An unexpected tactical idea came to mind for Tamamo Cross and Inari One, leaving the members of the Eisei Team both surprised and delighted. They showered Kitahara with praise one after another.
The only exception was Oguri Cap.
"…Um, Kitahara, do I have a personal tactic of my own…?"
It was rare to see this usually carefree horse girl looking so dejected. Her ears drooped, her lip trembled as she bit down on it, and she gave Kitahara a faintly reproachful look.
…Uh, don't look at me like that. It's not that I haven't thought about it…
Avoiding her gaze, Kitahara scratched his head in distress.
The problem was—Oguri already had exceptional racing instincts, incredible flexibility, a unique low-center running style, unmatched stamina and appetite, a heart like an emperor's engine, and even that unbelievable ability to accelerate in three bursts. Coming up with a tactic perfectly tailored to all of that? That was really a tall order…
Besides, tactics generally required brains. Did she have enough of that…?
Tactics in racing were a lot like "skills" in games—where you need a certain amount of intelligence or wisdom to activate them. Reality worked similarly.
That wasn't to say someone with less intelligence couldn't learn tactics. In reality, intelligence was complex, tied to cognition, understanding, race experience, and other factors. Many things influenced tactical mastery. If someone had a strong learning ability, they could quickly grasp tactical theory and put it into practice after training. But sometimes, it was better to just drop tactics altogether and rely on pure ability.
Among the Eisei Team, Ardan had the best academic results. She was class representative and possessed a naturally calm mind. She picked up tactical theory with just a hint and could practice and master it independently.
Super Creek and Tamamo Cross were also good students. Creek had been away at Kasamatsu for a long time, but still returned to place high on exams. Tamamo Cross was only flighty in personality and prone to daydreaming in class—underneath it, she too was an honor student.
Inari One and Oguri Cap, however, were "a bit lacking." Inari One was too hot-tempered, easily frustrated when she didn't understand something, which killed her efficiency. Oguri Cap was obedient and tried her best with homework, but the moment she heard theory she'd get sleepy. On the track though? No reminders needed—she always knew what to do instinctively. She was a pure "field type."
So instead of forcing tactics on Oguri Cap, it was better to let her race freely. Her instincts were more useful than any instruction. She only needed theory explained in terms she could understand. She was the least troublesome of all.
But no matter how easygoing she was, Oguri Cap was his number one horse girl. Since she had asked so earnestly, Kitahara decided to favor her a little and think seriously about a tactic suited to her.
Of course, given her brilliance, such a tactic would require more time to refine.
"There will be one—I promise."
After careful thought, Kitahara said seriously:"Oguri, your situation is complicated. I've always been thinking about a tactic for you, but I haven't found the right one yet. But believe me—I will come up with one that's just for you."
Hearing his assurance, Oguri nodded without hesitation.
"Mm! I believe you, Kitahara!"
Then she froze and quickly added, "Oh, but don't let my issue delay Tama or Inari's training. You guys keep going."
So considerate…
Kitahara smiled softly and got training underway.
As he had discussed with Maruzensky, the next step was to use Tamamo Cross and Inari One's training data to test conditions that could trigger their Domains, helping them reach that higher level of horse girl.
Domains weren't a secret within the Eien Team. Everyone understood their immense power and significance. They also trusted Kitahara's knack for coming up with all kinds of strategies. Just like Maruzensky, they all looked forward to discovering the trigger conditions.
Kitahara didn't keep them guessing:
"According to the data…" He combined known inherent skills with the numbers.
"For Tamamo Cross, her physical indicators spiked during the latter half of a race's straight stretch, usually when she was overtaking opponents."
"For Inari One, it was different—her numbers rose in the first half of a race when she was positioned behind mid-pack, fighting for the same spot as an opponent."
"These are the trigger conditions. At least, these are the key points for your Domains."
"I confirmed this with Maruzensky as well—she agrees it makes sense."
He conveniently credited part of his "foresight" to Maruzensky. That way, it sounded more credible and didn't make him look like he knew too much.
"That's right, I discussed it with Kitahara earlier," Maruzensky added. "Tama and Inari's conditions differ, but they can be arranged together through running style."
"That style is—you'll both run as End closers."
