Who is she? Why did she steal my bag? Why is she dressed like that in broad daylight? Questions like these sprang up in Kousei's mind like bamboo shoots after a rain.
A smile crept into the black-clad figure's eyes as she suddenly turned and fled. Though Kousei didn't know the situation, her quick reflexes kicked in, and she immediately gave chase.
With that speed, she must be an Umamusume too.
While Central imposed restrictions on Umamusume, prohibiting them from running at full speed outside designated race tracks, they had still established special lanes on public roads for these swift-footed athletes.
The black-clad figure didn't hesitate to climb into the Umamusume-only lane. Though the speed limit was the same for both, her head start allowed her to maintain a consistent distance, neither too close nor too far.
As the number of pedestrians dwindled, Kousei followed the black-clad figure to an abandoned residence. Both came to a halt, and the black-clad figure glanced back with a mocking smile. "You actually followed me all the way here."
The taunting tone ignited Kousei's fury.
"Hand over the bag before I call the police."
"Sorry, that was a bit rough~"
The black-clad figure tossed the bag carelessly, which Kousei caught just in time. She glanced inside, relieved to find everything intact.
Now that she had the handbag, Kousei saw no point in lingering and turned to leave.
"So eager to leave? Don't you want to chat? Like, why I'm doing this?"
"No."
What could possibly be more important than watching the Spring Tenno Sho?
Kousei had barely taken two steps when she felt a sudden wave of oppressive energy. Her left foot seemed ensnared, immobilizing her. Looking down, she saw a vine that had inexplicably sprung up, coiling tightly around her leg.
Kousei's eyes narrowed dangerously. This sensation was all too familiar—Mental Power, or Gate Technique.
"Who are you? What do you want?"
"Finally, you're willing to listen to me."
The black-clad figure chuckled softly and removed their disguise.
Dazzling golden hair caught her eye, shimmering brilliantly at first glance. Under its radiant glow, he seemed draped in a sacred mantle, his towering figure rivaling even Sirius in majesty.
The slight smile on his face reminded Kousei of someone she'd met months ago: Twilight Cloud.
This woman, however, exuded an even more mocking air, her gaze sweeping down from her superior position.
"First time meeting you. I'm Caesar Rose. I believe you've met my other companion, Twilight Cloud."
Kousei suddenly remembered. Twilight Cloud's peculiar accent clearly mirrored Elu's, the cadence of returned overseas Chinese.
While Twilight Cloud's accent might have been slightly misleading, Caesar Rose's was unmistakable.
No wonder Kousei had found Twilight Cloud unfamiliar; she was entirely an overseas Umamusume.
"You use the Gate Technique too?"
Caesar Rose feigned realization. "Ah~ you mean this? Is that what you call it? I just thought of it as a fun little toy."
"What?!" Kousei's pride in her Gate Technique crumbled as Caesar Rose dismissed it as a mere plaything.
"I've seen your races. It's your signature move. Though I know nothing about the Gate Technique itself, disrupting or intimidating others with Mental Power is child's play for me. You call this a 'weapon'?"
These words weren't born of malice; her innate talent had simply placed her on a different plane from others from the very beginning.
Whether intentional or not, she couldn't coexist peacefully with Kousei, who knew that such a person could never be a true companion.
"You're so chatty."
A wave of oppressive energy crashed down as crimson eyes blazed behind Caesar Rose. An invisible hand tightened around her neck, accompanied by a guttural growl. An Evil Ghost loomed, its eyes burning with predatory intent.
"This is your true nature."
Caesar Rose struggled to breathe, glancing sideways to meet the Evil Ghost's gaze. A faint smirk tugged at her lips.
With a surge of indomitable will, the Evil Ghost recoiled as if struck by blinding light, howling in agony as it dissipated.
"Not bad, though. Perfect for provoking others~"
Kousei froze, momentarily stunned. This was the first time she had encountered an Umamusume capable of shattering mental restraints with sheer Mental Power alone.
"So the so-called Gate Technique is nothing special after all."
Caesar Rose maintained a playful demeanor, viewing the Gate Technique with mere curiosity.
"I'd never seen it at Tracen 44 before, so I came to check it out. Turns out it's nothing impressive."
Tracen 44? Kousei had never heard of such a term before.
"You seem unfamiliar with it," Caesar Rose said, noticing Kousei's confusion. "There's more than just one Tracen in the world. Where I come from is Tracen 44. This place is Tracen 1, the origin of everything, so it's called Central."
Though Kousei didn't know how far Tracen 44 was, the numbering suggested it wasn't particularly close.
"You sailed across the ocean just to tell me this nonsense?"
"How can you call it nonsense? I know you sensed me the day we arrived, didn't you? At first, I didn't think much of it, but Twilight Cloud kept nagging me about it, so I decided to come see for myself."
"If that's the case, why didn't you just come normally? Or do all the Umamusume from Tracen 44 have a habit of doing things this way?"
"Hehe~ Sorry," Caesar Rose said, though her tone lacked sincerity. "We have very strict travel restrictions, so I had to sneak out when I got the chance. If I get caught, I'll be in big trouble."
