Recaps

During the hearing, Nase Fumino restored order after a representative demanded that Trainer Yasui be replaced. Kitasan Black steadied Anjing Zhen, and Mejiro McQueen began presenting Central Treisen Academy’s position as the opposing side tried to interrupt her.

• Nase Fumino warned a representative who demanded that Trainer Yasui be replaced and ordered him to sit down.
• Kitasan Black held Anjing Zhen’s hand beneath the table to reassure him, and he squeezed her hand in return.
• Anjing Zhen turned his attention to Mejiro McQueen, who requested permission to speak as a Central Treisen Academy Student Council representative.
• Mejiro McQueen acknowledged that the systemic issue exceeded the academy’s and Trainer Yasui’s team’s ability to resolve alone.
• A representative interrupted Mejiro McQueen, and Nase Fumino warned him that she could remove him and his accomplices from the meeting.

At the hearing, Mejiro McQueen admitted that her side could not resolve the Overseas Expedition issue independently, then said someone else could. The conference doors opened, revealing Kitasan Black’s returning allies and a procession of renowned Horse Girls in their Victory Outfits, though their full purpose remained unknown.

• Nase Fumino made the representative repeat his question after granting him permission to speak.
• Mejiro McQueen acknowledged that her side could not solve the Overseas Expedition issue independently, but insisted that someone could.
• The conference room doors opened as everyone waited for Mejiro McQueen to name that person.
• Kitasan Black recognized Tokai Teio, Anjing Zhen, Agnes Tachyon, and Daiwa Scarlet among the arriving figures.
• Kitasan Black watched Oguri Cap, Super Little Bay, Tamamo Cross, Inari One, Special Week, Silent Suzuka, El Condor Pasa, Deep Impact, and other imposing Horse Girls enter in their Victory Outfits.

Kitasan Black watched as legendary Horse Girls gathered at the hearing and formed a solemn welcome around the doorway. Symboli Rudolf entered in ceremonial attire, took the place at the head of the table, and faced the assembled guests.

• Kitasan Black recognized familiar and unfamiliar legends among the Horse Girls entering the conference room.
• The legends formed two orderly lines and left the center of the room open for the person they awaited.
• Symboli Rudolf entered in ink-green ceremonial attire and left Kitasan Black stunned.
• Hikari-chan gripped Kitasan Black's hand while Nase Fumino murmured Symboli Rudolf's name in disbelief.
• Symboli Rudolf stood at the head of the table, nodded to Nase Fumino, Akikawa Yayoi, and Yukishiro Sakuya, and remained silent.

Mejiro Takamine and the Shining Series Overseas Pioneering Generation Joint Initiative Group joined the hearing and presented plans addressing objections to Kitasan Black’s overseas campaign. Their proposals challenged the remaining opponents as Takamine revealed extensive financial, advisory, and public backing.

• Mejiro Takamine requested permission for her group to attend, and the representatives voted to admit them.
• Takamine’s group retrieved prepared documents, which Maruzensky, C.B., Narita Brian, and Symboli Rudolf distributed to the hearing’s representatives.
• Takamine presented a 150-billion-yen risk hedging fund backed by seventeen Horse Girl families and core industry enterprises.
• Takamine outlined an overseas advisory group involving race organizers and experienced Horse Girls, along with free volunteer support for junior students.
• Takamine revealed that more than 330,000 people had signed in support of Kitasan Black’s overseas expedition plan.

Mejiro Takamine’s evidence and Symboli Rudolph’s support overwhelmed the objections to Kitasan Black’s overseas bid. Symboli Rudolph defended the right of Horse Girls to pursue their dreams, leaving the chairman with her answer and the gathering facing a decisive choice.

