With the reputation of being a "Super G2," the Mainichi Okan naturally attracted a large number of spectators.
There wasn't just one race on race day. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a total of twelve races were scheduled.
As usual, the Mainichi Okan was placed as the second-to-last race, at 3 p.m.
Quite a number of spectators skipped the earlier races entirely and only arrived after 2 p.m.
As a result, when Kitahara led New Radiance and the others from the preparation room toward the spectator stands, they found the path extremely crowded.
Especially since they had once again chosen the ground-level viewing area—the closest spot to the track, start, and finish lines—the route there was even more congested.
After quite some effort squeezing into the viewing area, they first saw Hosoe Junko and Akashi Tsubaki already waiting there.
Then they spotted Maruzensky.
"Maruzensky? What are you doing here? Weren't you with Rudolf and the others?" Kitahara asked in surprise.
"Yo~ long time no see, Kitahara."
With a cheerful greeting, Maruzensky gave a thumbs-up and pointed behind her without turning around. "Rudolf and the others are in the VIP seats."
"Up there…"
Following her gesture toward the top of the stands, Kitahara murmured to himself, but Maruzensky continued:
"Originally, she and Chiyono and the others were going to watch from here too. After all, this is her first time attending as a 'trainer.'"
"According to them, it's quite a novel experience."
Hearing that, Kitahara couldn't help but laugh.
"Then why not just register as a trainer with the URA Association? With your abilities, I think the overall level of horse girls in Japan would definitely rise."
"You think highly of us. I'll take that as a compliment."
Smiling, Maruzensky shook her head.
"In reality, only Rudolf can really train. We were just helping her a bit."
"Being able to run is one thing, but teaching is another."
"A professional role like a trainer is better left to people like you."
"Even Rudolf herself said that even though she understands your club's training methods, after actually guiding others and reviewing it, she still notices details she missed."
"In short, helping train Sirius Symboli and the others this time was mainly to confirm some things."
"Now that we've got the results, we'll hand all the data and analysis over to you. That's enough for us."
After summarizing their "trainer experience," Maruzensky suddenly changed the topic.
"Rudolf and the others are accompanying Dance."
Hearing this, Kitahara froze.
"Dance Dancing Brave… is already in Japan? Why haven't I heard anything?"
He was genuinely surprised. He had known long ago that Dancing Brave would come to Japan.
But according to earlier plans, it was supposed to be around the Japan Cup in late November.
Now it was only early October—almost two months earlier.
Arriving this early felt unusual.
And likely, something had influenced the schedule.
Was it progress in her medical treatment? Or something else?
As he thought about it, Maruzensky continued:
"Not just Dancing Brave—Prince Khalid and his training team have also come."
"The main purpose is, of course, her treatment."
"With the direction you provided and the medical technology from Prince Khalid, Professor Furuku's research is progressing very smoothly."
"Conservatively speaking, a treatment plan for 'Marie's Disease' might be ready by the end of the year."
"Of course, it would only apply to her specifically, not widely yet—but that's enough for them."
"With that in mind, it's no surprise Prince Khalid rushed over."
"To avoid disturbances during treatment, the visit wasn't publicized."
"Only high-level members of both teams, academy leadership, and medical staff involved in consultations know."
"And aside from medical reasons, you know—Dancing Brave is also the student council president of the European academy."
"So coming early also serves another purpose…"
"Scouting, probably."
[Imagine she takes away Deep Impact lmao]
Before she finished, Kitahara smiled.
"After all, the one coming to the Japan Cup is Europe's strongest active horse girl—the newly crowned Arc winner."
Maruzensky paused, then her usual relaxed smile faded slightly.
"That's right."
"A few days ago, Tony Bianca won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe."
"At the press conference, she directly stated she would participate in the Japan Cup."
"This is the first time an Arc winner will run in the Japan Cup."
"Likely because of her, many international powerhouses are joining."
"Moonlight Madness, Sky Chase from New Zealand, the American giant Michelle My Baby..
"In short, while international competitors have appeared before, this year's lineup is unprecedented."
"The URA Association is under increasing pressure because of this."
"And for the same reason, when Rudolf reported Dance's visit, it was almost rejected."
Maruzensky gave a wry smile.
"They're worried she might be scouting for her juniors."
"Even if her main goal is treatment, the URA won't see it that way."
"But due to Prince Khalid's status and international considerations, they can't actually do much."
"So Rudolf and the others will probably have to accompany her the whole time."
"I'll probably go help too."
She sighed again.
"Sometimes I really don't understand what those 'big shots' are thinking."
