"In peak condition. I can feel my physical abilities improving steadily. Let's maintain this pace as we prepare for the Takarazuka Memorial."
After her rookie year, Kousei's physical abilities surged rapidly. According to Trainer T, Umamusume who continue competing after winning the Triple Crown experience a similar surge, almost as if it were a divine blessing bestowed after passing the Three Goddesses' trial.
Trainers refer to this period as the "Peak Period," the two years when Umamusume are at the height of their abilities.
Few athletes can maintain their peak for more than two years, and the same holds true for competitors in the Veteran Horse Front. While their physical strength may wane, they compensate with accumulated experience and refined techniques.
Kousei's clearest example was Narita Brian, who had only recently shed her moniker as "The Monster from the Shadows."
As Kousei's abilities improved, so did those of her contemporaries. Mejiro McQueen, the first of their generation to reach her peak, displayed undeniable talent and skill.
Next came Tokai Teio, a super-genius rivaling Mejiro McQueen in both ability and potential.
Teio revealed no plans to participate in any races. Her silence during her two peak years was deeply frustrating. People yearned to witness the tale of a genius dominating the racing world, eager to see the Triple Crown Winner continue her legendary run.
A legend of Tokai Teio.
Leo Durban had recovered from her injuries and, as the "Hero" challenging Tokai Teio, was hailed as the rival of Mejiro McQueen in their generation. Her support at the Kikuka Sho even surpassed Tokai Teio's, though she ultimately lost. Yet, expectations for her remained high.
After her comeback, she swiftly won the Hanshin Daishoten and Meguro Kinen, dominating both races by wide margins. While still without a G1 victory, she remained a formidable contender, drawing considerable attention.
Fans eagerly awaited her breakthrough at the G1 level or her chance to avenge her loss to Tokai Teio.
Dicta Striker also performed exceptionally well in the Regional Races. However, the Derby King faced criticism for downgrading himself from Central to regional races, seemingly to "prey on the weak."
Since the Derby, he hadn't secured a single victory, even finishing outside the top ten in a G3 race. For a Derby King, this was undoubtedly a humiliating setback.
Facing relentless public criticism following their brilliant performance at the Kousei Japan Cup, Dicta Striker resolutely entered the Regional Races.
"Even if she wins, what's the point? The title of Derby King is now tainted by her shadow."
It wasn't just Kousei facing condemnation; the Twinkle Series, while brimming with dreams, was equally filled with cruelty. Fortunately, Dicta Striker's performance in the Regional Races was remarkably strong. After an initial losing streak, they began a winning streak, and they started gaining genuine fans in the Exhibition Matches as well.
Reportedly, a journalist who interviewed Dicta Striker remarked, "This is my second time seeing her, and she gives me an entirely different impression. Compared to the first time, she's lost some of her sharp edges, but that doesn't mean she's become weaker.
On the contrary, she's grown even more confident—a deep, inner confidence that radiates outward. That look in her eyes is something you only acquire after achieving your desires. She's found what she was searching for here. Though she's currently only competing in Regional Races and Exhibition Matches, I can confidently predict that when this pitch-black Derby King returns to the Central League, she will bring about a seismic shift."
After all this time, the long-vanished Derby King has announced her imminent return to Central.
Whose life will this bullet shot from the Otherworld claim?
"Kousei~ You're here after all!"
Tachyon approached head-on. Kousei was about to greet her when she noticed several doctors trailing behind Tachyon.
Their eyes met, and Tachyon veered onto another training lane, following the railing until she reached Kousei's side.
"What's with the people behind you?" Kousei asked.
"Oh, them? It's because of my legs. After the surgery, my legs have recovered enough to compete, and I have a chance to regain my former speed. But my old weakness persists—these legs are still too fragile. The Acting Chairman is worried about accidents during training or races, so she assigned these people to shadow me," Tachyon said casually.
Kousei shifted her gaze to Tachyon's legs. "Even more fragile than before?"
"Who knows? They're about the same, really—they were already quite fragile before. As long as I can run, that's all that matters. We can worry about the rest later."
"Are you sure you're fit enough to run in the Takarazuka Memorial?"
"Of course, of course~ If there's a problem, we'll just ask Guinea Pig-kun to fix it! She always does~" Tachyon chuckled, clutching her stomach.
"Miss Tachyon, please follow your training schedule as planned. After your session, report back for a checkup," a staff member reminded her.
"Got it! I'll head to the training track now. See you at the Takarazuka Memorial!"
"See you there!"
After exchanging farewells, Tachyon strode off in another direction. Kousei glanced around, noticing the other competitors had stopped to stare—either at her or, more likely, at her conversation with Tachyon.
Since the implementation of the Thorough Management Education Program, parallel running during training had been abolished. The inability to train alongside friends was the root cause of the Umamusume's unrest. As they threw themselves into training, the Umamusume not only improved their physical prowess but also underwent a subtle shift in their mental state.
Though Kashimoto Riko had suppressed the Umamusume's unrest, she had not eradicated its source. The tightly managed Tracen Academy served as a breeding ground for resentment, which, if allowed to accumulate, would eventually erupt like a tsunami, threatening to engulf the entire Academy.
Kashimoto Riko failed to grasp this, believing that the "Thorough Management Education Program" could prevent even the slightest disruption.
At that moment, turbulent undercurrents surged through the Training Track. Caught in the crosscurrents, Kousei felt the emotions of the other runners with crystalline clarity—irrational, chaotic, and tangled like multiple balls of yarn twisted and knotted together. These raw, visceral emotions, whether overt or concealed, swirled through Kousei's mind, allowing her to hear the silent thoughts of each runner.
I'm sorry. You must have parted ways with your dearest friends too. I know that feeling; my friends are also forging their own paths alone. I understand nothing, yet I can only keep moving forward step by step. Because I know this pain, I won't blame you.
Unleash your emotions at the Takarazuka Memorial. I'll endure all your malice and win the race. I must do this to understand what they're thinking.
Why... did you abandon me to walk alone?
Kousei smiled at the group and slowly left the Training Track. At least at the Takarazuka Memorial, she would see the person she longed for day and night.
Let's run again, McQueen.