• Mejiro Takamine presented detailed documents and a broad coalition of support, leaving the Association and Federation representatives unable to object.
• The Association Chairman reviewed the evidence and addressed Symboli Rudolph, acknowledging her preparation and resolve.
• Symboli Rudolph said her methods had changed but her beliefs had not, and described the younger runners as pioneers and potential successors.
• Symboli Rudolph argued that Horse Girls should be free to keep running rather than be confined by restrictive qualifications.
• Symboli Rudolph declared that supporting Kitasan Black’s attempt was an investment in a new era and a dream, not merely the protection of a valuable asset.

Symboli Rudolph’s testimony won approval for Kitasan Black’s overseas expedition, and Kitasan Black thanked her in the corridor. Symboli Rudolph urged her to prove herself by winning the Tenno Sho Spring and bringing back a view from the world’s end.

• Kitasan Black applauded Symboli Rudolph, and the others in the hearing gradually joined her.
• Nase Fumino announced that the hearing had concluded and approved Kitasan Black’s overseas expedition plan.
• Kitasan Black rushed into the corridor to thank Symboli Rudolph and the Legendary Horse Girls.
• Symboli Rudolph praised Kitasan Black and told her to save her thanks until after she won.
• Symboli Rudolph urged Kitasan Black to run and bring back the scenery at the world’s end, starting with the Tenno Sho Spring.

After Kitasan Black’s hearing ended, she and her companions discussed how Emperor and the Student Council had arranged the senior legends’ support, leaving her free to focus on the Tenno Sho Spring. Their conversation turned to Oguri Cap’s past and the controversy over whether she should have been allowed to enter the Triple Crown after missing registration.

• Anjing Zhen reassured Kitasan Black that the hearing had settled the obstacles to her racing and told her to focus on training for the Tenno Sho Spring.
• Agnes Tachyon explained that Emperor (Teio) President and McQueen President had asked the team only to prepare impeccable condition data and tell the truth at the hearing, while the Student Council and Emperor handled the rest.
• Anjing Zhen reflected that Symboli Rudolph’s influence and the assembled seniors had been needed to overcome obstacles beyond the academy’s reach.
• Almond Eye joked about telling her family and Wang Ziding about the hearing, and the group laughed at the thought of Spring and Autumn Equinox throwing a tantrum for being left behind.
• Daiwa Scarlet and Agnes Tachyon explained that Symboli Rudolph’s emotional reaction was likely connected to Oguri Cap’s history: after transferring from a regional track, Oguri Cap had missed Triple Crown registration but excelled against the Classic Frontline.
• Almond Eye asked why Oguri Cap’s late entry would have required an exception instead of ordinary late registration.

Kitasan Black learned how Symboli Rudolph and other seniors had fought to open the Triple Crown to late entrants, and promised to carry their hopes forward in every race. On the way home, Satono Diamond reflected on her decision to sit beside Kitasan Black at the hearing and accepted that she had chosen to support her as a rival.

• Kitasan Black explained that the late-entry system began after people petitioned for Senior Oguri Cap, and Daiwa Scarlet revealed that Senior Symboli Rudolph had even bowed to the Association on Oguri Cap's behalf.
• Daiwa Scarlet told Kitasan Black that the seniors had mobilized to open a wider stage for her and those who would follow.
• Kitasan Black vowed to make every race a way of widening the road the seniors had paved.
• Satono Diamond recalled choosing to sit beside Kitasan Black at the hearing instead of with her family's representatives.
• Satono Diamond decided that her choice affirmed her path as Kitasan Black's rival, and she did not regret it.

Satono Diamond returned home after the hearing and learned that her father had focused on her training rather than questioning her choice to sit with Little Kita. Convinced she needed to race on her own terms against Little Kita at the Tenno Sho Spring, she decided to leave for Kyoto early, and Trainer Chris ordered the team to depart the next day.

