Chapter Summaries

At Satono Diamond’s victory banquet, Anjing Zhen endured attention from guests as Kitasan Black and her friends watched from a corner. Kitasan Black congratulated Satono Diamond and checked in with Duramente, who remained determined to challenge the world’s strongest Horse Girls again.

• At the Satomi family estate, Anjing Zhen spoke modestly with guests who asked about Kitasan Black’s prospects and training for the Autumn Triple Crown.
• Kitasan Black and Anzu watched Anjing Zhen socialize and discussed how fame had made him busier.
• Kitasan Black praised Satono Diamond’s hard work and celebrated her Kikuka Sho victory while Almond Eye and Duramente listened.
• Duramente recalled the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe loss and vowed to challenge the world-class Horse Girls again.

Kitasan Black spoke with Duramente about the upcoming Tenno Sho Autumn before meeting Koushou Hayate’s childhood friend, Teio Sho. Teio Sho declared herself Kitasan Black’s rival and warned that many others would challenge her Autumn Triple Crown ambitions through the Arima Kinen.

• Duramente guessed that Kitasan Black wanted to comfort her about the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and urged her to focus on the Tenno Sho Autumn.
• Kitasan Black met Teio Sho, who had returned from Australia and was Koushou Hayate’s childhood friend.
• Teio Sho said Kitasan Black seemed even stronger than the reports suggested and announced that she would stop her in the Tenno Sho Autumn.
• Teio Sho showed reports calling Kitasan Black the star expected to win the Autumn Triple Crown.
• Teio Sho called herself Kitasan Black’s antagonist protagonist and said many other rivals would challenge her before the Arima Kinen.

Kitasan Black realized that attention for her Autumn Triple Crown challenge had spread around the world, and she embraced the pressure as motivation. Three days before the Tenno Sho Autumn, she continued training while crowds and media followed her every move.

• Duramente told Kitasan Black that overseas racing circles were discussing her chances of becoming a world-class contender if she won the Autumn Triple Crown.
• Teio Sho reminded Kitasan Black that the Tenno Sho Autumn's protagonist was not guaranteed to remain the same, and Kitasan Black welcomed the challenge.
• Kitasan Black resolved to meet the world's expectations and let the track decide who would stand at the front.
• Kitasan Black pushed herself through intense training as Horse Girls gathered to watch and record her runs.
• A television report at the cafeteria said Kitasan Black was the most watched contender with three days remaining before the Tenno Sho Autumn.

On the eve of the Tenno Sho Autumn, Anjing Zhen and Agnes Tachyon warned Kitasan Black that the 2,000-meter race would weaken her usual advantages and expose her rivals’ superior finishing speed. Their analysis showed that she might need to overcome a gap of nearly one horse length, leaving the team facing its toughest battle yet.

• Kitasan Black felt mounting pressure as news coverage and public attention focused on her Tenno Sho Autumn prospects.
• Anjing Zhen reviewed the race tactics and explained that Futanari Shingang, Clear Sky, and Satono Crown had dangerous finishing bursts.
• Anjing Zhen highlighted Teio Sho’s 33.4-second Last Spurt in the previous Tenno Sho Autumn and Maurice’s especially strong finishing speed.
• Anjing Zhen warned that the 2,000-meter distance would limit Kitasan Black’s strengths and make the race their toughest battle so far.
• Agnes Tachyon calculated that Kitasan Black could trail Maurice by up to 0.12 seconds, or about 2.18 meters, in the Last Spurt.

As Anjing Zhen reviewed the risks facing Kitasan Black in the Tenno Sho Autumn, Agnes Tachyon pointed out that he had avoided telling her about sensational newspaper coverage that could add to her pressure. He went to check on Kitasan Black, who was still studying race footage late at night and determined to keep working.

• Anjing Zhen reviewed the race strategies and warned Agnes Tachyon that unpredictable weather could force them to adjust their plans.
• Agnes Tachyon questioned why Anjing Zhen had not told Kitasan Black about exaggerated newspaper reports predicting her greatness.
• Anjing Zhen recalled Kitasan Black's heavy steps after the meeting and decided to visit her dormitory.
• Kitasan Black studied previous Tenno Sho Autumn footage and marked the timing of Almond Eye's Final Burst in her notebook.
• Kitasan Black told a concerned roommate she wanted to review more because the race mattered and she did not want to lose after Diamond-chan won the Kikuka Sho.

