Ever since their reconciliation at the Takarazuka Memorial, Palmer had been spending more and more time with the Mejiros. Everyone was perceptive enough not to disturb them as they nurtured their bond. Besides, Palmer was the team's greatest hero. The Takarazuka Memorial was her true maiden win, and after such a hard-fought victory, she deserved to celebrate to her heart's content.
Following the Takarazuka, Dai Yusaku chose to retire from the Twinkle Series, making the race her final dance. Some found this regrettable, while others believed she had already achieved everything she desired.
Opinions varied, but perhaps only those directly involved truly understood the truth.
Thanks to the spectacular performances of Dai Yusaku and Palmer, their once-underdog team began to dominate the headlines. Major television networks reported on them, and public discussion remained fervent.
In this charged atmosphere, people eagerly anticipated the next team member's performance. However, when they realized the next runner was the "infamous" Little Witch, their expressions became too complex to describe.
"Damn it!!!" Sweep Tosho stomped furiously on the turf, her anger palpable.
In stark contrast to the furious Sweep Tosho, Jade remained perfectly calm, her face a picture of innocence.
"Lost again, huh? How many times is that now?" Black Bullet fanned the flames, pushing Sweep Tosho further over the edge.
"Hmm... nearly thirty times, I'd say," Leo remarked calmly.
Kousei recalled her own training days with Narita Brian. She hadn't won a single match until just before the Japan Cup.
"I'm done training!!!" Sweep Tosho roared, throwing down her gear and storming off the training track. Her "guardians" didn't bother stopping her; they were used to the Little Witch's temper. She'd come back once she'd cooled down on her own.
"Well, the Little Witch isn't Kousei, and Jade isn't Narita Brian. It's only natural she'd get this angry," Black Bullet mused, watching Sweep Tosho's retreating figure.
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Kousei shot her a resentful glare.
While Kousei had never won a G1 race before the Japan Cup, Sweep Tosho already held two G1 trophies and had long been a pillar of the Central Tracen Academy.
Narita Brian was renowned, her title "Shadow Veil Monster" commanding fear. Jade, from NAU, was merely an obscure competitor.
The frustration of losing to Jade was naturally far greater than losing to Narita Brian. The difference in temperament between Kousei and Sweep Tosho was also a significant factor.
"I never thought Sweep Tosho would lose so completely. The world of Umamusume is truly larger than we imagined," Leo remarked, her focus more on Jade herself than on Black Bullet's teasing.
The "Young Dragon" was still growing. Given time, she would surely become even more formidable. Even those accustomed to witnessing prodigious talent were astonished by Jade's gift.
"Our juniors are in for some tough battles ahead," Black Bullet said, for once setting aside her usual flippant attitude.
Allies one moment, enemies the next.
Everyone knew the Eastern Lands were aggressively entering the Umamusume industry. Rohan had been maneuvering among the various factions, all to pave the way for Jade. Seeking cooperation with the Mejiros was just one step in his plan—biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to soar.
Kousei felt a tug on the hem of her clothes. Glancing sideways, she saw it was Jade.
"Training's over. Can I leave now?"
"Well, you can, but where are you going?" Kousei asked, a little surprised. Lately, Jade had been clinging to her less and less, and now she was even asking to leave on her own.
"I'm meeting someone."
"Oh? A new friend?"
"Yeah."
"It won't be dangerous, will it?" Kousei worried. Jade's status was unique; if anything went wrong, how would she explain it to Rohan?
"It's fine. Her name is Mejiro Ardan. She was at the last gathering."
Kousei knew McQueen had a sister with poor health. Though she wasn't familiar with Ardan, if she was McQueen's sister, that changed things.
"Alright. Be safe."
Jade nodded and immediately trotted away. Kousei felt a pang of loss, like a child who had always clung to her had suddenly found someone else. Finding the thought ridiculous, she shook her head repeatedly.
"It's about time. We should get going," Leo said as she and Black Bullet rose to leave.
Kousei nodded in acknowledgment. After they had gone, her expression turned grave, and she couldn't help but let out a few soft coughs.
She found a mirror and stared at her reflection for a long time, sighing inwardly. Ever since her lungs were damaged at the Arc de Triomphe, she had suffered from chronic asthma. While her leg injury was gradually healing, her respiratory condition showed no signs of improvement.
To avoid worrying others and alerting the Central Committee, Kousei forced herself to endure her asthma attacks, even though she knew it was only a matter of time before her condition was exposed.
"You don't look so good."
Kousei smiled and looked up, already recognizing the speaker's voice. "Thanks for making the trip."
Just a Way placed a bag on the table and sat cross-legged opposite Kousei. "It's medicine from Mr. Takuya. No idea if it'll work."
Kousei untied the bag, teasing, "And you still dare to give it to me?"
"Don't worry, Tachyon already tested it. It won't kill you," Just a Way retorted, refusing to take the bait.
After taking the medicine, Kousei's complexion improved, suggesting it was effective. "Much better. Thanks, Way."
"It's nothing. I just wish you could make a full recovery."
"There's always a way," Kousei replied, a stark contrast to her past reputation for being exceptionally healthy.
"Optimism is one of your strengths, I'll give you that."
"Thanks for the compliment."
Kousei needed rest, so Just a Way rarely disturbed her these days. After chatting for a short while, she left.
As she walked, her expression was tinged with worry. Lost in thought, she was suddenly pulled back by the sound of a familiar argument.
Following the voices, Just a Way found the two people quarreling: Sweep Tosho and Kashimoto Riko. They seemed to have been at it for some time. Just as Just a Way arrived, Sweep Tosho stormed off, looking furious.
Realizing it was wrong to eavesdrop—even though she hadn't heard anything—Just a Way decided to slip away unnoticed to avoid any misunderstandings.
"Student Just a Way."
Kashimoto Riko's voice called out from behind her. Damn it, Just a Way thought. Can't we just pretend this never happened?
She forced herself to turn around, offering an awkward smile. "What a coincidence, Acting Chairman Kashimoto. Fancy meeting you in a corner like this."
"Weren't you the one who sought this place out?" Kashimoto Riko replied bluntly.
"Er..." Just a Way was instantly tongue-tied, unsure what to say.
"Student Just a Way, do you have a moment?" Kashimoto Riko asked.
"I'm not that busy..."
"Good. Keep me company for a chat."
"Huh? Me?" Just a Way thought, What could we possibly talk about? We're practically strangers.
Well, she reconsidered, the Acting Chairman seems troubled. I guess I can just be a sounding board and let her vent. With that, Just a Way nodded in agreement.
"So, Acting Chairman Kashimoto," she began, deciding to just dive in, "why did you want to chat with me?"
"Because you remind me of an old friend."
Just a Way's expression darkened, and her gaze toward Kashimoto Riko sharpened with scrutiny.