"As expected of the Acting Chairman, this training plan is flawless," Trainer T murmured, genuinely impressed as he studied the meticulously crafted training plan.
As mentioned previously, all Umamusume training plans were currently managed by Kashimoto Riko. This was undoubtedly a massive undertaking, yet she hadn't cut any corners. The detailed plan demonstrated her thorough understanding of Kousei's data, meticulously tailored to Kousei's physical constitution and racing style.
"Is Kashimoto Riko even better than you, T?" Kousei asked, knowing little about her trainer.
"Hmm... About on par with your relationship with McQueen, I'd say."
"Oh, then there's quite a difference indeed," Kousei casually remarked, dealing T a crushing blow.
"You brat," T sighed, "you always manage to casually say something hurtful."
Kousei shrugged. "What's wrong with that? Differences in talent are inevitable. But that's no reason to give up. If you fall a hundred times, you just get back up a hundred and one times. I've already defeated several geniuses."
It seemed Kousei had truly matured after the Japan Cup.
"Indeed, the most striking impression of my daughter is her unwavering determination."
Kousei looked slightly annoyed. "Don't treat me like a child anymore. I've grown up."
"Yes, yes, starting this year, Kousei is a Classic Grade competitor."
T waved his hand. "Since you've warmed up properly, let's proceed with the training plan set by the Acting Chairman."
"Okay~"
As Kousei's figure receded into the distance, T's smile faded, and he gazed thoughtfully at the training schedule. "As a trainee, she's impeccable, but as a teammate, she falls a bit short."
"First training phase complete. Fifteen-minute break before the next phase begins."
During the break, Kousei noticed T staring intently at something on his screen, lost in thought. Curious, she quietly crept over without making a sound.
Peering at the screen, she realized it was a press conference.
"Eh? Isn't that Leo Durban?"
Kousei recognized the star of the press conference immediately.
"Oh? She was Teio's contemporary. You know her too?"
"The legendary Hero—who could forget her? Once considered a contender for the Teio Triple Crown, she lost the race, but her rivalry with Tokai Teio at the Kikuka Sho remains unforgettable.
After the Kikuka Sho, she went silent for a while due to health issues. Why is she giving an interview now?"
Trainer T raised an eyebrow. "You think it's too much of a coincidence?"
"Well~ it mainly depends on what questions these reporters ask."
The two focused their attention on the interview. Leo Durban, whom they hadn't seen in a long time, looked to be in good health, suggesting her recovery and training were progressing well. Her demeanor was noticeably more reserved than during the Kikuka Sho, where she had been brimming with competitive fire.
"First, congratulations on your discharge from the hospital, Hero."
"Thank you all for your concern."
"Has the prolonged bed rest affected your physical condition?"
"Inevitably, yes. Although my body has recovered well, the feeling of being an Umamusume in motion is fading. I need to dive back into training immediately."
"Sensing your Heroic desire to train, you'll be stepping up to the Classic Grade this year. Are there any specific races you're particularly eager to participate in, or any rivals you're especially keen to face? Tokai Teio, for instance?"
"I don't have any specific plans at the moment. My approach will depend on how my rehabilitation training progresses. As for Tokai Teio, I don't harbor any particular obsession with her. If we happen to meet in a race, I'll defeat her."
Her exceptionally calm reply carried even greater conviction.
"Understood." The reporter glanced at the time. "Next is the final question."
The moment she heard those words, Leo Durban knew the real crux of the interview was about to surface.
"Leo Durban, you must be well aware of the current situation at the Academy. What are your thoughts on the Thorough Management Education Program?"
"For most Umamusume, it probably seems like an ideal model. I'm not trying to be critical, but I personally dislike such an environment."
The reporter's lips curled into an almost imperceptible smile.
"And what about the primary instigator of this situation? What are your views on her?"
"The primary instigator?"
"Yes, that ominous Umamusume—Kousei."
The reporter dropped a bombshell. Kousei finally understood why they were targeting Leo Durban at this critical moment. The other generations all had some connection to Kousei, making it nearly impossible to manufacture a scandal through them.
Leo Durban, however, was different. She had no ties to Kousei and had made her stance clear. As Teio's greatest rival, she wielded considerable influence. Even the slightest hint of disapproval from Leo Durban could be exploited.
All they needed was a sliver of vulnerability.
"Ah, Kousei. I've heard of her—a reckless, outlandish Umamusume. So that's why the Acting Chairman is so fixated on her."
Leo Durban narrowed her eyes, watching the increasingly agitated reporter thrust the microphone closer.
"But why are you so obsessed with her? How an Umamusume conducts herself is her own affair. Bringing her up at every critical juncture makes one suspect your true motives."
"No, I just...—" The full-grown adult reporter was actually intimidated by the much younger Umamusume.
"What's your goal? To incite chaos? Or is this simply a personal vendetta against her? What does the truth about the Thorough Management Education Program have to do with her? So many Umamusume around the world are injured. Whether she exists or not, the Thorough Management Education Program would still be implemented.
Do you intend to pin all the blame on a single person?
Why don't you try including me too? Due to injuries, my entire first year was a complete waste. If we're talking about the severity of injuries, mine were worse than hers.
You can publish my words verbatim on your newspaper's front page—I won't hide. Anyone who has objections to my Glory, come and challenge me."
Leo Durban delivered these words with an icy demeanor, knowing full well she would become a target of public scorn, yet showing no hesitation.
With her final question asked, she left the stunned crowd behind, walking away alone.
Shortly after, another slightly older Umamusume hurried after her.
Meanwhile, Kousei and T exchanged incredulous glances.
"Was she speaking up for me?"
"As expected of the Hero, so cool."
Regardless of the circumstances, Kousei and T both felt indebted to Leo Durban.
"The Classic Grade season is about to begin—a brand-new stage. Old friends, new rivals. Sounds exciting, right? Any races you're aiming for?"
"There's one in particular."
"Let me guess... the Spring Tenno Sho, right?"
"What other answer could there possibly be?"
They exchanged a knowing smile.
"But I'll take every race before that seriously too. I want to run the best races against the best opponents."