On the eve of the Tenno Sho Autumn, Anjing Zhen admitted to Kitasan Black that the race coverage and pressure had left him anxious and unsure how to help her. Kitasan Black reassured him that they were facing the challenge together, and she left determined to show her best in the race.

• Satono Diamond encouraged Kitasan Black to rest and offered to discuss any worries before her race.
• Daiwa Scarlet called Kitasan Black downstairs, where Anjing Zhen was waiting outside the dormitory with Supernatural Steed.
• Supernatural Steed allowed Kitasan Black and Anjing Zhen to talk in the courtyard after reminding them of the rules and curfew.
• Anjing Zhen confessed that he had been avoiding the pressure surrounding the Tenno Sho Autumn because he was afraid to admit he felt lost.
• Kitasan Black said she felt relieved to learn Anjing Zhen also struggled and told him they were facing the pressure together.
• Anjing Zhen told Kitasan Black that he believed she was the New Generation King and the strongest Horse Girl, and she returned to the dormitory ready for the race.

On a rainy race day at Tokyo Racecourse, Anjing Zhen and his team assessed the track and adjusted Kitasan Black’s preparations for the Tenno Sho Autumn. As the race approached, Kitasan Black remained alone in the Preparation Room, reviewing her instructions and receiving messages of support.

• Spectators gathered in the rain at Tokyo Racecourse, cheering for Kitasan Black and filling the stands with colorful support banners and umbrellas.
• Anjing Zhen and Agnes Tachyon assessed the wind and deep puddles on the track, and Anjing Zhen decided to test the course before making further adjustments.
• Anjing Zhen guided Kitasan Black through adaptation tests while Agnes Tachyon and Daiwa Scarlet continued checking the track conditions.
• Kitasan Black reviewed her instructions, checked her Victory Outfit and iron hooves, and began warming up alone in the Preparation Room.
• Satono Diamond sent Kitasan Black a photo of Satono Diamond, Koushou Hayate, Ribbon Keiko, and Wanlai Zhengming cheering at the front of the stands.

Kitasan Black prepared to race in the rainy Tenno Sho Autumn, encouraged by messages from friends and family. Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen watched from the stands, where they discussed Kitasan Black’s chances and how the muddy track could favor her stamina.

• Duramente, Gold Ship, and Kitasan Black’s family sent her messages of support before the race.
• Kitasan Black recalled meeting her senpai in the underground passage, then headed to the Paddock ready for the Tenno Sho Autumn.
• Tokai Teio waved a flag for Kitasan Black and told Mejiro McQueen she was certain Little Kita would surpass her.
• Mejiro McQueen confronted Tokai Teio for pinching her arm, and Teio awkwardly denied doing it for revenge.
• Tokai Teio voiced concern about the rainy, slick track, while Mejiro McQueen explained that its stamina demands could strengthen Kitasan Black’s advantages.

Kitasan Black entered the Tenno Sho Autumn as the favorite, but other runners boxed her in at the start and blocked her from taking the lead. In the stands, two young Horse Girls argued over whether the move was deliberate as Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen listened.

• Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen discussed Kitasan Black's strong form and favorable middle starting position before the race began.
• Sixteen Horse Girls started the Tenno Sho Autumn, with Eishin Flash charging ahead and Kitasan Black following.
• Runners on both sides moved inward and trapped Kitasan Black in the pack, preventing her from smoothly advancing.
• Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen reacted with astonishment as spectators grew anxious over Kitasan Black's position.
• Little Bun accused the runners around Kitasan Black of deliberately conspiring against her, while Little Chuu suggested it might have been an accident.

Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen reassured the young fans that Kitasan Black’s rivals were contesting positions rather than conspiring against her. As Kitasan Black faced the pressure of the Tenno Sho Autumn field, she embraced the challenge and suddenly fell back.

• Tokai Teio explained to Little Bun and Little Chuu that Kitasan Black’s rivals were fighting for advantageous positions because they respected her strength.
• Little Chuu worried that Kitasan Black would struggle from the back, while Little Bun insisted that Kitasan Black would find a way to win.
• Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen chose to trust Kitasan Black and watch her without holding back.
• Kitasan Black felt the fighting spirit of Maurice, Futanari Shingang, Sunday Silence, Teio Sho, and the other rivals surrounding her.
• Kitasan Black welcomed the challenge of the Tenno Sho Autumn and suddenly fell back.

