Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen decides to take Kitasan Black to an Onsen Inn for therapy without informing Saburo Kitajima initially.
• Saburo Kitajima visits Kitasan Black backstage but leaves before Anjing Zhen can talk to him about the Onsen Therapy.
• Anjing Zhen, Kitasan Black, Daiwa Scarlet, and Vodka enjoy a barbecue celebration at the Onsen Inn.

Character Developments

• Anjing Zhen shows consideration for Kitasan Black's family and her well-being.
• Kitasan Black displays curiosity and eagerness to learn from her seniors.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka reveal their plans to become Dormitory Managers and share their past experiences.

Significant Themes

• The importance of mentorship and learning from seniors.
• The bond between horse girls and their shared experiences.
• The value of unique achievements and breaking barriers.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black's growing bond and mutual trust.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka's friendly rivalry and close friendship.
• Kitasan Black's eagerness to learn from Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka, and their willingness to help her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen adjusts the training plan to accommodate Vodka's running style.
• He arranges a joint run with Daiwa Scarlet, Vodka, and Kitasan Black, using 'Imaginary Training' techniques.
• Kitasan Black learns about the 'Simulated Lead' and 'Simulated Lag' techniques.

Character Developments

• Anjing Zhen shows adaptability and care in adjusting the training plan.
• Kitasan Black demonstrates her enthusiasm, kindness, and sensibility in helping her seniors.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka express their desire to support Kitasan Black, showing their affection for her.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability and flexibility in training and life.
• The power of support and camaraderie among teammates.
• The value of hard work and dedication, as shown by Kitasan Black's enthusiasm.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen interacts with the Horse Girls, showing understanding and care for their needs.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka interact with Kitasan Black, expressing their affection and support for her.
• Kitasan Black interacts with her seniors, showing her appreciation and determination to run with them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Daiwa Scarlet, now an administrator, assists in training before the Condition Race and then leaves, leaving Vodka to help in the evenings.
• Anjing Zhen trains Kitasan Black after the evening sessions, reviewing the Condition Race and preparing for future races.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black learns about her simple yet effective racing strategy and understands the complexity of racing psychology.
• Anjing Zhen demonstrates his exceptional insight into Horse Girls' psychology and racing dynamics.
• Vodka is impressed by Anjing Zhen's abilities and reflects on her own experiences.

Significant Themes

• The complexity of racing psychology and the importance of understanding both one's Horse Girl and opponents.
• The need for Horse Girls to develop their own running style and lead races, rather than relying on surprise tactics.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black discuss her racing strategy and future training goals.
• Vodka observes Anjing Zhen's training methods and reflects on her own experiences, comparing them to his approach.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen, Kitasan Black, and Vodka leave the Dance Hall and encounter Einis Fushin, a former Horse Girl champion, who delivers a package to Anjing Zhen.
• Anjing Zhen reveals he ordered a drone with a high-speed camera for filming Kitasan Black's training sessions, a novel approach in Horse Girl training.

Character Developments

• Anjing Zhen: Demonstrates his innovative thinking and dedication to improving Kitasan Black's training methods.
• Einis Fushin: Shows her work ethic and dedication to supporting her younger sisters' education despite having substantial prize money.

Significant Themes

• Innovation and adaptation: Anjing Zhen's use of a drone for training highlights his innovative approach to training methods.
• Work ethic and responsibility: Einis Fushin's continued work despite her wealth emphasizes her strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen, Kitasan Black, and Vodka: They discuss Anjing Zhen's new training method, with Vodka expressing admiration for his innovative idea.
• Einis Fushin and others: She interacts briefly with the group, showing curiosity about their conversation and revealing her past as a Horse Girl champion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black and her seniors discuss her trainer, Anjing, and how they met.
• The topic of the Japanese Derby comes up, and Kitasan Black expresses her desire to participate.
• Vodka has a nosebleed due to her overreaction to a romantic interpretation of Kitasan Black and Anjing's relationship.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Shows enthusiasm, kindness, and a down-to-earth personality. She also demonstrates maturity in focusing on her training rather than future races.
• Anjing: Portrayed as pragmatic and focused on tangible aspects of training, not relying on luck.
• Vodka: Reveals her inability to handle romance topics, leading to a nosebleed.

