Recaps

Kitasan Black confidently prepared for the Arima Kinen with her rivals, drawing strength from her memories and Anjing Zhen’s trust. She ran ahead to join her Trainer and the others at the training field while Satono Diamond watched her in silence.

• Kitasan Black declared that she would win, and her rivals said they wanted to face her at her best in the Arima Kinen.
• Kitasan Black suggested that the group watch Satono Crown’s Hong Kong Cup broadcast and cheer for her.
• As the Horse Girls walked to the training grounds, junior students admired them and discussed the fierce Arima Kinen competition and Kitasan Black’s Autumn Triple Crown challenge.
• Kitasan Black recalled her training, supporters, loved ones, and Anjing Zhen’s unwavering belief in her, and realized that this was enough to face the race.
• Kitasan Black ran ahead to join Anjing Zhen, Agnes Tachyon, and Daiwa Scarlet, while Satono Diamond watched her thoughtfully.

Kitasan Black overcame her recent doubts and returned to intense training with renewed focus as the Arima Kinen approached. She asked Anjing Zhen to postpone their serious conversation until after she won the race, then prepared for the team’s strategy meeting.

• Kitasan Black apologized for her recent poor training and told Anjing Zhen she had cleared her mind and wanted more intense work.
• Anjing Zhen gave Kitasan Black the final training schedule, and she completed the session with her focus and performance restored.
• Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet reviewed Kitasan Black’s data and found her key indicators stable and slightly improved.
• After training, Anjing Zhen began to discuss his inattention to Kitasan Black’s condition, but she asked to talk after winning the Arima Kinen.
• Anjing Zhen agreed and told Kitasan Black to eat before the team reviewed Nakayama Racecourse data and their race strategy.

As the Arima Kinen approached, Central Treisen Academy buzzed with anticipation over Kitasan Black’s chance to complete the Autumn Triple Crown and her expected showdown with Satono Diamond. With the final preparations underway, Kitasan Black declared that she and her team were ready for race day.

• Students and Trainers discussed the Arima Kinen field, the pressure on Kitasan Black, and the expected rivalries at Nakayama Racecourse.
• Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen handled the growing workload of race arrangements in the Student Council office.
• Anjing Zhen gave Kitasan Black, Agnes Tachyon, Daiwa Scarlet, and Almond Eye the team’s strict final preparation schedule.
• Agnes Tachyon presented the stamina-management plan, Daiwa Scarlet helped oversee preparations, and Almond Eye brought Kitasan Black refreshments and encouragement.
• Kitasan Black recalled seeing Golden Lyric, Wanlai Zhengming, and Koushou Hayate training, then assured Anjing Zhen and the team that they were all ready.

At the Arima Kinen, Kitasan Black faced intense expectations as she prepared for the Autumn Triple Crown’s final battle. Anjing Zhen gave her a simple strategy: run head-on and take down any opponent who tried to interfere.

• Kitasan Black and the other Horse Girls appeared at the Arima Kinen introduction amid cheers and questions from reporters.
• Kitasan Black told reporters she would give her all and repay everyone’s support.
• Kitasan Black waited with Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet in Central Treisen Academy’s Preparation Room as the race approached.
• Anjing Zhen told Kitasan Black to abandon complicated tactics and confront her challengers directly.
• Anjing Zhen said Kitasan Black was ready to unleash her full ability and instructed her to take out anyone who interfered.

Anjing Zhen advised Kitasan Black to rely on her perfected racing ability rather than prepare too many contingencies for the Arima Kinen. Spring and Autumn Equinox arrived to give Kitasan Black a cheering gift, and Kitasan Black encouraged her before turning her attention back to the approaching race.

• Anjing Zhen explained that Kitasan Black was now strong enough to face her opponents directly, and Kitasan Black agreed with determination.
• Little Anzu returned with Spring and Autumn Equinox, whom she had caught after the younger girl tried to run away from delivering her cheering gift in person.
• Kitasan Black gently scolded Little Anzu for teasing Spring and Autumn Equinox, then helped straighten the girl's hair.
• Spring and Autumn Equinox explained that Honsho no Umi was watching the race with her parents and an amazing Trainer, then said she dreamed of becoming a Horse Girl as outstanding as Kitasan Black.
• Kitasan Black encouraged Spring and Autumn Equinox to watch the race closely, then looked toward the track as her expression sharpened.