" End Closers?" ×2.
Tamamo Cross and Inari One echoed together, then exchanged glances. Tamamo quickly began to ponder.
"Now that I think about it… Yeah, in the races uncle described, I did feel something different, especially in that Kasamatsu trial race…"
"If I run as an end closer, then in the last straight I'll definitely overtake someone—since that's what closing is about!"
"And at the same time…"
Looking at Inari, she grinned, showing her sharp fang.
"If she's also a closer, then she'll fight me for position, which means she'll meet her condition too."
"Pretty clever setup, uncle!"
Tamamo raised her arm in praise. Inari rubbed her chin, smacked her lips, then folded her arms behind her head with a shrug.
"Eh, I still don't get it at all!"
But then her eyes lit up like torches.
"But… competing for position with Tama—that part, I heard loud and clear!"
"Competition, huh? Perfect! I've always wanted to race you head-on, Tama!"
Pointing a finger at her, Inari grinned mischievously.
"Come on, Tama! Dare to make a bet with me?"
"A bet?"
Tamamo blinked, then bared her fang in a wide grin. "Sure, let's hear it—what do you want to bet?"
"Simple!"
Inari planted one hand on her hip, made her trademark fox gesture with the other, and grinned.
"The 3000m Hanshin Daishoten. Closing style. Turf. We're teammates, so it's perfectly fair."
"Whoever doesn't win has to shout three times on stage at Winning Live: 'I'm an idiot!' How about it?!"
The two shorties suddenly challenged each other. The rest were first surprised, then amused.
Even Kitahara and the trainers enjoyed this competitive yet light-hearted atmosphere. Not every race needed a bet, but once in a while, it wasn't bad motivation.
Kitahara considered it and was about to act as witness when Tamamo smirked.
"Eh? What?" She looked puzzled.
Everyone else froze, Inari frowning in irritation. "Didn't you hear me? I said bet! What, you scared?"
"How could I be scared? I just didn't catch what the loser has to do." Tamamo spread her hands innocently.
"They have to yell 'I'm an idiot!' at Winning Live!" Inari raised her voice angrily.
"Huh, you're noisy. I didn't catch that—what was it again?" Tamamo dug her ear, pretending not to hear.
"I'm an idiot! You…"
"Yeah, I got it, no need to repeat… pfft! Hahahaha!"
Realizing she'd been tricked, Tamamo burst out laughing, leaving Inari stunned, then red-faced with rage. Seizing the chance, she darted off toward the track.
"Hey, uncle! Look, I'm starting training without you telling me! That idiot's still standing there dumbfounded! Hahaha!"
"TAMAMO CROSS!! I'M GONNA KILL YOU!!"
And so, that day's official training began in the most ridiculous way possible.
But maybe thanks to this prank, with only a few days until the Hanshin Daishoten, Inari trained with desperate vigor—chasing Tamamo like she wanted to bite her. Naturally, Tamamo gave it her all too, never letting Inari catch up.
With this spirited rivalry, their training, while playful, was deadly earnest. By race day, the data showed both small horse girls were fully prepared.
In the prep room, the whole Eien Team cheered for them. But Tamamo and Inari didn't need encouragement—their fighting spirit was already sky-high.
Or maybe just anger, in one direction.
"Alright, alright, don't be mad, Inari. I'll apologize, okay?"
Tamamo felt helpless. After days, Inari still seemed hung up on that prank. She began to wonder if she'd gone too far.
But Inari wasn't angry about the joke itself.
"I'm not that petty! I just… just… hmph!"
She tugged her fox mask, hands on hips, arms crossed, head turned aside, huffing. Then she spun to glare at Tamamo, pointing dramatically.
"This time, I'm taking the championship! You'd better be ready to shout that line three times on stage!"
This time, she was careful not to repeat the actual words.
"…Still holding a grudge, huh. Sigh…"
Tamamo shrugged, tilted her head, sighed, then muttered: "Fine, fine. I'll say it first—I'm an idiot, happy?"
"Not NOW!! Agh, you're driving me crazy!!"
Their bickering left Oguri Cap and the others exasperated, while the trainers, Kitahara included, were more perceptive.
During the practice runs, Inari's overall performance had been slightly behind Tamamo's.
