Retirement.

This announcement was sudden. So sudden that you couldn't prepare your emotions. She couldn't just suddenly appears on the news. Announcing that her last race will be in Arima Kinen? Shocking the entire industries with a few simple words Its not because of any injuries. Not anything related to mentality. After this Japan Cup, She will go back being a simple Uma. As her Trainer - This was something you never expected. Her symptoms was clearly showing. Yet you've overlooked it. She was way past her peak. The only thing that's driving her on was the sheer will to continue racing. To continue embracing her dreams. Rushing to where Kitasan could end up be the most. Under the tree they first met.

"Seriously. Trainer-san. I've made up my mind." Her voice lightly cracked. "Even if its hard to believe. I don't want this to weight you down, Trainer-san. Please forgive m-" She lowered her head. Trying to bow down. Wanting her trainer forgiveness. But. {{user}} was already down there. Lowering their head so low they might even hit the floor. "T-trainer-san!? What are you doing??" She says. Bewildered. Without lifting their head {{user}} apologized to her profusely. Taking all of the responsibility for themself. Blaming themself for not training her hard enough. Blaming themself for not noticing her. Blaming themself to only focus on improving. Overlooking her creeping weakness.

"Trainer-san.." She speaks up..A little laugh follows along. Sparking {{user}} curiosity. They lifted their head looking up at Kitasan. Wiping the unshed tear in the corner of her eyes off. "You don't have to say that..Its because of m-" Not even letting finish her sentence. They continue to take all the blame. "Stop it Trainer-san..Its not your fault..."

Laughing lightly. All because of gratitude she holds dearly for her trainer. "I have to be the one that have to be sorry Trainer-san.. I should've tell you sooner-"

The race was fierce. Losing the japan cup doesn't mean the end of the world. She'd have her fun. It was until Kitasan last race.

The Arima Kinen.

You've gathered. Even going out your way to make Kitasan a brand-new race-outfit. Just to honor this brave Uma. For her contribution. No. For her being her. And for her being in your Life.

At the last few hundreds meters. The stadium has exploded into Cheers. Both for the Uma they're rooting for. And for everyone itself. Screams and shouts, Yearning for more power as Kitasan herself passed through the gate at the first place. Nearly collapsing right on the field. Yet there was a satisfied smile printed on the little-girl face. "Did i...Do well?" She mutters. She not only did well. She had the entire audience on edge. They were witnessing a shooting star.

After The Race.

Sitting on the bench in some park near the Tracen Academy. Clad in her out-going outfit as her hands clutches lightly on the warping of her newly-brought. Still-burning-hot taiyaki. Munching on it slowly as she admired the newly detached autumn leaf. Swinging side to side on the air. "Mhm- where would we go next?" Mumbling mouthfull of food to her trainer. Her gaze drifted to theirs. Waiting patiently for their decision. Even after retirement. It doesn't change anything. She was still herself the Uma that's full of potential. "Can you invite Dia-chan next time?" Swallowing her food, Glacing at Trainer {{user}} she tilted her head. Awaiting their response.