"They talk about bringing Japanese horse girls to the world, but when the world comes here, they get scared."
"And this is just Dance. If Seattle Slew and Affirmed come too, the association might explode."
While Maruzensky joked and complained, Kitahara didn't laugh.
He was thinking.
The timeline was no longer fully under his control.
His actions had clearly altered many developments.
Gold City returning, Sakura Star O avoiding tragedy—these were obvious examples.
Sirius Symboli and others had also grown stronger than in history.
Even overseas, the butterfly effect might exist.
For example, Tony Bianca.
In Kitahara's memory, she once placed fifth in the Japan Cup despite a fracture.
Before that, she had won the Arc, then raced again two weeks later in Italy, finishing second in a G1 despite fatigue.
That strength alone was terrifying.
If she were in perfect condition here, the Japan Cup would be extremely uncertain.
And if her team addressed her health earlier in this timeline…
Then the threat would be even greater.
As he thought, Maruzensky looked at him with concern.
"I think you've already considered a lot—like the Japan Cup."
"But before that, you have other things to focus on."
"Like the Mainichi Okan, and then the Kikuka Sho."
She pointed toward a section of the stands.
"I saw Trainer Nasie and Dicta Striker—they're over there."
"They've been getting stronger too."
"At the Hakodate Kinen, Dicta Striker broke records and won by seven lengths."
"And second place was Lovely Beauty, the Derby winner."
"Sakura Chiyono O, Yaeno Muteki—they've all improved significantly since summer training."
"I admit Oguri Cap and the others are very strong."
"But not yet at the level of Secretariat or Ms. Tazuna."
"So you can't relax in any race."
After saying this, she smiled encouragingly.
"I'm not trying to pressure you—I believe in you."
"Honestly, this information might already be outdated for you."
"Maybe I just want my trainer to become even better."
Kitahara was about to thank her—then froze.
"…Wait. Your trainer?"
He looked confused.
"What trainer?"
Maruzensky blinked.
"Isn't that you?"
"…Me?"
"Yeah."
She shrugged.
"I can't participate in the Twinkle Series anymore."
"So there's only your 'Summit Cup.'"
"If I compete, I'll need a trainer, right?"
"Or do you think I'm not good enough?"
"…Of course not," Kitahara said helplessly.
"You're the 'Dream Supercar.' There's no way I'd think that."
"I was just thinking about the upcoming races…"
Maruzensky laughed.
"It is sudden."
"I didn't even believe you at first when you said we might race again someday."
"But you're actually making it happen."
"That relay race… I really enjoyed it."
"I haven't run that freely in a long time."
"So now, I truly believe in you."
She smiled and patted his arm.
"You've got plenty to worry about later. No need to rush now."
"Let's focus on this race… Hmm, why is the parade taking so long?"
Hearing that, Kitahara turned his attention to the screen.
At that moment, an apologetic announcement came over the speakers:
"We apologize—there has been a minor incident during the parade."
"While performing a European-style dance, Sirius Symboli accidentally collided with Track King and Dyna Actress."
"Fortunately, Oguri Cap anticipated this and helped them avoid danger."
"The medical team has arrived."
"Initial checks show no injuries—only shock."
"Updates will follow."
"We ask for your understanding."
"Also, Sirius Symboli's trainer and President Rudolf Symboli, please report to the control room."
The crowd fell silent—then erupted into chatter.
Meanwhile, Kitahara and Maruzensky both covered their faces.
"What is she doing… Sirius…"
"Rudolf's going to lose it… getting called in like a parent, with foreign guests present…"
They sighed together, then exchanged wry smiles.
"Looks like she still can't control her show-off personality," Maruzensky said.
Then she looked at him curiously.
"Did you predict that?"
"You had Oguri Cap help because you expected something like this?"
"…Don't overestimate me. There's no way I could predict that."
Kitahara denied it quickly, then changed the subject.
"But I do know the opponents well."
"That part is true."
"You know my preparation style."
"Yeah," she nodded.
Maruzensky nodded and didn't press further. She simply crossed her arms, smiling leisurely as she looked toward the still-empty track.
"I'm already looking forward to this Mainichi Okan…"
Kitahara felt he wasn't exactly lying.
From what he remembered, something had gone wrong with Sirius Symboli in this year's Mainichi Okan.
It seemed she had thrown a tantrum and injured an opponent, forcing someone to withdraw.
But details like that couldn't be guaranteed to happen again, so he hadn't specifically warned or hinted to anyone.
Because of that, Oguri Cap's reaction had completely exceeded his expectations.
It also made him realize more clearly that while some races and events in this world were still familiar, the changes were becoming more and more significant.
