Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The final exam results are announced, causing a mix of excitement and disappointment among the students.
• Kitasan Black checks her results, finding significant improvement in her foreign language scores.
• The team decides to celebrate their good grades by going shopping together.
• Kitasan Black invites the team to her home for a year-end party to thank them for their support.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black shows improvement in her foreign language skills, boosting her confidence.
• Almond Eye maintains her top position in the elementary division, demonstrating her academic prowess.
• Anjing Zhen shows approval and support for Kitasan Black's progress.

Significant Themes

• Growth and Improvement: Kitasan Black's hard work pays off, reflecting the theme of perseverance and personal growth.
• Gratitude and Appreciation: Kitasan Black expresses her thanks to her team and family, highlighting the importance of acknowledging others' support.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and her friends: They celebrate their good grades together, showing camaraderie and shared joy.
• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen: Anjing Zhen acknowledges Kitasan Black's progress, fostering a mentor-mentee bond.
• Kitasan Black and her team: They decide to attend the year-end party at her home, strengthening their team bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Spring and Autumn Equinox is taken aback by the grandeur of Saburo Kitajima's residence.
• The group is welcomed by Saburo Kitajima and his family.
• Kitasan Black leads the cooking for the New Year's meal, with everyone helping out.
• Agnes Tachyon struggles with preparing the fish, causing a brief chaotic scene.

Character Developments

• Spring and Autumn Equinox gains confidence after being welcomed warmly by Saburo Kitajima.
• Kitasan Black demonstrates her leadership and cooking skills, earning praise from Saburo Kitajima.
• Agnes Tachyon shows her meticulous and analytical side while arranging tableware, despite her earlier struggle with the fish.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and cooperation, as seen in Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen's cooking and the group's collective effort in preparing the meal.
• Adaptability and perseverance, as shown by Agnes Tachyon's quick recovery from her initial failure with the fish.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen display excellent tacit understanding and coordination while cooking.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Agnes Tachyon interact, with Daiwa Scarlet helping Agnes Tachyon when she struggles with the fish.
• Saburo Kitajima and his family interact warmly with the group, appreciating their cooking skills and teamwork.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Kitajima family and friends gather for dinner, sharing stories about Kitasan Black's helpful and enthusiastic nature at the academy.
• Kitasan Black's parents reveal embarrassing stories from her childhood, causing her to blush and Anjing Zhen to intervene with his own rookie stories.
• After dinner, Saburo Kitajima invites Anjing Zhen for a walk in the courtyard to discuss Kitasan Black's progress and future plans, including her desire for an Overseas Expedition.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Showcases her helpful and enthusiastic nature through stories from her classmates and family. She also demonstrates embarrassment and surprise at hearing Anjing Zhen's stories.
• Anjing Zhen: Displays his calm and considerate nature by noticing Kitasan Black's discomfort and sharing his own stories to help her out. He also shows his dedication and thoroughness in discussing Kitasan Black's future plans with her grandfather.
• Saburo Kitajima: Reveals his pride and support for Kitasan Black's growth, as well as his concern for her future. He also shows approval of Anjing Zhen's dedication and thoroughness.

Significant Themes

• Family and camaraderie: The dinner gathering highlights the strong bond between Kitasan Black, her family, and her classmates. It also showcases the supportive and caring atmosphere at the academy.
• Growth and development: Kitasan Black's stories demonstrate her growth and maturity since enrolling at the academy. Anjing Zhen's stories also highlight his own development as a Trainer.
• Communication and trust: The conversation between Anjing Zhen and Saburo Kitajima emphasizes the importance of open communication and trust in planning for the future.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and her classmates: They share stories and laughter about Kitasan Black's helpful nature and actions at the academy.
• Kitasan Black and her family: They reminisce about her childhood and express pride in her growth and achievements.
• Anjing Zhen and Saburo Kitajima: They discuss Kitasan Black's progress and future plans, with Saburo Kitajima showing approval of Anjing Zhen's dedication and thoroughness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen discusses the challenges of Kitasan Black's (Little Kita) overseas expedition with Saburo Kitajima: domestic fans' feelings, sponsors' concerns, and internal company issues.
• Saburo Kitajima reassures Anjing Zhen, offering support and understanding, promising to help with sponsors and fans, and encouraging Kitasan Black's dream.
• The team, including Agnes Tachyon, enjoys a game of Karuta, with Agnes showing exceptional skill.
• Almond Eye brings up Anjing Zhen's annual hometown visit, and Spring and Autumn Equinox expresses concern about Anjing Zhen's changed attitude towards their agreement.
• Kitasan Black suggests a team visit to Anjing Zhen's hometown as the first team activity of the New Year.