• Satono Diamond arrived at the estate and was directed to the training grounds, where her father briefly praised her training before returning to the main house without mentioning the hearing.
• Satono Diamond told Crown and Trainer Chris about Symboli Rudolph's appearance and the hearing's documents and declaration about dreams and possibilities.
• Crown explained that Satono Diamond's father had asked only about her training and condition, and Trainer Chris suggested he cared more about her well-being and results than the hearing's social implications.
• Satono Diamond resolved to win the Tenno Sho Spring by relying on her Final Burst Speed rather than passively reacting to Little Kita's stamina-based strategy.
• Satono Diamond asked to leave for Kyoto early, and Trainer Chris canceled the regular analysis meeting and ordered everyone to pack for departure the next day.

At Kyoto Central Treisen Academy, Satono Diamond and Kitasan Black trained side by side, and Teio Sho recognized how focused and formidable Kitasan had become. Noble Elegance admitted privately that she wanted to run farther with Kitasan, while the news that Symboli Rudolph and other legendary seniors would attend the Tenno Sho Spring stirred Teio Sho and Noble Elegance to train harder.

• Satono Diamond, Crown, and Trainer Chris arrived at the training grounds and watched Kitasan Black run with precise, steady focus.
• Teio Sho and Noble Elegance greeted Diamond and the others, then Teio Sho led Noble Elegance to warm up.
• Diamond approached Kitasan after her run, and the two began accelerating together in adjacent lanes.
• Teio Sho told Noble Elegance that Kitasan seemed more focused and formidable than during the Osaka Hai, then pressed her about her feelings toward Kitasan.
• Noble Elegance privately admitted that she wanted to run farther with Kitasan, but denied saying anything when Teio Sho caught up with her.
• Teio Sho told Noble Elegance that Symboli Rudolph and other legendary seniors would attend the Tenno Sho Spring, then sprinted onto the track as Noble Elegance followed.

Satono Diamond tested Kitasan Black’s strength but could not identify the decisive point for her final burst, while Trainer Chris began her training. At Kyoto Tracen, Anjing Zhen’s team developed a Tenno Sho Spring strategy for Kitasan based on controlling distance and isolating opponents’ finishing kicks with a “Grit Boundary.”

• Satono Diamond and Trainer Chris discussed Diamond’s failed attempt to find the point where she could unleash her final burst against Kitasan Black, then began training.
• Kitasan Black told the meeting that her grandfather and many Seniors would attend the Tenno Sho Spring after President Symboli Rudolph invited him.
• Anjing Zhen and Agnes Tachyon presented simulations showing opponents could break through Kitasan’s defense, with her chance of overtaking them afterward no higher than 7%.
• Anjing Zhen’s team shifted their strategy from wearing opponents down to controlling their distance from Kitasan Black.
• Daiwa Scarlet used Mejiro McQueen and Rice Shower’s race to explain how grit could secure a position for a decisive strike.
• Anjing Zhen outlined a plan for Kitasan to maintain an aggressive pace and create a “Grit Boundary” that would contain opponents’ final bursts within a manageable range.

Kitasan Black refined her endurance-based Guts Isolation strategy for the Tenno Sho Spring and invited friends and rivals to a pre-race gathering. The gathering began at a quiet Kyoto courtyard, where she grilled food as Spring and Autumn Equinox eyed the meat.

• Kitasan Black confirmed to Anjing Zhen Shen that she would use stamina to control the race and guts to isolate rivals at the final turn and finish.
• Kitasan Black and Almond Eye continued their training as the Tenno Sho Spring approached, while pressure from the other competitors mounted.
• Kitasan Black suggested a pre-race banquet, and Anjing Zhen Shen agreed to her plan to use her grandfather's Kyoto courtyard.
• Kitasan Black hosted the gathering with Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox, grilling food while Spring and Autumn Equinox reached toward a chicken wing skewer.

Kitasan Black taught Spring and Autumn Equinox how to grill, and the courtyard barbecue filled with guests. As everyone sat down to eat, Satono Crown teased Spring and Autumn Equinox about their earlier interview.

