After hearing Tazuna's inner thoughts, Kitahara stood there in a daze for quite a while before he finally realized what had just happened.
Because he had been completely stunned by the speed she displayed afterward.
Originally, he had only been certain that if a Tazuna in perfect condition raced against Oguri Cap and the others, it would certainly be very educational.
But now it seemed… the "educational value" might be a bit too outstanding.
He was even starting to worry whether, after actually racing her once, the blow Oguri Cap and the others would suffer… might be a little too heavy.
More importantly, the one participating in the race wouldn't be only Tazuna…
There was also the Secretariat.
As for how strong that horse girl truly was, Kitahara had never seen it with his own eyes.
But instinctively, he felt that in this event, perhaps only Tazuna would be able to compete with her even slightly.
As for Oguri Cap and the others… he could only pray they wouldn't be hit too hard.
At worst, it would be fine if they just got knocked into a "mochi" state. Consoling three "mochi" would be a bit more troublesome than one, but with experience handling Oguri Cap, it wouldn't be impossible.
If it got worse than that… well, let's pray it doesn't.
After confirming Tazuna's condition and clearing away all doubts, Kitahara respected her wishes and relayed her thoughts to Kurokawa Miyu.
He didn't know how to describe the expression on Kurokawa Miyu's face at that time. He only knew that what happened afterward was no longer something he could be involved in.
He had horse girls of his own, so he understood very well: some matters could only be resolved between a trainer and her horse girl. Outsiders couldn't help at all.
Interfering rashly might even backfire.
So after serving once as a messenger, he returned to training as if nothing had happened.
Over the next few days, the team's commonly used equipment arrived one after another. Under Light's supervision, everything was installed and set up properly.
Arriving almost at the same time as the equipment were Rudolf, Maruzensky, and the four little ones who came with them.
And regarding those four little ones, Rudolf had been pressing Kitahara for answers.
On the Training Field
On this day, as they watched Tazuna and Oguri Cap training on the track, Rudolf turned her head to look at Kitahara. From time to time, she cast glances into the distance and asked in confusion:
"So, when they first arrived a few days ago, you said you needed to settle them in before explaining…"
"Now everything's arranged. They even seem to be having a great time playing with Special Week…"
"You should tell me about that strange thing now, shouldn't you?"
"They were clearly hesitant about coming here… but…"
"Why did they immediately agree the moment they heard Special Week's name?"
Keeping his eyes fixed on the track, Kitahara let Rudolf press him for a couple of questions while pretending not to hear. His mind raced for an excuse.
He knew exactly what she was asking. He knew exactly who she meant.
His peripheral vision also occasionally drifted toward the same direction Rudolf had been glancing at.
On the Grass Nearby
On a stretch of grass, five young horse girls were "happily" playing.
Closer to this side, one lay on her side on the ground.
With short white-green hair, light green ear covers, and a look of watching a good show—that was Seiun Sky.
Beside her, shouting "Go! Go!" was a brown long-curled-haired girl with blue ear covers—that was King Halo.
Next to King Halo stood another with long straight brown hair, wearing a blue ribbon with red stripes on her right ear.
Her expression was completely different from King Halo's. She clasped her hands tightly before her chest, looking nervous and worried.
No matter whether they were watching for fun, cheering, or worrying, all three were staring in the same direction—the small open space they had loosely encircled.
In that clearing, two horse girls were "very intimately" tangled together, shouting excitedly.
"Ahhh—ow ow ow ow! Why is this professional wrestling?! If I'd known, I wouldn't have agreed! Ow ow ow—!"
"Yaah! Take this—Number Four Leg Lock!"
"OW OW OW! I surrender! I surrender!"
"You have to slap the ground hard! That's the rule in wrestling, Special Week!"
"OW OW OW! I know! I'm slapping! I surrender, El! Waaah—so when Grass said to ask what kind of 'practice' it was, that's what she meant—!"
In the middle of the clearing, the two horse girls were locked together—one excited, one begging for mercy.
The excited one had brown hair tied back, bright blue eyes, and wore a red-and-yellow wrestler's mask—El Condor Pasa.
The one surrendering had short brown hair and purple eyes, frantically slapping the ground—Special Week.
"Sigh, why surrender so quickly? Boring…"
At Special Week's plea, El Condor Pasa released the leg lock with visible disappointment and flipped up to her feet.
Her eyes lit up as she turned toward the three newly met playmates and invited them.
