A short while later, at a café near the hospital.
"Two honey specials—extra honey in one—and one coffee, please."
After placing her order, a petite and lively-looking Uma Musume walked over to a window-side table, crossed her arms, and sat down with dignified authority.
Sitting opposite her were Yasui Makoto, calmly indifferent, and Kitasan Black, head lowered guiltily like a child caught misbehaving.
After casting a mildly stern glance at Kitasan Black, the petite Uma Musume turned her gaze to Makoto, her expression softening into a commendatory smile.
"It wasn't convenient to explain at the hospital, so I specifically came to find you, Trainer Yasui. We've already contacted the parents of the child you saved; they'd very much like to thank you in person."
"The driver responsible has also been located and is currently being questioned at the police station. He's already admitted to driving while fatigued and is willing to take full responsibility."
"Would you like to meet the parents and the driver?"
Makoto shook his head.
"No need; as long as the child is safe, that's enough for me."
"However, Kitasan-san mentioned covering my medical expenses. Regarding that, I believe it should be the driver's responsibility instead."
"That should be no problem, right, President?"
"None whatsoever. I'll arrange that shortly."
The petite Uma Musume, referred to as "President," immediately nodded, then turned with renewed seriousness toward Kitasan Black.
"Now then... Kita, do you understand your mistake?"
"Hai, Teio-senpai!"
Kitasan Black snapped upright as if someone had tugged sharply at her tail. After a loud, earnest response, she shrank back uncertainly and nervously tilted her head.
"My mistake… Was it wrong to rush with Yasui-san to save that child?"
Tokai Teio sighed, pressing a hand to the white crescent-shaped bangs over her forehead.
"You still don't seem to understand..."
Crossing her arms, Teio adopted a tone of authoritative patience.
"Helping someone in danger is commendable, and I've already drafted a commendation for you."
"The problem lies in your failure to control your speed."
"Even Yasui-kun, as a trainer, managed to adjust his posture to avoid serious injury at that critical moment. Yet you, an Uma Musume, couldn't even manage that much."
Teio let out a long sigh, shaking her head disappointedly.
"You've let me down, Kita."
Kitasan Black's ears instantly drooped—an unmistakable sign of Uma Musume feeling downcast. Her expression was filled with gloom and embarrassment.
Makoto, meanwhile, felt quietly impressed.
The petite Uma Musume opposite him was Tokai Teio, student council president for the Central Tracen Academy middle and high school divisions, succeeding Symboli Rudolf.
Compared to her legendary predecessor, President Teio's own racing career was equally impressive—nine wins out of twelve major races, with seven straight victories at the start.
Even after retiring to become student council president, she remained exceptionally competent.
The incident had only happened a few hours earlier, yet Teio had already sorted things out with the child's family and the responsible driver. She'd swiftly contacted both parties involved here as well, demonstrating her decisiveness and efficiency.
Her professionalism was similarly remarkable.
Surveillance footage from traffic cameras was notoriously unclear, unlike broadcast-quality race videos. Yet Teio had quickly assessed the details of the accident, pinpointing exactly how the collision between him and Kitasan Black had unfolded. This wasn't just skill—it was an elite Uma Musume's sharp instinct.
"I'm sorry, Teio-senpai…" Kitasan Black murmured, visibly dejected.
"Apologizing to me is meaningless."
Teio shook her head, arms still crossed. Seeing Kitasan Black hesitantly glance toward Makoto, she shook her head again.
"Apologizing to Trainer Yasui isn't necessary either."
"Kita, you still don't understand. Now isn't the time for apologies, but for serious reflection."
"Many situations on the track can be dangerous. If your control over your own speed and strength is still at this level…"
She sighed softly again, shaking her head for the third time.
"I've been speaking with some excellent trainers on your behalf. But after this incident, it's become impossible for me to advocate for you."
"This isn't my opinion as the student council president, but rather, as your senpai—I don't think you're ready yet."
Makoto faintly sensed Kitasan Black beside him wilting further, clearly affected by Teio's words.
But he couldn't disagree—Teio was right. Kitasan simply wasn't ready.
Extreme acrobatics were inherently dangerous, with even minor mistakes risking serious injury. To safely perform such feats required extraordinary physical control, something he'd rigorously trained himself in since childhood.
Thanks to that training, Makoto's flexibility, reflexes, and muscle control were beyond ordinary—even surpassing many Uma Musume.
In contrast, Kitasan clearly struggled with basic bodily control.
Given how fiercely competitive Uma Musume races could get, collisions at their running speeds posed enormous risks.
"I know, Teio-senpai…"
Kitasan Black responded quietly, but her voice was tinged with admiration and gratitude.
"My dream has always been to become a legendary Uma Musume like you, but I know I'm not a genius."
"Many teachers and trainers have told me I'd probably be better off focusing on short-distance races rather than aiming for a career like yours."
"But still, I want to try—no matter what!"
Suddenly, she raised her head, determination shining in her eyes.
"Senpai, your brilliant performance on the track has always inspired me! Until the very end, I absolutely won't give up!"
"Even if no trainer acknowledges me, I'll still challenge the [Classic Triple Crown] you once conquered!"
Her enthusiastic speech drew curious looks from other café patrons. Makoto also regarded her with mild surprise, but Tokai Teio remained perfectly composed.
"If you don't have a trainer, you aren't even qualified to enter the races. How would you challenge the [Triple Crown]?"
Arms still crossed, Teio calmly shook her head.
"Eh? Ah… well…"
The previously confident Kitasan instantly faltered, awkwardly scratching her head with a sheepish grin.
"Ahaha… Oh right, I guess that's true…"
"Seriously, Kita, do you even listen in class? That's basic knowledge…"
Teio sighed quietly again, giving Kitasan a reproachful look before turning her serious gaze toward Makoto.
"But there happens to be an excellent trainer right here."
"Passing the Central Trainer Exam at just eighteen is unprecedented."
"I've also noticed that since arriving at the academy, Trainer Yasui has been actively seeking an Uma Musume trainee—but has consistently been rejected."
"So, I have a request for you."
"Not as the student council president, but as Kita's senpai."
"I'd like to ask Trainer Yasui if you'd be willing to train Kitasan Black. What do you say?"