[For everyone here check the Autumn Tenno Sho 2022.]
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Tamamo Cross's purpose in calling Oguri Cap was simple: she hoped that Oguri Cap and Kitahara would watch the Tenno Sho (Spring) the next day to cheer her and Inari One on.
She had already contacted Mejiro Ardan, who was also going to the racecourse with her family tomorrow to cheer for Mejiro Durren, who was also participating in the Tenno Sho (Spring).
During the phone call, Aiko and Little Special Week had finished packing the change of clothes for after the hot springs. Oguri Cap's phone call continued in the car.
Horse girls' ears are located on the top of their heads, so they usually wear headphones when making private calls. However, there was nothing to hide in Oguri Cap's call with Tamamo Cross, so she kept the speakerphone on.
In the car, Tamamo Cross's energetic yelling echoed.
"...Komiyama said that although Uncle Kitahara isn't here this time, she and Brother Yusuhara worked very hard, and the race preparations are fine!"
"According to them, both mine and Inari's abilities are considered top-tier in this Tenno Sho (Spring). It would be difficult to lose, so the victory will mostly be decided between her and me again."
A triumphant expression seemed to be transmitted through the phone, and the voice continued with a laugh:
"I think so too."
"Many of the opponents in this Tenno Sho (Spring) are the same ones Inari and I encountered in the Hanshin Daishoten, and some are opponents I faced in the Naruo Kinen."
"It might sound a bit impolite to say this, but the fact is, many of the opponents this time are the ones Inari and I have defeated before!"
"Don't worry, Oguri! You and Uncle Kitahara just look forward to our victory this time!"
"Haha, maybe I'm underestimating Inari a bit, but I really don't think I'll lose to her this time, or even end up in a dead heat again."
"I'm definitely going to win this time!"
They were using the car Kitahara rented to travel to the Mombetsu Onsen. Kitahara was in the driver's seat, and Oguri Cap was in the passenger seat. Tamamo Cross's voice came from the passenger side.
In the back seat were Aiko and Little Special Week. Both of them were listening carefully to Tamamo Cross with curious looks.
"Big Sister Tamamo sounds amazing! I'll cheer for Big Sister Tamamo too!"
After listening for a while, Little Special Week spoke with a look of admiration.
Before getting into the car, Oguri Cap had briefly introduced Tamamo Cross and Aiko's mother and daughter to each other. They had greeted each other, and Tamamo Cross immediately recognized who was speaking.
"Thank you, Little Spe. Big Sister Tamamo definitely won't disappoint you tomorrow!"
Tamamo Cross said cheerfully and then offered encouragement.
"When you come to Tokyo, Big Sister Tamamo will train with you. I think when you grow up, you can definitely participate in the Tenno Sho (Spring) and win beautifully!"
"Mhmm! I will work hard, Big Sister Tamamo!"
Amidst Little Special Week's hopeful replies, Oguri Cap, Aiko, and Kitahara couldn't help but smile gently. Kitahara also found it a little amusing.
It's true, historically, Special Week did win the Tenno Sho (Spring), and she won it in a record-breaking time.
Not only that, but she was also the second horse girl to achieve the Spring and Autumn Tenno Sho double, and the first one, coincidentally, was none other than Tamamo Cross.
Should he say this was destiny between Tamamo Cross and Special Week?
While Kitahara was contemplating this, Tamamo Cross continued enthusiastically:
"Let me see, besides Inari and me, this Tenno Sho (Spring) also has Mejiro Durren, who also participated in the Hanshin Daishoten last time, and Electric Boy."
"Running Free and Meisho Eikan are also participating."
"Oh, right, and Gold City. Sigh, speaking of her, it's a bit of a shame."
"My results weren't very good at the beginning of last year, so I couldn't participate in the Classic Triple Crown. Gold City's results were quite good. She was second in both the Satsuki Sho and the Kikuka Sho, and even got fourth in the Japanese Derby."
"But I don't know why, in the second half of the year, it was as if she lost interest in racing. It felt like she was just running casually."
