As distinguished guests who had traveled from afar, Dancing Brave and Prince Khalid's group were given specially prepared seats when they arrived at the Winning Live venue.
However, after seeing the seating arrangement and realizing it was located in the center of the audience stands, Dancing Brave cited physical discomfort and asked whether they could be moved to a room at the back instead.
She also requested to be alone with her trainer for a while, to rest.
Rudolf, who was accompanying them, was a bit surprised by the request, but did not refuse.
She guessed that Dancing Brave probably wanted to discuss something—perhaps… the recent Mainichi Okan? That was her assumption.
Such a situation was, in fact, within her expectations.
The gap between Japanese racehorse girls and the international level was something she, as the student council president of the Japan Central Tracen Academy, constantly paid attention to.
From the time she first took over as student council president, and even earlier when she apprenticed under her senior Symboli Rudolf, she had been keenly aware that the difference in strength between the two sides was visibly significant.
However, by now, while that gap could not be said to have disappeared, the very top level was clearly getting closer.
This judgment came not only from past analysis, but also from her current observations.
Her earlier conclusions were mainly based on the European races they had participated in, related investigations, and the persistent efforts of Kitahara and his team.
After consolidating all that information, Rudolf had been shocked—and then naturally realized a fact:
At the individual level, Japanese racehorse girls were not fundamentally inferior to those from any other region in the world.
She had never noticed this before, and when she first reached this conclusion, she instinctively doubted it.
But after reviewing all the information again, she became convinced, and also found a clear explanation.
Or rather, something she had always vaguely acknowledged.
Japanese racehorse girls never really had an individual disadvantage compared to other regions.
What caused the difference in race results was lagging in other aspects—
Such as concepts, techniques, resources, actual training, and the study of racing strategies.
Following this line of reasoning, she became more and more convinced.
She even belatedly realized that her failed expedition to the United States back then was likely related to these shortcomings.
At that time, there had been clear disagreements between her trainer and other team members—she knew this, but didn't think it was a problem.
Such disagreements were too common. Not only her team had them, but other teams did as well.
Within her knowledge, Maruzensky's team had also experienced various disagreements when facing restrictions in classic races.
Whether to comply with association rules, apply for participation, protest, or simply return to Maruzensky's hometown in the UK to compete—there had been all kinds of opinions.
Her friends, like CB and Katsuragi Ace, had faced similar issues.
But now it seemed that just because such disagreements were common didn't mean they were reasonable. On the contrary, they were a manifestation of outdated concepts.
She now clearly understood the reason—especially after seeing that Kitahara's team had never had such disputes.
So, if they wanted to improve the competitive level of Japanese racehorse girls, the answer was simple:
Improve the level of their teams.
Coincidentally, Kitahara's Eisei Club had been working toward this for a long time. As a result, the performances of the racehorse girls currently in the club were already getting closer and closer to international standards—
Perhaps even surpassing some international competitions.
Rudolf felt that if she could see this, then Dancing Brave—also a student council president—must understand it as well.
So her request to speak privately with her trainer about analyzing the Mainichi Okan wasn't surprising.
In that case, it would be a good opportunity to find Kitahara and have a discussion as well.
With that in mind, after making arrangements for Dancing Brave's group, Rudolf Symboli left with a polite smile.
—
As Winning Live began, just as Rudolf had predicted, discussions about the Mainichi Okan could be heard from the room at the back of the venue.
"You should be able to tell too, Khalid."
Her violet-gold gradient eyes were fixed on the distant stage, but Dancing Brave's words were directed to the side.
"The racehorse girls of this Japanese generation are even stronger than the board chairman expected."
"Perhaps part of this improvement comes from the medical technology we provided."
"After all, according to previous investigations, Sakura Star O, who placed third in today's Mainichi Okan, shouldn't have been able to fully recover from last year's Arima Kinen injury."
"If that's the case… I'm starting to question whether this cooperation—this trip to Japan for medical support—was the right decision."
Naturally, the person Dancing Brave was speaking to was her trainer, Khalid.
As a crown prince, the outside world's impression of him could be summed up simply: wealthy and of noble status, but perhaps unremarkable in training ability.
However, his actual skill wasn't poor at all. During her active career, many specialized training sessions were personally handled by him.
After all, as a crown prince, he never lacked access to the best resources for learning anything.
