While inwardly complaining to himself, Kitahara also stole glances at the surroundings.
The structure of American racetracks wasn't that different from Japan's.
Take the track here at Kentucky for example: at the very top were the VIP viewing seats, along with the commentary and staff areas. Extending downward from there were the general spectator seats.
Further below was the free viewing area.
That was exactly where Kitahara and the others were standing—the spot closest to the track.
About a hundred meters to their left were the starting gates.
Directly in front of them was the finish line.
In other words, whether it was the start or the final sprint, this position allowed one to see everything clearly and best grasp the condition of the horse girls.
Choosing to watch from here was practically a consensus among trainers.
When they had first discussed seating with the staff, whether it was Kitahara, Kurokawa Miyu, or Penny Chenery, they had almost instinctively chosen this spot.
The two ladies were standing beside Kitahara now, speaking softly to each other.
As for Seattle Slew—who had just greeted them—and Affirmed, who had only given a faint glance, they were positioned slightly farther back.
Standing together with those two were Symboli Rudolf and Maruzensky.
Kitahara pretended to glance around casually, but in truth he was secretly observing Symboli Rudolf's expression. By coincidence, Maruzensky was doing the same.
At this moment, the most awkward person present was probably Rudolf.
The "Symboli" that Seattle Slew had casually mentioned was Rudolf's English name.
And between the lines, it was clear: when she had learned that a Japanese horse girl named Symboli Rudolf was coming to race in America, she had been interested—only to find it boring afterward.
Though she hadn't stated the reason, everyone here understood.
It was simply referring to Rudolf's crushing defeat back then, which had disappointed Seattle Slew, who had originally held expectations or interest.
For Kitahara could understand the mindset of most Americans and American horse girls.
Only the strong are worthy of respect—and that strength must be visible to the naked eye.
They don't understand East Asian subtlety.
In their view, if you are strong but don't display it, that's disrespectful to your opponent—such arrogance and pride deserve no respect.
And if you truly lack ability, then there's even less reason to respect you.
Kitahara had studied abroad before and met people from many countries. He had some understanding of Americans—or broadly speaking, those from Anglo-Saxon cultural backgrounds.
Because of that, he knew clearly that Seattle Slew hadn't spoken that way deliberately.
She genuinely believed what she said.
But he also knew that for Symboli Rudolf, this was deeply embarrassing—especially since she herself was proud by nature and raised within East Asian culture.
Admitting past inadequacy wasn't impossible. The current Rudolf was no longer the simple active racer she once was. She understood give and take.
Still, it was painful.
But to deny it or explain it? That was absolutely impossible for the Student Council President of Central Tracen Academy—the one known as the "Emperor."
When Rudolf had traveled to America before, she had also encountered its culture. She herself revered strength—just as all horse girls did.
With that personality, whether to deny or explain would be excruciating.
That tangled, conflicted emotion was obvious in Kitahara's eyes.
The faint wrinkles that gathered and faded at the corners of her mouth. The occasional tightening of her brows. Her slightly unfocused gaze.
All were signs of inner turmoil.
But to Americans and American horse girls, these might not be noticeable.
What they saw was simply this: after Seattle Slew's confirming question, Symboli Rudolf hesitated unusually.
"Something wrong, Symboli?"
After waiting a moment without response, Seattle Slew raised her eyebrows dramatically.
"If so… we can postpone the race a bit. We could just chat casually."
"Anyway, today's race is mainly about everyone having fun. There's only this one race."
"The Secretariat will be on the track sooner or later. To witness that scene—any wait would be worth it."
"Oh right, why don't we go ask those two little ones? Have a casual chat with them?"
"They're the two kids the Secretariat thinks most highly of. I'm also looking forward to their performance next year."
After talking to herself for a while, she suddenly left Rudolf's side and raised her hand, calling out:
"Hey! Silence, Goer! Come here!"
The two she was calling were Sunday Silence and Easy Goer.
They were here to watch the race today as well, currently leaning over the front railing.
Lined up beside them were several other youngsters.
From Japan: Special Week, Seiun Sky, and King Halo.
