Kashimoto Riko's policies directly impacted Tracen Academy, creating an oppressively tense atmosphere even in cultural studies classes.
Since the cafeteria incident, the atmosphere around Kousei had grown even heavier.
The pent-up resentment needed an outlet, and no one cared whether she was right or innocent.
"The academy's become like this! How can you even eat?" Kousei heard this question countless times each day.
"Why wouldn't I eat? I'm still growing," Kousei replied casually, taking large bites of her rice ball.
Just a Way, sitting beside her, remained unfazed, focused solely on eating.
The person who had asked the question wanted to say more, but Kousei silenced them with a glare.
"Are you here to eat? Or to pick a fight with me?"
Having undergone a transformation, Kousei no longer cared about rumors or malice. If bearing the title of "Villain" could ease their pain, she was willing to shoulder the label.
After the person slunk away, the others, witnessing the scene, didn't dare approach.
"Ever since the Japan Cup, you've become even more headstrong," Just a Way remarked.
"Oh? You mean I've become more like a genius?" Kousei heard this as a compliment.
"E-eh? What exactly does 'genius' mean to you?" Just a Way asked, sweating nervously.
"Someone who does as they please, unconventional, arrogant, and who looks down on everyone."
"Uhm... isn't that a bit too harsh?"
"Is it?" Kousei looked puzzled. "At least, that's how all the geniuses I've met have been. McQueen, Teio, the geniuses in Group 44, President Rudolf, and Narita Brian. Though they all act differently, their unbridled arrogance is undeniable."
Just a Way smiled knowingly. "That's just how things seep into you over time, I guess."
"What do you think of Acting Chairman Kashimoto's new training policies? Do you have any ideas?"
"Hmm? Way, you don't like Acting Chairman Kashimoto's new policies either?"
"Ah? Do you like them?"
"No, I don't."
A moment of silence hung between them.
"So... aren't you going to do something about it?" Just a Way ventured.
"Why should I?"
This question left Just a Way stumped. "Don't you care about your reputation?"
"You mean this? I don't really care," Kousei said with a nonchalant air. "I've realized being the villain is way easier than being the hero. Look at me—I'm the Invader and the Ghost. Doesn't that scream 'villain' to you?"
"But Kousei, wasn't your dream to become the Umamusume who carries dreams and going beyond the peak?"
"True, Way. I know what you're getting at. But what does 'going beyond the peak' even mean? Is it beating the strongest rivals? Or achieving undefeated dominance? When it comes down to it, what is the peak?"
Faced with Kousei's counter-questions, Just a Way fell silent.
"I don't know, Way. I used to think that beating President Rudolf would mean surpassing the peak. But after everything I've been through, I realize it's not that simple. The peak isn't some easy achievement. Even if I beat President Rudolf, I wouldn't become the Umamusume who carries dreams.
"President Rudolf's embodiment of dreams is a unique honor, reserved solely for Symboli Rudolf.
"'We have finally touched the world'—there's only one person who can claim that title.
"Teio has broken free from Rudolf's shadow and forged her own path. I can't keep basking in Rudolf's glory either."
"Way, I must forge my own path. Someday, I will carry the dreams of everyone."
Just a Way was speechless, her brilliant eyes shining with sincerity and passion, her mind utterly focused.
"Why? This contradicts everything I know," Just a Way murmured.
"Moreover, I won't need to lift a finger. Someone else will naturally take action."
"Who?"
"The strongest, most invincible, most arrogant genius."
As their eyes met, Kousei flashed a mischievous smile.
Time slipped away like a fleeting shadow.
Kashimoto Riko had completed her preparations for the Management Education Program and was ready to formally announce its implementation that day.
The entire Student Council was present, their determined formation signaling their resolve to enforce the reform.
"Alright, I believe you all already understand the purpose of this gathering, so I won't elaborate further. Now, I hereby announce—"
"Hold on! Excuse me! I must interrupt!" A slightly childish voice cut through Kashimoto Riko's speech.
Holding up her hand, she stepped forward from the crowd with a casual yet imperious demeanor, embodying her name.
