As 3:40 p.m. approached, the commentator's opening declaration rang out over Hanshin Racecourse right on schedule:
"Now! The most thrilling showdown of the first half of the year has finally begun!
"The champions who have stormed across the track this spring, unstoppable and invincible, have all gathered here!
"The Takarazuka Kinen—a battlefield where glory and dreams intertwined—has reached the sacred moment of its official entry!!"
The impassioned announcement instantly stirred the already boiling grandstands. Cheers crashed over the venue like surging waves, one after another, nearly overturning the entire racecourse.
Amid the deafening roar, Anjing Zhen, standing at the very front of the stands near the Finish Line, quickly swept his gaze over the Horse Girls heading toward the Starting Gate before locking onto Kitasan Black.
The rain had stopped, but the wind still blew.
In the slightly cool breeze, the girl's back was straight. Her black-and-gold Victory Outfit fluttered gently, while her ponytail swayed rhythmically with her steps.
Compared to when she had been in the Preparation Room, she seemed much steadier now. Even without seeing her face, he could imagine the determination and sharp gleam in those crimson eyes.
Anjing Zhen smiled in satisfaction and could not help nodding to himself. Beside him, Almond Eye was already on her feet, vigorously waving her glow stick.
"Senior Little Kita—you're so cool! Go, Senior Little Kita!"
"She really is so cool!"
Also clutching her glow stick tightly, Wang Ziding's gaze remained fixed on Kitasan Black's figure. Excitement flushed her fair cheeks red.
"No wonder Almond Eye likes Senior Little Kita so much. She really has such a cool aura!"
"Oh? You think that highly of Little Kita?"
A playful voice came from behind them, and all three turned around in surprise.
Tokai Teio stood there with a grin, her hands