Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 50 In the name of Mejiro

Green sleeves, white and green, a round of

It was just a light colorful dress, but when I held it in my hands, it felt as heavy as Mount Akan.

Carrying countless glories and dreams, he races across the field under the name of "Mejiro".

Today, a story that had already ended has opened a new chapter.

My breathing became unconsciously heavy.

"Are you nervous?"

In the preparation room, Hattori, who was wearing the same colorful clothes, asked with a smile.

“It’s more than just some expectations.”

Ochiai shook his head slightly.

Having anticipation for the game was an emotion that was unimaginable before.

Although it's not to the point of disgust, I just treat it as an ordinary job.

An ordinary level of effort is sufficient.

As for winning or losing, there is not much obvious feeling.

And so it goes, year after year.

When did this situation begin to change?

I don't remember much anymore.

"Thank you, Hattori-senpai."

He said in a somewhat hoarse voice.

The use of owner-decided winning clothes in this race was initially a unilateral proposal.

Even the horse owners were surprised by the sudden proposal.

As a senior rider, Hattori chose to support without hesitation.

"Haha, I'm glad you can relax."

As if he had misunderstood something, Hattori smiled and scratched the back of his head with the whip.

Then he walked aside and chatted with other riders.

In addition to supporting younger generations in the same stable, there is also a longing for past history.

Perhaps, this is the reason why Hattori, as a senior, also changed his colorful clothes.

What about yourself?
There is no sentimentality or anything like that about that special title.

But in the situation at that time, the suggestion of changing colorful clothes came out unconsciously.

Maybe it’s because of the anticipation.

In the reviewing field, that unexpected thank you;

In the stands, the support is offered without any purpose of winning or losing;

There are also gray and white figures giving their all on the field.

I have expectations for such a camp.

It seems that some places that once withered are sprouting again.

"Come on, Hattori-senpai."

"Same to you, Genta."

Fastening their helmets, the two people in the same colorful clothes took steps at the same time.

Under the lights, the reviewing ground looked pretty much the same as usual.

The sound of shutter clicks came one after another with almost no sign of stopping.

Outside the railings of the reviewing ground, there were more reporters than usual during a big event.

It didn't take much effort for Ochiai to find the ashy-haired guy who was posing with a smug expression in front of the camera.

Wearing a very conspicuous number "1" on the back.

"Keep trying, Genta!"

As he climbed onto the horse, Kobayashi, the stable attendant wearing a black suit from the Japanese retailer, encouraged him.

Holding the reins, Ochiai nodded silently.

On the other side, Hattori also found Mejiro Sakuya.

He patted the deer-haired horse's head, then climbed onto its back with the help of the stable attendant.

His eyes paused briefly on the delicate braids of hair.

This is a masterpiece created by Masaru Ogawa a few days ago.

In addition, amulets obtained from Monbetsu Shrine were hung in front of the two stables.

Although Ogawa Kana laughed at him for being useless, he still did it.

Arriving at the competition site, the boy watched the two horses from afar through the railings.

"You must be safe and sound."

Ogawa Katsumi prayed silently. After the riders mounted their horses, the inspection tour began, circling around them.

Two racehorses in the same colors approached one after the other.

"Please, both of you."

Kitano bowed deeply and saluted the two riders.

Ochiai responded skillfully, and Hattori nodded with a smile.

The two figures gradually walked away.

Kitano didn't look away until both horses had left the reviewing field.

He slowly let out a long breath.

Then, walk towards the stands.

On the way, I met Ogawa Masaru, who was also wearing a suit in the hot weather.

"It seems that Masaru has a lot of confidence in Pegasus and Sakuya."

he said with a smile.

"Of course! After all, I watched them grow up—"

Ogawa Katsu responded in a relaxed tone, but his hands and feet were walking in the wrong direction without him noticing.

"Don't be too nervous."

Kitano patted the boy's slightly trembling shoulder.

"I-I'm not nervous!"

Ogawa Katsu immediately retorted, a faint blush tinging his ears.

"By the way, Kitano-san, the one performing today is Industrial High School!"

The boy changed the subject somewhat awkwardly, then lowered his voice furtively, "I heard that the girls in this school's wind band are all very cute!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Kana Ogawa, who came from behind, twisted his ear.

"While it's no surprise that your head is filled with pornographic garbage, please at least restrain yourself a little in this situation."

The girl in the black dress gave a somewhat scary smile.

"It hurts..."

Ogawa Sheng looked at Ogawa Jang on the other side with an aggrieved expression: "Dad, please take care of this violent girl!"

"Ha, the track conditions look good today, Mr. Kitano."

Ogawa Jō put his arm around Kitano's shoulders and pointed to the white sandy ground nearby.

"yes--"

Kitano nodded in agreement, the muscles on his face trembling slightly.

In the rear, Xuhe siblings soon started a new round of open and covert fighting.

On the starting tower, the starting committee member in a white suit raised the small flag in his hand.

The sound of trombone, sousaphone, bass drum, and other indistinguishable instruments followed.

"Sorry, please give way."

It took a while to squeeze through the crowd of people holding their phones high in front of the railing.

When I arrived at the stands, I heard applause.

It is said that the very cute girl in the wind band has already left the stage.

Although I didn't care too much about it, I still couldn't help feeling a little sorry.

"President Kitano!"

In the front stands, several members of the cheering group recognized Kitano under the "MEJIRO" banner.

"Go well in today's game!"

"Pegasus will definitely win—"

"Make sure to finish the race without any problems!"

Kitano raised his hand and waved, acknowledging their support.

When I finally sat down in the stands, my back was soaked with sweat.

However, I'm starting to get used to this experience.

"The twelfth race at the Menbetsu Racecourse, today's highlight, the third Future Star Menbetsu, a Grade 1 race in Hokkaido, 1,200 meters, with twelve runners."

The live broadcast sounded much more serious than usual.

"The weather at the parade ground is sunny, and the ground is in good condition."

"At both ends of the Mejiro Crown, the riders are wearing white and green victory uniforms."

Looking towards the direction of the track, both Mejiro Hirama and Mejiro Sakuya entered the gate very smoothly.

"Okay, the Third Kirei Ascension has also entered smoothly."

"Everyone has entered the gate, and the staff have dispersed--"

(End of this chapter)