Chapter 281: The Gold Family's Closing Kick
Running at the back of the pack and striving to catch up, Lucky Lilac felt an overwhelming sense of difficulty.
She had often come to watch the training of veteran runners like Orfevre. After entering her Honkakuka stage—especially while preparing for her entrance exam—she had actively taken part in these sessions.
Originally, she believed she was already quite familiar with her senpai's training rhythm, and felt that joint runs and simulation races weren't that different.
But the moment this simulation race began, she immediately sensed the difference.
Orfevre, who usually had a somewhat cold demeanor, now seemed ignited with fighting spirit. She radiated a sharp, overwhelming presence—each step striking the ground with force as she chased Kitasan Black relentlessly, exuding a determination that wouldn't stop until she reached her goal.
Nakayama Festa had also shed her usual laid-back attitude. Her agile form became even more nimble, her explosiveness on full display, as if she were waiting for the perfect chance to break through and overtake.
Even Dream Journey and Stay Gold—who were typically steady during training—had entered a highly competitive state.
Positioned slightly behind, they lay in wait, constantly observing the changes ahead. Their presence was like flames hidden in the dark—calm on the surface, yet ready to erupt at any moment and strike decisively.
As for Gold Ship, although she had a slower start, the restrained aura she gave off suggested she was preparing to overturn the entire race.
This level of intensity was something Lucky Lilac had never experienced before.
It felt as though the air ahead was being torn apart by her seniors, forming a powerful current that resisted her efforts to catch up.
Each breath felt like a struggle against invisible pressure, making it harder and harder to keep up.
She could clearly feel that this simulation race was nothing like the relaxed atmosphere of their usual training sessions—it carried the same tension and pressure as a real race.
And all of this… likely stemmed from the senpai at the very front—Kitasan Black.
The tight and intense pace of the entire race was driven by that leading presence.
So this is… the strength of an Umamusume who won the Arima Kinen during her Classic year…?
Gold Ship-senpai had done the same before, but…
This feels completely different…
While adjusting her breathing and stride, trying to close the gap, Lucky Lilac couldn't help but marvel at the impact Kitasan Black had brought to this training session.
She realized that if she could endure this level of high-intensity competition and continue honing herself, her future strength would surely improve dramatically.
Just as she was thinking this, a curve approached.
Watching her seniors skillfully enter the turn, Lucky Lilac felt both nervous and excited.
She did her best to imitate their movements—leaning slightly, driving her legs, trying to enter the curve smoothly.
However, due to lack of experience, her angle was slightly off. In an instant, she lost her balance, and her steps became disordered.
Fortunately, she reacted quickly. Relying on the physical strength and coordination she had built through training, she managed to recover—but the brief delay widened the gap between her and the pack.
Coming out of the turn, she didn't even pause to catch her breath, immediately accelerating with all her strength.
Looking at the backs of her seniors—especially the firm and confident figure of Kitasan Black at the front—her heart filled with admiration.
She knew that to catch up to such a powerful senpai, she still had a long way to go.
But instead of discouraging her, that gap became her motivation to move forward.
At this point, the competition on the track grew even more intense.
Orfevre had already begun to close the distance with Kitasan Black. A fiery light flickered in her eyes, as if she might overtake at any moment.
Nakayama Festa was just as unwilling to fall behind. Seizing opportunities, she made full use of her agility, constantly searching for openings on the track, attempting to pass from the outside.
Meanwhile, Dream Journey and Stay Gold remained composed behind them, quietly building up their strength and waiting for the perfect moment to launch their final sprint.
Gold Ship was also charging forward. The heavy yet swift rhythm of her footsteps echoed across the training ground, making the atmosphere of the simulation race grow even more intense.
Standing by the track and watching the race with full concentration, Takatoshi Imanami followed Orfevre and Kitasan Black with his gaze and nodded slightly.
"Orfevre's momentum is building. Kitasan has been leading the whole way, so her stamina has taken a hit. If Orf goes all-out in the final stretch, Kitasan will have to work hard to hold her off."
Makoto also kept his eyes on the track. Hearing this, he nodded and added:
"You're absolutely right, Imanami-senpai. Orfevre's closing kick is among the best in the entire field. If she really unleashes it, it won't be easy for Kitasan to resist."
"But Kitasan has always been strong in stamina and pace control—now it depends on whether she can maintain that rhythm under pressure."
"And Nakayama Festa can't be underestimated either. She's been looking for an opening this whole time, if she catches a gap while Kitasan and Orfevre are battling, she might just overtake them both."
After discussing the frontrunners, both of them shifted their attention to the runners in the trailing positions—Dream Journey, Stay Gold—and then to the back of the pack, where Gold Ship and Lucky Lilac were.
A hint of admiration flashed in Makoto's eyes as he continued:
"Dream Journey and Stay Gold also have excellent closing kicks. And of course, Gold Ship as well… you could say that most of the Umamusume from this family are known for their powerful finishing bursts."
"And they're experienced—they know exactly when to make their move."
"That kind of ability… both Kitasan and Lucky Lilac should try to learn it."
Imanami thought for a moment.
"As for Kitasan, she already has quite a bit of race experience, so improving further should come more easily."
"As for Lilac… she still needs to accumulate more experience and refine her weaknesses."
"In that regard…"
Looking at Makoto sincerely, he nodded.
"I hope you won't hesitate to offer your guidance."
Makoto quickly waved his hands.
"You're too kind, Imanami-senpai. Kitasan's achievements today are the result of her own hard work, as well as the guidance and help from all of you seniors."
"And Lucky Lilac is clearly talented and hardworking, under your careful instruction, I'm sure she'll grow quickly."
"Of course, if I can offer any useful advice, I'd be more than happy to."
Meanwhile, the simulation race had entered its final phase.
Kitasan Black was still in the lead, but her breathing had grown noticeably heavier. Large beads of sweat rolled down her forehead, dampening the hair by her temples.
Even so, her gaze became even more determined. Her pace didn't falter in the slightest—relying on sheer willpower and outstanding endurance, she maintained her lead.
Right behind her, Orfevre kept her eyes locked on Kitasan Black. Her legs moved like rapidly spinning wheels, each step carrying immense force as she steadily closed the gap.
Nakayama Festa spotted the opening between the two and prepared to launch her sprint, aiming to overtake from the inside.
At the same time, Dream Journey and Stay Gold—who had been lying in wait—keenly sensed the moment. Almost simultaneously, they accelerated and surged forward toward the front runners.
And alongside their sudden advance came Gold Ship, who had started at the very back of the race.