Although the audience couldn't fully grasp what was happening inside the arena, no one disliked a happy ending. What should have been the Autumn Tenno Sho, jointly awarded by the Three Powers, had transformed into a personal stage for the Kashimoto faction, with the prize even being a magic wand.
The Central Committee grumbled about this, but unable to directly protest the Autumn Tenno Sho, they secretly harbored their resentment.
"That's wonderful," Kousei said brightly.
Just a Way nodded with a smile. Leo and Black Bullet exchanged knowing glances; having won, they had no further complaints.
"Who taught you that running form and power-generating technique?" Kashimoto Riko asked Sweep Tosho.
Sweep Tosho stammered, "I... I can't say."
As expected, Kashimoto Riko didn't press further. Instead, she turned her gaze toward Kousei's group.
"Kousei used Narita Brian's 'Monster' stance combined with the Bakushin style's power generation—a stance she's never used before. Leo and Black Bullet have never used it either, and as for Just a Way... she hasn't even debuted yet."
Kashimoto Riko tried to deduce the answer through elimination, but every possibility was ruled out.
Kashimoto Riko shook her head. "No, that can't be right. Besides her, no one else should be able to use that technique. I'm overthinking things again."
A ripple of emotion flickered in Just a Way's eyes before she quickly composed herself, returning to her usual demeanor.
"But speaking of which, isn't Sweep connected to the foreigners?"
"Come to think of it, why are Leo and Black Bullet with the foreigners?"
"What's going on? Have Leo and Black Bullet betrayed Central?"
As the crowd processed the scene, they began to notice the real issue. "Foreigners" had always been a sensitive topic within Central, and Kousei's relationship with the organization was particularly fraught with unspoken tension.
The murmurs in the racetrack grew louder. Seeing this, the Central Committee members exchanged satisfied smiles.
"Excellent. It seems public opinion is still on our side."
In an instant, Kousei became the center of attention, drawing even more scrutiny than the Autumn Tenno winner. All eyes were fixed on her, probing and questioning.
"So, what do we do now?" Black Bullet asked tentatively.
Leo remained silent, turning her gaze to Kousei. Just a Way did the same, earning a sharp taunt from Black Bullet. "Aren't you the one who caused this mess?"
Just a Way chuckled awkwardly, trying to laugh it off.
Regardless, all eyes in the stadium were fixed on Kousei. She glanced at the time. Just a little longer?
"Everyone! Please, lend me your ears!"
Kashimoto Riko raised her hand, her sudden cry instantly drawing the crowd's attention.
"The Acting Director? What is she going to say?"
The audience was puzzled, as was the Central Committee. Rudolf, however, settled into a more comfortable position, watching the unfolding events with keen interest.
"Today, under the auspicious light of the Autumn Tenno Sho, I have an announcement to make."
At these words, everyone strained to listen, afraid of missing a single word. Sharp-witted reporters sensed a major story breaking and swiveled their cameras toward Kashimoto Riko.
With just one sentence, she had completely diverted the crowd's attention from Kousei.
"This is our chance. Let's get out of here."
The group didn't hesitate. With the speed of Umamusume, they vanished from sight in an instant.
"I know you all have many questions, and I cannot answer them all," Kashimoto Riko continued. "Since I took charge of the academy, Central has been plagued by constant turmoil. I am aware of your dissatisfaction, yet you have chosen to endure it out of trust and consideration for me. Implementing the Thorough Management Education Program has always been my heartfelt wish. I believed that under my leadership, Tracen would march toward a brighter future."
The crowd was baffled, unable to comprehend what Kashimoto Riko was doing or why she was staging such a public spectacle of self-blame.
"But under the Acting Director's leadership, many Umamusume from humble beginnings have won G1 races! Isn't that to her credit?" someone shouted.
Indeed, people generally held Kashimoto Riko in higher regard than they did criticism.
"I... am unworthy of such praise," Kashimoto Riko said, her face contorted in pain as she lowered her head in shame.
The sudden, unexpected turn of events left everyone stunned. They could only wait in silence for her next words.
"My original intention was to protect the Umamusume athletes," she continued. "You all supported me because you believed in my ideals. But now, I have come to realize that my actions have been slowly suffocating the future of the Umamusume."
Words can sometimes inflict deeper wounds than any weapon. Kashimoto Riko's public declaration instantly unleashed a tidal wave of shock and outrage. A Central Committee member, livid, roared, "Guards! Gag her immediately!"
After waiting several moments with no response, the Committee member grew even more furious. "What are you dawdling for?!"
"Still as ill-tempered as ever, I see."
The pleasant female voice instantly snapped the Central Committee member out of his rage.
He turned around in disbelief. Akikawa Yayoi stood before him.
Impossible! How did she get in here? How did she even get into Central?! The shocking reality before him left even a man like the Central Committee member momentarily stunned.
So the rumors were true? She really was in Central! And Kousei... how could it be such a coincidence? The Committee member realized something was terribly wrong, but the immediate situation demanded his full attention.
"Guar—"
"Don't bother," Akikawa interrupted. "I've sent all the staff to prepare for the Winner's Concert."
On paper, Akikawa Yayoi was still the Director. She still held that much authority.
"What do you want?" the Central Committee member asked, steeling himself.
"Nothing much," Akikawa replied, half-hiding her face behind a fan. "I just want you to listen to what's about to be said."
The cat perched atop her head stretched lazily, then its eyes suddenly gleamed with sharp intent.
With no other choice, the Central Committee member could only sit down and continue to watch the spectacle unfold.
Halfway through, he repeatedly shot pleading glances at Emperor, but she acted as if she hadn't seen him, cheerfully reminiscing with Director Akikawa.
This only fueled the Central Committee member's fury. But he was trapped, powerless to act.
-
Outside the VIP room.
"This requires the Central Committee member's signature."
"Just give it to me," Miss Hayakawa replied softly.
The staff member hesitated. "But..."
"They're discussing important matters inside. You wouldn't want to disturb them over something so trivial, would you?" T chimed in, providing support.
The staff member considered it. Miss Hayakawa is the Director's secretary. She handles all sorts of matters, big and small, on a daily basis. Something like document approval probably doesn't need to go directly to the Central Committee member anyway.
Besides, Mr. T is a big shot in the Central Committee. If he says it's fine, then it must be fine.
After some deliberation, the staff member finally relented.
"In that case, I'll leave it with you, Miss Hayakawa."
Hayakawa took the document, glanced at her name signed on the attached note, and nodded. The staff member hurried away.
In the silent corridor, T and Hayakawa exchanged a look, the corners of their mouths curving into slight smiles.
"I don't think anyone will be interrupting them now, right?"
"It wouldn't matter even if they did."