Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ziding struggles to keep up with the intense pace set by her seniors in a Simulation Race.
• Kitasan Black leads the race, pushing the seniors to their limits.
• Wang Ziding experiences difficulty in maintaining her balance during a curve.
• The seniors, especially Gold Artisan, challenge Kitasan Black's lead in the final stretch.

Character Developments

• Wang Ziding realizes the difference between training with seniors and a real race, inspiring her to improve.
• Kitasan Black demonstrates her exceptional endurance and determination.
• Gold Artisan shows her competitive spirit and powerful Final Burst.

Significant Themes

• The intense competition and pressure of a real race.
• The importance of experience and learning from seniors.
• The development of Wang Ziding's determination and drive to improve.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ziding admires and learns from her seniors, especially Kitasan Black.
• The seniors push each other to their limits, driving the intense competition in the race.
• Imanami Takatoshi and Anjing Zhen discuss the strengths and areas of improvement for the Horse Girls, expressing their willingness to guide them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black participates in a simulation race at the Gold Ship Family training grounds, which has narrower turns and no slope compared to official tracks.
• She struggles with the new conditions, leading to her being overtaken by three senior Horse Girls: Gold Artisan Senpai, Nakayama Celebration Senpai, and Gold Ship Senpai.
• Despite her fourth-place finish, Kitasan Black is pleased with her performance and the intense race experience.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black shows adaptability and determination, adjusting her running style mid-race and pushing herself to the end despite being overtaken.
• The senior Horse Girls display their skills and teamwork, with Gold Artisan Senpai's precise overtaking and Gold Ship Senpai's powerful acceleration being particularly notable.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and Growth: Kitasan Black's struggle and eventual adaptation to the new track conditions highlight her willingness to learn and grow.
• Teamwork and Rivalry: The interactions between the Horse Girls showcase both friendly rivalry and teamwork, with each pushing the others to improve.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and the Senior Horse Girls: The overtaking incidents reveal the seniors' skills and Kitasan Black's determination, fostering mutual respect and growth.
• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen: Their brief interaction after the race shows Anjing Zhen's support and belief in Kitasan Black's progress, motivating her to improve further.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black reflects on her performance in a Simulation Race, acknowledging areas for improvement.
• Anjing Zhen praises her self-awareness and identifies her weaknesses in handling turns and course familiarity.
• Imanami Takatoshi and Wang Ziding approach, praising Kitasan Black's performance and encouraging Wang Ziding to learn from her.
• Kitasan Black encourages Wang Ziding and offers to introduce her to Anzu, her junior and Anjing Zhen's trainee.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Shows growth by self-reflecting on her performance and identifying areas for improvement.
• Anjing Zhen: Demonstrates approval and support for Kitasan Black's growth.
• Wang Ziding (Little Lilac): Develops admiration for Kitasan Black and eagerness to learn from her and Anzu.

Significant Themes

• Growth and Self-Improvement: Kitasan Black's self-reflection and determination to improve.
• Mentorship and Learning: Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen's influence on Wang Ziding.
• Rivalry and Friendship: Wang Ziding's initial unease about meeting Kitasan Black turns into admiration and a desire to learn from her.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen: They share a positive mentor-mentee relationship, with Anjing Zhen supporting Kitasan Black's growth.
• Kitasan Black and Wang Ziding: They form a supportive relationship, with Kitasan Black encouraging Wang Ziding and offering to introduce her to Anzu.
• Imanami Takatoshi and Wang Ziding: Imanami Takatoshi shows care and support for Wang Ziding, encouraging her to learn from Kitasan Black.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the unique nature of Horse Girls' racing abilities, which can only be fully judged in actual races, not during training.
• Symboli Rudolph and T.M. Opera O are mentioned as Horse Girls who conserve energy and win races with minimal suspense, while Oguri Cap and Daiwa Scarlet are reckless racers.
• Little Anzu, a potential Horse Girl, has not yet raced or even passed the entrance assessment, making it difficult to predict her racing style.
• Wang Ziding (Little Lilac) decides to befriend Little Anzu to learn about her racing potential firsthand.

