The confrontation with Kashimoto Riko had entered a strange stalemate. The public self-criticism following the Autumn Tenno Sho had caused her approval rating to plummet.
Yet, the Resistance's support didn't rise. Due to their foreign connections, people hesitated to openly take sides. As a result, most adopted a neutral stance, waiting to see how Central would proceed.
Of course, this situation also bred dissatisfaction among many.
After all, the protagonists were mostly problem children, and the public, unaware of their true intentions, naturally viewed them with prejudice. The only team member yet to appear was Rice Shower. The Jet-Black Assassin had vanished without a trace after the Kikuka Sho, briefly resurfacing at the beginning of the year before disappearing back into the shadows.
No one knew where she had gone or what she was planning. Many speculated about when Rice Shower would finally make her move, especially since the rest of her team had already competed and a suitable stage was now available for her.
But how the public would react to her return remained anyone's guess.
"Here."
McQueen handed her carrot juice to Kousei. The difference was that McQueen's was an extra-large cup.
"Thanks."
The two sat on a park bench. Kousei took a sip and casually asked, "How has the family been lately?"
"Quite well. The Mejiro Estate has been much livelier since Palmer returned. My relationship with Ryan and Palmer feels like it's gone back to our childhood—back when I was first adopted from the branch family. I was all alone and shy, but thankfully, Ryan and Palmer treated me wonderfully.
"Palmer was cheerful and talkative, while Ryan was thoughtful and great at taking care of people. Back then, Dober was terrified of me, this outsider. She'd hide behind Ramonu-san, peeking at me timidly.
"Bright has always been laid-back, even as a child. The first time I saw her, I thought, She's so carefree. Ardan's health has always been poor... Why would the Three Goddesses treat her so cruelly when she was born an Umamusume?
"Grandmother..." McQueen had been chattering on about the Mejiro family, but she suddenly fell silent at the mention of her grandmother.
"Have you figured out what to do with the family going forward?" Kousei quickly changed the subject.
An unspoken understanding passed between them. McQueen admitted frankly, "No. Being a good Clan Head is far more difficult than being an Umamusume racer."
"There's always a way, isn't there?"
McQueen smiled faintly. "Yes, there's always a way. I should have realized it sooner. A family can't be supported by just one person. We may be brought together by blood, but it's not blood that makes us care for each other. We're family, so we rise and fall together.
"I've thought about it. Even if I'm no longer on the racetrack one day, Dober and Bright will continue to carry the Mejiro Glory forward. The future should indeed be forged by the younger generation. Even if they get hurt, even if they face setbacks, at least those will be their own choices."
"One must walk their own path. Mistakes are part of growth."
Everyone makes mistakes. Even legends like Kousei, McQueen, and Rudolf were not perfect. Not all their choices were correct. Facing their mistakes was also about facing their true selves.
"Enough about me," McQueen said, changing the subject. "Have you thought about what comes next? Society is full of criticism against the Resistance."
"I never expected things to escalate this far, but every choice has two sides. This might not necessarily be a bad thing—it could be an opportunity."
While Kousei had no intention of linking the Resistance with foreign Umamusume, when it came to the Autumn Tenno Sho, she couldn't blame Just a Way. After all, Sweep's position on the track had been precarious; sticking to the original plan would have almost certainly led to a loss.
"Really? Central doesn't take kindly to foreigners, especially under Acting Chairman Kashimoto's policies. Your identity is sensitive—how will you proceed?"
McQueen wasn't wrong. After the Autumn Tenno Sho, Rice Shower had probably been the most affected by the anti-foreign sentiment. The people at Central already disliked her, and now, with her association with foreigners, the jeers against her only intensified.
"I haven't seen Rice Shower in a long time. Hasn't she returned yet?" McQueen asked with concern.
"No news. We can't reach either Rice Shower or Morgan."
"You don't think something happened to them, do you?"
"No. Morgan was recommended by Caesar."
McQueen huffed. "You certainly trust Caesar a lot."
Kousei couldn't help but find McQueen's reaction amusing.
"What are you smiling about?"
"Nothing. Just remembered something funny."
McQueen shot Kousei a glare and sullenly sipped her carrot juice. Kousei, too, enjoyed her drink, and the two sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the gentle breeze.
"Well, well, aren't you two enjoying yourselves?"
At times like this, Black Bullet always had a knack for showing up.
"What do you want? You're everywhere," McQueen grumbled, glaring at her.
"You wound me! Kousei doesn't like having electronic devices around, so I'm always the one handling communications. Even if I don't get credit, I at least deserve some sympathy for my hard work, right?" Black Bullet whined, earning a disdainful look from McQueen.
"Here," McQueen said, handing Black Bullet a bag.
Black Bullet took it, glanced inside, and her face lit up. "Aww, I knew you were a softie under that tough exterior, McQueen!"
"Shut up."
The three classmates rarely had a chance to gather like this, making these stolen moments all the more precious.
"Since you came all this way, you must have news for us," Kousei said, steering the conversation back on track.
"Of course. Morgan is back, and she brought Rice Shower with her."
Just moments ago, Kousei and McQueen had been wondering when Rice Shower would return. Now, Black Bullet had brought the news they'd been waiting for.
"Today really is a good day."
No longer in the mood to sit around, the two immediately prepared to head back to their dorms.
"Huh? I haven't even finished my drink yet!"
No one heard Black Bullet's complaint.
Kousei rushed through the door, about to speak, but was cut off.
"Wow! It's Kousei!"
"It really is!"
Kousei froze. Taking a closer look, she saw Urara and Twin Turbo chatting and laughing with Rice Shower. She hadn't expected to see them here and, for a moment, didn't know how to react.
"What are you doing blocking the doorway?" McQueen's annoyed voice came from behind her.
"McQueen!"
"It's McQueen!"
McQueen's face mirrored Kousei's stunned expression. The two stood frozen in the doorway like a pair of stone guardians.
"Oh, you're back," Morgan said, emerging from her bath with a towel wrapped around her. "Those two little ones seemed to know you, so I let them in. That's okay, right?"
With Morgan's arrival, every member of the Second Generation Sirius—except Teio—was now present. The very situation Kousei had been desperately trying to avoid had finally come to pass.
"Urara, Turbo, long time no see," Kousei said, forcing a smile. She truly didn't want Urara and Twin Turbo to get involved in this. "Did anyone see you come in?"
"I don't know! Turbo and I were playing tag, and we just sort of ended up here," Urara said, completely unconcerned.
"And here Turbo was, looking for you this whole time!" Turbo pouted. "Everyone said they couldn't reach you. You were lying to Turbo, weren't you?"
Ever since Kousei had returned, Urara and Twin Turbo had tried to find her. But Kousei had been deliberately avoiding them, so how could the two little ones possibly have succeeded?
"It's so wonderful to see everyone!" Rice Shower clapped her hands happily.
Everyone present was a dear friend to Rice Shower. More than any other concern, this reunion filled her with joy.