3:30 PM, Louisville International Airport lobby.
"Well, Secretariat, I'll be going now. See you next time."
Polaris Glacier smiled and waved, preparing to board the plane with the Head Maid, Kumi Trainer, and others.
"See you next time, little sister Polaris Glacier."
Secretariat watched them leave, a smile on her lips as she murmured to herself:
"I'll be looking forward to your future performance internationally, Polaris Glare."
Boarding the plane, they arrived at a luxurious single room in first class.
Polaris Glacier sat down on the provided soft bed, ready for the 13-hour flight.
To pass the time, she turned on the TV and watched replays of Horse Girl races.
When she got sleepy, she lay down and slept. When she was hungry, she called the flight attendant for a meal.
If she got bored, she would go to the compartment to chat with the Head Maid and Kumi Trainer, or play various mini-games with Katsuhogi and Oguri Cap.
And so, without realizing it, they successfully arrived at Tokyo International Airport.
After that, they got into the car of the Old Butler, who had come to pick them up, and returned to the Fuchu manor.
May 7th, Tuesday, 7:00 AM.
Polaris Glacier woke up according to her biological clock, and after washing up and having breakfast, she headed to the academy.
Upon arriving at the Student Council room, only Rudolph Symboli was there, routinely processing documents.
"I really didn't expect it, Polaris. You went to America and won their Derby without a word."
The other party smiled, looked up at the Polaris Glacier sitting on the sofa, and said:
"Not just me, Maruzensky and everyone else were very surprised too."
"Now you are also a Triple Crown Horse Girls. Truly, the new era has arrived much faster than expected."
Polaris Glacier listened, pouring herself a cup of tea:
"Hehe, the changes of the era happen without one realizing it."
"Speaking of which, Rudolf, you've already achieved five crowns, haven't you? I haven't congratulated you yet. How about we go out for a meal together sometime soon?"
"Oh? Alright."
Rudolph Symboli happily agreed, then seemed to remember something and continued:
"Oh, by the way, the 19th is Maruzensky's birthday. Let's do it that day and invite everyone."
"The 19th? I remember that day is..."
"Yes, the opening day of the Oaks Stakes."
The Japanese Oaks Stakes, also known as the Oaks Stakes, is the second race of the Three Triple Crown.
"Since it's already expected that you, Polaris, will win, we'll just celebrate together afterward."
"Is that so? Sounds great."
Polaris Glacier thought for a moment, then smiled and nodded in agreement.
By the way, Maruzensky's birthday is May 19th. I should make a note of that.
Logically, the conversation should have ended there, and Polaris Glacier should have gone to class to prepare for lessons.
However, Rudolph Symboli seemed to have thought of something else and tentatively asked:
"Hey, Polaris, can I ask you for a favor?"
"Hmm? Why not just say it directly? That's not like you, Rudolf."
Polaris Glacier took a sip of tea, glancing over with a light chuckle.
Hearing this, Rudolph Symboli smiled and shook her head:
"This matter is not necessary for you, Polaris. You can refuse if you don't want to."
She paused slightly.
"It's like this: I want you to lead the juniors in lap training, by releasing your aura."
This was a special method she had previously envisioned for training willpower and stamina.
"Although it might not be obvious among your peers, there are many Horse Girl among the juniors who look up to you. Wouldn't it be nice to spend time with them and show off your coolness as a senior?"
"Hmm... I can... but Rudolf, are you sure about this?"
The effect of this training was still uncertain, and Polaris Glacier couldn't guarantee anything.
"Let's try it for now. Of course, I still hope you, Polaris, can be gentler."
Be gentler...
"Okay, I understand. I'll make sure the juniors aren't harmed."
And so, the matter was decided.
After that, Polaris Glacier went to class as usual.
Her teacher was very lenient about her frequent requests for leave and specifically congratulated her on becoming a Triple Crown Horse Girls.
The front seat was empty; Mihono Bourbon was likely still recuperating in the hospital.
During the break, Sirius Symboli walked over as usual and chatted:
"It's truly you, Polaris. You've won another G1 victory in less than a month."
"Now you have four G1 trophies, don't you? Congratulations."
Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, Sakura Laurels, Satsuki Sho, Kentucky Derby—four solid G1 victories.
"Thank you, sirius."
Polaris Glacier smiled, subtly observing the Horse Girl in front of her. She felt that something about the other party was different.
How to put it, like she had confirmed a goal and was bravely moving forward?
Just as she was about to ask about the other party's recent situation, she noticed that she had already returned to her seat and was looking at a notebook.
So she had to give up.
In the afternoon, after a day of classes, on the grass training ground.
