Looking at those numbers, Kuroha nodded in satisfaction.
In terms of physical stats, since Oguri Cap was already at her peak, even with Kuroha's deep optimization over the last two months, each attribute had only crept up by a dozen points or so—barely perceptible.
But her Wit had jumped by nearly 100 points.
That proved that during this period, Oguri's ability to read races, plan tactics, and control tempo had all undergone a qualitative leap.
She was slowly shedding that old "brute force solves everything" image, evolving toward a fully realized "brains and brawn" form.
As for aptitude, two months wasn't enough to push it to S, but Dirt rising from B to A meant her power control had become far more refined.
The fundamentals were already more than ready.
Now, for the current Oguri, all that remained was baptism by a real overseas G1. The moment she got it, she would break out of her cocoon and become a true world-class powerhouse.
"At this point, she'd probably laugh at her two-months-ago self for being a dummy…" Kuroha teased with a soft chuckle, then closed the panel.
That wasn't Kuroha's evaluation—it was Oguri's own, after she'd felt her thinking become sharper over the past weeks.
Of course.
Whenever March and the others heard Oguri call herself that, they always burst out laughing, but you couldn't fake that awareness of growth.
"Fumino-san, how's the return itinerary back to Central?" Kuroha gathered his thoughts and turned to the purple-haired beauty beside him.
Fumino snapped out of the documents in her hands. "It's booked. Flight's in five days."
"Rijichō is heading back too. She said we can ride her private jet back to Central together."
"Rijichō?"
Kuroha looked surprised. "What's she doing in Hong Kong?"
At the name, Kuroha's mind immediately conjured the image of that tiny, loli-like figure—even smaller than Inari One and Tamamo Cross.
Akikawa Yayoi.
The Rijichō of Central Tracen Academy—someone Kuroha barely saw more than a handful of times in an entire year.
It seemed that, in recent years, Tracen Academies around the world had been rapidly evolving and reforming.
So she spent most of her time traveling for inspections.
"I ran into her by chance this morning when I went to handle the travel paperwork," Fumino said after thinking for a moment. "It looks like the Rijichō came to discuss the establishment of a new international G1 with the Hong Kong Umamusume Association—the Hong Kong Mile Championship."
"But it's basically just a formality."
"After all, this is an overseas Spark Series event. The Rijichō's only here as Central Tracen's representative—to show her face and leave."
"Besides, this race was already put into Hong Kong's official calendar. It's probably just a celebratory event now."
"I see…"
Kuroha pondered for a beat, then made a decision quickly.
"It's a few days earlier than planned, but it doesn't matter. Set it for five days from now—we'll hitch a ride on the Rijichō's jet back to Central."
"Understood."
Fumino immediately jotted it down in her notebook.
But as she wrote, her pen suddenly stopped.
She froze, staring at her own smooth, habitual note-taking, and an odd feeling rose in her chest.
"Wait… why does it feel like I've completely turned into his secretary-assistant errand runner?"
She was an excellent trainer from Central too—so how had she ended up obeying him so readily, even handling trivial scheduling like this?
Fumino ground her teeth, then tilted her head, her gaze dark and pointed as she stared at the man beside her—utterly unaware.
"Just you wait, Kuroha…"
"Next year, I'm going to raise ten horse girls who'll defeat every single one of the horse girls you lead in Chasing Light!"
"And then… I'll make you wear the uniform and be my secretary!"
…
Five days passed in the blink of an eye, swallowed by a tense but fulfilling training rhythm.
Folkqueen and Ellerslie Pride still needed to remain in Hong Kong for a while, so they returned to their hotel first.
There was no formal farewell ceremony, but both sides understood without words.
Next time they met, it might be from the spectator stands in Central.
Even if they couldn't compete as rivals…
Being friends was fine too…
…
Early morning, Hong Kong International Airport, VIP waiting passage.
In the summer morning, the sea breeze still hadn't taken on the scorching heat of noon. It felt slightly cool against the skin.
Kuroha and the others had already packed and were standing by the roadside, surrounded by suitcases of all sizes.
They didn't have to wait long.
Soon, a glossy black, streamlined luxury stretch sedan rolled into view and came to a steady stop at the airport entrance.
Click.
The door slid open automatically.
What stepped out first wasn't some tall, imposing silhouette.
It was a pale, slender leg—almost excessively delicate in line—wearing a refined little leather shoe, lightly touching down outside the car.
Then a small hand holding a folding fan emerged.
Snap!
A crisp sound cracked through the open waiting area.
The fan snapped open midair, its surface snow-white, with three bold characters written in powerful brushstrokes:
RI—JI—CHŌ!
"Long time no see!!!"
A bright, energetic, crystalline voice rang out across the empty VIP area.
Only then did the petite orange-haired girl hop out of the car in one lively motion.
One hand on her hip, the other raised high with the fan, her light-blue eyes sparkling with excitement as she looked straight at Kuroha and the group.
"Kuroha-san, Fumino-san, good morning! You all look full of energy—excellent!"
(End of Chapter)
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