• Kitasan Black guided Spring and Autumn Equinox as she grilled her first chicken skewer.
• Kyoushou, Zenno Rob Roy, Noble Elegance, Teio Sho, Wanlai Zhengming, the Satono sisters, Futanari Shingang, Mikki Rocket, and Duramente arrived for the barbecue.
• Spring and Autumn Equinox practiced grilling corn while the guests prepared the table and food.
• Satono Crown gave Spring and Autumn Equinox candy and reminded the others that she had interviewed her before the Osaka Hai.
• Everyone gathered around the table as the grilled food was ready.

Wanlai Zhengming hosted a celebratory gathering after Kyoushou’s Dubai Turf victory, where the group discussed Kitasan Black’s Osaka Hai win and the coming Tenno Sho Spring. Satono Diamond challenged Kitasan Black for the Kyoto race, and Kitasan Black accepted her challenge.

• Wanlai Zhengming performed a prerecorded violin piece and served non-alcoholic sparkling apple juice at the gathering.
• Kitasan Black led toasts celebrating the group, Kyoushou’s Dubai Turf victory, and the upcoming races.
• Kyoushou and Futanari Shingang praised Kitasan Black’s Osaka Hai victory, and Kitasan Black said she would race overseas after the Tenno Sho Spring.
• Duramente and Mikki Rocket recounted how Symboli Rudolf and T.M. Opera O had brought them to Kyoto to observe the major race.
• Futanari Shingang said the Tenno Sho Spring would draw attention from the racing industry and overseas observers.
• Satono Diamond told Kitasan Black she would not yield in the 3,200-meter race, and Kitasan Black welcomed the challenge.

At Kitasan Black’s gathering, Zenno Rob Roy invited her for a moonlit run that became a controlled simulation of race pressure. Afterward, Zenno Rob Roy reflected on the feeling of giving everything yet still seeing an unreachable figure ahead.

• Teio Sho asked Noble Elegance whether she would respond to the challenge, but Zenno Rob Roy redirected the dinner conversation toward enjoying the food and garden.
• Zenno Rob Roy thanked Kitasan Black for hosting and asked her to show her a place nearby where she could run.
• Zenno Rob Roy increased her pace to simulate a pursuer pressing in, while Kitasan Black maintained a steady rhythm and adapted to the pressure.
• After they stopped, Zenno Rob Roy told Kitasan Black that it felt similar to giving everything and still seeing someone’s back remain out of reach.

Zenno Rob Roy asked Kitasan Black to face Noble Elegance with her full strength at the Tenno Sho Spring, hoping to help her sister stop holding back. Kitasan agreed, and after the gathering quieted down, she and Almond Eye cleaned up the courtyard.

• Zenno Rob Roy explained that Noble Elegance still hesitated to race as her complete self and asked Kitasan Black to show her the full force of her ability at the Tenno Sho Spring.
• Kitasan Black accepted Zenno Rob Roy’s request and promised to face Noble Elegance with everything she had.
• Kitasan Black rejoined the gathering and played UNO while Zenno Rob Roy returned to Kyoushou and Noble Elegance.
• Satono Diamond watched Kitasan Black and resolved that she would only seek to defeat Kitasan at her strongest.
• Kitasan Black arranged guest rooms for the visitors, then began cleaning the courtyard with Almond Eye after Spring and Autumn Equinox went to bed.

Kitasan Black asked Almond Eye how she felt before facing strong opponents and realized she wanted to replace the burden of responsibility with excitement. After training the next day, Anjing Zhen outlined plans for intense side-by-side sessions to test her race strategy against rivals.

• Kitasan Black asked Almond Eye whether strong opponents ever made her doubt herself, and Almond Eye said they only made her excited.
• Kitasan Black considered how pressure and responsibility had overshadowed her excitement and resolved to face her rivals with anticipation.
• The next day, Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox praised Kitasan Black after training, while Anjing Zhen said her performance data exceeded projections.
• Anjing Zhen proposed high-intensity side-by-side sessions to refine Kitasan Black's Guts Isolation strategy, naming Satono Diamond, Noble Elegance, Teio Sho, and other possible partners.

