The Autumn Tenno Sho concluded in a bizarre fashion, and Kashimoto Riko's speech caused people to question Central's current management model. Furthermore, Sweep Tosho's various actions indicated her close ties with the foreign horses.
This further destabilized the current situation. Although the foreign horses had made no moves, their very existence remained a thorn in everyone's side.
Did Kashimoto Riko's stance differ from Central's? Undoubtedly. After the Autumn Tenno Sho, public opinion on Leo and her group became deeply divided, naturally leading people to question whether Central's current path was the right one.
The Central Committee had initially planned to hold Kashimoto Riko accountable after the Autumn Tenno Sho, but for some unknown reason, the matter was quietly dropped.
"Long time no see, Kousei," Rohan said with a smile.
"Long time no see," Kousei replied with a faint smile of her own.
Rohan glanced around, seemingly searching for someone.
"Where's my girl?"
"She should be at the hospital," Kousei answered.
"The hospital?" Rohan's expression, rarely showing tension, tightened. "Is she injured?"
"No, she's just taking care of someone."
Rohan's tension faded, replaced by a complex mix of emotions. He clearly found the idea absurd. "Jade is taking care of someone? Did I hear that right?"
As the treasured pearl of the Eastern Lands, Jade had always been the one being taken care of. How could someone with the temperament of a pampered heiress possibly look after another person?
Kousei knew it sounded bizarre. "It's true. She's been spending a lot of time with Ardan lately. Jade seems to have taken a real liking to her."
The name sounded familiar to Rohan. "Ardan? The one from Mejiro?"
Kousei nodded. Rohan fell into thought. "Mejiro... As far as I know, she has no achievements to her name. Due to her ankle issues, she's basically out of the running for the Twinkle Series.
"My first choice was McQueen, but that's impossible. So, Ryan would be the best alternative. But Jade..."
Kousei could see Rohan's deep conflict. She smiled to herself, content to let him stew in his worries.
Just as Rohan was wrestling with his thoughts, Black Bullet walked in, muttering something under her breath.
"Kousei, do you know the person outside?"
As soon as the words left her lips, Black Bullet finally noticed Rohan and stopped in her tracks. She shot Kousei a questioning glance, but before Kousei could speak, Rohan answered first.
"I am Rohan. I presume you are the renowned Black Bullet, one of the famed Duo."
Kousei was surprised by Rohan's reaction. Black Bullet let out a soft "Huh?" and leaned in to whisper to Kousei, "Who is he? He's so polite... Isn't his attitude a little too flattering?"
"You'll get used to it. He's very particular about etiquette. He's one of us, and incredibly skilled."
Hearing the words "one of us," Black Bullet visibly relaxed.
"That's me. But how did you recognize me?"
"I've watched every one of your races. They left a deep impression."
Black Bullet's eyes lit up. "Could it be... you're a fan of mine?!"
Rohan didn't answer, simply smiling without a word.
"Oh, right!" Black Bullet quickly added, "Kousei, is the old man with the white beard at the door your guest?"
"A guest?" Kousei wasn't expecting anyone else today besides Rohan.
"Let me explain," Rohan said, calling out softly, "Uncle Ye, please come in."
The old man Rohan called Uncle Ye entered the room. Though his beard was white, his eyes were sharp and bright, and he was brimming with vitality, showing no trace of old age.
"Young Master," Uncle Ye said, bowing respectfully.
"Young Master?" Black Bullet asked, confused. "Is that some kind of position?"
"Probably similar to McQueen's status, I think?" Kousei wasn't entirely sure either.
"Seriously? Doesn't that make him a Clan Head?" Black Bullet was genuinely shocked now.
"I think it's more like McQueen's former position," Kousei clarified again.
Rohan smiled faintly. "The Eastern Lands have many families. Mine is just one among them. It's nothing remarkable."
Kousei, however, remained calm. Although she hadn't known Rohan's true status before, to her, he was simply Rohan. It was only natural that he would be extraordinary.
"Mr. Takuya contacted me earlier," Rohan continued, "and informed me that you're still suffering from severe asthma. Even with the successful development of the special medication, it hasn't provided a complete cure. I thought since we were meeting, I might as well bring you a gift."
"Uncle Ye is a master of medicine. He also studied the art of acupuncture in Shu Land, so he might have a unique perspective on your asthma."
Kousei visibly flinched. "Needles again?" She didn't know how this differed from the acupuncture she was used to.
"I'm not deeply familiar with the physiology of Umamusume," Uncle Ye replied cautiously. "I can only offer some insights from the side."
Kousei, well aware of the situation in the Eastern Lands, bowed respectfully. "Thank you for traveling all the way to Central, sir. I will never forget your kindness."
Uncle Ye waved his hand dismissively. Black Bullet immediately spoke up, "Sir, please follow me."
Black Bullet led Uncle Ye to Doctor Takuya's location. As long as her asthma remained uncured, Kousei couldn't return to the racetrack. Now, her only hope lay in the mysterious arts of the Eastern Lands.
"There's something I need to tell you," Rohan said. "Director Akikawa has already met with the Central Committee. I know this is a lot to ask, but please prepare yourself for what's coming. You'll only get one chance."
Kousei nodded in acknowledgment. With his thoughts on Jade, Rohan didn't stay long.
Once Kousei was alone in the room, she began to regulate her breathing, trying to sense something within herself. After a long while, she sighed in frustration.
Since then, Contrail had withdrawn into herself. In her dorm room, she watched a replay of the Autumn Tenno Sho, growing increasingly melancholic.
"What am I even doing...?"
Before the race, a Central Committee member had sent Contrail a letter. It stated bluntly that she was no match for Almond Eye. To preserve the prestige of the Triple Crown title, they "hoped" she would avoid competing against her.
Contrail wouldn't have to do anything; public opinion would naturally form on its own. They would handle everything, she needn't worry. As long as she held the title of "Undefeated Triple Crown Winner," she was guaranteed to one day stand alongside Rudolf Symboli as a pillar of Central.
But if she kept losing, that future would become uncertain.
Contrail had her pride and couldn't accept such a proposal. Yet, after giving her all against Almond Eye, she was consumed by self-doubt.
The reality she had long refused to face was now laid bare before her: Almond Eye was simply stronger. Even at full strength, she had lost by three lengths. The gap between them was a whole class apart.
I will become a legend. I will be the face of Central. I am the Commander-in-Chief.
Everything Contrail had once firmly believed shattered in that moment, all because her generation had produced a genius even more exceptional than herself.
"Why? Why can she defeat opponents stronger than her? Am I...?"
I have to achieve my goals. Otherwise, how can I face Kousei? How can I bear to wear this racing outfit again?
Should she follow the Central Committee's plan to make that happen?
Contrail had lost her way on the path forward.