During this extraordinary time, nearly everyone was immersed in rigorous training, driven by their own ambitions.
Tokai Teio, in particular, felt the weight of public expectation and her own burning desire for the Triple Crown. Throughout her intense training, Kousei barely caught a glimpse of her.
Though Kousei worried about Teio, she knew it wasn't the time to disturb her. She had her own promise to fulfill with McQueen, so she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her own training.
And so, their respective summers ended in a blaze of sweat. Tokai Teio stood ready for the first major challenge of her career, poised to pursue the Triple Crown symbolized by Symboli Rudolf.
But before that monumental endeavor, another highly anticipated event loomed: the Hopeful Stakes.
The Umamusume who had boldly vowed to challenge Symboli Rudolf had fallen short of expectations due to her perceived lack of natural talent. Just as people began to dismiss her chances, assuming she lacked the innate gifts to challenge the "Emperor,"
Kousei, an unremarkable Umamusume, emerged victorious in her third debut race, defeating Elite by three lengths. Her dominant performance silenced the doubters.
Now, people began to notice this extraordinary Umamusume. While the allure of a natural-born genius remained strong, the unwavering spirit of a relentless hard worker held its own appeal.
Whether Kousei was a mere flash in the pan or a late bloomer, and whether her previous victory was a fleeting illusion, would be revealed in the race.
Regardless of past legends, people eagerly anticipated the unfolding of new stories.
In the waiting room, the television broadcast the latest hot news. Compared to the host's overflowing enthusiasm, Kousei appeared somewhat distracted.
"A warm-up act for the Teio Triple Crown Race?"
This novice-level G1 race was being treated as a mere prelude, meant to temper the excitement surrounding the Teio Triple Crown Race.
Though public opinion toward Kousei remained unfavorable, she paid it no mind. Long accustomed to such criticism, her thoughts were consumed by McQueen. I wonder if McQueen saw the report, and how she reacted to it.
The starting bell rang, signaling the imminent start of the race.
Kousei changed into the running shoes her mother had prepared, still adorned with stickers of her favorite anime characters from childhood.
"I'm heading out."
Alone in the infield tunnel, Kousei's mind replayed the television report. Suddenly, she spotted a figure in the distance who also noticed her.
"McQueen... still as flawless as ever," Kousei managed a strained smile as she greeted her.
"Of course! This is the G1. As a Mejiro, I must challenge it in perfect condition," McQueen said, tossing her hair and scrutinizing Kousei. "But you... why do you look so preoccupied?"
As expected, you can't hide when something's off.
"By the way, McQueen, did you see that article?" Kousei asked, deciding to be honest.
"Ah, the one that called our race a warm-up act?"
McQueen had clearly seen it, but she seemed utterly unconcerned.
"What do you think about it?" Kousei pressed.
McQueen glared at Kousei and drawled, "So you're letting something so trivial bother you?"
"Trivial?" Kousei frowned, bewildered. McQueen held the Mejiro Family's honor in such high regard. Kousei had assumed she'd be deeply offended by being relegated to a supporting role like this.
"Yes, completely trivial. Focus on the race! This is the G1. If you dare hold back, we're through."
With that, McQueen strode ahead, leaving Kousei still reeling.
"Keep up!"
"Huh? Oh!"
The two finally stepped onto the G1 racetrack.
"Look! It's Mejiro McQueen! I know her! She's amazing!"
"Isn't that Kousei next to her? I heard she beat McQueen in her debut race, right?"
"That's her! The Umamusume who declared she'd challenge the Emperor! Don't you think she's kind of cool?"
As expected, the crowd erupted into cheers, but the reason for their excitement was completely unexpected.
"Kousei! Kousei!"
Someone was calling her name. Kousei turned to see Sakura Bakushin O waving enthusiastically, with Rice Shower standing beside her. Kousei blinked in surprise, and then she saw another figure she never expected to be there.
"Tokai Teio..."
The reclusive genius had made an appearance at Nakayama Racecourse.
Naturally, Tokai Teio's arrival sent the crowd into an even greater frenzy.
"Hey! Isn't that Tokai Teio?!"
"Yeah! Let's try to get her autograph later!"
Even at a highly anticipated G1 race featuring Kousei and McQueen, the moment Tokai Teio appeared, all eyes shifted to her. Like a chosen one destined for greatness, she captivated everyone's hearts.
"Kousei, give it your all! Don't hold back! Just go full Bakushin!"
Sakura Bakushin O, ever fearless, pointed skyward with her usual boundless enthusiasm.
"G-Go for it!"
Although Kousei couldn't hear Rice Shower's voice clearly, she could feel the meaning behind her silent encouragement.
The reporters, who had originally come to interview the G1 winner, swarmed around Tokai Teio the moment they saw her.
"Tokai Teio, we heard you've been preparing for the Kikuka Sho. Why are you here instead?"
Undeterred by the reporters' clamorous questions, Teio smiled faintly, seemingly accustomed to such scenes. "I'm here to witness the race between two of my dearest friends, out of a sense of loyalty."
"Two dearest friends? Mejiro McQueen is the clear favorite for this race, and you two are known as the 'Twins,' natural rivals. But who's the other one?"
Teio paused deliberately, glancing almost imperceptibly at Kousei before replying enigmatically, "You'll find out soon enough."
Kousei knew those words were meant for her ears. For some reason, her heart felt a little calmer.
"Go for it, McQueen! Relax! Don't let the pressure get to you!"
Another voice rang out—Mejiro Ryan, cheering McQueen on.
Ryan wasn't the only one in the stands; the entire Mejiro Family was present, their ranks perfectly aligned.
McQueen, smiling serenely as she accepted blessings from her stablemates, appeared utterly composed.
"I noticed it a long time ago, Kousei," McQueen said, her voice sharp, her gaze fixed on her rival. "You worry about me far too much."
"I don't need your unnecessary concern. A 'genius supporting character'? There's no such thing! I am Mejiro McQueen, the heir to the Mejiro Glory! If that 'genius' runs to the ends of the earth, then I will run to the heavens!
"The title of 'genius' will merely adorn my glory!
"You...
"Kousei.
"You are my first true rival. Show me your full strength. I will return victorious, bearing the medal of your defeat—if you dare to race half-heartedly on this track.
"You, who would tarnish the Mejiro Glory, will be crushed by my own hand."
Even from a distance, McQueen's burning resolve could be felt. She remained unchanged, the same McQueen who valued Mejiro Glory above all else.
This intensity made her undeniably dangerous, yet it was precisely this unwavering devotion that drew Kousei to her.
Within her eyes lay a fierce fighting spirit that refused to live in anyone's shadow.
A burning heart, deadly in its sincerity.
Every Umamusume runs for her own reason, chasing the dazzling dream of surpassing her limits. Kousei, uniquely burdened with such aspirations, still felt uncertain about her path forward. Yet she believed that if she continued to pursue those she admired, she would eventually find her way.
"Don't get cocky, McQueen! I want to beat you more than anyone!"
"Don't come crying to me if you lose! I won't comfort you!"
Never mind! The path forward can wait! What matters now is victory!
"I will give it my all, to fulfill my promise to my dearest friend."
McQueen let out a soft hum, a faint smile playing on her lips, as if to say, "Looks like there's nothing to worry about."
The two turned their backs on each other and walked toward their respective starting gates.
"This is enough. To race alongside those I cherish most... Mejiro McQueen has no regrets."
"I love McQueen more than anyone! I will never let her glory be tarnished. I won't give anyone an opening, and I won't let anyone say she only won because her opponent was weak!"
For McQueen (Kousei):
"I will fight with every ounce of strength... until I collapse!"