Kousei had conquered the Arc de Triomphe, becoming the new champion. She was meant to ascend to the throne, but after the race, she felt a distinct discomfort.
With no other choice, Sea the Stars had to temporarily take over Kousei's duties.
Kousei was undergoing a medical examination. Judging by Takuya's furrowed brow, her condition was dire. Reiko and the others stood grim-faced and silent, anxiously awaiting the results.
Takuya's expression was grave. He picked up the report, then set it down, repeating the motion several times.
"Mr. Takuya, don't worry yourself. Please, just tell me straight."
Compared to the others, Kousei herself seemed unusually calm. Takuya sighed and removed his glasses.
"Foot fatigue, and your hooves have become extremely brittle... but the main problem is the damage to your lungs. My preliminary assessment is that there's a very high probability Kousei will never be able to compete as an Umamusume again. My recommendation is... retirement."
The devastating news struck everyone in the room, their faces paling in shock. Kousei, however, showed little reaction. She had anticipated this outcome.
Instead of responding, she turned her gaze to Reiko, who was deep in thought with her head bowed. Everyone's attention immediately shifted to her. As Kousei's trainer and the team's long-standing leader, she was the one who made most of the decisions.
This time, however, she clearly lacked her usual composure.
She remained silent for a long time, ultimately saying nothing. Reiko tried to ask Kousei for her opinion, but Kousei remained unresponsive.
Everyone was waiting for her, waiting for an answer.
Finally, the silence was broken.
"Let's keep this quiet," Reiko said, having made her choice. "We can't let the Central Committee know about Kousei's condition. We've come this far; we can't let it all fall apart at the final step."
Upon hearing this, Just a Way immediately stood up to object.
"Conceal the news? Are you planning to make Kousei keep running? Didn't you hear Mr. Takuya say her body is no longer fit to compete as an Umamusume?"
"I know," Reiko replied. "But we truly need Kousei. And Mr. Takuya's exact words were 'a very high probability,' not 'absolutely impossible.'"
"Is that really the point here? Do you want her to end up like Bourbon or Sirius before you're satisfied?"
Reiko's eyes darkened. She understood Just a Way's accusation all too well. But it wasn't just her who needed Kousei. Kousei's existence held extraordinary significance; she was the new Symboli.
"We made a promise," Reiko stated firmly. "A promise is a promise."
"Is that so?" Just a Way's direct gaze pierced Reiko, tormenting her heart. "Did you consider a situation like this when you made that promise? Speak up, Reiko. Are you really going to make Kousei continue under these conditions?"
Reiko couldn't back down.
"Way, I know you can't understand," she said. "But we bear an unshirkable responsibility. We live in this generation, and this is what we must do."
"More empty platitudes? Do you honestly think Kousei can win in her current state?"
Instead of arguing, Reiko turned to Takuya for clarification.
"My medical recommendation for her retirement was based on ensuring her health wouldn't affect her life after her career," Takuya explained. "If Kousei insists on competing, she's not entirely without a fighting chance. After the Arc de Triomphe, her body underwent some strange changes. The black substance surrounding her allows her to move freely, completely unaffected by her physical limitations. However, the pain will be unavoidable. As for the mental aspect, that will depend entirely on Kousei's personal willpower. If she's willing, she can run at least one more race."
In other words, Kousei had only one race left in her career.
Sea the Stars' thought was shared by most Umamusume. When you know you only have one last race in your career, which one would you choose to run?
Ultimately, the discussion still centered on Kousei. Since Reiko and Just a Way were at a stalemate, the final decision had to be made by Kousei herself.
"I understand," Kousei said. "Let's continue."
Just a Way started to speak but stopped. Kousei had already made her decision long ago; she had only been testing Reiko's resolve, wanting to ensure Reiko wouldn't hesitate out of concern for her in the crucial moments ahead.
They had only one chance. They had to seize it.
"Why?" Just a Way asked, looking at Kousei.
After so many years together, Kousei knew exactly what was on Just a Way's mind. Just a Way cared about nothing else—only Kousei's safety.
Though Kousei didn't know what she had done to deserve such a devoted friend, her gratitude for Just a Way was beyond words.
"Way, I was once lost too," Kousei began. "Then Tachyon told me, 'We walk these difficult paths so that those who come after us won't have to.' From that moment on, I stopped worrying about anything else.
"I believe the path we're on is the right one, and someone has to do this."
"I have stood at the summit and fallen into the abyss, and both have taught me invaluable lessons.
"I have no regrets about the life I've lived as an Umamusume. Now, as a Senpai, I want to strive to leave something behind for those who come after me.
"Let me live for myself. If I truly have only one race left, then I already have my answer."
Kousei knew—everyone knew—that if there was truly only one chance left, the answer was obvious.
Just a Way felt a bitter taste in her mouth, but she knew she couldn't dissuade Kousei. Kousei had traded her faltering steps for a journey; long before she was crowned with glory, her heart had already saved her soul.
Even the fastest Umamusume cannot outrun the track of time. If the story was to end here, the ending should be written by her own hand.
"Stubborn fool."
With that single remark, Just a Way turned and left. Kousei rose and walked outside, stopping beside Reiko.
"Thank you," Kousei said. "Thank you for not forgetting our promise."
"I've always believed in you," Reiko replied. "You said you would become the strongest Umamusume, and now you have. So, I will continue to believe in you, no matter what comes next."
A smile touched Kousei's lips. "I suppose I've restored some of the Chiin Family's glory, haven't I?"
Reiko chuckled as well. "Not even close. Back in my day, 'young lady' didn't even begin to describe me."
The lighthearted banter eased the tension considerably.
Kousei smiled and stepped out of the house. The Longchamp sky was vast and clear, a sight that couldn't help but lift one's spirits.
"Hey, Champion."
Not far away, Sea the Stars was leaning against a wall, teasing Kousei with a grin.
"What? Got nothing better to do?" Kousei shot back playfully.
"Free? I'm too free. Someone dumped all their work on me. What a miserable life."
The two walked over to the railing and leaned against it, gazing at the distant scenery.
"How does it feel to be the champion?"
"Hmm... My shoulders feel strangely heavier."
Even for the same person, a change in status brings a change in perspective.
"Need any help?"
"Aren't you already helping me?"
"You know what I'm talking about."
Kousei looked at Sea the Stars in surprise. She was sure she hadn't told her anything.
"The situation in Central is plain for all to see. It doesn't take much to figure out what you're planning. You're the King of the Arc de Triomphe now, so of course the Racing Association will back you.
"Identity, status, strength—you have it all now. It really is the perfect time."
It was only natural for Sea the Stars, a former hegemon herself, to see through Kousei's plans.
"I'll think about it," Kousei replied, not refusing but keeping her options open.
Sea the Stars had made her point. She only wanted to express her thoughts, not interfere with Kousei's choices.
"The weather's beautiful."
"Yeah. Perfect for heading home."
-
Volume 2 End