"Travel restrictions? What exactly are these guys doing here?" Kousei frowned unconsciously.
"You didn't come to Central because you're interested in me, did you?"
"Of course not. You were just a coincidence. To be honest, even I was a bit surprised," Caesar Rose said, her smile fading as she seemed to be contemplating something.
"It's almost time. I've lost interest in you anyway. Farewell, though I'm not expecting to see you again."
Caesar Rose resumed her disguise and strode away without looking back.
Kousei remained rooted to the spot, clenching her fists.
"Gate Technique is more than just Mental Power!"
It seemed her opponent had underestimated more than just her Gate Technique.
Kousei suddenly snapped back to her senses, exclaiming in alarm, "I almost forgot about the Tenno Sho! It's all Caesar Rose's fault for showing up at the worst possible time!"
She rushed off, desperate to reach the Tenno Sho before it started. Missing it would drive her crazy with regret.
Kousei sprinted frantically down the highway, glancing at her watch to see that the Tenno Sho had already begun.
Cursing under her breath, she abandoned her fan gear and gradually opened up her running stride.
Having no idea where Caesar Rose had taken her and struggling with electronic devices, Kousei had to ask several elderly women for directions before finally figuring out the way.
Fortunately, though unfamiliar with the route, Caesar Rose hadn't taken her too far.
"I can still make it! Before the race ends!"
Fate, however, had other plans. Traffic congestion severely slowed Kousei's progress.
By the time she frantically arrived at the Kyoto Racecourse, a roar of cheers had already erupted from the crowd. In an ironic twist of fate, Kousei walked forward, her spirits sinking.
The crowd chanted Mejiro McQueen's name—it seemed the clash of talents had ended with Mejiro McQueen emerging victorious.
Kousei watched the two figures on the track, locked in a moment of mutual respect. Despite her loss, Tokai Teio showed no bitterness, offering McQueen her congratulations before witnessing the radiant glory up close.
"I'm sorry, McQueen. I didn't make it in time... I should have been here."
After a moment's thought, Kousei resigned herself. No matter. Today is McQueen's day. I'll just stay on the sidelines and cheer for her.
Reporters surged forward, desperate to capture the first glimpse of the crowning moment.
"Miss McQueen, how do you feel about winning the Tenno Sho!"
McQueen didn't answer immediately. Instead, she looked up as if searching for someone, her gaze pausing when it landed on Kousei.
Kousei smiled and waved, signaling that she was right there. McQueen returned a knowing smile and calmly proceeded with the interview.
Beside McQueen, Teio also smiled at Kousei. Though Kousei hadn't been able to witness their race, seeing their smiles made the trip worthwhile.
"Alright, that concludes the interview. Thank you for your time, Miss McQueen."
"Please wait a moment."
The reporter, who was about to leave, was suddenly stopped by McQueen.
"What is it, Miss McQueen?"
"Teio has a few more words she'd like to share with everyone."
Tokai Teio cleared her throat and struck a poised pose. The reporters exchanged puzzled glances. They often struggled to decipher the eccentric genius's thoughts.
On the other hand, they also adored her precisely because she consistently delivered compelling and unpredictable content.
"What could Teio possibly want to say?"
"I have no idea, but if it's Teio, she's definitely brewing something extraordinary!"
Despite their complete ignorance, the crowd's expectations for Teio knew no bounds.
"What is Teio planning now?" Kousei wondered, naturally among the crowd.
The microphone was held out, and the crowd leaned forward expectantly.
"As you all know, I was scheduled to represent Central in this year's Japan Cup. However, due to personal reasons, I must withdraw from the competition."
This announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd.
"What?! The Japan Cup! What will happen if Teio doesn't compete?!"
Panic gripped the crowd.
"Wait! We still have McQueen! McQueen can do it!"
"Yes! McQueen!"
Like grasping at a lifeline, the crowd began desperately chanting McQueen's name.
"I regret to inform you that I too cannot compete in the Japan Cup."
This final blow crushed all remaining hope. The joy of witnessing the Genius's performance vanished completely, and Kyoto Racecourse fell into a deathly silence.
"But don't worry," Teio continued, rekindling a spark of hope. "I have already selected a replacement for the Japan Cup. She is the best choice in my mind, and she will not disappoint you."
Teio's words ignited anticipation once more. The crowd eagerly awaited to learn which member of her generation would step up.
The world held its breath, tense with anticipation. Only Kousei felt a creeping sense of foreboding.
As if on cue, Teio's gaze met Kousei's. A smile flickered across Teio's face as she raised her arm and pointed.
"Kousei."
Like a thunderclap, her premonition materialized. Kousei froze, her heart pounding wildly. Her legs trembled—fear.
It's here.
It's here.
Kousei instinctively took half a step back, just as she had foreseen. Around her, heads swiveled in unison like marionettes, and in the same instant, a dozen daggers plunged toward her. The malice in their eyes far outweighed their surprise.
The silent Kyoto Racecourse was now shrouded in a rising tide of resentment.
Though she had done nothing wrong, she had become the target of everyone's ire.