Before the race began, Rice Shower double-checked the condition of her shoes and horseshoes, then headed toward the racecourse.
At the tunnel exit, several familiar figures were gathered together.
Hearing Rice Shower's footsteps, the group paused their conversation and turned to look at her.
Through their eyes, Rice Shower understood one thing.
They had all come here today to challenge her.
Just as she had once looked up at her seniors' backs, now they were chasing after Rice Shower's.
She didn't stop walking, nor did she have any intention of chatting with them. With determined eyes, she walked toward the racecourse.
The others behind her felt the pressure emanating from Rice Shower as she passed by, their fighting spirit burning intensely.
Such powerful mental strength— Mejiro McQueen had thought she could definitely withstand Rice Shower's presence this time, but after just one glance from Rice Shower, her body couldn't stop trembling.
So strong!
But—
I came here to surpass my own limits. How can I shrink back like this!
During the Tenno Sho (Spring), she had recognized her own limits.
If she couldn't surpass her own limits, she would never be able to defeat Rice Shower.
But retreating here wouldn't be befitting of her, Mejiro McQueen!
Even if it seemed impossible, she would challenge her limits!
Today, she would defeat Rice Shower—and her past self!
This is the fourth time. This time, for sure—
Tokai Teio clenched her fists.
As the saying goes, "three strikes and you're out."
She had already lost three times. Normally, it would be time to give up.
But she refused.
The word "give up" didn't exist in her dictionary.
Moreover, every race against Rice Shower had shown her that unfathomable power.
No matter how much she improved herself, she seemed unable to catch up to that back.
But precisely because of this, she wasn't willing to give up.
No matter what, she couldn't accept giving up the challenge before she'd even made Rice Shower use her full strength!
This time, I will definitely witness the full extent of your power!
To witness it, and then to overcome it.
The two stepped forward and followed behind Rice Shower toward the racecourse.
Mihono Bourbon quickly caught up from behind as well.
Rice Shower, I want to become a horse girl like you too.
Completely unmoved by external factors, purely enjoying the race, running only for victory!
Yes, that was the hero she admired, the goal she wanted to become.
Everyone really is amazing. The race hasn't even started yet, and their intensity is making my whole body tremble. Compared to them, I'm really quite hopeless—until just now, I hadn't even been thinking about pursuing a definite victory.
Mejiro Dober's lips curled upward.
No wonder everyone looks forward to your races. But even if no one expects me to win, I still want to challenge it—the pinnacle of this era, that fastest and strongest power!
From here on, it's all-out effort. Nothing but a breakaway. This is my race!
Mejiro Dober walked toward the racecourse.
Behind her, the three members of Team Canopus watched this scene with somewhat heavy hearts.
Nice Nature's ears drooped slightly as she sighed.
"I feel like I can already predict how today will end."
Taiki Shuttle broke into a stiff smile, cold sweat on her face.
"Senpai, can't you say something more encouraging? Like 'good luck' or 'you can do it' or something!"
"But this isn't a matter of attitude anymore. Looking at this race, we have no hope of winning. Our trainer is really something too, saying this is a rare opportunity and insisting we participate."
Their trainer knew it would be difficult for them to win this race—nearly impossible, in fact.
But a race gathering so many powerful competitors wasn't common.
Even if they couldn't win, they would surely gain something from this race.
Since they weren't geniuses or monsters, they could only move forward steadily, one step at a time.
They shouldn't miss any opportunity for self-improvement—that was Team Canopus's guiding principle.
"Since we're already competing, let's do what we should do. Luck only favors those who prepare in advance. Those who give up beforehand won't be able to seize opportunities even when they appear right before their eyes."
Didus pushed up her glasses.
"That's true. Well then, let's give it our all!"
"Yeah!"
After mentally preparing themselves, the three also headed toward the racecourse.
Hanshin Racecourse—the spectator stands were packed with people.
On the grass track, the competitors gathered in front of the starting gate.
The broadcast was announcing the commentator's introductions of the competitors, though typically only the most popular racers in each competition received detailed coverage. The popularity rankings for this race were as follows:
First in popularity: Rice Shower.
Second in popularity: Mejiro McQueen.
Third in popularity: Venus Paques.
Fourth in popularity: Tokai Teio.
Fifth in popularity: Mihono Bourbon.
After them were Mejiro Dober, Team Canopus's three members, and other registered competitors...
"Alright, the race is about to begin! According to registration data, this time's competitors are using the following running styles..."
"First in popularity, Rice Shower: Chaser!"
"Second in popularity, Mejiro McQueen: Stalker! These two have faced each other many times, and their last match was a close contest..."
"Third in popularity, Venus Paques: Chaser!"
"Fourth in popularity, Tokai Teio: Stalker!"
"Fifth in popularity, Mihono Bourbon: Front-runner!"
The commentator quickly read through the registered running styles, ending with the final competitor's style.
"All competitors have finished entering the gate! They'll be starting shortly. Let's see who will claim victory in this strongest Takarazuka Kinen—!"
Bang!
The starting gate flew open!
All the competitors burst out from the gate at once!
...
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