"Is it that difficult...?" After hearing Silent Suzuka's words, Kitasan Black pondered for a moment, then asked curiously, "Then who do you think will win this race, Senpai?"
"Well..."
Pinching her chin as she thought for a while as well, Silent Suzuka looked at Kitasan Black awkwardly. "This... really isn't easy to say."
"Isn't easy to say..." Kitasan Black froze. "Why? Didn't you just say that it would be difficult for Journey Senpai to win?"
"While the outcome of a race can certainly be judged from past races, the Dream Cup is rather special."
Silent Suzuka patiently explained, "Everyone participating is quite famous, but they have all retired after all. They've each had their own lives these past few years, so it's hard to say what kind of training they've maintained.
"You saw it too, didn't you? Special Week specifically returned from her hometown to the Academy to train for this Dream Cup. There should be many others in similar situations.
"Some may have started preparing even earlier. Of course, some may not have prepared much at all."
"I see..." Kitasan Black was slightly disappointed.
She had been looking forward to the Dream Cup for a long time, hoping to see the seniors recreate their former glory on the track.
If, as Suzuka Senpai had said, the seniors had been unable to maintain their training because of things in their lives, then the race they got to see might end up being disappointing.
But on second thought, she soon felt at ease again.
No matter how much one loved running, life could not consist of running alone.
Just like how she herself had considered becoming a singer in the future, it was only natural for the seniors to pursue the lives they loved.
More importantly, the meaning of the Dream