Though Yasui Makoto's voice had sounded no different from usual, for so reason, Kitasan Black felt instantly calr.
Her resolve for the coming race beca even stronger.
With this newfound steadiness, she gratefully and happily wished him goodnight, soon drifting into a deep sleep.
...
As the first leg of the Classic Triple Crown and one of the most prestigious races, the Satsuki Sho naturally took the spotlight as the 11th and final event the next afternoon.
The morning and early afternoon were dedicated to final preparations and the parade ring.
Unlike previous races, this G1 had a special press conference held before the parade ring segnt.
On stage sat the participating Uma Musu, facing a hall filled with excited, expectant journalists, creating an atmosphere akin to a major press event.
After the interviews concluded, as they walked down the corridor toward the parade ring, Kitasan excitedly gripped Satono Crown's hand, clenching her free fist tightly as she gazed at the lively crowds gathering in the stands outside.
"Wow! This is just like what I used to see on TV! So…this is a real G1 race!"
"Alright, alright, calm down a bit, Kita-chan…"
Crown glanced amusedly at Kitasan, then turned her eyes toward the bustling spectators outside, a touch of awe creeping into her voice.
"But you're right. Now that I think about it, I rember seeing so spectators coming in already during breakfast…"
"Of course! It's a G1!" Kitasan declared confidently. "Those spectators you ntioned probably spent all night camping outside the venue!"
Satono Crown suddenly fell silent.
"Camping overnight outside…you an like you and Dia-chan used to do? Seriously, you two are so reckless, sleeping outside all night just to watch a race…"
Kitasan laughed awkwardly, scratching her head sheepishly.
Ever since elentary school, she'd idolized Tokai Teio, and Dia-chan had similarly admired jiro McQueen.
From that point on, the two had never missed a single one of their idols' races. The night before each event, they'd arrive early with sleeping bags, hot drinks, and rice balls, eagerly queuing outside overnight.
Satono Crown, of course, knew about this and had spent considerable effort convincing her family to overlook Dia-chan's stubborn fan antics.
After playfully scolding Kitasan, Crown glanced again at the vibrant excitent beyond the windows.
"You know, I've been in the stands watching races too. Sohow, it feels like yesterday, but now it's finally our turn to run a G1…"
"Yeah, almost feels like a dream…"
Sharing a mont of quiet emotion, Kitasan glanced to her other side.
"Hey, Dura-chan, have you ever felt like—Dura-chan?"
After training together since the start of the month, Kitasan now felt quite familiar with Durante. Her new friend's dreams, favorite foods, quirky training habits—Kitasan knew them all.
Including the unusual routine she was performing right now.
Durante's arms were bent as if ready to sprint, her long legs alternately lifting in high, chanical steps, calves kicking forward rhythmically.
Her expression was serious, eyes locked straight ahead.
Kitasan imdiately realized—Durante was nervous.
Whenever her friend felt anxious, especially about training or races, she would begin this odd high-stepping exercise.
After Kitasan patiently repeated herself several tis, Durante finally turned her cool, indifferent gaze toward her.
"Were you…talking to just now?"
"Ahaha… it—it was nothing. I an…right, Dura-chan, did you have a good breakfast?"
Not wanting to embarrass her friend by openly pointing out her nervousness, Kitasan swiftly changed the subject.
"One thousand grams of oatal, four slices of whole-grain toast with dark chocolate spread, two bananas, two boiled eggs, two carrots, two ears of corn."
Durante replied thodically and calmly, her footsteps unconsciously returning to normal as she stared at Kitasan.
"This was Air Groove-senpai's arrangent. I agree it's an optimal al, providing quick energy, easy digestion, and minimal gastrointestinal burden for a race day."
"Y-Yeah, Dura-chan, you're as ticulous as always. Mine was pretty similar too…"
Kitasan laughed awkwardly again. Noticing her friend—and soon-to-be rival—relax slightly, she also felt more at ease.
Just as she was about to continue chatting about breakfast, she suddenly heard a deep, passionate voice drifting from a wall-mounted TV near the window in the corridor.
"The 52nd Satsuki Sho"
"That monster's na is—"
"Mihono Bourbon."
"Common sense itself is her enemy..."
Instinctively turning toward the screen, Kitasan saw footage of an Uma Musu fiercely sprinting.
Her G1 Racing Outfit glead silver, adorned with high-tech chanical accents on her ears, collar, arms, waist, and legs.
Like a futuristic character from a cyberpunk novel, the Uma Musu raced across the finish line marked "Satsuki Sho" at breathtaking speed.
"It's… Mihono Bourbon-senpai…"
Just as Kitasan whispered to herself, the image and narration abruptly changed.
"The 72nd Satsuki Sho"
"The path to victory often lies in mud—"
"Gold Ship."
"The unsinkable battleship raises anchor and sails forth…"
Matching the narration, the screen showed an Uma Musu with silver-gray hair.
Just as described, she charged alone into the muddy inside lane, swiftly overtaking everyone from behind, effortlessly snatching victory.
"The 61st Satsuki Sho"
"Her fourth battle… Could it beco the dawn of a legend—"
"Agnes Tachyon."
"The particle nad for the speed of light leaves rivals despairing, the world dazzled."
On the screen now was a white-robed Uma Musu crossing the finish line, her face bearing a wild intensity, yet also a fierce joy of victory.
Kitasan recognized this video—made by the URA Association to promote the Twinkle Series—as sothing she'd already watched half a month ago.
Yet after scenes of legendary senpais triumphantly claiming the Satsuki Sho title, she was startled to see new footage included.
Scenes from earlier races, casual monts in school uniforms walking down academy hallways, training energetically on the track…
Even recent images from the "Mini Satsuki Sho" event, and recent practices wearing her Racing Outfit…
In each scene, the main character was none other than herself.
Besides her, Satono Crown, Durante, and Cheval Grand all appeared one after another.
Had it not been for her call with Yasui the night before, seeing herself readying for the race on screen might have made her nervous.
But now, she felt no anxiety at all—instead, anticipation for the race ahead filled her heart, along with the triumphant stage awaiting at the end.
Filled with excitent and newfound confidence, she turned to find her friends and rivals also halted beside her, each staring intensely at the screen, expressions ranging from excitent to tension as they watched scenes of their senpais and themselves.
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