"She also participated in the Naruo Kinen with me last year and only finished sixth. That's not the level she should be at!"
Hearing Tamamo Cross complain like this, Oguri Cap was also a bit puzzled.
"Yeah, when we practice together, I feel that Gold City-senpai is very powerful, especially her final straight sprint is very fast. How could it be..." She scratched her head in confusion.
"I don't know either," Tamamo Cross complained even more. "Moreover, when I asked her about her plans for the Tenno Sho (Spring) a couple of days ago, she directly told me to just run casually."
"She also said that these races were all entered in advance by Trainer Musaka. She also told Trainer Musaka that she's no longer interested in racing and will retire after the Tenno Sho (Spring)."
"I don't understand what she's thinking. It's such a pity."
While the two horse girls were complaining, Kitahara was deep in thought.
Is Gold City planning to retire after the Tenno Sho (Spring)? That's more than a year earlier than in history...
If there are no surprises, she should be influenced by her friend, Sakura Star O?
It feels like in any timeline, she only gives her all when Sakura Star O is present. She got second in the Satsuki Sho and Kikuka Sho precisely when the latter won the championship.
If I remember correctly, Sakura Star O is still hospitalized. Gold City must be planning to retire for this reason...
I'll find an opportunity to ask her later.
While he was pondering silently, the phone call on the other side was also coming to an end.
"That's about it, Oguri. Remember to watch my performance in the Tenno Sho (Spring) tomorrow!"
"Mhmm! I will."
"Mhmm, then bye-bye..."
Hearing this, Kitahara quickly interjected.
"Wait a minute, Tamamo Cross. Later, tell Inari One, Komiyama, and Yusuhara that I have something to discuss with you all."
He mused, "If you are training normally today, the summary meeting will be after the afternoon session, right? Just let me know then. We'll connect by phone or video call."
"Huh? Uncle Kitahara?"
Tamamo Cross was surprised, then laughed, "No need for that. You and Oguri should just relax at the hot springs. Komiyama and Yusuhara are very dedicated, so don't worry!"
"Besides, you, as the Chief, should know best about Eisei's training level. It's the best at the Central Treisen Academy."
She said confidently:
"Both Dicta and Gold City and the others all say they envy our training conditions."
"When Dicta Striker and the others are in class, they even tell Oguri and me that although they really want to catch up with our progress, they also know there is still a gap."
"Oh, right, you must have watched Trainer Naise's interview today."
"It was Dicta Striker and the others who secretly told me that their Chief deliberately arranged these three races, not only to try to catch up with us in terms of wins but also to avoid running into Oguri Cap, Super Creek, and Mejiro Ardan."
Upon hearing this, Kitahara was slightly taken aback, and Oguri Cap became confused.
"Eh? Avoid running into us? Why?"
"Because she's not absolutely confident in winning," Tamamo Cross's tone was filled with obviousness.
"Everyone in the academy is saying that the three of you, Oguri, are probably the strongest horse girls in this year's Classic-age races. It would definitely be very difficult to beat you."
"Dicta Striker and the other two feel the same way, but they still want to compete with you."
"It's just a shame that even if they want to compete, they can't bypass their trainer and enter themselves. Oh, oh, right, they also asked me to help ask Uncle Kitahara if the three of you plan to enter the upcoming races."
"Those are the NHK Mile Cup, the Aoba Sho, and the Principal Stakes. They want to compete again."
Hearing this, Oguri Cap didn't respond but looked at Kitahara with some curiosity.
"...Is Naise so wary of us? With her competitive personality, I feel like that shouldn't be the case..."
Kitahara didn't respond directly, but instead felt puzzled. "If she really wants to compete, why wouldn't she tell me?"
"Well, I already said it's not her idea, but Dicta Striker and the others'," Tamamo Cross explained, then laughed, "You trainers are usually busy with your own things. How can you hear things like this, unlike us horse girls who see each other at school every day?"
"Forget about that, Uncle. Are you planning to enter Oguri and the others in those three races: the NHK Mile Cup, the Aoba Sho, and the Principal Stakes? I asked Komiyama and the others, and they said you haven't arranged it."