Significant Themes

• Luck vs. effort: The discussion about the Japanese Derby touches on the role of luck versus personal effort in racing.
• Maturity and focus: Kitasan Black shows growth in her ability to focus on her training rather than future races.
• Romantic misunderstandings: Vodka's overreaction leads to a humorous misunderstanding about Kitasan Black and Anjing's relationship.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and her seniors (Daiwa Scarlet, Vodka, Einis Fushin) share a friendly and supportive dynamic.
• Kitasan Black reflects on her relationship with Anjing, showing a deeper understanding of his personality.
• Vodka's nosebleed incident highlights her eccentricity and serves as a comedic moment in the chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vodka's nosebleed leads to a check-up at the infirmary.
• Einis Fushin offers to help with research materials and equipment.
• Kitasan Black and others spot T.M. Opera O and other Horse Girls with Sato no Takarazuka, who appears upset.
• Kitasan Black, Daiwa Scarlet, and Vodka have milk tea with Einis Fushin, discussing Sato no Takarazuka's situation.

Character Developments

• Einis Fushin: Shows kindness and willingness to help, maintains a positive attitude despite her own struggles.
• Kitasan Black: Demonstrates concern and curiosity about Sato no Takarazuka's situation.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka: Reveal they know about Sato no Takarazuka's Trainer being fired, hinting at the harsh realities of racing.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and harsh realities of racing.
• The importance of support and understanding among Horse Girls.
• The consequences of failure and termination of contracts.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black, Daiwa Scarlet, and Vodka interact with Einis Fushin, sharing information and supporting each other.
• Kitasan Black, Daiwa Scarlet, and Vodka discuss Sato no Takarazuka's situation, showing concern and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black learns about the dismissal of Benteng's trainer.
• She discovers that even talented Horse Girls like T.M. Opera O and Oguri Cap faced initial rejection from trainers.
• Vodka reveals that the trainer who supported T.M. Opera O later won no G1 races with other Horse Girls, leading to his dismissal by the Satomi family.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black gains new insights into the complexities of the Horse Girl and trainer relationship.
• She understands the pressure on trainers to win races and the consequences of failure.
• Kitasan Black empathizes with Sato no Takarazuka, who is likely grieving over her trainer's dismissal.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for recognition and opportunity among talented Horse Girls.
• The pressure on trainers to win races and the consequences of failure.
• The complex dynamics between Horse Girls and their trainers.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black interacts with Vodka, Daiwa Scarlet, and Einis Fushin, learning about their past experiences and insights.
• Kitasan Black empathizes with Sato no Takarazuka, understanding her grief over her trainer's dismissal.
• Kitasan Black reflects on her own relationship with Anjing Zhen, appreciating his support and understanding his concerns for her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black realizes Anjing Zhen might be worried about her future and decides to investigate her opponents to help her trainer.
• Anjing Zhen purchases a drone to record Kitasan Black's training and seeks permission from the Student Council to use it.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black shows growth in understanding her trainer's situation and takes initiative to help.
• Anjing Zhen demonstrates his resourcefulness and proactive approach to training.

Significant Themes

• The bond between trainer and horse.
• The use of technology in training and racing.
• The importance of understanding one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black discusses her concerns with Vodka, Daiwa Scarlet, and Einis Fushin, leading to her decision to help Anjing Zhen.
• Anjing Zhen meets with Emperor President and Mejiro McQueen to demonstrate the drone and seek their approval.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mejiro McQueen and Tokai Teio visit Anjing Zhen to discuss a new drone filming method for training and racing.
• They discover Kitasan Black (Little Kita) behaving suspiciously with branches in her hands, sneaking around the bushes beside the track.

Character Developments

• Mejiro McQueen: Showcases her analytical skills and anticipation for the drone filming method.
• Tokai Teio: Demonstrates her leadership and responsibility as President by handing over the drone remote and focusing on discussing the issues with Anjing Zhen.
• Anjing Zhen: Reveals his resourcefulness and foresight in acquiring the drone for testing and acknowledges the challenges it presents.

Significant Themes

• The importance of high-quality footage for training and racing.
• The challenges and potential solutions for using drones to film in a Horse Girl academy setting.

