Chapter Summaries

The Arima Kinen began with an unusually fierce struggle for the lead as Kitasan Black stayed close behind Golden Lyric. As the runners approached the first turn, Golden Lyric decided to conserve her strength rather than keep fighting Kitasan Black for the lead.

• Sixteen runners launched from the gate, and Gold Ship settled toward the back while cutting inward.
• Golden Lyric edged ahead of Kitasan Black, Wanlai Zhengming, Rifaru, and Clear Sky as Katsuno Stone closed on the leading group.
• Tokai Teio, Deep Impact, Gold Artisan, and The Matriarch watched in surprise at the race’s unusually intense opening.
• Golden Lyric realized Kitasan Black’s close pursuit made her fast front-running tactic costly and chose to save stamina for a final burst.
• Wanlai Zhengming and Rifaru felt the pressure of Kitasan Black as the leaders approached the first turn.

At the Arima Kinen, Kitasan Black felt the pressure of several experienced rivals tracking her every move, but steadied herself by recalling her preparations. She spotted a narrow opening in the pack and launched toward it.

• Wanlai Zhengming admired Kitasan Black’s powerful running, while Rifaru recalled her performance at the Kikuka Sho and worried about when to accelerate.
• Katsuno Stone reassessed the race and decided Kitasan Black was now the greatest threat to her plan to take the Lead Position.
• Clear Sky scanned the runners and looked toward a tall figure in a red Victory Outfit near the back of the pack.
• Kitasan Black realized several rivals were watching her closely, felt overwhelmed by the pressure, and then drew on her race preparations to calm herself.
• Kitasan Black spotted a gap in the runners’ routes and launched toward it.

Kitasan Black surged past Golden Lyric to take the lead at the start of the Arima Kinen, throwing the front of the field into confusion. Clear Sky assessed the resulting shifts and kept her attention on the opponent she considered the real threat as the sixteen racers headed toward the turn.

• Kitasan Black burst forward and overtook Golden Lyric, who cut inward to let her pass.
• Wanlai Zhengming adjusted her stride and settled behind her opponents, excited by the changing race.
• Rifaru froze in alarm as Kitasan Black's surge recalled her loss in the Kikuka Sho, while Katsuno Stone steadied herself and resolved to keep pursuing victory.
• Clear Sky calmly assessed the disrupted field and glanced back toward the opponent she was watching.
• The commentator announced Kitasan Black's lead, Gold Ship's position at the rear, and Clear Sky's place near the front as the pack raced toward the turn.

Gold Ship calmly began closing the gap from the back of the Arima Kinen field as Kitasan Black led the race. In the stands, Gold Artisan and The Matriarch discussed Kitasan Black’s tactics, and Deep Impact explained why she had stopped using her Great Escape style.

• Kitasan Black led the field onto the grandstand straight, while Rifaru and Golden Lyric followed and Wanlai Zhengming found herself boxed in.
• Gold Ship remained composed at the back and steadily closed the distance, drawing deafening cheers from her fans.
• The Matriarch mocked Gold Ship’s loyal supporters, and Gold Artisan ignored her to study the race.
• The Matriarch questioned why Kitasan Black was not using her Great Escape tactic, and Deep Impact explained that Kitasan Black could not sustain her powerful burst for long.

Deep Impact explained why Kitasan Black’s slow escape suited her, while Anjing Zhen and Tokai Teio watched her lead the Arima Kinen. As the field entered the left-hand bend, Gold Ship launched a powerful acceleration from behind.

• Deep Impact explained that Kitasan Black relied on repeated bursts and stamina to compensate for her weaker acceleration and top speed, and said her Great Escape at the Saint Lite Kinen had combined tactics with practiced skill.
• The Matriarch recognized that Kitasan Black’s unexpected Great Escape had caught her rivals off guard, and Deep Impact said the slow escape was the running style best suited to her.
• Anjing Zhen said Kitasan Black had mastered most of the skills her slow escape required and had performed exceptionally well so far in the Arima Kinen.
• Tokai Teio silently urged Kitasan Black on, believing she had a strong chance to win if she maintained her form and adapted to surprises.
• As the pack entered the left-hand bend, the commentator announced Gold Ship’s move, and Gold Ship accelerated sharply, putting pressure on all fifteen runners ahead of her.