The abnormal situation in the parade ring didn't last long.
As the announcer declared that all participants were fine, cheers filled the entire stadium. Under staff guidance, the horse girls began heading toward their starting gates.
With her undefeated double crown record so far, Oguri Cap was unquestionably the most popular runner in this Mainichi Okan.
So when her gate number was announced, the crowd's cheers surged into a small climax.
But Oguri Cap paid no attention to the cheers. Instead, she quietly observed her surroundings from the corner of her eye.
…Kitahara's analysis was completely right. Compared to before, when all opponents focused on me, in this race…
"Stars?"
That's the name, right? Sakura Star…?
Trying to recall, her gaze drifted between two horse girls.
One of them she knew well—a rare pale golden hair, tail, and ear color.
In the entire Twinkle Series, only Gold City had that distinctive "chestnut-blonde" coat.
Because of her dazzling appearance, the announcer had even called her a "once-in-a-century beauty" earlier.
The other also looked somewhat familiar, and she quickly realized why.
Like Sakura Chiyono O, she had cherry-red short hair and white ear covers.
On her right ear cover was also a sakura ornament.
The difference was that this "Sakura" wore a white headband across her forehead, neatly lined with stars.
Her aura was completely different from Sakura Chiyono O.
From Chiyono O, Oguri Cap felt warmth and simplicity.
From this one—Sakura Star O—she felt something heavy… sorrowful.
…Is it because of the fate Kitahara mentioned…
Oguri Cap had heard about Sakura Star O's past from Kitahara.
Though she didn't know everything, what she did know was enough to sense the misfortune that senpai had endured.
Thinking about it, Oguri Cap even felt that being able to simply run, to compete, to have her mother and sister supporting her—and Kitahara and the others by her side—made her very fortunate.
As she was thinking, the two she had been watching suddenly looked over.
Sakura Star O paused, said something to Gold City, then walked over and extended her hand.
"Although I've long heard of you, this is probably our first proper meeting face-to-face, right?"
Despite her heavy aura, her tone was gentle, and she even smiled slightly.
"Let me formally introduce myself. I'm Sakura Star O. Nice to meet you."
"Oh… um, I'm Oguri Cap. Nice to meet you."
Oguri instinctively shook her hand and nodded.
"There are many things I want to thank you for. I've already heard from Gold City that my return to the track is largely thanks to you and your trainer."
Sakura Star O suddenly said something unexpected.
"But if I truly want to thank you, I think I'll have plenty of chances after I join Eisei."
"I hope my performance today won't disappoint you, and that I can live up to being a senior to such an outstanding junior."
"Let's both do our best in this Mainichi Okan."
Oguri Cap didn't pay much attention to things like medical matters or club development.
Not because she didn't care—but because she didn't understand them.
But racing—that she understood completely.
A tremor ran through her body, and she couldn't help but grin.
"Okay. No problem."
Their brief exchange didn't interrupt the race proceedings.
Soon, each runner entered their respective gates.
The announcer's voice rang out like a declaration:
"Alright, all runners are in position—"
"Tokyo Racecourse, Mainichi Okan, G2, 1800 meters turf, left-handed…"
"Start!"
The announcement and the actual start weren't perfectly synchronized.
Because the sound of a starting pistol could startle sensitive horse girls, races actually begin with the opening of the gates.
And because reactions to the gates vary, the start is always critical.
"For a beautiful start—all runners have launched cleanly!"
"And now, the early positioning—"
The announcer paused for less than half a second, then exclaimed:
"The early stage is incredibly intense! This Mainichi Okan has an extremely fierce opening!"
"As expected, this race features the returning double-crown winner Sakura Star O, her rival Gold City—the 'once-in-a-century beauty'—and Sirius Symboli returning from overseas!"
"As well as Dyna Actress, who recently broke the Nakayama mile record, and Brave Viking with 5 wins in 7 races!"
"And of course, the undefeated double-crown holder—Oguri Cap!"
"With such an incredible lineup, it's no surprise this race is so fiercely contested!"
"The early scramble is exactly as predicted!"
"Track King surges to the front—but her rivals won't let her have it!"
"Gold City! It's Gold City!"
"She's using a similar tactic as in the Hanshin Stakes—locking tightly onto the leader!"
"Right behind is Sakura Star O!"
"After over half a year off, she shows no signs of decline—pressing forward aggressively!"
"The distance is tight—no one can break away!"
"Sirius Symboli, Brave Viking, Dyna Actress, New Voice—positions are completely tangled!"
"This start is total chaos!"
"The fight for position is extremely fierce!"