"...It seems our reputation is even bigger than I thought. You all actually talk about it regularly."
Although he knew Tamamo Cross couldn't see him, Kitahara couldn't help but nod, sighing with emotion.
"I should drop by your class sometime. I'm curious how you horse girls usually evaluate Eisei."
"I truly don't plan to enter Oguri Cap and the others in those three races," he then explained, "This racing schedule is essentially rekitousen (frequent racing) training, and I don't plan to use this method."
"They just need to focus on preparing for the Japanese Derby. With our current training level, the classic route doesn't require rekitousen."
He said confidently, "Of course, your and Inari One's Senior route doesn't need it either."
"If Naise Fumino wants to compete, let her wait at the Japanese Derby, and the same goes for Dicta Striker and the others."
"Remember, tell them to maintain their condition, rest up, and not let the rekitousen affect their performance in the Japanese Derby."
He hinted to Tamamo Cross and finally said, "In any case, stop bringing up the topic of competition. I have my arrangements."
"Similarly, remember to contact me during today's summary meeting. I have arrangements to discuss."
Hearing him emphasize it again, Tamamo Cross stopped insisting and hung up the phone after agreeing.
Throughout the rest of the journey, Aiko and her daughter, who had been listening to the phone conversation, had some questions.
"Mr. Kitahara, the horse girl just now was from Team Eisei, right?"
Aiko hesitated, "Do you also think Little Spe can participate in the Tenno Sho (Spring) in the future? If I remember correctly, that's a very important race. Little Spe..."
With a worried expression, she reached out and gently stroked Little Special Week, who looked utterly innocent beside her.
...It feels like the situation back then, when I invited Oguri Cap to join the team.
Listening to Aiko's words, Kitahara showed a reminiscent expression.
It seemed that all mothers were like this. White Narubi was the same back then, hoping for a bright future for her daughter, but also feeling hesitant about it.
"The Tenno Sho (Spring) is indeed very important. It's one of the earliest races in the Twinkle Series, belonging to one of the Eight Major Races."
After explaining and drawing on his experience talking with White Narubi, Kitahara offered reassurance, and at the same time, an idea came to him.
"Don't worry. Little Spe is very talented. Your current worries are likely due to your lack of understanding of Eisei's training and the training your daughter will undergo."
"So, I suggest that you and Little Spe come to Tokyo for a period of time later to simply observe her training. That way, you won't worry too much."
"You also don't have to worry about accommodation. As I mentioned before, Oguri Cap's mother is currently staying at the Central Tracen Academy. You can talk to her, and that should help you feel much more at ease."
"I see, that seems like a good idea..."
Aiko had refused to go to Tokyo before, but that was because she was considering the expenses for Special Week's tuition and training equipment.
If it was just to visit the academy and observe her daughter's training, she felt there would be no problem, so she readily agreed.
"Alright, then I will take Little Spe to Tokyo for a short stay later. I'll leave the arrangements to you, Mr. Kitahara." Being naturally straightforward, she didn't stand on ceremony.
"No problem, leave it to me," Kitahara agreed with a smile.
"Mama is going to Tokyo too? That's wonderful!" Little Special Week was also happy.
Upon arriving at the Mombetsu Onsen, Kitahara naturally couldn't go to the women's bath with Oguri Cap and the others.
After asking Aiko to look after them, he went to the men's bath alone. After quickly washing up, he changed into a short-sleeved shirt and shorts.
He inquired with the hot spring attendant, borrowed a computer in the office, opened the URA Association's official website, and brought up the special column for the Twinkle Series.
Girls usually take a long time to bathe, and I guess horse girls are the same, especially when soaking in a hot spring.
Then I can use this time to deal with some training matters. He thought with some satisfaction as he opened the Tenno Sho (Spring) page.
What he intended to tell Tamamo Cross and the others was actually quite simple: do not use the "Domain" in this Tenno Sho (Spring). They can win by running normally.