Kitasan Black deliberately settled at the back of the Early Lead group, using the open space there as a buffer zone while the field entered the back straight. Anjing Zhen and Agnes Tachyon confirmed the race pace matched their expectations and identified the final-bend exit as the key moment ahead.

• Kitasan Black maintained her speed instead of accelerating with the leaders, leaving her opponents puzzled about her retreat.
• Kitasan Black used the gap between the front-runners and Late-run group to preserve room for maneuvering along the track.
• The commentator reported Eishin Flash leading with Clear Sky close behind, while Kitasan Black ran seventh and Sunday Silence tried to move forward from the Late-run group.
• The field passed the 1,000-meter marker in 63.5 seconds, and Anjing Zhen and Agnes Tachyon agreed that the pace was as expected and the final-bend exit would be crucial.
• Agnes Tachyon recalled that she had concluded a conventional front-running strategy would not work for Kitasan Black after studying her training data and past race conditions.

Agnes Tachyon and Anjing Zhen watched Kitasan Black follow their plan through the rainy Tenno Sho Autumn, conserving her strength while rivals surged around her. At the exit of the Final Bend, Kitasan Black unleashed her burst and cut through the field toward first place.

• Agnes Tachyon recalled how she and Anjing Zhen planned for Kitasan Black to conserve energy in the pack and exploit the downhill turn.
• Yamasho Strong, Maurice, Satono Crown, Symboli Rudolf, Satomi Noble, and Futanari Shingang surged forward as the pack crowded around the turn, while Kitasan Black held back.
• Anjing Zhen and Agnes Tachyon watched with relief as Kitasan Black kept her rhythm and waited for the Final Bend's exit.
• As the Great Zelkova Tree flashed past, Kitasan Black counted down and launched into a powerful burst.
• Kitasan Black carved a sharp path out of the turn as her rivals opened a route toward first place.

Kitasan Black charged across the muddy Inner Lane, overtook her rivals, and reclaimed the lead in the final stretch. Tokai Teio celebrated her chances, but Mejiro McQueen warned that only about 300 meters remained and the lead no longer held its earlier strategic value.

• Kitasan Black made a sudden turn into the muddy Inner Lane, shocking Maurice, Satono Crown, and Futanari Shingang.
• Kitasan Black powered through the mud and caught up with the leading runners.
• Kitasan Black overtook Eishin Flash and seized the Lead Position.
• Tokai Teio marveled at Kitasan Black's charge and predicted that her chances of winning were enormous.
• Mejiro McQueen cautioned Tokai Teio that the race was nearly over and the Lead Position had lost its former significance.

Kitasan Black fought off five rivals in a rain-soaked final sprint at the Tenno Sho Autumn and crossed the finish line first. Her victory earned her the first medal of the Autumn Triple Crown.

• Mejiro McQueen said the race had come down to a head-on contest of Final Bursts, and Tokai Teio watched Kitasan Black tensely.
• Maurice, Futanari Shingang, Satono Crown, Sunday Silence, and Teio Sho closed in on Kitasan Black during the final 200 meters.
• Teio Sho accelerated while Satono Crown and Maurice battled for position, and the pursuers continued to pressure Kitasan Black.
• Kitasan Black pushed through the pain and opened a gap as her rivals chased her toward the finish.
• Kitasan Black crossed the line first in the rain-soaked Tenno Sho Autumn and claimed the first medal of the Autumn Triple Crown.

A week after the Tenno Sho Autumn, Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen discussed Kitasan Black’s sudden fame and the star-studded Japan Cup lineup. The chapter ended with Kitasan Black looking aggrieved as Anjing Zhen reviewed Horse Girl profiles and Agnes Tachyon worked on reagents.

• Tokai Teio gave Mejiro McQueen a Kitasan Black champion plush doll after they finished a meeting with reporters.
• Mejiro McQueen and Tokai Teio discussed the pressure on Kitasan Black and how her rainy Tenno Sho Autumn victory had depended on the Inner Lane and her stamina.
• Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen anticipated the Japan Cup, naming several overseas contestants and agreeing that its lineup was exceptionally exciting.
• That night, Anjing Zhen sorted through Horse Girl profiles while Agnes Tachyon mixed reagents and Kitasan Black watched Anjing Zhen with a pout.

