Daily Life at the Center of the Storm

The cheers from the stands had never been so unified or so ferocious. Like a tsunami, wave after wave crashed against the stage.

Glow sticks merged into an ocean of her signature color, surging and swaying with the rhythm, as though the entire night sky were burning for her.

The flashes in the press area went off without pause, joining into a blinding white glare as they frantically captured every moment on the stage.

This was fervor at its peak—a moment where all glory, admiration, astonishment, and ambition converged upon one person.

The ruler's figure was immortalized by countless cameras tonight, seared into history and into the reverent gazes of innumerable people.

The next day, everything spread at an explosive pace.

Rolling television news tickers, online media headlines, and full-page sports features in newspapers were all dominated by the same keywords: "Nine-Crown Champion Born! Kitasan Black Conquers the Osaka Hai!"

"New Record! 1:57.2! An Unquestionable Lead!"

"The Ruler's Declaration Becomes Reality! The Road to Overseas Expedition Begins at Hanshin!"

"The Age of Kitasan Black Has Officially Arrived!"

Analysis and debate filled every corner. Her Running Style was deconstructed frame by frame, her declaration interpreted without end, and her future endowed with every conceivable possibility.

Praise and amazement were the mainstream, but there were also concerns about "overexertion," doubts regarding the feasibility of an "Overseas Expedition," and discussions over whether "a new era meant the end of suspense in racing."

The uproar was deafening.

Yet at the center of this public-opinion storm that swept through everything, the small team upon which countless names and gazes were focused seemed to be standing in the eye of the typhoon.

Everything proceeded smoothly according to plan.

The day after the race was the designated day for rest and recovery.

Physical therapy, light activity, nutritional