Character Developments

• Wang Ziding shows determination and eagerness to improve her racing skills and befriend Little Anzu.
• Kitasan Black demonstrates patience and enthusiasm in helping Wang Ziding train.
• Imanami Takatoshi, a senior trainer, encourages Wang Ziding to befriend Little Anzu to understand her better.

Significant Themes

• The importance of actual races in determining a Horse Girl's talent, contrasting with training sessions.
• The value of friendship and camaraderie in understanding and improving racing abilities.
• The different racing styles and strategies among Horse Girls.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ziding and Kitasan Black train together, with Kitasan Black providing guidance and encouragement.
• Gold Ship Family members (Gold Artisan, Nakayama Celebration, Dream Journey, Stay Gold) offer advice and support during Wang Ziding's training.
• Anjing Zhen and Imanami Takatoshi discuss Kitasan Black's racing performance and potential improvements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• After a day of intense training, Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black are invited to stay for dinner and spend the night at the Gold Ship Family's residence.
• During dinner, Wang Ziding asks Kitasan Black numerous questions about Central Treisen Academy, revealing discrepancies between Gold Ship's and Kitasan Black's descriptions.
• Anjing Zhen discusses the day's training with Almond Eye over the phone, mentioning Kitasan Black's impressive performance and Wang Ziding's curiosity about the academy.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: She patiently answers Wang Ziding's questions about Central Treisen Academy, trying to clarify Gold Ship's exaggerated descriptions.
• Wang Ziding: She shows curiosity and eagerness to learn about Central Treisen Academy, revealing her eagerness to join the academy.
• Anjing Zhen: He demonstrates his dedication to his trainees' improvement by meticulously recording Kitasan Black's progress and discussing it with Almond Eye.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity and Anticipation: Wang Ziding's curiosity about Central Treisen Academy highlights her eagerness to learn and grow as a Horse Girl.
• Differing Perspectives: The contrast between Gold Ship's and Kitasan Black's descriptions of the academy illustrates how individuals can perceive and interpret experiences differently.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and Wang Ziding: Their conversation about Central Treisen Academy fosters a connection between the two, with Kitasan Black acting as a mentor figure to Wang Ziding.
• Anjing Zhen and Almond Eye: Their phone conversation demonstrates their close working relationship and shared dedication to their trainees' development.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen discusses Wang Ziding's training progress with Almond Eye.
• Anjing Zhen reflects on his approach to determining a Horse Girl's Running Style, influenced by Imanami Takatoshi's words.
• He decides to incorporate the Horse Girls' temperaments into their training, using Kitasan Black and Almond Eye as examples.

Character Developments

• Wang Ziding: Shows resilience and willingness to improve despite poor training results.
• Kitasan Black: Demonstrates growth as a "little trainer," providing guidance to Wang Ziding.
• Almond Eye: Shows eagerness to learn and improve, understanding the importance of temperament in Running Style.

Significant Themes

• The importance of considering a Horse Girl's temperament in determining their Running Style.
• The role of Trainers in supporting and guiding Horse Girls to achieve their best.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen and Almond Eye: Discuss training and share insights about Running Styles and temperaments.
• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black: Not explicitly shown in this chapter, but their bond as Trainer and Horse Girl is implied, with Kitasan Black growing into a "little trainer" role.
• Kitasan Black and Wang Ziding: Kitasan Black provides guidance to Wang Ziding during training, demonstrating her growth and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen praises Almond Eye's running insight.
• He identifies her competitive spirit as her key to victory.
• He teases Almond Eye about sleeping in the same bed as Little Kita if she can't control her competitive spirit.

