As a representative of the new generation, Tokai Teio's words quickly gained momentum. Kashimoto Riko hadn't anticipated that Tokai Teio had already completely transformed from the Tokai Teio she once knew. However, this presented a perfect opportunity for Kashimoto Riko.
By defeating Tokai Teio, she could further solidify the foundation of her Management Education Program, making it easier for students to accept. Conversely, the same held true.
Among the students, Tokai Teio's declaration of war temporarily shelved the Management Education Program, significantly easing their anxiety. The wager between Teio and Acting Chairman Kashimoto became a hot topic of discussion. Despite facing the Student Council Trio, students remained hopeful about the Twins. As for the Villain, while lingering reservations existed, few believed she would lose outright.
After all, her performance in the Japan Cup had been undeniable—a victory that couldn't be attributed to mere luck. The only concern was that her radiant physique might prove to be a vulnerability.
Regarding this, Kousei herself was eating heartily, her health flourishing, and even indulging in extra snacks. While she had gained weight, it had accumulated in all the right places.
Her perfect digestion and absorption served as proof of her robust health.
"Stop eating! You're always eating!" McQueen snatched Kousei's snacks away.
"Hey~ It's just a few snacks! Besides, I don't even eat as much as Riri," Kousei protested, clearly annoyed.
"Listen up! Maintaining a good physique is a fundamental requirement for Umamusume!" McQueen declared, sounding quite authoritative.
"I think I'm doing a pretty good job of maintaining my physique."
McQueen glanced at her—curvaceous, well-proportioned, with a toned figure and even a hint of abs.
She's naturally beautiful, McQueen thought grudgingly, finding no real grounds for argument.
McQueen: I hate people who can eat whatever they want without gaining weight.
"Alright, you two, stop squabbling. Here are the files and race footage for Acting Chairman Kashimoto's Dedicated Umamusume. Remember to study them carefully at home," T said, handing the materials to Kousei and McQueen.
"As expected of T! You can get your hands on any kind of information," McQueen praised lavishly.
"No~ no~" T demurred, but his pleased expression betrayed his modesty.
"Speaking of which, I never knew you had such impressive connections, T. Have you been keeping secrets from me?" Kousei narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"I haven't lied to you. After all, my background is directly tied to your mother."
Kousei considered this. It was true; T had married at lightning speed immediately after retiring.
"I've only grasped some key principles," the Trainer said. "A trainer's job is to help their dedicated Umamusume grow stronger. We'll need to adjust your brilliant training plan—no complaining, okay?"
Kousei would never complain; she was used to rigorous training.
"Speaking of which," Kousei asked, "can't you think of a way to counter Acting Chairman Kashimoto's policies, T?"
"Even if she's just an acting chairman, she's still the Chairman. Trainers can't openly defy the Chairman."
"Oh~ So, secretly is fine, right?"
T gave her a deep look. "You're not going to turn into a bad girl, are you?"
As both a trainer and a father, T suddenly felt a pang of unease.
Leaving the Training Room, they ran into Tokai Teio, leisurely sipping carrot juice.
"Yo-hoo~"
"Yo-hoo?! We agreed to meet here ages ago! You're way past the deadline!"
"Ah! I know, McQueen~ Don't get too angry, you'll gain weight!"
"What?!"
McQueen frantically clutched her stomach, while Kousei stood by, unsure what to say.
"As if gaining weight is possible," McQueen muttered.
-
Cafeteria
Just a Way had arrived early and waved as she spotted the trio approaching.
"Kousei! McQueen! Over here!"
I wish she'd call my name next time, Teio thought. In a way, this was Teio's first real setback.
The group sat together in a circle.
"We've obtained the data, but there's a critical issue," McQueen said, her voice darkening. "According to the Seishun Cup regulations, we need five members. Even counting everyone, we only have three—not enough to form a team."
"That's no problem. If we're short on members, we can just ask Leo Durban," Teio said casually, still relaxed.
"Leo Durban is still recovering. Her body hasn't regained the strength needed for competition."
"Then what about Dicta Striker?" Teio asked again.
"Dicta Striker seems to have voluntarily left Central to participate in Regional Races."
"But she's a Central Umamusume! Why would she willingly go to Regional Races?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but I believe Dicta Striker must have her reasons. She's not the type to give up easily."
"Exactly! Dicta Striker is incredibly strong," Kousei agreed, recalling that powerful figure.
"Wait! What about Sirius? She's always disliked the President anyway!"
Kousei mentally simulated the scenario: Sirius's expression would first be surprised, then confused, and finally settle into complex disdain.
"If you dare to look at my legs, say that again."
Kousei shivered. "Forget it. Sirius would take me out before the race even starts."
Teio shrugged her small hands. "Eh~ What can we do then? Just run a couple more races?"
"No way! You're the one who insisted on using the Seishun Cup team system! Take this seriously!"
"I'm always serious. That was just a joke~ McQueen, you're so impatient~"
Kousei turned to Just a Way beside her. "Way, want to join?"
Just a Way immediately declined Kousei's invitation.
"Sorry, Kousei, but I haven't even debuted yet, so I can't participate."
Only then did Kousei remember that Just a Way, as a transfer student, hadn't yet participated in her debut race. This meant she wasn't yet considered an Umamusume competitor and therefore couldn't participate in any Umamusume-related competitions.
"But... why did Kousei want me to join?"
"Why?" Kousei blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Probably because you're really strong?"
For some reason, Kousei had a hunch that her roommate, despite not having debuted, possessed meticulously honed skills. She was like a precious sword hidden in its scabbard.
Upon hearing this, Just a Way didn't reply verbally, simply shifting her gaze elsewhere.
"How about inviting Palmer and Ryan?" Teio suggested, referring to McQueen's clanmates.
"No," Mcqueen said firmly.
"Why not?"
"Because Grandmother forbids Ryan and Palmer from getting involved. I don't know why, but Grandmother seems to support Acting Chairman Kashimoto's Management Education Program as well."
"Oh? If Mejiro Grandmother opposes it, why is McQueen still here?" Kousei asked, puzzled.
"I'm not sure. Maybe because I acted first and asked for permission later?"
It wasn't impossible. After all, McQueen had always been meticulous about etiquette, and her grandmother wouldn't have expected her to act unilaterally.
"Speaking of which, Bakushin also seems to be banned from participating. I heard her shouting 'Bakushin!' at the Training Track a few days ago, so I went to check. I saw the Sakura Family Head dragging her back, sternly telling her not to enter the Seishun Cup."
The three girls' eyes widened in shock, though they were more concerned about the other piece of news regarding Bakushin.
"How do you know the Sakura Family Head?"
The Family Head was notoriously elusive, rarely showing his face. Even Mejiro Grandmother occasionally made public appearances, but the Sakura Family Head remained completely hidden. How could Kousei possibly know such a reclusive figure?
Kousei suddenly realized the Sakura Family Head was indeed an extraordinary individual.
"Actually, I've known the Sakura Family Head since I was a child. He often visited Kasuga House late at night when everyone was asleep. My parents would prepare lavish meals for him, and my dad always seemed to enjoy their conversations."
The three girls blinked in unison, wondering if they'd accidentally stumbled upon a forbidden secret.
"So... you and Bakushin O are childhood friends?"
Kousei shook her head. "Not exactly. I've known Bakushin O since we were little, but she grew up within the Sakura Clan, while I stayed in the Shopping Street. Our worlds barely intersected; at best, we were acquaintances."
This cleared up one of McQueen's lingering questions: why Kousei had approached Sakura Bakushin O in the first place.
Now that the gossip was over, they returned to their original problem: where to find their remaining two teammates.