Afterwards, Kitahara discussed with White Narubi the arrangements for when they arrived in Tokyo.
Initially, Kitahara had planned to either rent or buy a house near the academy.
Given the heavy investment from Kawawan Enterprises — and the near–inhuman generosity of Lady Naise Fumino, who had just transferred another billion yen as investment — there was no issue at all with using some of those funds to find housing for Oguri Cap's mother and sister. Neither the team nor the company would question it.
However, Whirw Narubi smiled gently and waved it off.
"There's no need to go through all that trouble.It's fine if we can just stay in the dormitory. When I was still active, I also lived in Tracen Academy's dorms."
She spoke patiently, in a kind and motherly tone.
"That was a long time ago — a provincial academy back then — and even so, I thought the dorms were quite nice.
Now, with the times changing and us being at the Central Tracen Academy, I imagine the dorm conditions must be far better."
"If it's not too much trouble, please just arrange a room for me and little Oguri together. That way I can take care of her, spend time with Big Oguri, watch her training, and help out where I can."
"You mentioned over the phone this morning that she's under some pressure about the upcoming race, didn't you? I think, now that I'm here, perhaps talking to her more might help a little."
"Ah, and — this might sound a bit shameless — but since I'll be staying in Tokyo for quite a while, if possible, could you help me find some suitable work? Something that might be of help to you or Oguri would be even better. I don't mind hard work at all."
Kitahara agreed without hesitation.
The dormitory arrangements were simple enough. Central Tracen's facilities were excellent — mostly two-person rooms, complete with TV, computer, beds, private bath and toilet. The dorm buildings had their own laundromats and cleaning staff, and the canteen provided good meals. Everything was quite comfortable.
There was no need to bother the faculty either. Given how well the Eisei Team had been performing lately, as the chief trainer, Kitahara could easily apply for an extra dorm room himself.
Finding a suitable job for White Narubi was a little more complicated — but that could be handled in coordination with Tazuna. With her skill and experience as the chairman's secretary, once she learned about White Narubi's living habits, she would easily find something appropriate.
When Oguri Cap came running over, carrying the tiny Oguri Roman on her shoulders, Kitahara and the others returned to the academy.
The dorm and job arrangements were soon settled. Following Tazuna's suggestion, White Narubi began helping out in the academy's Nutrition Department, occasionally assisting with meal prep in the cafeteria.
It reminded her a bit of her days in Kasamatsu — cooking for Oguri every day. White Narubi was delighted with the arrangement.
Then she told Kitahara, Oguri Cap, and Oguri Roman that she wanted to tidy up her dorm and get used to the new job, and asked Kitahara to take the two children around the academy.
Kitahara understood perfectly what she meant. They had already talked about it that morning — a mother's support for her daughter would come gradually, through daily care. But conversations with Rudolf Symboli — the Emperor herself — were better held sooner rather than later.
So when she said "tour the academy," she really meant "talk about the undefeated Triple Crown."
Without delay, Kitahara took the two Oguris to the Student Council Office.
"President Rudolf, hello, I've brought Oguri Cap— oh?"
As soon as he entered, Kitahara blinked in surprise.The usually dignified Emperor looked uncharacteristically awkward — and the reason was obvious: beside her stood a girl fidgeting and poking at her with both hands.
Not such a small girl either — she looked about thirteen or fourteen, already in her anthropomorphic form. She had chestnut hair tied into a high ponytail, a crescent-shaped white fringe exactly like Rudolf's, and a lively, energetic face.
The moment she saw Kitahara enter, she stopped prodding Rudolf, raised her hand, and cheerfully greeted him.
"You're the chief trainer of the Eisei Team, right? Nice to meet you! I'm Tokai Teio!"
"Hello, I'm Kitahara Jo. This is Oguri Cap and Oguri Roman," Kitahara replied with a polite smile, sneaking a glance at Rudolf, who looked visibly relieved.
Of course Kitahara knew who she was — who else would dare be so handsy with the Emperor herself? In the other world, Tokai Teio was Rudolf's son and had a legendary career of his own:
An undefeated double crown, 12 races with 9 victories, and most famously — the Arima Kinen on December 26, 1993, which she won after a 364-day recovery from a leg fracture, setting a still-unbroken record for the longest recovery before a G1 victory.
