After Secretariat and Easy Goer returned to America, Sakuraba spent another few days handling the cooperation between Nishikino and American Academy.
When Principal Nishikino learned that Sakuraba had also secured cooperation with American Academy, he immediately looked ready to drop to his knees and kowtow to him.
Luckily, Sakuraba reacted fast and stopped him at once. Otherwise, he really might have gone through with it.
"As the principal of Nishikino, how can you just casually kowtow to someone like that?!"
"You're different, Sakuraba-san! Kowtowing to you is only right and proper!"
"You—cut that out!"
Sakuraba was not in the habit of letting other people kowtow to him.
...
After handing the cooperation matters over to Principal Nishikino, Sakuraba was just about ready to pack up and head to America.
Sunday Silence's final crown was about to begin. He had promised Sunday Silence he would be there in person to watch the race, so naturally, he would not break his word.
"Come to think of it, if Sunny wins the Triple Crown, should I prepare some kind of gift for her?"
Sakuraba thought it over. Up until now, whenever Sunday Silence won a race, she would ask him for some small condition.
The first time was a hug.
The second time was a kiss.
Then what about the third time?
Sakuraba did not know what Sunday Silence would ask for, but he figured that if he brought a gift in advance, Sunday Silence would probably be happy.
"But what should I give her...?"
Thinking about it carefully, Sakuraba realized that as Sunday Silence's boyfriend, he was actually rather unqualified. Now that he wanted to buy her a gift, he was startled to discover that he did not even know what Sunday Silence liked...
"Still, Sunny's been running at such high intensity lately. It should be fine to buy her something to take care of her body."
"After all, with that much physical exertion from intense exercise, she should eat something to replenish herself."
With that thought in mind, Sakuraba gathered some nourishing items before departure, then boarded a flight to America.
...
The Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the American Triple Crown.
At 2,400 meters, it was the longest race of the American Triple Crown.
For an Umamusume pursuing the American Triple Crown, this was the most important race, and also the hardest.
After all, anyone pursuing the Triple Crown would already have gone through fierce battles in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
And repeatedly taking part in high-intensity races within a single month placed an enormous burden on the body...
"How are your legs?"
Inside the lounge at Belmont Park, Tony Bianca asked Sunday Silence, who was bent over tying her shoelaces.
"No major issues. They feel good."
Sunday Silence finished tying her laces and lifted her head. There was nothing unusual in her expression as she looked at Tony Bianca.
This girl...
Tony Bianca looked at Sunday Silence's relaxed manner and sighed.
Even she had never tried running two G1 races in a single month...
Not only had Sunday Silence done it, she even looked like she had handled it with ease.
In a certain sense, the Sunday Silence of this moment was already an even more formidable Umamusume than Tony Bianca.
"If your condition is fine, then go out there. There's no one in this race stronger than you anymore."
Tony Bianca patted Sunday Silence on the shoulder, her expression filled with gratification.
Seeing her own student become so strong made Tony Bianca very happy.
"Sakuraba is waiting for you in the stands. Show him your best."
"Of course."
That was the last thing Sunday Silence said before walking out the door.
...
"Why aren't you staying with Sunny?"
Sakuraba sat in the VIP seats at Belmont Park and asked Obey Your Master beside him.
"Tony's there, so there isn't really anything for me to do."
Obey Your Master shrugged.
"Besides, in this race, I don't think there's anyone who can beat Sunday Silence."
"True."
Sakuraba had also looked at the entry list for the Belmont Stakes. Sunday Silence's performances in the first two legs had simply been too stunning.
Because of that, quite a number of strong new-generation American Umamusume had chosen to avoid the race.
Everyone knew Sunday Silence was not in peak condition, but...
Still, would anyone really choose to face the currently unstoppable-looking Sunday Silence head-on?
Some would, but very few.
Most rational athletes would choose to avoid Sunday Silence.
"However, that third-generation Big Red chose to enter this race too."
The only one Obey Your Master found somewhat unexpected was Easy Goer.
She had clearly been beaten black and blue by Sunday Silence in the first two legs, so Obey Your Master truly had not expected Easy Goer to insist on clashing with Sunday Silence all the way to the end.
"What kind of resolve do you think she's carrying onto the track?"
"As for her..."
Sakuraba recalled Easy Goer's face.
"Now that she's made up her mind, she might bring us a surprise."
"Huh? Why do you think so highly of her?"
Obey Your Master was a little surprised.
"I thought you'd say Sunday Silence would definitely win."
"I do think Sunny should have no problem taking this race... but I just feel like Easy Goer will probably surprise us."
Sakuraba thought for a moment.
If Easy Goer had truly found her reason to run, then her strength should indeed rise.
As for how far it would rise, he did not know. After all, he was not a professional trainer.
But his intuition told him that Sunday Silence probably would not have such an easy time against Easy Goer...
"..."
Seeing the serious expression on Sakuraba's face, a faint light flowed through Obey Your Master's eyes.
If even Sakuraba said that, then Easy Goer might truly become troublesome.
"But it's only been less than two weeks. Has her strength evolved again?"
"Did she go ask someone for advice or something?"
"Ahem..."
Sakuraba coughed dryly twice.
"In any case, let's watch the race first."
He did not dare reveal that Easy Goer had come to him for guidance before the race.
Although he did not think his advice had been any damn use, he was not about to say it out loud and invite trouble for himself.
"...Fine."
Obey Your Master glanced at Sakuraba.
She had a feeling Sakuraba had done something behind her back...
Was it her imagination?
Forget it. They should watch the race first.
Under the gazes of the two, each harboring their own thoughts, the final leg of the American Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, officially began!
The announcer called out the name of the Umamusume about to appear with the utmost fervor.
"LET US WELCOME—"
"THE TRIPLE CROWN CADIDATED!"
"SUNDAY SILENCE!!!"
---
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