Kitasan Black anxiously asked to resume regular training for the Japan Cup, but Anjing Zhen insisted she follow her recovery plan until her condition improved. When she helped Little Anzu bring in a mountain of fan mail, she noticed a letter from someone named Spring Autumn Equinox.

• Kitasan Black asked Anjing Zhen to let her return to regular training, but he pointed to her reduced test results and warned that rushing could cause an injury.
• Anjing Zhen reassured Kitasan Black that she could resume regular training next week and that he and Agnes Tachyon were helping her prepare for the Japan Cup.
• Agnes Tachyon called Anjing Zhen over to try a new potion, and Kitasan Black reflected on how he and Agnes Tachyon were testing remedies for her recovery.
• Little Anzu brought a huge stack of fan mail and gifts for Kitasan Black, who helped carry it to the table.
• Kitasan Black picked up a letter and noticed that its sender was named Spring Autumn Equinox.

Kitasan Black struggled with anxiety over the expectations surrounding her upcoming Japan Cup, but Anjing Zhen reassured her that they would face it together and encouraged her to take a break with Almond Eye. The chapter ended with Kitasan Black leaving home for their date, hoping it would ease her worries.

• Kitasan Black continued light recovery training after her Tenno Sho Autumn victory and felt uneasy about how little she was doing.
• Media coverage, fan messages, and expectations of an Autumn Triple Crown intensified Kitasan Black's fear of losing at the Japan Cup.
• Kitasan Black held back from confiding in her busy friends, including Satono Crown and Satono Diamond.
• Kitasan Black told Anjing Zhen about her anxiety, and Anjing Zhen reassured her that they would face it together and that regular training would resume next week.
• Anjing Zhen suggested Kitasan Black spend Saturday with Almond Eye, and Kitasan Black left home for their date.

Kitasan Black went to Motomachi Chinatown to meet Almond Eye and her junior, Spring and Autumn Equinox. Spring and Autumn Equinox explained that their friend Little Chuu could not join them because her parents had taken her to meet Trainers to assess her prospects for Central Treisen Academy.

• Kitasan Black reassured Grandpa that she could disguise herself, then left home to explore Chinatown on her own.
• Kitasan Black arrived at Chinatown in disguise and met Almond Eye and the timid Spring and Autumn Equinox.
• Spring and Autumn Equinox eagerly introduced herself, and Kitasan Black warmly welcomed and praised her.
• Almond Eye explained that she had found Spring and Autumn Equinox looking lost by the subway station and brought her along.
• Spring and Autumn Equinox said Little Chuu had missed the outing because her parents were taking her to meet Trainers and assess her situation.

Kitasan Black reassured Spring and Autumn Equinox that everyone had their own time to shine, encouraging her to trust in her future. She then led Spring and Autumn Equinox and Almond Eye to a Cantonese morning tea shop in Chinatown, where they began enjoying dim sum.

• Kitasan Black noticed Spring and Autumn Equinox felt discouraged by how well her friends were doing and took her hand as they headed toward Chinatown with Almond Eye.
• Kitasan Black told Spring and Autumn Equinox that Horse Girls bloomed at different times and urged her to believe her own time would come.
• Spring and Autumn Equinox cheered up and told Kitasan Black that she believed in her.
• Kitasan Black led Spring and Autumn Equinox and Almond Eye to a morning tea shop and explained that Cantonese morning tea was served until noon.
• Kitasan Black ordered assorted dim sum, and Almond Eye and Spring and Autumn Equinox eagerly began eating after tasting the shrimp dumplings.

Kitasan Black took Little Anzu and Spring and Autumn Equinox shopping in Chinatown, secretly arranging to buy them qipaos as early Christmas gifts. The three then watched a lion dance, and a ball thrown from the stage flew toward them.

• Kitasan Black brought Little Anzu and Spring and Autumn Equinox into a qipao shop, where they tried on outfits and took pictures.
• After Little Anzu and Spring and Autumn Equinox refused to let Kitasan Black pay, she secretly arranged with the clerk to buy the qipaos as gifts.
• The three visited more shops, ate Zha Jiang Mian, and followed the sounds of drums to a lion dance in a plaza.
• Kitasan Black lifted Spring and Autumn Equinox onto her shoulders so she could see the lion dance.
• A red lion tossed a blue-and-red ball toward the audience, and Kitasan Black realized it was flying toward them.