While Kitasan Black guided Almond Eye through her training on the track, Yasui Makoto found himself crossing paths with several familiar faces around the Tracen Academy campus. One of those chance encounters brought him face to face with Air Groove.
Thanks to the frequent conversations he had shared with both Kitasan Black and Duramente lately, the meeting felt almost natural. The two of them fell into step together without a second thought. Yet the moment Air Groove appeared, the attention around them shifted like a spotlight snapping on. Her presence alone drew crowds the way a championship race pulled in fans from every corner of the stands.
Every few steps, excited supporters and sharp-eyed reporters seemed to materialize out of thin air. Questions flew at them nonstop: updates on Tracen Academy, the latest word on Duramente's preparations, and above all, the upcoming Satsuki Sho set for next week. Air Groove handled the sudden interviews with effortless grace, her posture elegant and her smile perfectly composed, exactly as one would expect from a former champion who had now stepped into the role of Student Council Vice President.
Yasui Makoto stayed quiet at her side, watching the entire scene unfold. Only after another impromptu press huddle wrapped up did he catch the subtle motion of her fingers pressing against her forehead. A faint trace of weariness flickered across her usually flawless expression. He couldn't help the wry smile that tugged at his lips.
"It looks like I still underestimated just how huge the Satsuki Sho really is," he murmured. "Or maybe it's only when you stand in the middle of it that you truly understand the scale."
Air Groove let out a soft chuckle of her own, rubbing her temple while her sharp gaze swept their surroundings. She lowered her voice just enough for him to hear.
"I'm surprised too. Back when I was still racing actively, or even when I first took on the Vice President duties, the pre-race buzz never felt this intense. It has grown year after year… especially around the Classic Triple Crown races."
She paused, the weight of experience clear in her tone.
"Tickets for this year's Satsuki Sho sold out in under five minutes. Sponsors even bumped up the price of trackside advertising by thirty percent on the spot. After I finish supporting Duramente here, I still have to head back to the University Division to handle all the follow-up paperwork. It really never ends."
Yasui Makoto gave a respectful nod, his chest tightening with genuine admiration. Every Uma Musume at this academy carried that same pure love for running deep in their hearts. Whether they shone brightest under the stadium lights or worked quietly behind the scenes, they poured everything they had into the Twinkle Series. Air Groove was the perfect example of that spirit.
The two of them slipped away from the growing crowd and made their way to the cafeteria, chatting lightly along the path. By the time lunch ended, the afternoon races were about to begin.
This particular event had been planned with surprising care. Even though every participant was just a child, the whole setup mirrored a real race day in the smallest, most charming ways. Parents and special guests were ushered to their seats, and the broadcast system even treated the young runners to a full parade ring introduction, complete with dramatic flair.
"Welcome, everyone, to the special 'Little Satsuki Sho'!" the announcer's cheerful voice rang out across the stands. "After a full morning of careful preparation, our bright young stars are finally stepping into the spotlight. First up in the parade ring is contestant number six… Shining Star!"
A wave of delighted cheers erupted as a tiny Uma Musume trotted into view. The little girl wore a look of pure determination, her dark twin tails swaying with each confident step. She marched straight to the center platform, just like the seniors she idolized, and dramatically flung open her jacket with a flourish. The stands exploded with even louder applause and whistles.
Amid the joyful noise, Yasui Makoto found himself wondering who was guiding the child today. Then Air Groove's voice, warm with praise, reached his ears.
"Hmm… Shining Star's composure is far steadier than Duramente's was at that age. I was a little worried she might freeze up, but look at her go."
Yasui Makoto's heart gave a small jump. "So she's from your side of the family?"
"She's the daughter of one of my mother's juniors," Air Groove answered, clapping her hands together in obvious relief.
The broadcast confirmed her words a moment later, naming Duramente as the guide. The moment Duramente's name echoed through the speakers, the cheers grew even louder and more passionate. Yasui Makoto wasn't surprised. The URA had already released plenty of information about the upcoming Satsuki Sho, and Duramente's popularity had climbed all the way to third place in fan votes. A good number of people in the crowd today had clearly come just to catch a glimpse of her.
Higher on that fan list sat Satono Crown and Manhattan Cafe, but neither of them appeared with the next group of children. It seemed the order wasn't based on popularity at all. Maybe it really was a random draw?
Yasui Makoto clapped along with the rest of the audience, scanning the field while keeping an eye out for his own Uma Musume. Kitasan Black was serving as a "Trainer" for today's event and had a special front-row viewing seat reserved. He searched for her familiar figure, but before he could spot her, the next name from the broadcast hit him like a lightning bolt.
"Next to enter is contestant number twelve… Almond Eye!"
…
…Huh?!
Same name? Or… was it really that Almond Eye…?!
Yasui Makoto froze, a rush of disbelief washing over him. In the other timeline he remembered, his knowledge of horse racing had been patchy at best, especially for the earlier eras. With Kitasan Black, he had pieced together most of her story only after becoming her trainer. But the further back a horse's career went, the more clearly he recalled the details.
Almond Eye was one of those legends he could never forget.
She was the only racehorse in Japanese history to achieve the incredible "9G1" feat. That single record alone made her impossible to overlook. A few months earlier, when he kept hitting walls trying to find an age-appropriate partner, he had even wondered if he should follow the other trainers' advice, spend a few years as an assistant, and then seek out the Uma Musume who had left the deepest impressions on him. Almond Eye had been at the top of that mental list.
Yet after that fateful collision with Kitasan Black, he had signed the contract almost by accident. All those other plans faded into the background. Knowing which Uma Musume carried astonishing talent was one thing. Having the strength and skill to guide that talent was something else entirely. In the end, he had chosen to focus completely on Kitasan Black's present and future.
Still, hearing the name that once haunted his thoughts sent an electric jolt through him. He fought the sudden urge to sprint down to the parade ring just to see whether the chestnut-haired little girl on stage was truly the Almond Eye from his memories.
At the same time, a new question bloomed in his mind.
If this really was that Almond Eye… how on earth did Kitasan Black already know her?
As far as he could remember from the parallel timeline, the two of them had never crossed paths. Not once.
Before he could chase the thought any further, a surprised murmur came from beside him.
"Huh? Dragon King's junior… Why would she want to take part in an event like this…?"
It really was that Almond Eye!
Yasui Makoto turned to see Air Groove staring in quiet astonishment. The confirmation hit him instantly. He remembered clearly that Almond Eye's sire was the legendary "King of Short-Distance Turf," known in this world through the senpai-junior bond Air Groove had just mentioned.
For a brief second he regretted not bringing binoculars, or even a drone, to get a proper look at the girl's form during the race. Then he took a slow, steady breath and let the feeling pass.
Even if the child who had just stepped into the parade ring truly was the future legend, his focus had to remain on Kitasan Black. If he wanted to learn more, he could wait until after the race. Right now, the only thing that mattered was supporting the partner who had chosen him, just as he had chosen her.