"Hey! Which one of you wants to practice with me?"
In perfect unison, Grass Wonder and King Halo stepped back, while Seiun Sky rolled away on the ground.
"N-no thanks! It's fine—Special Week can play with you!" ×3
All three wore lingering fear on their faces, frantically waving their hands.
"I see…"
Even with the mask on, El's disappointment was obvious—but she quickly perked up again and turned her head, shouting:
"Then, Special Week, you can—"
She froze. Then she enthusiastically crouched into a starting pose.
"Don't run, Special Week! Train with me again!"
At some point, Special Week had scrambled up. The moment El turned her head, she bolted.
"Nooo! El, go train with Grass! Or Seiun! King Halo works too!"
El hesitated briefly—then turned around again, full of excitement.
"Then you guys—"
Once again: two synchronized steps back, one backward roll.
And three perfectly aligned "please" gestures.
"No, no thanks—better go chase Special Week. If you don't hurry, she'll get away…"
"Alright…"
With some regret, El nodded. When she turned back, her expression was already brimming with excitement as she sprinted after Special Week.
"Special Week! I'm coming! If I catch you, you have to wrestle with me!"
"Don't come over! Help! Seiun—save me!"
Though not yet fully matured, the speed of the two horse girls already far surpassed ordinary humans.
Just by eye, they didn't seem much slower than some newly debuted horse girls.
The three watching gradually relaxed their expressions.
"I warned Special Week… If El invites her to 'play' or 'practice,' she has to clarify what it is…"
Grass Wonder sighed helplessly, hand on her cheek.
"But I've never seen them run like this before… and now…"
Her gaze sharpened, fixing on the figure behind.
"El's so fast…"
Then her eyes narrowed toward the one ahead.
"Special Week… is fast too…"
"Ohohohoho! That's wonderful, isn't it? When we run together on the racetrack in the future, it'll be amazing!"
Laughter burst from beside Grass. She showed a hint of helplessness.
Though they had only spent a day or two together, she strangely felt that the four new companions she'd just met gave her an odd sense of familiarity.
As if—even though separated by an entire Pacific Ocean—they had known each other for a long time.
And she felt it wasn't just her. The four newcomers seemed to feel the same.
Otherwise, how could she already know so much about them?
For example, El's father was an excellent professional wrestler, and she wanted to be just as strong.
So though young, she had professional-level wrestling techniques—and loved it.
Special Week, though seemingly airheaded, had extraordinary talent in strength, speed, endurance, and willpower.
Ignoring intelligence, she would definitely be the kind of powerful opponent Grass would desperately want to defeat on the same track.
Seiun and King Halo were the same.
One appeared lazy; the other always laughed heartily—but both were formidable horse girls.
So… do they understand me just as well?
The thought stirred something in Grass's eyes.
Suddenly, Special Week and El were running back toward them, muttering about something.
"Eh? What's wrong?" Grass asked.
"More wrestling? Ohohoho! Then I'll be the referee! A genius like me will excel even on her first try!"
"Why don't we go fishing instead? Or take a nap? Aren't you tired from wrestling and running?"
Special Week scratched her head sheepishly.
"It's not that… When El was about to catch me, I asked her why she doesn't wrestle you guys…"
"Especially Grass—I asked why she doesn't wrestle you."
"Me?" Grass blinked.
"Yeah. Grass always looks gentle and kind with that smile."
"I thought if El asked you, you wouldn't refuse."
"Eh? I—I'm gentle?"
Grass flushed slightly, embarrassed.
"Maybe because I was raised in a Japanese-style household, even though I was born in America…"
Before she could finish, El interrupted.
"Hmph! I told you, Special Week—you just don't understand Grass!"
She wagged a finger knowingly.
"Grass's smile has a special meaning."
"Especially when she's angry—it becomes terrifying!"
"The angrier she is, the brighter—and scarier—the smile—"
"Gyaaa—!"
Suddenly, she let out a strange shriek. Her body stiffened and trembled violently.
"You—you see… this… this is it…"
She pointed behind her without looking.
From King Halo stepping back and Seiun Sky rolling away again, El could tell—
Grass had grabbed her tail.
And was probably smiling.
Soon, the grip loosened.
El leapt aside, clutching her tail, aggrieved.
"Hey! Even in wrestling, grabbing tails is a foul!"
But seeing Grass's smile deepen, she hurriedly changed topics.
