Senior T.M. Opera O's Trainer?

Compared to Kitasan Black's debut race, the weather on this race day was somewhat overcast, though the track conditions were excellent.

Arriving at Tokyo Racecourse for the second time, Kitasan Black was noticeably more composed than before; when Trainer Yasui led her into the venue, she did not look around with the same curiosity as last time.

Since the race was scheduled for the 7th event at 1:25 PM, they proceeded with the routine of track acclimation, warm-ups, and the paddock appearance before heading to the designated restaurant for a meal.

That was when they encountered three unexpected Horse Girls.

"You didn't even know the restaurant window had changed? And you call yourself familiar with Tokyo Racecourse?"

"I did race here quite often back in the day, but I've been studying in Europe for years. It's not like they would send me a personal notification just because they renovated Tokyo Racecourse."

"Europe? Ha—hahaha! What a coincidence! I've been touring in Europe quite often these past few years. Did you happen to see any of my performances, Vodka?"

"I've heard about your performances, Senior. I actually wanted to go, but a project reached a critical stage... but if you have another show, I will definitely be there to support you."

"Ha—hahaha! It's a deal, then! I'll reserve the best seat in the house just for you."

"I'll go support you too, Senior!"

"No problem, leave it to me!"

"Hey, could you stop copying everything I say?"

"When did I ever copy you? Besides, I'm going to have plenty of free time for a long while, aren't I?"

"As if I'm going to be busy..."

"Well, you two are still as close as ever. Do you need me to arrange a private box for you both?"

"Absolutely not! And! I am not close with her at all!" x2

Hearing the conversation and bickering from a distance, Anjing Zhen froze after glancing over involuntarily.

Beside him, Kitasan Black had already exclaimed in pleasant surprise.

"Ah! It's Senior T.M. Opera O! And Senior Yamato and Senior Vodka!"

...So, how did these three Horse Girls end up together?

Just as Anjing Zhen was feeling puzzled, the three Horse Girls on the other side heard Kitasan Black's voice and turned to look over in unison.

"What a coincidence, Little Kita. I was just thinking of coming to find you later... come on over and sit."

After Daiwa Scarlet waved with a smile, she looked at the two Horse Girls at her table.

"Senior T.M. Opera O, this is the junior I told you I was coming to cheer for, Kitasan Black."

While they were speaking, Kitasan Black had already walked over excitedly with her tray, while Anjing Zhen followed behind her, lost in thought.

"Greetings, three Seniors! My name is Kitasan Black, a first-year student at Central Treisen Academy! This is my trainer, Anjing Zhen!"

"Greetings to you all, I am Anjing Zhen. It is a pleasure to meet you," Anjing Zhen introduced himself as well.

"You should all know this Senior T.M. Opera O."

Daiwa Scarlet began the introductions.

"I don't need to say much about myself, but as for this one..."

She glanced with slight disdain at the Horse Girl with brown short hair beside her.

As if she hadn't noticed Daiwa Scarlet's look of disdain, the brown-haired Horse Girl pressed two fingers to her temple, gave a dashing salute, and smiled as she nodded at Kitasan Black.

"Yo, Little Kita, long time no see."

Afterward, she looked at Trainer Yasui.

"Hello, Trainer Yasui. I'm Vodka. It's a pleasure to meet you... Hey, could you move over and make some room for her?"

The latter part of the sentence was directed at Daiwa Scarlet with a look of annoyance.

Not to be outdone, Daiwa Scarlet glared back.

"I clearly made room, didn't I? Besides, have you put on weight during your years in Europe? It's so cramped."

"I train every single day, alright? You're the one who's probably gained weight."

"Training every day and still this heavy? What kind of training is that?"

"Don't believe me? The Tokyo Racecourse is right outside. Want to go run a lap?"

"Ha, you think I'm afraid of you? Let's run!"

Seeing the two Horse Girls actually rolling up their sleeves to head toward the track, T.M. Opera O sat opposite them looking completely accustomed to the scene, showing no intention of stopping them.

Kitasan Black's mouth twitched in awkward helplessness, while Anjing Zhen remained calm, though he felt a sense of absurdity in his heart.

Vodka was the very Horse Girl known alongside Daiwa Scarlet as the "Peerless Duo."

During their active careers, the two of them shattered the prejudice regarding the "distinction between colts and fillies," and beyond that, they were genuine, bitter rivals.

The first time they met on the track, they dueled for several hundred meters down the Final Straight, taking the top two spots and finishing a full 6 horse lengths—15 meters—ahead of the third-place finisher.

That Tulip Sho was a victory for Vodka, yet in the subsequent Oka Sho, Daiwa Scarlet immediately won it back.

In the Shuka Sho that followed, the winner was once again Daiwa Scarlet.

By the time the Tenno Sho Autumn arrived the following year, it was Vodka who emerged victorious, shaving a full 0.8 seconds off the record set by Special Week.

Such a legendary career was naturally widespread throughout the industry, and fans spoke of it with great relish.

Anjing Zhen had taken note of these things before, but back then, he had assumed that two Horse Girls who were such fierce rivals on the track must surely be at odds with each other off it.

As it turned out, seeing their relationship with his own eyes—how should he put it? They looked like they were arguing quite fiercely, but he couldn't help but feel...

It looked like they were flirting, didn't it?

"...Trainer, don't be afraid..."

While Anjing Zhen was secretly feeling bewildered, Kitasan Black tugged on his sleeve and whispered:

"The Two Seniors have always been like this. They actually have a very good relationship; it just looks like they're fighting..."

"We do not have a good relationship!" x2

"...Uh, exactly like that."

Fair enough, they were indeed flirting. Anjing Zhen nodded silently.

At this moment, the Horse Girl opposite them spoke up.

"Kitasan Black... I remember now, you're in the race at 1:30 this afternoon, aren't you?"

"Yes! That's right, Senior T.M. Opera O!"

Like a student answering a question in class, Kitasan Black immediately sat up straight, then looked puzzled.

"How does Senior remember my race time...?"

The Horse Girl known as T.M. Opera O possessed a flamboyant aura, and her attire was just as extravagant, with two gemstone earrings on each ear and a vibrant Crown perched atop her head.

"Because one of my juniors is in that race, and I am here to cheer her on. Sato no Takarazuka, do you know her?"

"I do! We hang out quite often, but..."

Kitasan Black hesitated for a moment, "I don't recall Takarazuka mentioning that she knew Senior T.M. Opera O...?"

"She has likely heard my name, though I have indeed not met her yet," she nodded naturally, a trace of helplessness and melancholy flashing in T.M. Opera O's eyes, "So, to be precise, I am here to cheer for her Trainer."

"Trainer...? Senior T.M. Opera O... knows Takarazuka's Trainer?" Kitasan Black's ears twitched.

"Of course I do, after all..."

With a very faint sigh, T.M. Opera O smiled and stood up.

"She could also be considered my Trainer from before.

"Alright, it is almost time for our appointment, so I shall take my leave.

"As for the upcoming tour, you... oh, I mean the four of you, feel free to come if you are interested. I will reserve seats for you.

"Rest assured, it will be a world-class spectacle. Ha—hahahaha!"

(Here comes The Overlord

Vodka, just being cool is enough

Peerless Duo

)