In the time that followed, under the guidance and assistance of Anjing Zhen and the others, Kitasan Black continued devoting herself to day-after-day training.
Every morning, before the first rays of sunlight had fully illuminated Central Treisen Academy's track, Kitasan Black was already out there, drenched in sweat.
Every night, with moonlight spilling through the window onto her desk, she repeatedly reviewed sprinting techniques, cornering styles, race footage, and training logs, constantly correcting the slightest flaws in her movements.
Time quietly flew by amid those daily training sessions, and before she knew it, the day of the Kikuka Sho had arrived.
The atmosphere within Kyoto Racecourse was as blazing as fire. The spectators were dressed to the nines, their faces full of excitement and anticipation.
They held posters bearing the names of the Horse Girls they supported, or brightly colored flags and glow sticks, arriving at the venue early.
Some had even lined up overnight, rushing through the gates the instant they opened just to secure a favorable spot and witness this grand annual event with their own eyes.
The race had already reached the penultimate turn, and the atmosphere had long since peaked.
The commentator's exhilarated voice crashed like a roaring tide through the skies above Kyoto Racecourse:
"They're about to enter Yodo Slope, and the Horse Girls are charging forward with tremendous momentum.
"Still in the lead is Milan Hai. This Horse Girl has held firmly onto the Lead Position from start to finish.
"Her strides are steady and powerful, her control of the pace practically flawless. It is as though she is declaring to everyone that this track is her territory.
"Behind her is Saturn Elias, followed closely by Tenryu Horse. Neither competitor is willing to fall behind. They have had their eyes fixed on Milan Hai