At night, on the Winner's Stage at Hanshin Racecourse, dazzling lights cast the Horse Girls in a radiant glow.
Just as they had been during the daytime races, the audience remained fervent. Cheers rose and fell from below the stage, accompanied by glow sticks waving in time with the melody.
As one song ended and the lively prelude of the next began, the venue reached a small crescendo of excitement.
The song was called Endless Dream, meaning "a dream that never stops," perfectly matching the event known as the "Dream Takarazuka." It was also Takarazuka Kinen's victory song.
In one corner of the stands, Anjing Zhen clapped along with the other spectators and soon spotted the familiar black haired girl onstage.
He did not know whether it was just his imagination, but Kitasan Black seemed more spirited than usual.
Thinking it was probably the joy of victory, he unconsciously smiled.
This win was not only proof of Kitasan Black's strength, but also the result of all their shared efforts.
Every day and night of training, every discussion of tactics, had now become a profound sense of accomplishment.
Just as he was about to clap to the beat, an interested voice came from beside him.
"She's really grown into such a big girl, hasn't she, Anjing?"
Recognizing Tokai Teio's voice, Anjing Zhen was not surprised.
After Takarazuka Kinen ended, he, as Kitasan Black's Trainer, had inevitably needed to give interviews.
Besides that, as his Horse Girl's results became increasingly outstanding, there were matters at the racecourse and the Association that needed discussing. He had just gone to the administration hall with Tokai Teio.
"She has matured a great deal indeed."
Turning toward the voice, Anjing Zhen smiled and said thoughtfully, "The first year of her Classic Year is already more than