After the Tenno Sho (Spring), Kousei took a week-long leave from the Academy. During this time, she remained holed up in her dorm room, avoiding all external news and information.
The scene from the Tenno Sho (Spring) was burned into her memory, as if people's gazes implied she shouldn't exist.
Kousei couldn't understand why Teio had chosen her, especially at such a crucial moment. The Japan Cup held immense significance, not only for the world but especially for Kousei herself.
It was here, at the starting point of her dreams, that a young Kousei had witnessed Rudolf's legendary performance. Kousei never imagined she would one day compete in the Japan Cup herself, let alone under such circumstances.
"Why me?" Kousei asked herself countless times.
This question consumed her every day that week. A G1-winless Umamusume chosen to represent Central—the situation was so absurd, she couldn't even laugh.
Gradually, Kousei began to piece together the bizarre chain of events.
No wonder Sirius had left in such a hurry. No wonder Narita Brian had claimed the matter had nothing to do with her. She finally understood Agnes Tachyon's cryptic words: "Don't compromise" referred to this very situation.
Caesar Rose's farewell, "Until we meet again," was about the Japan Cup. Kousei had foolishly believed she possessed some unique charm that attracted Umamusume, when in reality, they had merely been scouting their opponent.
Everyone knew what was happening—McQueen, Teio, and everyone else—except for Kousei, who remained completely in the dark.
The revelation hit Kousei like a tidal wave. It wasn't until the curtain rose that she realized she had been placed center stage.
The mastermind behind this scheme was no mystery to Kousei: her dedicated trainer, T, the father she so deeply admired.
"Dad, what exactly are you doing?!"
Had all those days of T's frantic preparations been leading up to this moment?
"This is what Dad wanted—to put me in this situation."
The door to her dorm room, long unopened, now felt like a barrier separating two worlds. Kousei knew that even if she opened it, the world outside would no longer be the familiar place she once knew.
Kousei pulled out her phone and began browsing online.
"I can't stand this! What's Central thinking? Why would they let an Umamusume who hasn't even won a single G1 race compete?"
"Let's be real: Kousei is a worse choice than Leo Durban or Dicta Striker."
"Agreed. At least those two have proven themselves. Dicta Striker is even a Derby champion."
"Kousei's support is so low. No one wants her to compete. How can an Umamusume like that possibly carry our dreams?"
"Are we really going to withdraw from the Japan Cup because of this? That would be too humiliating."
"Sigh... Let's just keep pushing forward."
The internet was abuzz with fervent debate, discussions about the Japan Cup dominating social media headlines. At the center of the uproar was an obscure Umamusume who had suddenly become the focal point of public opinion.
Kousei's UG account was bombarded with a relentless deluge of identical messages, flooding every post that had once been filled with her daily updates.
Kousei scrolled through the messages with a blank expression, her eyes betraying neither joy nor sorrow. Suddenly, a private message popped up, and Kousei instinctively reached out to open it, curiosity tugging at her. But just as her thumb was about to touch the screen, she hesitated.
What if the content is something I can't bear to read?
Kousei suppressed her impulse to investigate, though by this point, one more message hardly mattered.
She tried searching for "Twilight Cloud" online, and a flood of results appeared. Clicking through, Kousei found a comprehensive overview of Twilight Cloud's background.
A super-genius from Tracen 44, specializing in the "Pace-Chaser" running style. Since her debut, she has achieved four wins in five races, with her sole defeat being against another super-genius, Caesar Rose.
The media described her as "a runner as cunning as a fox," her name synonymous with unpredictability. Her exceptional physical abilities allowed her to freely navigate the chaotic "battlefields" of the track.
In her latest investigation, Kousei learned that the representatives coming to Central this time, besides Twilight Cloud and Caesar Rose, were Tenmile Cloud and Speedstar.
The former excelled at pursuit, while the latter specialized in escape. From their photos, Tenmile Cloud appeared composed and steady, while Speedstar exuded flamboyance.
After all, Speedstar was hailed as an unprecedented escape genius. Her relentless pursuit-and-escape rhythm inflicted cruel torment on every competitor on the racetrack. No one wanted to race against her, especially if they lacked the strength to counter her. Such a race would become the most nightmarish experience they'd ever wish to forget.
