Kousei's brilliant victory sent shockwaves powerful enough to shake the world.
This victory was of extraordinary significance.
"We can't let this go on! We have to stop her!"
"How? Even Golden Lion was no match for her. Do you really expect anyone else to stand a chance?"
The Central Committee had argued countless times before, but never with such severity.
"The envoy we sent was detained by Ivan. The NAU is playing dumb, pretending not to understand the situation. We can't move against her like we used to—their stance is crystal clear: they're protecting Kousei and her group.
"The Eastern Lands' movements are also concerning. Rohan has been visiting various academies and seems to have reached some sort of agreement. I have a feeling that after the Racing Association's events, a new round of reshuffling is inevitable."
"The Central's own situation is a mess. A string of accidents and failures has left the public deeply dissatisfied, and public opinion is turning against us. Tracen Academy is also unstable. Kashimoto Riko's 'Thorough Management Education Program' was always a double-edged sword; such drastic reforms were bound to sow hidden troubles.
"Many oppose Kashimoto's plan, and even with the Student Council's help, it's only a matter of time before conflicts erupt. Besides, the Student Council itself is far from united."
"Leo Durban is an incredibly charismatic Umamusume. She and Black Bullet merely need to raise their arms, and supporters will spring up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain. The factions for and against are almost evenly split."
"Mediating these conflicts is the Director's responsibility, but Kashimoto Riko is currently bogged down by the Racing Association. Although Rudolf and Air Groove are maintaining order at Tracen, they seem content to simply observe how the situation unfolds."
The Central Committee knew Rudolf was merely going through the motions, but they couldn't use this against her. After all, she was technically fulfilling her duties—it was just a matter of proactiveness.
They couldn't demand more from the "Emperor."
"Our original plan was to groom Mejiro McQueen as the new face of the academy, to succeed Rudolf. But she seems to have developed periostitis, so we must find a replacement as soon as possible.
"Over time, the Emperor's aura has gradually faded, and our opportunistic enemies are beginning to make their moves. We still have a formidable foe to face. We need a 'Commander-in-Chief'—an Umamusume capable of shouldering this heavy burden."
They all knew who this "enemy" was. The rumors were proving true, one by one. With a divided leadership and a gap in talent between generations, the Central's own internal strife was already more than they could handle.
The Central Committee was unaware that Kousei's body was no longer what it once was. It was uncertain if she could recover from this ordeal.
"Let's stop here for now. We'll decide what to do after Kashimoto Riko returns from the Racing Association."
-
At the Racing Association headquarters, Directors from various regions had gathered to discuss the same matter. As Central's Acting Director, Kashimoto Riko was naturally among them.
Kousei's race schedule had made it painfully clear that the NAU's rules were incomplete. In the later stages of the circuit, there were even races with no entrants at all.
Because no one had ever managed to complete the entire circuit, this flaw had been conveniently ignored. But now, thanks to Kousei's success, they were forced to take the NAU seriously. According to ancient rules, any Umamusume who excelled in the NAU would earn a direct entry into the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Director Akikawa fanned herself. The purpose of this meeting was to secure Kousei's chance to compete in the Arc de Triomphe and to have the Racing Association officially recognize the NAU's international standing.
"Thank you all for taking precious time out of your busy schedules to be here. I'll skip the pleasantries, as you all know why we've gathered. Regarding whether Kousei is qualified to compete in the Arc de Triomphe, I'd like to hear everyone's opinions."
"There's no need for discussion, is there? Rules are rules. Since Kousei passed the trial, she's qualified to compete in the Arc de Triomphe," a blonde Director remarked nonchalantly.
"You make it sound so easy," another Director retorted with equal casualness. "Do you have any idea what kind of impact invoking an unused rule will have on the current system? A wildcard entry like this—what about the other Umamusume?"
Tension crackled between the two, but while they argued over the matter, they seemed less concerned with the issue itself and more with their personal grudges.
"Director Akikawa, what are your thoughts?" Seeing that letting the two bicker would lead nowhere, the meeting's leader tossed the question to Akikawa.
"Naturally, she should participate," Akikawa affirmed.
"You say that so lightly, Director Akikawa. If Kousei competes, it means she'll take a spot from another racer. For that racer, this might be their only chance."
Akikawa gently waved her paper fan and smiled. "I believe Director Harrison's perspective is rather one-sided. Couldn't this also be Kousei's only chance? She fought tooth and nail to make it out of the NAU. Given her current physical condition, if she doesn't compete this time, will there even be a next time?"
Harrison fell silent. Kousei's condition was plain for all to see. Although she had ultimately defeated Amel, her physical state was visibly deteriorating.
The NAU's official website still hadn't updated Kousei's post-race status, so no one knew her true condition.
"Doesn't Tracen Academy's motto make it perfectly clear? 'One leads, the rest fade into shadow.' Every race has only one winner. How many of the defeated Umamusume are filled with regret? Director Harrison, are you suggesting we deny the victor everything she's earned simply because of that?
"This is what Kousei deserves. Nothing more, nothing less."