Character Developments

• Almond Eye: Shows determination to improve her running strategy.
• Anjing Zhen: Demonstrates understanding of Almond Eye's unique running style and competitive spirit.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding and leveraging individual running styles.
• The role of competitive spirit in racing.
• The mentor-mentee relationship between Anjing Zhen and Almond Eye.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen and Almond Eye discuss her running strategy, with Anjing Zhen providing guidance and encouragement.
• Almond Eye expresses her dislike for Little Kita's red lanterns, revealing a hint of jealousy or discomfort in their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Horse Girls engage in a pillow fight in Gold Ship's bedroom.
• They later play Liar's Dice (Bluff Dice) with lollipops as stakes, with Nakayama Celebration as the dealer.

Character Developments

• Gold Ship shows her competitive and playful nature.
• Nakayama Celebration demonstrates her strategic thinking and bluffing skills.
• Wang Ziding shows hesitation and caution in her decisions.
• Kitasan Black displays excitement and confidence in her guesses.

Significant Themes

• Competition and camaraderie among the Horse Girls.
• Bluffing and strategic thinking in the game of Liar's Dice.

Character Interactions

• Gold Ship and Nakayama Celebration engage in friendly competition.
• Wang Ziding and Kitasan Black interact cautiously and confidently, respectively, in the game.
• Dream Journey remains indifferent and observant throughout the game.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Horse Girls play a dice game where they bid on the number of fours they think they can roll, and the closest bid to the actual total wins.
• Nakayama Celebration, a skilled player, guesses correctly and wins, while Gold Artisan loses.
• Gold Ship reveals that Nakayama Celebration is skilled at various games, including this one.
• Kitasan Black and Wang Ziding express interest in continuing the game despite Nakayama Celebration's advantage.

Character Developments

• Nakayama Celebration demonstrates her strategic thinking and skill in games.
• Gold Artisan shows improvement in her strategic thinking after her initial loss.
• Kitasan Black displays her maturity and adaptability, enjoying the game despite the skill gap.
• Wang Ziding shows curiosity and admiration for Nakayama Celebration's skills.

Significant Themes

• Skill vs. Luck: The game highlights the difference between skill (Nakayama Celebration's ability to roll specific numbers) and luck (the initial roll of the dice).
• Adaptability: Characters adapt to the situation, with Kitasan Black embracing the challenge and Gold Artisan learning from her loss.
• Camaraderie: The Horse Girls enjoy each other's company and value the shared experience, even when one of them has an advantage.

Character Interactions

• Nakayama Celebration and Gold Artisan: Their friendly rivalry drives the game, with Nakayama Celebration guiding Gold Artisan's improvement.
• Kitasan Black and Nakayama Celebration: They show mutual respect and a desire to challenge each other.
• Gold Ship: She lightens the mood with her teasing, encouraging friendly competition.
• Wang Ziding: She observes and learns from the more experienced Horse Girls, showing admiration for their skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ziding (Little Lilac) expresses anxiety about the upcoming entrance exam, causing concern among her seniors.
• The Horse Girls gather to discuss Wang Ziding's concerns and offer support.
• They decide to help Wang Ziding improve her cornering technique and understand her opponents better to boost her confidence.

Character Developments

• Wang Ziding: Struggles with anxiety about the entrance exam but is determined to improve and believes in her abilities with her seniors' support.
• Kitasan Black: Recognizes the importance of understanding opponents and decides to help Little Anzu learn more about her competitors.
• Gold Ship: Remains carefree and enthusiastic but can also be insensitive, demonstrating a lack of understanding of the gravity of the situation.
• Gold Artisan: Shows a softer side, offering advice and support to Wang Ziding while maintaining her sharp and serious demeanor.
• Dream Journey: Acts as a mentor, providing guidance and reassurance to Wang Ziding, and acknowledging the need to help her understand her opponents better.