Gold Ship surged through the pack during the Arima Kinen, disrupting the other runners’ strategies as Clear Sky and Katsuno Stone tried to hold their positions. Rifaru caught up to Kitasan Black but was stunned by how calmly Kitasan Black continued to run amid the chaos.

• Gold Ship charged forward through the pack, pressuring the nearby Horse Girls and throwing the race into disorder.
• Clear Sky decided to increase her pace, while Katsuno Stone steadied herself and waited for an opening.
• Wanlai Zhengming used the confusion caused by Gold Ship to escape the runners boxing her in and move ahead.
• Golden Lyric and Rifaru accelerated to keep Gold Ship from passing them, and Rifaru drew alongside Kitasan Black.
• Rifaru looked at Kitasan Black and saw that she remained calm and focused despite Gold Ship’s advance and the chaos around them.

As Gold Ship charged through the pack in her retirement race, Kitasan Black held the lead alongside Rifaru while fighting intense physical strain and nerves. Kitasan Black recognized the surging runner behind her as her senior, and the Third Turn marker approached as the red streak rapidly closed in.

• Rifaru realized Kitasan Black was far more composed and formidable, but resolved to keep fighting in the Arima Kinen.
• Gold Ship surged through the field, throwing the runners into disarray as Kitasan Black maintained the lead beside Rifaru.
• The Matriarch, Gold Artisan, Deep Impact, Tokai Teio, and Anjing Zhen watched the dramatic race and urged the runners on.
• Kitasan Black controlled her breathing and stride while assessing her stamina and the other runners' positions and rhythms.
• Kitasan Black recognized the fast-approaching runner from behind as her senior, and the Third Turn marker drew near.

Kitasan Black recalled Gold Ship’s decision to retire and the promise they made before the Arima Kinen. She renewed her resolve to defeat every opponent as she led into the fourth turn, while Gold Ship surged into third or fourth place and prepared to challenge her.

• Kitasan Black remembered finding Gold Ship training after the retirement announcement and hearing that Gold Ship planned to continue racing in the Dream Cup.
• Gold Ship urged Kitasan Black to give her all in the Arima Kinen and said she believed in her potential.
• Kitasan Black resolved to win the race for herself, her Trainer, and Gold Ship, then held the lead as she entered the fourth turn.
• Gold Ship caught sight of Kitasan Black ahead and felt proud of her effort.
• Gold Ship decided to push herself just as hard in response to Kitasan Black’s determination.

Gold Ship launched her final sprint as Kitasan Black fought to hold the lead against Golden Lyric and Wanlai Zhengming in the chaotic final stretch. With the finish line close, Kitasan Black faced two challengers surging toward her and the pressure of Gold Ship behind.

• Gold Ship began her final sprint and closed in on Kitasan Black as the commentator announced the final stretch.
• Golden Lyric, Wanlai Zhengming, and Katsuno Stone surged through the pack while Kitasan Black remained in front.
• The Matriarch, Gold Artisan, Deep Impact, Tokai Teio, and Anjing Zhen shouted encouragement as the race reached its final meters.
• Gold Ship kept fighting alongside Clear Sky while Katsuno Stone chased and Golden Lyric and Wanlai Zhengming advanced toward Kitasan Black.
• Kitasan Black struggled with heavy legs but recognized she still had one last chance to hold her lead.

Kitasan Black used her final burst of speed to win the Arima Kinen in a near-simultaneous finish. Anjing Zhen and the others celebrated, though their embrace left him with a painful injury to his left arm.

• Kitasan Black recalled how she had used three carefully timed bursts to take and defend the lead during the race.
• Kitasan Black unleashed her final burst and charged toward the Finish Line as Gold Ship, Clear Sky, Wanlai Zhengming, and Golden Lyric pursued.
• The announcer revealed the standings: Kitasan Black finished first, followed by Golden Lyric, Wanlai Zhengming, Clear Sky, and Gold Ship.
• Anjing Zhen struggled to believe Kitasan Black had won as the crowd erupted into cheers.
• Several figures rushed to embrace Anjing Zhen, knocking him toward one knee and causing sharp pain in his left arm.