That story was the centerpiece of the anime's acclaimed second season — both her record and her story made Tokai Teio one of the most beloved characters among all Uma Musume.
Here, she had just reached full maturity and hadn't debuted yet, but her closeness with Rudolf Symboli suggested that her future might follow a similar path.
"Ahem, welcome, Kitahara-san."
Rudolf coughed lightly, trying to compose herself.
"Oguri Roman should be Oguri Cap's adopted sister, right? I've spoken regularly with Kasamatsu's Student Council — I heard that White Narubi formally adopted her."
There was a trace of relief in Rudolf's eyes as she threw a quick side glance at the curious Tokai Teio beside her.
"Ahem… since Oguri Roman is transferring here to Central Tracen, and I've reviewed her records — her potential is excellent.
Teio, since you're free from training right now, why don't you help Kitahara-san and show your new junior around the academy?"
Kitahara nearly chuckled.He could imagine what had been happening before he arrived — Teio probably had been pestering Rudolf nonstop with questions, and as Student Council President, Rudolf must have had plenty of work waiting.But what could she do? As a "father," how could she scold her "child"?
So, seeing Kitahara arrive, Rudolf must've thought finally, a good excuse to get rid of this energetic little troublemaker.
Kitahara kept his amusement hidden and smiled at Teio.
"If Miss Tokai Teio could help show us around, that would be much appreciated."
Then, as if struck by a thought, he added with a grin:
"Ah yes — I heard from Mejiro Ardan that Mejiro McQueen has a lot of praise for Tokai Teio.
She said you may seem playful and lively, but you're actually very kind-hearted and extremely capable.With such an outstanding senior guiding her, Oguri Roman will surely enjoy herself."
He turned and looked down at the shy girl clutching his and Oguri Cap's sleeves.
"What do you think, little Oguri? Would you like that sister to take you around?"
Roman peeked out timidly from behind them, her voice soft as a whisper.
"That sister… she's very pretty. I'd be happy to play with her — as long as I'm not bothering her…"
Kitahara had already explained on the way that they were meeting the Student Council for something important, and both sisters, obedient as ever, had simply said they would follow his arrangements.
Just as he was about to ask Teio for her thoughts, the girl burst out laughing.
"Ha! So that McQueen— always acting like my rival at school, but honest behind my back, huh? What a tsundere!"
Grinning proudly, she struck a pose — one hand on her hip, one thumb pointing at her own nose, chin up and eyes closed.
"Since McQueen said that, I'll make sure to give my new junior a proper tour!"
"Little one, you're Oguri Roman, right? Come on! Big sis Teio will show you all the fun places!"
Kitahara had just fabricated the story about McQueen and Ardan, but he wasn't worried about being exposed.
In the original, McQueen and Teio were famously rival–friends, always bickering yet admiring one another, so a casual tsundere comment fit perfectly.
Judging by Teio's reaction, even now, before debuting, she and McQueen already had that same chemistry.
After puffing herself up, Teio suddenly grew solemn.
"Ah! And Oguri-senpai — I forgot to greet you properly. My apologies!"
She bowed deeply.
"President Rudolf said you're an incredible racehorse. I've watched all your races since your debut — I learned a lot from them.If you have time, I'd be honored to train and run alongside you!"
The switch between pride and seriousness was pure Teio. Kitahara, familiar with her nature, took it in stride; Oguri Cap, however, blinked in surprise before smiling softly.
"Sure, running together sounds great."
"And… please take care of my sister. I've been here for a few months but still get lost sometimes. Please show her around properly — so she won't end up like me."
Kitahara could only sigh inwardly. Indeed, Oguri had the uncanny ability to get lost even after being told the route clearly — every building in the city looked the same to her.
Teio was visibly trying not to laugh.
"Eh?! Getting lost on campus? That's…"
She bit her lip and smiled awkwardly, then nodded vigorously.