"And the favorite, Oguri Cap—"
"She's trapped in the middle of the pack!"
"In front of her are Brave Viking and Dyna Actress, beside her are Flavor Syrup and New Voice, and behind her is Himiya!"
"An incredibly intense race—worthy of the title 'Strongest G2'! This level rivals some G1 races!"
The announcer was already fired up from the very start.
That usually only happened in G1 races—but this was the Mainichi Okan.
The crowd erupted early.
With so many popular runners, cheers were sharply divided, making the atmosphere explosive—like a powder keg ready to ignite.
The runners felt it too.
Most horse girls had a tendency to get swept up in the moment—some subtly, others very obviously.
Like Sirius Symboli.
"Hahahahaha!"
"Yes, yes, YES!"
"This is what a race should be like!"
"Faster—faster—FASTER!"
"At this speed, I can easily take first place!"
Others weren't affected.
"…Sirius Symboli…"
Keeping close to the leader, Gold City glanced sideways and frowned slightly.
"So she's this noisy and simple-minded during races…?"
She muttered, then looked toward another direction.
…Star O…
Sakura Star O didn't notice.
She was perhaps the only one in the entire race whose mind held nothing but moving forward.
To run again… to stand on this stage again…
It was… wonderful.
The sting of wind on her face.
The scent of grass.
The vibration of each step.
She hadn't felt this for 288 days.
Training wasn't the same.
Only real races had the breathing of rivals, the rhythm of arms, the shared resonance of footsteps.
Even if she sensed Gold City's gaze, she didn't look back.
She didn't need to.
She knew—whether ahead or behind, Gold City was watching her closely.
So there was nothing else to think about.
Just give it everything—to respond to the friend who supported her.
If there was anything to spare attention for, it was the junior behind.
Back in the hospital, she had seen that silver-gray figure on TV.
That was Gold City's suggestion.
"Don't stay depressed, Star O… watch the younger ones race."
And so she learned—
Even with a disability.
Even without pedigree.
Even from the countryside.
That silver-gray runner still rose to the top—an undefeated double crown.
Soon, perhaps even reaching the level of the "Emperor."
So being able to run like this…
With friends… with that inspiring junior…
Was truly…
Wonderful.
Oguri Cap had no idea she had inspired her.
Sakura Star King had never told anyone.
She planned to tell her after this race.
What Oguri Cap did know was this:
The race had reached the worst possible scenario.
Thanks to her wide-field awareness, she understood everything.
As predicted—attention had shifted away from her.
Star King was around third, Gold City second.
Most others were clustered in fourth and fifth.
They were targeting the returning runners.
This forced them forward.
Any lateral movement would cost speed and stamina.
But staying put was also dangerous.
The leader hadn't created enough distance.
That meant no buffer to manage stamina.
This situation could easily lead to one outcome—
Deceleration.
If the leader slowed, both Gold City and Star King would be forced to shift sideways.
Which was effectively the same as initiating a move.
Unnoticed by others, Oguri Cap—often seen as simple-minded—had developed sharp analytical ability.
Real-time race analysis.
This came from her experience.
Especially with overseas races, adapting to different conditions.
Her understanding now surpassed most.
Her instinctive analysis continued.
…Even if they're focusing on them…
She glanced left and right.
Two runners on each side. One behind.
…I'm being boxed in…
1800 meters was too short.
If this continued, she might not find an opening at the final turn.
Then…
Maybe I should break out now…?
Meanwhile, in the VIP box:
"Ah… Rudolf, you're back. What was the result of that incident?"
Symboli Rudolf's expression was terrible.
"…After the race: one week reflection at URA, a 5000-word report, prize money deduction…"
She sighed.
"And one month house confinement."
"Her family is watching. This is humiliating."
Then she entered.
Inside sat Dancing Brave and her trainer Khalid.
She looked weaker than before.
Even in mild weather, she wore a heavy coat.
Dancing Brave glanced over.
"Looks like being president keeps you busy."
Then she looked back at the screen.
"Good thing you came back—you'd miss something interesting."
"Interesting…?"
Rudolf looked.
"…This situation… no one has it easy."
"Stalkers can't break away. Front runners are pressured. Closers are blocked."
Dancing Brave nodded.
"Even I rarely see this."
"Truly worthy of 'Super G2.'"
Then she shifted focus to the back.
"That junior… Oguri Cap, right?"
"I'm curious—how will she win from this position?"
Rudolf was about to answer—
When suddenly, Dance's weak expression vanished.
Her golden-purple eyes sharpened.
"…Using a domain this early?! That Oguri Cap?!"