As Kitasan Black prepared for the Arima Kinen, she suggested that Anjing Zhen consider Spring and Autumn Equinox as a future trainee, and he agreed to discuss a training agreement after the race. In the stands, Spring and Autumn Equinox met Anjing Zhen’s star-studded group of seniors and promised to cheer loudly for Kitasan Black, whose race might make history.

• The crowd’s roar overwhelmed Spring and Autumn Equinox as she watched the Arima Kinen venue with Almond Eye and the others.
• Kitasan Black suggested Anjing Zhen consider Spring and Autumn Equinox for a future training agreement, and Anjing Zhen agreed to discuss it after the Arima Kinen.
• Anjing Zhen and the others left Kitasan Black to prepare and brought Spring and Autumn Equinox to the stands.
• Anjing Zhen greeted Tokai Teio, Mejiro McQueen, Special Week, Vodka, Silent Suzuka, Gold Ship, Dream Journey, and the other gathered Horse Girls.
• Anjing Zhen explained how Spring and Autumn Equinox had met Kitasan Black and Almond Eye, and Tokai Teio told her that Kitasan Black’s race might make history.
• Spring and Autumn Equinox promised Tokai Teio that she would cheer for Senior Little Kita as loudly as she could.

As the Arima Kinen began, Anjing Zhen explained that Kitasan Black would race with a head-on style, backed by a stamina and recovery plan. Kitasan Black broke through her rivals’ attempt to trap her at the start and seized the lead, leaving the field to answer her forceful opening.

• Tokai Teio asked whether Anjing Zhen had a tactical plan for Kitasan Black starting from Gate One, and he said she would meet the field head-on.
• Anjing Zhen explained that Agnes Tachyon, Daiwa Scarlet, and Almond Eye were supporting Kitasan Black’s stamina, monitoring, and logistics.
• Kitasan Black exploded out of Gate One when the Arima Kinen started as rivals from the outer gates charged toward the Inner Lane to block her.
• Kitasan Black charged into Golden Lyric’s path, forcing her to check her stride, then squeezed past and claimed a position half a horse length ahead.

Kitasan Black exploded out of the gate and seized the lead, shocking her rivals and the spectators. As Starlight Peak accelerated around the first turn to challenge her, Daiwa Scarlet warned that Kitasan Black was in trouble.

• Kitasan Black blasted through the early encirclement with a powerful start, unsettling Golden Lyric, Firearm Soldier, and Morison's Might.
• The commentator announced Kitasan Black's lead and described the positions of Starlight Peak, Achieve Goal, Golden Lyric, and the other racers.
• Kitasan Black cleared the first turn in front, but Starlight Peak accelerated and began closing the gap.
• Daiwa Scarlet warned that Starlight Peak was challenging too aggressively and that Senior Little Kita was in trouble, prompting Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox to worry.

Kitasan Black calmly resisted Starlight Peak’s early challenge, pulled ahead on the uphill stretch, and chose to accelerate into a Great Escape. She left the field behind as she vowed to crush every rival in the race.

• Vodka warned that Starlight Peak’s aggressive pace could drain her stamina, while challenging her for position could also exhaust Kitasan Black.
• Special Week and Silent Suzuka reassured Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox that Kitasan Black could handle the pressure.
• Kitasan Black controlled her pace beside Starlight Peak and steadily opened a gap as they climbed the first uphill stretch.
• Kitasan Black assessed the positions of Starlight Peak, Golden Lyric, Teio Sho, and the rest of the field, then decided to widen her lead.
• Kitasan Black began accelerating into a Great Escape and vowed to crush every rival head-on.

Kitasan Black kept accelerating and built a commanding lead in the Arima Kinen, forcing the chasing runners to surge and disrupting the field. As the race continued, observers worried that she was spending too much stamina and might fade before the finish.

• Kitasan Black steadily increased her pace and opened a seven- or eight-length gap on the pack.
• Teio Sho, Satomi Noble, Katsuno Stone, Golden Lyric, Mikki Fee, and Morison's Might began pursuing Kitasan Black, triggering a chaotic scramble for position.
• The commentator reported that the field had stretched out, with the last Achieve Goal runners more than fifteen lengths behind Kitasan Black.
• Gold Ship asked Daiwa Scarlet and Silent Suzuka whether Kitasan Black should slow down to conserve stamina, and both confirmed that she was still accelerating.
• Special Week, Vodka, and the other observers realized Kitasan Black had been accelerating since the start and feared she might exhaust herself.

