We are all ready

The air at Central Treisen Academy seemed to have been set ablaze overnight.

Massive Arima Kinen promotional posters had been put up in the corridors, on bulletin boards, and even beside the cafeteria menus.

Kitasan Black's sprinting figure occupied the most prominent spot, while the words "Autumn Triple Crown: Final Battle" gleamed brightly, constantly reminding everyone that the year-end showdown was drawing near.

Before class, during breaks, and after school, younger students could always be seen gathered in small groups before the bulletin boards, staring eagerly at the latest Arima Kinen posters as their whispers surged like a tide.

"Did you see the voting rankings? Golden Lyric Senpai's vote count is right on her heels..." A short-haired Horse Girl nudged her companion with an elbow.

"Well, it is the Arima Kinen. But in terms of momentum, Senior Kitasan Black still has the edge, right? She won both the Autumn Tenno Sho and the Japan Cup. If she takes the Arima Kinen too, she'll become the third Horse Girl in history to win the Autumn Triple Crown!"

"Shh—keep it down! Satono-senpai is coming..."

The crowd suddenly quieted somewhat as they watched Satono Diamond walk past calmly, carrying a stack of documents.

Several freshmen instinctively straightened their backs, their gazes filled with both awe and curiosity.

Once Satono Diamond had left, the discussion resumed.

"Come to think of it, did you notice? Senior Kitasan Black was last year's Kikuka Sho winner, and Diamond Senpai is this year's... And Senior Kitasan Black also challenged the Arima Kinen during her Classic Year last year!"

"Exactly, exactly! Two consecutive Kikuka Sho champions, Classic Year against Classic Year, best friends from the same dorm, and I heard they're Childhood Sweethearts too. This setup... wow! It's practically a fated showdown!"

"And Nakayama track's 2,500 meters test both