In the Tea Ceremony Hall of Hanshin Tracen Academy, Tamamo Cross sat upright on a futon, wearing a white monastic robe.
This was one of the newly added training projects. Controlling one's competitiveness was naturally not as simple as just saying it; only through mental cultivation could the desired effect be achieved.
Tamamo Cross's strategy adaptability: Runner: G, Front Runner: F, Betweener: E, Chaser: D.
From the current perspective, she was undoubtedly a Chasing Horse Strategy athlete. Restraining her competitiveness during the early and middle phases of the race, accumulating it for the final phase to explode and convert into sprinting power, was the key to whether she could win.
And 'running happily' meant letting her relax more to enjoy the race, so she wouldn't consume stamina due to tension, reaching a state of freedom and naturalness during the run.
Such things were difficult to grasp or feel if simply told; they could only be mastered through one's own perception.
As the saying goes, it can be understood but not explained.
It was also a golden rule in education: everyone knows the theory, but how to convey that theory into the heart is a great art.
Besides basic training in endurance, willpower, and speed, Takeda Makoto's focus during this period was on developing Tamamo Cross's racing intelligence.
Proper timing for acceleration and lane-taking; Tamamo Cross was studying the running styles of famous Uma Musume through recordings.
To this end, Takeda Makoto spent a fortune on a TV for the parlor. Regardless of how much Tama learned, little Kaya was thrilled. When she was home on break, she'd curl up on the sofa and watch little uma musume princess all day.
Days passed by like this.
The afternoon of August 12th.
Tamamo Cross, watching a Central race broadcast to gain experience, unexpectedly saw a familiar figure.
In gate 5, a blonde figure captured the attention of every spectator.
"The first favorite! This year's super rookie, Gold City. Despite two Debut Race failures, no one doubts her victory today!"
"A beautiful wire-to-wire lead. Gold City leads by six horse-lengths, winning her third Debut Race beautifully. She has successfully debuted; let's look forward to her future performance."
Tamamo Cross's mouth hung open in surprise.
Central is truly terrifying. Even City lost two Debut Races... I want to... I want to run so badly!
...Time flew, and the day the Uma Musume training at the Hanshin Tracen Academy racecourse had been waiting for finally arrived.
August 22nd.
The race agreed upon a month ago began this afternoon.
The total prize money was 1 million yen, winner takes all. The race specs were: Pre-debut Personal Organized Race, turf, sunny, 1600 meters.
The school's promotional slogan was Ritto vs Hanshin. With such a gimmick, many Local enthusiasts came to watch. The stands before the final straight were mostly filled.
After Takeda Makoto finished giving instructions to Tamamo Cross, he arrived at the stands late; no good seats were left.
He looked around and saw an empty seat in the front row. He moved in quietly and sat down, only to realize his neighbor was Eishin Flash's Trainer, the middle-aged balding Harada Kenpei.
Takeda Makoto awkwardly wanted to move but feared being thought afraid of the old guy. He hesitated but ultimately stayed put.
Screw it, my Tama will win!
The race was in the staging phase. This kind of personal entertainment race was simple: no paddock parade, no post-race Winner's Stage, no broadcast or professional big screens—just an unprofessional trainee commentator.
The audience was excited, heatedly discussing who would win during the wait.
Usually, Takeda Makoto would talk big about races, but with his own Uma Musume competing, he was nervous and didn't want to listen.
But he couldn't just cover his ears. Moreover, several 'experts' behind him were shouting their analyses, fearing others wouldn't hear their profound insights.
"Undoubtedly, the Hanshin Uma Musume will win. In Kansai, Hanshin is number one! Eishin Flash will win beautifully."
"Agreed. I heard they raced once half a month ago; Ritto suffered a crushing defeat."
"What's with that Ritto Uma Musume? So small, she can't represent our Ritto at all!"
"Don't make excuses. If Eishin Flash went to Ritto, she'd dominate. I'm telling you, the truly strong ones didn't even join. Know T.M. Opera O? She's the real Hanshin #1 this year, was supposed to go to Central..."
