April 2nd, Hanshin Racecourse

Almond Eye recalled hearing Mikki Rocket mention that Trainer A Tian did have a rather unusual preference: he never took the initiative to terminate a contract with a Horse Girl.

She had also heard that many of Mikki Rocket's seniors were not especially gifted—some were not even outstanding—but Trainer A Tian had continued guiding them, seeing them through race after race until the very end.

She did not know exactly what that meant, but when she thought of herself, of Senior Little Kita, and of everything Trainer Yasui had done for them, that persistence and companionship were undoubtedly something that made people feel at ease.

"I—I think I understand a little now."

Almond Eye spoke softly, then shook her head. "But there are still lots of things I don't understand, Trainer."

"Well, there isn't much to be done about that. You're still young, after all."

Anjing Zhen Shen smiled, then looked at Kitasan Black, who was resting nearby. "Little Kita, how do you feel? Can you keep going?"

"Mmm, just a sec—"

Kitasan Black had been eating a banana. Hearing Anjing Zhen Shen's question, she hurriedly swallowed it in one gulp. "No problem at all! Trainer, I think I've gotten a bit of a feel for resisting that kind of pressure. For the next round, I want to try adjusting my breathing rhythm even deeper while maintaining my new stride length!"

"Good."

Anjing Zhen Shen nodded, his gaze sweeping over Tamamo Cross and Senior Oguri Cap, who had also finished resting nearby. "Then, next—"

Before he could finish, Senior Oguri Cap, who had been making various motions off to the side, suddenly spoke up. As though struck by a realization, she made a fist with her right hand and tapped it against her left palm. "Oh! I finally remembered!"

Everyone's