From Kentucky: El Condor Pasa and Grass Wonder.
This group of quickly bonded youngsters was eagerly awaiting the race.
Hearing Seattle Slew's call, not only did Sunday Silence and Easy Goer turn around—
All the young horse girls turned in unison, looking confused.
"…Nothing. Everything is clear…"
"Let the kids play by themselves. If you call them over… aren't you afraid of the noise?"
The first sentence was Rudolf's hesitant reply.
The second was Kitahara's smiling remark.
Realizing they had spoken at the same time, Rudolf paused and instinctively glanced sideways.
She saw Kitahara smiling at the slightly surprised Seattle Slew.
"You're not unfamiliar with Silence and Goer."
"When they were leaning over there earlier, they were already arguing. They've only quieted down a bit now."
"If you call them over, what if they start bickering again for no reason?"
"Oh! You're right!"
Seattle Slew nodded vigorously. "I don't know what's wrong with those two. Every time they meet, it's like they're enemies."
"Classes. Training."
"Basketball games, football games, community events."
"It's really strange. They'll argue whenever they see each other, and they absolutely must compete for first place."
She shrugged. "It's a disaster for everyone else when they start."
"I completely don't understand why they have such hostility toward each other, but… whatever, you're right."
"It's fine! You all just stay there and look forward to the race!"
She quickly changed her mind and waved toward the railing.
…Of course, they argue whenever they meet…
Sunday Silence had a perfectly good American Triple Crown—snatched by Easy Goer.
Easy Goer had all the spotlight—only to have more than half stolen by Sunday Silence.
Calling them rivals from the past would be an understatement. Even Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross weren't this intense. How could they possibly meet quietly?
Kitahara sighed inwardly.
He knew well that in the other world, these two had clashed on the track more than once. Overall, their win–loss record was delicate.
Even setting aside how they split the American Triple Crown—
In terms of total victories, Sunday Silence had more wins in confrontations.
Yet in G1 titles, Sunday Silence had six, while Easy Goer had eight.
In other words, their rivalry manifested in every possible way.
It wasn't surprising that things looked the way Seattle Slew described.
At least, Kitahara wasn't surprised.
But that wasn't why he had spoken up.
For this race, both the American and Japanese student council staff were fully handling operations.
Coordinating the race and managing logistics was standard work for Tracen Academy student councils. There shouldn't be any issues.
However, comments like the earlier careless remark—Seattle Slew had made quite a few.
From Kitahara's experience, almost every time he saw her, he'd hear something similar.
He didn't quite know how to evaluate that mentality.
But he knew that hearing only part of it already made him feel awkward.
Then for Rudolf and Maruzensky—who had been dealing with it all along—it must have been worse.
Rudolf's reaction was obvious.
Maruzensky showed less, but she was still clearly concerned.
At least from the look she was giving Rudolf now, she was worried about her friend—even if she herself didn't care much about Seattle Slew's remarks.
If this subtle tension remained only during pre-race preparation, that would be fine.
But if during the race Seattle Slew—or even the quiet-looking Affirmed—made a few more remarks, there might be an awkward scene.
That was something Kitahara didn't want to see.
More importantly, since he himself didn't feel too embarrassed speaking up, he'd rather spare Rudolf and Maruzensky the trouble.
He only wanted to shift Seattle Slew's attention.
"We're fully prepared on our side. Miss Tazuna, Oguri Cap, and the others—there are no issues."
After Seattle Slew waved off Sunday Silence's group, Kitahara said directly:
"The racers have almost finished warming up. Postponing now would only affect their performance."
"So…"
"We can begin."
He pointed toward the track, eyes following.
There was only one race today. The presentation and warm-up weren't complicated.
Tazuna and the Secretariat's side were finishing pre-race warm-ups.
From Kitahara's experience, their condition was excellent—both emotionally and physically.
In game terms, they were in "Perfect Form" with triple circles.
"Oh? You're quite decisive. Then, Symboli…"
Seattle Slew looked at Kitahara in surprise, then at Rudolf.
"…Chief Kitahara is correct. We may begin."