Significant Themes

• Overcoming anxiety and self-doubt through hard work and belief in one's abilities.
• The importance of understanding and learning from opponents to improve one's own skills.
• The role of seniors in supporting and guiding juniors.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ziding seeks advice and support from her seniors, who respond with understanding, guidance, and encouragement.
• Gold Ship's carefree attitude contrasts with the seriousness of the situation, highlighting the need for sensitivity and understanding.
• Kitasan Black and Gold Artisan share their experiences and insights to help Wang Ziding prepare for the exam.
• Dream Journey takes a leadership role in addressing Wang Ziding's concerns and developing a plan to help her improve.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black spend the night and have breakfast with the Gold Ship Family.
• They bid farewell, expressing gratitude for the hospitality and promising to visit again.
• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black resume training Little Anzu, devising a detailed plan and investigating other applicants.
• The day of the examination arrives, held at Central Treisen Academy with a large crowd of applicants, parents, and officials.
• Little Anzu enters the examination area after a security check, with Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black expressing their support and confidence.

Character Developments

• Anjing Zhen: He becomes more invested in Little Anzu's training, even comparing it to preparing for a major race like the Arima Kinen.
• Kitasan Black: She shows maturity and responsibility by volunteering to assist applicants during the exam.
• Little Anzu: She feels the pressure of the examination, experiencing nervousness and anxiety despite her initial confidence.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and Hard Work: Anjing Zhen emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, even for a simulation race, to build good habits for the future.
• Support and Encouragement: The Gold Ship Family, Anjing Zhen, and Kitasan Black all offer support and encouragement to Little Anzu.
• Nervousness and Pressure: Little Anzu experiences the pressure and nervousness of a major event, highlighting the emotional aspect of competition.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black: They work together to train and support Little Anzu, demonstrating a strong partnership.
• Little Anzu and Her Parents: They exchange words of encouragement and reassurance before Little Anzu enters the examination area.
• Little Anzu and Anjing Zhen/Kitasan Black: They express their confidence in Little Anzu and offer final words of support before she begins her exam.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Almond Eye arrives at Central Treisen Academy for the entrance exam, feeling nervous.
• She observes other applicants, including Gaojie Baihe, who is considered a favorite.
• Almond Eye registers, receives her number bib (0806), and writes down her test times.
• She meets Wang Ziding, who returns a tissue Almond Eye had dropped. They discover they're in the same test batch.

Character Developments

• Almond Eye: Initially nervous, she gains confidence after seeing Gaojie Baihe and decides to compete with her if they meet.
• Wang Ziding: Shows elegance, friendliness, and a thirst for knowledge. She admires Kitasan Black and trains diligently for the exam.

Significant Themes

• Competition and determination: Applicants display their ambition and resolve to pass the exam and enter the academy.
• Friendship and camaraderie: Despite competition, applicants show kindness and support towards each other, as seen in Wang Ziding's help to Almond Eye.

Character Interactions

• Almond Eye and Gaojie Baihe: Almond Eye feels inspired by Gaojie's confidence and decides to compete with her if they meet.
• Almond Eye and Wang Ziding: They meet, exchange pleasantries, and discover they're in the same test batch. Wang Ziding helps Almond Eye find her dropped tissue, showing kindness and friendliness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Almond Eye and Wang Ziding discover they're in the same test batches for most events.
• They complete various physical assessments and events together, including standing long jump, vertical jump reach, barbell squat, plank endurance, pull-up, and seated forward-bend tests.

Character Developments

• Almond Eye: Shows nervousness during tests but maintains composure. Demonstrates strong competitive spirit and improves with each event.
• Wang Ziding: Initially nervous but gains confidence through Almond Eye's support. Shows exceptional physical prowess and determination.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and mutual support: Almond Eye and Wang Ziding encourage and motivate each other throughout the tests.
• Perseverance: Both characters display remarkable determination and endurance in facing challenges.