Character Developments

• Anjing Zhen shows responsibility and candor in discussing challenges, seeking Saburo Kitajima's support.
• Saburo Kitajima demonstrates wisdom, understanding, and unwavering support for Kitasan Black's dreams.
• Agnes Tachyon shows exceptional reflexes and skill in Karuta, revealing her competitive side.
• Spring and Autumn Equinox shows vulnerability and concern about her agreement with Anjing Zhen.
• Kitasan Black shows leadership and consideration for her teammates, suggesting a team activity.

Significant Themes

• Support and understanding: Saburo Kitajima's support for Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black.
• Ambition and dreams: Kitasan Black's desire to challenge stronger opponents and see a wider world.
• Communication and trust: The team's open discussion and understanding of each other's concerns.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen and Saburo Kitajima: A mentor-mentee relationship, with Saburo Kitajima offering guidance and support to Anjing Zhen.
• The team (Kitasan Black, Agnes Tachyon, Daiwa Scarlet, Spring and Autumn Equinox, and Almond Eye): The girls enjoy a game together, fostering camaraderie and open communication.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen join a group playing Hanafuda.
• They plan a New Year's Shrine Visit together.
• Kitasan Black visits various shrines with different groups of friends during the New Year.
• She realizes she hasn't spent much one-on-one time with Anjing Zhen and considers visiting his hometown.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Becomes more introspective and thoughtful about her relationship with Anjing Zhen.
• Anjing Zhen: Remains a steady presence in Kitasan Black's life, though his personal background is explored more.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and companionship: Kitasan Black's numerous New Year's outings highlight her extensive social network.
• Intimacy and personal connection: Kitasan Black begins to consider the depth of her relationship with Anjing Zhen.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen: Their bond deepens, with Kitasan Black considering a more personal outing with him.
• Kitasan Black and her friends: She enjoys various New Year's celebrations with different groups of friends, emphasizing her popularity and social connections.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black impulsively asks Anjing Zhen for another New Year's Shrine Visit, just the two of them.
• They meet the next day, with Kitasan Black wearing a disguise to avoid recognition.
• They discuss the inconvenience of her fame and the pressures of his work.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Shows excitement and immaturity when looking forward to the outing, but also displays self-awareness about her fame's drawbacks.
• Anjing Zhen: Remains calm and steady, showing understanding and support for Kitasan Black's situation.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of fame and recognition.
• The pressures of work and responsibility.
• The joy of simple, shared experiences.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen: They share a comfortable, easy-going dynamic, with Kitasan Black feeling at ease expressing her thoughts and concerns to Anjing Zhen, who listens attentively and offers understanding and support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black (Kita) realizes Anjing Zhen (A-Zhen) has been increasingly busy.
• Kita remembers her grandfather's advice about handling pressure and expectations.
• Kita learns that Spring and Autumn Equinox (Little Bun) was worried about A-Zhen's lack of response regarding their agreement.

Character Developments

• Kita becomes more proactive and decides to help A-Zhen.
• A-Zhen realizes he has neglected communication with Little Bun due to his busy schedule.

Significant Themes

• Proactivity and taking initiative.
• Communication and understanding in relationships.
• Handling pressure and expectations.