In public, Rudolf adjusted her form of address.
Though her first words held slight hesitation, she gradually regained her usual composure.
"The Secretariat is the world's top-tier horse girl. To witness such a strong racer in person is fortunate for anyone."
As she spoke, she stepped half a pace back, slightly behind Kitahara.
"And for us horse girls, we can certainly learn much from this. That, too, is our honor."
"But I think…"
Her tone suddenly shifted.
"Miss Tazuna—no. At this moment, she should be called… Tokino Minoru."
The faint hesitation in her gaze disappeared. Determination grew stronger.
She looked steadily at Seattle Slew, then toward a figure jogging lightly on the track.
"That senior is also someone all Japanese horse girls take pride in and regard as a role model."
"Even if her past achievements were hidden for certain reasons, and only now does a fragment of that brilliance reemerge…"
"But I believe that a match between such a strong racer and the Secretariat…"
"…will not disappoint us."
…Hey, hey, Rudolf, what are you implying? Doesn't that sound even slightly provocative? Not even a little bit of stubborn pride?
You're the student council president!
And stepping half a pace back—is that serious?
You just pushed me to the front, didn't you?
Kitahara felt helpless.
He had noticed Rudolf's movement. After spending so long together, he understood her mood.
It wasn't hard to grasp.
Wasn't this just like Sunday Silence and Easy Goer bickering earlier like children?
Symboli Rudolf was Japan's first undefeated Triple Crown horse girl.
And coincidentally, Seattle Slew was also undefeated Triple Crown—the first in history.
With such a coincidence, even if they'd never met in direct competition, it was impossible for there not to be some competitive spirit.
And Rudolf now seemed to be expressing exactly that.
To put it delicately, what she had just said was like:
"Who wins or loses between us aside, but the senior on my side is formidable too—don't underestimate her."
…Sigh. Who would have thought that the usually steady and dignified Rudolf would show this side of herself…
Kitahara sighed again.
Then from the corner of his eye, he caught Maruzensky's expression.
And sighed even more.
The worry for her friend had mostly vanished.
In its place was teasing amusement.
As if saying:
"I'll leave the rest to you, Kitahara~"
Perhaps these were just his own thoughts.
Before he could process it, Seattle Slew's eyes lit up.
"Nice! That's more like it! If we're only expecting the Secretariat to shine, that's exciting—but too boring!"
She laughed loudly, then suddenly turned and waved toward the top commentary area.
As she did, the broadcast—which had been sharing trivia about the racers—shifted smoothly into opening remarks.
"…After learning so many interesting details about today's participants, I'm sure everyone is eagerly anticipating the race."
"Now, the 'International Joint Education Special Race' will begin."
"All participants, please proceed to your respective gates under staff guidance."
With that announcement, the atmosphere in the stands grew livelier.
The audience wasn't particularly large. In a venue that could hold over ten thousand, less than a quarter was filled.
But the atmosphere was enthusiastic.
Guests and casual attendees alike expressed anticipation and encouragement in their own ways.
Perhaps an American feature—despite the modest crowd, vendors were selling snacks in the aisles and along the grass outside the track.
Hot dogs, fries, burritos, ice cream, nachos, cola—
All popular local treats.
Between cheers, spectators bought snacks and drinks, sharing and chatting.
It almost felt like a large group outing rather than a race.
"Miss Tazuna—no, as Symboli said, Senior Tokino Minoru."
After signaling preparations, Seattle Slew glanced at the stands.
She was casual in speech, but not careless. Otherwise, she couldn't serve as the Student Council President of Federal Tracen Academy.
After confirming everything was fine, she smiled brightly.
"A senior like that—I've never heard of her before, but I don't doubt her strength."
"Because even aside from my intuition, the Secretariat's evaluation was… brilliant."
"That might be one of the highest praises I've ever heard from the Secretariat."
Even in Japanese meaning "brilliant" as in extraordinarily talented—an undeniably high evaluation.
"As for myself… I actually have a feeling."
Seattle Slew's smile gradually faded.
Like Rudolf earlier, she fixed her gaze on a figure approaching the gates.
