Chapter 249: Defeat Every Opponent in This Race
Entering the turn.
Kitasan Black tilted her head slightly. In the corner of her vision, a streak of glaring crimson seemed almost within arm's reach.
The crimson figure was unbelievably fast, like a beam of golden light wrapped around the sun itself, charging toward her with unstoppable, thunderous momentum.
As that flash of gold and red closed in, the scene in Kitasan Black's eyes became clearer and clearer—
Silver-gray hair and tail whipped wildly in the wind at high speed. Every strand seemed alive, boldly proclaiming an unyielding will and relentless drive.
Those usually carefree pale pink eyes now burned with blazing light, like a scorching sun, carrying a determination that would never stop until the goal was reached.
Muscles were tense and powerful. With every push of the ground and swing of the legs, the immense strength contained within was visible—like a towering warship that had finally spotted its harbor.
This wasn't the first time Kitasan Black had seen Gold Ship running at full power.
But it truly was the first time she had witnessed it with her own eyes on the racecourse.
And perhaps… the last time as well.
Realizing this made Kitasan Black's heart tremble. Memories suddenly surfaced in her mind.
It was not long ago, when she learned that this Arima Kinen would be Gold Ship's retirement race.
Back then, she had been watching the press conference on television together with her Trainer. As she watched Gold Ship-senpai speaking on the screen, the world around her seemed to spin.
A storm of indescribable emotions surged in her chest—shock, reluctance, sadness, and even a strange sense of panic.
After that, almost without hesitation, she set out to look for her senpai, filled with excitement and confusion.
The rooftop of the school building.
The Three Goddess statue in the courtyard.
The tree hollow where people shared their feelings.
The swimming pool.
The board-game room.
Even the shopping street outside the school…
In the end, she found that familiar figure on the track field.
Gold Ship-senpai… was actually training seriously.
At that moment, the sunlight fell like an assassin through the mottled leaves at the edge of the field. It also shone upon that silver-haired Uma's sweat-covered face and tail, outlining her with a dreamy golden glow.
Without thinking further, she hurried over to senpai. Filled with confusion and urgency, her voice trembled slightly as she asked:
"Senpai… why? Why did you choose to retire now? You… you're still so strong. You could still keep racing on the track!"
Gold Ship didn't seem surprised by her arrival.
Looking over, a faint smile appeared on that face that was usually full of mischief.
That smile carried relief, expectation, and something Kitasan Black couldn't quite understand.
With that expression, the silver haired Uma walked over and gently patted her shoulder, speaking in an unusually steady tone:
"I knew it. I figured you'd come, Kita-chan… Hey, Festa, Orf— I won the bet. Don't even think about backing out."
After saying that with a sideways grin, Gold Ship looked back at Kitasan Black.
"Why retire now…? Well…"
"Some roads, when you've reached the end, it's time to turn around bravely and begin a new journey. That's how I see it."
"I don't know if you can understand that yet, Kita-chan, but…"
Her gaze suddenly grew deep and resolute as she looked into the distance, as if she could already see the path ahead of her.
"Don't forget—I've only announced my retirement."
"But my journey… is far from over."
"There are still races like the Dream Trophy waiting for me. I've just changed my role and will continue running in this zone I love."
Senpai suddenly looked back again, blinking playfully and giving a thumbs-up.
"And besides, I believe in you, Kita-chan."
"You have limitless potential—greater even than mine."
"So in this Arima Kinen, give it everything you've got. Let's fight it out with everything we have."
"Let me run this final race without a single regret, and draw a perfect ending to this chapter of my road."
Kitasan Black could no longer clearly remember what she had answered at that time.
But after that meeting, she secretly made up her mind: in this Arima Kinen, she would fight with everything she had. She would make sure Gold Ship-senpai would not leave the track with any regrets.
She never told her Trainer about those words, or about going to find Gold Ship.
Her trainer had already done so much for her and worked so hard. He shouldn't have to worry about something like this as well.
More importantly…
'It's not just about giving it my all for senpai… and it's not just about defeating senpai…'
'This race is also the beginning of a new journey—for me and for my trainer.'
'So, senpai… I… not only want to beat you…'
'I…'
'I'm going to defeat every opponent in this race!!'
As that roar rang out in her heart, Kitasan Black suddenly felt new strength surge back into her body, which had already begun to grow heavy with fatigue.
With that strength, she maintained her lead in first place and slipped into the fourth turn with barely a moment to spare.
In her perception, every movement she made was perfectly precise. Every breath was taken at exactly the right moment.
The wind roared past her ears like a battle song.
The ground trembled beneath her feet like the pounding of war drums.
Gold Ship was still pressing closer step by step, and every other rival was ready to strike.
But she felt no fear.
Her innocent dreams… the joy of her debut… the relentless effort day after day… the careful preparation for this race… and the promise she made with Gold Ship-senpai in her heart…
All of it now condensed into a single thought.
In this Arima Kinen, she would seize victory with overwhelming strength.
She would make everyone who supported her proud, repay her trainer's efforts with the best result possible, and take her first step onto a brand-new road.
'So whoever it is… come and try to catch me!'
Pushing every skill she had accumulated until now to the limit, Kitasan Black clung tightly to the inner rail and charged toward the exit of the turn. In her heart, she let out another fierce cry.
And several lengths behind her—
Feeling each footfall striking the track, Gold Ship precisely judged that she had already surged up to third or fourth place.
At this moment, her gaze finally locked completely onto Kitasan Black.
Short black hair flew wildly in the rushing wind, every strand distinct and vibrant.
Her Signature Racewear, a festival-style design blending black, gold, and red, shone like a brilliant star in the night.
Her back was straight, posture slightly lowered, rising and falling rhythmically with each stride.
The frequency of her legs pushing against the ground was astonishingly fast, every motion precise to the smallest fraction.
Her arms swung powerfully, perfectly matching the rhythm of her legs, driving her whole body forward at lightning speed toward the final straight.
Sweat flew backward along her hair, her racewear, and her tail. Even though she couldn't see those crimson eyes, Gold Ship could imagine the flames burning within them.
Watching Kitasan Black running with everything she had, Gold Ship felt nothing but satisfaction.
She knew very well that the girl ahead of her possessed limitless potential.
And this race was the perfect stage for that junior to shine.
'As expected of Kita-chan… you've never disappointed anyone…'
Gold Ship murmured to herself, the corner of her lips lifting into the first smile she had shown since the race began.
But in the next instant, a sharp glint flashed through her eyes.
Since you're giving it everything you've got…
Then I, as your senpai… can't afford to hold back even the slightest bit!
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