Croix Du Nord for winning his debut Race
Congratulations to Exceed (Kitasan Black x Chateu Blanche) Full Sister to Equinox ( World's Best race horse in 2023)
Congratulations to GOING TO SKY (Contrail x Going to Window) for winning their Debut races]
(End of Chapter)