Character Interactions

• Mejiro McQueen and Tokai Teio: Show camaraderie and mutual respect, with Mejiro McQueen being patient with Tokai Teio's playful behavior and Tokai Teio considering Mejiro McQueen's input.
• Anjing Zhen and Mejiro McQueen/Tokai Teio: Anjing Zhen seeks their input on the drone's issues, while Mejiro McQueen and Tokai Teio value his expertise and contributions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black's unusual behavior leads to discovery of a black-haired girl, Duramente, spying on her upcoming Spring Stakes opponent.
• Trainer Yasui, Tokai Teio, and Mejiro McQueen discuss Duramente's strong Final Burst and her potential as a rival to Kitasan Black in the Satsuki Sho.
• Trainer Yasui reveals he has been researching Kitasan Black's potential rivals and has a plan to counter their strengths.

Character Developments

• Trainer Yasui demonstrates his thoroughness and strategic thinking in preparing for Kitasan Black's races.
• Duramente shows proactivity and determination by investigating her opponents ahead of time.
• Kitasan Black is portrayed as a late-blooming Horse Girl with great physical strength but needing time to develop her racing techniques.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and strategic planning for races.
• The importance of understanding and adapting to opponents' strengths.
• Late-blooming talent and the need for time and development.

Character Interactions

• Trainer Yasui, Tokai Teio, and Mejiro McQueen collaborate and share insights about Kitasan Black's rivals.
• Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen reminisce about their past races, hinting at friendly competition and shared history.
• Trainer Yasui, Tokai Teio, and Mejiro McQueen express admiration for Duramente's potential as a rival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen discusses the drone issue with Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen.
• Tokai Teio offers to help submit applications to the University Department for technical assistance.
• Anjing Zhen learns that Berno Light and Air Shakur will assist with the drone's hardware and software issues, respectively.
• Tokai Teio prepares necessary applications and forms for Anjing Zhen.

Character Developments

• Tokai Teio demonstrates her efficiency and organizational skills as president.
• Anjing Zhen shows appreciation for Tokai Teio's help and acknowledges her abilities.
• Kitasan Black secretly investigates her opponents and shares her findings with Anjing Zhen.

Significant Themes

• The importance of connections and help from influential figures (Tokai Teio, Berno Light, Air Shakur).
• The value of foresight and preparation (Anjing Zhen's prior knowledge and plans).

Character Interactions

• Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen work together to assist Anjing Zhen.
• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black share a moment of camaraderie and trust, with Kitasan Black excitedly sharing her findings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black secretly investigates their upcoming opponents and shares her findings with Anjing Zhen.
• Anjing Zhen reveals he's under pressure due to a contract with Ono Trading Company, which could be terminated if Kitasan Black doesn't achieve "ideal results."
• Anjing Zhen decides to share his own investigation report with Kitasan Black, which focuses on temperament and psychological factors.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Shows initiative and concern for Anjing Zhen's well-being, wanting to help him despite her limited understanding of the industry's pressures.
• Anjing Zhen: Initially reluctant to share his pressures, he opens up to Kitasan Black after realizing her genuine desire to help. He also reveals his unique investigative approach.

Significant Themes

• Pressure and Expectations: Both Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen face pressure—Kitasan Black wants to help Anjing Zhen, while Anjing Zhen feels the weight of expectations from the company and Kitasan Black's family.
• Communication and Trust: Anjing Zhen's decision to share his investigation report with Kitasan Black signifies growing trust and open communication between them.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen: Their bond deepens as they share their concerns and pressures. Kitasan Black's sincerity touches Anjing Zhen, leading him to open up to her.
• Vodka: She shows concern for Kitasan Black and displeasure at Anjing Zhen's phrasing, demonstrating her protective nature towards her friend.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen discovers Kitasan Black's notebook detailing her investigation and training efforts, finding it useful as a reference.
• He explains that Horse Girls undergo psychological changes during their Full Maturity period, which can impact training and races if not managed well.
• Anjing Zhen decides to use Kitasan Black's obedience and sensibility to learn more about Horse Girls' everyday thoughts.
• Kitasan Black and Vodka perform six sets of Early Position Gain training, focusing on positioning after leaving the Starting Gate in various scenarios.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black shows enthusiasm and concern for her training, impressing Anjing Zhen.
• Vodka reveals her respect for Kitasan Black's talent and provides insights into Yamato's exceptional racing instincts.