Character Interactions

• Kita and A-Zhen: Kita expresses her desire to help A-Zhen, showing growth and proactivity. A-Zhen apologizes for his oversight with Little Bun.
• Kita and her grandfather: Kita reflects on her grandfather's advice, leading her to want to help A-Zhen.
• Kita and Little Bun: Kita learns about Little Bun's worry, showing empathy and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen receives numerous requests from parents to assess their children's potential as Horse Girls.
• He declines, stating that evaluating a Horse Girl's future before Full Maturity is irresponsible and beyond his capabilities.
• Anjing Zhen reveals his plans for the year: preparing Kitasan Black for her Overseas Expedition and readying Almond Eye for her debut.
• Kitasan Black learns about Almond Eye's upcoming debut and expresses her excitement and willingness to help.

Character Developments

• Anjing Zhen demonstrates his professionalism and responsibility by declining to evaluate other Horse Girls, stating that he's fully committed to his current plans and doesn't want to overstep his abilities.
• Kitasan Black shows her enthusiasm and eagerness to support her friends, offering to help Anjing Zhen as his assistant or secretary.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Anjing Zhen feels a strong sense of responsibility towards his profession and the Horse Girls he trains, declining to make evaluations he doesn't believe in and committing fully to his current plans.
• Growth and Potential: The chapter explores the uncertainty of a Horse Girl's growth and the importance of long-term observation and careful planning in drawing out their true potential.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black have a heart-to-heart conversation about his workload and plans, leading Kitasan Black to offer her assistance.
• They attend a New Year worship ritual together, with Kitasan Black observing Anjing Zhen's calm and focused demeanor as he prays.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black expresses her desire to become Anjing Zhen's assistant secretary, envisioning herself handling paperwork and helping him manage tasks.
• Anjing Zhen dismisses the idea, citing the professional skills required and his belief that Kitasan Black's focus should remain on training and racing.
• After drawing a "Great Blessing" fortune at the shrine, Kitasan Black becomes determined to pursue the assistant secretary role.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Shows initiative and persistence in pursuing her new goal, demonstrating a level of maturity beyond her usual playful demeanor.
• Anjing Zhen: Maintains a calm and practical approach, considering Kitasan Black's suggestion objectively and explaining the challenges involved.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Initiative: Kitasan Black's desire to take on more responsibility and contribute to Anjing Zhen's work.
• Professionalism vs. Enthusiasm: The contrast between Kitasan Black's initial enthusiasm and Anjing Zhen's emphasis on professional skills and experience.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen: Their interaction highlights the mentor-mentee dynamic, with Anjing Zhen guiding Kitasan Black's aspirations and helping her understand the realities of the role she's interested in.
• Kitasan Black's imagination: Her vivid daydream about being an assistant secretary showcases her eagerness and enthusiasm for the role.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black discuss her desire to become a Trainer's assistant.
• Anjing Zhen outlines the challenges and requirements of the role, including understanding complex data, creating training plans, and managing team operations.
• He expresses concern that pursuing this interest might distract Kitasan Black from her own racing career.
• Kitasan Black feels frustrated but remains determined to try, comparing it to facing a strong opponent in a race.
• Anjing Zhen teases her about her past insecurities but ultimately agrees to let her assist in training Almond Eye, with strict conditions.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Shows maturity and determination in pursuing her interest in training, despite the challenges and Anjing Zhen's initial reservations.
• Anjing Zhen: Demonstrates his role as a mentor and guide, providing a realistic perspective on the challenges ahead while also showing support for Kitasan Black's aspirations.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit of dreams and determination in the face of challenges.
• Mentorship and guidance in personal growth.
• Balancing personal aspirations with existing responsibilities.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black: Their mentor-mentee relationship is evident as Anjing Zhen provides guidance and support, while Kitasan Black shows determination and trust in him.
• Kitasan Black's past self: Briefly mentioned to highlight Kitasan Black's growth and maturity since her debut.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black is excited about her new role as an assistant to Anjing Zhen, helping with Little Anzu's training.
• The team goes on a group outing to Anjing Zhen's hometown in Tokoname City.
• Kitasan Black is diligently studying training materials in the car.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black shows unexpected dedication and seriousness in her new role as an assistant.
• Anjing Zhen is surprised by Kitasan Black's enthusiasm and approves of her progress.

