Recaps

Kitasan Black reflected on Grandpa’s advice to seek support and decided she wanted to help Anjing Zhen with his growing workload. After she told him Spring and Autumn Equinox feared he had abandoned their agreement, Anjing Zhen admitted he had delayed following up and revealed he had received other inquiries and invitations.

• Saburo Kitajima advised Kitasan Black to treat expectations as support, prepare seriously for each race, and rely on her team and seniors when needed.
• Kitasan Black realized she wanted to share Anjing Zhen’s burdens and asked whether there was anything she could do to help.
• Kitasan Black told Anjing Zhen that Spring and Autumn Equinox worried he no longer wanted to sign an agreement with her because he had not followed up.
• Anjing Zhen explained that year-end reviews, Overseas Expedition planning, and sponsor meetings had delayed their discussion, and admitted the delay was his oversight.
• Anjing Zhen revealed that he had also received inquiries and invitations from other parties, prompting Kitasan Black to ask what they were.

Anjing Zhen explained that he could not responsibly evaluate other Horse Girls because his schedule was already focused on Kitasan Black’s overseas expedition, Almond Eye’s debut, and his promise to Spring and Autumn Equinox. Kitasan Black learned that Almond Eye might debut later in the year, then offered to become Anjing Zhen’s assistant or secretary.

• Anjing Zhen told Kitasan Black that parents had asked him to evaluate their children, but he lacked the expertise and time to take on more Horse Girls.
• Anjing Zhen said his main plans were preparing Kitasan Black for her overseas expedition and Almond Eye for a possible debut, while keeping his promise to Spring and Autumn Equinox.
• Kitasan Black was surprised to hear about Almond Eye’s debut preparations, then pulled Anjing Zhen through the crowd after drawing curious looks.
• Anjing Zhen explained that Almond Eye might be ready to race in the latter half of the year and that he, Agnes Tachyon, and Yamato planned to tell her after the new term began.
• Kitasan Black offered to explain Anjing Zhen’s workload to Little Bun and suggested that she become his assistant or secretary.

At the shrine, Kitasan Black revived her wish to become Anjing Zhen’s assistant secretary, even after he initially dismissed the idea. Anjing Zhen took her renewed request seriously and began considering it, leaving his answer pending as he bought her taiyaki.

• Kitasan Black imagined herself as a capable assistant secretary, but Anjing Zhen said the role required skills she had not yet developed and told her to focus on training and racing.
• Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen visited the shrine, made wishes, and Kitasan Black drew a Great Blessing fortune.
• Kitasan Black took the good fortune as encouragement and, while walking through the shrine grounds, told Anjing Zhen she still wanted to try assisting him.
• Anjing Zhen realized Kitasan Black was serious, considered how to respond, and bought her a steaming taiyaki while she waited.

Anjing Zhen warned Kitasan Black that becoming a Trainer required extensive knowledge and could distract her from racing, but her determination persuaded him to offer a carefully limited chance to learn. He proposed letting her observe and record data during Almond Eye’s foundational training, as long as Kitasan Black kept up with her own training and followed his decisions.

• Anjing Zhen explained the demanding qualifications and responsibilities of Trainers and said Kitasan Black’s racing career had to come first.
• Kitasan Black felt frustrated but reaffirmed that she wanted to try, asking Anjing Zhen to teach her.
• Anjing Zhen teased Kitasan Black about her earlier nervousness before praising her growth and resolve.
• Anjing Zhen agreed to let Kitasan Black learn under strict conditions, including that the experience could not interfere with her training or races.
• Anjing Zhen suggested that Kitasan Black observe and record data while he planned Almond Eye’s foundational training.

Kitasan Black eagerly studied exercise physiology on the team’s drive to Anjing Zhen’s hometown, determined to become his assistant and worried about disappointing him. The group continued toward Tokoname City as Anjing Zhen encouraged her to rest and Agnes Tachyon teased her about her schoolwork.

