Time flowed steadily, like sand through fingertips, silently.
Kitano enjoyed his regular campus life: attending classes, listening to music, occasionally going to the water’s edge with his fishing buddies to pass the time, or maintaining simple contact with Rice Shower, Oguri Cap, and others through messages.
He was completely unaware that he was still on the observation list of certain Uma Musume, only feeling that life had finally returned to the long-awaited peace.
Until the calendar turned to that important weekend—Oguri Cap’s last major race in the local circuit, with a ticket to the central circuit almost within reach.
Kitano packed his simple luggage a day in advance.
He looked at himself in the mirror; he still had that unmotivated look, but thinking that this was Oguri Cap’s important moment, he still rummaged through his closet for a decent casual jacket.
“Alright, just treat it as completing a mission: cheering for Cap with Aunt Narubi, then leaving after the race.”
He told himself this, trying to dilute the discomfort of stepping into the fervent environment of Uma Musume once again.
He carefully checked his ticket and the route he had planned in advance, especially the relatively secluded spot in the corner of the stands that he had meticulously chosen.
He even called Oguri Cap’s mother in advance to arrange a meeting place.
“Aunt Narubi, it’s me, Kitano.
Yes, I’ll be there on time tomorrow… I’ve sent you the location; there are fewer people there… Don’t worry, Cap will be fine.
She’ll definitely win.”
His tone was calm, with a reassuring certainty.
For him, this was not blind encouragement, but an objective judgment based on Oguri Cap’s strength and pure dedication.
Before leaving, he looked out the window and thought to himself, Cap, don’t make me come all this way for nothing.
Once you get into the central circuit, I’ll make you a good celebratory meal.
This support, hidden beneath his usual calm demeanor, was equally sincere…
Meanwhile, at Tracen Academy, three young Uma Musume—Marvelous Sunday, Seeking the Pearl, and Narita Brian—were also in a state of excitement and anticipation.
Tomorrow is the crucial battle for that local monster, Oguri Cap, to advance to the central circuit!” Seeking the Pearl said excitedly, her eyes sparkling.
“Mhm,” Marvelous Sunday nodded calmly, analyzing, “I’ve watched her race videos.
Her bottomless stamina and pure desire for victory are astonishing—truly rare learning material.”
Narita Brian also nodded vigorously.
“Exactly!
Seeing a strong competitor race with our own eyes and feeling the atmosphere will definitely help us a lot!”
Their observation of Kitano was temporarily diluted by this more important event.
In their hearts, Oguri Cap was a goal to look up to and chase.
They had applied for spectator permits early and planned to go together, hoping to draw strength and experience from her running, and perhaps even find a glimmer of inspiration for competing against such powerful opponents in the future.
Their goal was pure and direct—to witness the birth of a strong competitor and use it to motivate themselves…
At the same time, at the top of Tracen Academy, a discussion about Oguri Cap was also underway.
Student Council President Symboli Rudolf’s purple eyes gazed at Oguri Cap’s data and race highlights on the screen.
Her expression was as dignified and profound as ever.
“Astonishing physical talent, an almost instinctive ability to read a race, and… the most primitive hunger for victory,” she said slowly, her voice echoing in the silent student council room.
“She is an unpolished gem with infinite possibilities.”
Air Groove, standing by, added, “According to reports from the local circuit, her training is very diligent, she’s focused, and she dedicates almost all her energy to running and… eating.
Her social circle is simple, and her background is clear.”
Symboli Rudolf’s lips curved into a barely perceptible arc.
She saw it: beneath Oguri Cap’s somewhat clumsy and pure exterior lay the potential to shake the existing order.
For an Emperor who pursued absolute victory and was committed to leading the era, such an existence was both a challenge and a perfect successor candidate.
“This stage is where she will truly shine.
I look forward to the day I meet her.”
Her focus was entirely on the racecourse, on Oguri Cap’s value as an Uma Musume.
As for Oguri Cap’s private social circle, especially that ordinary boy Kitano who seemed out of place in the Tracen atmosphere, he had not entered her strategic vision at this moment.
For her, that was just irrelevant background information.
Tokai Teio, having heard from Air Groove about the president’s high praise for this local powerhouse, also developed a strong interest.
“Oh~ An opponent who can make the president care so much?
I really want to see her on the central stage soon!” A competitive spirit began to sprout in her heart.
Mejiro McQueen, on the other hand, maintained elegant prudence.
“A strong competitor from the local circuit?
If she truly comes to the central circuit, the glory of the Mejiro family will face new tests.” She regarded her as a potential opponent to be taken seriously.
So, on the eve of the race, three groups of people, with different thoughts, turned their eyes to the same place.
Kitano checked his itinerary, thinking about how to complete this friend-and-family cheering mission as discreetly as possible.
Marvelous Sunday, Seeking the Pearl, and Narita Brian yearned for the bearing of a strong competitor, preparing to attend a valuable practical lesson.
Symboli Rudolf and her observers, with the eyes of strategists, scrutinized a dazzling new star about to enter her territory.
Unaware of each other, with different goals, they would all, by fate, converge under the same sky because of the white-haired girl’s run on tomorrow’s track.
A grand drama about dreams, growth, and scrutiny was about to unfold amidst much anticipation.
It really helps the fic grow!