Significant Themes

• Dedication and hard work: Kitasan Black's determination to learn and excel in her new role.
• Mentorship: Anjing Zhen's guidance and support for Kitasan Black's learning.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen: Kitasan Black seeks Anjing Zhen's guidance and approval, while he supports and encourages her learning.
• Agnes Tachyon teases Kitasan Black about her studiousness, comparing it to her schoolwork.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black struggles with memorizing specialized knowledge given by Anjing Zhen.
• Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet defend Kitasan Black's hard work.
• Anjing Zhen suggests a compromise: they'll stop at a wagashi shop before going home, allowing Kitasan Black more time to study.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Shows determination and resilience in her studies, feels overwhelmed but determined to memorize the material.
• Anjing Zhen: Demonstrates flexibility and understanding, finds a loophole to help Kitasan Black without breaking his initial rules.
• Agnes Tachyon: Teases Anjing Zhen about his "cunning" plan, supports Kitasan Black.
• Daiwa Scarlet: Supports Kitasan Black, slightly reprimands Anjing Zhen for his high expectations.

Significant Themes

• Hard work and determination (Kitasan Black)
• Flexibility and understanding (Anjing Zhen)
• Support and camaraderie (Agnes Tachyon, Daiwa Scarlet, Almond Eye, Spring and Autumn Equinox)

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen: Kitasan Black feels overwhelmed but determined; Anjing Zhen shows understanding and helps her find a solution.
• Agnes Tachyon and Anjing Zhen: Agnes teases Anjing about his "cunning" plan, showing friendly banter.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Anjing Zhen: Daiwa slightly reprimands Anjing for his high expectations, showing support for Kitasan Black.
• Kitasan Black and her teammates: They show support and admiration for Kitasan Black's hard work.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Horse Girls visit a confectionery shop in Nagoya.
• Anjing Zhen (A-Zhen) encounters his mother, Kikou Misuzu, working at the shop.
• Misuzu greets the Horse Girls warmly and invites them to call her 'Sister Misuzu.'
• A-Zhen brings desserts to the table, and Agnes Tachyon teases him about his serious demeanor.
• Misuzu playfully hints at a humorous story about A-Zhen's birth, which he dismisses.
• Kitasan Black reveals she's studying to become A-Zhen's assistant, and Misuzu is surprised to see her studying during their outing.

Character Developments

• A-Zhen: Shows a more relaxed and humorous side when interacting with his mother and the Horse Girls.
• Misuzu: Demonstrates a warm, friendly, and playful personality, contrasting with A-Zhen's seriousness.
• Kitasan Black: Shows dedication and initiative in studying to become A-Zhen's assistant.

Significant Themes

• Family and Relationships: The chapter highlights the warm and playful relationship between A-Zhen and his mother, as well as the growing bond between the Horse Girls and Misuzu.
• Personal Growth: Kitasan Black's determination to become A-Zhen's assistant showcases her commitment to personal growth and learning.

Character Interactions

• A-Zhen and Misuzu: Their playful banter reveals their close and affectionate relationship.
• Kitasan Black and Spring and Autumn Equinox: Their resemblance and shared traits are noted, strengthening their bond.
• The Horse Girls and Misuzu: They quickly form a friendly and warm rapport with Misuzu, showing their open and welcoming nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitasan Black struggles with homework and seeks help from Anjing Zhen and his mother, Misuzu.
• Misuzu reveals she was once a Horse Girl with a unique running style.
• The group studies together at a wagashi shop in Nagoya, with Misuzu's lively anecdotes and everyone's support helping Kitasan Black memorize difficult material quickly.
• Kitasan Black receives a reward of Water Sheep Jelly from Misuzu, reminiscent of Anjing Zhen's childhood.
• The group arrives at Anjing Zhen's family home in Nagoya, where they plan to stay at a nearby hotel.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Shows determination in studying and improves her focus and memory efficiency with the group's support.
• Anjing Zhen: Shows a rare gentle smile when reminiscing about his childhood, indicating a softer side beneath his serious demeanor.
• Kikou Misuzu: Proves to be a warm, friendly, and helpful individual who enjoys sharing her experiences and supporting others.

