"Ugh... Tachyon's recent medicine is getting weirder and weirder."
Kousei leaned against the wall, looking utterly miserable. Juggling training with Tachyon's research was already demanding, and while the two often overlapped, Tachyon's concoctions were becoming increasingly bizarre. Though they no longer caused her to shimmer or turn into a guinea pig, they now came with a host of minor side effects.
Take today's dose, for instance. It plunged Kousei into a three-minute hallucination, giving her a first-hand experience of what it felt like to be trapped in a dream.
Still, Tachyon wasn't all abstract experimentation. She occasionally provided practical assistance too. The muscle-relaxing massage oil, for example, was remarkably effective—and it smelled wonderfully of gardenias, like stepping back into her grandfather's house.
Kousei stretched her arms, momentarily distracted, and bumped squarely into someone approaching.
The scene felt eerily familiar; the last time she'd collided with someone, it had been Sirius.
"I'm so sorry! Are you hurt?"
Since Kousei herself was fine, she immediately asked about the other person's condition. When she looked up, her expression instantly soured.
Before her stood none other than the ones from Tracen 4, who had come to participate in the Japan Cup.
Caesar Rose seemed to notice Kousei but showed no intention of greeting her. Twilight Cloud, on the other hand, flashed a knowing smile. Tenmile Cloud remained impassive, while Speedstar, who had collided with Kousei, leaned in as if she had stumbled upon something amusing.
"Well, well, isn't this Central's representative? First time meeting you, and you're... a bit more ordinary than I expected."
Just as the intelligence reports had suggested, Speedstar clearly intended to stir up trouble.
Kousei ignored her and shifted her position to leave, only to find her path blocked.
"What's wrong? Is there something you need?" Kousei asked, feigning ignorance despite knowing Speedstar was deliberately provoking her.
"Nothing much. I just wanted to chat with Central's representative."
"Sure, I'm always up for a chat."
Seeing that Kousei seemed inclined to continue the conversation, Speedstar calmly remarked, "Last time, 'we' lost to Rudolf. This time, our original goal was Tokai Teio—to defeat the one known as 'The Emperor Returns.' But who knew they'd suddenly switch her out for some no-name nobody? What's wrong? Is Tokai Teio afraid to face us now?"
Kousei knew Speedstar was deliberately trying to provoke her. The woman's personality was truly vile.
"What's wrong? Are the representatives from Central hiding in their shells like turtles?"
Kousei scratched her head. "So that's how it is. You haven't even watched our races, have you?"
The sudden counter-question left Speedstar momentarily stunned. Kousei continued, "If you had watched our races, you'd know Tokai Teio stopped being 'The Emperor Returns' long ago. The current Tokai Teio isn't anyone's shadow.
Afraid? Have you ever seen a true King cower?
On the other hand, Central only selected Tokai Teio, yet you four came rushing over. Who's really afraid here?"
Lies wound, but truth cuts like a sharp blade.
Speedstar was about to lash out when Kousei stepped forward.
With a physique honed through rigorous training, Kousei stood half a head taller than Speedstar, pressing forward with unexpected force. The words died in Speedstar's throat, and she involuntarily took a half-step back, tilting her head upward.
"This is Central. What right do you have to act so presumptuously here?"
Though directed at Speedstar, the words were meant for everyone present. Tenmile Cloud cast a sidelong glance, Twilight Cloud's smile grew more bizarre, and Caesar Rose's eyes darkened.
"Caesar Rose, go home and wait for me. I have something to say to you."
The others were surprised; they hadn't realized Caesar Rose knew Kousei.
Kousei left without another word. The remaining gazes shifted to Caesar Rose, who remained thoughtful.
"She seems quite different from when we first met."
Instead of returning to her dormitory, Kousei headed to the Training Room and pushed open the door to find an unexpected guest.
A mature woman stood in the Training Room—not someone Kousei knew well, but not a stranger either. Though they had never met, her name tag identified her as Etsuko Otonashi.
The journalist who wrote Kousei's first article.
"Good afternoon, Kousei."
The sudden greeting startled Kousei into silence. T chuckled from his seat. "What's wrong? It's not like you've never met a journalist before."
While that was true, Etsuko Otonashi held special significance for Kousei.
"Actually, I asked Miss Etsuko to write an article about you. She's planning to ask you some questions. Would you be willing to cooperate?"
Miss Etsuko... T seemed to have a close relationship with Etsuko Otonashi.
"I understand, but please allow me to decline."
This sentence surprised both T and Etsuko, who hadn't expected Kousei to refuse.
"Miss Etsuko's interview should wait until after the Japan Cup!"
In an instant, Etsuko understood. Kousei then turned her gaze to T.
"Trainer, could you please arrange a press conference for me?"
T was stunned. Kousei had always loathed journalists. Why would she suddenly make this request?
"Please, Trainer! I'm begging you!"
Kousei's earnest plea made it impossible for T to refuse.
"Very well. My daughter has grown up and should have her own ideas."
A sudden press conference, its purpose unknown, drew reporters like bees to honey, eager to sniff out a headline. This was Kousei's first time facing the media.
Before she could speak, a swarm of microphones thrust forward, voices clamoring with questions.
Most questions revolved around her views on the Japan Cup and recent online commentary. Some reporters even attempted to guide Kousei toward the answers they wanted to hear.
But Kousei remained silent until the reporters, gradually losing patience, quieted down. Only then did she slowly begin to speak.
"Speedstar."
Kousei slowly extended one finger, its significance yet unknown to the crowd.
"Tenmile Cloud."
As she announced the second name and raised a second finger, some sharp-eyed reporters began to discern her intention.
"Twilight Cloud."
Three fingers.
"Caesar Rose."
Kousei straightened all four fingers. "Four horse lengths," she declared. "I will win the race by four horse lengths, and I will defeat them in the order I have named. Spread this message far and wide. Tell the world this is the declaration of the Central Representative."