On this day, Kousei trained as usual. Kashimoto Riko's strategy, though the Trainer was present, left him essentially idle. Since Kousei always trained diligently and rarely got injured, he no longer even needed the Trainer to devise her training plans. As a trainer, he was practically getting paid to slack off.
Setting aside any other concerns, it wasn't a bad job.
During her training, Kousei unexpectedly spotted a familiar face: Mejiro McQueen, led by her own trainer, entering the training track.
As if sensing Kousei's presence, McQueen also noticed her. Both exchanged faint smiles, but under the watchful eyes of supervisors, they suppressed their thoughts and focused on their training.
Time ticked by. Surprisingly, despite Kousei's faster training pace, both finished simultaneously.
McQueen watched Kousei, understanding dawning in her eyes: "Kousei's training volume must be much greater, though I can't tell exactly how much."
Judging by Kousei's sweat, McQueen surmised that she hadn't yet reached her limits. Kashimoto Riko was likely planning a more conservative approach for Kousei.
"Tough training session today, Kousei. Remember, you can't let up during the competition preparation period. Get some proper rest and don't skip your daily foot baths—take as long as you need."
"McQueen, now that training's over, relax your body, especially your feet. We can't let fatigue build up."
The trainers' timely reminders were met with understanding nods from Kousei and McQueen.
"Got it. I'll head out now."
"Mejiro McQueen takes her leave."
Without another word, the pair parted ways, each heading from the Training Track toward the Bath Therapy Center.
As McQueen walked, she glanced around as if searching for something.
"McQueen!" Kousei burst from the bushes, waving enthusiastically.
"What are you hiding in there for? Your face is covered in leaves." McQueen naturally brushed the stray leaves from Kousei's face.
"I was trying to avoid being seen. The Acting Chairman's eyes are everywhere—it's so annoying."
Who wouldn't be annoyed by being constantly watched?
"We haven't talked in ages. How are you holding up?"
"Not bad, but Way isn't doing so well."
"What's wrong?"
"As soon as she enters the classroom, she starts glowing inexplicably, muttering something about 'roan' or 'silver.' She's probably not mentally stable, right?"
Despite Just a Way's bizarre behavior, McQueen simply hummed in acknowledgment. After all, Just a Way had always been odd, so no matter what she did, McQueen wouldn't find it surprising.
"The Thorough Management Education Program has caused some trouble after all."
"Yeah, claiming that adolescent hormonal surges could lead to problems is complete nonsense."
McQueen shook her head. "That's not what I meant. I'm referring to your problem."
"My problem?"
"I saw your interview with Leo Durban. There's no doubt that some reporters are trying to use this as an opportunity to stir up trouble."
Kousei realized McQueen was referring to that.
"Come to think of it, I've had a vague sense of that myself. Lately, I've been inexplicably irritable. I haven't felt this way since winning the Japan Cup."
"Hmm, either way, be careful...!" McQueen's voice trailed off as she vanished from Kousei's sight with a whoosh.
"McQueen?" Before Kousei could react, a burst of laughter erupted.
"Hahaha! It worked! Windy's trap was a huge success!" A racing mare resembling a wolf cub leaped out, proudly displaying her achievement.
"Let's see who fell into Windy's trap!" The culprit leaned in for a closer look and found McQueen staring blankly around, utterly bewildered.
"Huh? Windy only dug three meters deep, so why does it look five or six meters now?" She scratched her head, utterly perplexed.
"Um... who are you?" Kousei finally recovered from the sudden turn of events.
The eccentric racing mare seemed to only just notice Kousei, but instead of shrinking back, she boldly introduced herself: "Windy's name? Listen up! I'm Shinko Windy! The world's greatest and most terrifying Demon Lord! The baddest of the bad guys!"
"Ah... uh?"
Shinko Windy struck a proud pose. Kousei, hearing such an outlandish self-introduction for the first time, was utterly taken aback.
"Hmph! Did Windy's villainous aura intimidate you?!" Shinko Windy misinterpreted Kousei's dazzling performance as fear.
"To dig such a clever trap! Windy really is the ultimate villain!"
"Um... why did you dig the trap?"
"Why? I was originally planning to catch some Inspectors, but I didn't know who would fall in. It doesn't matter though, since Windy's a villain anyway."
From Shinko Windy's words, Kousei realized that their true targets weren't her or McQueen.
"Why do you want to catch Inspectors?"
Shinko Windy puffed up her cheeks and declared angrily, "Ever since the Acting Chairman took office, she implemented this... I don't even know what it's called! Everyone says she's the ultimate villain, but it should be Windy! So, Windy is going to teach the Acting Chairman a lesson, and that's why I dug this trap."
The reason was so absurd that Kousei was momentarily speechless, unsure how to argue against it.
"Never mind, Windy, hurry up and dig another one," Shinko Windy said, preparing to dig another trap.
Suddenly, a furious roar echoed from nearby.
"Shinko Windy!!!"