Though Yasui Makoto's voice had sounded no different from usual, for some reason, Kitasan Black felt instantly calmer.
Her resolve for the coming race became even stronger.
With this newfound steadiness, she gratefully and happily wished him goodnight, soon drifting into a deep sleep.
...
As the first leg of the Classic Triple Crown and one of the most prestigious races, the Satsuki Sho naturally took the spotlight as the 11th and final event the next afternoon.
The morning and early afternoon were dedicated to final preparations and the parade ring.
Unlike previous races, this G1 had a special press conference held before the parade ring segment.
On stage sat the participating Uma Musume, facing a hall filled with excited, expectant journalists, creating an atmosphere akin to a major press event.
After the interviews concluded, as they walked down the corridor toward the parade ring, Kitasan excitedly gripped Satono Crown's hand, clenching her free fist tightly as she gazed at the lively crowds gathering in the stands outside.
"Wow! This is just like what I used to see on TV! So…this is a real G1 race!"
"Alright, alright, calm down a bit, Kita-chan…"
Crown glanced amusedly at Kitasan, then turned her eyes toward the bustling spectators outside, a touch of awe creeping into her voice.
"But you're right. Now that I think about it, I remember seeing some spectators coming in already during breakfast…"
"Of course! It's a G1!" Kitasan declared confidently. "Those spectators you mentioned probably spent all night camping outside the venue!"
Satono Crown suddenly fell silent.
"Camping overnight outside…you mean like you and Dia-chan used to do? Seriously, you two are so reckless, sleeping outside all night just to watch a race…"
Kitasan laughed awkwardly, scratching her head sheepishly.
Ever since elementary school, she'd idolized Tokai Teio, and Dia-chan had similarly admired Mejiro McQueen.
From that point on, the two had never missed a single one of their idols' races. The night before each event, they'd arrive early with sleeping bags, hot drinks, and rice balls, eagerly queuing outside overnight.
Satono Crown, of course, knew about this and had spent considerable effort convincing her family to overlook Dia-chan's stubborn fan antics.
After playfully scolding Kitasan, Crown glanced again at the vibrant excitement beyond the windows.
"You know, I've been in the stands watching races too. Somehow, it feels like yesterday, but now it's finally our turn to run a G1…"
"Yeah, almost feels like a dream…"
Sharing a moment of quiet emotion, Kitasan glanced to her other side.
"Hey, Dura-chan, have you ever felt like—Dura-chan?"
After training together since the start of the month, Kitasan now felt quite familiar with Duramente. Her new friend's dreams, favorite foods, quirky training habits—Kitasan knew them all.
Including the unusual routine she was performing right now.
Duramente's arms were bent as if ready to sprint, her long legs alternately lifting in high, mechanical steps, calves kicking forward rhythmically.
Her expression was serious, eyes locked straight ahead.
Kitasan immediately realized—Duramente was nervous.
Whenever her friend felt anxious, especially about training or races, she would begin this odd high-stepping exercise.
After Kitasan patiently repeated herself several times, Duramente finally turned her cool, indifferent gaze toward her.
"Were you…talking to me just now?"
"Ahaha… it—it was nothing. I mean…right, Dura-chan, did you have a good breakfast?"
Not wanting to embarrass her friend by openly pointing out her nervousness, Kitasan swiftly changed the subject.
"One thousand grams of oatmeal, four slices of whole-grain toast with dark chocolate spread, two bananas, two boiled eggs, two carrots, two ears of corn."
Duramente replied methodically and calmly, her footsteps unconsciously returning to normal as she stared at Kitasan.
"This was Air Groove-senpai's arrangement. I agree it's an optimal meal, providing quick energy, easy digestion, and minimal gastrointestinal burden for a race day."
"Y-Yeah, Dura-chan, you're as meticulous as always. Mine was pretty similar too…"
Kitasan laughed awkwardly again. Noticing her friend—and soon-to-be rival—relax slightly, she also felt more at ease.
Just as she was about to continue chatting about breakfast, she suddenly heard a deep, passionate voice drifting from a wall-mounted TV near the window in the corridor.
"The 52nd Satsuki Sho"
"That monster's name is—"
"Mihono Bourbon."
"Common sense itself is her enemy..."
Instinctively turning toward the screen, Kitasan saw footage of an Uma Musume fiercely sprinting.
Her G1 Racing Outfit gleamed silver, adorned with high-tech mechanical accents on her ears, collar, arms, waist, and legs.
Like a futuristic character from a cyberpunk novel, the Uma Musume raced across the finish line marked "Satsuki Sho" at breathtaking speed.
"It's… Mihono Bourbon-senpai…"
Just as Kitasan whispered to herself, the image and narration abruptly changed.
"The 72nd Satsuki Sho"
"The path to victory often lies in mud—"
"Gold Ship."
"The unsinkable battleship raises anchor and sails forth…"
Matching the narration, the screen showed an Uma Musume with silver-gray hair.
Just as described, she charged alone into the muddy inside lane, swiftly overtaking everyone from behind, effortlessly snatching victory.
"The 61st Satsuki Sho"
"Her fourth battle… Could it become the dawn of a legend—"
"Agnes Tachyon."
"The particle named for the speed of light leaves rivals despairing, the world dazzled."
On the screen now was a white-robed Uma Musume crossing the finish line, her face bearing a wild intensity, yet also a fierce joy of victory.
Kitasan recognized this video—made by the URA Association to promote the Twinkle Series—as something she'd already watched half a month ago.
Yet after scenes of legendary senpais triumphantly claiming the Satsuki Sho title, she was startled to see new footage included.
Scenes from earlier races, casual moments in school uniforms walking down academy hallways, training energetically on the track…
Even recent images from the "Mini Satsuki Sho" event, and recent practices wearing her Racing Outfit…
In each scene, the main character was none other than herself.
Besides her, Satono Crown, Duramente, and Cheval Grand all appeared one after another.
Had it not been for her call with Yasui the night before, seeing herself readying for the race on screen might have made her nervous.
But now, she felt no anxiety at all—instead, anticipation for the race ahead filled her heart, along with the triumphant stage awaiting at the end.
Filled with excitement and newfound confidence, she turned to find her friends and rivals also halted beside her, each staring intensely at the screen, expressions ranging from excitement to tension as they watched scenes of their senpais and themselves.