There were countless people and racehorse girls who wanted to become his mentors or trainees. He never had to compete for learning resources or sparring partners like ordinary trainers.
He admitted that his natural talent for training might not be exceptional, but in terms of practical ability, he was certainly not lacking.
So he could clearly see the level of Japanese racehorse girls.
But at this moment, his focus wasn't on that.
"Don't be willful, Brave."
He frowned slightly, his tone a mix of concern and persuasion.
"Your condition has been confirmed by our doctors—it's extremely rare."
"Including you, there are only five cases worldwide. There's no established or effective treatment plan."
"Now that there's finally a chance for recovery, we have to seize it."
"And…"
He hesitated.
"Compared to that, I'm not that concerned about racing right now."
"Heh, I know, but…"
Dancing Brave smiled and shook her head.
"No matter what, I'm still the student council president of Ye Sen Tracen Academy. I can't ignore these things."
"Especially since Tony Bianca and Moonlight Madness will be coming to Japan soon. As their senior, I should do something for them."
She sighed.
"Originally, having that New Zealand opponent was already troublesome enough. Now we also have Oguri Cap here in Japan."
"Not just her—there's also Super Creek and Mejiro Ardan, who are in their classic year but already rival older horses."
"And among the older generation, there's Tamamo Cross and Inari One… honestly…"
"When did Japanese racehorse girls suddenly become this strong? Are they really juniors of Symboli Rudolf?"
She rubbed her forehead.
"With your current condition, you shouldn't be thinking too much… but fine."
Khalid sighed, then pulled himself together.
He decided to help analyze the situation for her, to ease her burden.
"I admit their performance is far stronger than international evaluations suggested, but…"
He thought for a moment.
"They should still be weaker than Tony and the others, right?"
"In that exchange race at Epsom, they competed on the same field, and didn't beat Tony."
"You're right, they didn't win that race."
Dancing Brave nodded, resting her chin on her hand.
"But they only had about a week to prepare for that race."
"That means they adapted to the Epsom track in just one week."
"And with their solid fundamentals and initial use of their 'domain,' they didn't lose by much."
"Do you understand what that implies, Khalid?"
Khalid fell silent.
"It means that when Tony and the others come to Japan, if they can't quickly adapt to the track, then…"
He shook his head and changed direction.
"If their fundamentals are really that strong… then what about the gap in 'domain' ability between them and us?"
"Their abilities might be even higher than I thought—including their domain."
Dancing Brave answered, then shifted topics.
"You noticed that thing in today's Mainichi Okan too, right?"
Khalid nodded after a moment.
"…Yes. Oguri Cap's performance… was very similar to yours in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe."
"Heh. Not just similar—almost identical."
Dancing Brave smiled faintly.
"This Mainichi Okan was very interesting."
"Usually, because of differences between trainers and teams in Japan, even racehorse girls with excellent talent end up showing large performance gaps."
"That leads to stretched-out formations in races, with little crowding—even in some G1 races."
"But today's race… truly lived up to the name 'Strongest G2.' It felt like the races we have."
"Especially my Arc race."
"The leading group kept pushing the pace higher and higher—it became a high-speed war of attrition."
"My tactic was almost identical to Oguri Cap's—staying at the back, conserving energy, waiting for the right moment."
Khalid, who had witnessed that Arc race, nodded.
"At the back… and the one with you during the early and middle stages was Bering, right?"
"Yes, but not quite."
She recalled.
"To be fair, Bering's timing was slightly better than mine."
"In the early and mid stages, we were both around third and fourth from last."
"In front of us was a wall of eleven competitors."
"She started her sprint earlier, so by the final 300 meters, she had already taken the lead."
"And I was still at the very back."
"The field ahead was still a solid horizontal wall."
"Isn't that the same as what Oguri Cap faced today?"
Khalid thought back.
"But when you broke through back then, it wasn't the same as what Oguri did—"
Her eyes suddenly flashed as she interrupted him.
"That's exactly the point."
"With nearly identical conditions, Oguri Cap's handling completely exceeded my expectations!"
"In the Arc, I moved outward through the final corner, gradually increasing speed, adjusting my state, and then with the boost of my domain, I broke through to first place."
"I thought Oguri would do the same—go wide and overtake."
"But she didn't!"
"She broke straight through that dense pack!"
"If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would've thought it was impossible!"