Kitasan Black accelerated before the final turn of the Arima Kinen, stunning the pursuing runners with her seemingly boundless stamina. As she led into the turn, several rivals launched a final assault from both the outer and inner lanes, leaving the outcome of the race uncertain as the final straight approached.

• Gold Ship reassured the others that Kitasan Black had monster-level endurance and predicted she was about to accelerate again.
• Kitasan Black shifted into a powerful sprint before the second-to-last turn and entered the final turn in the lead.
• Teio Sho, Golden Lyric, and the other pursuers were shocked when Kitasan Black pulled farther ahead with another burst of speed.
• Wanlai Zhengming, Koushou Hayate, and Duramente surged forward from the Grand Outer Lane, still more than ten Horse Lengths behind Kitasan Black.
• Satono Diamond charged through a narrow gap along the Inner Rail and caught up to the rear of the leading pack as the final straight approached.

The Arima Kinen reached its final straight as Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond surged toward the finish side by side. Satono Diamond believed her planned finishing kick would carry her past her exhausted friend, but a glance at Kitasan Black left her frozen in horror.

• Kitasan Black led the field into the final straight while the chasing runners charged from the lanes behind her.
• Duramente edged past Koushou Hayate in their outer-lane battle, while Yuugata Ruby and Wanlai Zhengming also pushed forward.
• Satono Diamond unleashed the stamina she had saved and steadily closed Kitasan Black’s lead.
• With 200 meters remaining, Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond drew level as the crowd erupted.
• Satono Diamond expected Kitasan Black to be spent, but she looked aside and froze at what she saw.

Satono Diamond and Kitasan Black crossed the Arima Kinen finish line together in a photo finish, while Kitasan Black was crowned the Autumn Triple Crown champion. The chapter ended with the crowd celebrating Kitasan Black’s historic achievement.

• Satono Diamond was swallowed by the black mist surrounding Kitasan Black and fought through fear to launch a desperate final sprint.
• Satono Diamond and Kitasan Black crossed the finish line together, and the display board confirmed a photo finish.
• Kitasan Black told Satono Diamond that they had crossed the line together, as the stunned crowd began to cheer.
• The commentator announced that Kitasan Black had won the Autumn Triple Crown and crowned her the new king.

After Kitasan Black won the Autumn Triple Crown, Anjing Zhen asked what races she wanted to run in, prompting her to excitedly describe her dream of racing overseas. Her vivid descriptions made him realize he had only just learned about the places and experiences she longed for.

• Anjing Zhen met Kitasan Black after her performance, praised her, and explained that Tachyon and Yamato had arranged recovery instead of an immediate celebration.
• Kitasan Black celebrated winning the race and the Autumn Triple Crown, and Anjing Zhen asked whether she had enjoyed racing.
• Anjing Zhen reminded Kitasan Black of their promised talk after the Arima Kinen and asked what races she wanted to enter.
• Kitasan Black said she wanted to race overseas and enthusiastically named courses and places Shining, Frostfall, and Adayar had told her about.
• Kitasan Black said she wanted to compete against her overseas rivals on their home tracks, then deferred to Anjing Zhen's judgment.
• Anjing Zhen listened as Kitasan Black described foreign racecourses and realized he had only just learned about the places and experiences she longed for.

Anjing Zhen listened to Kitasan Black’s wish to face stronger rivals and proposed that they race overseas together next year. Kitasan Black agreed, and they began preparing for an overseas campaign after the Osaka Hai.

• Anjing Zhen proposed that Kitasan Black race the Osaka Hai before going overseas next year.
• Kitasan Black admitted that she wanted to go overseas for fiercer, more exhilarating races.
• Anjing Zhen explained that the Osaka Hai could serve as a spring warm-up before they traveled abroad to acclimate and prepare.
• Anjing Zhen invited Kitasan Black to go overseas with him, and she firmly accepted, addressing him as Trainer Yasui.

As Central Treisen Academy prepared for final exams, Kitasan Black told her friends that she might race overseas after spring and admitted she struggled with spoken foreign languages. Her friends agreed to study languages with her, and she and Satono Diamond sought advice from Gold Ship, who had raced abroad.

