Upon hearing that Kousei had resumed training, McQueen and Teio rushed to the scene immediately.
This time, everyone was present; not a single member was absent.
After the parallel run, Narita Brian glanced at Kousei with a hint of surprise. Sirius wore a satisfied smile, while Tachyon recorded data, her ambiguous laughter hinting at something deeper.
Though Kousei still lost the race, there was a palpable sense that something was shifting. She seemed to be gradually grasping the key principles.
"This feels... right."
Kousei gazed deeply at Narita Brian, finally reaching her own understanding of her mother and Brian's relationship.
Narita Brian said nothing more, only letting out a soft chuckle as she turned away.
"Amazing, Kousei! Today's feeling was incredible!" Tachyon's exaggerated praise had long become routine for Kousei.
Glancing at the data charts, she saw the improvement was minimal.
"It seems you're beginning to understand the meaning behind those words," Sirius remarked, sounding genuinely pleased.
"More or less. I'm also gradually grasping the significance of T-Action."
Her stomach rumbled at an inopportune moment. She was surprisingly hungry today.
"Let's go eat."
Kousei nodded and turned to Teio and McQueen. "Together?"
The two exchanged a glance. "Of course! Together!"
The trio's first appearance in the student cafeteria drew widespread attention. This time, however, the spotlight had shifted to Kousei, who stood out most among them. Whispers rippled through the crowd, punctuated by furtive glances.
"Two Mega Value Meals and an extra-large Carrot Steak, please."
"You got it!"
McQueen looked surprised. "Can you really finish all that?"
"This is for me. I won't be sharing with McQueen."
"I don't need any!"
McQueen and Teio each ordered a Carrot Steak, as neither of them had much of an appetite lately.
In contrast, Kousei had a hearty appetite, even feeling somewhat unsatisfied after finishing her meal.
"Hehe~ You're the center of attention now. How does it feel to be watched by everyone?"
Kousei pondered Teio's words. "It's... okay, I guess. Is this what it feels like to be famous?"
"Actually, I've been wondering: why did Teio give up her chance to compete in the Japan Cup? And what's the secret you two have been keeping from me?"
As expected, the topic came up. But McQueen and Teio remained composed, having planned to tell Kousei the truth all along.
McQueen recounted the events of her parting with Teio, then elaborated on what followed.
Having learned of Teio's intentions, McQueen confronted her, asking why she had decided to compete in the Tenno Sho (Spring). Teio simply smiled and replied, "Since Kousei is racing in the Japan Cup, there's nothing to worry about. I can give it my all and run a race with you."
McQueen's expression didn't soften. She recalled the Winner's Stage incident and disapproved of Teio's actions.
Before McQueen could voice her disapproval, Teio said earnestly, "I didn't decide to enter the Tenno Sho (Spring) to give Kousei a chance.
I wanted to race you fair and square. Ever since I saw you running alongside Kousei, I've been wondering, 'When will I get to run beside you too?' I envy the two of you. This is my selfish desire—I'm acting for myself, not for anyone else.
I didn't concede the Japan Cup. Knowing Kousei is competing there gives me peace of mind. My original plan was to compete in both the Tenno Sho (Spring) and the Japan Cup consecutively, pushing myself to the limit even if it was a stretch.
But I can't choose between the two races."
People wanted me to choose, but I refused. The moment I learned Kousei would be competing in the Japan Cup, my decision was made. I wanted to race against you without any reservations, and it was precisely because Kousei was there that I could do so without hesitation. I trust her completely.
This time, it wasn't about yielding—it was about trust.
Teio's words had also solidified McQueen's resolve to abandon all distractions and give her all at the Spring Tenno Sho.
Hearing this, a warm current flowed through Kousei's heart. A pair of warm hands covered hers—Mejiro McQueen's.
"No matter what others say, you will always be my rival."
The rooftop vow, everlasting.
In her peripheral vision, Kousei noticed a black Umamusume standing behind Teio and McQueen—Dicta Striker.
She watched silently, completely merged with the shadows, unnoticed by the bustling crowd.
"McQueen and Teio, could you step aside for a moment?"
Though they didn't understand why, the two followed Kousei's instructions.
As soon as they left, Dicta Striker approached. Compared to her state during the Japanese Derby, she now seemed somewhat dispirited, her onyx-like eyes dimmed.
She sat down, meeting Kousei's gaze with a smile.
"You seem to be avoiding the Japan Cup."
"That's right."
"Why? You're not the type to be afraid."
Although Kousei hadn't spent much time with Dicta Striker, she had witnessed the Umamusume's indomitable spirit firsthand during the Japanese Derby. Dicta Striker had fought fiercely for the sake of the strongest, and fear simply wasn't in her nature.
Despite the rumors swirling online, Kousei refused to believe that such an Umamusume would withdraw out of fear.
"I have my own reasons," Dicta Striker replied. "Actually, I raced in the Tenno Sho as well, but I didn't achieve any notable results, so I went unnoticed. The truth is, I only hold the Derby champion title in name. During the final stretch of the Derby, McQueen's momentary distraction allowed me to seize victory."
"The luckiest racer won the Derby. I earned this title solely because of that stroke of fortune."
"But I know I don't deserve to be called a Derby champion."
"The Forbidden Gate never opened for me."
In subsequent races, I fell into a slump, unable to secure a single victory. Though people still held onto their expectations, the idea of me being the "weakest Derby champion" had begun to take root in their minds. I knew it was only a matter of time before that pent-up resentment would erupt and come crashing down on me.
Kousei was stunned. Even the bullet of victory couldn't escape.
"So, is that why you're avoiding the Japan Cup?"
"That's just one of the reasons."
"One of the reasons?"
"Exactly. I've thought about it. The Japan Cup isn't my stage. In my current condition, I'd only lose if I entered. I need to rest for a while and find my true path during this time. I don't mind being mocked or called a coward."
Though the light in her eyes had dimmed, it never completely faded. The lost gunslinger was searching for her way back home.
"You're different, Kousei. The Japan Cup belongs to you. By the way, I've bet on you to win, so don't disappoint me."
The two didn't exchange many words. It seemed Dicta Striker had only stopped by to greet Kousei.
As they parted, Dicta Striker lightly patted Kousei's shoulder.
"Go save yourself."