Chapter 37
While Daiwa Scarlet let out a startled cry, Vodka was frowning in deep thought.
Like her friend, she had been pondering what kind of plan Yasui Makoto had prepared for Kitasan Black in this race.
In her view, this junior had excellent burst power and speed maintenance.
However, handling changes in pace, cornering, and breakthroughs would be difficult due to her high power level.
In such a situation, the best choice would be to run as the leader from start to finish.
Only by staying in first place the entire way and controlling the race rhythm would she have the greatest chance of victory.
Vodka was very familiar with this tactic. The rival standing beside her was the one who excelled at it most. Even if she herself wasn't specialized in it, she understood it extremely well.
However, the plan the trainer next to them had given Kitasan Black was clearly different.
From the early stages through the middle, Kitasan Black stayed firmly behind the leading pack, seemingly waiting for the final straight to use her closing speed to overtake and take first.
This was a classic tracking strategy. Vodka was certain of it, because aside from tracking, the style she herself was best at was exactly this.
The problem was that Kitasan Black's closing speed didn't seem particularly strong, at least not as good as several other competitors in this race.
So if she ran a tracking race, how was she supposed to fight on the final straight?
Just as she reached this point in her thoughts, she heard Daiwa Scarlet's exclamation.
"Satono Ibuki? The horse girl in front of Kitasan Black?"
What did she have to do with this? But since Daiwa said it…
Wait. Satono Ibuki's position, and her positioning earlier…
"I see!"
Vodka also cried out in realization.
"Hey, isn't this tactic a bit too cunning? But for someone as honest as Kitasan Black… it actually seems surprisingly suitable?"
At that moment, Yasui Makoto, who had been holding his binoculars and staring at his own horse girl the whole time, shifted his gaze and looked at the two surprised horse girls beside him.
"Cunning… maybe."
He smiled and raised the binoculars to his eyes again.
"Looks like I don't need to explain it. Your talent really lives up to your reputation."
Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka exchanged a glance, clearly seeing the understanding and admiration in each other's eyes.
Indeed, this relatively high-speed race had many disadvantages for Kitasan Black.
There were ways to deal with it, of course, such as running as the leader the whole way, or using a tracking style to fight with closing speed.
But when they thought about it, they unconsciously substituted their own experience and abilities, overlooking one key reality.
This was only Kitasan Black's second race. She had only received special training for two months.
No matter how outstanding the trainer, it was impossible to develop systematic race experience in just two races and two months.
But if no explanation was needed, things suddenly became very simple.
Kitasan Black didn't need to figure out how to handle every race situation herself.
At least not before she entered her acceleration phase.
Because among her opponents, there was someone who would do it better than her.
She only needed to keep a close eye on that person, and then, when the remaining distance was just right, use her outstanding stamina to accelerate all the way to the finish.
That opponent who did it better was exactly the one Daiwa Scarlet had just exclaimed about: Satono Ibuki.
...
On the track.
Power continuously poured into her legs and feet. Instinctively sensing the remaining distance, Kitasan Black felt secretly surprised.
Just as Trainer said, this race… was much faster than her debut.
Moreover, her opponents were consuming a lot of stamina. It felt like… the field had stretched out quite long.
Satono Ibuki's adaptability really was strong. From her breathing and footsteps… she still had plenty of energy left.
And my own energy… is also plenty.
In fact… even more.
So… it's time!
Just like in her debut race, a thrilling sensation suddenly spread throughout her body. Without thinking, she leaned forward, planted her feet heavily, and pushed off the ground with force.
At the same time, the live commentary paused for a moment before exploding with excitement.
"The front runners have entered the third bend, and the field hasn't changed much yet… Wait!
Kitasan Black!
Kitasan Black has made her move!
A sudden acceleration. She's charging straight toward the leaders!
There are still a full 600 meters to the finish! Is this really a wise time to strike?
But without the slightest hesitation, Kitasan Black is steadily overtaking the horses in front of her!
The third bend is over. Now it's the fourth bend!
Saint Martin, Minnesota, Crusher Rez, Tozoku…
Over the nearly 300-meter bend, Kitasan Black has passed four horses in a row!
Kitasan Black has taken the lead!
And she's gradually opening up a 5-length gap!
Amazing! Such incredible stamina. How can she still have so much energy left after running at that speed earlier?
Is she going to maintain this lead all the way to the finish?! Kitasan Black?!
The other horses have reacted and are trying hard to catch up!
Out of the bend! 300 meters left!
Satono Ibuki has also come charging!
Her speed is incredible!
She's overtaken four horses in a row just like Kitasan Black and is closing in!
Such a terrifying closing kick! She's steadily closing the gap on Kitasan Black!
But there are still 4 lengths between them!
Now 3 lengths!
Final straight!
200 meters!
It's decided! Kitasan Black is in front! Satono Ibuki is 2 lengths behind!
The winner will be decided between them!
Can she hold off the charge from behind?! Kitasan Black!
Can she catch up?! Satono Ibuki!
100 meters!"
...
On the track, everything else had disappeared. In Satono Ibuki's vision, there was only that one figure ahead, seemingly so close, yet impossibly far away.
Resisting the urge to reach out and grab that back, at this moment, her heart held nothing but the determination to pour everything into catching up, and a faint trace of regret.
I shouldn't have… I shouldn't have hesitated and backed off at that moment…
How could it be…
In just an instant…
Why can't I catch up at all?!
"Kitasan Black!!!"
As she roared hoarsely, the figure in front suddenly blurred and vanished from her sight.
Satono Ibuki froze.
She continued forward a few dozen meters by inertia before she heard the thunderous cheers from the stands and the excited shout from the broadcast.
"A quarter length!
Let us congratulate Kitasan Black on winning this race by a quarter-length advantage!
A magnificent, momentum-filled second straight victory…
Achieved!!!"
She froze again. Then came the unstoppable panting and sudden wave of exhaustion. Satono Ibuki turned her head with difficulty.
It turned out the black-haired girl she had been chasing hadn't disappeared.
After crossing the finish line, she had gradually slowed down and come to a stop.
At the same time, Satono Ibuki also heard a low murmur full of sneaky delight.
"Hehe… I didn't trip and embarrass myself this time…"
Followed by an excited shout.
"Hey! Trainer! Grandpa! Dad! Senpais! Everyone! Did you see?! I won!!"
...Trainer… and senpais…
Satono Ibuki suddenly jolted. Then, with a desolate and disappointed look, she turned toward the stands, ears drooping, breathing heavily.
I'm sorry, Trainer… Senpais…
I… shouldn't have hesitated and backed off in that moment…
But…
Unconsciously clenching her fist, she took one last deep look at the black-haired girl cheering joyfully not far away, then turned and walked off the track.
Next time… I definitely won't!
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