"Anyway! That just now—did you see it clearly, Special Week?"
"Uh… not really. Sorry. Maybe do it again?"
"Eh? Special Week didn't see it? El? She wants another demonstration."
"Grass was already too much! But Special Week, are you really that dense?!"
Watching Special Week's innocent grin and Grass flexing her fingers, El inwardly felt something strange.
Strange…
She'd worn the mask because she was shy and introverted—afraid of strangers.
But why…
Why did she feel that with them, she could laugh and play easily—even without the mask?
And why did it feel like…
Had they known each other long ago?
Forget it! Next time I'll trick—no, invite—Special Week to train wrestling again!
"Special Week, I have a super cute eagle named Mambo. Want to visit my house?"
Hehe… she'll definitely take the bait—no, I mean, she'll happily come meet Mambo!
Back to Kitahara
Though not constantly watching, Kitahara could grasp most of the lively scene from the corner of his eye.
Such harmonious joy was exactly what he expected.
Previously, he had specifically asked Rudolf and Maruzensky to visit King Halo and Seiun Sky in Hokkaido, and El and Grass in Kentucky, and then invite them here.
He did so because he knew that once those four saw Special Week—and each other—it would likely turn out like this.
In another world, the five of them represented an entire generation.
Among many fans, their generation was considered the most "golden."
Their clashes were as thrilling as any era.
That generation was called the "Golden Generation."
In this world, faintly inheriting fate from a parallel world—just like Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross when they first met—perhaps horse girls of the same "Golden Generation" would naturally feel close.
That was Kitahara's theory.
And it was proving true.
The only thing he hadn't expected was how quickly it would happen.
He'd thought that since the five might never have met before, merely inviting them to America wouldn't be enough to gather them together.
Indeed, Rudolf had said that Seiun Sky and King Halo, and Grass and El, were hesitant at first.
Especially the younger two—crossing the Pacific to America was no small matter.
But the key point was this—
The moment "Special Week" was mentioned, all four agreed without hesitation.
That was what caught Kitahara off guard.
From a normal perspective, it was too unusual—something that easily drew attention.
Rudolf had noticed. Maruzensky had too.
Though Maruzensky hadn't asked outright, her curiosity was obvious. While Rudolf questioned him, Maruzensky's ears were clearly angled this way.
So… you four really made it troublesome by agreeing so quickly…
Knowing the crux of the issue but unable to find a good explanation, Kitahara had dodged the topic for days.
But now, if he didn't explain, it would draw even more suspicion.
After staring at the track a bit longer, Kitahara made up his mind.
"I discovered them partly by instinct, partly through analysis. But why they're so interested in Special Week… that surprised me too."
He thought for a moment.
"For Seiun Sky and King Halo, I might have a guess."
"They attend school in Hokkaido like Special Week. Maybe they've seen or heard of each other."
"As for El and Grass… I happened to see their files when researching auspicious signs. What happened afterward…"
He shrugged.
"That, I truly don't know."
He felt this was the best explanation he could manage.
Thankfully, Rudolf was only curious about the subtle tacit understanding between the five horse girls.
If she had questioned how he could discover El and Grass from across the Pacific, he wouldn't have known how to answer.
But this also showed something—
Rudolf Symboli and Maruzensky now held a strange trust in him.
It seemed that if Kitahara thought highly of a horse girl, then she truly must possess exceptional talent.
They had begun to treat that as a given.
And after hearing his explanation, Rudolf fell into thought before speaking again—her words proving exactly that.
"If even you don't know… then it can only be fate, I suppose."
She glanced again toward the five horse girls and nodded.
"It looks like the five of them… you're planning to recruit them all into the club, right?"
Kitahara paused slightly, realizing this was probably the real topic she wanted to bring up.
"Yeah, that's right. You should be able to see their talent."
He nodded. "If we make a comparison, every single one of them is no less gifted than Teio and McQueen."
"The previous relay race and the post-race examinations already proved that—as long as we properly control the race intensity and tailor their training accordingly, they can still deliver solid performances even before full maturation."
"This is also where the Twinkle Series overlooked something—or rather, it's a blind spot shared by most trainers and horse girls."
"Without full maturation, talent is hard to see clearly, which makes it impossible to organize competitions at the same level."
"But holding appropriately intense competitions at a comparable level before full maturation is actually very beneficial to their future development."