"Alright, everyone, let's say hello."
"One, two, Good afternoon, Senior Polaris!"
At Rudolph Symboli's signal, a total of ten Horse Girl shouted in unison towards Polaris Glacier in front of them.
Yes, what was decided in the morning was to officially begin in the afternoon.
These ten Horse Girl were all carefully selected by Rudolf, performing exceptionally well, and were also volunteers to participate in this experimental training.
Polaris Glare's reputation was well-known, so it was impossible for the juniors not to be curious.
This was a good opportunity to get to know her and see what it was all about.
"Good afternoon, everyone. You're all very energetic."
Polaris Glacier's 'young lady' persona came into play after a long time, and a suitable smile appeared on her face.
Her gaze swept over them one by one, and she paused when she noticed Mejiro Takamine among them.
"Ahem, our training content is very simple—"
"I'll lead, and everyone will follow behind, jogging at a steady pace around the track until all your stamina is exhausted."
This was the safest method. If the Horse Girl felt uncomfortable, they could stop immediately.
It's worth mentioning that many Horse Girl and Trainers were watching them from the sidelines.
Everyone seemed quite curious about this experimental training.
"Now then, let's begin."
Polaris Glacier said, taking the lead and starting to run.
The Horse Girl exchanged glances and followed suit, forming a single file line.
Seeing this, Rudolph Symboli thought for a moment and quietly went to the very back.
Upon hearing the slightly messy sounds of running behind her, Polaris Glacier immediately released her aura.
However, she didn't go to full power right away but controlled it to drift backward in small amounts.
"Whoa... So the rumors are true... It really feels cold running behind Senior Polaris."
"Stamina is indeed consumed faster. Should I say Polaris Glare lives up to her name..."
Facing Polaris Glare's chilling aura that came from the front, all the Horse Girl' faces showed unusual expressions.
Those further back were a bit better, but those closely following in second place truly felt the cold air on their faces, already unconsciously half-closing their eyes.
Mejiro Takamine was in fifth place, and at this moment, she also frowned slightly, her mind constantly working.
Rudolph Symboli, at the very back, felt a sudden realization and was secretly glad she had joined the run:
"I see. This feeling is truly impossible to understand without experiencing it firsthand."
If she really went against Polaris without any adaptation training, she would probably lose very badly.
Although she didn't want to admit it, the current feeling confirmed this point.
Polaris had an absolute suppressive power over opponents she encountered for the first time, so absolute that there was no hope of winning at all.
On the sidelines, Kumi Trainer watched silently, holding a tablet and recording data.
"Kumi Trainer, is it alright to let Polaris Glacier continue like this?"
Suddenly, a slightly aged voice came from beside her:
"Increasing the juniors' adaptability also means that the uncertainty of future races will increase."
Turning her head, after recognizing the person, Kumi Trainer's lips curved into a smile:
"Trainer Hira, you don't need to worry about that."
The newcomer was none other than Hirahira Ginjiro, one of Central's well-known Trainers.
"The young lady's victory will not be shaken by helping other Horse Girl. I believe that from the bottom of my heart."
"Believe..."
Hirahira wore special glasses, making it difficult to discern the expression in his eyes:
"With Polaris Glacier's strength... it is indeed possible to have expectations and trust."
Their conversation wasn't long, and Hirahira watched for a while longer before leaving.
On the track, the team of Horse Girl led by Polaris Glacier gradually completed the first lap.
Happily, no one dropped out, and everyone still had the stamina to continue.
However, just past the halfway point of the second lap, Horse Girl began to fall off to the side from the front, one after another, unable to keep up.
They bent over, hands on their knees, panting heavily.
Some even lay flat on the grass, looking like oysters.
As Horse Girl in front dropped out, those behind followed, until almost everyone was exhausted.
As for why it was 'almost,' that's because Rudolph Symboli was still continuing.
It was only then that Polaris Glacier realized that this newly crowned Five Crown Horse Girl had actually blended in.
"What? If I had known you were here too, Rudolf, I would have released more of my aura."
"Hehe, I'm sorry. Seeing the Horse Girl run, I couldn't help but want to follow."
And just as Polaris Glacier said, she truly released Polaris Glare's chilling aura at full power during the subsequent slow run.
Rudolph Symboli went from being composed at first to gradually becoming breathless, and finally stopped at the end of the third lap.
"So, Rudolf, what do you think about the effect of this training?"
Standing on the sidelines, taking a sip of water from her thermos with a straw, Polaris Glacier asked.
"I think it's very good. It can train both resistance to aura interference and stamina."
"As for willpower... that might vary from person to person."