Unlike usual, where spectators would argue until their faces turned red over who would win...
This time, everyone's opinion was surprisingly consistent. No one thought Eishin Flash would lose. There was no point in discussing it, so the topic was naturally diverted by a Ritto man working in Hanshin.
Harada Kenpei sat calmly, listening to the discussion behind him with pride, humming an unknown tune and squinting his eyes.
In contrast, Takeda Makoto's expression was grim. He feigned indifference but cursed inwardly, "Just wait until the race starts."
Seeing Takeda Makoto like this, Harada Kenpei wasn't satisfied. His eyes gleamed as he spoke up loudly on purpose.
"Oh, isn't this Tamamo Cross's Trainer, Mr. Takeda Makoto? Thank you for your generosity today, spending 500,000 to host this race."
With those words, Takeda Makoto felt countless sharp gazes converge on his back like knives.
This bastard, putting me on the spot. Thinks he's already won? Already got the 500,000? What arrogance.
"Hmph, it's windy today, Mr. Harada. Careful your tongue doesn't get caught in it."
Harada Kenpei chuckled. "Young Takeda, don't be so angry. I'll buy you a drink tonight at the celebration party."
Takeda Makoto didn't play along with the fake pleasantries and went straight for a verbal jab.
"Celebration party? To celebrate losing 500,000 yen? Brother Harada, I hope you don't run off with a sour face then."
Harada Kenpei's face darkened instantly.
"Kid from the Takeda Family, I hope your mouth is as tough as your father's."
Oh? Someone's trying to spar with a 21st-century keyboard warrior. Takeda Makoto wasn't going to indulge him.
"Old man, your skill is as foul as your breath."
"You... Hmph, I won't lower myself to a brat's level."
Harada Kenpei was speechless with rage. Takeda's sharp tongue was unexpected. How could an eighteen-year-old be so good at insulting people? They don't teach this at the Trainer Academy.
Seeing Harada Kenpei turn away, Takeda Makoto was happy for the peace.
An elegant counterattack is the mark of a keyboard master; barking incessantly is for dogs.
The two called a truce, but the spectators behind had enjoyed the show. Several men started whispering like village gossips.
"Wow, looks like these two Trainers don't get along."
"Takeda? Is it *that* Takeda Family? No wonder. Harada probably hates them to death."
"This youngster is a rookie Trainer, right? No wonder he picked such a small girl. Did he trick her into leaving Ritto?"
"Don't talk nonsense. The Association asks questions during registration. He probably just has bad taste, or no one better wanted to follow him."
Takeda Makoto's head throbbed, but he couldn't say anything. They didn't know Tamamo Cross. Being a high-paid professional means being scrutinized.
"The contestants are ready and entering the gates. Let me briefly introduce today's Uma Musume." The female commentator peeked at her notes and read.
"The most popular contestant, number 4, Eishin Flash!"
A cheer erupted from the stands. Amidst the cheers, Eishin Flash entered the gate with her head held high.
"She looks in great spirits! Another beautiful victory today."
"Yeah, look at her leg muscles. So beautiful. She'll definitely be an A-rank or higher Uma Musume in the Local circuit."
Commentator: "The Gray Mane Uma Musume from Ritto, possessing incredible sprinting speed, number 5, Tamamo Cross!"
Takeda Makoto stood up excitedly, clapping loudly and shouting.
"Go for it! Tama!"
In the distance, Tamamo Cross gave a cool wave. Responding to her Trainer's cheer, she slowly walked into the gate.
Only one person was clapping in the stands, and only one person was cheering for her.
But that was enough.
Takeda Makoto sat down satisfied. Tamamo Cross looked relaxed, completely different from her previous races.
"No matter how you look at it, she's no match. She's nearly a head shorter."
"The physical difference is too big. I feel like one of Eishin Flash's strides equals two of hers."
"An Uma Musume like that shouldn't even become a professional."