Kitasan Black proposed opening joint training sessions to any Horse Girl willing to run with her, turning herself into a public benchmark for aspiring runners. Anjing Zhen Shen approved the plan, and the group began organizing invitations ahead of the Tenno Sho Spring.

• Kitasan Black proposed accepting joint-training requests from any Horse Girl at Kyoto Tracen or willing to come there.
• Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet recognized that Kitasan Black wanted to inspire other runners by openly showing them the summit.
• Anjing Zhen Shen approved the idea and adjusted the remaining training schedule to include open joint sessions.
• Anjing Zhen Shen tasked Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet with making the sessions safe, efficient, and effective.
• Almond Eye volunteered to create an invitation flyer and handle announcements, while Spring and Autumn Equinox offered to distribute flyers.

Anjing Zhen assigned Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox to publicize Kitasan Black’s open joint running training, and flyers drew interest from Horse Girls across the academy. Several potential spectators and challengers decided to attend, while Satono Crown invited Satomi Megami to consider trying the session herself.

• Anjing Zhen tasked Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox with formally announcing Kitasan Black’s open training session.
• Spring and Autumn Equinox distributed flyers around the academy, prompting Golden Lyric, Tenka Yuiitsu, and Seven Colors Line to take notice; Seven Colors Line headed toward the training grounds.
• Almond Eye invited Wang Ziding to watch, and Wang Ziding agreed while Almond Eye said she would participate and support Kitasan Black.
• Almond Eye gave Daring Tact a flyer, and Daring Tact accepted the challenge and said she would attend on time.
• Almond Eye found Satono Diamond, Satono Crown, and Satomi Megami by the track; Satono Crown praised Kitasan Black’s bold invitation and asked Megami if she wanted to try it.

Almond Eye invited Horse Girls to Kitasan Black’s open training, and Tetsu Bird Soar eagerly accepted after Deep Impact encouraged her to attend. Deep Impact then returned to the Kyoto Academy Student Council Office, where Symboli Rudolph and the others discussed the council’s work.

• Satono Diamond and Satono Crown encouraged Satomi Megami to attend Kitasan Black’s open training, and she decided to go.
• Almond Eye invited Deep Impact and her junior to the open training; Deep Impact declined but told the junior she could attend.
• The junior introduced herself as Tetsu Bird Soar and excitedly accepted the invitation to see Kitasan Black train.
• Deep Impact watched Tetsu Bird Soar leave after showing her around the Kyoto campus, then entered the Student Council Office.
• Tokai Teio massaged Symboli Rudolph’s shoulders while Mejiro McQueen and Narita Brian teased her for avoiding council work.
• Symboli Rudolph said that the council’s inter-school coordination and Association liaison had improved under President Rudolph’s supervision.

Symboli Rudolf interpreted Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen’s public training invitation as a deliberate effort to build pressure and excitement for Tenno Sho Spring, drawing competitors and promising newcomers to Kyoto. She asked Deep Impact to consider taking over the Student Council after Kitasan Black pursued her overseas dream, and Deep Impact agreed only if Kitasan Black truly succeeded.

• Mr. C.B. shared media criticism of Kitasan Black, and Deep Impact clarified that the reported public challenge was an ordinary joint training invitation.
• Symboli Rudolf argued that Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen were deliberately directing attention and pressure toward Tenno Sho Spring to spur their opponents and the next generation.
• Symboli Rudolf noted that Wang Ziding, Satomi Megami, Elegant Gentleman, and Tetsu Bird Soar had come to observe the training invitation, and Deep Impact praised Tetsu Bird Soar’s potential.
• Tokai Teio asked Symboli Rudolf to take back the Student Council presidency, and Symboli Rudolf acknowledged that the role had constrained Tokai Teio’s nature.
• Symboli Rudolf asked Deep Impact to consider leading the Student Council after Kitasan Black’s overseas expedition, and Deep Impact said she would do so if Kitasan Black could truly reach that point.