• Kitasan Black accepted Anjing Zhen’s conditions for observing, learning, and helping with records under his supervision.
• Anjing Zhen agreed to Kitasan Black’s proposal for a group visit to his hometown, and the team set off for Tokoname City after New Year.
• Daiwa Scarlet drove while Agnes Tachyon, Spring and Autumn Equinox, and Little Anzu chatted during the journey.
• Kitasan Black studied her introductory materials in the car, and Anjing Zhen used a diagram to help her understand how glycolysis connected to the Citric Acid Cycle.
• Anjing Zhen told Kitasan Black to stop reading for her eyes’ sake, but she worried she would disappoint him if she could not memorize everything before his quiz.
• Agnes Tachyon teased Kitasan Black about her schoolwork, while Kitasan Black privately realized she studied so hard because she wanted to help Anjing Zhen and get closer to his world.

Anjing Zhen eased Kitasan Black’s study pressure by finding a way to honor his promise to quiz her only after they got home. The group arrived at a Nagoya wagashi shop, where Kitasan Black could keep studying before the promised questions.

• Daiwa Scarlet and Agnes Tachyon criticized Anjing Zhen for giving Kitasan Black difficult material and expecting her to master it so quickly.
• Anjing Zhen asked Kitasan Black how much longer she needed to memorize her current section, and she estimated an hour.
• Anjing Zhen suggested stopping at a wagashi shop in Nagoya, and Agnes Tachyon pointed out that studying there would technically mean Kitasan Black had not gotten home yet.
• Kitasan Black happily put away her notebook for the drive while the group admired Nagoya’s sights and discussed visiting Kasamatsu.
• Daiwa Scarlet followed Anjing Zhen’s directions and drove the group to an old wagashi shop on a quiet Nagoya street.

Anjing Zhen brought Kitasan Black and the others to a confectionery shop in Nagoya, where they unexpectedly met his mother, Kikou Misuzu. The group shared desserts and jokes while Kitasan Black explained that she was studying to become Anjing Zhen’s assistant.

• Kitasan Black reviewed her notes at the shop while Almond Eye, Spring and Autumn Equinox, Agnes Tachyon, and Daiwa Scarlet helped quiz her.
• Anjing Zhen recognized his mother, Kikou Misuzu, behind the counter and introduced her to the girls.
• Misuzu greeted the Horse Girls and asked them to call her “Sister Misuzu,” then noticed how much Spring and Autumn Equinox resembled Kitasan Black.
• Agnes Tachyon teased Anjing Zhen about being so serious compared with his easygoing mother, and Misuzu joked that he had no sense of humor.
• Misuzu noticed Kitasan Black’s study materials, and Kitasan Black explained that she hoped to become Anjing Zhen’s assistant and was preparing for his test.

Kikou Misuzu helped Kitasan Black study at a wagashi shop in Nagoya, where the lively group made her work through difficult material with surprising speed. Afterward, the group arrived at Anjing Zhen’s childhood home, leaving Kitasan Black curious about the place where he grew up.

• Kikou Misuzu revealed that she had raced as a Horse Girl and offered to help Kitasan Black with her studies.
• Kikou Misuzu, Agnes Tachyon, Daiwa Scarlet, and Anjing Zhen helped Kitasan Black review her notes, and she quickly memorized most of the material that had troubled her.
• Agnes Tachyon noted that the lively environment seemed to improve Kitasan Black’s memory, while Kikou Misuzu rewarded her with water sheep jelly.
• Anjing Zhen and Kikou Misuzu brought the group to Anjing Zhen’s traditional wooden childhood home after the trip from Tokyo.
• Kitasan Black looked around the house and wondered what Anjing Zhen’s childhood there had been like.

Anjing Zhen’s friends wondered why his father seemed so restrained toward him, and Agnes Tachyon suggested that Anjing Kouichi might have left training to support his son’s future from a different role. Anjing Zhen realized his parents may have quietly made sacrifices for him, and Kitasan Black concluded that they loved him deeply despite expressing it differently.

