Chapter 204: Kyoto Racecourse, October 25
Only then did Makoto suddenly realize it—Bamboo Memory must have noticed the thoughtful, even worried look on his face and had come over specifically to comfort him.
The realization warmed his heart. At the same time, it gave him an inexplicable boost of confidence regarding the upcoming Kikuka Sho.
Even the idea of "a Classic-year Umamusume challenging for the Arima Kinen title"—something that had sounded almost absurd before—now sparked a faint but undeniable sense of anticipation within him.
After all, for a Classic-year Umamusume to compete for the Arima Kinen was no easy feat.
Veteran senior racers in their older years—more fully developed and far more experienced—stood in the way like towering mountains. To break through that wall was exceedingly rare.
And yet, precisely because it was so difficult, if a Classic-year Umamusume managed to claim victory at the Arima Kinen, it would undoubtedly forge a legend, or at the very least, mark the beginning of one.
Looking back, there was Oguri Cap's glorious past.
More recently, there were the impressive performances of Manhattan Cafe and Symboli Kris S.
And closer still, names like Victoire Pisa, Orfevre, and Gold Ship had all left bold, unforgettable marks on the track.
Thinking of all this, Makoto felt his blood surge with excitement.
But he quickly forced himself to calm down. Right now, the most important thing was still the Kikuka Sho that lay just ahead.
As things stood, Kitasan Black was ranked first in popularity among the entrants for the Kikuka Sho.
If she could win this race, qualifying for the Arima Kinen would be all but guaranteed.
But if she faltered and failed to deliver a satisfying result, disappointed fans might very well cast their votes for other racers instead.
After all, fans were fickle. Whether Classic-year or senior-year, outstanding Umamusume were everywhere, and the competition was fiercely intense.
So, even though there was only one week left until the Kikuka Sho…
No, precisely because there was only this single, crucial week remaining, not a single second could be wasted.
As Makoto was lost in thought, he suddenly heard a series of hurried footsteps approaching from the distance.
"Bamboo-senpai! Senpai! Look—ah? Trainer, you're here too?"
Makoto and Bamboo Memory turned toward the voice to see Kitasan Black jogging over, her face flushed red with excitement.
Cradled in her arms was a plush toy: it had an oversized head, a round, stubby body, pale green skin, and a thick tail lined with dorsal spikes.
At first glance, it looked like a cartoon version of Godzilla, but on closer inspection, it had the adorable, chibi-style face of an Umamusume.
"This is…?"
Makoto felt a strange sense of familiarity and asked instinctively, "Oguri Cap…?"
"Mm-hmm! It's 'Oguzilla'! Roar~!"
Kitasan Black held the Oguzilla plush up to her face and let out a soft, utterly unthreatening roar, one that was cute rather than scary.
Then she tilted her head playfully, beaming at Bamboo Memory.
"Senpai! I caught it for you! It's a present!"
So it was for Bamboo Memory…
Well, that made sense, she really did admire Oguri Cap.
That thought flashed through Makoto's mind.
Just as he was thinking that, Bamboo Memory paused for a moment, then smiled and waved her hand gently at Kitasan Black.
"If you're the one who caught it, then it belongs to you."
She suddenly bent her arm and rolled up her sleeve.
"Anything I want, I always go after myself!"
"I've prepared a full one hundred game coins. I'll definitely catch it!"
After her exaggerated declaration, the smile on her face softened into something warm and encouraging.
"But still, thank you, Kita-chan."
"Keep it as a memento. Do your best at the Kikuka Sho and at the Arima Kinen at the end of the year, too."
"I was just telling your Trainer that I'm really looking forward to how you'll perform in these two races."
Kitasan Black froze for a moment, then excitement flared brightly in her eyes.
She slowly tightened her grip on the plush toy. The doll's simple, goofy face seemed to curve into a smile of its own.
Nodding firmly, she held Bamboo Memory's gaze for a few seconds before turning to Makoto and speaking with absolute resolve:
"Yeah! I'll give it everything I've got. I won't let you down, senpai—and I won't let you down either, Trainer!"
…
October 25 — Kyoto Racecourse.
The grandstands were packed to capacity, a roaring sea of voices filling the air.
Many spectators had queued overnight, rushing into the venue the moment the gates opened.
Posters of Umamusume were everywhere, along with cheering banners and countless faces brimming with excitement and anticipation.
Fans argued passionately about each competitor—analyzing performances, strengths, and weaknesses. Some debates grew so heated they nearly turned into fights.
As a result, the staff were busier than ever.
In addition to breaking up disputes and escorting overly aggressive spectators out, the uniformed personnel were constantly inspecting the track and underground passages, ensuring everything was perfectly safe.
The logistics and medical teams were hard at work as well, while the commentator's voice had long since begun echoing across the racecourse.
"Listen closely!"
"The gears of fate have begun to turn!"
"Today, the final chapter of the Classic Triple Crown—the Kikuka Sho—will decide the strongest of this generation, right here at Kyoto Racecourse!"
"This is no ordinary race!"
"It is a clash of iron wills!"
"A battle of burning souls!"
"The final rhapsody of the Classic year!
"So—"
"Who will place the decisive move upon this board of destiny, rewriting history itself?!"
"Let us await it together, let us witness the moment she carves her name into eternity!"
Even before the race began, the atmosphere had already reached a fever pitch.
Cheers erupted from every corner as fans shouted encouragement for the Umamusume they supported.
A wave of sound powerful enough to lift the roof burst through the stadium. Countless glow sticks surged across the stands like a cascading galaxy, accompanied by cries calling out beloved names.
"Crush everything and become the strongest—Satono Crown!"
"Angel Wing! Unstoppable!"
"Ribbon Victory! Victory for Ribbon Victory!"
"Break through every obstacle—Satono Rasen!"
"Kita! Kita! Kitasan Black! Kita! Kita! Kitasan Black!"
Amid the thunderous roar, in the VIP seating area—
Covering her ears with a wry smile, Bamboo Memory glanced around and said helplessly,
"Isn't this a bit much…? Are crowds really this intense nowadays?!"
She shouted the last part toward the person beside her.
Next to Bamboo Memory stood an Umamusume with a cool expression and long silver-gray hair.
Hearing Bamboo Memory's voice, her ears twitched. She raised five skewers of fragrant charcoal-grilled meat in her hand.
Then she shook the bento bag hanging from her wrist, emblazoned with the words "Gold Ship Bento."
"Want some? It's pretty good. I think it might be worth telling Belno and Rudolf about it, maybe they could collaborate."
"C-collaborate…?"
Bamboo Memory blinked, then laughed.
"I really have to hand it to you, Oguri Cap-senpai. You can still eat at a time like this…"
"This is the Kikuka Sho, you know."
"Mm… you were better off not mentioning the race. Now that you did…"
The Umamusume standing beside Bamboo Memory was indeed Oguri Cap. She pressed a hand to her stomach.
"I think I'm even hungrier now."
"The parade ring hasn't started yet, want to go buy some more food?"