"Cloud wants to challenge McQueen and Teio?"
"Yeah, Senpai, don't you want to?"
Kousei paused. "I tried once and failed."
Twilight Cloud looked surprised. "You actually lost, Senpai?"
Kousei chuckled. "I'm not really that strong as an Umamusume, let alone compared to those two geniuses."
"Is that so?" Twilight Cloud's eyes flickered, unconvinced.
"If you beat them both, Senpai, wouldn't that be the ultimate satisfaction?"
"Hey, are you even listening to me?"
Twilight Cloud giggled and looped her arm through Kousei's. "Enough about that! Let's go have fun, Senpai~"
The Tenno Sho, huh? Something to look forward to.
Twilight Cloud, brimming with energy, dragged Kousei all over the place. By the end of the day, Kousei felt more exhausted than after a full training session.
"Thank you, Senpai! I had so much fun today! I'm off now!"
"Wait! At least leave me your contact information."
"Next time, Senpai!"
Twilight Cloud darted away, vanishing in a flash, leaving Kousei standing alone, bewildered.
"My money..."
In this situation, there's probably no chance of getting it back.
Back in her dorm room, Kousei's mind was consumed by thoughts of McQueen. The Spring Tenno Sho had arrived so quickly, and McQueen had forfeited other races solely for this battle of honor. Teio, in response to McQueen's choice, had also entered the Spring Tenno Sho. Regardless of who won, it would undoubtedly be a historic victory.
As expected, the Twins had captured the world's attention. Whenever they stood side by side, all other generations paled in comparison.
"McQueen should win the Spring Tenno Sho, right? After all, she's the strongest long-distance runner."
Under the perfect moonlight, her thoughts drifted into the distance.
Time flew by, and before she knew it, the Spring Tenno Sho had arrived.
With no training scheduled for the day, Kousei prepared early and headed to Kyoto Racecourse to witness the century's greatest showdown between McQueen and Teio.
Meanwhile, in the Training Room, T was anxiously waiting for someone.
The gate slowly creaked open, and Sirius strode in with a solemn expression.
"You've come?" The Trainer's words seemed addressed to someone else entirely.
A figure strode into the Training Room, none other than the "Emperor" Symboli Rudolf.
"Ah, so it's you," Rudolf said, her composure unwavering.
T smiled, tacitly confirming it.
Rudolf glanced at Sirius. "I wondered who had the audacity to keep my own family constantly occupied."
Sirius seemed particularly detached today. Even facing Rudolf, she merely closed her eyes, acting as if nothing had happened.
"With Sirius's help, things have been much easier for me," T said.
Rudolf didn't dwell on the matter. Instead, she asked, "What exactly are you planning? Don't you think this approach is far too harsh?"
"Harsh? I don't think so," T replied, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Don't look at us through the eyes of an 'Emperor.' This is our path to evolution."
"But is this truly the right way? She's your dedicated Umamusume."
"Indeed, my dedicated partner, my only one. Trust me, Your Majesty, no one loves her more deeply than I do. I'm here to help her."
"Back when I was still a Rookie Trainer, there were situations I was powerless to handle. Now that I've returned, I'll dedicate everything I have to secure her a chance at rebirth."
"To court death for rebirth?" Even Rudolf found this approach excessively risky.
"Her spirit isn't fully mature yet. If..."
"I trust my daughter." T gazed calmly at Rudolf, who was visibly astonished.
"No wonder McQueen and Teio!" Rudolf's concerns vanished instantly.
"Could I ask for your assistance when the time comes, Your Majesty?"
So that's it...
"Alright, I'm in."
Hmph hmph~
Kousei strolled down the street in a relatively good mood. Despite not being on the track herself, she felt genuinely happy about the upcoming race.
"What should I say to McQueen and Teio afterward?"
Kousei was already rehearsing her congratulatory words for McQueen and Teio, completely oblivious to the black figure that suddenly darted past her. She felt a sharp tug as her handbag, filled with cheering supplies, was violently snatched away.
Kousei froze in shock, about to give chase, when she noticed...
Before her stood a mysterious figure cloaked in black, clutching a dazzling handbag. Only a pair of azure eyes were visible beneath the hood. Kousei recognized those piercing blue pupils, and her heart skipped a beat.
It's her!