As the saying goes, enemies always meet. Eishin Flash and Tamamo Cross were in adjacent gates again.
"Loser, watch my back again this time."
Eishin Flash looked down on her, gave Tamamo Cross a disdainful glance, and looked away.
She didn't care about this shorty at all.
"Sure, run your best so I can see your back."
Tamamo Cross punched her palm, a faint smile appearing.
"Strange, this shorty is a bit off..."
[The race is about to start!]
[Three, two, one, Start!]
Before Eishin Flash could think further, the gates snapped open, and she charged out instantly.
Whatever. There's only one winner, and that's me, Eishin Flash. Watch me lead all the way to a beautiful victory.
Eishin Flash, bolting out like an arrow, quickly took the inner lane, taking her familiar role as the leader.
"Ah... a beautiful start. Number 4 Eishin Flash has successfully taken the lead. Following closely is number 1, Sunday Silence; she looks a bit strained. Can she keep up? Third is number 9, Blanc Cake... number 5 Tamamo Cross is at the back, currently in 11th."
Seizing the opportunity, Harada Kenpei couldn't help but snark.
"Didn't recklessly chase? Realized she can't do it?"
Takeda Makoto rolled his eyes.
"Trainer Harada, is this your first day watching a race? This isn't an 800m sprint."
Takeda Makoto's humorous retort made several spectators behind them laugh. Harada Kenpei snorted, knowing he wouldn't win the argument, and went silent.
Tamamo Cross maintained her breathing rhythm. Even though a voice deep inside urged her to speed up, she kept a steady pace.
"—The feel of the wind. The touch of the ground. The beating of my heart. I've found that familiar feeling again; it's been so long."
"Was it because my head was full of nothing but winning and losing?—I almost forgot how refreshing running is..."
With a relaxed body and an open posture—adjusted personally by Takeda Makoto—her form was much more standard than before. She felt a sense of ease never experienced in previous races; every cell in her body conveyed the joy of running.
So comfortable, such happy running. Torare-na-san was right; letting go of the pressure makes you run better.
From a distance, she could see number 4's back, but she wasn't in a hurry at all.
The final phase is when the race is decided. Tamamo Cross, stay calm.
"The contestants have passed the first corner and reached the middle phase. Number 4 Eishin Flash is still leading, followed by number 9 Blanc Cake... Tamamo Cross is in 12th, seemingly conserving her leg strength. Is she waiting for the final phase to decide it?"
"You've got to be kidding. She can't possibly catch up."
Harada Kenpei said spitefully, but Takeda Makoto sensed something unusual, though he couldn't put his finger on it.
It's only the middle phase; where does he get his confidence that Tamamo Cross can't catch up? Eishin Flash hasn't even pulled that far ahead of the main pack.
Shaking his head, Takeda Makoto dismissed the odd thought.
The contestants were getting closer to the stands, which meant they were getting closer to the finish.
"Second corner, about to enter the final phase. The contestants are starting to accelerate..."
Now, Tama, go! Unleash your long-suppressed competitiveness, Takeda Makoto shouted in his heart.
As if hearing him, Tamamo Cross's upright body began to lean forward, her already low center of gravity dropping further.
"I... definitely will win."
Her steps were lighter than ever, her breathing steady. Everything was ready for the final sprint.
Her powerful competitiveness was like a beast released from its cage. In that instant, everything before Tamamo Cross vanished; only the infinitely extending road and the finish line remained.
The demon inside her called "Victory" consumed her consciousness.
Her face turned fierce, her heavy breathing almost visible. Her legs moved faster and faster, her upper body leaning forward as she launched her sprint.
"Can the trailing contestants catch Eishin Flash? Wait... someone's coming up! It's Tamamo Cross! Tamamo Cross is accelerating! So fast! Too fast! She's passed several Uma Musume in an instant! Now 8th, now 7th! The Front Runners are forced to speed up! Can she make it?"
"Go! Tama!"
