December 21, dawn, Nagoya Training Grounds.
"Stardust Phantom, over here a moment."
Rokuhei called to her by the rail just as she finished the first joint run and was about to start the day's program.
"Coach? Change to today's plan?" she asked, slightly breathless as she trotted over.
She truly respected him: he tangibly raised her level and even took care of everything beyond training so she could focus.
If he weren't planning to retire after Oguri's farewell race, she would already have begged him to become her official trainer.
"Tomorrow is your maiden—basically your second debut. Ready?" he asked with a grin.
"I… I'm ready!"
She hesitated a heartbeat—she still hadn't once caught Oguri Cap these days.
But she quickly reminded herself: Oguri was a Hall-of-Fame horsegirl, and tomorrow's race was the miracle-laden Arima Kinen.
Her own event was a mere maiden, not even a graded stakes.
"Don't worry, Coach. I'll prove your program works!"
Her white-tipped ears flicked, and she added with a confident lift of the brow.
"Haha, that's what I like to hear."
He patted her shoulder, pleased.
"Coach, I've told you: just call me Stardust. That's what my sister calls me."
Rokuhei smiled. "I prefer 'Stardust Phantom.' It's more formal. As a trainer, I give every horsegirl due respect; never forget that."
"So what about Oguri Cap? You always just say 'Oguri,' don't you?"
"Hahaha—she's different. She doesn't feel like 'my horsegirl'—more like a granddaughter."
Watching Oguri on the track, his eyes softened with memory.
"At first, my idiot nephew asked me to look after her. Over two years, I've poured in… extra feelings. Hah, just an old fool."
"Sorry—people my age ramble." He cleared his throat and returned to business.
"About tomorrow's race: even for a maiden, don't get complacent—use it to declare your arrival toward your goal."
Stardust Phantom blinked. "Declare…?"
"Haven't you already made a promise to that little girl—Tokai Teio?" he tilted his head, smiling.
"In that case, you need an entrance that turns heads. When you stand atop the winner's podium, announce this: you're challenging that genius, Central's 'Emperor the Second.'"
"Isn't that a bit too flashy?"
She wavered. Say that out loud and it wasn't just about her and Teio anymore.
It was practically a declaration of war on Teio's backer Symboli Rudolf, maybe all of Central.
After all, Teio was the anointed prodigy for next year's undefeated Triple Crown attempt.
"Hahahaha. What's wrong with being flashy?"
Rokuhei laughed, glancing at Oguri guzzling an energy drink.
"Oguri did the same. If you want the Triple Crown, how can you fear a little pressure? Those are the strongest fields every year."
"Do what I say. It'll pay off—trust me."
He turned and met her eyes squarely.
The Emperor told me you could be the next Cinderella—the icon for every Local horsegirl.
If that's the path, you must become a Hall-of-Famer. Stardust Phantom… can you do it?
"Can you grant this old man's presumptuous wish?"
"Since you put it that way, how could I refuse?"
She rolled her eyes, then sighed.
"Alright. I just hope Teio won't think I'm clout-chasing."
"Relax. That kid's sharp. After running with you, she knows what kind of person you are."
He waved away her worry and pointed to the course.
"Back to it. Today's your last day under us before Oguri's race. Go run."
"Right—today I'm going to pass Oguri at least once!!"
"This kid… finally locked in," Rokuhei murmured, stroking his chin.
If Stardust Phantom really used the champion's glow to publicly challenge Teio, the press would dig up that near-miss loss. They'd run with the Local-vs-Central angle—maybe even crown her Oguri's successor, bearing Oguri's unfulfilled Triple Crown dream.
When that day comes, Oguri and I will give you a push.
Once they see your running—and how your form mirrors Oguri's—anyone who ever cheered Oguri will hope you finish what she could not.
And then… you'll feel how many people stand behind you.
Those voices will surge like a tidal wave across the Triple Crown stage.
When it breaks… will you be drowned—
or will you catch it and ride it to the summit?
Let this old man watch and see.
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