"Got it! Leave it to me! I'll make sure little Oguri learns the whole place by heart! And if you've got time later, senpai, I'll give you a tour too!"
Thumping her chest confidently, she looked at Kitahara.
"Then, Chief Trainer Kitahara, shall we get going?"
Kitahara smiled — she'd clearly forgotten Rudolf's presence entirely, her energy sweeping everyone along.
"All right. I'll leave it to you, Tokai Teio."
"Yes sir! Leave it to me! President, I'll complete my mission perfectly!"
After giving another exaggerated salute, she cheerfully waved to Rudolf and dashed out of the room.
Kitahara chuckled, shook his head, and led Oguri Roman after her, quietly closing the door behind them.
The office fell silent, leaving only Oguri Cap and Rudolf Symboli.
Rudolf poured tea calmly.
"I've actually wanted to talk to you for quite some time, Oguri Cap."
She took out a tin of coffee and another of tea leaves from a cabinet.
"Coffee or tea? And I have some sweet green dumplings — Maruzensky brought them over from Mejiro Ramonu and Sirius Symboli. They're good quality."
Oguri Cap wanted to go straight to the point, but since Rudolf asked so kindly, she thought for a moment.
"Either is fine. I don't really know much about them."
"Then green tea it is — Ramonu said it pairs best with the dumplings."
As she brewed the tea, Rudolf spoke softly.
"You wanted to ask about the undefeated Triple Crown, didn't you? Kitahara mentioned that you've been feeling pressure lately."
Oguri nodded.
"Yes. I don't even know how he noticed, but if it's him, that's not surprising."
Her tone softened with a small smile, but soon turned distant.
"During training the other day, I began to understand what the 'undefeated Triple Crown' really means. Maybe not completely — but when Tama and the others talk about it, they get so excited. They all say they want to defeat me."
Her hands at her sides slowly curled into fists.
"That must mean that honor is very important. Otherwise, they wouldn't be so fired up — even before I've achieved it myself."
"And…"
She hesitated, glancing out the window toward the dorms. Her gaze turned warm — and confused.
"Mother and my sister came all this way just to cheer me on. I'm so happy — and nervous.They came all the way from Kasamatsu to Tokyo for me. If I lose… they'll be so disappointed."
"I don't want to disappoint them — or Tama and the others, or anyone… not even Kitahara."
Her expression wavered, but her fists clenched tighter.
"I want to win. I don't want to lose.I want to make them all proud — to let them see me victorious. So…"
She looked directly at Rudolf Symboli.
"You were the undefeated Triple Crown. Please tell me — what should I do?"
The tea was ready. Rudolf set down the cups and sweets, motioned to the chairs.
"Sit. Don't rush. Have some tea — I'll answer you properly."
Oguri obeyed silently, sitting down, blowing the steam from her cup, and taking a small sip.
Rudolf toyed with the handle of her own cup for a moment, then spoke slowly.
"If it were any other horse girl, I would tell her only this:'Eclipse first, and the rest nowhere.'That's all there is to do."
"Eh— Ec… what? I didn't quite understand…"
Oguri scratched her head in embarrassment.
"That's English, right? My English is only… barely passing."
Rudolf chuckled.
"Barely passing won't do.If it's you, someday you'll race internationally — maybe even go overseas, like me or Sirius Symboli — and surpass us. Without English, that'll be difficult."
"Overseas?"
Oguri tilted her head.
"That's okay then — if I go abroad, Kitahara will come too. He speaks English."
Rudolf sighed with a wry smile.
"You can't rely on your trainer forever…But honestly, I envy you. Having such an exceptional trainer. When I was racing…"
Her gaze softened with memory.
"My trainer wasn't bad, but his strategies often didn't suit me. I had to explain things to him instead…"
Then she shook off the thought.
"Anyway — the English phrase means: 'One horse leads, and all others lose their light.'"
"One horse leads… and all others lose their light…" Oguri repeated softly, frowning slightly. "I still don't quite get it."
"That's fine," Rudolf said with a smile. "Many others didn't either when I told them. Let me explain."
"That phrase came from one of our greatest ancestors — a Horse Girl named Eclipse."
