"The problem is, Kousei can do it, but how does Gold City? She doesn't have Kousei's fluid footwork, yet she can keep up with her movements.
Can mere markings really achieve this level of precision?" Even Rudolf couldn't discern the key to her strategy.
T maintained a solemn silence, seemingly unusually anxious about this match.
"What's wrong? This isn't like you at all. Where's your usual composure?" Rudolf asked, noticing his unease.
"It seems I still can't stay calm when it comes to Kousei," T sighed.
"What is it? Is it a serious issue? Hasn't Kousei been developing well?" Rudolf asked, puzzled.
"Generally speaking, yes."
"Generally speaking?"
"She now possesses the power to rival the Geniuses, and her Gate Technique has reached new heights. However, she's become overly reliant on her Gate Technique—no, it's more accurate to say she's over-relying on Mental Power interference.
She always tries to brute-force her way through, using her Gate Technique to overwhelm opponents. Her style is increasingly resembling that of the Geniuses. This isn't just pessimism; Kousei is fundamentally a Mediocre Talent, and she's gradually forgotten the original foundation upon which her Gate Technique was built."
Rudolf nodded knowingly. "Thinking, huh?"
T nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Cunning and adaptability are the keys to victory. Even the strongest mental fortitude has its breaking point. 'Inflicting a thousand wounds on the enemy while taking eight hundred ourselves' is no sustainable strategy."
Kousei's exceptional adaptability has a narrow range. She's ill-suited for sprints and mile races that demand raw speed.
Long-distance races, on the other hand, drain her stamina due to the backlash from her Gate Technique. Only medium-distance races allow her to truly shine. Even in medium-distance, her performance fluctuates based on race conditions, opponents, and strategic nuances. Kousei's current running style is like a ticking time bomb, and T fears her mental power will one day suddenly detonate.
"But for now, Kousei is still thinking," Rudolf observed, watching the spectacle unfolding on the track. The scene was undoubtedly proof of her strategic calculations.
"Yes, she's still thinking... for now. But everything changes the moment she loses her composure," T replied, his concern undiminished.
"Kousei possesses an indomitable fighting spirit, burning even brighter than her mother's. The moment she runs alongside an opponent or enters the final straight, her rationality collapses. Though she unleashes even greater Power in these moments, it also means greater danger."
Rudolf pondered, realizing T was right: Kousei would become even more aggressive when competing side-by-side. She wasn't the type to lie low; though she possessed the ability to conceal her presence, she preferred direct confrontation.
Her fierce competitive spirit was a double-edged sword. The Seishun Cup showdown with Narita Brian had been terrifying, Kousei pushing herself recklessly until her horseshoes flew off.
"Only now do you start worrying about your daughter?" Rudolf glanced at T.
"Sigh—
I guess I still can't bring myself to be harsh. She has to forge her own path." T's gaze flickered, his thoughts unreadable.
"How uncomfortable... So this is what it feels like to be watched?" Kousei evaded the other racers' gazes, but Gold City, who had been shadowing her, caught her.
"Something's off. City shouldn't have the same running style as me. How is she doing this?" Kousei's flexible running style allowed her to seamlessly switch paces.
Yet by analyzing subtle differences in their breathing patterns, Kousei concluded that Gold City was using a similar yet distinct rhythm.
"She's faster than me—this isn't mere imitation." Kousei's mind raced. What happened in that instant?
To uncover the secret behind Gold City's markings, Kousei deliberately made a feint, hoping to bait Gold City into action. But Gold City didn't fall for the trick; she simply maintained her unwavering gaze on Kousei, completely ignoring her subtle movements.
Was I being too obvious?
Gold City's focus was exceptional; these petty tricks would never fool her.
Kousei is testing me. She must be truly perplexed. Gold City sensed the shift in Kousei's mindset from her actions, the inner turmoil slowing Kousei's pace ever so slightly.
The corners of Gold City's lips curled into an involuntary smirk. She seemed to be relishing this moment immensely.
Kousei's furrowed brow, twisted in frustration... It's the best~
Kousei's excessive focus on Gold City allowed the Umamusume she had overtaken to gradually catch up from behind. Now, all eyes were on Kousei, making it impossible to escape through sheer speed alone.
Is this situation... getting a bit precarious?
The pack of rivals closed in, their gazes burning into Kousei's back. At the same moment, Kousei felt countless gazes pressing down on her from behind. As elite contenders in G1 races, they instantly understood they couldn't let Kousei act freely.
Under the intense scrutiny of the crowd, there was nowhere left to hide.
The Umamusume first scattered, then swiftly regrouped, forming an impromptu encirclement that trapped Kousei and Gold City within its ranks. Through strategic positioning, they blocked any chance of Kousei breaking through the blockade.
"As expected of Classic Grade Umamusume. Even as rivals, their teamwork is so seamless. Without any formal training, they achieve such remarkable coordination purely through experience."
Although this wasn't the time for admiration, Kousei couldn't help but be impressed.
Rookie-level Umamusume each fought for themselves, eager to showcase their individual talents, which often led to glaring vulnerabilities.
The Classic Grade was entirely different. They swiftly assessed the situation, temporarily cooperating to suppress the most threatening opponents.
In the past, Kousei only needed to keep an eye on individual racers, as the final outcome always devolved into one-on-one showdowns. But now, for the first time, she felt the oppressive presence of the other Umamusume bearing down on her.
"This is the Classic Year!"
No Umamusume here was merely a supporting character. Until they crossed the finish line, any of them could become the champion.
"Such overwhelming pressure... it's like being surrounded by a pack of wolves." Yet Kousei's face showed no fear—only a hint of exhilaration.
Her aura began to surge, gradually revealing a primal wildness.
"No, Kousei. You can't be looking at others."
Her voice, as alluring as silk and as piercing as a winter wind, drilled into Kousei's ears like a cursed spell. An indescribable force instantly snapped Kousei back to her senses. She whirled around to find the beautiful girl wearing a terrifying smile.
The moment the Umamusume tightened their encirclement, Gold City surged into action.
"What's this?!"
Golden feathers fluttered away on the wind, the chestnut mare's white markings flashing brightly against the sea of horses. Her light, agile steps carried an air of both immense danger and effortless ease, leaving observers in awe as she brushed past shoulders to seize the lead.
Kousei couldn't mistake it—that stride, those were her own dance steps!
She had once used this very technique to break free from the pack at a major competition. Now, Gold City was employing the same moves to achieve the same objective.
The precision was uncanny, making Kousei feel as if she were facing her own reflection.
"So that's it! So that's how it's done!"
As Kousei fully immersed herself in the moment, Gold City's spirit soared higher than ever.