That night, Kitasan Black's mind was completely occupied with imagining her Racing Outfit.
During dinner, she'd already sent a message to Yasui Makoto, asking him to send her a photo if one appeared in his meeting.
Once she received the picture, another delightful surprise awaited her.
Apparently, the URA Association and the Academy had gotten her measurements from Yasui long ago, and the Racing Outfit was already completed.
At first glance, she'd fallen completely in love with it.
It was exactly the festival-style design she adored: a fitted inner skirt beneath a sleeveless outer robe, separate long sleeves, thigh-high stockings, low-heeled boots, and a striking ceremonial rope knot on her back.
The inner skirt was a joyous red and gold, vibrant and festive.
Meanwhile, the robe, sleeves, and stockings were her favorite deep black, matching her name perfectly. On that darkness blossomed crimson and golden cloud patterns, embellished further with vivid floral motifs.
The rope knot, a traditional festival style, harmonized beautifully with the outfit's red, white, and gold palette.
For a brief moment, she nearly dashed straight to Yasui's apartment just to put it on.
After calming herself down with considerable effort, she repeatedly reminded Yasui to bring the outfit to school the following day.
Tossing and turning the entire night, she rushed to the field early next morning, immediately chasing down Yasui upon arrival.
"Trainer, Trainer! Where's my Racing Outfit? Don't tell me you forgot it!"
Just as she finished speaking, Yasui smiled, reached behind his back, and pulled out a black garment bag.
Instantly realizing what was inside, Kitasan eagerly grabbed it, clutching it tightly to her chest, as though worried someone would snatch it away.
She fixed Yasui with bright, eager eyes, legs bouncing restlessly as if ready to sprint away any second.
"Thanks, Trainer! So, um...can I quickly go change into it first? It'll only take a minute—I promise it won't delay today's training!"
Even after several months working together, this was the first time Yasui had seen Kitasan so impatient.
Yet, while amused, he understood her feelings quite clearly.
She was a girl who dreamed of becoming an idol-type Uma Musume. Her journey hadn't started smoothly, but months of dedicated, relentless effort had led her to consecutive victories. Now, about to participate in one of the most prestigious races for Uma Musume...
All these experiences converging at once undoubtedly filled her with pride and eagerness, resulting in this unusually excited behavior.
"Wear your Racing Outfit during today's training."
Facing Kitasan's astonished yet delighted, slightly confused expression, Yasui smiled lightly and explained seriously:
"But let's make this clear—it isn't a reward, nor am I letting you relax. This is part of training, specifically emphasized in last night's meeting."
"The Racing Outfit is special, and I need to make some final adjustments before the race. You..."
"I got it! Wait here for me!"
In a rare move, Kitasan dashed off without even letting Yasui finish. Deliriously happy, she sprinted toward the dorm.
Briefly stunned, Yasui shook his head with a helpless smile as he began setting up training equipment for the day.
Before long, the familiar sound of approaching footsteps rang out. Turning his head to look, Yasui found himself momentarily speechless.
"How is it, Trainer? I think it looks super good on me! What do you think?"
In the gentle morning sunlight, the black-haired girl spun energetically on her low-heeled boots, her brilliant smile radiant.
Her black robe flowed gracefully like nighttime waves, gold and crimson cloud patterns gleaming vividly with every motion.
The thigh-high stockings highlighted toned calf muscles, and the festival rope fluttered dramatically behind her like an eternal flame of gold and crimson.
She stopped suddenly, her sleeves scattering sparkles like golden dust.
The red patterns on her clothes reflected brightly in her gleaming eyes, and her ponytail brushed across her smooth, rounded shoulders with each excited step.
"I feel…completely filled with power!"
In a daze, Yasui saw a faint, shimmering illusion appear behind Kitasan. Crimson lanterns and golden candlelights blurred into a path of stars leading straight to the Satsuki Sho.
Blinking away the vision, Yasui shook his head slightly. The illusion vanished, leaving behind only the excited girl gently touching the black and gold ornaments on her new outfit, her bright eyes glowing with anticipation and joy.
"...You look fantastic," Yasui finally said after a brief silence, then gestured toward the track.
"Since you seem so fired up, let's start today's training. Still the 2000-meter distance—I've prepared everything already."
"Alright—leave it to me!"
Shouting enthusiastically, Kitasan rushed to the track, her energy surging even higher than usual.
...
Right up until the eve of the Satsuki Sho, under Yasui's careful guidance, Kitasan Black trained exclusively in her Racing Outfit.
These past few days, the same was true for all the Uma Musume competing in the Satsuki Sho.
Thanks to the blessings of the Three Goddesses, the Racing Outfit's reputed effects were far from exaggerated.
It didn't necessarily grant Uma Musume instant improvement; rather, it allowed them to consistently perform at their peak training levels.
That meant every competitor needed an adjustment period just before the race—the final preparation before stepping onto the track.
It was also partially for promotional purposes.
In addition to the Academy's scheduled pre-race interviews, Yasui took numerous photos of Kitasan running, which he then posted along with updates on her UmaBook account. The other competitors did the same.
Kitasan herself didn't think too deeply about it.
She happily completed her daily training routines, then eagerly browsed UmaBook, liking and commenting on posts by her friends—also rivals soon to compete alongside her.
Afternoon, the day before the Satsuki Sho, Kitasan's dorm room:
Lying face-down on her bed, legs crossed and swaying idly in the air, Kitasan scrolled through her phone, repeatedly marveling at her friends' posts.
"As expected, Crown-chan and Gallant-chan's Racing Outfits are both so cool, no matter how many times I look!"
"Raise' is also super cool, and the colors are similar to mine—black, gold, and red."
"Actually, many of the Racing Outfits for this race have pretty similar color schemes…"
Sitting at the desk nearby, tapping away on her own phone, Satono Diamond glanced over with a gentle laugh.
"Kita-chan, you really don't seem nervous at all, huh? Have you double-checked your luggage? My sister said it's almost time to head to Nakayama Racecourse."
"Don't worry! I already packed carefully last night for tomorrow's race!"
Confidently answering, Kitasan nonetheless flipped herself off the bed, trotting over to her suitcase near the door to double-check anxiously.
Opening it, she murmured quietly while rummaging through her belongings.
"Let's see..."
"Race notes, check. Horseshoes and spares, check. Racing Outfit is good. Race entry pass and medical clearance, both okay…"
"Yup, no problem at all!"
Closing her suitcase excitedly after confirming everything, Kitasan turned with a bright smile to face Satono Diamond. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, her phone beeped with a message notification.
Quickly opening the screen and carefully reading the message, she took a deep breath, grabbed the suitcase handle with one hand, and extended the other to her friend.
"Trainer just reminded me it's time to head out. Let's go to the Satsuki Sho together, Dia-chan!"