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 calr than before. Unlike last ti, 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 Musu.
"You didn't even know the cafeteria window moved, yet you claid 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 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 ca up... But next ti you perform, I'll definitely co 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 !"
"Hey, stop copying !"
"How am I copying you? Besides, I'll have plenty of free ti for the foreseeable future, okay?"
"Like I'm gonna be busy or sothing..."
"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!" ca 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 exclaid 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 Musu overheard Kitasan's excited shout and turned to look in their direction.
"What a coincidence, Kitasan. I was planning to look for you later... Co join us." Daiwa Scarlet smiled and waved, then glanced at her tablemates.
"Opera-senpai, this is the junior I ntioned—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 et you all."
"You probably already know Opera-senpai," Daiwa Scarlet continued the introductions. "And you know , of course. As for this one..."
She gave a slightly disdainful glance to the brown-haired Uma Musu beside her.
Ignoring Daiwa's look, the short-haired Uma Musu 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 et you, Yasui Trainer. I'm Vodka. Please take care of . Oi, Scarlet, could you at least give our guests so space?"
The last sentence ca 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 ? 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 accustod 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 ters behind. Vodka won that race, but Daiwa Scarlet quickly evened the score in the subsequent Oka Sho.
In the Shuka Sho, Daiwa Scarlet again erged 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, sothing about it felt oddly...
Like flirtatious banter?
"...Trainer, don't be alard," 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!" ca 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 imdiately 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 ntioning she knows you, Opera-senpai...?"
"She probably knows my na, but we haven't t 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 ti for our appointnt. I'll excuse myself first."
"By the way, for my upcoming performances—you four... yes, I an all four of you—feel free to co 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!"
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