According to the team's current analysis, the focus is no longer just on the "Domain," but on how to master the ability to enter the "Domain" autonomously and coordinate it with regular training.
The data from Tamamo Cross and Inari One's Hanshin Daishoten, and Oguri Cap's Yayoi Sho and Satsuki Sho, showed that they had already stepped into the "Domain."
Mejiro Ardan and Super Creek were also not far from this stage. With the current abilities of the team's other three horse girls and the assistance of Maruzensky and Mejiro Ramonu, they could completely help the two of them reach that step in training races
But this is merely the entry-level "Domain," which possesses a certain degree of instability.
Without a suitable way to use it, situations like "activating the ultimate too early" in mobile games can occur in official races.
The collective "cratering" (sudden slowing down) of all the horse girls in the Hanshin Daishoten, who sped up under the stimulation of Tamamo Cross and Inari One, was precisely due to this reason.
If this progress is not pushed further, the horse girls and trainers outside of Team Eisei will sooner or later discover this point and will have corresponding counter-strategies.
To truly maximize the effect of the "Domain," on one hand, it is still necessary to continue strengthening fundamental ability training.
This is analogous to the different stages in a mobile game. If the "Domain" is compared to an "inherent skill" or "ultimate ability," then fundamental abilities are the version scores.
In the initial "URA Scenario," abilities with an A-rank or A+ score were considered good.
When most "trainers" hadn't figured out the basics, having a B+ might have been based on luck.
S-rank to SS+ required an unknown sacrifice, and horse girls with such scores were essentially the top-tier ones at the launch of the game.
By the time of the "Unity Cup Scenario," SS+ was no longer a big deal. Then, in the "Peak Performance Scenario," the top-tier UE surpassed SS+ by more than a dozen score levels.
[Ya'll are not ready for Make A New Track Scenario. Some advice: start hoarding the clocks right now]
And regardless of the scenario, the "inherent skill" mostly just undergoes some numerical adjustments based on the specific version, and the overall effect does not change much.
In this situation, since the team's horse girls have initially stepped into the "Domain," it is equivalent to completing the "character level up" prematurely.
Applying this concept, the next step is to "boost the attributes."
They currently have sufficient resources, such as "wind tunnel equipment" and "gravity chambers," "biomechanical simulation modeling," and "OmegaWave," which will be gradually equipped later. This is equivalent to moving the items from the "Grand Master Scenario" into the "URA Scenario" at the time of the game's launch.
With everything properly arranged, even if Oguri Cap and the others' fundamental abilities only reach UG, not UE, they can still present an overwhelming advantage against the other horse girls at the current stage.
I just hope people don't say I'm using a horse girl from a later version to bully one from the current version, Kitahara suddenly thought with a bit of amusement.
On the other hand, the key is to integrate the "Domain" with regular training.
The "Domain" can be trained, and it is the key to actively entering it.
Various theories have mentioned the existence of a "switch" for the "Domain." In sports psychology, this is called the "contextual effect" and can be achieved through specific training.
In layman's terms, it means carrying out "immersive" training daily.
By focusing on markers similar to those on the racetrack, such as the 200-meter or 400-meter marker boards at the edge of the track, or markers like the grandstand or light posts, they can form the connection: "marker = activation" in their minds.
This method is not only used in training; performing arts also have similar concepts.
Many performers involved in film, dance, stand-up comedy, or public speaking will pay attention to certain venue details during practice. When performing live, if they forget their lines or want to enter an immersive state, they will glance at that detail.
With this kind of practice, the autonomous entry into the "Domain" can be achieved.
This point is also reflected in the manga.
For example, Oguri Cap mastered the ability to actively enter the "Domain" by adapting to the 200-meter marker board.
Tamamo Cross, who mastered the ability to actively enter the "Domain" even earlier, utilized this ability in races to switch positions, close the distance, and prepare for the final sprint in advance.
Through these two aspects of improvement, Team Eisei's strength will undoubtedly be greatly enhanced.