"Eclipse…" Oguri murmured.
"She was the first among us to receive divine blessing. Centuries ago, she ran 18 races — and won all 18."
"Whoa! That's amazing—" Oguri gasped, counting on her fingers. "I've won 14 out of 14 so far… she's got four more wins than me! That's incredible!"
Rudolf's smile deepened, admiration shining in her eyes.
"Not only did she win more, but what made Eclipse truly extraordinary was this —In 8 of those races, no one dared to challenge her. For 17 months straight, no opponent was willing to race against her."
"And the reason she retired… was because she had no rivals left."
Rudolf's gaze grew solemn.
"Oguri Cap — your 14-for-14 record is indeed remarkable. But compared to that predecessor, you still have a long way to go.
At the very least, look at your peers — Tamamo Cross, Inari One, Yaeno Muteki, Dicta Striker, Sakura Chiyono O, and Bamboo Memory. None of them has backed down from facing you."
"That," she said firmly, "is the difference between you and Eclipse — and also, the reason your light still shines among others."
"Not only did Eclipse have more consecutive victories than you do now, but what made her even more powerful was that, in her eighteen races, there were a total of eight where no one was willing to even sign up to face her. For seventeen consecutive months, she had no opponents willing to race her."
"And the reason she retired—was precisely because she had no opponents left."
"Oguri Cap, your current record of fourteen wins in fourteen races is indeed outstanding, but in terms of sheer dominance, there's still quite a gap between you and that senior. At the very least, within your own team—Tamamo Cross, Inari One, and the rest—none of them, nor the rivals from the Chouetsu Team like Yaeno Muteki, Dicta Striker, Sakura Chiyono O, or Bamboo Memory, have backed down because of your strength."
As she said this, her gaze turned solemnly toward Oguri Cap.
"…That's right, it's true, but…"
Facing Symboli Rudolf's serious eyes, Oguri hesitated for a moment. Then, suddenly, determination flared in her eyes.
"Even though I've been confused lately, since Tamamo and the others want to defeat me, I'll take them on to the very end!"
"I… will never give up easily!"
Seeing the confidence and fighting spirit in her expression, Symboli Rudolf's face gradually softened with approval.
"That's exactly why I said—if it were any other horse girl, I would only tell her: 'One horse takes the lead, and all others lose their light.' But you… you're different."
"…I'm different?" Oguri blinked in surprise.
"Yes. 'One horse takes the lead, and all others lose their light.' When a generation has a single horse girl so far ahead of everyone else, the others are left with no brilliance of their own. For most, that goal alone—becoming that one shining horse—is enough for them to give everything they have to achieve it."
Rudolf's tone grew deeper and more reflective. "But Oguri Cap, you're not that kind of horse girl. You're not just capable of reaching that height—you can achieve another kind of greatness entirely."
"Ever since you came to the Central Academy, I've been paying attention to you. Of course, I've also been observing the entire Eisei Team."
"I discovered that you—and your trainer, Chief Kitahara—both possess a special power. A power that can change yourselves, change the companions around you, and even alter or overturn the very rules themselves."
"And you've already done it—with strength comparable to 'one horse leading and all others fading.'"
"Thanks to your efforts, the treatment of regional horse girls and regional trainers has already begun to change. Of course, Chairman Akikawa has played a part in that too, but your contributions are undeniable."
"And beyond those visible changes, other transformations are already happening. Perhaps you haven't noticed yet—but Chief Kitahara must have realized it by now."
She took a deep breath, slightly shifting the topic.
"It's precisely because you have this unique power that, for you, strength itself isn't the only thing you should be pursuing. What you should really be asking yourself is—why do you run?"
As she said that, she looked straight into Oguri's eyes.
"Why… do I run? That…"
For a moment, Oguri furrowed her brows, a bit puzzled.
"Don't rush. You might not have the answer yet. But perhaps—after you hear my story—you'll start to understand."
Smiling gently, Symboli Rudolf took a sip of tea, her gaze drifting out the window as nostalgia softened her expression.
