"This is the first Classic Grade race of the year. Although Teio and McQueen aren't participating, we can't afford to be complacent."
"I know. T's getting so long-winded these days."
T sighed in exasperation. Unlike the Seishun Cup, the Osaka Cup was a G1 event in the Twinkle Series, a formally recorded achievement.
To date, Kousei had only secured one G1 victory—the Japan Cup. Teio boasted three Triple Crown titles, while McQueen held four G1 wins: the Hope S, Satsuki Prize, Kikuka Sho, and Spring Tenno Sho.
The tables had turned. Teio, who had debuted first among the Twins, now trailed McQueen in G1 victories.
Although Kousei had delivered a spectacular performance at the Japan Cup, her overall record still lagged behind the Twins. However, some argued that winning the Japan Cup under such challenging circumstances was already a remarkable feat. After all, no one had initially expected Kousei to win.
Following her Japan Cup victory, not only Central Academy but also other academies began to take notice of this runner, eagerly anticipating the unprecedented achievements she might bring.
"I'm heading out now."
As a member of the "Villains of the Century" generation, Kousei, despite her infamous reputation, still garnered some supporters. Now, standing in the Winner's Passage at Hanshin Racecourse, she heard faint cheers for her.
"Looking pretty cheerful, Kousei."
A flicker of confusion crossed Kousei's face as the voice sounded familiar. Turning around, she saw Gold City smiling at her.
"City! What are you doing here?"
Though it hadn't been long since they last saw each other, Kousei had been under strict management and hadn't left the Academy in ages. Gold City, busy with her modeling work, rarely contacted Kousei either, each occupied with their own pursuits.
"Why? I came to cheer for you~" Gold City grinned slyly.
"Ah! Thanks, City!" Kousei replied happily, without thinking twice.
Gold City sighed. "Don't you want to take a closer look at what I'm wearing before you thank me?"
Gold City spread her arms wide, and Kousei finally noticed her attire.
"Hmm..."
But this didn't clarify anything for Kousei.
"Seriously? Everyone outside says you're so smart," Gold City said, her expression shifting subtly.
Gold City tossed her hair back, revealing a smug grin. "This is my Personal Racing Outfit! My secret weapon!"
"Personal Racing Outfit... That means...!"
"Hmph~"
Kousei finally realized that Gold City, standing before her, was her opponent in the Osaka Cup.
"How can this be? City hasn't even debuted yet! Why is she here?!"
Kousei, unaware of Gold City's debut date, was utterly bewildered by her presence.
"When did I ever say I hadn't debuted?" Gold City asked with a mischievous smirk.
Kousei froze for a moment, then thought back. She realized Gold City had never explicitly stated she hadn't debuted; Kousei had simply assumed it.
"Speaking of which, I'm your senpai. Call me 'Senpai,' Kousei-chan~"
"Th-this... th-this..." Kousei stammered, clearly flustered by Gold City's teasing.
"Ha ha! Just kidding! I'm here for a race. Remember our agreement?"
"Agreement..." Kousei pondered, then grinned fiercely. "Of course I remember!"
If I debut, you'll be my first fan.
"That's not right!" Kousei immediately retorted. "If you debut, I'll be your first rival!"
"Oh~" Gold City narrowed her eyes. "Starting from here, then?"
With their drastically different auras, Gold City felt Kousei's seriousness for the first time at such close range. A year of grueling training had honed Kousei's sharpness, especially the raw, untamed wildness and madness that now clung to her. These traits had been absent during their initial encounter.
"Well, I don't mind either way."
"Speaking of which..." Kousei began, carefully scrutinizing Gold City's Personal Racing Outfit before glancing down at her own. "City's Personal Racing Outfit is quite daring, isn't it?"
"Huh?!"
"Hehe~ As expected of a model—your figure and skin are top-tier~"
"Th-this! This!"
Kousei had turned the tables, shifting from defense to offense. It wasn't until Gold City saw Kousei's mischievous grin of triumph that she realized Kousei's ulterior motive.
"You're such a brat! Your personality is truly rotten."
"Thank you for the compliment."
The two exchanged a knowing smile.
"Let's go. It's our turn."
"Let's go. Let's have a race that belongs to us."
Side by side, they strode forward. At the entrance to the tunnel, several Umamusume were undergoing final checks.
Kousei gazed around, awestruck by the overwhelming atmosphere.
"As expected of a Classic Grade race," she murmured. "Every Umamusume here is capable of holding her own. Tracen Academy truly hides tigers and dragons; we can't afford to underestimate anyone."
Unlike Kousei, who focused on the competitors, Gold City's attention was drawn to the entrance inspection.
"Strange," she remarked. "Why is there an additional inspection now?"
When it was their turn, Gold City inquired during the check, "Previous races never had entrance inspections. Why is this new measure in place now?"
"It's at the Acting Chairman's request, Miss Gold City. We need to examine the competitors before the race to ensure they're in peak condition, their equipment is functioning properly, and that every precaution has been taken to allow them to perform at their full potential and complete the race safely."
Listening nearby, Kousei quickly pieced together the situation. This must be part of Kashimoto Riko's "Thorough Management Doctrine."
"Everything checks out. Please proceed!"
The paddock buzzed with activity. As the duo entered, the clamor began to shift toward them.
"Eh? Who's that Umamusume standing next to Kousei?"
Compared to Kousei, people seemed more interested in Gold City.
"Wow! She's absolutely stunning!"
"I thought Kousei was the most beautiful person, but I never imagined someone could be even more stunning."
"Which Umamusume is she? I want to become her fan!"
Even at their first meeting, Gold City's appearance was dazzling enough to captivate everyone.
A beauty seen only once in a century
This phrase alone proved just how stunning Gold City truly was. But why?
Despite her smile, she didn't seem genuinely happy.
"Ah! Isn't that Gold City? I know her! She's the most promising rookie model right now, and she's also an Umamusume!"
"Gold City?! Is that the Gold City? I've bought so many magazines with her—she's absolutely stunning!"
"I never expected Gold City to participate in races! But when did she debut as an Umamusume?"
It seemed Gold City's popularity was even higher than I had imagined.
"Speaking of which, City, since you've already debuted, why does no one seem to know about it?"
Gold City's hidden displeasure vanished in an instant when faced with Kousei's radiant presence. "Actually, after my debut, I temporarily paused competing in the Twinkle Series due to my modeling career. Don't let my looks fool you—I debuted even earlier than Tamamo Cross and I'm also a G1-winning Umamusume!"
Kousei's eyes widened in astonishment, then lit up with sparkling admiration. "Amazing! So you're not just a model, you're also an incredible runner! So impressive, City!"
Gold City paused, struck by the pure, unadulterated admiration burning fiercely in Kousei's eyes, like a blazing flame of desire.
I really want to race her! those eyes seemed to say.
Gold City chuckled. "Ha! As expected, Kousei is different from everyone else!"
"Hmm?"
Gold City took a step forward, glancing back with a teasing smile. "Come on, then. I'll beat you."
"Hmph! Bring it on!"