"So, do you know anything about Acting Chairman Kashimoto?" Kousei persisted, hovering beside T in the Training Room the next day, her questions relentless.
"My darling daughter, can you let me focus on my work in peace? If you're not training, maybe you could call your mother, she must be missing you terribly at home."
"Are you using that trick again? Do you think I'm still a three-year-old?" Kousei retorted indignantly.
T knew that if he didn't give his daughter some "gossip," she wouldn't let it go.
"Alright, listen closely. Just a little rumor, you know Acting Chairman Kashimoto once handled a Dedicated Umamusume?"
"I know."
"Years ago, there was an accident. The Umamusume developed a foot problem and had to retire from racing. The root cause of the issue? Acting Chairman Kashimoto."
"Really?" Kousei's expression turned to shock. "Impossible! Acting Chairman Kashimoto isn't that kind of person!"
"Don't let your imagination run wild. I never said she was that kind of person."
"Alright, Bitter Glasse told me that Acting Chairman Kashimoto went to Central and came back a completely different person. What happened there?"
T paused his work and glanced at Kousei. "Yes, I don't know. Your dad here is just a small-time trainer. I wouldn't know anything about that, you know~"
Kousei glared at him skeptically. "Liar! You're definitely hiding something. Do you really think you can fool your own daughter's eyes?"
"Can't grown-up matters be left to the grown-ups?"
"Fine, but I have one more question."
"Alright, this feels just like when you used to chase after me as a kid, asking questions all the time."
Kousei ignored T's banter. "Is Dad really just an ordinary trainer?"
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
"No reason. It's just... Dad seems... well... omnipotent?"
"'Dad' is indeed omnipotent. Now go check on your friends. Oh, and keep an eye on Urara. It's spring, and she'll get distracted by butterflies if you're not careful. Make sure she doesn't bump into anything or fall."
"Alright."
Kousei left the Training Room, only to run into Just a Way outside.
"Where are you headed, Way?"
"I'm going to the vending machine to get some carrot juice for McQueen and the others. Want to join me?"
"Sure!"
Despite being roommates, Kousei felt she knew very little about Just a Way. While she didn't sense any ill intentions, she couldn't help but feel that Way was hiding something.
"Come to think of it, Way, you never really talk about yourself, do you?"
Just a Way crouched in front of the vending machine. "Just the usual campus life-studying, hanging out, karaoke."
"Sounds nice."
"Yeah, except for the occasional boredom, it's pretty good."
Just a Way bought a lot of drinks, so they each took a bag. Reaching into her bag, Way pulled out a can of honey water.
"Here, I remembered you like this brand."
Kousei took the can, stunned. "Maybe you're mistaken? Teio is the one who likes this brand."
Just a Way blinked in realization. She glanced at Kousei. "Right, I got mixed up."
Kousei would never forget the look in Way's eyes-a mix of surprise and a hint of bitterness.
The two walked through the Academy grounds in silence.
"Way, do you like running?"
"I don't think any Umamusume dislikes running."
"Then why have I never heard you talk about your Debut Race, and why do you never practice?"
"I'm not ready yet. When the time is right, I'll run a race with all my heart."
Everything was the same as always—Kousei remained dazzling, and Just a Way remained Just a Way.
"Way, I have a question for you."
"What is it?"
Kousei paused for a moment before asking, "Have we ever met before?"
Just a Way mirrored her pause before replying, "No, we never met anywhere before I came to Tracen Academy. No matter how many times you ask, the answer will always be the same."
"What was your previous roommate like?"
"Hmm, let me think... white hair, a mature physique, a bit of a temper, always causing trouble for others, and prone to getting discouraged for a few days every month..."
Just a Way actually listed the traits one by one, still muttering them to herself as she rounded the corner, until she came face-to-face with someone.
When Just a Way finally recognized the person's appearance, she froze in stunned silence.
"No! Gold Ship!"