"It's like human soccer, basketball, or track and field—we can form national elementary and junior high leagues."
"That's also the kind of tournament I plan to organize under the club structure. The one I mentioned before…"
"'Youth Cup.'"
As Rudolf began discussing the future development, Kitahara couldn't help but lay out some of his core ideas.
Hearing this, Rudolf showed an approving expression.
"This is exactly what I wanted to talk to you about," her expression gradually turning serious. "For this 'educational race,' you need to make sure the effect is guaranteed."
"...Effect?" Kitahara frowned slightly, puzzled.
"You arrived in America a few days earlier than Maruzensky and I, so you're not aware of what Chairwoman Akikawa instructed us afterward."
Rudolf said in a low voice, "After the press conference that day, the decision about the 'Youth Cup' caused quite a stir. The entire URA Association has been debating it."
"Among them… the opposing opinions are in the majority."
"This… I assume you understand why."
Her expression turned troubled.
"…Yeah. It doesn't fit tradition, it conflicts with the Shining Series, or they'll say resources can't be allocated."
Kitahara closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath, his brow tightening further. "But at the root of it, it's a matter of interests."
"How many resources an independent new series outside the Twinkle Series would siphon away… heh, I'm sure those big shots have calculated it more clearly than I have."
Faced with Kitahara's slightly sarcastic remark, Rudolf pressed her fingers to her brow but didn't respond directly, continuing instead:
"The Chairwoman spent a great deal of effort persuading part of the association members, but… it's still not enough to fully launch the club and the Youth Cup."
"Fortunately, the Chairwoman came up with a new approach."
"Japan's URA Association has always followed international trends—leaning toward Europe in structure, but more aligned with America in attitude."
"In other words, if your abilities and ideas can gain recognition from the American URA Association—or from members with sufficient influence…"
"Then at the very least, launching the club and the Youth Cup won't encounter any obstacles."
"You might not fully understand the key points inside this, but just remember what I said."
Though he felt slightly underestimated, Kitahara didn't mind.
He wasn't ignorant of the relationship between the two countries; he had simply focused more on training and less on the finer political details.
Under that premise, he understood what Rudolf meant.
"After arriving in America, Maruzensky and I also confirmed these matters with Ms. Kurokawa and Ms. Tazuna. They believe there's no issue."
"More importantly…"
Rudolf's gaze shifted into the distance.
"Chairwoman Secretariat also approves."
Now Kitahara was genuinely surprised.
"You've met Secretariat?"
"Yes, just yesterday."
Rudolf nodded. "You should know—two days ago, Ms. Kurokawa invited Ms. Tazuna to meet."
"Maruzensky and I had just arrived then, and we were invited as well."
"By the time we reached the ranch, the two of them had already finished talking."
"Though we don't know what exactly they discussed, afterward, we went together to visit Chairwoman Secretariat."
Kitahara focused intently. "You talked about the club and the Youth Cup?"
"We mentioned it briefly. Chairwoman Secretariat showed great interest," Rudolf admitted. "She also believes that if such a new series could be launched, it would benefit all horse girls—whether in Japan or America."
"And combined with the script Ms. Kurokawa mentioned, she agreed to appear in the 'educational race.'"
Kitahara was surprised again.
He knew that after acting as a messenger, Kurokawa Miyu seemed to have made up her mind and invited Tazuna to the ranch.
Tazuna had indeed gone.
But what exactly the former trainer and former partner had discussed, he had no idea. Tazuna hadn't told him.
She hadn't even mentioned meeting Secretariat or getting her agreement.
"Then there's no problem at all. I think everything's ready."
Kitahara nodded quickly, then glanced at the training on the track and lowered his voice slightly.
"It may sound strange—since as a trainer I shouldn't say this…"
"But honestly, if you're expecting Oguri Cap, Tamamo Cross, and Ardan to shine in this 'educational race'… I don't have much confidence."
"The three of them… cough, they're the ones being educated."
He couldn't help but smile bitterly, then quickly regained his composure.
"But between Ms. Tazuna and Chairwoman Secretariat, I don't think there will be any issue at all."
"It may sound exaggerated, but…"
"I can guarantee that their confrontation will be spectacular."
"Who knows—Rudolf, maybe even you and Maruzensky might gain some educational value from it."
He said the last line half-jokingly, but Rudolf didn't laugh. Instead, she looked both relieved and tense.
Seeing this, Kitahara couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong…?"