Takeda Makoto jumped up in joy. Finally, he saw it—Tamamo Cross's blood-pumping Final Spurt.
Such sharp acceleration also caught the audience's attention.
"Unbelievable! That small Uma Musume has such terrifying power!"
"Don't underestimate Ritto's Uma Musume! Go, Tamamo Cross!" The Ritto man who previously thought she couldn't represent them was now excited.
"At this speed, she might actually catch up."
...Takeda Makoto glanced at Harada Kenpei, only to find the old man calm and unruffled.
Why? At this rate, Tamamo Cross would definitely catch up. Why isn't he worried? Is he faking it?
No, he'd seen this old guy at the Takeda Club; he didn't have this kind of composure... Commentator: "Eishin Flash is accelerating! What about Tamamo Cross? Tamamo Cross is still in 7th..."
Still in 7th? Why? Why can't Tama get past them?
Hearing the commentary, Takeda Makoto snapped back to reality. The situation on the track made it clear.
The experts behind him were also noticing, whispering among themselves.
"Strange, does it feel like the other Uma Musume are blocking Tamamo Cross's path?"
"Yeah, what a coincidence. Can she even squeeze through with that tiny frame?"
"At her speed, fighting for a lane with other contestants... not only will she lose balance and risk injury, but she'll definitely have to slow down to stay upright. Once she slows down and loses that momentum, it'll be too late to accelerate again."
The one speaking was T.M. Opera O's Trainer, Mr. Mikunami. Since the track was being used for the race and there was no place to train, he was also in the stands with T.M. Opera O.
T.M. Opera O, with her hands behind her head, looked at the sky, seemingly uninterested in the race. Only when she heard Mikunami speak did she glance at the racecourse.
"She's bound to lose. That's what you mean, isn't it, Trainer?"
Mikunami nodded.
The Hanshin Tracen Academy racecourse was for campus use, so it wasn't very large. Tamamo Cross wanted to continue accelerating, but her path was completely blocked by five Horse Girls ahead.
Commentator: "It looks like Tamamo Cross is blocked and can't continue to accelerate! She seems to be looking for a breakthrough, but the defense looks rock-solid!"
Takeda Makoto subconsciously glanced over; that fellow Harada Kenpei was indeed laughing.
*Thud!*
"Dammit," Takeda Makoto punched the railing of the stands hard.
This was definitely no coincidence. The Horse Girls on the wide outside hadn't even reached the final stage yet, but instead of staying on the inner track, they were stubbornly sticking to the outside just to keep Tamamo Cross from passing. These five had given up on their own rankings; they simply didn't want Tamamo Cross to get through.
Because in this race, only the champion gets the prize money! That old fox!
The other Horse Girls in this race were all arranged by Harada Kenpei's audit. This despicable man—who would have thought he'd use such underhanded tactics.
"Trainer Takeda, don't get so worked up. When running a Chasing Horse Strategy, it's inevitable to encounter this kind of situation. There's nothing to be done if you're blocked. My offer still stands; you're welcome to join the celebration party."
Harada Kenpei grinned, his smug expression utterly loathsome.
Takeda Makoto walked up to him, swept a look of contempt over him, and said coldly,
"Do you know Eishin Flash? Are you really using such dirty methods?"
"What are you talking about? Eishin Flash is winning fair and square. Can't you see?"
Harada Kenpei played dumb with his eyes wide open. This was just a privately organized race; no association would bother to regulate it.
Dammit, this old man is pulling these stunts so brazenly. Had he planned this all along?
What should I do? Punch him in the face right now? I'd definitely be expelled, and it would be trouble if I couldn't use the facilities later.
Takeda Makoto had no other options and returned to his seat.
No matter what, after the race, he would tell Tama that she was the real winner and not to lose heart... "Is she going to lose?"
Tamamo Cross asked herself in her heart. The wall in front of her was airtight, without a single crack.
"I don't want to lose. I absolutely don't want to lose. Just a little bit... just a little space is all I need."
