Soon, she reached the press hall. Her first time as the featured interviewee.
Cameras, recorders, notebooks—the small-market press from around Nagoya wasn't anything like the scrum for Teio last time.
Even so, her heart held a quiet joy. Victory's honor was real.
As she sat, Manager Hayashi edged into a corner, frowning. Why had she refused him earlier?
She'd said, "You'll understand after the interview."
Was she going to do something outrageous?
"Stardust Phantom, you're skipping the Winners' Stage due to fatigue from the escape. Will this affect your next race?" the first reporter asked.
"It won't affect me much. I was just a little drained—you see, I'm fine now."
She flexed an arm with a grin.
"Your result surprised many: a wire-to-wire big escape with a ten-length margin. Was that planned?"
"Someone told me to choose the run that felt best. Once I stepped on course, I followed my feeling—and that was the outcome."
She left no room for "disrespecting opponents."
"But I'll say… running in front feels good. I might choose it more."
"More front-running? Do you mean normal leading—or big escapes?" a reporter pressed.
"Both. I'll run by feel."
Pens scratched everywhere—their instincts told them "more big escapes" was the headline.
"Your second race—your debut was a close second to Tokai Teio. What do you think of her?"
Stardust Phantom didn't answer immediately. She smiled, eyes bright, and glanced toward Manager Hayashi—as if to say, Watch this.
He saw the fire, remembered the duel with Teio, and a bolt of dread hit him.
No—whatever you're about to say, don't—!
"Half a month ago at Nakayama, I lost to Tokai Teio—lost to her strength and her will to win."
Stardust Phantom gripped the mic and spoke through a smile.
Now was the moment Rokuhei had told her to seize.
"People say when two meet, something happens—maybe even the world changes…"
"I believe such a meeting happened that day—between me and her. Stardust Phantom and Tokai Teio."
"It was Teio who taught me what hunger for victory truly means… So I'm going to repay her!"
"Tokai Teio's goal is the undefeated Classic Triple Crown, right?"
Her beast-bright eyes swept the room, the air suddenly heavy; even breathing took effort.
"Then my goal is also the Classic Triple Crown. I'll give it my all—and beating her will be my repayment."
"—Victory starts today!"
Uh, what did she just say?
Her words fell like thunder. Everyone stared at the girl in the center.
Manager Hayashi's expression was as strange as the rest.
Mouth slightly open, he didn't know what to do with his hands or feet. Only his brain spun:
She said… she'll challenge Teio in the Triple Crown?!
No wonder she wanted to wait till after the interview. If they'd struck a deal and she'd then said this, he'd have imploded.
Challenging Teio in the Classics was essentially declaring war on Central!
No—focus. The bigger issue is: where does she get the confidence to even qualify for all three Classic races?
Over 7,000 horsegirls ran last year. But those who earn all three Classic G1 berths in the same year? Maybe about ten.
Each requires qualification—
and each horsegirl only gets one shot at the Classics in her lifetime.
Hayashi had long yearned for a Chukyo "Oguri Cap." Oguri herself never even got to attempt the Triple Crown; fans called hers the "phantom three."
Now this maiden winner casually spoke like she already had the berths in hand?!
Did she know how many would mock her if this headline spread and she failed to qualify?
He cleared his throat and started toward the stage.
This wasn't about promotion anymore.
If he didn't stop the story, he couldn't imagine the ridicule she'd face if she missed the berths.
But he wasn't alone.
All the media were ecstatic. In news, you don't fear bold words—you fear no hook.
They knew enough to see her strength. But in the end, she was Local. Did she truly understand Central?
Openly challenging Teio—within the Classics?
Tomorrow's front pages were set.
Before any could ask follow-ups—and before Hayashi reached her—Stardust Phantom stood, bowed, and left the room without looking back.
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