Kitahara is generally conservative, but thinking this far, he couldn't help but believe that when they reach that point, Tamamo Cross and Inari One will have virtually no rivals on the Senior route, and Oguri Cap, Super Creek, and Mejiro Ardan will become the strongest of their Classic generation.
Once they reach that stage, at the very least, the Japanese horse girl world will regard Eisei as a strong rival, or even the only opponent. But that's not the most important thing...
He couldn't help but think:
The most important thing is that horse girls and trainers will choose to learn Eisei's training methods. This will not only significantly boost the strength of the entire industry.
Moreover, with the help of the "Domain," they will gradually no longer have to worry about injuries, truly allowing them to run carefree on the track of their dreams.
Examining the race information for the Tenno Sho (Spring) and briefly taking some notes on his phone, after sorting things out for a while, Kitahara felt that Oguri Cap and the others would still be soaking in the hot spring for a bit longer, and Tamamo Cross was still training.
After contemplating for a moment, he decided to take a short rest, leaning back in the chair and closing his eyes to meditate.
Unintentionally, he fell asleep.
He woke up to the sound of hushed talking nearby. Opening his eyes groggily and subconsciously attempting to get up, he was surprised to find something draped over him.
He opened his eyes in confusion to look at what was on him and found a familiar light-brown fuzzy trench coat.
...Isn't this Oguri Cap's coat? Is she here...?
He picked up the fuzzy trench coat in surprise and stood up, raising his gaze.
He soon found Oguri Cap and Little Special Week seated opposite the desk in front of him, facing a phone placed on the other desk. They were smiling and talking in low voices.
Oguri Cap was sitting in the office chair, with Little Special Week sitting in her lap, looking like a pair of close sisters.
Kitahara couldn't help but smile slightly and was about to say something when Oguri Cap's eyes moved, and she looked over.
"Ah, Kitahara, you're awake."
Standing up while holding Little Special Week, she smiled, "The two of us came to find you after finishing the hot spring. We asked the attendant, and they said you were here."
"When we came in, we saw you were sleeping, so we didn't disturb you."
"Are you hungry? Ms. Aiko went to the kitchen to ask for an extra meal, so dinner will be a little late. Do you want to eat some fruit?"
She pointed to the desk.
Kitahara then noticed that the desk next to the two horse girls was piled with various fruits and vegetables: apples, bananas, carrots, corn, and the like.
"I'm not really hungry... Is it already dinner time? Shoot, I told Tamamo Cross I would contact them..."
He said in a daze, then suddenly felt annoyed.
"Don't worry, Kitahara."
Hearing his words, Oguri Cap smiled and pointed to the desk in front of her, "I saw you weren't awake yet, so I made a video call with Tamamo Cross for you."
"They are still arranging tomorrow's tactics, so I let Little Spe listen in as well."
"If she's going to join Eisei in the future, it would be better for her to learn a little now."
Hearing this, Little Special Week, who was dangling in mid-air, excitedly chimed in:
"Yes, yes, Big Sister Oguri told me a lot about the race, and Big Sister Tamamo and the others also said a lot."
She smiled confidently and patted her chest, "I feel like I learned a lot, and I will definitely become even better in future training!"
With her feet off the ground while being held, her pat on the chest caused her little body to involuntarily swing in mid-air.
"Oh, oh, I'm sorry, Little Spe."
Oguri Cap awkwardly put her down and patted her head, "I saw your mother do it before, so I couldn't help but do the same..."
"It's okay. I'm used to it, hehe."
Scratching her head innocently, Little Special Week looked unconcerned, then her expression changed, and she pointed to the phone on the desk.
"Ah, Big Sister Tamamo seems to be calling you, Big Sister Oguri."
Oguri Cap froze for a moment and turned to look at the phone. Kitahara also heard the sound from that side.
"Hello! Oguri Cap, quickly call Uncle Kitahara over. Isn't he awake?"
"Alright, alright, I'm coming, I'm coming. Tamamo Cross, stop shouting."
