"You know, Rampage, can't you run long distances?" Nature asked out of the blue.
"It's not that I can't," Rampage replied coolly. "I just don't."
The Kikka Sho was fast approaching, and Nature had brought up the topic as they chatted. Rampage's longest race to date was the Japan Cup at 2400 meters. The Arima Kinen, at 2500 meters, would likely be her upper limit.
"If I really wanted to, I could probably handle the Tenno Sho's 3200 meters," Rampage continued, her tone brimming with confidence. "Heck, I'd make it work."
"Then why not?" Nature pressed.
"Simple. I can't go all out."
Sure, Rampage could gut out 3200 meters if she had to, but could she run at 100% the whole way? That was dicey. Trainer Minami had pegged her long-distance aptitude at a B—2500 meters was already pushing it, and anything beyond that would start to wear her down.
"I ain't like Palmer with endless stamina," Rampage said with a wry grin. "If I tried, I'd probably have to hold back to 80 or 90% to even make it to the end."
"Ohhh, I get it now," Nature said, nodding.
"Exactly. Plus, I'm not used to it. I've got no plans to force my way into the Tenno Sho."
Rampage wanted to race at her absolute best, but since her training had always been geared toward the Tiara route, long-distance regimens weren't part of her routine. The 2500 meters of the Arima Kinen—practically a middle distance—was the only reason she was even considering it.
"So, what about you and the Kikka Sho?" Rampage asked, turning the question back. "You feeling confident?"
"Hmm… I'd say I am, but also I'm not," Nature replied with a playful shrug.
"So, basically, it's iffy."
"You nailed it!"
Nature's stamina was more than enough to tackle the Kikka Sho's 3000 meters, but the Kyoto Racecourse was another beast. The infamous Yodo Hill, with its steep incline, demanded a carefully crafted strategy.
"I was thinking about a long spurt," Nature mused, "but that hill's a problem…"
The ascent wasn't the issue—it was the sharp downhill. Unlike Rampage or Ikuno, Nature lacked the raw power to cut sharply inward against centrifugal force. If she kept her spurt going, she'd drift wide. But slowing down on the hill to stay tight risked losing her lead, especially on Kyoto's short straightaway.
"You've got Shinzan's iron in you," Rampage pointed out. "You've got some power, don't you?"
"Nah, compared to you or Ikuno, it's peanuts," Nature laughed. "But stamina? That I've got. So, a long spurt… a long spurt…"
Her words trailed off, and she fell silent, lost in thought. Rampage waited, sensing she'd hit on something. Then, Nature's next words made Rampage's eyes widen in disbelief.
"Are you serious?" Rampage asked, blinking.
"Dead serious. Super, mega serious," Nature said with a grin. "I've got some amazing role models, so I know I can pull it off."
"It's a solid strategy, sure, but… isn't it a bit too long?"
"I'll make it work. Just starting the spurt early won't win it. I need to give that timing some real weight."
Rampage sighed. "…Fine. Let's run it by Minami."
Nature's plan was bold—almost reckless—but it could catch everyone off guard. Paired with her natural talent, it had a real shot at working. They took it to Trainer Minami, and to Rampage's surprise, she gave it the green light.
"So, Rampage, you're helping out too," Nature said with a cheeky smile.
"…Yeah, yeah, fine."
And so, the entire Canopus team rallied behind Nature's strategy. It was a gamble, but they hoped it'd pay off. The day of the Kikka Sho arrived at Kyoto Racecourse, buzzing with a massive crowd. All eyes were on Teio, who was chasing a Triple Crown. If she won, it'd be the second consecutive year of both Classic and Tiara Triple Crowns—a historic feat.
"The autumn stage sets sail into uncharted waters—the main event, the Kikka Sho! The final battle of the Classics! Will the tears shed be of triumph or regret? The weather is clear, the track in perfect condition—a pristine day for racing. And today, like the recent Shuka Sho, a Triple Crown is on the line! Just like Mejiro Rampage's undefeated Triple Crown last year, we're watching to see if Tokai Teio can become the second horse girl in history, after Symboli Rudolf, to claim an undefeated Classic Triple Crown! Or will her rivals stop her in her tracks? Whatever happens, this Kikka Sho will be etched in history!"
As gate-in time approached, the horse girls gathered, hearts pounding in anticipation.
"Nature," a voice called.
"Teio," Nature replied.
Tokai Teio, the undefeated two-time Classic winner, fixed Nature with a fiery gaze, her presence radiating determination to settle the score.
"I'm not losing," Teio declared. "No vague finish like the Derby. Today, we'll see who crosses first—clear as day."
"Bring it on," Nature shot back, her voice brimming with excitement. "I'm honored you're coming at me with that kind of fire, Teio."
With that, they took their places at their gates, the air around them crackling with intensity. The other horse girls swallowed hard, some slapping their cheeks to refocus. Nature stole a glance at Teio's legs.
("Just as I thought—her basic training's paying off. Her legs are sturdier than before.")
Teio's legs showed defined muscle and resilience, proof she'd kept up her fundamentals even after Minami's training camp. Nature felt a thrill—she was facing a true powerhouse. Most would dread a strengthened rival, but Nature couldn't help but grin. If I'm gonna win, it's gotta be against the best.
"The Classic season reaches its final showdown! Which horse girl will claim victory? All have entered their gates… and they're off!"
The Kikka Sho had begun. The stands erupted, cheers echoing through the stadium. The 3000-meter Classic final, a grueling first for these horse girls, was no ordinary race. Yodo's 4-meter elevation change, known as the heart-crushing hill, demanded stamina, speed, strategy, and sheer willpower. Only the greatest could conquer it.
"A clean start with no one lagging! Who'll take the lead? Oh! It's Nice Nature, bursting out front! Known for her long spurts, she's made an unexpected dash! Meanwhile, the favorite, Tokai Teio, hangs back, biding her time!"
"She's fleeing?" Rampage muttered, stunned. "That's way out of left field!"
Okino, watching nearby, echoed her surprise. Even with two big-escape runners on their team, Nature's style was completely different. Using a teammate's strategy to throw off the competition was one thing, but to pull it off in a G1 race like the Kikka Sho? What was Minami thinking?
"Well, well, Nature," Teio murmured, a spark in her eye. "That's bold. I'm game—let's see how this plays out."
"Come on, Teio," Nature thought. "Show me if you can grab that Triple Crown."
The Kikka Sho had kicked off with an electrifying twist. Nature surged ahead in the 3000-meter marathon, with Teio in pursuit. How would this final Classic showdown unfold?
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