Chapter Summaries

Anjing Zhen explained to Agnes Tachyon that Kitasan Black was deliberately holding back because she planned to face T.M. Opera O in a one-on-one showdown. He revealed that he had agreed to her bold plan and helped her devise a way to make it happen, while the race continued into its middle phase.

• Agnes Tachyon worried that Kitasan Black was giving up the lead, but Anjing Zhen said her tactics were deliberate and overly bold.
• Daiwa Scarlet maintained the lead as the field shifted positions after the second turn, with Satono Diamond, Blazing Fast Colt, Satono Crown, Forest Treasure Hole, and Mikki Rocket battling near the front.
• Anjing Zhen reminded Agnes Tachyon that Kitasan Black had visited him on the day she agreed to race T.M. Opera O.
• Anjing Zhen revealed that Kitasan Black had planned a one-on-one showdown with T.M. Opera O during the race.
• Agnes Tachyon argued that the crowded 2,000-meter race and Kitasan Black's weaknesses made such a duel unlikely, but Anjing Zhen said he had agreed to help her find a way.

Anjing Zhen explained how Kitasan Black could save her strength and use the Inner Lane to challenge T.M. Opera O. As the race surged into the Final Bend, Kitasan Black launched her sprint and T.M. Opera O closed in behind her, beginning their duel toward the Finish Line.

• Agnes Tachyon questioned Anjing Zhen’s plan, and he explained that Kitasan Black would conserve strength, avoid the pack, and delay her sprint.
• Kitasan Black watched T.M. Opera O control the race and noticed Mikki Rocket struggling to imitate her senior.
• Kitasan Black changed her footfall rhythm, briefly drawing Mikki Rocket’s attention before T.M. Opera O passed her and accelerated.
• As the field charged into the Final Bend, Kitasan Black used her conserved energy and the Inner Lane to sprint.
• T.M. Opera O closed in from behind with a focused expression as Kitasan Black prepared to answer her senior’s challenge.

During a training-camp race, Kitasan Black challenged T.M. Opera O with a risky burst of speed, helping Mikki Rocket realize that learning from a senior could become a path to surpassing her. Daiwa Scarlet won the race, and Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka recognized that Kitasan Black had become a senior in her own right.

• Kitasan Black launched an aggressive sprint against T.M. Opera O on the final straight, drawing astonished reactions from the spectators and the other runners.
• Mikki Rocket understood that imitation could be a foundation for surpassing her seniors, adjusted her running form, and accelerated after Kitasan Black and T.M. Opera O.
• As Kitasan Black began to falter, Mikki Rocket passed her, and Kitasan Black pushed herself onward toward the finish.
• Daiwa Scarlet crossed the finish line first, followed by Vodka, Forest Treasure Hole, Manchester Cafe, T.M. Opera O, Mikki Rocket, and Kitasan Black.
• Daiwa Scarlet explained to Vodka that Kitasan Black had used the race to prove her sincerity and had become a qualified senior.

After Kitasan Black explained that pursuing a senior meant finding her own path, T.M. Opera O clarified that she never wanted Mikki Rocket to become her copy. She urged Mikki to keep running as herself and create a legend of her own.

• Forest Treasure Hole, Manchester Cafe, and Blazing Fast Colt discussed how Sovetsky had brought them to the Practice Races and considered finding her afterward.
• T.M. Opera O asked Kitasan Black whether her race was her answer, and Kitasan said she and Mikki Rocket were finding their own paths rather than imitating their seniors.
• T.M. Opera O apologized to Mikki Rocket for confusing her with her earlier words and explained that she welcomed being studied but did not want anyone to become a second version of her.
• T.M. Opera O urged Mikki Rocket to hold on to the determination she had shown in the final sprint and create victories, a stage, and a legend that belonged to her alone.

After the race, Kitasan Black worried that her bold straightaway strategy had been reckless and might disappoint Tokai Teio. Little Anzu and T.M. Opera O reassured her that her run had conveyed her feelings, but T.M. Opera O ended by asking whether Kitasan thought this was the end.

• Kitasan Black left the track and worried that her race strategy had been too reckless and that Tokai Teio might scold her.
• Little Anzu found Kitasan Black and reassured her that A-Zhen and Tokai Teio would not blame her.
• Little Anzu praised Kitasan Black's bold run and said T.M. Opera O and Mikki had understood the feelings she wanted to convey.
• Kitasan Black remembered the satisfaction she had felt during the race and thanked Little Anzu for helping her feel better.
• T.M. Opera O approached, praised Kitasan Black's conviction, and asked whether she thought this was the end.

