"Wow! Everyone's running so fast!" Urara exclaimed.
During today's training, Urara once again finished last. Though she remained undeterred, her results were truly dismal.
"Hey, Teio, McQueen! How can I run as fast as you guys?" Urara asked earnestly.
"Hmph~" Teio puffed out her proud nose. "Alright, Little Urara! Let the great Teio bestow upon you the secret to running like the wind!"
"Mm-hmm!"
"Listen closely! The most important thing is... to run faster than anyone else!"
"Oh!"
McQueen's expression was indescribable. She seemed to have so much to say but swallowed it back with a visible effort.
"Tokai! Teio!" Twin Turbo called out, her voice ragged with exhaustion yet still carrying a powerful resolve.
Dragging her heavy steps, Twin Turbo stumbled before Teio.
"Turbo has finished her endurance run! Right now! Challenge Turbo! To a final showdown!" Twin Turbo gasped out, collapsing to the ground after the final word, her chest heaving with ragged breaths.
"Ha ha! Turbo can't run anymore! But Urara still can!" Urara burst into hearty laughter.
"That's not true! Turbo can still run! Look, Turbo's getting up right now!" Twin Turbo's arms trembled as she struggled to rise, her efforts proving futile.
Twin Turbo, exhausted.
"How's everyone's training going?" Kousei asked.
Kousei and Just a Way were holding sports towels and freshly squeezed carrot juice.
"Same as usual, but Urara was a bit faster than usual today," McQueen explained for Kousei and Just a Way. "As for Turbo, she at least finished her endurance run."
"Urara's really been giving it her all!" Urara chirped, always full of energy and showing no signs of fatigue.
"Really? That's great!" Kousei smiled warmly.
They all gathered in the shade of a tree, Kousei and Just a Way distributing the towels and carrot juice.
"T gave me training plans for Twin Turbo and Urara—specially tailored for them. Would you like to take a look?"
"Wow! A professional training plan! I've never heard of anything like this before!" Urara exclaimed excitedly.
"With this, Turbo can finally beat Teio even faster!"
Assuming they were interested, Kousei handed over the plans.
"Hey~ How come T didn't make one for us too? We have races coming up too, you know?" Teio teased deliberately.
Kousei glanced at Teio. "Really? Even you two renowned geniuses need T's help?"
"I told you, Teio, she's been a bit more... 'outgoing' lately," McQueen said.
"More like she's finally showing her true colors, right?"
The three turned to look at Urara and Twin Turbo, who were engrossed in studying their training plans.
"Have you reviewed T's training plans for them?" McQueen asked.
"Yes, I have."
"What do you think?"
"Urara doesn't seem very comfortable running on grass. It's less about a lack of skill and more about her being unaccustomed to it."
"Wait, are you saying all of Urara's previous races were on dirt tracks?"
"Not all, but mostly. Even on dirt, her performance isn't great. Still, she's full of energy and physically healthy. If she follows the training plan diligently, she should improve."
"But?"
"But Urara is easily distracted-by butterflies fluttering by, clouds drifting across the sky, or even other Umamusume running past her. So T's plan focuses on helping her improve her concentration first. That's why the plan doesn't look much like a traditional training regimen."
"Tailored instruction? That sounds very much like T's style."
"What about Turbo?" Teio asked.
"T's plan is to let Turbo run wild. She can run however she wants, as long as she gradually improves her stamina for completing entire races."
"It sounds like they both need things quite similar to what you need," McQueen said with a teasing smile.
"Indeed, focus and endurance are crucial. When a stamina monster pinned me to the ground, I desperately wished I could maintain my focus and conserve my strength."
"Speaking of which, who do you think is stronger—Narita Brian or McQueen?" Teio asked, piquing McQueen's interest as well.
After careful consideration, Kousei replied, "McQueen has greater raw power. It wasn't until after racing against her that I realized not everyone is as physically strong as she is. Tenmile Cloud, Caesar Rose, and Narita Brian all possess top-tier physical abilities, but none of them can overpower me head-on.
"Narita Brian's pressure is more psychological, especially when her golden eyes glow. It sends shivers down your spine. It's no wonder she calls racing 'hunting'—she's a true predator seeking delectable prey.
"But, considering all aspects, McQueen is currently stronger."
"Currently, huh?" Teio mused.
"Yes. Since the race, Narita Brian has completely lost her monstrous aura. Even if it was merely her shadow, it was a genuine monster. I suspect it was a manifestation of Narita Brian's deepest desires, though I don't know what wish she made.
"Devouring everything, like an abyss—utterly bottomless."
"Aww, that's such a shame," Teio said wistfully. "I wanted to race against Brian too."
"There's no need to rush," McQueen said with a smile, turning to Kousei. "After all, Kousei said 'now,' right?"
"Exactly. After all, she's the strongest Seeker: Narita Brian."