Character Interactions

• Almond Eye and Wang Ziding form a strong bond, supporting and pushing each other to excel in the tests.
• They exchange words of encouragement, admiration, and respect for each other's abilities.
• Their interactions highlight their growing friendship and mutual trust.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Morning tests: Basic and physical fitness tests.
• Afternoon tests: Track adaptation, including 800m, 1600m, and 2400m on dirt and turf.
• Simulation Race draw results announced during lunch.
• Wang Ziding drawn for 2000m dirt race, Almond Eye for 1400m turf race.

Character Developments

• Almond Eye shows determination and excitement when facing strong opponents.
• Wang Ziding initially worries about her dirt race assignment but gains confidence after talking to Almond Eye.

Significant Themes

• Adapting to new environments and food.
• Facing challenges and strong opponents with determination.
• Supporting and encouraging each other.

Character Interactions

• Almond Eye and Wang Ziding discuss their morning tests and encourage each other.
• They observe other candidates and discuss their afternoon tests.
• Wang Ziding worries about her dirt race, but Almond Eye reassures her and helps her regain confidence.
• Almond Eye shows excitement and determination when seeing strong opponents in her race.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Almond Eye and Wang Ziding complete the Track Test and prepare for the Simulation Race.
• The Simulation Race begins, with Almond Eye making a slow start due to distraction.
• Legendary seniors Grass Wonder and El Condor Pasa attend as special guests and provide live commentary.

Character Developments

• Almond Eye: Struggles with race anxiety and makes a slow start but remains determined.
• Wang Ziding: Not directly involved in this chapter but supports Almond Eye.

Significant Themes

• Determination and focus in racing.
• The importance of a good start in short-distance races.
• The influence of legendary seniors on younger students.

Character Interactions

• Almond Eye interacts with other racers, though not directly; she observes them and thinks about Gaojie Baihe and others.
• Almond Eye looks for Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black in the stands but doesn't find them.
• Grass Wonder and El Condor Pasa provide commentary, interacting with the audience and racers indirectly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grass Wonder and El Condor Pasa provide valuable commentary and experience to younger Horse Girls during the race.
• Sayaka takes the lead, followed closely by Gaojie Baihe. Qingrou Ruge and others chase behind.
• Anzu runs a late-run strategy, aiming to sprint at the right moment.
• Wang Ziding and Kitasan Black watch anxiously, hoping for Anzu's victory.

Character Developments

• Sayaka demonstrates powerful and steady running.
• Gaojie Baihe shows determination and tenacity in her pursuit of Sayaka.
• Anzu maintains a late-run strategy, aiming to use her sprinting ability effectively.
• Wang Ziding and Kitasan Black exhibit concern and support for Anzu.

Significant Themes

• Competition and determination in racing.
• The importance of experience and guidance in improving performance.
• The challenge of accurately timing a sprint in short-distance races.

Character Interactions

• Grass Wonder and El Condor Pasa interact with younger Horse Girls, sharing their experience.
• Wang Ziding and Kitasan Black support Anzu, expressing their hopes for her victory.
• Anjing Zhen discusses Anzu's strengths and challenges with Kitasan Black, providing insight into Anzu's racing strategy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Almond Eye, in her first professional race, demonstrates initial technique and strategy, contrasting with other runners' reckless vigor.
• Commentators Grass Wonder and El Condor Pasa praise Almond Eye's potential and emphasize the importance of strategy and pace control.
• Sayaka, the leader, begins to struggle and notices Almond Eye's steady performance, feeling threatened.
• Gaojie Baihe, another contestant, receives commentary on her impulsive tactics.

Character Developments

• Almond Eye: Shows early professionalism, strategic thinking, and potential.
• Sayaka: Initially confident, becomes uneasy and wary upon noticing Almond Eye's capabilities.
• Gaojie Baihe: Realizes her impulsiveness and learns from the commentary.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategy and technique in racing, not just raw speed.
• The growth and learning process of young Horse Girls.
• Competition and the recognition of worthy opponents.

