Kousei's condition was less stable than before. With Takuya away, they had to monitor her physical state even more closely. Time was running out, so instead of continuing the minimally effective training at the gym, Reiko decided to let Kousei rest thoroughly before the race.
"Haa... huu..."
Kousei knelt on the ground, her rhythmic breathing suggesting some form of training. During this period, Reiko had instructed her to avoid contact with the outside world to prevent any unnecessary influence.
What could Kousei say? Since it was Trainer's order, she had no choice but to comply.
"Are you nervous?"
Kousei opened her eyes to find Just a Way standing before her.
"Yes."
"Oh?" Just a Way looked surprised. "I thought you'd say something like, 'Nervous? Not at all.'"
Kousei simply smiled without saying anything.
"I guess it makes sense. So many people are pinning their hopes on you. If it were me, I'd have thrown up by now," Just a Way said, sitting down beside her.
"Even so, it's not so bad."
"Oh? How so?"
"I relish the tension before a race, the feeling of a storm brewing. I love the pressure on the racetrack, like an arrow nocked on a bowstring, ready to be released. I love racing. I love the feeling of giving it my all. Only in those moments do I feel truly alive."
There are people like that—unable to enjoy peace, constantly seeking stronger opponents, fighting relentlessly until they can fight no more.
"I thought you'd give some grander reason, like doing it for someone or something."
"Of course, that's part of it. But even in the face of hardship, one shouldn't forget to find joy. I used to think I was running to prove something to the world. But maybe... I just genuinely love to run.
"If doing what I love can also help everyone, then I have no reason to refuse."
Just a Way's expression grew complex, her gaze toward Kousei filled with an indescribable mix of emotions.
"After everything you've been through, you really haven't changed at all."
"What did you expect me to become?"
"More cynical. More radical in your response to injustice."
"Like a misanthrope?"
"Exactly. Like a misanthrope."
Kousei grinned. "I don't hate this world. On the contrary, I love it.
"Sometimes, after training, I'll find a large tree and fall asleep peacefully in its shade, with the wind blowing over me. I sleep until the morning dew wakes me, just as the sun rises and the world slowly brightens from the darkness.
"In those moments, I always think, 'It's wonderful to be alive, isn't it?' I love the beauty of this world and feel grateful to have been born into it as an Umamusume.
"On the day of the Derby, it poured rain. The memory of that loss has replayed in my mind ever since. I always felt I lacked good luck. If it hadn't rained that day, could I have won a G1 title?
"If I were a Derby winner, would everyone see me differently?
"I used to constantly wonder why I was so unlucky. But that's not true. I'm luckier than most people. While I may not have natural running talent, my body is healthier than almost anyone else's.
"To this day, I've never been troubled by injuries. I've never known the determination it takes to run toward the finish line even with a broken bone—the sheer willpower and desire required to push oneself that far."
"I've run so many difficult races and I'm still standing here perfectly fine, while some can't even finish their Debut Race. There are people who don't want to see me on the racetrack, and there are others who hope I'll finally achieve my heart's desire.
"I..."
Kousei shook her head with a smile, seemingly unwilling to continue down that path. Instead, she said firmly, "No matter what, I have to race. At the end of this story, I want to give everyone a perfect conclusion."
Just a Way didn't seem surprised. Her eyes, which always held a faint, mocking smile, were now filled with an inconsolable sadness.
"Must you really do this?"
"You know what I'm planning to do?" Kousei asked, slightly surprised.
"I've known for a long time."
They had spent a considerable amount of time together, yet they had never truly reached each other's hearts. The reason was simple: Just a Way always kept her guard up, retreating the moment Kousei got too close.
"I really don't understand you. Who are you, really?"
"I'm Just a Way. Your roommate and friend."
Fine, Kousei thought, deciding not to dwell on it. The secrets Just a Way refused to speak of were perhaps something only Neo Universe could ever understand.
"Since you're here, you might as well see it through to the end." Kousei patted Just a Way's shoulder, then rose and left alone.
A long, long time passed.
But you said you still had promises to keep, Just a Way murmured to herself.
The final race arrived as scheduled.
The rain continued to fall, and the black umbrellas scattered across the racetrack mirrored the somber mood of the crowd.
"Be careful, Little Belle."
"Don't be so overprotective. I'm not made of glass."
Genbao held an umbrella with one hand while using his other arm to shield Yurei as they navigated the dense crowd. This was Kousei's final battle at NAU. When she heard about the torrential rain at the racetrack, she knew the immense challenge Kousei would face. Without a second thought, she and Rukomachi rushed over, hoping to cheer Kousei on before the race. Unfortunately, despite their haste, they only managed to arrive just before the race began, leaving no time to meet her.
The two hadn't changed much since they were last seen. The only difference was that Yurei now held a swaddled baby in her arms. The infant had big eyes, soft ears, and gazed at the world with boundless curiosity.
"Come on, Little Hitori, let's cheer for Sister Kousei together," Yurei said to the baby.
"Excuse me, both of you, please come with me."
The speaker's words were concise. Yurei and Genbao looked and saw it was Rohan, the man who had handled all their travel arrangements.
"Mr. Rohan, you're here too?" Yurei exclaimed in surprise.
They had never met Rohan in person before; he had only mentioned Kousei's name when arranging their trip. Still, they were grateful to him—traveling long distances with a baby would have been incredibly difficult otherwise.
"Of course I'm here," Rohan replied. "But this isn't the time for idle chat. I've secured a better viewing spot for you. Please hurry."
Yurei and Genbao exchanged a glance and immediately followed Rohan.
Rohan looked travel-worn, with a stain on his collar that seemed to have been there for some time. It appeared he had just rushed here from somewhere else, so much so that even a man as meticulous about etiquette as him had forgotten to tidy himself up.
At this moment, the world's eyes were fixed on this race. Its significance was immense: if Kousei won, she would become the first-ever Umamusume to emerge from the NAU.
Meanwhile, due to the formidable opponent, the harsh weather, and a combination of other factors, the other Umamusume had deemed it unwise to enter this race.
Besides, everyone knew the spotlight of this event was solely on two contenders, so no one else was interested in joining.
Thus, the race had essentially become a one-on-one duel between the Golden Lion and the Monster.
In the competitor's tunnel, Amel was having a final conversation with Caesar.
"So, you've decided to go through with it after all."
"I must. I have to repay my debt of gratitude."
"Have you ever considered that our ancestors' methods might have been wrong?"
"You know I don't care."
"That's right. You don't."
No Umamusume is without stubbornness; words alone can never sway them.
"Very well. Go, then."
"Before the race starts, can you tell me why you're so obsessed with Kousei?"
Caesar paused for a moment. "You'll understand when the time comes. After all, you're walking the same path as me."
"You know I don't have eyes like yours."
"Amel, some things can be known without seeing the future. I won't ask you to hold back. On the contrary, I want you to give it your all. Give her respect, give her a trial. When the dust settles, you will find your own answer."
Amel was utterly baffled. Just then, a red mist suddenly began to fill the tunnel.
Clop—clop—
Amel turned around. Through the mist, thick as blood, something was walking toward her.