"This is an international clash at Central Tracen,"
"Surrounded by supporters."
Hishi Amazon was already warming up under the shelter by the track, rain or no rain. Umbrellas packed the training course, fans cheering their favorites.
Amazon grinned at her teammate. "How about it, Narita Brian—good today?"
Brian stretched, clamping her left hand in her right elbow and pulling right. In the last race, under the winner's stage, she'd realized that underestimating Stardust Illusion was an insult to those who crave victory.
As apology, she was ready.
Even if she broke both legs today, she would answer with everything—show Stardust Illusion the strength of the "shadow-shrouded monster!"
[Wow! It's starting!]
[This much-anticipated Japan–France showdown—will the French girls unleash Europe's power, or will Japan spring surprises and shock the Arc's tyrant?!]
[Today's course simulates Tokyo: 2400m, counter-clockwise, rain, heavy going! Eight French horse girls and seven Japanese gather to fight for the win—who will emerge?!]
The MC's voice filled the grounds. Amazon felt a heavy aura on her shoulders and turned—
Rumble—rumble—rumble…
The pressure seemed to thicken into black substance around the eight emerging from the tunnel.
Nearly all tall, limbs corded with muscle—physiques off the charts.
Even Taiki Shuttle, the biggest in Amazon's squad, seemed a shade smaller.
[Speaking of the French exchange team, we must say the tyrant—Noblesse! Everyone remembers the heartbreaking Arc and the blood-pumping Japan Cup!]
[She leads the team to Japan again—what ending will she write?!]
[Next, don't overlook this runner—High Intelligence!]
[Hailed as France's brightest this year and fancied for the French Triple Crown, her power cannot be ignored!]
"Ah! Why bring up the Japan Cup?!" Special Week yelped. "—I'm retired!"
"All right, Special Week. El Condor Pasa hasn't said a word. As our national champion, stop whining," Nishizaki Ryū patted her head.
To him, this would be decided by stamina. Gold Ship and Mejiro McQueen had an edge there, so he'd laid out plans accordingly. Now he stood with the team in the rest area, watching.
The French were the eye-catchers, already in the drizzle. One was petite, but the rest towered—stamina and power types. Could McQueen and Gold Ship compete?
Didn't look great…
Nishizaki frowned with worry.
————————————
"Japanese turf… is hard," High Intelligence stepped onto the course and frowned.
With this rain, a French track would be soft and sodden.
But her foot found the ground still firm—mud tug there, but nothing like their training.
The unfamiliarity wouldn't faze a runner like her; experience would adapt. But her friend was the least experienced type. She glanced over. "Zhuofu, how is it?"
Zhuofu had both hands on her lower back, bending backward until almost folded in half—limber as if boneless. "It's true—harder here. But it's fine—I train on streets, too. I can adapt."
"Anyway, I'm just grateful Noblesse brought me. Whatever the course, I'll run all-out!"
For her, standing on the track was enough. Only one thing remained—
A long-awaited duel with Stardust Illusion!
[Now the Japanese runners enter in turn!]
Though not an official meet, the MC introduced them by popularity:
[Third in popularity—Mejiro McQueen!]
[The Mejiro scion hailed as the long-distance sovereign—she won last year's G1 Kikuka Shō over Shiraishi, once again defending Mejiro's long-distance honor. At 2400m today, will she shine with noble grace? Look forward to it!]
McQueen strode in from the tunnel, rain beading on her hair, eyes steady.
[Second—Taiki Shuttle!]
[The 'mile king,' but far from limited to that. In the last race she fought to the wire—her stamina and acceleration hit like a bullet to the heart. Can she avenge that loss today?!]
Mention of her prior defeat didn't faze Taiki Shuttle. Wearing her lucky cowboy hat, she raised both hands and waved warmly to all sides.
[And first in Japanese popularity—Stardust Illusion!!!]
At the announcement, the stands exploded. Winter rain couldn't dampen the heat.
Everyone at the academy knew her now.
A week ago, they'd witnessed her thunder-and-wind run and her self-proclaiming winner's stage—etched deep impressions.
Seeing her entrance, cheers converged, nearly drowning the MC—
[Since losing her debut, she has front-ran all-out every race—and never lost! Fresh off a win over six—including Taiki Shuttle—what will she show today? Will the dragon of wind and thunder blaze again?!]
[Let's send our cheers as the fifteen enter the gates!]
"OOOOOOOO!!!"
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