That figure was beside the Secretariat.
Compared to the Secretariat's tall and robust build, she appeared slimmer, more delicate.
Even compared to the juniors.
On her other side were Oguri Cap, Super Creek, and Mejiro Ardan.
Oguri and Super Creek looked slightly taller than her.
Only Ardan was about the same height.
Watching that figure—neither especially muscular nor particularly tall—Seattle Slew's expression grew more and more solemn.
"My intuition tells me that if she had today's medical technology and conditioning methods in her era… no, perhaps not even today's standards.
"Even with just slightly better medical care and conditioning—without needing stronger training—
"Then the title of the first undefeated Triple Crown Umamusume in history would absolutely have had nothing to do with me…"
After those words, Kitahara, as well as Rudolf Symboli and Maruzensky beside him, couldn't help but pause in slight astonishment.
Then, almost at the same time, the expressions of the two Umamusume softened with relief.
Rudolf Symboli even parted her lips slightly, as if about to say something.
But Seattle Slew didn't give her the chance.
"OK, it's decided then, Symboli."
She suddenly looked at Rudolf Symboli, then at Kitahara, her gaze shifting between the two.
"I heard from Secretariat that Japan is exploring a new path.
"A path that allows every Umamusume to run freely on the racetrack.
"This race is also meant to serve as the prelude to opening that path."
"If you really can achieve it—if this race truly turns out as exciting as you say, Symboli—
"Then I'll believe you, believe in all of you, and then…"
She suddenly burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! That would be incredible!"
"If that day really comes, I'm going to race in Japan."
This time, it wasn't just surprise—Kitahara and the others were genuinely stunned.
Seeing their reactions, Seattle Slew laughed even harder.
"What? Surprised?"
"What's so surprising about that?
"If Symboli, Japan's undefeated Triple Crown Umamusume, can come to America to race, why can't I, America's undefeated Triple Crown Umamusume, go to Japan?"
"I will definitely go—when that day comes."
"And when it does, Symboli… oh right, and Maruzensky."
She turned toward Maruzensky. "You'll run a race with me, won't you?"
At those words, both Rudolf Symboli and Maruzensky looked even more taken aback, though Maruzensky recovered first.
"Oh my, what an honor. I'm not like you two—I don't have the glory of a Triple Crown. Someone like me, and you'd still want to race together?"
"Oh Jesus! That's the thing I can't stand about you Japanese Umamusume—you're too indirect!"
Clutching her head dramatically, Seattle Slew exclaimed in exaggerated frustration:
"We're friends, aren't we? So why say something like that?"
"Maruzensky, does your strength really need a mere Triple Crown to prove it?"
"I know a bit about what happened back then. You couldn't compete in the Japanese Triple Crown—I was upset about that too, but…"
"It wasn't your loss for not running in the Japanese Triple Crown. It was the Japanese Triple Crown's loss!"
"Oh Jesus! That's what I hate about the Japan URA Association—so foolish!"
"Stupid! What a stupid that I have never seen!"
As she vented on her own, Seattle Slew didn't notice that Maruzensky, Rudolf Symboli, and even Kitahara all gradually began looking at her with gratitude.
After finishing her complaints, she suddenly grabbed Affirmed—who had remained silent the whole time—by the shoulders.
"But! It's too much to ask me to take on two Triple Crown-level runners by myself—especially undefeated ones!"
"Affirmed! You have to race with me when the time comes!"
"That way we'll have two Triple Crown-level runners on our side too—that's fair!"
Seeing how she treated the usually taciturn Affirmed, Kitahara half-expected the quiet Umamusume to get angry.
Yet to their surprise, Affirmed allowed herself to be dragged over without expression, then glanced at Seattle Slew with the same impassive face.
Then, in one smooth motion—a perfectly executed joint lock followed by an over-the-shoulder throw—she flipped Seattle Slew onto the ground.
Calmly, she looked over at them.
"If it's about Triple Crowns… Chiyono O, I remember that name.
"She'll race too."