"It's… a matter of timing."
Rudolf said with some difficulty, "Chairwoman Secretariat agreed to the 'educational race,' but as the chairwoman of Federal Tracen Academy in America, her schedule is extremely tight."
"The nearest available slot… is tomorrow."
"The next available time would be two months from now."
"In between, she has to serve as a guest at a major race, attend two charity exchange events, and participate in a research conference."
"In other words, if we can't hold the race tomorrow, the next chance…"
Her expression grew even more troubled. "Will be two months later."
"That's impossible for you—especially for Oguri Cap and the others. They need to return to prepare and adapt to their tracks."
"So if it's tomorrow…"
She trailed off, unsure how to continue.
From her perspective, Oguri Cap and the others weren't the main concern—not because they were fully prepared, but because they weren't the main focus of this race.
The real protagonists were Tazuna and Secretariat.
Rudolf knew Secretariat's preparation status well.
Though even busier than her as student council president, Secretariat had never relaxed her training.
Just as Rudolf herself could join a relay race after simple preparation, Secretariat could as well.
Perhaps she didn't even need preparation.
"As the host, I have no problem. As long as our guests are ready, I can race at any time… ah yes, if it can align with my schedule, that would be best. Otherwise, I truly apologize."
Those had been Secretariat's exact words the day before.
Although Tazuna had responded similarly, Rudolf and Maruzensky couldn't judge whether this "senior" was truly fully prepared.
Kurokawa Miyu had once been her trainer, but from Rudolf's perspective, Kitahara might actually have the more accurate judgment.
That was the real reason for this conversation.
However, she hadn't expected Kitahara to answer so decisively—so decisively that it almost felt unreal.
"…Are you really sure? If it's too much, maybe you could let Oguri Cap and the others return first? Or wait two months… no, that would lose its meaning…"
"Perhaps reconsider holding this 'exchange race' a few months later. The timing right now is quite tight."
She couldn't help but propose alternatives.
Kitahara had no intention of choosing any alternative.
"No. If there weren't other factors, I might think a few months later would be fine, but…"
He pointed toward the grass beside the track.
"I'll be discovering more horse girls like Special Week and the others."
"Right now, the URA Association hasn't fully reacted yet. Their arguments over attitude and procedure are actually my opportunity."
"When they do react—trust me—the stance of the American URA and Secretariat will only serve as excuses for the Japanese Association."
"When they truly react, things will become even more troublesome."
"I don't need their formal approval. I already possess the basic conditions to host the Youth Cup."
"Since there's a chance to gain Secretariat's recognition—and use it to shut certain people up—I think waiting longer would only waste the opportunity."
"Act first, report later. I believe that's the best choice for the club and the Youth Cup."
"So you could say… this is the best timing to start the race."
"And besides…"
Speaking confidently under Rudolf's surprised gaze, Kitahara smiled and looked toward a figure on the track.
"Don't underestimate your senior. She's far stronger than you imagine."
"…I… well, I wasn't completely doubtful… fine, maybe I was a little hesitant, but not that much. It's just…"
Rudolf suddenly smiled bitterly. "I didn't expect this. I once said you didn't really understand interpersonal relations or politics. Seems I was wrong…"
"Ah, I really don't understand… well, let me rephrase that."
Mirroring her phrasing, Kitahara turned back and smiled.
"I understand just a tiny bit."
Though the information from Rudolf had surprised him, in practical terms—whether it was Japan's association stance or Secretariat's schedule—it only benefited their future development.
Perhaps it was no longer just a "team," but the club named "Eisei."
"…I'll assume you understand just a tiny bit then. It's not like this is the only surprising thing about you…"
After sighing that, Rudolf looked toward the track.
She had intended to assess the training herself to judge the race readiness.
But a voice from nearby caught her attention.
"Sorry to interrupt, Rudolf—and Kitahara."
Holding her phone, Maruzensky walked over. "There's something I need to tell you."
While Rudolf and Kitahara had been talking, Maruzensky had been nearby.
Halfway through, she had taken out her phone and shown a look of surprise.
Now, raising the phone and turning the screen toward them, she said:
"Her schedule must really be tight…"
"Chairwoman Secretariat has already arrived."
"And her trainer… or perhaps former trainer—anyway, Ms. Penny Chenery has come with her."
"It seems that aside from meeting face-to-face, they also want to confirm…"
"Whether this cross-national 'educational race' will be held tomorrow."
