Faced with Kitahara's question, Oguri Cap did not answer immediately. As before, she remained silent, her beautiful features carrying a rare expression of hesitation and contemplation.
Kitahara assumed she was simply unfamiliar with Central, so he explained:
"Maybe this decision seems a bit rushed, but in truth, I've thought it through carefully."
"Your talent is already undeniable—two wins from two debut races. In a place like Kasamatsu, your chances of winning will always be high. Honestly, if you only stayed in local races, you could probably retire undefeated."
In the other world, Oguri Cap had lost 2 out of 12 local races due to foot issues. The common view was that if her breeding farm had been better equipped, with more professional staff, and had addressed her problems earlier, she might have gone undefeated in local races.
Through his intentional efforts, Kitahara had already proven this belief—Oguri had achieved two flawless wins so far.
Looking ahead, staying in Kasamatsu meant that maintaining an undefeated record wouldn't be difficult.
"But just local races alone can't bring out your full potential," Kitahara continued."Except for Fujimasa March, none of your current opponents can push you to your limits. Yesterday's race made that clear—just look at how far ahead you finished from the runner-up."
"Only Central can give you rivals who match or even surpass you. Only there will you be able to give it your all, and show your true power."
At this, Oguri finally spoke.
She looked at Kitahara, her gaze holding both certainty and doubt:
"I believe what you say, Kitahara," she affirmed. Then she added, "But… what about the 'Tokai Pen'?"
Kitahara blinked in confusion before realizing what she meant—"Tokai Derby."
"That's the Tokai Derby. I know you struggle with names, but even if you mix up people's names, at least try to remember race names properly." Kitahara sighed.
"The Tokai Derby, huh… are you very concerned about your promise with Fujimasa March?" He asked after a short pause.
Kitahara had first learned about their promise after Oguri's debut victory, when they were reviewing the race together.
At that time, he had wanted to know what exactly had happened in the final 200 meters. Oguri's sudden burst of speed had looked exactly like activating the "Triumphant Pulse" special move from the game.
For a fleeting moment, Kitahara even wondered: since this world had the Three Goddesses, could it also have "unique skills" or "ultimate moves"?
That was why, as the race neared its end, he had whispered "Activate…" just like when playing the game before.
But Oguri denied it.
According to her, she had been distracted at the start because Fujimasa March had mentioned the "Tokai Derby," which made her slow out of the gate.
As for the final acceleration—it came from remembering the hopes and efforts of her mother, Kitahara, and New Radiance, and from her determination not to lose to Fujimasa March. That resolve drove her to unleash even greater speed.
Her explanation left Kitahara both disappointed and relieved—at least it made sense.
If this world truly had skills like "Unique Move," "Artist of the Arc," "Keen Vision," or "Iron Will," then how would he, without a system or simulator, even acquire them for his horse girls?
"Mm, I promised her."
Oguri nodded seriously. "At the end of the race, we made a promise."
"Later, when I met her again, she told me the Tokai Derby was her lifelong dream. It's an incredible race—the top horse girls from all over Tokai gather there. She said she must see that peak for herself."
"She also told me that I was the fastest horse girl she had ever met. Last time, it was her first defeat."
"But being fast isn't enough."
"It's like trying to climb a mountain without a summit to aim for—you'll never reach the top. If I have no goals, maybe next time I'll lose to her."
"For example, she invited me to join the Younth Crown race."
Oguri stopped her jog, turning mid-slope. She raised a fist to her chest and gazed into the distance.
"My instincts tell me… she's right."
Belno Light also stopped, catching her breath slightly, then asked in confusion:
"Huh? Is having a goal really that important? With Oguri's speed, shouldn't any race be fine?"
"…No, Fujimasa March is right."
Seeing both horse girls had halted, Kitahara got off his bike, stretched lazily, and smiled:
"Without a goal, it's like shooting arrows without a target—you might be fast, but no one knows where you'll land."
"But with a target, even if you miss, you can try again and again until you hit. That persistence is what matters."
"You both need this. Life won't always be smooth—you'll face setbacks. A clear goal is what helps you overcome them."
"The reason I want to take you two to Central is to give you that goal. I believe once you've seen Central's brilliance, your instincts as horse girls will drive you to give everything."
Oguri lowered her gaze from the horizon and looked apologetically at Kitahara.
"Sorry, Kitahara… I feel like I'm disappointing your intentions."
Kitahara waved it off with a smile, stopping her from saying more.
"Don't be silly."
"The Tokai Derby is a great race, and Fujimasa March is a wonderful rival. In such a vast Tokai, seeing horse girls like you two clash will be just as magnificent."
"Since you made that promise, let's set the Tokai Derby as your goal first. I'll prepare training for it."
"Oh, and since she invited you to the Younth Crown race, let's start with that goal. Along the way, you can enter plenty of other races to build experience."
"Also, Radiance—you should think about your debut race too. Prepare together."
Derbies, whether Central or regional, were usually held in late May. Now it was early June, and even with Oguri's ability, a freshman jumping straight into a Derby was unthinkable. That meant she would have to wait until next year, leaving plenty of time for training and races.
Meanwhile, Radiance's abilities were steadily improving—thanks to both training and Oguri's influence.
She could now keep up with Oguri's warmup pace, and even when racing side by side with Oguri at full speed, she could last about half a minute before being left behind.
Considering Oguri's full power was enough to outpace someone like Fujimasa March, Light's ability to hold on for thirty seconds was more than enough to expect a strong debut.
"Mm! I won't waste your efforts, Kitahara!" Oguri's eyes shone with gratitude and resolve.
"M-me too! I'll give it my all! I'll run my own races well, and I'll do my best to help Oguri and you, Mr. Kitahara!" Belno Light clenched her fists in front of her chest, puffed out her cheeks with determination, and echoed Oguri.
Then her face turned a little regretful:
"But… with Oguri's ability, she could handle Central already. If she doesn't go now, it feels like such a waste…"
"Central, huh…"
"Who said we're not going to Central?"
Oguri and Kitahara both replied at the same time—one hesitant, one amused.
"Eh? But Mr. Kitahara, didn't you say Oguri would go to the Tokai Derby?"
"Hmm? Kitahara, didn't you say the Tokai Derby was the goal?"
This time, Oguri and Belno Light spoke in unison.
Kitahara chuckled:
"After the Tokai Derby, we'll go to Central."
"And besides…"
"After the Youth Crown race, I'll take you there once, to see the peak for yourselves."
(End of Chapter)