Her voice was as calm—one might even say cold—as her expression. The tone was flat, yet somehow carried the certainty of a conclusion rather than a question.
…Seriously…
You Umamusume…
Do you all get this fired up just talking about races…?
The race here hasn't even been decided yet, and you're already scheduling the next one…?
Kitahara couldn't help but laugh inwardly, though his heart brimmed with ambition.
He realized he might have underestimated what his gradually realized dream meant to the Umamusume.
It wasn't just for overlooked geniuses like Oguri Cap.
Nor only for legends like Hayakawa Tazuna—no, Tokino Minoru—whose stories had been hidden away by circumstance.
Nor only for youngsters like Tokai Teio, Special Week, or Opera O, who still had bright futures ahead.
It was for all Umamusume—every single one—who longed for more stages to display themselves.
Even brilliant champions like Rudolf Symboli, Maruzensky, Seattle Slew, and Affirmed shared that same longing.
Perhaps that was the future all Umamusume—"born to run"—looked toward.
If time allowed, Kitahara would have rushed off immediately to draft a new proposal, determined to make Seattle Slew's casual suggestion of an international showdown a reality as soon as possible.
He'd even thought of a name.
In the game's progression, the first training scenario was "URA."
The second was the "Youth Cup."
Then the next…
"The Summit Cup."
If a tournament truly brought together runners of Rudolf Symboli's caliber, "Summit" would be more than fitting.
And besides…
If the URA Association wasn't organizing races for retired legends—
If they weren't providing stages for them—
Then he'd take that responsibility himself.
He truly wanted to find an office right now and begin drafting the plan.
But he had no such chance.
The announcer's voice over the speakers not only forced him to suppress that impulse—it seized all of his attention.
"All right, all participants are in position…"
"The 'International Joint Education Special Race,' turf 3000 meters—everybody…"
[Boo, very big nerf to Secretariat]
"Racing off!"
The moment he heard the first announcement, Kitahara snapped his head toward the starting gates over a hundred meters to his left.
Not only him—the Umamusume who had just been discussing racing in Japan all fixed their eyes on the same spot.
This wasn't the first race they had watched.
But for the "spectators" here, this race was more than just a race. It carried layered meanings.
Perhaps because of that, aside from the younger girls like Sunday Silence and Special Week, the trainers and Umamusume present stood in silence, wholly focused on the track.
The other spectators erupted into cheers the instant the gates opened.
"Miss Tazuna—no, Big Sis Tokino! Go! Oguri-senpai! Super Creek-senpai! Ardan-senpai! You too, um, that big sister whose name I can't remember—go!"
"Hey! Remember Secretariat's name properly! Special Stupid! Secretariat! Go!"
"This is your new friend, Silence—she's just like you! I mean academically! Secretariat! Go!"
"Easy Goer, what did you just say?!"
"Special, your cheering is weird… but whatever! Go! Go go go!"
"Don't tease Special like that… a-anyway, go!"
"Ohohoho! So dazzling! My race later has to shine just like this!"
"Whoa… they're amazing. I was going to nap, but I'm wide awake now… Good luck, big sisters, senpai…"
Among the cheers were the usual odd squabbles.
The entire stadium buzzed in similar fashion, as if hosting any major event.
The commentators, too, were full of stirring excitement.
"Look! From Japan, Super Creek has taken the lead out of the gate!"
"Yes! Currently holding a half-length advantage from the innermost gate is Super Creek, with Mejiro Ardan advancing to challenge for the front!"
"On the outside is Japan's Tokino Minoru!"
"Very mysterious—extremely mysterious! We have no public information about this runner, but her speed and form are beautiful."
"Beautiful—absolutely beautiful!"
"Next is Japan's Oguri Cap—a global star, undefeated in the first two Japanese Classics and a potential world challenger!"
"And then… our American legend…"
"Secretariat!"
As the home favorite, the commentary naturally placed more emphasis on Secretariat, building her up as the climax.
Yet no one—not Kitahara's group from Japan, nor casual onlookers unfamiliar with Umamusume—felt that arrangement was inappropriate.
The chestnut-red figure hadn't seized the lead at the break.