Walking over with an amused expression, Kitahara glanced at the screen and saw Tamamo Cross's slightly sulky little face, as well as Komiyama and Yumihara. Sparkling Koki and Kyoko were further in the background.
"Since you're all here, I'll get straight to the point... Wait, where's Inari One?"
Just as he asked in confusion, he heard a dissatisfied voice on the phone.
"I'm here, I'm here. Seriously, why are you standing so high, Tamamo Cross..."
After a sound of a chair being moved, Inari One's little face appeared at the bottom of the screen. Her expression was as sulky as Tamamo Cross's, and she looked a little disgruntled.
"Even if you want to fit everyone in, why can't you let someone else hold the phone? Like letting A-Rō do it. You just had to stand on a chair yourself."
"I didn't think that much. Besides, didn't you also grab a chair and stand on it?"
"I only stood on it because I saw you standing on it!"
...You two are a couple of jokes...
Kitahara then realized that both Tamamo Cross and Inari One were standing on chairs, and he was momentarily speechless. He then cleared his throat to adjust his mood and got down to business.
"Ahem, stop arguing. What I have to say is not complicated."
At this, the other side of the phone instantly quieted down.
"For Tamamo Cross and Inari One's Tenno Sho (Spring) tomorrow, I just checked the competition. Judging from past data, there is still a certain gap between them and Tamamo Cross and Inari One."
"Is the current data the same?"
Even though he hadn't personally managed Tamamo Cross and Inari One's training for only two or three days, Kitahara still didn't make an immediate assertion about the situation and inquired first.
"Don't worry. Although we just collected it on the side, we are definitely top-notch in terms of data ability."
On the video call, Komiyama smiled and pulled Miyagi Kyoko closer, "All of the team's equipment is installed at the academy's training grounds, and Kyoko organizes the data properly every day."
"After such a long time, we have real-time data for basically all the horse girls in the academy."
"If we were to compete in this aspect, I think even the archives at the General Assembly, the Student Council, or even the URA Association might not be as comprehensive as ours."
"And based on this data, Tamamo Cross and Inari One indeed have a sufficient advantage in this Tenno Sho (Spring)."
"Good, that's good."
Nodding, Kitahara stated directly, "Then for this race, Tamamo Cross and Inari One should not use the 'Domain,' even if it's triggered, do not use it."
Komiyama was immediately surprised. Not just her, everyone on the screen looked a little startled.
Kitahara didn't wait for their questions and immediately explained.
"You all must have felt something in the previous Hanshin Daishoten and Satsuki Sho trial race, as well as the recent Satsuki Sho, right?"
He said gravely, "Our main goal during this period was to let Oguri Cap and the others make contact with the 'Domain,' not to use it recklessly."
"Because, according to our classification, first contact with the 'Domain' can only be considered 'entry-level,' and there are many unstable factors during this period."
"We were able to win these few races entirely because Oguri Cap and the others' fundamental abilities in all aspects were excellent enough to offset the negative effects brought by the instability of the 'entry-level' Domain."
"Just consider a few scenarios."
"For example, in the Hanshin Daishoten, if some horse girls hadn't been intimidated by Tamamo Cross and Inari One, or if Dicta Striker and the others completely ignored the 'Domain' and competed in the Yayoi Sho or Satsuki Sho, the results might have been completely different."
At this, Komiyama and the others frowned.
Team Eisei's trainers and horse girls were not weak, and even with just a description from Kitahara, they could envision the risks involved and couldn't help but feel a little hesitant.
"In that case, what you said is right, Senpai..."
After hesitating, Komiyama was a bit confused, "But you also said that we spent so much energy and even took some risks in races to achieve the current results. If we don't use it..."
She trailed off.
"Don't be anxious. First of all, we're just not considering the use of the 'entry-level' Domain. You all know that with the abilities of Tamamo Cross, Inari One, and Oguri Cap, if they don't factor in these extras in the race, their chances of winning will actually be greater."
Kitahara smiled and reassured them, "To be a bit arrogant, if they run purely on ability, it would be difficult for them to lose."
