"Oh? Your running form seems a bit different. Is it because of your knee?"
McQueen, having some free time, came to observe Kousei's training.
"Yeah, Bakushin taught me. She said mastering knee usage is crucial for improving speed."
Kousei had grown increasingly skilled at using her knees, and her speed had noticeably increased. While the soft sand of the beach made it difficult to see the difference, her improved running form was evident.
"Bakushin? She's fast—in fact, incredibly fast."
"Yeah, she hasn't lost a single race yet. It's hard to find anyone in our year who can compete with her."
Kousei would love to race Bakushin someday, but challenging her in a short-distance sprint right now would be unrealistic.
"Kousei, can you run well on sand?" McQueen suddenly asked.
"Sand?" Kousei paused to think. "Not really. The way my feet sink in feels completely different, and my breathing gets difficult. I struggled during the Sand Affinity test."
The swirling sand and dust were a challenge in themselves. The outcome of a race depended not only on the Umamusume's abilities but also on their adaptability to the harsh environment.
"Then it seems we're the same," McQueen murmured to herself.
"I'm going back to training now. If you don't need anything, McQueen, I'll head out."
"Wait a minute. What's your next training exercise?"
"Tire dragging."
"Even at training camp, you're still doing basic drills?"
"What's wrong with that? As long as it helps me improve, right? Besides, the beach feels completely different—it's much harder to run here than usual, so the training should be even more effective."
McQueen gave her an exasperated look. "Honestly, do you even know what training camp is?"
"Isn't it just a place where you get stronger by training by the sea?" Kousei asked, doubt creeping into her voice for the first time.
"Training camp is for group training! You know why this opportunity is so valuable? Because all the Umamusume are gathered here, and our training schedules are fixed. That means you can train with any Umamusume you admire, draw inspiration from them, and ask them for advice. You can grind alone anytime, but chances to learn from other Umamusume are rare."
Kousei listened, realizing McQueen was right. She had been so focused on her own training that she had missed out on this crucial opportunity.
"Ready to go?"
"Let's go."
Though Kousei had few friends, McQueen's extensive social circle meant they were constantly running into acquaintances. However, Kousei already had her sights set on a specific goal.
The pair arrived at a training ground where the Gold Generation Umamusume were practicing.
"Ahahaha! King Halo will crush you all in an instant!"
"The victor will be El Condor Pasa!"
"Ehh~ I'll just take my time then~"
"Little Special, try to relax~" Grass whispered, soothing the slightly tense Special Week.
"Everyone's so motivated! I can't let my guard down either!" Special Week replied, her voice firm.
The five Umamusume, poised to start their run, noticed someone approaching and halted their eager strides.
"Good day, everyone."
"Ah~ It's McQueen!" Special Week's face lit up with delight.
"Good day~" Seiun Sky greeted, mimicking McQueen's elegant manner.
"Ahahaha! The Elite! Perfect rivals for the Empress! I grant you permission to train with me!" King Halo declared with boundless enthusiasm.
"Of course. That's precisely why we're here."
"We?" The Golden Five finally noticed Kousei standing behind McQueen. There was something about her that made people easily overlook her presence; as an Umamusume, she was rather inconspicuous.
"Ooh~ A new friend! A new rival! Welcome!"
Kousei, driven by her ambition to become the world's strongest Umamusume, had long heard of the dazzling Gold Generation. Even before their debut races, these prodigies were already under intense scrutiny, each possessing remarkable potential.
One member in particular fascinated Kousei: Seiun Sky, an Umamusume with a weak bloodline who nevertheless held her own among the Gold Generation. Though some dismissed her as lazy and lacking in effort, Kousei knew better.
How could someone with such a disadvantage possibly keep pace with these "diamonds in the rough" without extraordinary dedication? Kousei understood all too well the relentless effort required to follow in the footsteps of true genius.
Lost in thought, Kousei couldn't resist stealing a glance at Seiun Sky, only to find the other girl already watching her. Their eyes met, and Seiun Sky offered a faint smile with an enigmatic gaze.
That's not the look of someone who's lazy, Kousei thought.
Yet her true target lay elsewhere. She sought a rival with unparalleled individuality.
Bypassing the Gold Generation, Kousei approached a lone Umamusume: the legendary Silence Suzuka, the "Dimensional Front-Runner" known for her unconventional speed and racing style.
"Hello," Kousei said.
Suzuka, deeply focused on her training, visibly startled. Upon recognizing Kousei, she replied softly, "Hello."
"I'm sorry to interrupt you."
"No, it's fine. What can I do for you?"
Silence Suzuka was genuinely surprised. She had barely exchanged a few words with Kousei before, so she couldn't imagine why Kousei was seeking her out.
"Suzuka-san! Would you run a training race with me?"
"Huh?"
Not only Suzuka but the entire Golden Five were stunned.
"If you don't mind me asking, why are you asking me?"
"Because your running is so beautiful—fast and powerful! I want to see how well I can perform against such a strong opponent!"
"Beautiful!" Special Week murmured, taken aback.
Silence Suzuka hadn't debuted as the "Dimensional Front-Runner." She had even lost several races. It was only after realizing her true potential that she began to transform. Kousei yearned to understand what lay within this extraordinary Umamusume.
She also wanted to witness firsthand Suzuka's unwavering determination to maintain the lead and her otherworldly speed. Kousei decided to test herself.
"I'm going to break through!"
Kousei stared intently at Suzuka, a fierce desire burning within her. This passion radiated from her eyes, reaching Suzuka directly: a hunger to defeat, a yearning for formidable rivals, and an unquenchable thirst for the thrill of the race.
With that settled, Silence Suzuka had no reason to refuse.
"Alright, but let me make one thing clear: I won't yield the lead!"
Her voice carried with unwavering resolve, despite its normal volume. Her commanding presence had never depended on loud theatrics.
"Perfect!" Kousei replied, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Since it was a practice race, holding it on the beach was out of the question, especially with the impracticality of running in swimsuits.
After explaining the situation to Rudolf, Academy staff escorted the two to the nearest racetrack.
Though they hadn't told anyone, the members of the Gold Generation couldn't possibly miss this spectacle. They secretly boarded the bus, and by the time the staff noticed them after departure, they simply turned a blind eye.
In the locker room, Kousei finished changing into her training gear and stood motionless before the locker for a long moment, lost in thought.
Knock, knock.
Two sharp raps echoed through the room. McQueen leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
"Snap out of it, Young Lady," she said. "The practice race starts soon. Why are you so distracted?"