• Anjing Kouichi welcomed Anjing Zhen and the girls, then returned to preparing dinner with Kikou Misuzu.
• Kitasan Black and the others questioned why Anjing Kouichi did not seem especially affectionate toward Anjing Zhen.
• Agnes Tachyon explained that Anjing Kouichi’s reserved manner might reflect his personality and years as a Trainer, and Anjing Zhen described his father’s career change to the Local Racing Association.
• Kitasan Black wondered whether Anjing Kouichi had changed careers because of Anjing Zhen, and Agnes Tachyon explained how veteran Trainers sometimes step back to support the next generation.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Agnes Tachyon suggested Anjing Kouichi had made room to support Anjing Zhen and care for the family, prompting Anjing Zhen to reconsider his father’s intentions.
• Kitasan Black told Anjing Zhen that his parents loved him deeply, even if they expressed it differently.

At dinner, Anjing Zhen's parents shared stories about his childhood and praised Kitasan Black's ambition to become a Trainer's assistant. Afterward, Anjing Kouichi offered Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet his records from years of working in Local Races, leaving them eager to examine the data and Anjing Zhen aware of his father's quiet support for the team.

• Kikou Misuzu told the guests that Anjing Zhen had been a quiet, mature child who trained athletically and collected trophies while preparing to become a Trainer.
• Kitasan Black said she wanted to try becoming a Trainer's assistant, and Anjing Kouichi and Kikou Misuzu encouraged her.
• Anjing Kouichi heard about Agnes Tachyon's research and Daiwa Scarlet's work, then offered them his notes and case records from the local circuit.
• Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet eagerly accepted Anjing Kouichi's offer, and Anjing Zhen realized his father was supporting the team.
• Anjing Kouichi described how rain at Kasamatsu Racecourse and summer heat around Nagoya affected equipment, acclimatization, and health management.

Agnes Tachyon, Daiwa Scarlet, and Anjing Kouichi discussed how Local Races experience could help the team prepare for the Overseas Expedition by adapting training, equipment, and nutrition to different racecourses. Meanwhile, Kikou Misuzu led the curious girls to explore Anjing Zhen's childhood bedroom.

• Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet asked Anjing Kouichi about his records on horseshoes, footing, and nutrition at Local Races.
• Agnes Tachyon argued that experience adapting to different racecourses could help the team personalize preparations for overseas races, and she and Daiwa Scarlet discussed possible applications.
• Agnes Tachyon, Daiwa Scarlet, and Anjing Kouichi went into the study to continue their discussion, leaving Anjing Zhen surprised by his father's enthusiasm.
• Kitasan Black and Little Anzu teased Anjing Zhen about inheriting his parents' traits, and Kikou Misuzu playfully protested Little Anzu's remark.
• Kikou Misuzu proposed searching Anjing Zhen's bedroom for childhood secrets, then led Kitasan Black, Almond Eye, and Spring and Autumn Equinox upstairs to explore it.

Misuzu showed Kitasan Black, Almond Eye, and Spring and Autumn Equinox Anjing Zhen’s old school notes, childhood photos, and treasured Oguri Cap posters, helping Kitasan Black recognize how long he had been devoted to his work. When Misuzu mentioned an upcoming Kasamatsu Racecourse event featuring Oguri Cap, Anjing Zhen asked about Exhibition Race registration, and Kitasan Black wondered if he wanted her to coach Almond Eye to race against the legend.

• Misuzu brought out Anjing Zhen’s carefully preserved school notes and showed the girls how diligently he had studied.
• Misuzu shared childhood photos of Anjing Zhen, and Kitasan Black recognized the same focused expression he had worn when they first met.
• Kitasan Black reflected on how Anjing Zhen’s composure and professionalism had been built through years of dedication, and he shared a quiet look with her.
• Misuzu revealed Anjing Zhen’s Oguri Cap posters and mentioned an upcoming Kasamatsu event with an Exhibition Race or autograph session.
• Anjing Zhen asked about the Exhibition Race’s registration requirements, and Kitasan Black guessed that he wanted her to coach Almond Eye to race against Oguri Cap.

