Kousei, having no serious injuries, recovered quickly and was soon back in training. The new training plan prepared by Trainer T remained as rigorous as ever, though she now merely raised an eyebrow before diving in.
Originally, Kousei had planned to invite Twin Turbo to train alongside her, but Sirius dismissed the idea with a glance at the training schedule.
"Parallel running is fine, but the training? No way."
It was ironic: Kousei had once trained alone for lack of friends, and now that she had a friend, she still had to train alone.
Sirius didn't linger. After giving brief instructions and leaving carrot juice and massage oil, she departed.
Kousei always took her training seriously. In the initial adaptation phase, it took her a full day to complete the grueling program, but she never complained. Seemingly lacking other hobbies, she would finish training, eat a carrot-and-meat burger, shower, and change clothes, thus ending her day.
Day after day, she watched the sun rise and set. Unless there were unexpected circumstances or Trainer T's scheduled rest periods, you'd rarely see her anywhere but the Training Track.
Kousei continued her rigorous training as usual. To be honest, even she found T's new training regimen almost unbearable. One reason might be the increased emphasis on endurance training, but McQueen, determined to uphold the glory of the Mejiro Family, would never settle for less.
Even without exchanging a word, Kousei knew McQueen's next goal: to dominate the Tenno Sho (Spring) and strive to become the "Greatest Long-Distance Runner of All Time." If she could achieve an unprecedented consecutive victory, forging an unparalleled legacy, the title of "Greatest of All Time" would no longer be a mere aspiration.
Kousei's performance in long-distance races had been disastrous. Her unique Gate Technique and running style caused her to expend stamina at an abnormal rate. In adverse track conditions, this weakness only worsened.
Therefore, Kousei hoped T would help her improve her long-distance capabilities. She firmly believed that by taking steady steps, she would one day stand alongside McQueen again.
"I won't let anyone else have the Tenno Sho (Spring)—this crucial stage!"
Kousei steeled her resolve, gritted her teeth, and charged forward once more.
The golden afterglow of the setting sun streamed across her face as training concluded.
As Kousei sipped her carrot juice, preparing to leave, she suddenly noticed a figure standing by the track's railing.
Kousei paused, startled. The person standing there was none other than Acting Chairman Kashimoto Riko.
Kashimoto Riko stood with her arms crossed, calmly observing Kousei. Her face was slightly red and swollen, as if she had been standing under the scorching sun for an extended period.
Humans aren't as resilient as Umamusume. While Kousei could withstand the sun's harsh rays, Kashimoto Riko clearly couldn't. Though Kousei had never experienced sunburn herself, she had heard that it was an extremely painful condition for humans.
Thinking this, Kousei couldn't help but walk toward Kashimoto Riko.
"Acting Chairman Kashimoto, you seem to have gotten sunburned. You should go to the Infirmary as soon as possible."
Instead of responding to Kousei's concern, Kashimoto Riko retorted, "Your training regimen is completely unreasonable. I believe it goes far beyond the scope of proper training."
"But this is the plan my Trainer devised for me," Kousei replied.
Kashimoto Riko's brow furrowed deeply. "Unbelievable! A plan proposed by a Trainer? Listen carefully: true training means maximizing an Umamusume's potential while minimizing the risk of injury. Forcing an Umamusume to push her limits through dangerous methods is putting the cart before the horse. Protecting the Umamusume and ensuring they can complete the Twinkle Series—that's what a Trainer should be doing."
As expected, Kashimoto Riko harbored an obsessive protectiveness toward Umamusume. Kousei understood why Kashimoto Riko was looking at her; she must already know about Kousei's situation.
"But my abilities have undeniably improved, proving my Trainer's training plan is effective."
"Such a plan is entirely unnecessary. I'm equally confident I can elevate your abilities to their peak. If you're willing, join Rapid. With the Chairman's authority, I'll become your new Trainer. Abandon this dangerous plan—I'll devise a safe and effective one for you."
Kousei never imagined Kashimoto Riko would extend such an olive branch at this moment.
Kousei remained silent, while Kashimoto Riko's gaze burned with sincerity. At least her concern for the Umamusume was genuine.
"If I follow Acting Chairman Kashimoto's guidance, will I be able to defeat McQueen?" Kousei suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
Kashimoto Riko opened her mouth to reply, but no words came. Kousei smiled, unsurprised. "Acting Chairman Kashimoto possesses all the qualities of a top-tier Trainer. In terms of skill, you must far surpass my own Trainer, right?"
"If that's the case..."
"But my Trainer would never say no to me, nor would he remain silent. When I told him my dream, he'd laugh heartily and say, 'Alright! Let's go for it together!'"
If you want everything, you'll end up with nothing.
"The scenery we pursue lies far beyond the limits. Who could have imagined that the stumbling, repeatedly defeated Umamusume who struggled to debut would one day claim victory in the Japan Cup?"
"You said you wanted to become my Trainer, right? Then look at me."
Kousei met Kashimoto Riko's gaze, her eyes burning with unwavering resolve.
"My dream is to 'surpass the peak'—to become the Umamusume who carries the dreams of everyone on her shoulders. Can you believe in me and help me achieve that? Can you guide me firmly, again and again, showing me the way? In your heart, do you see me as the Umamusume who will surpass the peak? Can you bear the weight of this dream?"
The barrage of questions left Kashimoto Riko speechless. She couldn't answer whether it was "yes" or "no."
A meager talent dreaming of surpassing the pinnacle, a villain's role bearing the weight of such a dream.
Yet Kashimoto Riko had no doubt that the Umamusume before her was utterly sincere, truly striving toward her dream.
Can I help her achieve her dream? Kashimoto Riko asked herself repeatedly.
She found no answer.
"I don't know what mindset Acting Chairman Kashimoto had when proposing the Management Education Program, but I want to tell her—the past will punish those who become too deeply mired in it."
Kashimoto Riko's pupils trembled slightly, a flicker of pain crossing her face. Kousei didn't elaborate further and turned to leave. A resolute expression settled on Kashimoto Riko's face.
I know all too well the pressures of competitive life.
I know all too well how fragile the bridge to one's dreams can be.
I know all too well how cold the dark path ahead can be.
I will uphold managerialism. That is what I, Kashimoto Riko, must do.
"You can't win. Bitter Glasse and Little Cocon are too strong. Symboli Rudolf, Air Groove, Narita Brian—even the Student Council is on our side. Nothing will change."
You can't win. I'm sick of hearing that.
His retreating figure showed no sign of turning back.
"You've got it all wrong," I said to his back. "We're not trying to beat you. You're the ones trying to beat us."