Before the Autumn Tenno Sho arrived, Shuta Ann still had one crucial matter to settle—
On the Monday of race week, he was scheduled to sit for the JRA Central Jockey License examination.
This year, there was only a single examinee.
Which meant that when Shuta Ann stepped into the examination room, he enjoyed the rare "honor" of being observed by every invigilator present.
Beforehand, he had worried whether the JRA might deliberately set unusually tricky or obscure questions. Yet the moment the exam paper landed in his hands, that concern melted away.
"This is actually pretty straightforward."
There were no bizarre edge cases, no deliberately confusing traps—if anything, it was simpler than he had expected.
"So I really was overthinking it," Shuta Ann muttered, picking up his pen and beginning to write.
—
The fact that Shuta Ann was taking the exam was no secret.
The media had known for a long time, and fans were paying close attention to whether this so-called "local genius" could smoothly pass the Central Jockey License.
To many fans, the answer was self-evident.
If an American Triple Crown jockey failed the Japanese Central License, then wouldn't that imply Japanese jockeys were already the strongest in the world?
JRA staff and officials were equally aware of the potential fallout. As a result, the examiners had long since received instructions from above: do not make things difficult this year.
After all, with only one applicant, there was no need to pretend otherwise.
However, Shuta Ann knew nothing of these behind-the-scenes considerations.
Over the past few months, he had voluntarily given up all mounts except Oguri Cap's, staying quietly at the Ritto Training Center to prepare. The exam content fell squarely within what he had studied, and once he entered the exam state, his mind was calm and steady.
—
When Shuta Ann walked out of the examination room, he was immediately surrounded by reporters.
The questions came thick and fast, but the content barely differed, so he answered them all at once.
"Shuta-kun, are you confident about passing the Central Jockey License?"
"Absolutely. I'm confident I'll pass the written test in one go, and the riding test won't be a problem either."
"How difficult did you find the exam?"
"It was fine. Probably because I've been preparing seriously these past few months—everything was within what I reviewed. As you can see, I'm still smiling."
"You'll soon partner with Oguri Cap in the Autumn Tenno Sho. What's your goal?"
"To win," Shuta Ann answered without hesitation. "When Oguri Cap and I step onto the track, we never aim for anything else."
—
After finally escaping the sea of reporters, Shuta Ann returned to the parking lot, got into his well-worn sedan, and—somewhat leisurely—began thinking about buying a house. Once officially registered as a Central jockey, one had to choose between Miho in Kanto or Ritto in Kansai.
Oguri Cap was registered at Ritto. There was no decision to be made.
Thus, Shuta Ann began searching for an apartment in Ritto City, near the training center.
When his colleagues learned of his plan, many of them enthusiastically helped inquire about suitable properties. In the end, it was Nishiura Katsukazu—the first Japanese native jockey to truly conquer Japan—who found a particularly good one.
Today was the viewing.
"If there are no problems," Shuta Ann thought, "I'll buy it immediately."
His plan was simple and efficient:
Sign today. Find a moving company tomorrow. Finish moving before Saturday. Then focus entirely on the Autumn Tenno Sho.
—
What he didn't expect was that upon arrival, the people waiting were not only the real estate agent and Nishiura Katsukazu—
—but also Yutaka Take, along with his fellow same-generation jockey, Umana Masayoshi.
"Masayoshi-kun and I just came along for fun," Yutaka Take spoke first, smiling before Shuta Ann could react. "Don't mind us."
Shuta Ann's mouth twitched slightly. He then turned to Nishiura Katsukazu.
"Senior Nishiura," he said calmly, "how about we grab a drink after viewing the place?"
Nishiura Katsukazu glanced at Yutaka Take, then broke into a grin.
"It wouldn't be right to leave Take-san and Umana-kun out. Let's all go together—I'll treat. Consider it an early celebration for Shuta-kun passing the Central License."
"Then I'll accept with thanks," Shuta Ann replied, bowing lightly.
—
The real estate agent, well aware of who today's client was, behaved with impeccable professionalism. With Nishiura Katsukazu leading the inspection, there was no room for tricks.
The apartment was a 2LDK.
Shuta Ann quickly noted that while the extra living room might not see frequent use, it could easily be converted into a guest bedroom—so he didn't dwell on it.
The interior design suited his taste perfectly. The apartment was fully furnished, requiring only a few additional appliances. Even the bathtub was brand new.
"Nothing to complain about," Shuta Ann said, turning to Yutaka Take and Umana Masayoshi. "The only thing I don't know yet is the price."
When the agent quoted it—
105 million yen.
Shuta Ann felt his heartbeat stutter for a brief instant. It wasn't that he couldn't afford it—even in the Dream World—but the number was undeniably higher than he had anticipated.
After a short pause, however, he nodded decisively.
"Alright. Let's sign the contract."
—
That evening, the four jockeys gathered at an izakaya.
"For the Autumn Tenno Sho this weekend," Nishiura Katsukazu said with a smile, "please go easy on me, Shuta-kun."
After all, he was Yaeno Muteki's main jockey.
"That's nice," Umana Masayoshi muttered after sipping his soda. "Take-san and Shuta-kun both get to ride in the Autumn Tenno Sho…"
"I want to ride in G1s too."
"Haven't you already ridden a G1?" Shuta Ann raised an eyebrow. "This year's Satsuki Sho."
"I've only ridden two," Umana Masayoshi shook his head. "The Satsuki Sho and the Oaks. There's still the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes, but that's it. With so many G1s in a year, I only get three chances—and none of the really prestigious ones."
