For some inexplicable reason, Fujiwara Shirayuki was now considered Tokai Teio's rival. While Special Week was in the same boat, her challenge was rooted in friendship. Tokai Teio, on the other hand, purely wanted to defeat her.
Walking into the starting gate, a wave of nervousness washed over her. As a trainer, Shirayuki had witnessed this scene countless times, but this was the first time she was entering the gate herself.
The metal bars and the heavy metal door enclosed her, creating a solemn, isolated world.
"I really don't want to go in here..."
Seiun Sky made a sound of disgust. After pacing outside for a bit, she was finally pushed in by a race official.
I feel you, Sky-san.
Watching the reluctant Seiun Sky, Shirayuki's eyes filled with empathy.
Although it was just an internal school race, there were already over a thousand spectators. Seeing the dense crowd in the stands, she felt her own breathing quicken.
The pressure of their gazes felt almost physical, weighing her down and causing a cold sweat to form on her forehead.
"Relax," Seiun Sky's voice came from the next gate. "Just think about the nice long nap you can take after the race, and you won't be nervous anymore."
"A long nap... huh."
Shirayuki clenched her fists, taking deep breaths to calm herself. It was the same principle: watching and doing are two completely different things. He may have watched countless performances, but if he were to go on stage himself, he probably wouldn't be able to say a single word.
Racing was the same.
She thought she was mentally prepared, but it was only when she stepped onto the stage herself that she realized she was far from ready.
"Trainer Fujiwara, are you okay?"
In the stands, Nase Fumino couldn't help but ask when she saw Chiya's unfocused eyes.
"I'm fine..."
"Your breathing is erratic, Trainer Fujiwara. Are you nervous?"
"No, I'm just a little... unused to this. It'll be fine in a moment." Chiya swallowed hard and slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, his gaze was locked on the track. Two images now appeared in his mind: one was the spectator's view facing the starting gate, and the other was the contestant's view from within it.
"Shirayuki-san, it's okay! I'm nervous too, but when I think about running with my good friends, I start to relax," Special Week's voice reached her ears.
"You guys, if you're getting nervous over a mock race, you won't be able to survive in such a cruel profession," Tokai Teio said proudly from within her gate, puffing out her pathetic chest. She wasn't nervous at all; in fact, she was incredibly excited. This was a golden opportunity to show off in front of the audience and the President!
Hearing her words, Shirayuki turned her gaze outside the gate. It was true. If she was getting nervous over this, she could never become a proper Horse Girl.
"Spe-chan, let's give this race our all!"
"Okay!"
Hearing her reply, Shirayuki bent down, getting into a starting position.
Everyone has a goal, and Horse Girls are no exception.
For victory, for fame, to shine even brighter on stage.
But Shirayuki's reason for running was simple: to better understand Horse Girls.
To understand their thoughts, their emotions, and most importantly, their fighting spirit.
This was her purpose as a trainer, and it was her pursuit.
On the gate, the countdown lights flashed. With an electronic beep, the steel doors swung open. The world that had confined her vanished, and before her was a straight, green racetrack. All the Horse Girls burst out at the same time, charging forward.
Simultaneously, Hishi Amazon's voice echoed in her ears.
"All Horse Girls have made a beautiful start! Currently in the lead is Seiun Sky!"
The moment the gates opened, she had burst out with all her might.
Watching the leading green figure, Special Week's eyes widened.
I thought you said you were going to run slowly?!
Having taken the lead, Seiun Sky began to dictate the pace for the entire group.
This was her running style.
"Nige" (Escape), also known as leading from the front.
She would run at full speed from the very beginning until the end of the race. It was a bit like Twin Turbo, but it wasn't a reckless burst of speed. Her top speed was based on having enough stamina to ensure she wouldn't lose steam in the latter half of the race.
The significance of leading the pack was to give the other contestants two options: either let her accelerate and build a lead in the early stages, or follow closely and not let her pull away.
This was where a choice had to be made.
If they let her go, the gap might become too large to close in the final sprint. But following her could disrupt their own rhythm.
So, facing a "Nige" runner was always a troublesome affair.
"I won't be drawn into your pace~"
With a lighthearted sound, Tokai Teio adjusted her stride. She didn't choose to stick close to Seiun Sky, but she also didn't let her pull away too far. Maintaining a gap of half a horse-length for five seconds, she gradually found her own rhythm.
Watching Teio's correct judgment, Rudolf nodded to herself.
To be able to find a solution in her first mock race showed how strong her racing sense was. She was definitely in the top tier of the new students.
After watching Teio, Rudolf's gaze shifted to the back, to the snow-white figure.
Fujiwara Shirayuki had settled into the middle of the pack after the start, a position typically for "Sashi" (Closer) runners who conserve stamina in the early stages, look for an opportunity, and then unleash their energy in the final turn.
Strategy was one thing, but what caught Rudolf's attention the most was her running form.
Although not as extreme as in training, Shirayuki's posture was incredibly low. Her body was only about two-thirds the height of the other Horse Girls, her center of gravity very low.
As I thought.
From a spectator's perspective, the difference between her and the other runners was even clearer.
This posture had only ever been used by Narita Brian and Oguri Cap, relying on explosive power to overtake opponents in the middle to late stages of the race.
Like a beast crouching on the ground, waiting for the right moment to pounce on its prey and deliver the final blow.
Rudolf's expression gradually grew serious.
If Tokai Teio was careless and didn't notice her movements, she might really be able to seize an opportunity.
But Rudolf knew that although Teio could be a bit arrogant, she understood not to underestimate any opponent. Just as now, the Tokai Teio in front was glancing back, observing Shirayuki's movements.
The same posture as Narita Brian...
This girl is a formidable enemy! Tokai Teio concluded.
-------
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