Kitasan Black won the Arima Kinen, while Gold Ship reassured her that retiring from racing did not mean she was leaving for good. Gold Ship and Kitasan Black turned toward the stands to share the victory with her Trainer, but both froze when they saw him.

• Wanlai Zhengming celebrated the race by playing her violin as the exhausted Horse Girls studied the rankings.
• Clear Sky asked Gold Ship if she was really retiring, and Gold Ship said she was only quitting racing there and would still compete at the Dream Cup.
• Clear Sky recognized Kitasan Black's victory and called her an incredible opponent, while Gold Ship warned Clear Sky not to lose to her again.
• Gold Ship teased Kitasan Black for being dazed, then praised her for winning the Arima Kinen and reminded her that her racing career was only beginning.
• Gold Ship suggested Kitasan Black share the good news with her Trainer, but they both froze when they looked toward the stands.

Anjing Zhen learned that The Matriarch had accidentally caused a hairline fracture in his arm after Kitasan Black's race. As he left the infirmary, Kitasan Black insisted she would personally care for him until he recovered.

• The doctor diagnosed Anjing Zhen with a hairline fracture and recommended immobilization, medication, and four to six weeks of recovery.
• The Matriarch apologized to Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black for accidentally injuring him while celebrating the race result.
• Anjing Zhen thanked the doctor and left the infirmary with Kitasan Black, Tokai Teio, Deep Impact, Gold Artisan, Gold Ship, and The Matriarch.
• The Matriarch offered to cover Anjing Zhen's medical and nutrition costs, while the others argued about the accident.
• Kitasan Black declared that she would take care of Anjing Zhen and stay by his side until he recovered.

After Kitasan Black won the Arima Kinen, Anjing Zhen rested at home while recovering from his arm injury and thought eagerly about their future plans. The next morning, Kitasan Black arrived to care for him and insisted on helping him get dressed.

• After his injury at the Arima Kinen, Anjing Zhen went to another hospital with Tokai Teio, had his arm put in a cast, and returned home to rest.
• Kitasan Black, Tokai Teio, Deep Impact, and others called or messaged Anjing Zhen to congratulate them and express concern for his recovery.
• Anjing Zhen lay awake imagining future training and races for Kitasan Black before finally falling asleep.
• The next morning, Anjing Zhen woke to find Kitasan Black beside his bed, ready to help him get dressed.
• Kitasan Black explained that Satono Diamond had advised her to take care of him thoroughly, and Anjing Zhen reluctantly accepted her help.

Kitasan Black fussed over Anjing Zhen throughout breakfast and took him to the hospital at Agnes Tachyon’s insistence. They arrived at Tachyon’s office for an examination, where she remarked on Kitasan Black’s devotion.

• Kitasan Black served Anjing Zhen a generous breakfast and urged him to eat so he could recover.
• Kitasan Black told Anjing Zhen that Agnes Tachyon had insisted he come to the hospital, and he agreed to be examined.
• Kitasan Black arranged for her family’s driver to take them to the hospital and anxiously checked on Anjing Zhen during the ride.
• Kitasan Black led Anjing Zhen to Agnes Tachyon’s office, where Tachyon welcomed them and teased Kitasan Black about acting like a dutiful nurse.

Agnes Tachyon examined Anjing Zhen and warned him not to let his growing fame distract him from training. Back at the apartment, Kitasan Black appeared in a nurse uniform Diamond-chan had helped prepare, leaving Anjing flustered.

• Agnes Tachyon examined Anjing Zhen and found nothing seriously wrong.
• Agnes Tachyon explained that Anjing Zhen's success had brought a flood of training requests, media attention, and endorsement offers, and warned him to stay focused.
• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black returned to their apartment after tea, and he reflected on how fame and indulgence had affected him in his previous life.
• Kitasan Black changed into a nurse uniform that Diamond-chan had helped prepare and nervously asked Anjing Zhen whether it suited her.
• Anjing Zhen blurted out that Kitasan Black looked very nice and told her she did not need to change.

Kitasan Black cared for Anjing Zhen throughout the day and insisted on sleeping in his living room so she could help him overnight. As they both struggled to sleep, Kitasan Black looked forward to preparing his breakfast and remembered they could spend the New Year together after he recovered.