"I—cough, cough…"
Her excitement triggered a coughing fit.
Khalid hurried over, trying to help, but she waved him off.
"I still couldn't believe it when I saw it."
"How could someone be that bold?"
"How could such an absurd breakthrough be possible?"
"At speeds over 60 km/h, a collision could end both racers' careers—so how did she dare?"
"And how did she do it?"
"Does her domain allow both such insane breakthroughs and that terrifying finishing speed?"
It was clear she was still deeply shocked, though she tried to restrain herself.
After a pause, she continued:
"In any case, I still don't understand how she broke through the encirclement."
"Nor can I determine what her domain actually is."
"But one thing I'm certain of…"
Her eyes lit up again.
"Her ability is definitely a domain—but not any kind we've ever known."
"And if she has it, then others in her team might as well."
"If we don't understand this, Tony and the others will face far more difficulty in Japan than expected."
"So as student council president, I have to do something."
She looked at Khalid.
"I'll need your help."
"…Alright."
He agreed, though worried.
"I'll handle these matters. You focus on treatment and recovery."
"Don't push yourself."
"Heh, you're so naggy…"
She smiled faintly, then said:
"Then contact Chairman Lyphard first."
"Hm? About what?"
"Tell Tony and the others to cancel their upcoming races."
Khalid was stunned.
"For example, Tony's upcoming Italian Racing Association Grand Prix."
"Moonlight is fine—she's been resting well."
"But Tony just finished the Arc, and the next G1 is only a week away."
"I don't know what her team is thinking."
"I don't believe she can win another G1 in such a short time."
"And even if she does, her condition will deteriorate badly."
"She won't have time to recover before the Japan Cup."
"Tell them to rest properly and prepare for the Japan Cup."
"If possible, have them come to Japan earlier to adapt to the environment."
"Just say it's my decision—Chairman Lypahrd won't refuse."
"As for their team…"
She looked at Khalid. "I'll leave it to you to handle. That won't be a problem, right?"
"It's not a problem—I know their trainers and team leaders, and they'll give me some face. It's just…"
After nodding in agreement, Khalid hesitated.
"Do we really need to take things this seriously? I mean, the Japan Cup."
"I mean, even if this generation of Japanese racehorse girls is strong, our advantage shouldn't have been completely erased, right?"
"If I remember correctly, since Symboli Rudolf, the Japan Cup champions… haven't been Japanese racehorse girls, have they?"
"If I hadn't seen this Mainichi Okan, I would agree with you. But after seeing it… I've already explained why. In short—don't underestimate them."
She quickly refuted her trainer, then brought up another point.
"And it's not just about the Japan Cup."
"Don't forget—whether it's what Rudolf and the others showed when they went to Europe before, or our own analysis—the conclusion is the same."
"The trainer of this group of racehorse girls, including Oguri Cap—Kitahara Minoru—his ambitions have never been limited to Japan."
"He will definitely go to Europe."
"I'm certain of that."
"And not just Europe—America, New Zealand… anywhere there are strong racehorse girls, he'll go."
"I still don't fully understand the things about him that are so hard to see through."
"But one thing is certain—he's very strong."
"I suspect that the strength gap between Oguri Cap's generation and the previous ones is largely because of him."
"That includes Oguri Cap's strange breakthrough in the Mainichi Okan, and the concept of 'domain.'"
"A trainer like that, leading racehorse girls like Oguri Cap to compete in Europe…"
A light flickered in her eyes, her tone steady.
"The Japan Cup is only the beginning."
"His beginning."
"If we want to compete with him, we have to start preparing now."
"Go explain all of this to Chairman Lyphard."
"I mean, not just about Tony and the others."
"But also about Oguri Cap—and her trainer."
"As for me…"
She paused, then suddenly smiled. "I'll listen to you and focus on recovering."
"For now, I'll just enjoy this Winning Live."
"And afterward, I'll take a look around Japan Tracen Academy—see if there's anything interesting."
Naturally, for the sake of her recovery, Khalid agreed to her arrangements.
—
While this European team was discussing the Mainichi Okan, in another room nearby, a similar conversation was taking place.
"I'm serious—why don't you believe me?"
Kitahara looked somewhat helpless.
"It's not that we don't believe you, it's just… that explanation is really…"
Rudolf hesitated, scratching her head with an awkward smile.
"It's really hard to believe."