T.M. Opera O warned Kitasan Black that fame would bring scrutiny and pressure, then urged her to turn that pressure into fuel as she pursued her own path. In the director’s room, Anjing Zhen explained why he had supported Kitasan Black’s unusual race strategy, and Mejiro McQueen reassured him as the Autumn Triple Crown approached.

• T.M. Opera O told Kitasan Black that public attention and criticism were burdens of becoming strong, and encouraged her to endure and overcome them.
• T.M. Opera O praised Kitasan Black’s determination and left, looking forward to seeing her future as the “New King.”
• Mejiro McQueen and Deep Impact questioned Anjing Zhen about Kitasan Black’s unexpected tactics, and he explained that she had chosen them to convey something to T.M. Opera O and Mikki Classmate.
• Anjing Zhen said he had approved Kitasan Black’s idea and refined the strategy to help her fulfill her wish without unnecessary risk.
• Deep Impact cautioned Anjing Zhen that Kitasan Black’s upcoming Autumn Triple Crown races would draw intense attention, while Mejiro McQueen joked that Kitasan Black had picked up his bold habits.
• Mejiro McQueen reassured Anjing Zhen that the Student Council and the Association would continue watching Kitasan Black, Almond Eye, and his work in the races ahead.

As the training camp neared its end, Anjing Zhen and the Horse Girls continued preparing for the Tenno Sho Autumn while Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet analyzed their performance data. Agnes Tachyon’s findings suggested Kitasan Black was exceptionally suited to softer tracks and could undertake an overseas expedition, though the chapter ended with Agnes discovering she had left her report behind.

• Anjing Zhen thanked Mejiro McQueen and Deep Impact for their support and promised that he, Kitasan Black, and Almond Eye would keep working hard.
• Anjing Zhen reviewed past races and training footage with Kitasan Black and Almond Eye, while Almond Eye grew more proactive about learning from her mistakes.
• Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet analyzed the trio’s training data, breaking down their physical performance in detail.
• Agnes Tachyon presented data indicating that Kitasan Black had strong Heavy Track adaptability and was well suited to softer overseas tracks.
• Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black became excited about the prospect of an overseas expedition as Agnes Tachyon searched for her missing analysis report.
• A voice at the doorway told Agnes Tachyon that she had forgotten the reports on the table.

Agnes Tachyon presented overseas race options for Kitasan Black and recommended postponing an overseas campaign until next year, after the Autumn Triple Crown. She then revealed that her analysis suggested Kitasan Black’s Final Burst might be improved, leaving Anjing Zhen stunned by the possibility.

• Agnes Tachyon showed Anjing Zhen and the others her analysis of potential overseas G1 races suited to Kitasan Black.
• Agnes Tachyon recommended keeping Kitasan Black’s current schedule and considering overseas races next year, after the Autumn Triple Crown.
• Kitasan Black agreed with Anjing Zhen to focus on her current season and prepare properly for overseas races later.
• Agnes Tachyon gave Anjing Zhen reports on possible races, including the Dubai Sheema Classic, the Ascot Gold Cup, and the Breeders' Cup Turf.
• Agnes Tachyon revealed that her data analysis suggested Kitasan Black’s Final Burst might have room for improvement, and Anjing Zhen reacted with astonishment.

Agnes Tachyon explained that Anjing Zhen’s Chase Training and other methods had helped Kitasan Black’s Final Burst show potential for improvement, estimating a gain of 0.1 to 0.3 seconds with targeted training. Impressed by her analysis, Anjing Zhen asked Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet to join his team as medical staff and data analysts after camp.

• Anjing Zhen blamed himself for overlooking the training camp environment as a possible reason Kitasan Black’s Final Burst might improve, but Kitasan Black reassured him.
• Agnes Tachyon said Anjing Zhen’s training methods, especially Chase Training, were the real key to Kitasan Black’s potential improvement.
• Agnes Tachyon presented data showing changes in Kitasan Black’s recovery and racing performance, and estimated targeted training could improve her Final Burst by 0.1 to 0.3 seconds.
• Agnes Tachyon used Kitasan Black’s race against T.M. Opera O and others to explain how her muscle activity and stride timing showed unusual adaptability.
• Anjing Zhen interrupted Agnes Tachyon’s analysis and asked her and Senior Yamato to join his team as medical staff and data analysts after the camp.

Anjing Zhen Shen invited Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet to join his team, hoping their expertise would help Kitasan Black and Almond Eye advance while easing his growing workload. Agnes accepted, revealing she was already planning to transfer to the Academy Infirmary, and offered to support Anjing alongside Daiwa.

