Chapter 143: May 31st, Tokyo Racecourse
During the final two days of training in preparation for the Japanese Derby, Kitasan Black would occasionally recall that strange dream and gradually feel the growing heat surrounding the event.
That in itself was strange.
As the crown jewel among graded races, and the most prestigious of the Classic Triple Crown, it was no exaggeration to say that, as the Derby approached, all eyes across Japan were fixed on it.
Even on her days off, when she went out for a walk, she would see every street corner, every skyscraper screen, no matter the size, broadcasting something related to the Japanese Derby.
There were highlight reels of past races, interviews with Derby-winning racers, and endless expert analyses and commentary.
And of course, the participants in the upcoming race were the stars of the coverage.
Especially her—Kitasan Black—who had already strung together four consecutive victories and claimed the Satsuki Sho title, making her the top contender in the public's eyes.
"First Victory Already Achieved! Can Kitasan Black Recreate the Legend of the Undefeated Triple Crown?"
"Experts' Roundtable: A Data-Driven Look at Kitasan Black's 2400 Meters."
"Fan Art 'Festival Maiden' Tops the Charts: Kitasan Black's Derby Battle Ignites a Creative Boom!"
Such headlines were everywhere.
And that was the strange part.
Even though she stood at the very center of the spotlight, she didn't feel anything particularly special about it.
It wasn't that she didn't care—being in the spotlight was certainly exciting.
But aside from that, there wasn't much else she felt. Every day was the same as during the Satsuki Sho and all the races before it—train when it was time to train, rest when it was time to rest.
Yet ever since that dream, she couldn't help but think about a point often overlooked amid all the excitement.
'If I win the Japanese Derby… doesn't that mean I'll be the same as Teio-senpai?'
Once that thought surfaced, she quickly realized it wasn't new—it was something she had noticed before but deliberately ignored.
She had seen countless famous races, witnessed many with her own eyes, and stood on the very same tracks.
By now, she understood that victory and dreams weren't things that could be achieved by wishing for them alone.
She worked hard, but so did everyone else.
It had been quite some time since she last hung out with Satono Crown.
Whenever she called, texted, or asked Satono Diamond about her, the answer was always the same: she was training.
Duramente too—each morning, not long after Kitasan arrived at the track, she would soon see that familiar figure already running.
Even in the evenings or on rest days, she would often spot her still out there on the course, practicing.
And then there were REAL STEEL, Satono Rasen, and Susan Muse, who had all raced alongside her before—they were no different.
Comparing herself to them, she sometimes wondered if she wasn't working hard enough, and thought maybe she should add some extra self-training.
Of course, her Trainer had already warned her about that long ago, so it remained just a thought.
In any case, everyone was making their own efforts for the sake of victory and their dreams. She had no reason to waste time imagining "what ifs."
Rather than fantasizing, it was better to train well and rest well—that was the only road to victory.
With that mindset, she methodically completed the final two days of training.
...
Afternoon of May 31st, Tokyo Racecourse — Kitasan Black's Preparation Room.
Just like in the previous races, Makoto stood beside a much larger whiteboard, pointing at a detailed diagram of the track covered in notes and numbers, explaining in a low, steady voice.
"——In summary, the key strategy for this race can be summed up in one phrase—'Respond to all changes with no change.'
"Deep Impact's advice was crucial, and both Special Week and Vodka agreed with it."
"The Japanese Derby is far too important a race. New strategies, new running styles, new tactics—none of them are out of the question."
"There are seventeen competitors including you. If we tried to prepare countermeasures for every possible surprise, it'd be impossible."
"So I'll say it again—respond to all changes with no change. No matter what your opponents do, you must never lose sight of your own rhythm."
Listening intently, Kitasan Black carefully wrote the phrase "Respond to all changes with no change" in her small notebook. Resting her carrot-shaped pen under her chin, she thought for a moment.
"In that case… is it kind of like what Deep Impact-senpai did during the practice race?"
Recalling Deep Impact's performance, Makoto nodded.
"You could… say that, yes."
Then, his tone shifted slightly.
"But there's also a difference."
"Deep Impact's strength in her generation was overwhelmingly dominant—many standard strategies simply didn't apply to her."
"For example, in that practice race, did you notice—or did she ever tell you—that she often has trouble holding back her urge to accelerate during a race?"
Kitasan Black thought for a bit. "Hmm… actually, yes. She did say something like that."
"Exactly."
Makoto explained, "I've read a few interviews with her trainer. Your senpai has an incredibly fierce spirit—whether in training or racing, she has an extraordinary desire to run."
"That's why she's often instructed to hold back her speed during races. That practice race was one of the few times she got to run freely, without restraint."
"The reason I'm telling you this is so you understand—your overall mindset is correct, but…"
He paused briefly.
"…you can't copy her exact running style, because you're not at that level yet."
Sensing Makoto's hesitation, Kitasan Black realized he didn't want to hurt her pride. The warmth in her chest made her smile softly—it was kind of him, but also completely reasonable.
"It's okay, Trainer—I didn't mean it like that," she said, reassuringly. "I think the same as you. I won't be swayed by others. I know what my rhythm is."
Makoto nodded with quiet satisfaction. Compared to when she had just debuted, his trainee had truly grown a lot.
After a brief moment of reflection, he turned the discussion back to race strategy.
"Anyway, while that's our guiding principle, we still need to prepare for contingencies."
"Apart from the usual gate start, corners, and straights, the biggest variable in the Japanese Derby lies in the slopes—especially the uphill stretch right before the final straight."
"We can leave the earlier slopes aside for now; the techniques you've mastered are enough to handle those."
"For the final straight… let's assume you don't manage to take the lead."
As he spoke, he picked up a whiteboard marker of a different color and began marking new notes on the diagram, giving out detailed instructions as he went.
Meanwhile, just as before, Kitasan Black listened carefully and took diligent notes.
Their pre-race briefing continued until nearly three o'clock.
Right after that came the parade appearance. Thinking it over, Makoto packed up his materials and left the preparation room together with Kitasan Black, who had already changed into her racing outfit. They made their way toward the underground passage.
Originally, he had planned to see her off at the entrance—but before they even reached it, they saw a line of Umamusume standing neatly in formation, waving and smiling, with Tokai Teio at the front.
"One, two, three—do your best, Kita-chan!"
Spotting the familiar faces of her senpai, Kitasan Black's eyes widened in surprise and joy as she rushed toward them.
"Senpai… you all…"
Words tumbled out in a rush of excitement, and then she suddenly bowed deeply, her voice trembling.
"Thank you—thank you all so much! For this race… I'll give it everything I've got! I won't let you down!"