But it didn't matter.
She was like a roaring flame.
Like a tornado sweeping across red clay.
Even without leading, she commanded every gaze.
The stadium erupted in its first true crescendo of the day.
Under wave after wave of cheers, the commentator had to raise his voice to be heard.
"Secretariat is in a perfect position! Past races show that the wide track suits this powerhouse runner!"
"She hasn't taken the lead yet—but no need to worry…"
The commentator paused.
For a brief moment, it felt as though all cheers and noise had been sucked out of the world.
Like a film with its audio suddenly muted.
An eerie silence fell.
Kitahara felt a strange sense of déjà vu.
As if back in school—during recess or study hall when the teacher was absent and the classroom was loud—
Then suddenly, at some unknown instant, everyone went quiet.
It was that kind of strange silence.
And he saw exactly how it happened.
This track at Federal Tracen Academy was enormous—nearly 3000 meters per lap.
The starting gates were near the first bend, meaning the field would quickly enter the turn.
Just as the pack approached the point where the track began to curve—
Two figures burst forward in perfect, lightning-synced acceleration.
…You two veterans…
You're really not giving the youngsters even a shred of face, huh…
Staring at those two silhouettes, Kitahara felt secondhand cold sweat on behalf of Oguri, Super Creek, and Ardan.
It wasn't imagination.
A bead of sweat truly slid down his temple.
That was the cause of the stadium's sudden silence.
Fast.
Too fast.
No restraint whatsoever.
The slight lag at the break?
Just to reacquaint themselves with the track.
After that—
This became a true "educational race."
Secretariat.
And Hayakawa Tazuna—no, Tokino Minoru.
No mercy for juniors.
No concern for courtesy.
No thought of holding back.
Whatever had happened before—
If this was a race—
If the ground beneath their feet was called a racetrack—
If they were Umamusume running—
Then there would be no mercy.
The eerie silence was born from their charge.
They ignored conventional pacing—no consideration of early phase, mid-race strategy, turn timing, or gradual acceleration.
Their only thought seemed to be—
Win.
With absolute speed.
With overwhelming strength.
"…That's…"
"…kind of excessive…"
"…not leaving the youngsters any face at all…"
The mixture of shock, helplessness, and reluctant amusement was too complex. Kitahara muttered under his breath.
No one heard him.
As if sound had been restored to the film, the announcer's voice and the roaring cheers exploded back to life.
"First turn! Before the first corner, Secretariat has instantly seized the lead!"
"And making the same decisive move—Japan's mysterious runner, Tokino Minoru!"
"God! Amazing! Everybody!"
"How long has it been since anyone kept pace with Secretariat?! Incredible! Unbelievable! This unknown Japanese runner—"
"She matched Secretariat with ease!"
"Inside! She surged up the inside rail—the timing nearly identical! She and Secretariat accelerated simultaneously!"
"Now! The two are side by side!"
"They enter the first turn together! They've transformed the race in an instant!"
"Secretariat and Tokino Minoru lead into the bend side by side! Behind them is Super Creek, who had briefly led!"
"Then Mejiro Ardan!"
"Then Oguri Cap!"
"Perhaps these three juniors have their own strategy—we hope they are prepared to challenge their seniors ahead!"
"God bless you, our Umamusume!"
Prepared for what…
At this rate, they'll be lucky if they're not so shaken they can't even finish…
Watching the race unfold, listening to the commentary and cheers, Kitahara smiled bitterly.
He had warned them before coming to America.
Whatever happens—
Have the courage to finish.
Witness the peak.
Face it.
And one day—
Surpass it.
That was how generations of Umamusume built a better world—by challenging and exceeding the peaks before them.
For a moment, he drifted in thought.
Then a nearby voice pulled him back.
"I'm not being modest, truly not, Ms. Penny."
"I've been away from racing for too long. I can't accurately judge the matter you mentioned."
"That's why I especially hoped you'd ask this outstanding young man."
"He may be the most talented and gifted young person I've seen in years."
"Kitahara, would you mind answering Ms. Penny's question?"
(End of Chapter)