Whenever a tiny gap appeared, Tamamo Cross would grit her teeth and change lanes, trying to force her way through, but the Horse Girls in front would always fill the gap in time, making Tamamo Cross waste her stamina for nothing.
"I don't want to lose, I don't want to lose! Just a little bit, just a little..."
Changing lanes forcibly once again, a dull ache from muscle strain came from her ankle. The fire of victory burning in her heart was about to consume her, yet the path ahead vanished once more before she could reach it.
"It's the final curve! Can Tamamo Cross create a miracle? Or will she face defeat again? Eishin Flash has already entered the final sprint straight!"
On a curve, the closer you are to the inside, the greater the centrifugal force. If you don't slow down, you'll be thrown to the outside. Not only might you collide with other runners, but losing your rhythm after being thrown out is worse than slowing down to take the turn.
Therefore, before the curve, all Horse Girls would lower their speed slightly to maintain their balance.
Because of the deceleration, the Horse Girls in front were bunched together even tighter, leaving absolutely no way out.
Eishin Flash had also pulled a distance away from the second group. After the curve was the final sprint straight; no one would be able to block Tamamo Cross there, but by then, it would be too late for anything.
Tamamo Cross couldn't see a path, Takeda Makoto couldn't see a path, and the spectators were sighing for Tamamo Cross one after another. Harada Kenpei started humming a little tune again.
It seemed there was no way out. Takeda Makoto sat slumped powerlessly in his chair... when the commentator suddenly shouted excitedly: "Tamamo Cross hasn't slowed down! She's still accelerating! This is too dangerous! She's going to crash into the Horse Girls ahead!"
Not slowing down?
Tama, stay calm! Don't take such risks just for a small race.
Takeda Makoto looked at the gray-white figure following the pack, his heart full of worry.
"She's acting on impulse. At this rate, she'll hit the girls in front. A collision at this speed..." Mikunami shook his head, unable to bring himself to say the rest... The scenery on both sides of the track flashed by. Looking at the wall of people in front of her, Tamamo Cross was still searching for an opportunity.
"An instant... I only need an instant... Phew, this is the last chance. Overtake them on the curve."
A dark desire for victory drove Tamamo Cross's body. In her world, everything slowed down. The sound of the wind and the cheers disappeared; the distant stands vanished, and even the back of Number 4 in the distance was gone. In her vision, only the five Horse Girls in front remained.
Every swing of their arms, every lift of their legs, was as clear as slow motion in her eyes. But even so... Tamamo Cross couldn't find a way through them.
At this rate, she was bound to lose... Her vision grew blurrier, and the colorful world turned gray-white in an instant. The chaotic, blurry spots before her eyes seemed to assemble into the form of a Horse Girl with black hair tied in braids, her face obscured.
After running alongside Tamamo Cross for a while, the black-haired Horse Girl suddenly burst into a sprint. With an exaggerated posture, she elegantly swept through the curve from the inside, showing her how to break through the crowd.
"This is the path!"
Focus returned to Tamamo Cross's sky-blue pupils, and the whole world came vividly to life. She felt the ground with her toes and stepped down hard... Commentator: "Tamamo Cross! She's still accelerating! She's entered the curve in a state of frenzy!"
The phone in Takeda Makoto's pocket chimed with a game notification pop-up, but he didn't notice it at all.
"Horse Girl Tamamo Cross's fighting spirit has activated Support Card: Hatsu-jō no Gōkaku (Kitasan Black). Hidden Skill: Professor of the Curve."
At the curve, Tamamo Cross leaned her body further forward, from 45 degrees to 60 degrees, almost parallel to the ground in an exaggerated lean as she charged toward the inside of the curve. Her predatory aura terrified the Horse Girls ahead. To avoid being knocked over, they couldn't help but shrink back, causing a tiny hole to appear in their rock-solid defense. It was a fleeting opportunity.
A path lit up before Tamamo Cross's eyes—a path she had created with her own aura.