• Anjing Zhen Shen asked Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet to join his team and offered them whatever salary and benefits they wanted.
• Kitasan Black and Little Anzu urged the two seniors to accept, with Little Anzu even offering her pocket money for research supplies.
• Agnes Tachyon revealed that her salary concern had been a joke and said she welcomed the chance to work with excellent research subjects.
• Daiwa Scarlet explained that Agnes had already been considering a transfer to the Academy Infirmary because she was tired of the hospital's bureaucracy.
• Agnes told Anjing that she would handle her transfer and support his work with Daiwa, then offered to continue working together.

Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen completed another round of Chase Training, with Kitasan using instinctive, unpredictable movements to try to escape. Anjing Zhen caught her by a narrow margin, and he was left wondering about the power behind her final change of direction.

• Agnes Tachyon started the final Chase Training round between Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen.
• Kitasan Black relied on instinct, sharp turns, and obstacle shadows to evade Anjing Zhen.
• Anjing Zhen anticipated Kitasan Black’s route and reached for her, barely brushing her sweat-soaked clothes as time ran out.
• Kitasan Black complained that she had nearly shaken him off, while Agnes Tachyon asked Daiwa Scarlet to analyze the training footage.
• Anjing Zhen rubbed his numb fingertips and focused on Kitasan Black’s powerful final change of direction.

Anjing Zhen and Agnes Tachyon reviewed Kitasan Black’s training progress and planned more specialized work to strengthen her Final Burst. Anjing then discovered that Maurice had entered the Tenno Sho Autumn, prompting Agnes to urge them to accelerate their preparations.

• Anjing Zhen praised Kitasan Black’s improved training, and she vowed to keep working until she could beat him.
• After training, Anjing Zhen analyzed the Tenno Sho Autumn entry list while Agnes Tachyon reviewed Kitasan Black’s training data and predicted her finishing sprint would transform by the race or the Japan Cup.
• Agnes Tachyon proposed hypoxic-chamber and explosive-power training, and Anjing Zhen agreed to seek equipment support from Ono Trading Company.
• Anjing Zhen noticed that Maurice had entered the Tenno Sho Autumn, and Agnes Tachyon said they would need to speed up their training plan.

Anjing Zhen and Agnes Tachyon tested Kitasan Black in a hypoxic chamber to assess her endurance and Stride Frequency under low oxygen. Kitasan Black handled the session better than expected, earning a new specialized training task.

• Agnes Tachyon brought Anjing Zhen, Kitasan Black, and Almond Eye to Central Treisen Academy Hospital and explained the hypoxic chamber test and its safety precautions.
• Anjing Zhen fitted Kitasan Black with monitoring devices, and she entered the chamber after reassuring him that she was ready.
• Agnes Tachyon guided Kitasan Black through a series of light drills while Anjing Zhen monitored her physiological readings.
• Anjing Zhen and Agnes Tachyon stopped the test when Kitasan Black became visibly exhausted, and Anjing Zhen and Almond Eye helped her out of the chamber.
• Agnes Tachyon found that Kitasan Black's other physiological indicators and muscle-damage readings remained normal despite drops in blood oxygen saturation and electromyographic frequency.
• Kitasan Black began hypoxic chamber training every two or three days as a brief, high-intensity addition to her schedule.

Kitasan Black enjoyed a day off after her demanding Hypoxic Chamber training and met Anzu, Satono Diamond, and Satono Crown for an outing at Odaiba Seaside Park. On the Ferris wheel, Satono Diamond declared her determination to win the Kikuka Sho, leaving Kitasan Black conflicted because several of her friends would be competing against her.

• Kitasan Black woke late, remembered it was a rest day, completed her usual morning workout, and traveled to Odaiba Seaside Park.
• Kitasan Black met Anzu, who marveled at how quickly she had recovered from her exhausting training.
• Satono Diamond and Satono Crown joined Kitasan Black and Anzu, and the group enjoyed rides at the crowded park.
• Satono Diamond arranged special access to more attractions after the group waited in line for the roller coaster.
• On the Ferris wheel, Satono Diamond said she had withdrawn from the Kikuka Sho to focus on winning another G1 race.
• Kitasan Black felt torn because Satono Diamond, Mikki Rocket, and other friends would compete against one another in the Kikuka Sho.

Kitasan Black explained why Harvest Festival could face a difficult Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after the venue changed, then set aside her worries and resolved to support her friends. She called Duramente to cheer on Meisei-chan, but was surprised to see Adayar-chan with her.

• Satono Crown told Kitasan Black that Harvest Festival had won a G2 race overseas and seemed well positioned for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Kitasan Black explained that the race had moved from Longchamp to Chantilly, where local competitors might have an advantage and Harvest Festival's preparation could be disrupted.
• Kitasan Black offered to advise Satono Crown and Satono Diamond, then resolved to focus on doing her best and support her friends.
• Kitasan Black called Duramente to cheer on Meisei-chan, and the Satono Sisters and Almond Eye gathered around the phone.
• Duramente answered with another Horse Girl beside her, and Kitasan Black recognized Adayar-chan.