Anjing Zhen proposed that Kitasan Black coach Anzu for an Exhibition Race against legendary seniors, but Anzu’s excitement gave way to unfamiliar anxiety. He postponed any decision until they could visit Kasamatsu Racecourse and see what the event was like.

• Anjing Zhen suggested that Kitasan Black coach Anzu for an Exhibition Race, giving Kitasan Black practical coaching experience and Anzu a chance to face senior racers.
• Kitasan Black worried that she might not be capable of coaching Anzu, while Anzu’s initial enthusiasm faded as she imagined racing legendary seniors.
• Spring and Autumn Equinox cheered at the prospect of seeing Oguri Cap, then worried about how Anzu would handle the race.
• Anjing Zhen reassured everyone that the race was only an idea and suggested visiting Kasamatsu Racecourse before discussing it again.
• Anjing Zhen later led Kitasan Black, Almond Eye, Spring and Autumn Equinox, Agnes Tachyon, and Daiwa Scarlet out to say their goodbyes.

Anjing Zhen took Kitasan Black to the oden stall, where she guessed he wanted to discuss the Exhibition Race and admitted she had come to Nagoya to understand him better. He concealed his emotional reaction and began explaining his plans for Almond Eye.

• Anjing Zhen showed Kitasan Black the neighborhood and took her to the oden stall after she left the inn to join him.
• Kitasan Black guessed that Anjing Zhen wanted her to guide Almond Eye and run in the Exhibition Race with Senior Oguri Cap and the others.
• Anjing Zhen showed Kitasan Black the unfinished message he had been writing about his Exhibition Race ideas.
• Kitasan Black told Anjing Zhen she had come to Nagoya because she wanted to understand him and get closer to his world.
• Anjing Zhen quietly refilled Kitasan Black's tea, regained his composure, and began discussing his plans for Almond Eye.

At breakfast, Anjing Zhen’s mother teased him about Kitasan Black, prompting him to recognize that his growing feelings might require an honest conversation. Meanwhile, Kitasan Black prepared to talk to Almond Eye about coaching her, but struggled to find the right words.

• Kikou Misuzu teased Anjing Zhen about bringing Kitasan Black home, while Anjing Kouichi praised Kitasan Black’s racing ability.
• Anjing Zhen recalled Kitasan Black’s wish to get closer to his world and decided he needed to reconsider their relationship and speak honestly with her.
• Anjing Zhen told his parents he planned to show Kitasan Black and the others around Nagoya City, and Kikou Misuzu insisted on joining them.
• At the inn, Spring and Autumn Equinox, Almond Eye, and Kitasan Black enjoyed udon and local dumplings for breakfast.
• Kitasan Black considered how to approach Almond Eye about coaching her, but hesitated over how to present the challenge.

Kitasan Black, Agnes Tachyon, Daiwa Scarlet, and Almond Eye discussed the Kasamatsu exhibition race, and Almond Eye chose to participate despite being afraid to face powerful seniors alone. Agnes Tachyon affirmed that Almond Eye had begun to understand the resolve required to race on her own.

• Kitasan Black explained that the Kasamatsu exhibition race could give Almond Eye valuable experience against retired senior racers.
• Agnes Tachyon asked Almond Eye whether she truly wanted to try, and Almond Eye said she wanted to participate.
• Almond Eye admitted that fear had made her consider backing out because she had never faced powerful opponents alone.
• Almond Eye declared that she would challenge the seniors and give the race everything she had.
• Agnes Tachyon supported Almond Eye’s decision and told her she had begun to understand the resolve racers must bear on the track.

Anjing Zhen and the others visited the Kasamatsu Horse Girl Carnival, where he recounted Inari One’s rise to two consecutive G1 victories. The story ended as he revealed that Oguri Cap had faced Inari One in the Daily Crown, the “Strongest G2.”