"Secondly, it's what I haven't had a chance to say yet: how to master the Domain. I will arrange corresponding training once I return."
"Let's take the Hanshin Daishoten as an example again. Tamamo Cross and Inari One successfully stepped into the 'Domain' in the race, but they also prematurely exhausted their stamina as a result."
"If they could actively control the timing of the 'Domain's activation, for example, by placing that stage of ability enhancement during the final sprint, wouldn't victory be guaranteed?"
Seeing Komiyama and the others show expressions of realization and pleasant surprise upon hearing this, Kitahara smiled again.
"It seems you all understand now, so for this Tenno Sho (Spring), do as I say."
"With their abilities, this race doesn't require the 'Domain.'"
"As for the subsequent training, I will make proper arrangements."
"OK, we'll follow your lead!"
Komiyama nodded seriously in agreement and then pondered, "Then, Senpai, regarding the specific running style and tactics..."
"You don't need to ask me about that."
Kitahara interrupted her with a smile before she could finish, "I'm not that divine to arrange specific running styles and tactics without being present."
"What if it rains tomorrow or there are other conditions, and the track or opponents change? Are you going to ask me again?"
"I'm out traveling, and this is also a chance for me to observe you all. You should also demonstrate your ability to stand on your own two feet through this Tenno Sho (Spring)."
"You'll be fine."
After encouraging the team members and chatting a bit more, promising to bring back some Hokkaido specialties, Kitahara ended the video call.
It was almost dinner time. At the instruction of the experienced Aiko, the hot spring inn prepared an ample amount of food that night.
Amidst the wide-eyed expressions of the other guests, Kitahara habitually ignored the surrounding gazes and suggested that Aiko and her daughter stay overnight at the inn.
The original purpose of coming to the inn was to discuss Special Week's schooling in Tokyo.
Now that Aiko had agreed to the suggestion of going to Tokyo for a period, and Kitahara had been busy with team matters, the communication with Aiko and her daughter was delayed, so they naturally needed more time together.
Kitahara felt a little apologetic, and at the same time suggested:
"Staying overnight here, we can finalize and clarify all the arrangements tomorrow morning."
"If things go smoothly, we might even be able to go to Little Spe's current school to complete the related procedures in the morning. Ms. Aiko, you can also prepare to go to Tokyo sooner."
"And tomorrow afternoon is the Tenno Sho (Spring). We can watch it with Little Spe and teach her some common knowledge about training and racing."
"What do you think?"
Aiko did not object. This arrangement, in her view, was one of the guarantees that Kitahara had agreed to mentor Special Week.
If he wasn't willing to mentor and value her daughter, he wouldn't start explaining common knowledge now. The mother thought this.
It was her deceased friend's wish to nurture Special Week into an excellent horse girl, and Aiko hoped to achieve it, but she also knew her own limitations.
She knew Kitahara was far more excellent than herself, arguably one of the most outstanding trainers currently, and his team was at the top level domestically. Given this opportunity now, she certainly didn't want to miss it.
So, after she agreed, the group stayed overnight at the inn.
After a good soak in the hot spring the night before and feeling a long-awaited sense of relaxation, Kitahara seriously discussed the transfer matters with Aiko early the next morning, and Aiko readily agreed.
The two then went to Special Week's current elementary school and contacted the school in Tokyo. The corresponding transfer procedures were quickly completed.
Packing was postponed for a while because the entire transfer process took them until the afternoon.
Not wanting to break his promise to Aiko and her daughter, and also unable to miss Tamamo Cross and Inari One's Tenno Sho (Spring), Kitahara brought Aiko back to the inn, called Oguri Cap and Little Special Week, and they watched the race broadcast together in the room.
Kitahara felt that the difference between participating in a race as a trainer and watching it was quite significant.
When going to the track with the horse girls, most of the time is spent communicating race arrangements and checking details, and time seems to fly by quickly.
When watching on television, the pre-race period is filled with the interactions of broadcasters, commentators, and some guests, mostly discussing the horse girls in the race and some historical anecdotes about the event.