Significant Themes

• The psychological changes Horse Girls undergo during their Full Maturity period and the importance of understanding and managing these changes for successful training and racing.
• The value of hard work and dedication in improving one's Running Style, as demonstrated by Kitasan Black.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black: Anjing Zhen becomes more candid with Kitasan Black after seeing her enthusiasm and concern for her training. He decides to use her obedience and sensibility to learn more about Horse Girls' everyday thoughts.
• Kitasan Black and Vodka: Vodka praises Kitasan Black's performance during their training session and shares her insights into Yamato's exceptional racing instincts. She also reassures Kitasan Black that she doesn't need to fully imitate Yamato's Running Style at this stage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black's class ends, and she's thinking about the upcoming Spring Stakes.
• Satono Crown gives her a bottle of milk as a gift.
• Kitasan Black sees her trainer's absence and wonders about it.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Shows concern for her trainer's whereabouts and is focused on her upcoming race.
• Satono Crown: Shows kindness by giving Kitasan Black a gift and understanding her friend's concerns.

Significant Themes

• Friendship: Kitasan Black and Satono Crown's bond is highlighted as they share a moment after class.
• Ambition: Kitasan Black's focus on her upcoming race reflects her determination and ambition.
• Absence: Kitasan Black's trainer's absence raises questions and concern.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and Satono Crown: They catch up after class, with Satono Crown giving Kitasan Black a gift and showing understanding of her friend's concerns.
• Kitasan Black and her trainer: Though not present, Kitasan Black's thoughts about her trainer's absence show their close bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Satono Crown, intrigued by Anjing Zhen's strategic victories with Kitasan Black, discusses his potential genius or mentorship with her family's Trainers.
• The Trainers debate whether Anjing Zhen's successes are due to skill or luck, ultimately dismissing him due to his youth and inexperience.
• Satono Crown remains skeptical and tries to subtly gather information about Anjing Zhen through Kitasan Black.
• Kitasan Black reveals she plans to continue training at home during her time off, aiming to win the Spring Stakes.

Character Developments

• Satono Crown: Shows curiosity and intuition about Anjing Zhen's abilities, questioning her family's dismissive assessment.
• Anjing Zhen: Maintains a low profile, aware of the skepticism surrounding his skills. He is patient and understanding with Kitasan Black's enthusiasm.
• Kitasan Black: Demonstrates determination and dedication to her training, eager to win the Spring Stakes.

Significant Themes

• Perception vs. Reality: The Trainers' underestimation of Anjing Zhen based on his age and lack of experience contrasts with his actual abilities.
• Diligence and Ambition: Kitasan Black's commitment to her training highlights the importance of hard work and determination in achieving success.

