The initial training proved challenging, but given the Umamusume's foundational dance skills, they quickly mastered the routines in less than a week. With the choreography preparations nearing completion and dance training progressing steadily, Fuji Kiseki was pleased and occasionally granted McQueen and the others short breaks.
"Is this a recording of your mother's race?" McQueen asked.
"Yes," Kousei replied.
The first time Kousei watched the video, she felt completely absorbed, as if she were being drawn into another world. In that fleeting moment, she witnessed her mother in her racing prime. But no matter how many times she replayed the footage since, she couldn't recapture that initial feeling.
Kousei had watched this video countless times, so much so that she could perfectly recreate it in her mind. Yet, she still couldn't grasp the essence of her mother's technique.
"So, after all this observation, you still feel like something's missing?" McQueen asked.
"Yes. I often compare myself to my mother, running countless simulations in my head, but I can never win. It's as if she possesses a quality I lack. Even if I can't reach her level, I want to understand what that missing piece is."
McQueen looked troubled. "Even if you say that, I know absolutely nothing about Gate Technique. I'm afraid I can't offer any useful advice."
"It's okay," Kousei said. "I want you to watch this and give me your perspective on the differences between my mother and me on the track."
McQueen was her most frequent rival, and Kousei hoped that seeing the race through her eyes might reveal something new.
Since Kousei insisted, McQueen set aside her reservations and focused on the recording.
As time ticked by, McQueen's expression grew increasingly serious. Kousei held her breath, afraid to disturb her.
When the recording ended, Kousei asked nervously, "So? What do you think?"
McQueen's solemn face filled Kousei with both anticipation and dread.
"Hmm... I can't really tell."
"Huh? If you can't see anything, why were you so serious?"
"Hold on," McQueen said. "While I don't see any fundamental differences between you and your mother, I did notice one Umamusume who stood out. Look at the one running in third position."
Kousei followed McQueen's finger. Though the recording her father had provided was as grainy and ancient as an archaeological relic, she could still discern the Umamusume's formidable power.
"Her running form and gait are nearly flawless. Pay attention to her positioning during the mid-race scramble."
Following McQueen's guidance, Kousei watched the recording again. The Umamusume had already secured a favorable position before the chaos erupted, skillfully maneuvering along the edge of the fray where she couldn't be caught in the crossfire.
Kousei was stunned. Having focused solely on her mother's performance, she hadn't realized just how formidable the other Umamusume had been.
McQueen glanced at Kousei, already knowing she understood.
"What do you see?" McQueen asked deliberately.
Kousei pretended to ponder. "A vision worthy of a monster! She managed to secure a strategic position even before the chaotic pack battle began. Her ability to control the entire race... it's as if she could see the future."
McQueen nodded approvingly. "Keep watching."
As the race reached its final stretch, the powerful Umamusume abandoned her trailing position and unleashed an extraordinary final burst. Whether due to the grainy recording or her sheer speed, Kousei struggled to capture her sprint on screen.
A perfect Umamusume, embodying every talent.
"Mother used to compete against someone like that?"
The blurry black-and-white footage made identifying the runner impossible, even with her chest number clearly visible.
Kousei's curiosity burned: Who exactly was this remarkable Umamusume?
Her intense curiosity drew her gaze to the two unopened video reels. Fortunately, McQueen intervened before she could reach for them.
"Remember not to aim too high too soon," McQueen cautioned. "Your father separated these recordings for a reason. Focus on understanding what's right in front of you."
McQueen was right. No matter how Kousei looked at it, that Umamusume was undoubtedly a legend. With her current abilities, Kousei couldn't possibly comprehend her greatness.
"Come on, think about what you've gained."
The race replayed in Kousei's mind, but this time, her gaze wasn't solely fixed on her mother.
"Vision... my Gate Technique lacks vision."
"Exactly. A good position allows you to perform better. Securing a spot isn't just for self-preservation; it can also be used to restrict others. With better vision, your blocking skills will reach new heights."
Kousei nodded. McQueen was right. While the Gate Technique was Kousei's signature move, using it also meant putting herself at risk. To limit others' performance, Kousei had to manipulate the horse pack. If she lost control, she might suffer a backlash.
This weakness became increasingly apparent as Kousei climbed the ranks, facing stronger and stronger Umamusume in each race.
But Kousei never imagined she would learn a new technique by studying another Umamusume.
"Actually, I've been wondering... is it possible that your uncle intended for you to draw inspiration from that Umamusume all along? Perhaps you were just too fixated on your mother."
McQueen's words gave Kousei pause. It wasn't entirely impossible. Her father had only said the race footage of her mother would help her grasp the Gate Technique, without explicitly naming anyone.
Perhaps, because she had been so captivated by her mother, she had prematurely assumed that the key to improvement lay solely in her mother's performance.
Footage of such an exceptional Umamusume was incredibly rare and valuable. Yet Kousei's limited comprehension had prevented her from discerning its hidden nuances, while McQueen had spotted the key issue after just one viewing.
"So... the real protagonist wasn't Mother after all?" Kousei felt a strange pang of disappointment.
Having spent so much time together, McQueen could always sense even the slightest change in Kousei's demeanor. "Still, the fact that your mother managed to compete against such an extraordinary Umamusume using the Gate Technique proves her exceptional skill. As a novice Umamusume, you still have much room for improvement in that area."
Kousei blinked at McQueen, remaining silent for a long moment before nodding slowly.
"I don't know my father's true intentions, but I trust the will that flows through our bloodline. Mother must have been calling out to me back then. I must have overlooked something."
Kousei silently resolved to uncover every last mystery surrounding her mother.
"Oh, right, McQueen, you should take this recording back with you."
"Hmm? Why?"
"Because she's so incredibly strong, right? You're bound to learn something from it."
Since the recording couldn't be copied, Kousei had no choice but to hand over the original to McQueen.
"Oh? Are you sure? Aren't we rivals? You even lost to me at the G1."
"It's fine. We're still dearest friends, aren't we? I haven't even thanked you for clearing up my confusion yet. I want you to become even stronger. Then people will say, 'Even McQueen managed to win against her?!' Doesn't that sound thrilling?"
McQueen smiled. She knew Kousei would say something like that.
"Well, if you insist, I won't stand on ceremony," McQueen said, accepting the recording from Kousei.
"If you give it to me, what about you? You just discovered a new inspiration."
"Don't worry, I've already etched it into my mind."
McQueen held the recording thoughtfully. "I should show this to Teio too."