October 31st, race day.
The sky seemed shrouded beneath a heavy gray curtain, with fine drizzle falling in a dense, steady veil.
Caressed by the rain, Tokyo Racecourse resembled a mysterious yet imposing giant, silently awaiting the start of the races.
Before dawn had fully broken, an impossibly long line had already formed at the entrance to Tokyo Racecourse.
The umbrellas in the queue spread out into a colorful sea. Black canopies bore Kitasan Black's signature festival pattern, turquoise ones were emblazoned with Satono Crown's name, while umbrellas printed with "Teio Sho" and "Maurice" were scattered among them. Every umbrella was like a tiny support flag.
Some wore dark raincoats covered in fluorescent stickers reading "Go for the Autumn Triple Crown!" and "Tenno Sho Victory!" Rain soaked their cuffs, leaving the fabric heavy against their legs, but it did nothing to stop them from swaying their arms along with the music playing from their phones.
Several young spectators near the front held up support flags and sang Kitasan Black's cheering song at the top of their lungs. Their voices drifted into the distance through the rain, drawing glances from those nearby, and quite a few soon joined the chorus.
The line outside the hot drink stall beside the entrance wrapped around twice. The vendor in an orange apron swiftly handed out cups of hot cocoa. The spectators who received them eagerly took a sip, their white breath tangling with the rising steam.
"Another cup for me!"
When it was the turn of a little horse girl holding a Kitasan Black support flag, she hurriedly called out:
"I want the one with Kitasan Black-senpai's design! Two cups! My friend wants that design too!"
As entry time approached, spectators gradually poured into the stands. The rain showed no sign of easing, yet