"That kind of breakthrough Oguri Cap showed in the race—it should be some kind of 'domain,' and also an extremely advanced technique, right?"
"But now you're telling me that this domain and technique… come from Good Opera's habit of skipping school?"
"How am I supposed to believe that?"
"Hey, you think so too, right, Maruzensky?"
With a complicated and slightly embarrassed expression, she turned to her friend.
"Oh? I don't think that way."
Instead of agreeing, Maruzensky smiled and shrugged.
"I actually heard Kitahara talk about this before, but… how should I put it?"
"I just feel that if Good Opera keeps skipping school in the future, it probably won't be so easy anymore."
"After all, she'll soon enter Central Tracen Academy."
"And the one responsible for catching truants… is Miss Hayakawa Tazuna."
"I doubt Opera O can outrun her."
There was a hint of respect in Maruzensky's tone.
She and Tazuna had always been friends, but after learning about her past and witnessing her near-era-defining speed, she couldn't help but feel admiration.
She even felt a sense of resonance with this powerful senior—especially in terms of regrets on the track.
Because of that, she could better understand everything Tezuna had silently done over the years.
As for the matter of Opera skipping school, she actually shared Rudolf's complicated, awkward, yet amused feelings.
She had already asked about Oguri Cap before, and the answer she got was exactly what Kitahara had just told Rudolf.
The way Oguri Cap broke through at the start and in the final straight of the Mainichi Okan wasn't actually her own "domain," but rather a brief "triggering" of Opera's domain ability.
However, Kitahara explained that "triggering" wasn't entirely accurate. Rather than a true activation, it was more like applying a technique or habit.
The way different racehorse girls performed in races was often reflected in their daily training and habits.
During synchronization training with Opera, Oguri Cap had unconsciously adapted to some of her junior's racing habits—and successfully applied them in training races and this actual race.
This explanation was something Rudolf could understand and accept.
After all, synchronization training itself had been gradually explored by her, Maruzensky, and others during and after their trip to America.
Kitahara's methods were essentially an extension of their findings.
Rudolf herself had based this idea on her own racing habits.
She knew that when she had opponents ahead of her, her sprint became especially powerful.
But once she realized she was in first place, she would subconsciously relax and conserve energy.
This habit had helped her win many races—but also caused her to lose one: the Tenno Sho (Autumn).
Because of this, she had a deep understanding of racing habits, which led her to the concept of synchronization.
But what she never expected was this—
Her own habits were rooted in personality.
Yet the habits Oguri Cap learned from Opera… supposedly came from "skipping school."
She had only just learned that Good Opera had loved sneaking off since childhood.
From kindergarten to elementary school in Hokkaido, and even after moving to Tokyo, she often climbed walls to sneak out or slipped away from group activities.
She had frequently been chased down by teachers and school security.
This reminded Rudolf of Tokai Teio, who sometimes gave her headaches.
Teio also had the habit of sneaking off during events or group activities.
But there was a difference.
Teio would return on her own after having fun.
Opera, on the other hand… would get lost.
She had often been brought back by kind strangers after losing her way.
And according to Kitahara, this was precisely why she excelled at "breaking through."
Rudolf found this extremely hard to believe.
Even Kitahara himself found it hard to believe.
The "skipping school" explanation was just a way to provide a seemingly absurd—but somewhat logical—reason.
Because he knew very well that "domain" abilities were not only gifts from the Three Goddesses, but also tied to the "fate" of these racehorse girls—their inherent skills.
And those inherent skills were rooted in destiny.
So far, every domain he had confirmed followed this pattern.
In other words, both Opera's domain and what Oguri Cap "inherited" came from that legendary breakthrough in the 2000 Arima Kinen.
In that race, due to the jockey's inexperience and poor positioning, Good Opera had been trapped in the center of the pack from the start.
Despite repeatedly trying to find a path, the jockey failed.
The one who found the opening… was Opera herself.
In the final 300 meters, when even the jockey had given up, a fleeting gap appeared due to shifts among competitors.
She seized that instant opportunity, broke through, and with her powerful finishing speed, surged to victory.
This was also the condition for activating her inherent skill in the game—being trapped in a pack.
Even if it didn't provide the highest speed boost, the ability to break through itself had immense strategic value.
—
After explaining as much as he could, Kitahara added:
"I know you still have many questions, Rudolf, but this is the limit of what I can explain right now."