Significant Themes

• The power of collective support and encouragement in learning and growth.
• The importance of family and shared memories.
• The discovery of unique running styles and their potential impact on racing.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen: Their relationship deepens as they study together, with Kitasan Black gaining a glimpse into Anjing Zhen's childhood.
• Kitasan Black and Kikou Misuzu: Misuzu's warm and supportive nature helps Kitasan Black improve her focus and memory.
• The entire group: They work together to help Kitasan Black study, fostering a lively and supportive atmosphere.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen returns home with his Assigned Horse Girls, led by Kikou Misuzu.
• Anjing Zhen's father, Anjing Kouichi, greets them warmly but reservedly.
• The group discusses Anjing Kouichi's lack of outward affection towards Anjing Zhen.

Character Developments

• Anjing Zhen: Realizes his father's love and support, despite his reserved nature.
• Anjing Kouichi: Revealed to be a dedicated and forward-thinking father, who changed his career to support Anjing Zhen's racing career and family life.

Significant Themes

• Love and affection expressed through actions rather than words.
• The evolution of roles within a family and profession.
• The challenges and complexities of intergenerational relationships.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen and Anjing Kouichi: Despite initial appearances, they have a strong, supportive father-son relationship.
• Anjing Zhen and his Assigned Horse Girls: They discuss and analyze Anjing Kouichi's behavior, leading to a deeper understanding of his character.
• Kitasan Black: Acts as a catalyst for the group's discussion and realization about Anjing Kouichi's love for Anjing Zhen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen's parents, Kikou Misuzu and Anjing Kouichi, are introduced. They are revealed to be a harmonious couple who enjoy cooking together.
• A lively dinner is hosted, with Misuzu sharing stories about Anjing Zhen's childhood and his early interest in becoming a Trainer.
• Anjing Kouichi offers Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet access to his old training records, which could provide valuable insights for their work.

Character Developments

• Anjing Zhen: His calm and mature demeanor is contrasted with his childhood, where he was described as quiet and bookish. His love for training is also highlighted.
• Anjing Kouichi: He is portrayed as a wise and experienced Trainer, with a wealth of knowledge about local racing conditions and health management. He subtly supports his son's team by offering his records.
• Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet: They demonstrate their professionalism and eagerness to learn, immediately recognizing the value of Anjing Kouichi's records for their research.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and support: Anjing Zhen's parents are shown to be loving and supportive, with Misuzu proudly sharing stories about her son and Kouichi offering his expertise to help the team.
• Professional growth: Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet exhibit their dedication to their work, showing interest in learning from Anjing Kouichi's experiences to improve their own research.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen and his parents: They interact warmly, with Misuzu sharing stories about Anjing Zhen's childhood and Kouichi offering his support to the team.
• Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet with Anjing Kouichi: They engage in a professional exchange, with Kouichi offering his records and the two women expressing their eagerness to learn from them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Agnes Tachyon, Daiwa Scarlet, and Anjing Kouichi discuss strategies for overseas races, focusing on environmental adaptation and data-driven approaches.
• They emphasize the importance of personalized adjustments based on environmental differences, which existing technology may not fully account for.
• Agnes suggests creating a 'mapping logic' from environmental parameters to physiological responses and equipment interventions.

Character Developments

• Anjing Kouichi shows rare enthusiasm and professional interest in discussing training strategies, revealing his expertise and passion.
• Agnes Tachyon demonstrates her analytical mind and dedication to her work, excitedly discussing potential solutions.
• Daiwa Scarlet contributes practical ideas and supports Agnes's suggestions.

Significant Themes

• The importance of data-driven decision-making and personalized approaches in horse racing.
• The challenges and opportunities presented by overseas races.
• The value of experience and local knowledge in adapting to new environments.