Chase, Disadvantage, First, Escape
With such thorough preparations, Tracen 44 seemed determined to win this time. As the host nation, Central faced immense pressure regardless of who they chose to represent them.
Kousei had already witnessed Caesar Rose's overwhelming power; the other three, though perhaps not as formidable, wouldn't be pushovers either.
Their opponents were advancing with relentless force, leaving no room for survival. Originally, Kousei believed Central wouldn't send her alone, excluding Teio and McQueen. Leo Durban was reportedly sidelined due to injury, while Dicta Striker chose to withdraw.
After the Tenno Sho (Spring), both Teio and McQueen developed anorexia. Their appetites dwindled significantly. Kousei hadn't witnessed the epic battle firsthand, but she was certain both racers had pushed themselves to the limit. Even these two champions showed signs of exhaustion and loss of appetite.
"This doesn't feel like a rookie-level competition at all," Kousei mused. "Even if this race were held at any other level, it would still be considered a spectacle."
The pair had delivered a grand performance for the audience. As a seasoned actress, Mejiro McQueen never takes any performance lightly.
In the end, only Kousei was left to compete.
Two soft knocks came at the dormitory gate. Kousei glanced at the clock—it must be Fuji Kiseki with her meal.
No choice. I can't hide forever without eating.
Kousei opened the dormitory door, but the messenger had already left. She noticed a package alongside the food.
Judging by the wrapping, it must be from T—no one else would decorate a package with Kousei's favorite anime stickers. Her sneakers also sported the same stickers. Apart from her parents, no one else would do such a thing.
Kousei carried the package inside but didn't open it immediately. Instead, she turned on the television and began enjoying her dinner.
Deliberately avoiding other channels, she savored her meal while watching evening anime.
The program continued late into the night. Kousei glanced at the time and began switching channels.
The screen switched to a nighttime program. The hosts were the same two from before.
"Next up is the Japan Cup. The Twins are absent, and the Two Heroes are also missing for their own reasons. The sole representative competing in the Japan Cup is Kousei, whom you've never been optimistic about. What are your thoughts on this year's Japan Cup?"
"I'm afraid this Japan Cup looks ominous. The competition is fierce, and the four powerhouses from Tracen 44 are the ones to watch. They're even more formidable than the Umamusume from other academies, and each is a strong contender for the championship. On paper, Kousei's chances seem slim."
The other host looked surprised. "Slim? So you actually believe Kousei has a chance to win?"
"Yes. Personally, I'm rooting for her to win." His tone was calm, a stark contrast to his usual bombastic style.
"Is that because it's the Japan Cup?"
Whenever the Japan Cup was mentioned, the conversation always seemed to escalate to a certain point.
"No, it's simply because I want her to win."
"Why?"
"My original dream was to be a commentator for Central, cheering on the Umamusume who chased their dreams and witnessing their glory firsthand. But I failed to achieve that. I wasn't selected as a Central commentator and had to take this job to make a living."
His companion paused, clearly surprised—this hadn't been in the script. He noticed the director's warning but ignored it, continuing, "At the Japanese Derby, I saw her standing forlornly in the rain. For a moment, I seemed to see my past self reflected in her. I felt ashamed of my words and began to doubt my work.
That girl is working so hard. I know the malice she faces online—she's not just competing against other racers, but against hatred itself. Yet even after so many days, there's no sign of her giving up.
She must be toiling silently somewhere, striving to reach her racetrack. She'll definitely stand on that track again. In this racing world overshadowed by Geniuses, she shines like a brilliant Star.
Effort deserves recognition. Someone must tell everyone that talent isn't everything.
I want to see her running on the racetrack.
I believe she'll surpass her peak. One day, the world will 'sparkle' because of her."
The broadcast cut off abruptly. He'll likely lose his job for this, I thought.
He maintained his steady gaze, as if meeting Kousei's eyes across the distance.
Just like months ago at the Japanese Derby, Kousei lay curled up in bed, silent, her gaze equally serene.
This "fan letter" that transcended space had indeed reached her.
"I... will not compromise."
The next day, the Gate slowly creaked open.