Character Interactions

• Almond Eye and Sayaka: Unspoken rivalry begins as Sayaka notices Almond Eye's potential threat.
• Gaojie Baihe and the commentators: Gaojie learns from Grass Wonder and El Condor Pasa's analysis of her tactics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gaojie Baihe, initially impulsive, adjusts her strategy after realizing her mistakes.
• Almond Eye is praised by seniors over the broadcast, causing a stir among contestants.
• Qingrou Ruge decides to observe Almond Eye's running style for personal growth.
• Some contestants experience jealousy upon hearing Almond Eye's praises.

Character Developments

• Gaojie Baihe learns from her impulsiveness and plans her next move.
• Qingrou Ruge shows curiosity and competitiveness towards Almond Eye.
• Several unnamed contestants grapple with jealousy and its impact on their performance.

Significant Themes

• Regret and learning from mistakes (Gaojie Baihe).
• Competition and rivalry (Qingrou Ruge vs. Almond Eye).
• Jealousy and its effects on performance (various contestants).

Character Interactions

• Gaojie Baihe focuses on Sayaka and Almond Eye, planning her next move.
• Qingrou Ruge observes Almond Eye, aiming to learn from her running style.
• Several unnamed contestants react to Almond Eye's praise, affecting their racing mindset.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Almond Eye attracts attention and praise from Horse Girls, seniors, and trainers during a race.
• Commentator El Condor Pasa's enthusiastic praise of Almond Eye draws unwanted attention and pressure from other contestants.
• Almond Eye becomes aware of the increased attention and responds with excitement and determination.

Character Developments

• Almond Eye: Shows remarkable skill and potential in the race, displaying excellent pacing, positioning, and race-day sharpness. She responds to pressure with excitement and a desire to prove herself.
• Anjing Zhen: Recognizes Almond Eye's potential and anticipates that the pressure from other contestants will fuel her determination and performance.

Significant Themes

• Competition and rivalry among Horse Girls.
• The impact of external pressure and attention on an individual's performance.
• Almond Eye's intense competitive spirit and determination.

Character Interactions

• Horse Girls in the stands discuss and praise Almond Eye, sparking curiosity and admiration.
• Trainers notice Almond Eye's potential and express their approval.
• Anjing Zhen anticipates Almond Eye's reaction to the increased pressure and looks forward to her response.
• Almond Eye becomes aware of the other contestants' attention and prepares to face the challenge head-on.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Almond Eye accelerates dramatically in the final lap of the race.
• She overtakes multiple opponents, including Sayaka and Gaojie Baihe.
• Almond Eye, Gaojie Baihe, and Qingrou Ruge enter a fierce battle for the lead.
• Almond Eye crosses the finish line first, winning the race.

Character Developments

• Almond Eye discovers her untapped potential and pushes her limits, leading to a significant improvement in her performance.
• Sayaka and Gaojie Baihe show determination and unwillingness to yield, but ultimately cannot keep up with Almond Eye's final burst of speed.
• Qingrou Ruge demonstrates clever positioning and a sudden burst of speed, showcasing her strategic racing abilities.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and Determination: Almond Eye's refusal to give up and her continuous improvement throughout the race highlight her determination to succeed.
• Competition and Rivalry: The intense battle among the top racers emphasizes the competitive nature of the sport and the desire to outdo one's opponents.
• Personal Growth: Almond Eye's realization of her own potential and her growth as a Horse Girl is a central theme of the chapter.

Character Interactions

• Almond Eye's interactions with her opponents, particularly Sayaka and Gaojie Baihe, are marked by intense competition and mutual respect.
• Wang Ziding, Almond Eye's Trainer, shows unwavering support and belief in her Horse Girl's abilities.
• The commentators, Grass Wonder and El Condor Pasa, provide color commentary and express admiration for Almond Eye's performance.