"How do you feel?"
Kousei took a breath. As expected, it felt much easier.
"It's working."
The tense expressions on Takuya and the others surrounding Kousei finally relaxed. Even Kousei herself hadn't expected acupuncture to be so effective.
After a few more minutes of discussion, Takuya concluded, "If you stick to the medication and continue with acupuncture, you should make a full recovery in time."
Uncle Ye added, "Your lungs are still vulnerable. If you plan to compete, you must stop pushing yourself so recklessly. I don't know what kind of breathing technique you're using, but it's best to stop."
Takuya raised an eyebrow, while Rohan smiled knowingly beside him. Uncle Ye looked puzzled, so Rohan explained, "Even if you tell her not to, she won't listen. That's just who she is."
"But another injury could cause permanent damage," Uncle Ye persisted, his doctor's instincts kicking in. "Many professional athletes retire with lingering injuries. If her lungs are damaged, it will affect her normal life after she retires."
"Thank you for your concern, but my mind is made up." Time was running out for Kousei. The chance to recover at all was an unexpected blessing, and she was determined to compete, whether she made a full recovery or not.
Knowing further words were useless, Uncle Ye sighed inwardly and said, "Then just focus on resting and recovering. Don't sneak out to train anymore."
"Okay," Kousei replied obediently.
Sasami, who had been silent until now, spoke up eagerly, "In that case, why not try my latest creation? I guarantee one injection will restore you completely."
She whipped out a syringe and lunged forward, but Takuya's large hand shot out to stop her. Veins bulged on his arm as they locked in a struggle.
"My, my~ What are you doing, Doctor Takuya?"
"I should be asking you what you're doing! Kousei isn't that desperate yet."
"It's not like she hasn't had it before."
"No. I won't allow it."
Kousei looked on helplessly. Honestly, she didn't want another injection unless absolutely necessary. The mere thought of Sasami's "acupuncture therapy" sent a shiver of fear down her spine.
Kousei stood up and began to tidy herself. Rohan watched her, curious. "The treatment just ended. Where are you going? You're not sneaking off to train, are you?"
"No, I just have plans with Rice Shower."
Rohan let out an "Oh..." as if recalling something. "The current situation isn't looking good for her, is it?"
"No, it isn't."
As soon as Rice Shower returned, she announced her intention to compete in the Spring Tenno Sho. Given her actions at the Kikuka Sho, the news was met with a storm of criticism.
Most people disliked Rice Shower, and their animosity only intensified due to her association with foreign entities. While a small minority supported her and tried to cheer her on, their voices were completely drowned out by the overwhelming tide of abuse.
Rice Shower still hadn't received their blessing.
After competing in both the spring and autumn seasons, Rice Shower had little time to prepare following the Autumn Tenno Sho.
The Spring Tenno Sho was crucial. As Central's most prestigious long-distance race, it placed extremely demanding requirements on the Umamusume.
The pressure on Rice Shower was immense.
So, during the brief preparation period before the race, all the remaining team members gathered, hoping to offer her some advice.
"The Spring Tenno Sho... That one's no joke," McQueen, a two-time champion of the race, was the first to speak.
When it came to the Spring Tenno Sho, McQueen was the ultimate authority. The title "Strongest Long-Distance Runner in History" wasn't just for show.
She had bested Teio one year and Kousei the next. Even the harshest critics couldn't find fault with Mejiro McQueen.
"The Spring Tenno Sho is 3200 meters, the longest G1 race," McQueen began. "The turns at Kyoto Racecourse have significant elevation changes, so it tests not only your stamina but also your ability to fight for position."
Kousei continued where McQueen left off. "Public opinion of Rice Shower is terrible. The racetrack will definitely be filled with boos. As the final Tenno Sho of the season, the competition in the Spring Tenno Sho will be even fiercer. If she lets the crowd get to her, she'll lose focus. The psychological burden will also drain her stamina, leaving her without the composure to execute her own running style."
Among the foreign Umamusume, only Cloud specialized in long-distance races, but she had no experience with the Spring Tenno Sho herself. She could only offer general advice on race tactics.
"Leo, do you have anything to add?" Black Bullet asked.
"To be honest, I can't help much either," Leo replied. "Even though everyone thinks I could win the Spring Tenno Sho, the truth is, I haven't run in any other top-tier long-distance races since my Triple Crown. I think middle-distance races suit me better than long-distance ones. This is a matter for the experts."
All eyes turned to McQueen. Kousei, having run the Spring Tenno Sho once herself, was also considered a valuable source of advice.
"So, Kousei, what would you do?" Rice Shower asked curiously.
It wasn't just Rice Shower; everyone else was equally eager to know. If Kousei were running the Spring Tenno Sho, what would her strategy be?
Seeing everyone awaiting her answer, Kousei paused to think. "If it were me, I'd avoid the initial scramble for position and settle on the outside of the mid-pack.
"The Spring Tenno Sho is a long race with a slower pace, so there's no need to rush. I'd start making my move as the field enters the middle section, using the time before that to observe my opponents as much as possible.
"This year's Spring Tenno Sho has many runners who excel on the turns. I'd do the opposite and focus my main attack on the straights. Since those runners will be confident in their cornering skills, the outside lane will likely be open. Sacrificing a bit of leg strength to make a move from the outside could yield unexpected gains."
"There are a few runners to watch out for. The one from Gate Seven is talented and fiercely competitive. Challenging her head-on might provoke her fighting spirit, but she has a habit of drifting left and tends to veer. She's highly aggressive and, based on her past races, will likely make her move on the first turn.
"You can use her tendency to drift left to set a trap. Secure your position early to block her path, forcing her to back off to avoid the field. This way, you can box her in without a direct confrontation.
"Once she's at a disadvantage, she'll likely become erratic and lose her ability to contend for the championship.
"The runner from Gate Two has an incredible final leg. Her burst of speed is impressive, and her gate position is excellent. She'll probably seize a spot in the leading group early on and maintain it through the mid-race.
"Based on her best three-furlong times, her winning move likely comes in the final 150 meters. It's best to start pressuring her from the third turn. To conserve stamina, she always likes to lie in wait on the inside, biding her time.
"All you need to do is approach her from behind. If you have the superior Power, her strategy of waiting on the inside will become a trap, pinning her against the rail as she tries to navigate the turn."
"Keep her pinned while waiting for an opening. Drain her stamina to ensure she doesn't have enough kick left for the final straight to win.
"Of course, while applying pressure, you also need to watch the movements of the field behind you. Making a move from the outside will attract attention, and you'll likely be marked.
"Depending on the situation, there are different options. If..."
Kousei rattled on, completely lost in her own world. Even though she wasn't racing, she knew every runner inside and out, even predicting several possible scenarios.
The others wore strange expressions. Rice Shower, in particular, was completely bewildered; she'd lost focus at some point and couldn't understand a word anymore.
"Honestly, do you really think everyone's like you?" McQueen's complaint finally cut through Kousei's endless monologue.
Kousei chuckled sheepishly, a little embarrassed. It had been so long since she'd raced that she couldn't help herself.
"Forget it, Rice Shower. Instead of listening to her ramble on, why don't you hear my advice?"
Whoa!!!
Compared to Kousei, McQueen clearly commanded a much bigger reaction. Rice Shower blinked expectantly. What brilliant insight would the Spring Tenno Sho Champion offer?
"Crush your opponent with power and stamina," Mejiro McQueen declared, her expression completely unfazed (invincible face).
Rice Shower opened her mouth, then closed it. She had never felt so utterly speechless.