"You and I both know that domains—blessings from the Three Goddesses—are the hardest thing to fully understand in racing."
"As a trainer, research is important—but training and racing matter more."
"As long as I can improve their strength, I don't really care about fully understanding the 'why' yet."
"So even if you ask more, I can't give a better answer."
"But I promise—if I discover anything new, I'll tell you immediately."
"I've always done that, haven't I?"
"And compared to that, what we should consider now… is Brave's side."
"Didn't you say she might have some thoughts after watching today's race?"
—
Rudolf's expression gradually softened.
She wasn't trying to make things difficult—she just couldn't understand what she had seen.
And she also realized something about herself:
She had started to rely on Kitahara too much.
Whenever something was unclear, she instinctively turned to him.
But that wasn't right.
He already had too much on his plate—especially after founding the club.
And as student council president, these were things she should figure out herself.
So she decided to leave it for now.
Looking at Kitahara, she nodded.
"As long as you have solutions for training and racing, that's enough. I trust you."
"As for Dancing Brave…"
She looked toward the room outside.
"I think her thinking is very similar to mine."
"Similar?" Kitahara repeated.
"Yes. As student council presidents, we approach things in similar ways."
"That means—Oguri Cap's performance exceeded my expectations, so it must have exceeded hers as well."
"If I were in her position, I would have my racers prepare in advance."
"For example—the Japan Cup."
"I would likely have them extend their preparation time and make more thorough plans."
"And it's easy to confirm this."
"The racers coming to the Japan Cup are all world-class. Unless they're hiding their plans like Dancing Brave, there will be reports."
"Just check their schedules."
"That should reveal their preparation—and Dancing Brave's intentions."
"And not just the Japan Cup."
Her expression grew serious.
"The Kikuka Sho—the final race of the Classic Triple Crown…"
"They'll be watching that too."
"And even more closely."
"And Seattle Slew's side will likely do the same."
"I'll handle gathering information on them."
"But the key is your side."
"After the Kikuka Sho comes the Japan Cup. Oguri Cap's condition—and this opportunity to observe—are crucial."
"With so many strong opponents studying you… what's your plan, Kitahara?"
Maruzensky also looked over with concern.
"And not just this year."
"If you plan to take Oguri Cap overseas next year, you'll only attract more attention."
"You should start preparing now."
"We both know how much pre-race analysis can affect outcomes."
She continued:
"We've experienced this many times."
"Not just being analyzed—but analyzing others ourselves."
"Your detailed investigations have been a key reason for Eisei Club's success."
"But international races are different."
"With oceans between us, it's much harder to gather information."
"Even with support from families like Symboli, Mejiro, and others—and Chairman Akikawa—it's still incomplete."
"So facing international opponents… you need to be ready."
—
Listening to all this, Kitahara maintained a thoughtful expression—but inwardly, he didn't know how to say that he wasn't worried at all.
Because when it came to international racers…
He already knew them inside out.
Like someone who had seen the answers in advance, he possessed detailed knowledge of famous racers across generations.
And to prevent forgetting, he constantly reviewed and updated that knowledge.
With enough resources and technology, he could even correct discrepancies between memory and reality.
If revealed, his "information database" would shock the entire industry.
So whether Dancing Brave or others tried to analyze him—it wouldn't be enough.
Not in months.
Maybe not even in years.
Especially when it came to domains—they didn't even know about "inheritance."
So the solution was simple:
Keep doing what he had always done.
Let them study.
Training methods, techniques, abilities—eventually, they could all be figured out.
As long as he stayed ahead at every stage, that was enough.
Still, he had to respond to their concern.
"We'll continue investigating our opponents, just as we always have."
"And we'll cross-reference with your findings."
He paused, then smiled.
"As for being studied…"
"Then we'll just mislead them."
"They already call me a 'tactician,' don't they?"
"Having a few tricks is only natural."
"Besides, the Central Academy's Thanksgiving Festival is coming up."
"Oguri Cap and the others need rest anyway."
"So we might as well take the opportunity to hold the 'First Youth Cup.'"
"Before the Japan Cup begins, we can stage a 'Youth Edition of the Japan Cup.'"
"And get Dancing Brave, Seattle Slew, and the others involved."
"That way… they won't have time to focus solely on studying us."
(End of Chapter)