Chapter 33
Compared to Kitasan Black's debut race day, this race day was a bit cloudy, but the track conditions were excellent.
This was Kitasan Black's second time competing at Tokyo Racecourse. She was noticeably calmer than last time. When Yasui Makoto brought her in, she didn't look around curiously like before.
Since her race was the 7th race at 1:25 PM, they followed the usual routine: track familiarization, warm-up, and the pre-race presentation. Afterward, the two went to the dedicated restaurant to eat.
That was when they unexpectedly ran into three horse girls.
"You don't even know the restaurant window changed, and you still claim you're very familiar with Tokyo Racecourse?"
"I really did race here a lot back then! Besides, I've been studying in Europe these past few years. It's not like they'd specially notify me about renovations at Tokyo Racecourse."
"Europe? Hah— hahaha! What a coincidence, I've been doing tours in Europe a lot these years. Did you ever come watch Vodka's performances?"
"I did hear about senpai's shows. I originally wanted to go, but I had a research project that reached a critical stage… But if senpai has any more performances in the future, I'll definitely come support you!"
"Hah— hahaha! Then it's a promise! I'll reserve the best seat for you."
"I'll come support senpai too!"
"No problem, leave it to me!"
"Hey, can you stop copying me all the time?"
"I'm not copying you! And I'll have plenty of free time for a long while, okay?"
"You say that like I'm super busy…"
"Well, you two are still as close as ever. Need me to book you a private room?"
"Absolutely not! And! We are not that close!" ×2
Hearing the lively arguing and chatting from not far away, Yasui Makoto subconsciously looked over and froze.
Beside him, Kitasan Black had already called out in delight.
"Ah! It's Opera O-senpai! And Daiwa Scarlet-senpai and Vodka-senpai too!"
…So how did these three end up together?
While Yasui Makoto was still puzzled, the three horse girls on the other side heard Kitasan Black's voice and turned to look at the same time.
"What a coincidence, Kitasan. I was actually planning to come find you later… Come sit with us."
Daiwa Scarlet smiled and waved, then turned to the two horse girls at the same table.
"Opera O-senpai, this is the junior I mentioned I wanted to cheer for — Kitasan Black."
While she spoke, Kitasan Black had already excitedly carried her tray over. Yasui Makoto followed behind her with a thoughtful expression.
"Hello, three senpais! I'm Kitasan Black, a first-year at Tracen Academy this year! This is my trainer, Yasui Makoto!"
"Hello, I'm Yasui Makoto. Nice to meet you all. Please take care of me." Yasui Makoto also introduced himself.
"You probably already know Opera O-senpai."
Daiwa Scarlet continued the introductions.
"I don't need much introduction, and as for this one…"
With a slightly disgusted look, she glanced at the brown-haired horse girl beside her.
As if she hadn't noticed Daiwa Scarlet's disgusted gaze, the brown-haired horse girl put two fingers together against her forehead in a cool salute and smiled at Kitasan Black.
"Yo, Kitasan. Long time no see."
Then she looked at Yasui Makoto.
"Hello, Trainer Yasui. I'm Vodka. Nice to meet you. Please take care of me… Hey, can you make some space for them?"
The last sentence was said with clear annoyance toward Daiwa Scarlet.
Not to be outdone, Daiwa Scarlet glared back.
"I clearly made space, okay? And have you gained weight while studying in Europe? It's so cramped."
"I train every day, okay? You're the one who's gotten fat, aren't you?"
"You train every day and still got this fat? What kind of training is that?"
"You don't believe me? There's a track right outside. Want to go run a lap?"
"Hah, you think I'd be scared? Let's go!"
Seeing the two horse girls actually start rolling up their sleeves and heading toward the track, Opera O looked completely used to it and made no move to stop them.
Kitasan Black's mouth twitched with awkward helplessness, while Yasui Makoto remained calm on the surface but felt quite strange inside.
Vodka was the horse girl who, together with Daiwa Scarlet, was known as the "Peerless Pair."
During their active careers, the two of them had completely shattered the "colt vs. filly" prejudice. They were also genuine rivals.
The first time they faced each other on the track, they dueled fiercely for hundreds of meters in the final straight, taking first and second place and leaving third place a full 6 lengths (15 meters) behind.
Vodka won that Oka Sho, but Daiwa Scarlet immediately took revenge in the following Oka Sho.
Then in the Shuka Sho, Daiwa Scarlet won again.
The following year, in the Tenno Sho (Autumn), Vodka won and even improved Special Week's finishing record by a full 0.8 seconds.
Such a legendary rivalry was naturally widely talked about in the industry, and fans loved discussing it.
Yasui Makoto had known about this before, but he had always assumed that two horse girls who were so fiercely competitive on the track would probably not get along off it.
But seeing them in person now… they were arguing fiercely, yet for some reason it felt like…
They were flirting?
"…Trainer, don't be scared…"
While Yasui Makoto was quietly feeling strange, Kitasan Black quietly tugged his sleeve and whispered:
"The two senpais have always been like this. They're actually really close. It just looks like they're fighting…"
"We are not close!" ×2
"…Yeah. Exactly like this."
Okay, they really are flirting. Yasui Makoto nodded silently.
At that moment, the horse girl across from them spoke up.
"Kitasan Black… I remember now. You're in the 1:25 PM race, right?"
"Yes! That's correct, Opera O-senpai!"
Like answering a question in class, Kitasan Black immediately sat up straight, then looked confused.
"How did senpai remember my race time…?"
The horse girl called Opera O had a very glamorous aura and outfit. She wore two gem earrings on each ear and a beautiful crown on her head.
"Because there's a junior of mine in that race. I came to cheer for her. Satono Ibuki — do you know her?"
"I do! We often play together, but…"
Kitasan Black hesitated. "I don't think Ibuki ever mentioned knowing Opera O-senpai…?"
"She probably knows my name, but I haven't actually met her yet," Opera O nodded naturally, a trace of helplessness and melancholy flashing in her eyes. "So to be precise, I came to cheer for her trainer."
"Her trainer…? Opera O-senpai… knows Ibuki's trainer?" Kitasan Black's ears twitched.
"Of course I know him. After all…"
With a very soft sigh, Opera O smiled and stood up.
"He used to be my trainer as well.
"Alright, it's almost time for the meeting I arranged. I'll take my leave now.
"For my upcoming tour performances, you… oh, I mean all four of you, if you're interested, you can come watch. I'll reserve seats for you.
"Don't worry, it will definitely be world-class entertainment. Hah— hahaha!"
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