• Kikou Misuzu congratulated Almond Eye on her resolve with a lucky blessing, and Anjing Zhen sheepishly admitted his mother had blessed him before childhood contests.
• Daiwa Scarlet drove Anjing Zhen, Kikou Misuzu, and the horse girls to the Kasamatsu Horse Girl Carnival, where they explored the crowded plaza and its activities.
• Anjing Zhen and Agnes Tachyon explained that Inari One had raced at Kasamatsu before moving to the Central circuit and winning the Tenno Sho Spring and Takarazuka Kinen consecutively.
• Spring and Autumn Equinox asked whether Inari One continued winning, prompting Anjing Zhen to explain that she next entered the Daily Crown against Oguri Cap.

Anjing Zhen recounted Inari One’s rivalry with Oguri Cap and Super Little Bay, ending with Inari One’s Arima Kinen victory. Inspired by the legendary seniors, Spring and Autumn Equinox decided to race in a suitable recreational event, while Kitasan Black agreed to support both her and Almond Eye.

• Anjing Zhen told Spring and Autumn Equinox how Inari One lost narrowly to Oguri Cap, then finished eleventh in the Japan Cup won by El Condor Pasa.
• Anjing Zhen recounted Inari One’s Arima Kinen victory over Super Little Bay, her record-setting time, and her back-to-back Grand Prix wins.
• Agnes Tachyon asked whether Spring and Autumn Equinox wanted to race alongside Almond Eye and the legendary seniors, and Spring and Autumn Equinox eagerly agreed to try.
• Anjing Zhen warned that Spring and Autumn Equinox lacked the training for the Exhibition Race and recommended the recreational event in the “Pre-Full Maturity” division instead.
• Spring and Autumn Equinox chose the recreational race, and Kitasan Black promised Anjing Zhen she would help keep an eye on both races.

Anjing Zhen and the others reached the carnival’s temporary registration point, where they encountered Tamamo Cross and the renowned researcher Berno Light. While they waited to approach, Anjing introduced Spring and Autumn Equinox to the two seniors and their achievements.

• The group crossed the bustling carnival grounds and found Tamamo Cross arguing over registration while Berno Light sorted forms beside her.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Agnes Tachyon recognized Berno Light as a respected academic genius, and Anjing Zhen explained that she had reviewed his equipment-permit applications.
• Anjing Zhen told Spring and Autumn Equinox about Tamamo Cross’s racing accomplishments and urged her to learn about Horse Girl history.
• Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet explained that Berno Light was less famous as a racer but had made major contributions to racing technology and theory.

Anjing Zhen brought Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox to register for the exhibition event, while Kitasan Black clarified that she would not be competing herself. Tamamo Cross arranged for Berno Light to register the juniors and decided to warn the other racers to take the event seriously.

• Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet praised Berno Light’s technical work and explained her connection to Oguri Cap to Spring and Autumn Equinox.
• Kikou Misuzu teased Anjing Zhen for patiently explaining the background to Spring and Autumn Equinox, and the group laughed at the comparison to a father teaching his daughter.
• Anjing Zhen asked Kitasan Black to take Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox to the registration table.
• Tamamo Cross complained to the staff about low participation until Kitasan Black arrived and asked Berno Light to register the two juniors.
• Kitasan Black explained that Almond Eye would enter the main event’s exhibition segment and Spring and Autumn Equinox would enter the un-Full Maturity group’s fun race.
• Tamamo Cross left Berno Light to handle registration and planned to warn Oguri, Inari One, and Super Little Bay to prepare for the juniors.

Kitasan Black completed the race registrations with Berno Light, who offered to show the group around Kasamatsu before the races. Almond Eye found new resolve to make people remember her name as she followed the others to the training area.

• Tamamo Cross dashed off, and Berno Light apologized for her impulsiveness before confirming Kitasan Black's and Spring and Autumn Equinox's registrations.
• Kitasan Black demonstrated what Anjing Zhen had taught her about race rules, and Berno Light praised her preparation.
• Berno Light invited the group to tour Kasamatsu with Oguri Cap after the event and finished processing the forms.
• Kitasan Black led the group toward the temporary training area, then noticed Almond Eye had fallen behind.
• Almond Eye reminded herself that she wanted everyone to remember the name Almond Eye and hurried to catch up.

