Contrail's adoration was plain to see. Watching the puppy-like excitement radiating from her, Kousei found herself momentarily overwhelmed.
"I wonder if I looked this eager in President Rudolf's eyes back then," Kousei mused. The cycle of history had finally caught up to her.
"Contrail-chan heard you were back and insisted on seeing you," T explained. "I figured it was a good opportunity for you two to meet."
"And here I thought you called me because you missed me. I'm heartbroken~"
"Don't be like that. This is a rare chance to make up for the Academy life you missed," T said, gesturing to Contrail. "Contrail-chan, why don't you show Kousei around the Academy? Tracen has undergone a massive transformation since she's been away."
"Understood, Mr. T!"
And just like that, before Kousei could even process what was happening, Contrail was dragging her away.
"Well, her energy is a good thing," Kousei thought with a resigned smile, letting herself be pulled along.
Kousei had assumed T's talk of "massive transformation" was an exaggeration. In reality, Tracen's facilities were far more comprehensive and advanced than when she had left. The swimming pools had expanded from two to five. Kousei still remembered her frustration at not being able to do proper endurance training back then. The current Central Umamusume likely wouldn't face such problems anymore.
Contrail explained that it was all thanks to Kashimoto Riko. Since she took over, the quality of training had improved dramatically.
Her specialized and systematic training philosophy had produced one powerful competitor after another. Under her guidance, nearly every Umamusume could reach her peak. The Umamusume she produced were textbook examples of excellence, their strength undeniable. Kousei wasn't surprised; she knew that if anyone could achieve this, it would be Kashimoto Riko.
The flaws of the Thorough Management Education Program were as obvious as its strengths. While it could mass-produce strong competitors, these Umamusume inevitably lacked individuality. They were less like racers and more like running machines executing commands.
Kashimoto Riko tailored training plans for each Umamusume, setting specific goals for them. Every Umamusume she trained would eventually reach the finish line she had set.
The problem was that this so-called "limit" was determined solely by Kashimoto Riko. Even if the Umamusume perfectly followed her plans, their ultimate achievements were already predetermined.
No mistakes, no risks—just thorough management. But the path to becoming a legend is never smooth or conventional. Kousei, like others who had become legends, had only grasped the essence of greatness after shattering their perceived limits.
Predictable races can't fulfill the dreams entrusted to them. People like Kousei exist to shatter the mold. That's why, even though she understood Kashimoto Riko, Kousei could never reconcile with her philosophy.
Then again, for most Umamusume, achieving stable and excellent results was a luxury. Kashimoto Riko gave them that opportunity, which was why she had so many supporters.
Kousei had no intention of criticizing her. She knew all too well the bitter sting of losing a race.
"Ara~ Isn't that Kousei?" Fuji Kiseki spotted her and greeted her with a cheerful smile.
"Fuji-nee," Kousei replied, bowing her head slightly.
"Long time no see, little one. You've become quite something now."
"I'm happy to receive your praise, Fuji-nee."
Back when Kousei lived in the Ritto Dormitory, Fuji Kiseki had often looked out for her. During those difficult days before her debut, it was thanks to Fuji Kiseki and Hishi Amazon's care that Kousei had managed to persevere in that environment.
Though Kousei rarely mentioned them, the two Dorm Leaders were truly the first people who had ever helped her.
"Little Contrail is being so well-behaved today," Fuji Kiseki teased. "She hasn't even interrupted me once."
Contrail flushed with embarrassment. "Dorm Leader! Senpai is right here! Don't expose my bad habits!"
Seeing Contrail's face flush with embarrassment, Fuji Kiseki chuckled softly. "Alright, I'll stop teasing. Feel free to look around. If you get hungry, be sure to let me know, okay~?"
Contrail led Kousei through the dormitory, and a peculiar mix of emotions washed over Kousei. At the end of the hallway, she saw a familiar room.
"Kousei-senpai! Please, come in!"
With a hint of apprehension, Kousei cautiously stepped inside. The image buried deep in her memory surfaced, only to be instantly replaced by reality. Everything was different from how she remembered—even the person living here had changed.
"This was your bed, Kousei-senpai," Contrail said, pointing. "Every night when I sleep here, I try to imagine what you were thinking. I want to run on the track just like you, Senpai."
"Like me?"
"That's right! I want to be as unpredictable as you, or completely pin down my opponents!"
Kousei noticed something amiss.
Contrail flexed, showing off her physique. "Even though Mr. T didn't assign it, I've been doing a lot of strength training on my own!"
Contrail eagerly sought Kousei's approval, but Kousei felt that her path wasn't suitable for Contrail at all. From the training marks on her body, Kousei could tell Contrail had been doing extensive strength training, yet the results were far from obvious.
Her body was incredibly flexible, but strength training would only cause her to gradually lose that advantage. She clearly possessed the same talent as Teio, yet she was stifling her own potential.
Didn't Dad see it? Kousei wondered, confused.
"Um... Senpai?" Contrail ventured, noticing Kousei's mind had drifted far away.
"Ah? Sorry, I got lost in memories for a moment."
"Hehe! No worries!" Contrail didn't seem to mind at all. She pulled out a stack of photos from an exquisite box.
"Aside from your Debut Race and the Hope S, I watched every single one of your races at Central."
The photos were from Kousei's time at Central, and she had to admit the photographers had done an excellent job.
"Ah, so nostalgic. I ran so many races with McQueen back then," Kousei murmured, a wistful smile spreading across her face as she gazed at the pictures.
The Classic Triple Crown races were especially vivid in her memory—even though she hadn't won a single one of them.
Kousei's eyes flickered up, and she noticed her Personal Racing Outfit hanging by the window. She froze. Although she knew Contrail had it, seeing it in person still sent a jolt through her.
Gently setting the photos down, Kousei slowly approached the outfit, her palm brushing against the fabric, feeling the heartfelt care woven into it.
"It's been so long..."
Time flies... This outfit isn't mine anymore.
"Speaking of which, I haven't had the chance to congratulate you yet. You became the next Undefeated Triple Crown winner after Tokai Teio. That's truly incredible!"
This wasn't just empty praise from Kousei. Triple Crown winners were already exceedingly rare, and Contrail held the even more prestigious title of Undefeated Triple Crown.
"Hehe!" Contrail scratched her head shyly. "Kousei-senpai's Personal Racing Outfit gave me endless motivation. Whenever I stood on the track, all I could think was, I have to win!"
Kousei finally understood the root of the problem. Contrail's admiration... it was exactly like her own back then.