Character Interactions

• Agnes, Daiwa, and Anjing Kouichi engage in a productive and enthusiastic discussion about training strategies.
• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black observe the interaction, with Kitasan Black noting the similarities between Anjing Zhen and his father.
• Misuzu, Kitasan Black, Almond Eye, and Spring and Autumn Equinox plan to explore Anjing Zhen's bedroom, showing curiosity about his past.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Misuzu shows Kitasan Black and the others Anjing Zhen's old textbooks, notes, and photos, revealing his dedication to studying Horse Girls' physiology and training methods since his youth.
• They find posters of Oguri Cap, a legendary Horse Girl, which Misuzu mentions will be having an Exhibition Race at Kasamatsu Racecourse soon.
• Anjing Zhen hints at the possibility of Kitasan Black coaching Almond Eye for the Exhibition Race against Oguri Cap.

Character Developments

• Anjing Zhen: His dedication and passion for training Horse Girls are further emphasized through his youthful notes and photos.
• Kitasan Black: She gains a deeper understanding of Anjing Zhen's past and his commitment to his work, leading to a moment of tacit understanding between them.

Significant Themes

• Dedication and hard work: Anjing Zhen's past notes and photos highlight his lifelong dedication to understanding Horse Girls' physiology and training methods.
• Legacy and inspiration: Oguri Cap's posters and the upcoming Exhibition Race emphasize the importance of learning from and competing against legendary Horse Girls.

Character Interactions

• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen: They share a tacit understanding as Kitasan Black learns more about Anjing Zhen's past.
• Misuzu and Anjing Zhen: Misuzu shares stories about Anjing Zhen's youth, while Anjing Zhen considers the possibility of Kitasan Black coaching Almond Eye for the Exhibition Race.
• Kitasan Black and Almond Eye: They exchange surprised and expectant glances when Misuzu mentions the Exhibition Race, hinting at their potential participation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen suggests Kitasan Black coach Anzu in an Exhibition Race against legendary seniors like Oguri Cap.
• Anzu and Kitasan Black express initial excitement but later hesitate due to the pressure and Anzu's lack of debut experience.
• Anjing Zhen reassures them, suggesting they first visit Kasamatsu Racecourse to experience the atmosphere before making a decision.

Character Developments

• Kitasan Black: Shows initial excitement but then feels overwhelmed and uncertain about coaching Anzu.
• Anzu: Experiences unease and pressure for the first time when faced with the prospect of racing against legendary seniors.
• Anjing Zhen: Demonstrates his coaching philosophy by suggesting this challenging opportunity for Anzu's growth.

Significant Themes

• Growth and challenge: Anzu faces a significant challenge that could accelerate her growth but also causes her to feel overwhelmed.
• Coaching and mentorship: Anjing Zhen's approach to coaching, learned from his experience with Kitasan Black, is to push his trainees out of their comfort zones.

Character Interactions

• Anzu and Kitasan Black: Share initial excitement but later express their concerns and insecurities to each other.
• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black: The latter seeks confirmation from the former about coaching Anzu.
• Anzu and Spring and Autumn Equinox: The younger Horse Girl expresses concern for Anzu's unease.
• Anjing Zhen and Kikou Misuzu: The latter scolds her son for always focusing on training and races, while the former reassures everyone about the non-binding nature of the proposal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anjing Zhen walks Kitasan Black to an inn near his home, pointing out significant places from his childhood.
• Anjing Zhen attempts to send a message to Kitasan Black about his ideas for the Exhibition Race, but she intercepts him outside the inn.
• They go to an oden stall together, and Kitasan Black confesses her desire to understand Anjing Zhen's world better.
• Anjing Zhen refills Kitasan Black's tea, and they return to discussing the Exhibition Race.

Character Developments

• Anjing Zhen: Shows a rare moment of surprise and emotional turmoil when Kitasan Black guesses his thoughts. He maintains composure and shifts the topic back to business.
• Kitasan Black: Confesses her feelings to Anjing Zhen, expressing her desire to understand him better. She becomes embarrassed and flustered after her confession.

Significant Themes

• Communication and understanding between characters.
• Anjing Zhen's past and his connection to his hometown.
• Kitasan Black's growing feelings for Anjing Zhen and her desire to understand him better.

Character Interactions

• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black: They share a moment of emotional connection when Kitasan Black confesses her feelings. Anjing Zhen maintains his composure and shifts the topic back to business, showing his professionalism and self-control.