As Tracen Academy's Director, Akikawa didn't hesitate to invoke its motto. The mention of Tracen drew all eyes to Kashimoto Riko.
After all, while Akikawa was still officially Tracen's Director—publicly stated to be away on business—Kashimoto's position remained that of Acting Director.
But everyone in the room understood the true situation: it was a blatant power grab.
Given their opposing roles, Kashimoto Riko was sure to disagree with Akikawa's proposal.
"I oppose Kousei's entry into the Arc de Triomphe."
As expected. No one was surprised.
"I acknowledge the NAU's rules, but I still oppose Kousei's entry into the Arc de Triomphe."
That was somewhat unexpected.
"Acting Director Kashimoto, what do you mean by that?" the leader inquired.
"Since Kousei passed the NAU's trial, we should indeed recognize the NAU's legitimacy. But Kousei is different. She is dangerous.
"I'm sure you've all heard about the incident at Central. Allowing the Umamusume who caused that incident to compete in the Arc de Triomphe would pose a threat to the other racers.
"Her performance in the NAU race proved she hasn't changed. She is a dangerous, uncontrollable, and unstable element. There's no telling when she might harm herself or another racer.
"I believe we can acknowledge the NAU's international standing and establish safe, standardized regulations. Once the NAU has the capacity to host races, more exceptional Umamusume will surely emerge in the future.
"Furthermore, looking at Kousei herself, she is absolutely in no condition to compete in the Arc de Triomphe at her peak. Forcing her to appear there in such a state would be unfair and disrespectful to both Kousei and the other competitors.
"From a long-term perspective, I believe the NAU should focus on recuperation and consolidation. The results you've already achieved are substantial enough; there's no need to push further."
Unexpected, yet entirely in character. These were precisely the words one would expect from Kashimoto Riko.
"Acting Director Kashimoto, you truly have a compassionate heart," Akikawa said, hiding her face behind her fan. "However, I believe the Academy should respect the student's own wishes. While it's true that Kousei's physical condition makes competing in the Arc de Triomphe inadvisable...
"But surely, Acting Director, you know what kind of person Kousei is. Her determination borders on obsession."
"That is precisely why I hoped you, Director Akikawa, would stop her."
"Heh heh... We have never made decisions for Kousei. We promised her father we would not interfere with any step she takes on her path.
"She has grown strong enough to no longer need anyone's protection. She should be the freest swallow in the sky. For her, it is better to shatter in glory than to live on in mediocrity.
"Forcing her to stop now would only condemn her to a lifetime of regret. Is a tormented soul truly happier than a healthy body?"
"At least it would be healthy, wouldn't it?"
The two then engaged in a fierce debate, neither able to persuade the other. Akikawa and Riko locked eyes, and the atmosphere in the meeting grew increasingly tense.
"I, for one, agree with Director Akikawa," a cheerful voice interjected. "An undisputed victory, winning a race that was thought impossible to win—that in itself is already a miracle."
"Before becoming a Director, I was a Trainer. I've witnessed countless joys and sorrows on this racetrack, moments of utter helplessness. I thought Acting Director Kashimoto, as a fellow Trainer, would understand. It seems I was mistaken.
"Some give up on their dreams; others forge ahead against all odds.
"Kousei has fought tirelessly to reach this point. Even as an outsider, just watching her from behind has been deeply inspiring. That unwavering spirit must have motivated countless others.
"If we have the power to support such a dream, why shouldn't we? We should affirm the value of dreams, not simply dismiss them. I believe everyone here feels the same way.
"Weren't we all drawn here by a dream in the first place? Have you forgotten? Forgotten the person you once were, who drew courage from the Umamusume?
"Think carefully: why did we become Directors?"
These words seemed to elevate the discussion to a deeper level. Sensing the shift in atmosphere, the meeting's leader urged the Directors to vote.
The cheerful Director cast the first "Aye" vote, followed immediately by Director Akikawa. Acting Director Kashimoto cast a "Nay."
After a brief moment of reflection, the other Directors made their choices.
The final tally was: 17 Ayes, 3 Nays, 2 Abstentions.
The motion passed by a landslide. Akikawa smiled, her eyes conveying her gratitude, but the cheerful Director simply waved it off.
"Very well! The Racing Association hereby formally recognizes the legal status of the NAU. The NAU will join the league as a legitimate rights holder."
Akikawa wasn't surprised. The proposal had always held a strong advantage; Kashimoto Riko's arguments had merely caused some members to hesitate.
Curiously, when the result was announced, Kashimoto Riko showed no emotion, as if she hadn't even participated in the meeting. It was hard to believe this was the same person who had so vehemently opposed the motion just moments before. Her reaction was truly perplexing.
"How did it go?"
Rohan had been waiting anxiously. He rushed over the moment he saw Akikawa emerge from the conference room.
Akikawa gestured ahead and smiled. "Let's go. We still have a mountain of work to do."
A surge of joy filled Rohan's heart. He understood.
They had succeeded. Of course they had.