Kitasan Black led Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox through a warm-up and a short starting-speed practice at Kasamatsu. Watching them launch forward, Berno Light, Oguri Cap, and Super Little Bay recognized that Kitasan Black’s two juniors were fast as well.

• Berno Light brought Kitasan Black, Almond Eye, and Spring and Autumn Equinox to a temporary training area near the racetrack.
• Kitasan Black led the two juniors through a lap, warm-up exercises, and preparations for a short running simulation.
• Berno Light met Oguri Cap and Super Little Bay, who told her that Tamamo Cross and Inari were speaking with the other Exhibition Race contestants.
• Oguri Cap spotted Kitasan Black and the juniors beginning their practice and suggested they wait before approaching them.
• Kitasan Black, Almond Eye, and Spring and Autumn Equinox launched down the short straight, impressing Berno Light, Oguri Cap, and Super Little Bay with their speed.

Oguri Cap, Super Little Bay, and Berno Light watched Kitasan Black, Almond Eye, and Spring and Autumn Equinox train, assessing the younger runners’ strengths and weaknesses. Oguri Cap and Super Little Bay committed to treating the upcoming race seriously, while Berno Light agreed to handle their preparations; Oguri regretted that Kitahara and Rokutsu would not join them.

• Berno Light watched Kitasan Black lead Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox in a sprint on the dirt track.
• Super Little Bay and Berno Light praised Almond Eye’s physical qualities and Spring and Autumn Equinox’s remarkable talent.
• Kitasan Black widened her lead, while Oguri Cap and Super Little Bay noticed Almond Eye struggling to sustain her rhythm and lower-body output.
• Berno Light teased Oguri Cap and Super Little Bay for analyzing a rookie as if she were a G1 opponent, but they insisted every race deserved full effort and respect.
• Berno Light offered to support their preparations, and Oguri Cap expressed excitement about preparing for a race together again.
• Oguri Cap lamented that Kitahara was in Tokyo and Rokutsu did not want to get involved with races anymore.

Kitasan Black tried to coach Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox, but Anjing Zhen explained how their racing tactics should suit their different strengths. The afternoon’s roster revealed that Almond Eye would face three legendary seniors in the Exhibition Race.

• Oguri Cap, Berno Light, and Super Little Bay left the training grounds to meet Tamamo and Inari and discuss the arrangements.
• Kitasan Black praised Almond Eye’s form but suggested frontrunning tactics for both her and Spring and Autumn Equinox.
• Anjing Zhen explained that Almond Eye could benefit from conserving her strength for a late burst, while Spring and Autumn Equinox had unusually strong explosive power for her stage.
• Anjing Zhen received Berno Light’s email with the final race roster and schedule, and the group saw that Spring and Autumn Equinox’s race would feature visiting children from Nagoya.
• Anjing Zhen showed Almond Eye the Exhibition Race roster, revealing that she would compete against Oguri Cap, Super Little Bay, and Inari One.

Almond Eye embraced the challenge of racing against Oguri Cap, Super Little Bay, and Inari One, while Kitasan Black took charge of preparing the team. At the preparation room, Kikou Misuzu revealed that she had once been a Horse Girl trained by Anjing Zhen’s father, leaving Anjing Zhen thinking about the parallels between their past and his partnership with Kitasan Black.

• Anjing Zhen explained that the legendary racers were likely participating to make the Exhibition Race more spectacular, though their presence would still create pressure.
• Almond Eye declared that facing stronger opponents would help her test her limits, and her fighting spirit surprised the group.
• Kikou Misuzu reminded Agnes Tachyon that Kitasan Black, not Anjing Zhen, was the team's temporary trainer, and Kitasan Black agreed to help prepare Almond Eye and Little Bun.
• Anjing Zhen forwarded Berno Light’s email to Kitasan Black, who confirmed their participation and led the group to their Preparation Room.
• Kikou Misuzu recalled preparing race tactics in the room with Anjing Zhen’s father, revealing that she had been an active Horse Girl and he had been her trainer.
• Anjing Zhen connected his parents’ history as Trainer and Horse Girl to his own partnership with Kitasan Black.