• After Anjing Zhen approved her Nurse Uniform, Kitasan Black eagerly brought him water, peeled fruit, and offered to massage his shoulders.
• That night, Anjing Zhen slipped into his bedroom but felt reluctant at the thought of Kitasan Black leaving.
• Kitasan Black brought a sleeping bag and firmly refused Anjing Zhen's request that she go home, explaining she wanted to care for him overnight.
• Anjing Zhen tossed and turned while imagining Kitasan Black in the living room, then eventually fell asleep.
• Kitasan Black lay awake thinking over Satono Diamond's advice and decided to make Anjing Zhen a nutritious breakfast.
• Kitasan Black felt sad that she would have no reason to stay with Anjing Zhen after he recovered, then cheered up remembering her grandfather's suggestion that she invite him for the New Year.

Kitasan Black ran to the market, helped a stranded delivery driver tow his truck, and bought ingredients to cook a recovery meal for Anjing Zhen. When she returned, she found a Horse Girl in a blue-and-white dress embracing him.

• Kitasan Black left Anjing Zhen a note and ran to the market to buy breakfast ingredients.
• Kitasan Black pulled a broken delivery truck to its destination, and the driver learned she was the famous Helping Hero.
• Kitasan Black bought fresh food and ingredients for a nutritious feast, drawing on cooking advice from Senior Oguri Cap.
• Kitasan Black returned to the apartment and dropped her groceries when she saw a Horse Girl embracing Anjing Zhen.

Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen discovered that the unfamiliar Horse Girl who had rushed to hug him was Almond Eye, now grown into Full Maturity. As Almond Eye explained why she had surprised them, Kitasan Black struggled with sadness at the thought of sharing Anjing Zhen as a Trainer and wondered what would happen to their bond.

• Kitasan Black rushed in and found a chestnut-haired Horse Girl hugging Anjing Zhen, then demanded to know who she was.
• The Horse Girl revealed that she was Almond Eye, surprising both Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen.
• Almond Eye explained that her appearance had changed after reaching Full Maturity and apologized for startling them with her joke.
• Almond Eye asked about the ingredients Kitasan Black had bought, while Kitasan Black reflected on her sadness about Almond Eye calling Anjing Zhen Trainer.
• Kitasan Black remembered the time she had spent with Anjing Zhen and froze when Almond Eye called her name.

After Almond Eye reached Full Maturity and reunited with Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black, Anjing Zhen considered taking her on as a trainee and the challenges of guiding both Horse Girls. Kitasan Black and Almond Eye began making him breakfast, leaving him looking forward to their meal and to this new chapter of his career.

• Almond Eye noticed Kitasan Black was distracted, and Kitasan Black brushed off her concern while recalling that she had bought ingredients to make breakfast for Anjing Zhen.
• Anjing Zhen observed Almond Eye’s transformation after Full Maturity and considered that her parents might agree to let her train under him.
• Anjing Zhen thought about balancing Kitasan Black’s and Almond Eye’s different strengths, training needs, and race schedules.
• Kitasan Black and Almond Eye carried the ingredients inside and promised to make Anjing Zhen an impressive breakfast.
• Kitasan Black and Almond Eye worked together in the kitchen while Anjing Zhen waited on the sofa, enjoying the smell of the food.

Little Anzu announced that her parents wanted to invite Anjing Zhen to dinner and discuss an agreement, while she looked forward to joining Central Treisen Academy. A call from Tokai Teio and the Student Council shifted the focus to a possible overseas expedition for Anjing Zhen.

• Little Anzu told Anjing Zhen that her parents wanted to meet him and discuss signing an agreement, and she said she expected to pass Central Treisen Academy's entrance assessment.
• Kitasan Black encouraged Little Anzu to study hard so they could train together at the academy, and the two bickered over whether she was still little.
• Anjing Zhen received a message from Tokai Teio asking about his injury and called her back by video.
• Tokai Teio, Mejiro McQueen, Deep Impact, and Gold Artisan checked on Anjing Zhen before Tokai Teio asked whether he had considered an overseas expedition.
• Anjing Zhen considered how Japanese racing had long looked to overseas competition for international recognition.