Four days had passed since the Arima Kinen.
Tokyo, Oi Tracen Academy.
Inside the trainers' office.
A middle-aged man with a square, serious face sat behind his desk, brows tightly furrowed as he stared at a stack of printed data spread out before him.
Looking at the sheet, he spoke in a heavy tone.
"…Blue Liberty's Power rating still isn't climbing. Running from the back is getting more and more of a burden for her."
"I told you already, you shouldn't keep trying to force a back-runner style."
A gentle yet dignified female voice sounded.
Standing beside him was a beautiful, still-graceful woman in a simple, tasteful kimono.
She was one of Oi Tracen Academy's veteran trainers, and Inari One's former trainer—Tatsuko Yuzuhara.
The middle-aged man was her son, Taro Yuzuhara.
Tatsuko extended a finger and tapped the Power column on the data sheet, speaking softly.
"This child has good Stamina, but her burst power is lacking. Since that's the case, why not try Pace Chaser? Back Runner isn't something just anyone can pull off."
"…You're right."
Taro thought for a moment, then nodded lightly, a hint of relief flashing through his eyes.
He picked up his pen and began scribbling in his notebook, reworking the training plan.
That's how it should be…
We can't mislead ourselves and the horse girls we're in charge of just because of Inari One's success.
She's suited to running from the back. That doesn't mean every Oi horse girl is.
Tatsuko's gaze flickered.
She watched her son working away at his desk and let out a quiet sigh in her heart.
By now, she was basically semi-retired; at most she came in when she was free to give Taro a few pointers.
But she could tell—it wasn't just her son.
The whole Oi side had fallen into a sort of "Inari One syndrome."
Ever since last year, when the Central and Local horse girl leagues officially opened up to each other, the local girls really had gained a chance to step onto a bigger stage.
But what came with that was the crushing, overwhelming power of Central raining down on them from above.
This year, aside from producing one Inari One, Oi hadn't had a single outstanding rookie show even the faintest sign of "legend" potential.
It was as if Inari One's existence had spent all the luck this land of Oi had been quietly saving up for years, condensed into one three-part miracle.
Tatsuko slowly walked over to the window and looked out at the Oi horse girls training outside.
Her thoughts drifted back to a few days prior.
That day, she had been just another faceless spectator in the stands at Nakayama Racecourse.
And that all-too-familiar, petite silhouette had smashed through the finish line of the Arima Kinen in that dark, stormy race.
Undefeated career. Arima Kinen champion.
Even she hadn't been able to stop herself from losing composure in that moment, roaring herself hoarse.
"Ahhh…"
Remembering that scene, a warm smile rose on Tatsuko's face.
She also recalled the day she had personally handed that unruly little brat over to Kuroha.
When you think about it… a miracle crossing paths with another miracle is its own kind of miracle, isn't it?
We at Oi really have ended up taking pride in that girl.
But as soon as that thought surfaced, Tatsuko ground her molars a little and quietly grumbled in her heart.
Something's off here.
It had already been four whole days since she won the title!
How far was Central from Oi anyway?
And that brat hadn't even made a single phone call, never mind coming back to see her just once!
So her wings are hard now, huh? Just wait till I see her next time—I'll whip her back into shape properly!
Whoosh—!
Just as Tatsuko was stewing in her own irritation, a sudden commotion rose from downstairs.
"Hey, isn't that…?"
"Looks really similar—and she's wearing Central Tracen's uniform too!"
"No way, right?"
Many horse girls and trainers were chattering noisily below.
Sensing something, Tatsuko leaned forward and looked down.
Within her field of vision, a cute twin-tailed horse girl was standing there with one hand on her hip.
Just by standing, she seemed to become the center of the world.
At that very moment, the girl seemed to sense her as well, lifting her head to meet Tatsuko's gaze, a carefree grin tugging at the corner of her lips.
"Yo, big sis. Long time no see—I'm back."
Inari One said with a soft laugh.
"…"
Tatsuko fell silent for a beat, then suddenly turned on her heel.
The rapid clatter of footsteps echoed from the stairwell, and her figure quickly appeared in Inari One's sight.
Then—
She suddenly pulled the girl into a tight embrace.
"U-uh… hahaha, you don't have to be that excited. I just came back to check in on everyone."
Held in Tatsuko's arms for the first time in ages, Inari One squirmed uncomfortably, then lifted a hand and patted Tatsuko's back.
But right after that—
Thunk!
"Oww!" The girl clutched her head with an exaggerated yelp.
"Why'd you hit me, big sis?!"
Tatsuko glared at her.
"And you still have the nerve to talk! Forget not coming back for a few days—you didn't even call once! Anyone who didn't know better would think you went missing!"
"…"
For a second, Inari One had no idea how to respond.
She definitely couldn't say she'd spent the last few days so busy turning the house upside down with her trainer that she'd completely forgotten…
"Ahem. Anyway—"
Inari One cleared her throat twice, then suddenly threw both arms up high.
An invisible, powerful aura surged out around her as she laughed loudly and shouted,
"Lady Inari, returning in glory!!"
"Ooooooohhhhhhh——!!!!"
"Inari One! Inari One!"
"So cool!!"
…
Everyone at Oi exploded into excited cheers.
Tatsuko stood off to the side, looking at that face brimming with unrestrained spirit, and finally couldn't stop the laughter bubbling out of her.
"This kid… she's exactly the same as before…"
…
Meanwhile, while Inari One was returning to Oi—
Central Tracen Academy.
At Kuroha's villa.
Over these four days, Kuroha's life had still been "deep waters and burning fire."
Sure enough, Obey Your Master and the others had absolutely no intention of letting him off easily.
It was like they were determined to squeeze him for all he was worth while there was still a trace of the Three Goddesses' blessing lingering in his body and his stamina hadn't completely dropped back down.
Only after four whole days did they finally return to a normal sleep schedule.
Today, Inari One had headed straight back to Oi Racecourse to give Tatsuko the good news in person.
Granted, waiting four days to report good news when you're in the same city was a little… abstract.
But it was still better than not going back at all.
As for Obey Your Master, she had booked her flight for a few days later and had just gone out to buy presents.
Last year, she had spent Christmas and New Year with Kuroha at Central Academy.
This year, now that she'd fulfilled the dream she'd brought with her, it would be a waste not to return home in glory.
The crown of back-to-back international G1 victories was more than enough to make her parents proud.
So this year's Christmas, after talking it over with Kuroha, they decided to go spend it with her parents.
That way, she could show off properly in front of them and also talk to them about her and Kuroha—killing two birds with one stone.
(End of Chapter)
[Get +20 Extra Chapters On — P@tr3on "Zaelum"]
[Every 500 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter Drop]
[Thanks for Reading!]