"How is she?"
"Just a nosebleed, but..."
"But?"
"But Twin Turbo's heart has some issues. I strongly advise against letting her run as hard as she used to. The strain is too much; if something happens, it'll be too late," Dr. Fujino explained calmly.
Kashimoto Riko frowned deeply, her gaze fixed on Twin Turbo, still unconscious in the hospital bed. A flicker of resolute bitterness flashed in her eyes.
"I understand."
Kashimoto Riko turned and walked away, her steps forward unwavering.
-
Several days later.
As the guiding institution for Umamusume training and management, Tracen Academy publicly announced the "Thorough Management Education Program." The program sparked a nationwide uproar, likely fueled by recent incidents and Twin Turbo's incident at the Seishun Cup.
Though a minority voiced opposition, the majority chose to support it.
The implementation of the "Thorough Management Education Program" proved surprisingly swift and straightforward. In the end, even Sirius couldn't halt Kashimoto Riko's advance.
Overnight, Tracen Academy underwent a radical transformation.
The Academy was now swarming with patrol officers. The Training Track was partitioned into individual lanes, trainers were required to supervise all sessions, and Umamusume were strictly forbidden from training independently. Every Umamusume was compelled to adhere rigidly to training plans prescribed by Kashimoto Riko.
The atmosphere at Tracen Academy was indescribable.
The strict management pressed down on everyone, leaving them breathless. Kashimoto Riko's training plan was perfect, but the burden wasn't physical—it was psychological.
As one of the main protagonists of the Seishun Cup, Kousei's precarious situation was self-evident. Initially, everyone had heaped blame on her, and even now, despite the restrictions imposed by the Thorough Management Education Program, the silent condemnation in their gazes made her restless.
During the lunch break, the oppressive atmosphere in the classroom killed Kousei's appetite. Grabbing her bento box, she headed outside. Along the way, Just a Way noticed her and wanted to follow, but spotted someone watching her from the gate.
Forced to abandon her plan, Just a Way suppressed her urge.
Kousei arrived alone on the rooftop, relieved that the Rooftop Group hadn't claimed their usual spot today. Facing the wind, she gazed down at the training track below. It was vastly different now—more professional and safer than before. The systematized management undoubtedly enhanced the Umamusume's abilities, but something essential seemed to have vanished.
"I knew I'd find you here."
The sudden voice startled Kousei, interrupting her thoughts. She turned to see Rudolf standing there with a smile, as if she had come specifically to find her.
"Don't worry, no one followed me. After all, as Student Council President, I still have some privileges," Rudolf explained. Kousei didn't pay much attention; the thought hadn't even crossed her mind.
"President Rudolf..." Kousei said, her expression betraying a hint of hesitation.
Rudolf saw through her hesitation but chose not to press the matter. Instead, she asked, "Why do you like the rooftop so much?"
Kousei paused, then turned to look out over the Training Track again.
"Because it's quiet here, no one bothers me, and I can watch the Training Track. I like seeing everyone training."
"Is that so? And what about now?"
Kousei's ears drooped slightly, her silence serving as an answer.
"President, can I ask you something?"
Rudolf chuckled. "I know what you want to ask. Before you do, why don't you answer one of my questions first?"
"What is it?"
"How do you see the world now?"
Kousei repeatedly pondered Rudolf's words. To her, the world felt vast and overwhelming. From beginning to end, the only world she had ever truly known was this racetrack.
"I'm not sure," Kousei admitted. "I used to aspire to become an Umamusume like you, but now I find you increasingly incomprehensible. The Umamusume I once admired would never have approved of the 'Thorough Management Education Program'."
In Kousei's mind, the image of Rudolf from her younger days had grown blurry, even as the woman stood right before her.
"Can you see it?" Rudolf asked, gesturing with her hand. "This is the world the Acting Chairman has painted for everyone. A world undeniably autocratic, one that sacrifices freedom."
"Yet," Rudolf continued, "even such a world has its merits. As Chairman, she has ensured comprehensive medical care, cutting-edge scientific equipment, and strict regulations to eliminate irresponsible Trainers. As a Trainer, she pours her entire talent into personalized instruction. Whether an Umamusume is naturally gifted or lacks innate talent, the Acting Chairman tailors training plans precisely to each individual's needs."
"In the Training Room—rest, meals, horseshoes, and athletic shoes—there's no favoritism. Every Umamusume receives the same treatment. You should know this better than anyone, given your own experiences. No Trainer, no Training Room back then.
Everything you once yearned for but couldn't obtain, Acting Chairman Kashimoto has now secured for all."
Following Rudolf's gaze, Kousei watched the Umamusume still training vigorously on the track. The Trainers stood attentively at the sidelines, while the medical team remained on standby nearby, ready to respond to any emergencies. As Rudolf had said, Kashimoto Riko had provided all Umamusume with the best possible conditions.
Without any bias.
"By the way, have you heard about Twin Turbo's condition?" Rudolf asked casually.
Upon hearing Twin Turbo's name, Kousei immediately tensed up.
"How is Turbo!?"
Kousei's agitation was understandable. After that race, the Thorough Management Education Program had been implemented, and all visits to Twin Turbo were denied, leaving Kousei and her friends completely in the dark about her condition.
"It's just a nosebleed—nothing serious. But she'll need to stay off the racetrack for a while."
Rudolf's words didn't reassure Kousei; instead, they left her puzzled. "Why is she being kept away from the racetrack?"
"Twin Turbo's heart seems to have a problem. For anyone, the heart is vital, but for Umamusume, it's even more so. Although Umamusume endure extraordinary physical exertion, running typically doesn't strain their hearts.
However, Twin Turbo's case is different. Her unique running style, combined with her heart condition, could trigger a serious illness. Miss Fujino has advised that Twin Turbo must no longer be allowed to run."
Kousei trembled as she pressed her hand to her forehead. "Does Turbo know about her condition?"
"Though she's been acting carefree, we haven't told her the full extent of her situation yet."
"She has the right to know about her own body."
"Yes, but the Acting Chairman has decided to tell Twin Turbo herself. Until then, we'll keep it hidden from her."
Kashimoto Riko had resolved to shoulder the immense responsibility alone.
Could it be that Acting Chairman Kashimoto's "Thorough Management Education Program" is actually the correct approach? Kousei couldn't help but wonder.
"Who knows? After all, we're not omniscient. Like any pioneer, we're merely groping our way forward through a pitch-black wilderness."
Kousei glanced at Rudolf in slight surprise, only to see the other woman return a knowing smile.
"The world is a delicate shade of gray. If you disagree with our answers, then forge your own future.
No single answer will ever satisfy everyone, so don't fret about it. It's impossible to gain universal support, just as it's impossible to face universal opposition.
Stop seeing the world through my eyes—both you and Teio need to do this."
Only by confronting oneself directly can one find the answers.