Kitasan Black called her friends in Japan to discuss the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Duramente and Adayar, who were training in Europe. Duramente warned that the race would be difficult, then asked how Kitasan Black and Satono Crown were preparing for the Tenno Sho Autumn.

• Kitasan Black greeted Duramente and Adayar over video and admitted she had momentarily forgotten that Adayar was also entering the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Duramente explained that she and Adayar had met through their shared interest in Kitasan Black, and Kitasan Black introduced Adayar to the others.
• Satono Diamond and Satono Crown teased Kitasan Black for seeming like a heartless lover, while Little Anzu blushed as she defended her.
• Kitasan Black said she was discussing Chantilly Racecourse with Duramente and Adayar, who were both preparing for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Duramente said the course change and strong competitors, including Harvest Festival, Natsu Shin, and Enteki Kasumu, would make winning difficult, then asked about Kitasan Black and Satono Crown's Tenno Sho Autumn preparations.

Kitasan Black reflected on how her reasons for running had changed and declared her determination to win the Tenno Sho Autumn. After their amusement-park outing, Satono Crown acknowledged how much stronger Kitasan had become.

• Kitasan Black vowed to win the Tenno Sho Autumn and reflected on the people supporting her and her goal of reaching the Hall of Fame.
• Duramente and Adayar sensed Kitasan Black’s resolve and said she seemed to be running farther and had become more romantic.
• Satono Crown declared she had trained intensively and would not yield the Tenno Sho Autumn championship to anyone.
• Kitasan Black, Almond Eye, Satono Diamond, and Satono Crown spent the rest of the day at the amusement park before Kitasan and Almond Eye departed by train.
• Satono Crown told Satono Diamond that Kitasan Black had grown stronger in both her race results and her presence.

Satono Crown reflected on Kitasan Black’s newfound presence and vowed to win the Tenno Sho Autumn, while Satono Diamond wondered what facing Kitasan on the track would be like. After returning home, Kitasan read reports about her Autumn Triple Crown campaign and stayed up studying race footage and training materials to prepare for the Tenno Sho Autumn.

• Satono Crown told Satono Diamond that Kitasan Black seemed mature and carried the presence of a senior champion, then said she was determined to win the Tenno Sho Autumn for the Satomi family.
• Satono Crown encouraged Satono Diamond to win the Kikuka Sho, while Satono Diamond wondered about her first official race against Kitasan Black.
• Kitasan Black called Anjing Zhen and excitedly recounted her amusement park outing with Satono Diamond and the others, including Satono Crown’s challenge for the Tenno Sho Autumn.
• Kitasan Black read reports highlighting her Autumn Triple Crown campaign and realized how much attention the Tenno Sho Autumn was already receiving.
• Kitasan Black studied past Tenno Sho Autumn races, Anjing Zhen’s training logs, and Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet’s recommendations, then declared she would win the race.

Satono Diamond launched a rapid late-race charge in the Kikuka Sho, chasing the leaders toward the final straight as Kitasan Black and the others cheered from the stands. The race remained undecided with 400 meters left.

• Milan Hai held the lead as the runners reached the top of Yodo Slope.
• Satono Diamond accelerated and overtook several rivals, reaching fifth place as Gallant and Mikki Rocket pursued her.
• Satono Diamond, Gallant, and Mikki Rocket charged toward the final straight while Milan Hai and Cockpit Chief remained ahead.
• Kitasan Black, Satono Crown, Anjing Zhen, and the others cheered for the racers as the field entered the final sprint.
• Mejiro McQueen gripped Tokai Teio's arm and urged Satono Diamond to win with 400 meters remaining.

Satono Diamond overtook the field and won the Kikuka Sho, fulfilling the Satomi family's long-held dream of a G1 victory. As she broke down in tears after the finish, Kitasan Black, Satono Crown, Almond Eye, and her sisters gathered around her.

• Satono Diamond surged past Milan Hai and pulled ahead while Gallant, Mikki Rocket, Tenryu Horse, and Seven Colors Line battled for second.
• In the final stretch, Satono Diamond imagined Kitasan Black ahead of her and unleashed a final burst of speed.
• Satono Diamond crossed the finish line first and was crowned the Kikuka Sho winner, bringing the Satomi family its long-awaited G1 victory.
• Satono Diamond froze before the display board, then wept as the weight of her family's hopes and hardships hit her.
• Kitasan Black caught Satono Diamond as she stumbled, and Satono Crown, Almond Eye, and her elder sisters celebrated her victory with her.