While these are naturally helpful for fans to understand, they were a bit boring for Kitahara, as he was well aware of everything being broadcast on TV, and even knew more about some of the internal matters of the trainers and horse girls.
So, taking advantage of the commentators' and interviewers' time on the screen, he simply started explaining the details of the Tenno Sho (Spring) to Little Special Week beside him.
Little Special Week, Oguri Cap, and Aiko were all sitting on the nearby sofa, and their posture looked even more serious and professional than Kitahara's.
The table in front of them was covered with various snacks, such as grilled kurumaebi (prawns), shrimp crackers, dried saury, and shredded squid, all local Hokkaido seafood specialties.
In addition, there were drinks like carrot juice, corn juice, and honey beverages.
They were also holding pompoms, hand drums, and cheering sticks for cheering, and had "Cheer for Tamamo Cross and Inari One" headbands tied around their heads. It looked like they were going to cheer enthusiastically, even though Tamamo Cross and Inari One couldn't see them.
And at their insistence, Kitahara was also wearing a headband and holding two shakers, ready to cheer along with them later.
He was currently holding the shakers and lightly shaking them towards the TV screen. He looked at the curious Little Special Week and mused:
"The Tenno Sho (Spring) is the longest race among the G1 races, and it is usually held at the Kyoto Racecourse."
"In the past, there were cases where the Tenno Sho (Spring) was moved to the Hanshin Racecourse due to track renovations, but that was many years ago, and it won't happen again recently."
"So, let's talk about the Tenno Sho (Spring) at Kyoto."
"For the 3200-meter course, according to the track conditions at Kyoto, the starting point is in the middle of the back straight on the outer track. You have to run one and a half laps of the outer track."
He paused here, and when the TV screen switched to a long shot of the Kyoto Racecourse, he used the screen image to explain to the astonished Little Special Week:
"Look, for such a large outer loop, running one and a half laps requires a lot of stamina."
"The slope isn't too bad. The two ups and downs are both about 475 meters, which is much better than the steep slope of less than 100 meters in Tokyo."
"The final straight is about 404 meters, which is a great advantage for horse girls with strong sprinting ability."
"In summary, without considering other factors, the Tenno Sho (Spring) at the Kyoto Racecourse primarily tests stamina."
Just as he finished this sentence and was about to continue, Little Special Week suddenly showed a curious expression and asked:
"Then, are the challenges different if there are other factors involved?"
"You're quite clever."
Hearing this, Kitahara smiled, "That's right. The other factors usually involve the barrier draw and track conditions."
"Oh, oh! I know that!"
Little Special Week seemed eager to show off and said excitedly, "Mama told me that for the barrier draw, positions closer to the inner track are generally more advantageous, right?"
"Ms. Aiko is correct. That's true in most situations."
He said this diplomatically, pointing to the TV screen, and Kitahara smiled and explained:
"For a long-straight starting course like the Tenno Sho (Spring), the disadvantage of an outer draw isn't as great, as there is enough distance to adjust position."
"Conversely, the horse girl in the innermost barrier might be at a disadvantage because they can easily get boxed in, leaving them with less room for tactical choices."
"If the inner turf condition is poor, the horse girls on the inside will have to move to the outside track, which wastes leg strength. In that case, the inner barrier becomes a disadvantageous position."
"I see! It looks like I still have a lot to learn," Little Special Week pondered.
Aiko, however, was a bit embarrassed. She could hear Kitahara's tactfulness, and her tone inevitably became apologetic.
"It seems that many of the things I taught myself before were flawed. Mr. Kitahara, please excuse me. I hope you will teach Little Spe more in the future so that she won't be misled by me."
"I am teaching her now, aren't I? Don't worry."
Kitahara smiled to reassure her, then pondered for a moment and looked at the TV screen.
"Also, since I'm not at the track for this race, I can't be sure about the turf condition, the opponents' situation, and other details. Any deeper analysis will probably have to wait until the race starts."
"Perfect timing. It's the pre-race parade now, so the race will be starting soon."
(End of Chapter)