Tokai Teio.
"Acting Chairman Kashimoto, I oppose the Management Education Program."
Tokai Teio openly declared her opposition. Of all people, it had to be Tokai Teio, Tracen Academy's most renowned genius.
Kashimoto Riko knew that policies fiercely resisted by the majority would never achieve their intended effects.
Therefore, Tokai Teio's emergence came as no surprise to her.
"Tokai Teio, why are you opposing this?" Kashimoto Riko asked.
"Why? Because if Acting Chairman Kashimoto's policies are implemented, I'll never be able to play with McQueen and Kousei again!"
Teio's answer was utterly unexpected, a childish remark in such a serious situation.
"Did I hear that right? You're opposing this just to play with your friends?"
"What else would it be for?"
Kashimoto Riko's brow furrowed deeply. Just as the rumors said, Teio was an utterly self-centered "Emperor," completely disregarding all other considerations. If she wanted something, she would simply do it, say it. Yet, she was a genius, and with that came the right to act as she pleased.
"I understand you disagree with my ideals, but the Student Council has unanimously approved these policies, including Her Majesty the Emperor herself, who also supports my vision."
"What?!"
Kashimoto Riko's statement immediately caused a massive uproar. As if to validate her words, Rudolf stepped forward.
"Acting Chairman Kashimoto's words are true. The entire Student Council supports her ideals from their individual perspectives. In other words, her philosophy has been unanimously endorsed by the Student Council."
Rudolf's words struck like the fall of a gavel, delivering a decisive verdict.
"How is that possible?! How could the President possibly agree to such a philosophy?!"
The students were baffled by Rudolf's actions. Their gazes shifted to Narita Brian and Air Groove, but neither showed any signs of discomfort, seemingly genuinely aligned with Kashimoto Riko's vision.
Teio deeply admires Rudolf. If Rudolf herself stands on this stage, Teio will undoubtedly agree as well.
Kashimoto Riko had anticipated Teio's appearance and prepared this as her trump card.
"So you knew about this all along, President?" Teio challenged, her voice rising.
"Indeed. I also believe Acting Chairman Kashimoto's Management Education Program is necessary," Rudolf replied calmly, without hesitation.
The atmosphere suddenly grew tense, punctuated by a cold laugh.
"If that's the case, then I must reject the President."
"What?" Kashimoto Riko exclaimed, incredulous. According to her research, Teio should idolize Rudolf.
"Listen well! I, Tokai Teio, hereby reject everything, including the Student Council and Acting Chairman Kashimoto!"
Her arrogance knew no bounds, devoid of even a hint of humility.
"Since you reject us, I will reject you in turn. Acting Chairman Kashimoto, let's race. We'll use the abandoned Seishun Cup team system. Train your most confident Umamusume using your prized Management Education Program and challenge me. If you lack confidence, bring the entire Student Council. I'll defeat you all."
Her extreme arrogance was undeniable, yet no one dared dismiss it as a joke. This was Tokai Teio, the very same Umamusume who had publicly thrown down her glove at Rudolf!
"Let's settle that race once and for all, Emperor."
"Wait a minute! Are you trying to challenge the entire team all by yourself?" Kashimoto Riko's composure finally cracked.
"Oh? Who told you I was alone?"
Cling-clang—cling-clang—
The crisp sound of horseshoes echoed.
Right! If Tokai Teio is here, then those two must be here as well!
The Empress raised her eyes, her tone hostile. "You're going to meddle in this, McQueen?"
McQueen brushed a strand of hair aside, her movements elegant and unhurried. "What I do is my decision alone. Besides, with Teio stepping forward, I have no reason to hide in the shadows."
Narita Brian bared her sharp teeth. "You've come, Kousei."
Kousei waved dismissively, shrugging. "After all, I'm the Villain. If I missed an occasion like this, everyone would miss out on half the fun."
Almost simultaneously, the six unleashed overwhelming auras. The massive, swirling phantoms that materialized overhead instantly evoked memories of the Kikuka Sho.
Reunited once more.
Let's launch our strongest assault against the ancient Kings of the road.