• Kitasan Black studied math with Satono Diamond and reviewed with Satono Crown, Duramente, and Koushou Hayate at the academy library.
• Kitasan Black said Trainer might take her on an overseas expedition after spring, and Satono Diamond suggested they study English and French together.
• Satono Crown, Koushou Hayate, and Duramente offered to help Kitasan Black practice English, French, or Chinese as needed.
• Kitasan Black and her friends added foreign-language practice to their study sessions, but Kitasan Black continued to struggle with speaking when nervous.
• Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond went to ask Gold Ship, an experienced overseas racer, for advice.

Kitasan Black sought advice from senior racers and practiced foreign languages persistently, but she still struggled to speak fluently. El Condor Pasa warned her about language misunderstandings by recalling Special Week’s Japan Cup blunder, leaving Kitasan Black more aware of the risks of traveling overseas without strong language skills.

• Kitasan Black asked Gold Ship, Nakayama Celebration, Gold Artisan, Gold Journey, and Dream Journey for advice on learning foreign languages.
• Kitasan Black practiced vocabulary, sentence patterns, and foreign-language broadcasts during her daily routine, then passed her written foreign-language exam while her speaking remained weak.
• At a gathering with Special Week and Silent Suzuka, Kitasan Black lamented that she might lack talent for languages, and El Condor Pasa urged her to consult Trainer Yasui.
• El Condor Pasa teased Special Week about mistaking a French victory declaration for a greeting before the Japan Cup, making Special Week protest in embarrassment.
• Grass Wonder advised Kitasan Black that language misunderstandings could cause serious trouble, and Kitasan Black worried about offending someone or affecting a race.

Kitasan Black asked Anjing Zhen for help improving her foreign-language speaking skills, worried that language barriers might cause trouble during overseas races. He recognized that he had overlooked her need to communicate for herself and began considering how to support her.

• Hishi Akebono and the other seniors encouraged Kitasan Black to ask Anjing Zhen for professional help, so she arranged to visit him.
• Kitasan Black arrived at the Team Office and found Daiwa Scarlet reviewing reports while Agnes Tachyon and Anzu were busy elsewhere.
• Anjing Zhen explained that Agnes Tachyon’s research had advanced thanks to experimental data and might yield a recovery supplement, then gave Kitasan Black her favorite warm Carrot Milk.
• Kitasan Black described her struggles with speaking foreign languages and her fears about misunderstandings during overseas races.
• Anjing Zhen realized he had overlooked Kitasan Black’s need to communicate for herself and considered how he could support her better.

Anjing Zhen and Daiwa Scarlet discovered that Kitasan Black learned well through music and suggested using foreign-language songs to improve her language skills. Kitasan Black quickly took to the method and left with a USB drive of beginner songs to practice.

• Anjing Zhen tested Kitasan Black's English and learned that she struggled to understand fast speech but could answer simple questions.
• Anjing Zhen realized Kitasan Black's musical background might help her learn a foreign language through songs.
• Daiwa Scarlet supported the idea and recalled using songs to memorize difficult terms and help Vodka with language learning.
• Anjing Zhen and Daiwa Scarlet played English and other foreign-language songs, and Kitasan Black quickly imitated their melodies and pronunciation.
• Anjing Zhen gave Kitasan Black a USB drive of beginner songs, and Daiwa Scarlet offered to practice simple English or French conversations with her.

After the exam results, Kitasan Black celebrated her improved foreign language grades with her friends and invited Anjing Zhen and the team to her family home for a year-end gathering. The group arrived at the grand Kitajima House residence, where Spring and Autumn Equinox was astonished by its scale.

• Kitasan Black checked her results and found that her foreign language grade had improved significantly.
• Anjing Zhen and the others praised Almond Eye for ranking first, then congratulated Kitasan Black on her progress and heard her speak improved English.
• Kitasan Black invited Anjing Zhen, the team, and their companions to her home so her grandfather and Little Bun could thank them.
• Anjing Zhen accepted the invitation, and Daiwa Scarlet drove the group to the Kitajima House residence in Fuchu Ward.
• Kitasan Black showed Spring and Autumn Equinox the estate grounds, and Almond Eye remarked that the family likely had other residences as well.

Kitasan Black and her friends visited Saburo Kitajima’s home and prepared a year-end meal together. The cooking ended with a table full of Osechi-ryori and steaming Zoni.