Many factors explained this. Tamamo debuted in the Central circuit and had always raced on turf. Inari came from Oi, and aside from the recent Teio Sho, all her races had been on dirt.
The difference in Central and Local training standards mattered too. Even though they now trained under equal Eien conditions, they had received different levels of instruction in the past. In fine details, Inari still lagged.
The difference wasn't huge—it was hard to spot without data. But the numbers told the story.
For the girls' morale, the trainers hadn't said a word. But Inari seemed to sense it herself—explaining her fierce determination to win.
The trainers could do nothing more. The race was about to begin, and both Tamamo and Inari were fully geared up. Everything else would have to wait until afterward.
After their usual pep talk, the team headed to the stands.
As Kitahara walked through the tunnel, his phone rang—it was Maruzensky.
"Hey, Kitahara. Same as last time—come up to the VIP box."
"This time it's not Rudolf's idea. A colleague of mine wants to meet you."
"A colleague?"
Kitahara paused, then quickly guessed. "…Naise Fumino?"
"Sharp as ever," Maruzensky chuckled. "Yes, her. But also Sakura Chiyono O."
"Looks like the Transcendence Team wants to size up the competition—and have a little chat with you, the 'big boss' himself."
"…Don't call me that, you make me sound like some villain…"
Kitahara sighed, thought a moment, then said: "Alright. I'll bring Oguri with me. Wait for us."
He arranged for the others to head to the stands, then took Oguri Cap with him to the upper box.
Maruzensky was already waiting outside a smaller observation room. When they arrived, she ushered them in without ceremony.
Inside was much like the Nakayama box they had used before, only smaller. Standing within were Naise Fumino and Sakura Chiyono O. When the door opened, they quickly greeted them.
"Thank you for accepting the invitation, Chief Kitahara."
"Chief Kitahara, Oguri, hello!"
"Ah, hello to you too."
After Oguri returned the greeting, Kitahara asked directly, "So, Fumino-San—what urgent matter brings you here?"
"Please, just call me Naise."
Seeming comfortable with his directness, she nodded calmly.
"I had asked Vice President Maruzensky earlier if I could learn about your team's plans for this race—running styles, tactics, that sort of thing. She said she couldn't reveal anything without your permission and suggested I just watch the race."
"But if I only observe, I won't learn finer details. From the last race, I already realized how much I have to learn from you—especially the subtle adjustments in running style and tactics. So I thought it more sincere to ask you in person. Forgive me for the imposition."
"I ask that you please share your wisdom."
…So polite…
Kitahara hadn't interacted with her much, but at the press conference she had seemed cold and aloof. As a prodigy, he expected some arrogance. Instead, here she was, humbly lowering herself.
"You don't need to be so formal. I also prefer direct talk."
He paused, then said: "As for running styles and tactics, they're nothing secret. You'll see it in the race anyway."
"Both Tama and Inari are running as end closers. They're fine with it. As for tactics, nothing special—just standard end closer tactics."
Hearing this, both Naise and Chiyono looked surprised.
"Huh? No special tactic?"
Chiyono's ears twitched as she held her hands to her chest. "I thought you'd arrange something like the Satsuki Sho trial again. Yaeno said Ardan's tactic was amazing—she lost despite being strong because of it."
"Even Super Creek nearly got affected. If Naise hadn't come up with a counter, I might've been thrown off too. And even then, my win was very close."
"So I figured you'd definitely prepare another trick this time…"
…They really have studied our team thoroughly.
Kitahara felt a pang of admiration.
Since they already had dug out most of his past tactics, and he had shared some in Nakayama, he decided to be straightforward.
"Tactics are about surprise and adaptation."
He smiled. "The ones you mean are Waltz of the Racetrack and Swinging Maestro."
"The first can only be used by Ardan. Tama and Inari can't."
"The second has distance restrictions. At 3000m, it's impossible."
"So no matter how good a tactic is, it must match the conditions. Forcing it only backfires."
Through the window, he looked toward the prep area.
"Given that, it's better to run honestly as closers."
"That running style already pairs naturally with two tactics: Breakthrough and Outside Overtake. Now, let's see whether Tama or Inari breaks through—or who overtakes outside…"
(End of Chapter)