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 co 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 ntal strength— jiro McQueen had thought she could definitely withstand Rice Shower's presence this ti, but after just one glance from Rice Shower, her body couldn't stop trembling.
So strong!
But—
I ca 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, jiro McQueen!
Even if it seed impossible, she would challenge her limits!
Today, she would defeat Rice Shower—and her past self!
This is the fourth ti. This ti, for sure—
Tokai Teio clenched her fists.
As the saying goes, "three strikes and you're out."
She had already lost three tis. Normally, it would be ti 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 seed 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 ti, I will definitely witness the full extent of your power!
To witness it, and then to overco 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 beco 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 beco.
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.
jiro Dober's lips curled upward.
No wonder everyone looks forward to your races. But even if no one expects 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!
jiro Dober walked toward the racecourse.
Behind her, the three mbers of Team Canopus watched this scene with sowhat 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 sothing more encouraging? Like 'good luck' or 'you can do it' or sothing!"
"But this isn't a matter of attitude anymore. Looking at this race, we have no hope of winning. Our trainer is really sothing 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 sothing from this race.
Since they weren't geniuses or monsters, they could only move forward steadily, one step at a ti.
They shouldn't miss any opportunity for self-improvent—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 ntally 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 comntator'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: jiro McQueen.
Third in popularity: Venus Paques.
Fourth in popularity: Tokai Teio.
Fifth in popularity: Mihono Bourbon.
After them were jiro Dober, Team Canopus's three mbers, and other registered competitors...
"Alright, the race is about to begin! According to registration data, this ti's competitors are using the following running styles..."
"First in popularity, Rice Shower: Chaser!"
"Second in popularity, jiro McQueen: Stalker! These two have faced each other many tis, 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 comntator 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!
...
Get 20 chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"
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