Like a bolt of lightning, Tamamo Cross changed lanes with precision, passing through the gap in the encirclement formed by the five Horse Girls.
She burst through the wall of people from the innermost part of the track, reaching the nearly 90-degree curve at extreme speed.
"At that speed, it's impossible to make the turn!"
"Too dangerous! Her body will be thrown off by the terrifying centrifugal force!"
Takeda Makoto and Mikunami cried out in alarm one after the other.
Under everyone's stunned gazes... Tamamo Cross gripped the ground beneath her with beyond-normal strength. Her body tilted to 45 degrees, leaning into the inside of the curve. Her horseshoes carved two long arcs into the grass behind her as she completed the turn with magnificent form.
Without a moment's pause to adjust after the turn, Tamamo Cross immediately began her sprint, her gaze locked onto the back of Number 4 ahead.
"Good heavens, what a running form! What cornering technique! It's so magnificent! Tamamo Cross... Tamamo Cross has broken through the encirclement! She's started accelerating on the final straight! Can she catch up to Eishin Flash? Is there still time?"
The commentator's emotions soared, her voice stirring the crowd's excitement.
Earth-shattering cheers erupted from the stands. Takeda Makoto couldn't help but leap high, pumping his arm and shouting at the top of his lungs, heedless of his image.
"Go! Tama!"
Was there anything more shocking for the fans than this?
They hadn't even clearly seen how Tamamo Cross had fought her way out of the crowd.
Every time fans entered the stands full of expectation, wasn't this the kind of race, the kind of Horse Girl they dreamed of!
"It's the first time I've seen such a technique. It's stunning, simply beyond words! Go, Tamamo Cross!" a spectator shouted loudly.
"The pride of Ritto! Tamamo Cross!" A guy from Ritto danced with joy.
"Don't lose to her, Tamamo Cross! Is there anything cooler than a Chasing Horse Strategy!?" The believers of the Chasing Horse Strategy also raised their voices now, their eyes brimming with tears.
"That kind of ultra-low posture running... I've only seen it on a few monsters in Central." Mikunami's mouth hung open in disbelief.
T.M. Opera O narrowed her eyes dangerously, her gaze fixed intently on that petite gray-white figure.
That figure swept across the grass like the wind, rapidly closing the gap with Eishin Flash.
It was getting late in the afternoon. Deep yellow clouds hung far off in the sky. The gray-white figure flying across the grass seemed to tear through the twilight sky, sharp as a bolt of "lightning."
At this moment, the spectators in the stands all thought the same thing.
Commentator: "What a terrifying Final Spurt! This is a monster flying low to the ground! She's getting closer and closer! Is Tamamo Cross going to catch up?"
...Eishin Flash heard the noisy cheering. It must be for her, for the champion, because she was only a step away from the finish line. None of those girls could catch up to her! Not a single... one?
*Thump-thump... thump-thump...* The thrumming of her heart.
A hair-raising sensation suddenly came from behind her. She felt as if something was approaching at extreme speed.
"Impossible, impossible! No one could possibly keep up with me! There shouldn't be anyone like that among that group! Don't even think about passing me! The championship is mine!"
Desperately driving her legs, Eishin Flash gritted her teeth, trying to squeeze out the last bits of energy from her body, vowing to defend the crown that was right before her eyes.
But she was too fast.
Just a moment before the finish line, Eishin Flash saw the Horse Girl catching up. From the corner of her eye, a gray-white figure appeared with a 'whoosh' from the left, long gray-white hair fluttering behind her like a surging white wave.
"An invincible display! They've crossed the line! Tamamo Cross and Eishin Flash crossed the line together! To whom will victory fall? We need to confirm with the finish line camera."
Eishin Flash panted heavily as she slowed to a jog, sweat dripping from her chin. She heard the commentator's broadcast and stared fixedly at Tamamo Cross, who was jogging beside her.
Why? How could it be her? How could she possibly have caught up!
Eishin Flash steadied her breathing a bit. Her volatile temper made her speak up impatiently.
