Chapter 174: A Comprehensive Physical Examination
By the time the winner's stage came around that evening, Makoto already had a plan in mind.
If his memories weren't mistaken, Duramente's accident in the parallel timeline had indeed happened while she was out to pasture—meaning during a rest period outside of training and competition.
In that kind of situation, there wasn't much that could be done, but it wasn't as though there were no options at all.
For example—a comprehensive physical examination.
Unlike the routine checks done after training sessions or races, a full examination covered far more areas. It might uncover hidden issues that were difficult to detect in everyday training, and thus minimize the chances of an accident—or misfortune—occurring.
Coincidentally, Almond Eye should now undoubtedly be entering her full-fledged prime. This made it a perfect opportunity to take Kitasan Black along for a comprehensive checkup as well.
At that point, he could naturally invite Duramente too. Given how his relationship with Air Groove had steadily grown closer over the past few months, it likely wouldn't be refused.
Not long after settling on this idea, Makoto received a message from Air Groove.
After glancing at Duramente on Kitasan Black's other side, he pondered for a moment before replying. Then, as he watched the performance, he continued discussing matters with Air Groove.
Once the winner's stage ended, the crowd surged with activity, people everywhere talking animatedly about the day's races and the evening's performance.
Duramente, too, was chatting with Kitasan Black and Almond Eye, her expression unusually animated. But as she casually lifted her gaze, her body stiffened instantly.
"The senpai's performance… huh?"
She'd barely finished speaking when Kitasan Black noticed something off and looked over, puzzled.
"Dura-chan, what's wrong—"
The next second, following Duramente's line of sight, Kitasan Black also froze, the corners of her mouth twitching awkwardly.
In the distance, hurrying through the crowd and approaching them, Air Groove wore a deeply furrowed expression filled with exhaustion and anxiety.
She was dressed in a black business suit skirt, as though she'd rushed over straight from some meeting. Fine beads of sweat dotted her forehead.
After catching her breath for a moment, her helpless gaze first fell on Duramente, then shifted to Makoto, where gratitude surfaced in her eyes.
She then raised a hand to wipe the sweat from her forehead. Her expression softened into apology as she looked back at Duramente once more.
"So… can you come back with me now? Whatever it is, we can talk it through slowly…"
"…No."
Wearing a stubborn expression she'd never shown before, Duramente—who had been frozen stiff just moments earlier—jerked her chin reflexively and looked away.
"I already… promised to race with Kitasan Black. I…"
"I don't want to be someone who breaks promises."
"Break promises…"
Repeating the words instinctively, Air Groove unconsciously glanced at Makoto.
Makoto wasn't unable to understand how Duramente felt right now.
Trying to persuade Duramente in this state would be no different from going back in time and trying to persuade his younger self.
And he knew all too well that, just like the promises he'd made with friends at that age—no matter how silly or childish they might seem in hindsight—the moment those words of promise were spoken, the resolve to see them through had been absolute. No amount of persuasion would have worked.
So, Air Groove-san… you see, there's really nothing I can do either…
His head started to ache.
For a moment, the air around them seemed to freeze solid. The noise of the crowd and the excited chatter were cut off, leaving only an awkward, oppressive silence.
Seeing the dilemma clearly written on Makoto's face, Air Groove opened her mouth as if to say something, but instead merely rubbed the edge of her suit jacket and let out a silent sigh.
Duramente continued to hold her chin high, her gaze fixed elsewhere. Her body was taut, as if ready to fight at any moment, every inch of her radiating a quiet, unmistakable refusal to yield.
Kitasan Black and Almond Eye had long since stopped their excited chatter. Now they looked at each other, their small faces filled with helpless confusion, clearly unsure of what they should say.
While his head throbbed, Makoto felt his scalp start to tingle as well. All of a sudden, he felt grateful that his own trainee had, from beginning to end, always been obedient and sensible, never creating an atmosphere this suffocatingly awkward.
"It's okay, Dura-chan."
Rather abruptly, Kitasan Black—who had been at a loss just moments ago—took a deep breath and smiled at Duramente.
"Even if you go to race in the Arc de Triomphe, we… should still be racing together."
Like rust flaking off old machinery, Duramente's body shuddered, and she slowly turned her head, her face full of disbelief.
"Kitasan…"
"It's because of what we said, right? I mean—promises, vows…"
Light flickered in Kitasan Black's eyes as she spoke softly. "That's right. We promised each other—next race, the one after that, and all the races after—we'd keep racing together and settle who's better again and again."
"That's how it is, isn't it, Dura-chan?"
"…Yes."
The disbelief vanished from Duramente's face, replaced by solemn resolve. "I won't break our promise."
"I know. I've always believed you."
Kitasan Black's gaze grew brighter as she reached out and took Duramente's hand. "But racing together… doesn't mean we have to be on the same track, right? That's what I think."
"The Kikuka Sho is in October, and the Arc de Triomphe is also in October."
"And they're both G1 races."
"Since the timing lines up and the level is the same, then—"
"Let's compete."
"Let's see whether I win the Kikuka Sho, or you win the Arc de Triomphe."
Duramente's eyes lit up instantly, like embers flaring back to life. Bit by bit, fighting spirit surged into those violet-blue pupils.
She lifted her chin slightly, meeting Kitasan Black's gaze head-on. Once more, she carried the air of someone ready to charge into battle, her whole body radiating fearless resolve. Even the twitching of her ears and the swaying of her tail seemed to proclaim her hunger for victory.
"If we both win, then how do we settle it?" she asked sharply.
"…I never really considered the possibility of losing, but—"
Surprise and amusement flashed briefly in Kitasan Black's eyes, and her own gaze burned just as fiercely.
"That's the Dura-chan I know."
Her crimson eyes shone like twin stars, brilliant and dazzling. With a sweeping motion of her arm, Kitasan Black shouted at the top of her lungs:
"Then we'll keep competing in the next race!"
"Didn't we promise?"
"The next race, the one after that—our rivalry will never be so easily brought to an end, Duramente!"
At Kitasan Black's declaration, Makoto's pupils shrank and his eyes widened unconsciously. He instinctively looked toward Air Groove beside him.
Just then, he met the surprised look in her eyes—the same astonishment he felt himself. He couldn't help but smile and took two steps back.
Almost in perfect sync, Air Groove followed.
"Kitasan Black… I really envy her."
Air Groove spoke first. She shook her head gently and let out a soft laugh. "She's truly so mature. Compared to her, Duramente is really…" She trailed off, shaking her head again.
Understanding Air Groove's helplessness and envy, Makoto felt an abrupt flicker of pride rise in his chest.
But it quickly faded as another thought came to mind.
"Sorry you had to see that, Air Groove-san." Since they'd grown closer, this was how he always addressed her.
"By the way, I've been planning to take Kitasan Black and Almond Eye for a comprehensive physical exam soon. Does Duramente have anything like that scheduled?"
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