Both Kitahara and Rudolf froze upon hearing this.
"…So fast…"
After the initial shock, Rudolf looked at Kitahara thoughtfully.
"Tomorrow."
As if already standing before Secretariat herself, Kitahara quickly recovered and smiled.
"We'll go tell them that."
It was Kitahara's first time meeting Secretariat in person.
Previously, he'd had only a faint connection through his uncle in Kasamatsu. Later, with the confirmation of the "exchange race" and coming to America, that connection seemed to deepen.
But this was the first true face-to-face meeting.
His first impression of the legendary horse girl was…
So big…
The feeling didn't fade with time. Even the day before the race, he still felt the same.
Visually over 180 cm tall, with the common American wavy loose hair—reddish-brown hair, reddish-brown ears, and a blue bow on her right ear.
She didn't have exaggerated muscles, but at a glance she gave an unmistakable impression of powerful solidity.
The image reminded him of another world's Secretariat—truly that kind of strong, sturdy build.
Generally, racehorses need to be lighter for speed.
Even Mejiro McQueen maintained a racing weight near 500 kg during her active years. Reaching 600 kg and becoming a true "thousand-pound lady" happened only after retirement.
More petite horses weighed even less—like the famous Silence Suzuka, who hovered around 430 kg.
Of course, "heavier" racehorses also existed.
Hishi Akebono, known as one of the largest racehorses, weighed 560 kg in active duty.
And Kitasan Black, raced at around 540 kg.
These traits seemed reflected in this world too.
Mejiro McQueen constantly struggled with weight control. Silence Suzuka had a slender build. Hishi Akebono stood 180 cm tall and was large-framed. Kitasan Black was sturdier than peers.
As a racehorse, Secretariat had a similar build.
Her optimal weight was 533 kg—larger than most by a full size—and combined with her reddish coat, she earned the straightforward nickname: "Big Red."
So although he found himself fixating on that impression, Kitahara could accept it.
Moreover, given Secretariat's tight schedule, the race day's timeframe was limited—just barely enough.
Since she had agreed to participate in the "educational race," after confirming Kitahara's response with her former trainer Penny Chenery, she quickly entered preparation mode.
"Though the timing is tight, for me… it should be sufficient. Penny and I will go prepare now. The rest is in your hands—and I leave it to our guests from Japan as well."
Those were Secretariat's exact words.
The "two" she referred to were the student council president and vice president of Connie Academy.
Seattle Slew and Affirmed.
Coincidentally, they corresponded perfectly to Rudolf and Maruzensky.
With their coordinated efforts, the event arrangements progressed smoothly.
"OK! Commentary, cameras, and guests at Lexington are ready. The audience is arranged too—woohoo! Can you all see me? OK, OK, no problem!"
Standing in the stands of Connie Academy's largest training ground, waving toward the commentary booth and the modest but enthusiastic audience, a short black-brown-haired horse girl turned back with a smile.
"So exciting! Back when Symboli came to America I paid attention to Japanese horse girls for a bit, but after that I lost interest."
"Didn't expect that after so long, I'd get to see Japanese horse girls race again."
"Even if it's not an official race, as long as Chairwoman Secretariat is running, that's enough!"
"Affirmed and I are all set… hey, Affirmed? No problem on your end, right?"
The short black-brown-haired girl was Seattle Slew, student council president of Federal Tracen Academy.
The golden-red long-haired girl she addressed was Vice President Affirmed.
"…"
Unlike the lively Seattle Slew, Affirmed merely cast a calm glance over and said nothing, returning her gaze to the track.
"Oh, Jesus! At least say something, or you'll make our Japanese guests feel awkward…"
Clutching her head in exaggerated frustration, Seattle Slew turned back with a grin.
"Don't mind her! That's just her personality. Actually, she really wants to see Chairwoman Secretariat run again too."
"So in a way, we owe you thanks for giving us this chance!"
"Oh, are your racers ready?"
"If so, I'll announce the start."
Seattle Slew was addressing Kitahara.
He maintained a polite smile on the surface—but inside, he was dying of embarrassment.
…So you're excited to watch Secretariat, not this race itself…
Sigh. You say don't make the guests awkward—thank goodness you said that in English. If everyone here understood, it would be mortifying…
[Wait how will the race work, Secretariat was a dirt horse and Tokino Minoru is a turf]
(The End of the Chapter)