"The second race is about to start. We should decide who's going to run soon," said McQueen.
Twin Turbo eagerly raised her hand. "Me! Turbo wants to run!"
"Urara too!"
It seemed both Urara and Twin Turbo were brimming with enthusiasm.
"Who do you think Acting Chairman Kashimoto will send out for the second race?" McQueen asked Kousei.
"Hmm, probably Little or Bitter Glasse," Kousei replied.
"Oh? Why do you think so?"
"Since we won the first race, Acting Chairman Kashimoto will likely want a victory too."
"Wouldn't it be better to have the President run?"
"Maybe, but just as we want to show her something, she probably wants to show us something as well. Little and Bitter Glasse are her dedicated Umamusume and her strongest voices. If either of them wins, it would definitely demonstrate Acting Chairman Kashimoto's unwavering resolve to everyone."
Kousei's reasoning made sense.
"I think the President will run last," Teio suddenly declared. "Since Acting Chairman Kashimoto knows I'll challenge the President, putting her last means we might not have to face each other at all."
"Ah, the arrogance of a genius," McQueen said with a disdainful look.
In Kousei's eyes, McQueen had no right to criticize Teio. The "Twins" were equally gifted geniuses.
"Turbo's going to race! No matter who it is, Turbo's gonna win!" Twin Turbo declared confidently, hands on her hips.
"Urara can join too~ Urara will give it her all, no matter what she runs!" Kousei was certain Urara hadn't understood a word.
"I want to participate in the second race," McQueen suddenly announced.
Everyone turned to look at McQueen, surprised she wanted to race so early.
"Are you sure you're ready?"
Kousei's unspoken concern was clear: McQueen's leg injury hadn't fully healed. Racing later would give her several more months to recover.
"Of course! Who do you think I am? I can't always race under ideal conditions. I want to see the scenery I've never seen before."
Seeing Kousei's silence, McQueen countered, "Are you trying to talk me out of it?"
"No, not at all," Kousei smiled faintly. "If we always acted rationally, we wouldn't be ourselves, would we?"
"You've got a point."
They exchanged knowing smiles, and it seemed no one had any objections.
"Alright! Turbo'll let you have the first race!"
"Urara will cheer for you!"
McQueen glanced at Teio, who simply smiled before looking away.
How strange-the Elite heiress is starting to resemble them more and more.
"You seem to have met Acting Chairman Kashimoto privately a few times. What do you think of her?" McQueen asked, settling down next to Kousei.
"She's probably just as stubborn as we are. I've pretty much given up on trying to persuade her."
"But why now? Everything was so quiet before, and then Acting Chairman Kashimoto suddenly appears."
"I don't know. It's probably some scheme concocted by the adults."
"Do you mean T is collaborating with Grandmother and the Sakura Family Head again, just like before?"
"Possibly. The first time I met T was in the Chairman's office. Maybe her return was part of some deal too."
"Alright," McQueen said, deciding to change the subject. "How's the situation at the Academy? Are they still blaming you for everything?"
"Yeah, probably. Ever since I snapped at them last time, they've stopped talking to me. Plus, I stopped Acting Chairman Kashimoto from winning a race, so even if they have grievances, they have to keep quiet."
Kousei glanced at Just a Way beside her. "Besides, I have Way to keep me company. It's not boring at all."
"Don't lose the race, Elite."
"I've told you already-who do you think I am?"