• Spring and Autumn Equinox was stunned by the Kitajima residence, then nervously greeted Saburo Kitajima, who welcomed her warmly.
• Kitasan Black announced that she and her friends would cook the year-end meal, and Saburo Kitajima’s family agreed to let them take charge.
• Kitasan Black assigned cooking and table-setting tasks while Anjing Zhen assisted her with practiced coordination.
• Agnes Tachyon’s attempt to prepare a fish sent it flopping across the counter until Daiwa Scarlet caught and subdued it.
• Agnes Tachyon switched to arranging tableware, while Daiwa Scarlet, Almond Eye, Kitasan Black, and Anjing Zhen completed the meal preparations.
• The group finished preparing Osechi-ryori and steaming Zoni, filling the dining table with food.

At a family dinner, Kitasan Black’s relatives and friends shared stories about her kindness, while Anjing Zhen deflected her embarrassment by telling stories of his own early mistakes. Saburo Kitajima then asked Anjing Zhen about Kitasan Black’s proposed overseas campaign, inviting him to explain his plans and seek advice.

• Daiwa Scarlet, Almond Eye, and Spring and Autumn Equinox recalled Kitasan Black’s helpfulness, prompting her family to share stories about her childhood and school days.
• When Kitasan Black grew embarrassed by her father’s teasing, Anjing Zhen shared stories about his own rookie Trainer mistakes, and Kitasan Black realized he was helping her feel less awkward.
• After dinner, Saburo Kitajima praised Anjing Zhen’s guidance of Kitasan Black and asked whether they were considering an overseas campaign.
• Anjing Zhen confirmed that Kitasan Black strongly wanted to race overseas, explained why he believed it was important for her development, and asked Saburo Kitajima for his thoughts and advice.

Anjing Zhen told Saburo Kitajima about the obstacles to taking Kitasan Black overseas, and Saburo promised to support the plan and help persuade sponsors. Meanwhile, Kitasan Black suggested the girls visit Trainer Yasui’s hometown as their first team activity of the New Year.

• Anjing Zhen explained that overseas racing could disappoint domestic fans, concern sponsors, and complicate Ono Trading Company's situation.
• Saburo Kitajima encouraged Anjing Zhen to plan boldly, offered to speak with sponsors, and promised to help clear other obstacles.
• Kitasan Black, Agnes Tachyon, Daiwa Scarlet, Spring and Autumn Equinox, and Almond Eye played Karuta and discussed their holiday plans.
• Spring and Autumn Equinox worried that Trainer Yasui had changed his mind about their agreement because he kept ending calls, and Kitasan Black and Agnes Tachyon reassured her that he was busy.
• Kitasan Black proposed that the girls visit Trainer Yasui’s hometown together and called it their first team activity of the New Year.

After Kitasan Black celebrated New Year with family, Anjing Zhen and several groups of friends, she realized she still wanted to see his hometown. She wondered whether to ask him for one more shrine visit, just the two of them.

• Kitasan Black and the others played Hanafuda with Anjing Zhen and Saburo Kitajima before agreeing to go to Hatsumode together.
• Kitasan Black visited shrines with her family, Anjing Zhen's group, and several other circles of friends over the New Year.
• After returning from another shrine visit, Kitasan Black counted up her outings and decided she had kept all her plans.
• Kitasan Black imagined Anjing Zhen's hometown and felt drawn to see the places he had described.
• Kitasan Black realized she had rarely spent time alone with Anjing Zhen and considered asking him to visit a shrine with just the two of them.

Kitasan Black excitedly made plans with Anjing Zhen for a New Year's shrine visit, then enjoyed spending the next day with him. As they walked together, she asked whether his recent busy schedule was related to the Overseas Expedition.

• Kitasan Black invited Anjing Zhen to visit a shrine with her, and he agreed to meet the next day.
• Kitasan Black rolled around the living room in a cushion until Mom caught sight of her and teased her about being excited for an outing.
• Kitasan Black disguised herself with a cap and sunglasses, met Anjing Zhen, and joined the New Year's shrine-bound crowd with him.
• Kitasan Black complained to Anjing Zhen about being recognized in public, and he praised her for earning people's affection through her achievements.
• Kitasan Black asked Anjing Zhen whether his many meetings and phone calls were connected to the Overseas Expedition.