"It's fine," Shuta Ann said, patting his shoulder. "Keep polishing yourself. Your chance will come."
"This time, I'll be cheering for Shuta-kun!" Umana Masayoshi clenched his fist.
"Huh?" Yutaka Take widened his eyes. "We're from the same generation, aren't we?"
"That's because," Umana Masayoshi pouted, "when I was feeling down just now, Take-kun was busy eating."
On October 29th, under clear daylight, Shuta Ann brought Oguri Cap and Berno Light to Tokyo Racecourse to watch this year's Autumn Tenno Sho.
With Oguri Cap absent from the field, Super Creek ultimately prevailed, edging out Mejiro Ardan by half a length and securing her second G1 victory since the Kikuka Sho.
—
"Super Creek was really impressive," Berno Light remarked on the way home, her voice carrying a hint of admiration.
"Indeed," Oguri Cap nodded thoughtfully. "If I had been in Mejiro Ardan's position, I might not have been able to catch her either. Her acceleration at the end felt very different from the Kyoto Daishoten."
"Who knows what her exact condition was," Shuta Ann added calmly. "Her final 3F was 34.5. Considering she stayed in third throughout the race, that's an outstanding figure."
"If I had moved up like Mejiro Ardan in the final straight and tried to chase her down…" Oguri Cap replayed the race in her mind, clenching her fist unconsciously. "it would've been extremely difficult."
She lowered her gaze slightly.
"I still need to become stronger."
—
After returning home, Shuta Ann finished dinner quickly and retreated to his study, leaving Oguri Cap and Berno Light behind.
"Ann looks really tense," Berno Light whispered. "Do you think it's because of Super Creek?"
Oguri Cap pressed her lips together and said nothing. Inside her heart, a quiet voice echoed.
It's because I'm still not strong enough. That's why Ann has to think so hard and plan everything so carefully…If I were as strong as Miss Secretariat—
The thought lingered.
Without saying a word, the Gray Uma Musume turned and headed toward the training ground, determined to make up for the day's missed work.
—
Meanwhile, Shuta Ann remained unaware of her resolve.
Seated before his computer, he replayed the Autumn Tenno Sho from a touring perspective, his focus fixed on Super Creek's positioning throughout the race. For him, this analysis wasn't about the real world's Japan Cup—it was preparation for the Dream World's Autumn Tenno Sho.
Oguri won't lose to Super Creek in the Japan Cup, he thought firmly.
Still, he recalled the look in Oguri Cap's eyes on the way back.
Her vigilance was clearly stirred. That's good
His gaze never left the screen.
—
At the same time, Super Creek's camp was celebrating at a family restaurant.
"Trainer!" Super Creek gulped down her carrot juice and stared straight at Nase Fumino. "If I can perform like this again next time—can I defeat Oguri Cap?!"
Nase Fumino paused, fingers brushing the stem of her wine glass.
After a moment of silence, she spoke carefully. "Then, Creek, you still need to grow a little more. After all, the next stage is the Japan Cup. Your opponent isn't only Oguri Cap."
She met Super Creek's eyes.
"What you need to do isn't to run ahead of Oguri Cap—but to win the Japan Cup."
"I know," Super Creek replied softly, her gaze drifting to the tempura on the table. "I'm just…wondering if the returning Oguri Cap will give me an opening."
"Don't fix your eyes on Oguri Cap's back," Nase Fumino advised gently. "Just aim for the finish line. If you cross it first, then no one behind you matters."
Super Creek poured herself another glass of carrot juice.
"I understand."
She repeated it quietly, her eyes momentarily unfocused.
—
That night, after a warm bath and changing into fresh pajamas, Shuta Ann made his preparations carefully—door locked, air conditioning adjusted, humidifier running. Only then did he close his eyes.
—
When he opened them again, he was already seated atop Oguri Cap's saddle.
The racetrack spread out before him.
Turning slightly, he spoke to Assistant Ikee, who was holding the reins. "Ikee-kun, why are your hands shaking?"
"They're not!" Ikee protested. "If anything, Shuta-kun, you should be more serious. This is the Autumn Tenno Sho—the most important G1 of the autumn middle-distance season. No horse has ever won it consecutively."
"Don't worry," Shuta Ann replied evenly. "That record will change today."
"I heard Mr. Take said in his interview that he prepared a secret tactic for us," Ikee muttered. "Does he not know we've been studying their camp for nearly a month? What a shame Trainer Setoguchi insisted on keeping our plan secret."
"Of course," Shuta Ann grinned. "Ikee-kun, do you believe that this time I can mark Mr. Take and Super Creek from start to finish—never letting them shake us off—and then overtake them fiercely at the very end?"
"So you're already confident?" Ikee smiled. "That's good. If we win, the prize money will be huge."
"Exactly," Shuta Ann laughed. "I just bought a house, so I'm short on money. Don't worry—this victory is still ours."
—
Once they stepped onto the turf of Tokyo Racecourse, Oguri Cap stood calmly in a shaded spot, unhurried and composed.
"You're not letting him warm up?" Yutaka Take called out as he passed by atop Super Creek.
"I didn't see Super Creek warming up either," Shuta Ann shot back. "Oguri Cap doesn't need it. I can feel he's at her peak. Mr. Take—just be ready for second place."
"Oh?" Yutaka Take laughed. "I think it's about time you took second. This is our first real clash this autumn, isn't it? I'll show you what I learned in America."
"Then I'll watch until the very end," Shuta Ann replied, smiling. "Let's agree on one thing—I'm using a Senko tactic today."
"So am I," Yutaka Take answered without hesitation.
Their smiles carried sharp intent.
The battle was about to begin.