With the Spring Tenno Sho approaching, Rice Shower was in peak condition. The palpable difference in her performance during training and her remarkable transformation undoubtedly brought immense confidence to the camp.
Kousei personally tested her and found that in such a short time, Rice Shower's physical development had reached a terrifying level. Though her frame wasn't particularly large, every inch of her muscle felt as solid as forged steel. An ordinary, larger competitor might not be able to withstand her power.
As for her other aspects, they would only be revealed on race day. During the final preparations, the camp focused on helping Rice Shower alleviate her accumulated physical fatigue so she could perform at her absolute best in the Spring Tenno Sho.
The full entry list for the Spring Tenno Sho had been released, featuring G1 competitors of exceptionally high caliber. One name, however, stood out—a legendary figure who had already achieved great fame and once held the Tenno Sho Trophy.
Most people had assumed she would never race again, subconsciously believing she had already retired. The majority of her contemporaries had long since left the racetrack, and she herself rarely appeared in the public eye.
The last member of the "Strongest Generation"—Manhattan Cafe.
Seeing the name, Kousei was somewhat surprised. She had only met Cafe a few times but knew she was now completely devoted to her coffee shop and paid little attention to the Twinkle Series.
Logically, Cafe shouldn't have been interested in participating.
Manhattan Cafe's appearance brought back memories of that fantastical era. The sight of "The Three" competing on the same stage had sent shockwaves through Central, and it was from that time that the desire to pioneer a new era was born.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
No one ever knows whether disaster or the future will arrive first. Cafe's sudden return stirred unpleasant memories within Central. The events of the "Ominous Festival" remained vivid in their minds—a tragedy so profound that it had become an unspoken taboo.
Cafe's contemporaries had not met good ends. Her reappearance now, after all this time, would almost certainly be her final race.
Perhaps out of nostalgia for that bygone era, or perhaps due to their dislike of Kousei, public support for Cafe soared to unprecedented heights. People hoped she could achieve a "beautiful end," a final consolation for the "Strongest Generation."
As for Rice Shower, she became the subject of constant discussion. Would this "killer," who had ended Bourbon's career, now do the same to Cafe, just as Kousei had once ended Tachyon's?
Most people refused to entertain the thought. Yet, as negative emotions festered, the darkness in their hearts began to ferment. More and more people took to the internet, posting comments demanding that Rice Shower withdraw from the Spring Tenno Sho.
The online outcry grew, its effects spreading to Tracen Academy. As Rice Shower walked the halls, she could feel the malice in the stares directed at her.
It was just like when Bourbon was on the verge of the Triple Crown. Back then, they had demanded Rice Shower not stand in Bourbon's way of becoming the Triple Crown Winner. Now, they demanded she not prevent Cafe from achieving her "beautiful end."
Whether it was Bourbon or Cafe, Rice Shower always seemed to appear at the most crucial moments, cast as the villain who blocked others' paths.
Yet, Rice Shower herself remained remarkably calm, continuing her training and rest as usual. She was well aware of the public's opinion of her, but she simply smiled away the harsh words.
McQueen worried about Rice Shower and considered trying to comfort her, urging her not to bottle up her feelings. But Kousei stopped her, saying frankly, "Don't worry. Rice Shower will be fine."
Having experienced it herself, Kousei understood. And because she understood, she knew that Rice Shower's will was even tougher than her steel-like body.
As for why Manhattan Cafe had suddenly decided to race, Kousei and the others had no idea. It was a mystery that perhaps only Cafe herself could explain.
While things remained quiet on Kousei's end, the same couldn't be said for others.
The Central Committee had originally planned to hold Kashimoto Riko accountable for her actions during the Autumn Tenno Sho. However, Director Akikawa's sudden appearance disrupted their decision. Unsure of the Director's intentions, the Committee could only engage in cautious maneuvering, and the matter concerning Kashimoto Riko was naturally shelved.
Speaking of Kashimoto Riko, her spirits had lifted considerably since the Autumn Tenno Sho. Sweep Tosho's return to Team Speed had revitalized the group. Although Sweep had grown, she was still largely the same willful Little Witch as before.
She still required Cocon and the others' daily care. On a rare day off, Kashimoto Riko watched the members of Team Speed with a smile. She couldn't remember the last time she had smiled; she thought she had forgotten how.
Kashimoto Riko reached for her coffee, only to find the cup empty. Just as she was about to get up, a voice came from behind her.
"Trainer, you need more coffee, right?"
Bitter Glasse and Cocon appeared behind her, holding fresh cups.
"Yes, thank you."
Instead of leaving, Bitter Glasse and Cocon sat beside Kashimoto Riko, joining her in watching the scenery. In the small courtyard, Sweep Tosho brandished the magic wand Kashimoto Riko had given her at the Autumn Tenno Sho, enthusiastically chanting incomprehensible spells.
"How peaceful," Bitter Glasse couldn't help but remark.
Everyone in Central, from top to bottom, was watching this confrontation. Yet Kashimoto Riko, the main protagonist, and her Charges were leisurely enjoying the breeze in the courtyard.
They showed no sign of being the central figures in this crisis.
In truth, Kashimoto Riko's sole objective had been Sweep Tosho's transformation. What happened next was no longer her concern.
After years as Director, she had seen too much—things she had never noticed before. Kashimoto Riko had lost too much and gradually realized that the Thorough Management Education Program could not lead to the future.
Greatness lies in doing what ordinary people cannot and thinking what ordinary people will not. What Central needed was not stability but revolution. Under the Central Committee's "stable rule," Tracen would only decay. When the Emperor's glory could no longer conceal the rot, Central would face its doomsday—just like her Thorough Management Education Program.
The Thorough Management Education Program was a reflection of Kashimoto Riko herself and a microcosm of Central's stagnation. She was unwilling to take risks, fixated on maximizing results within the bounds of safety.
Little Cocon, Bitter Glasse, and countless other Umamusume had been influenced by this philosophy. Unconsciously, the athletes had shackled themselves.
Never push your limits. Never take risks.
Mental shackles, physical shackles—both hindered the competitors' growth. From the moment they accepted the Thorough Management Education Program, their futures were already sealed.
Yet who in Central had the right to condemn Kashimoto Riko? They had lost so many exceptional competitors. Injuries and accidents plagued the region.
The Takarazuka Memorial was a nightmare they couldn't bear to recall, a horrifying incident that still sent shivers down their spines. It wasn't Kashimoto Riko who influenced Central; it was Central that chose Kashimoto Riko, demanding she protect the Umamusume at all costs—even if it meant sacrificing their freedom and will.
Kashimoto Riko's personal extremism was, in fact, a symptom of Central's own sickness. Compounded by mounting international pressure in recent years, everything had reached a breaking point.
Kashimoto Riko realized Central needed to change, which was why she had made such a decision. A trailblazer need not look back. Even if the path ahead is blocked, one must dig through the snow to find spring, light lanterns to extend the day.
"Little Cocon, Bitter Glasse."
What would Kashimoto Riko say to the Charges who had supported and stood by her all this time?
"I am deeply sorry... for holding back your lives."
"Trainer, what nonsense are you talking about?"