Character Interactions

• Satono Crown and Kitasan Black: Their friendly conversation reveals Kitasan Black's training plans and Satono Crown's interest in Anjing Zhen.
• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black: Anjing Zhen's interaction with Kitasan Black shows his patience and understanding, while Kitasan Black's enthusiasm is evident.
• Anjing Zhen and Trainer Chris: They meet coincidentally, and Anjing Zhen introduces himself and Kitasan Black to Trainer Chris, showing professional courtesy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black meets a French trainer, Chris, who speaks Japanese fluently.
• Chris reveals she had been able to speak Japanese all along but didn't have the chance.
• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black learn that Chris is applying for a long-term trainer's license at the URA Association.
• Kitasan Black expresses her desire to become the youngest G1 Trainer, aiming to win the Spring Stakes and Satsuki Sho.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Shows determination and ambition to become the youngest G1 Trainer.
• Anjing Zhen: Demonstrates understanding and support for Kitasan Black's goals.
• Chris: Reveals her past achievements and current plans.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination in pursuing goals.
• The importance of fundamentals in racing.
• The pressure and expectations of the Shining Series.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen: They discuss Chris's background and Kitasan Black's aspirations, strengthening their trainer-Horse Girl bond.
• Kitasan Black and Chris: Although they don't interact directly, Kitasan Black is inspired by Chris's achievements, motivating her to set higher goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black struggles with burst speed in racing, which is crucial for winning.
• She trains with seniors Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka, aiming to beat them in practice races.
• Despite her efforts, she hasn't won a single practice race against them.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Struggles with self-doubt but maintains a strong desire to improve and win.
• Daiwa Scarlet: Recognizes Kitasan Black's potential and encourages her growth.
• Vodka: Supports Kitasan Black and acknowledges her unique mindset.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.
• The importance of a winning mindset and confidence in one's abilities.
• The role of mentors in guiding and encouraging young talents.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black interacts with her seniors, Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka, seeking their advice on how to improve and win against them.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka recognize Kitasan Black's potential and encourage her growth, providing guidance and support.
• Anjing Zhen, the trainer, is mentioned as the one responsible for helping Kitasan Black improve her weaknesses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black struggles to understand the concept of 'mentality' in racing.
• She participates in a 1,800-meter training race, still finishing behind Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka Senior.
• Kitasan Black realizes the importance of mental aspects like positioning, rhythm, and instincts in racing.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka Senior reveal they won't be able to cheer for Kitasan Black in her upcoming race as they'll be supporting an old friend in Osaka.
• Anjing Zhen guesses that the old friend is Gold Ship, a legendary Horse Girl from the Gold Ship Family.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black begins to understand the mental aspects of racing and the importance of learning from her seniors.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka Senior show their support for an old friend, hinting at their close bond with Gold Ship.
• Anjing Zhen demonstrates his knowledge and insight about famous Horse Girls, including Gold Ship.

Significant Themes

• The importance of mental aspects in racing, such as positioning, rhythm, and instincts.
• The bond and support among Horse Girls, even when they're not racing together.
• The influence and legacy of legendary Horse Girls like Gold Ship.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black interacts with Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka Senior, learning from their racing techniques and experiences.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka Senior show their friendship and support for each other and their old friend, Gold Ship.
• Anjing Zhen interacts with Kitasan Black, Daiwa Scarlet, and Vodka Senior, showing his understanding of famous Horse Girls and his concern for Kitasan Black's growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen correctly guesses that Gold Ship is the Horse Girl known by Daiwa and Vodka.
• Kitasan Black learns that some seniors will visit her at the racecourse but doesn't know who they are.
• Kitasan Black stays at the Central Academy branch near Nakayama Racecourse the night before her race.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black shows excitement and anticipation about her seniors' visit.
• Anjing Zhen demonstrates his analytical skills and attention to detail in guessing Gold Ship's identity.
• Gold Ship's background and achievements are revealed, showing her exceptional talent and unique training methods.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability for Horse Girls in racing at new tracks.
• The influence of seniors on younger Horse Girls, both in terms of support and potential "infection" by unusual behavior.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen interacts with Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka, discussing Gold Ship and Kitasan Black's seniors' visit.
• Kitasan Black interacts with her Trainer, Anjing Zhen, expressing her excitement about her seniors' visit and her determination to perform well in her upcoming race.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black watch a race featuring Crimson Pure winning the Wakaba Stakes.
• They discuss Gold Ship's chances of winning the upcoming Hanshin Daishoten.
• Anjing Zhen analyzes Gold Ship's strengths and warns Kitasan Black not to imitate her unique running style.
• Anjing Zhen briefs Kitasan Black on her upcoming race, emphasizing the challenges of starting from Gate 1 and the potential tactics of opponents.

Character Developments

• Anjing Zhen demonstrates his knowledge of horse racing and strategic thinking, showing he's more than just a crammer.
• Kitasan Black shows enthusiasm and willingness to learn, but also understands her limits and respects her trainer's instructions.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding and learning from other horses' strengths and weaknesses.
• The challenges and strategies involved in horse racing, particularly starting from disadvantageous gates.
• The influence of past experiences and memories from Anjing Zhen's previous life on his current decisions.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black share a mentor-mentee bond, with Anjing Zhen guiding and advising Kitasan Black while showing concern for her well-being.
• Kitasan Black looks up to Anjing Zhen, seeking his approval and following his instructions, but also shows her own critical thinking and understanding.