"I understand your confusion well. Before I achieved the undefeated Triple Crown—before I even set foot on that path—I, too, was lost and troubled."
"I wondered: why does everyone value the Triple Crown so much? Why do they place such weighty expectations upon me because of that title?"
"Even now, I can't say I've fully understood those questions. What I do understand… is simply why I choose to race."
"You… still don't understand even now?"
Oguri was taken aback, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Then—what is it that you do understand?"
Symboli Rudolf's gaze returned to her.
"Yes. I still don't fully understand what those honors or expectations truly mean. What I do understand is this: there's no need to worry or overthink it. Because those honors and expectations—they aren't the real reason I race."
"The real reason I race—or, rather, what I discovered after training and stepping onto the track—is that, in the end, it's all simply for the sake of running."
"For the sake of running…" Oguri's eyes flickered softly.
Noticing that subtle change in her expression, Rudolf's own eyes brightened; her smile deepened.
"Yes. We horse girls—weren't we born to run?"
Her tone carried warmth and encouragement. "Running in a race, giving everything you have against your opponents—isn't that enough already?"
"If there were no Triple Crown, no undefeated streaks, no G1 titles, no international cups—would we… stop wanting to run?"
"The truth I realized is simple: glory and expectation are just things others place upon us. We ourselves might not need them. To be able to run—to compete—that alone is joy enough."
"…If it's just for running, then it has nothing to do with honors, achievements, or expectations…"
Oguri murmured Rudolf's words under her breath, and as Rudolf looked at her in mild surprise, Oguri's eyes grew brighter and brighter.
"Yes… For me, being able to stand and run at all is already the greatest happiness."
"To win races—that's a happiness I once never even dared to imagine."
"So…"
Her eyes shone like stars. "I understand now."
"No matter how many expectations I carry, what I have to do remains the same—to run with everything I've got."
"For the sake of running, and nothing else."
"I… was born to run."
…Indeed. Completely different from her usual public image—Oguri Cap possessed a kind of wisdom few could ever comprehend.
A little surprised, Symboli Rudolf felt a wave of admiration.
She had always sensed that Oguri was similar to her in many ways. She had rarely spoken to others about her thoughts on racing—because while many could hear her words, few could truly understand them.
She had a hunch that Oguri would understand—and yet, she hadn't expected this seemingly absent-minded horse girl to grasp it so quickly.
"…You've come to an understanding already, huh. That's right—my belief is simple. For a horse girl like you, the outside world's noise only brings confusion. All you need is to stay true to your heart, and remember why you run. That's enough."
With a soft sigh and a kind smile, she raised her teacup slightly toward Oguri.
"Take it easy, Oguri Cap."
As she spoke those words, the image of someone from long ago—someone who had said the same words to her before her own undefeated Triple Crown—flashed in her mind.
"Enjoy everything you have now. Enjoy every race, Oguri Cap," she added warmly, translating it for her.
While Oguri and Symboli Rudolf shared their reflections on racing, Kitahara was elsewhere, touring the academy grounds with Oguri Roman and Tokai Teio.
He wasn't worried about the conversation in the student council office. Not only because Rudolf was experienced, but also because he had long realized that this world had curious parallels with the other one.
Just as Tokai Teio and Symboli Rudolf were close here despite not being related by blood, there seemed to be a similar inexplicable bond between Oguri Cap and Rudolf.
In another world, Oguri Cap had raced against Tamamo Cross three times—losing the first two. The third time, thanks to her team's efforts, they brought in a legendary jockey: Yukio Okabe. Under his riding, Oguri achieved her first and only victory over Tamamo Cross.
And the jockey who rode Symboli Rudolf to her undefeated Triple Crown? None other than that same Yukio Okabe.
That connection was even referenced in the manga—before Oguri's decisive match against Tamamo Cross, it was Symboli Rudolf's words of encouragement that gave her the confidence to face that battle.
With all that in mind, Kitahara was confident: after Oguri's conversation with Rudolf and some time with her mother, plus his own careful attention, the pressure she'd been feeling wouldn't affect her training or races.
