Ambition to Compete

One day later, at the Kyoto Central Treisen Academy training grounds.

Satono Diamond, Crown, and Trainer Chris arrived in Kyoto. After settling in briefly, they headed straight here.

The air was filled with the scent of sun-warmed turf, along with the faint, rhythmic sound of footsteps from afar.

The instant Diamond stepped onto the training grounds, her gaze locked onto that figure.

Kitasan Black was doing a steady long-distance run.

Her strides were like a metronome calibrated with utmost precision. The length, placement, and rhythm of every step were so stable that they made one's heart tighten.

Her breathing was deep and even, forming a seamless rhythm with her footsteps.

Her eyes looked straight ahead, her pupils reflecting the scorching air at the end of the track—clear and focused, without a trace of her former confusion or heaviness.

She was merely running, yet that very steadiness seemed to drag an entire calm, terrifying storm behind her, shutting out all the surrounding noise and distracting thoughts.

Diamond watched silently, her pupils narrowing slightly.

Just as I thought.

Freed from every burden, with nothing on her mind, existing solely for the sake of running—

This was the most complete, and most terrifying, form of the name "Kitasan Black."

Then a familiar voice came from beside her. "Oh my, Crown, Diamond, and Trainer Chris. You're here early."

Satono Diamond froze for a moment, then looked over with Crown, Chris, and the others.

Teio Sho and Noble Elegance were walking over from the other side of the track.

Seeing everyone's gazes, Teio Sho adjusted her glasses and looked toward where Diamond had been staring. "Over there—is that Student Kitasan? It seems Diamond is itching to go challenge her already?"

Noble Elegance followed beside Teio Sho, looking somewhat reserved as she softly greeted them. "Good