"It's no use, shorty. Victory will be mine. Even if we crossed the line together, a shrimp like you can't compete..."
Tamamo Cross turned her head slightly, large puffs of white vapor escaping her mouth. In her sky-blue eyes, it seemed as if electric arcs were flickering. Her expressionless face looked just like a monster's. With just a single glance, she made Eishin Flash swallow the rest of her words.
The staff at the finish line sent the photo to the commentary booth. They were comparing it now. The result looked very close, so it wasn't announced immediately.
The race was over, but none of the spectators left. They held their breath and waited expectantly for the final winner to be declared.
Harada Kenpei looked ashen, his hands clasped in prayer, his arms trembling uncontrollably.
Takeda Makoto just watched the gray-white back with some concern. In his heart, no matter the result, Tama was the undisputed winner.
Finally, the female commentator picked up the microphone.
"After repeated comparisons, I announce the winner is..."
After watching such a thrilling race, the commentator couldn't help but take a deep breath and, with an indescribable mood, announced loudly,
"The Number 5 Horse Girl, leading Eishin Flash by a nose! Tamamo Cross!"
"Ohhhhhhh——————!"
Cheers brought down the house at the Hanshin Tracen Academy racecourse. Spectators raised their arms, offering a mountain of applause for the winner.
Takeda Makoto couldn't believe his ears. There clearly weren't that many spectators, so how could they make such a loud noise?
He couldn't suppress his emotions. The white-haired Horse Girl was just standing there, looking up at the sky.
Takeda Makoto wanted to be by her side; his heart was impatient. There was no time to wait for him to cross the noisy crowd to go downstairs. He gritted his teeth and flipped right over the railing of the stands, jumping down.
The impact of the landing made the soles of his feet ache, but Takeda Makoto didn't care. He ran toward the racecourse with a limp.
Just then, Tamamo Cross turned around and saw her Trainer. Takeda Makoto suddenly felt a bit silly; to maintain his image as a Trainer, he immediately slowed from a run to a walk.
Tamamo Cross's face was beaming with a smile as she jogged all the way to Takeda Makoto.
"Torare-na-san, did you see? I won! I won!"
She waved her hand excitedly, shouting happily from a distance.
Even though Takeda Makoto could no longer keep the corners of his mouth down, he still put on a serious act.
"Tama, you're so easily satisfied. There are many more incredible races ahead. At those times, the audience will be dozens of times larger, and the cheers will shake the heavens."
Tamamo Cross nodded heavily: "Yeah! I'll keep working hard! So, how was it? Did you see my final sprint..."
Raising her fists, Tamamo Cross's eyes suddenly dimmed, and her body began to sway powerlessly. Takeda Makoto hurried to catch her in his arms.
Tamamo Cross closed her eyes tight, leaning against Takeda Makoto's stomach, her breath coming out slightly warm.
"I saw it. A sprint like that... once you've seen it, you'll never forget it."
With her eyes closed, a trace of a smile hung on Tamamo Cross's lips, making Takeda Makoto unable to resist pinching her cheek.
"You're faking sleep, aren't you?"
Her white horse tail gave two playful swishes, and her long horse ears rested against Takeda Makoto's chest.
"Torare-na-san, praise me more."
"Tama, you did great. You are the Horse Girl I am most proud of."
Under the sunset, Takeda Makoto held Tamamo Cross as she clung to his embrace, their shadows stretching long behind them.
The stands erupted in warm applause once more. Takeda Makoto looked up. The commentator was holding up a large tablet showing the photo of Tamamo Cross and Eishin Flash crossing the line.
With an ultra-low running posture leaning forward nearly 60 degrees, Tamamo Cross led Eishin Flash by a nose.
What a wonderful photo. Takeda Makoto wanted to frame it and hang it in his office.
Even though this was just an informal entertainment race, it was the first victory for him and Tama, the beginning of all the victories to come.
The one who made these spectators cheer and applaud was my Horse Girl.