So now, just like a novice trainer on his first academy visit, he followed Tokai Teio's enthusiastic explanations and Oguri Roman's wide-eyed amazement, occasionally joining in with a soft laugh or sigh of admiration.
"Hey! This is the academy's training track—huge, isn't it? One lap's distance is basically the same as Tokyo Racecourse! The layout's almost identical!"
Tokai Teio led Kitahara and Oguri Roman to the track, standing proudly with one hand on her hip and the other raised high, beaming with pride.
"There are five turf tracks in total, each about two thousand meters long! The straight stretch is over five hundred meters, forty meters wide—super comfortable to run on!"
"The dirt track's a bit shorter, only around nineteen hundred meters."
"If this were the actual Tokyo Racecourse, major events like the Japanese Derby or Japan Cup would be held here!"
"Speaking of the Japanese Derby—that's my goal race! And it's also the race your sister, Oguri Cap, is about to challenge!"
"See? Isn't she amazing, racing on a track like this? Of course, I'm going to be amazing too!"
…You mainly just wanted to say that last part, didn't you?
As Oguri Roman nodded rapidly in admiration, Kitahara chuckled inwardly. Then he thought:If Teio's goal here is the same as in the original timeline—an undefeated Triple Crown—then perhaps he should subtly warn Symboli Rudolf about it.
In the other world, Tokai Teio was incredibly strong—no doubt about that—but her career had been full of hardships. She suffered four major fractures; the first happened right after the Japanese Derby, shattering her dream of an undefeated Triple Crown. The last one forced her retirement.
Now, seeing how Oguri Cap, Tamamo Cross, and Super Creek had all avoided their tragedies in this world, and even fragile horses like Super Creek and Mejiro Ardan hadn't broken down, Kitahara thought—perhaps it wasn't impossible to prepare early and help Teio avoid her fate too.
But such a thing would need careful planning and timing. He decided to think it through slowly.
them! When they take a break, I'll introduce you. They really admire your sister and her whole Eisei Team!"
After waiting a bit, she saw three horse girls resting near the edge of the track. Cupping her hands around her mouth, she called out loudly:
Teio shouted. The shout startled the three horse girls who had been chatting and drinking water. They turned toward her in surprise.
One had short brown hair with a streak of white in her bangs, looking lively and cheerful.
Another had dark hair tinted with blue highlights, a short ponytail on the left side, and colorful symbols—pink star, blue teardrop, and purple hollow triangle—painted on her cheek, giving her a trendy look.The last had short brown hair in a side ponytail, freckles across her nose, and an equally energetic vibe.
[Guess who ?]
From there, it became a full-on "academy open day" tour. Teio led them through classrooms, the pool, and the gym. Since it wasn't an official open day, they couldn't enter the actual training grounds, so she brought them to the library instead.
"Mhm, this is the library!"
Though she spoke excitedly, Teio lowered her voice like a sneaky child, tiptoeing forward with both hands clasped in front of her.
"See all these books? Come on—quietly now, let big sister Teio show you around~"
After spending some time together, it seemed Teio preferred being called "big sister" rather than "senpai." After giving that reminder and seeing Roman nod obediently, she smiled warmly and indulgently.
"Alright, follow me slowly. Look—this is shelf number fourteen. It's all about—huh? McQueen? What are you doing here?"
As Teio led Roman inside, Kitahara lingered by the entrance. He didn't follow them in, instead asking the librarian at the door for a newspaper to skim through recent news.
Then, noticing the group stop, he instinctively glanced up—only to see a graceful horse girl with light purple hair standing beside Teio and Roman.
Wait… wasn't that the Mejiro family's heiress—Mejiro McQueen?
Indeed—it was her. He'd met her once at the Mejiro estate before. She'd struck him as proper and well-mannered, but the memory that lingered most was… well, unforgettable.
After all, McQueen's real-world counterpart had famously become rather heavy after retirement—and in the anime and games, she could barely control herself at the mention of sweets. It was hard not to remember her for that.
Still, after his initial surprise, seeing the three horse girls chatting quietly and walking out of the library together, Kitahara folded the newspaper and stepped outside ahead of them.
(End of chapter)