After Central reopened, the foreign invasion became unstoppable.
Major G1 races fell one after another. In any race where foreigners participated, the local competitors were utterly crushed. The two great families, Sakura and Mejiro, both took to the field, but they were like single pillars trying to support a collapsing roof. The Sakura Family, in particular, had served as the backbone of the resistance against Kashimoto Riko, and the fatigue accumulated over the entire year had never truly subsided.
Some renowned G1 competitors also joined the fight against the foreigners, but the gap in skill was simply too vast. They had the will but lacked the strength.
Losing to the likes of Morgan and Twilight Cloud was one thing—after all, they were world-famous Kousei. What Central couldn't accept was losing to Jade, an unknown Umamusume who looked so young and inexperienced.
If she were in Central, she probably wouldn't even meet the standards for the Beginner Grade. Yet, Central's proud G1 competitors were utterly powerless against her.
When had the gap between Central and the world grown so wide? Had Central been regressing ever since Rudolf's era?
What should have been a year of hopeful reform was instead plunged into darkness by the chaos caused by the foreigners. With Central's competitors performing so poorly, many began to criticize the training policies of the Central Committee members.
The Central Committee members attempted to manipulate public opinion to shift the narrative, but this time, their efforts were met with stiff resistance. A faction within the press actively thwarted their actions, and Etsuko Otonashi herself led the charge, denouncing the Central Committee's flawed guidance.
Central had been plagued by bad news in recent years, and its performance on the world stage was a complete disaster. Public resentment had been accumulating, and once it surpassed a certain threshold, it would erupt like a volcano, becoming uncontrollable.
What a disgrace. What a humiliating start to the year. The scars left by Amel in last year's Japan Cup still throbbed with pain, and now, the foreign contingent led by Kousei had shattered Central's already fragile pride.
Central was utterly powerless to resist. In modern society, news of this humiliation would spread to every corner of the globe in no time. The whole world would be laughing at Central.
How could Central maintain its standing in the world after this? In the foreseeable future, wave after wave of foreigners would pour in, and that would be the true point of no return.
The main culprit who had trampled Central never showed her face. Perhaps she felt she didn't even need to act personally. The overwhelming strength of the foreigners gradually disheartened the people of Central, making it feel as if they had returned to that pitch-black era of despair. And ironically, the one who brought this despair had once fought tooth and nail for them.
Central was in chaos. As a member of the Student Council, Almond Eye was tasked with calming the Umamusume's frayed nerves. It was within the Academy that she encountered Contrail.
Contrail looked even more lost and dejected than before, leaning against a large tree with a haggard expression.
She looked up and met Almond Eye's gaze. They hadn't seen each other since Contrail moved out of their dorm room. Ashamed of her past actions, Contrail quickly lowered her head again.
But Almond Eye didn't reproach her. Instead, she sat down beside her in silence. Contrail was supposed to have retired at the beginning of the year, but with the Central Committee members too preoccupied to handle it, her retirement had been conveniently postponed.
"I heard you joined the Student Council," Contrail said, breaking the silence.
"I did. So now I'm in charge of counseling brooding Triple Crown Winners."
Contrail fell silent for a moment.
"Why? When I invited you to join Sirius, you clearly said you had no interest in joining any organization."
"Actually... after the Spring Tenno Sho, McQueen-senpai approached me."
Contrail looked puzzled. "McQueen-senpai? Why?"
"She wanted me to join the Student Council."
"So that's why you joined?"
"No, I didn't agree."
"Then why...?"
"After I refused, we ran a race. I lost utterly. As punishment for my defeat, I had to join the Student Council."
Contrail knew better than anyone how powerful Almond Eye was. For even her to be so thoroughly defeated... just how strong was McQueen?
"I used to think I was invincible," Almond Eye continued, "but it wasn't until recently that I realized the gap between myself and the truly elite racers. McQueen-senpai insisted I join the Student Council, and Teio Senpai has also looked after me well. I'm sure they have their reasons."
Though Almond Eye couldn't fully understand their motives, she could sense the goodwill her senpais were showing her. That was why she chose to stay in the Student Council.
"They say McQueen-senpai might have to withdraw from the Twinkle Series due to her tendinitis, but it seems she's as formidable as ever," Contrail remarked with a sigh.
"I'm not sure about that, but McQueen-senpai is definitely in top form. I could tell she wasn't even going all out."
Contrail was stunned. "Is she really that strong?"
Almond Eye simply nodded in response before changing the subject. "What have you been up to lately?"
Contrail sighed again. "Nothing. Just hiding under this tree, spacing out."
"You seem... worn out." The concern in Almond Eye's voice was unmistakable.
"I..." Contrail started to make an excuse but stopped, realizing she could never fool Almond Eye. She dropped the pretense. "I don't know what to do. How could Kousei-senpai do something like this? She always cared so much about Central, about us younger racers... I just can't believe she would order such a thing.
"I've tried to talk to her, but those people keep refusing to let me see her. I don't know! Maybe... maybe Kousei is being coerced?"
Contrail grew agitated. Almond Eye hesitated, seeming about to speak but stopping herself. Instead, she chose a more roundabout approach. "I know you've always looked up to Kousei-senpai, but... she's no longer a Central Competitor."
"It's not about her status! Senpai, she—!" Contrail wanted to defend Kousei but didn't know where to begin. Deep down, she knew Kousei was no longer part of Central, but the hardest person to convince is always oneself.
"Why would Senpai do this?" Contrail finally asked, her voice filled with anguish.
"Perhaps only the senior racers know," Almond Eye replied, standing up. "I have to get back to my Student Council duties. I'll see you later."
Contrail mumbled an affirmative, her thoughts already a million miles away.
"Oh, by the way," Almond Eye added, pausing. "There's something I think you should know."
"What is it?"
"McQueen-senpai will be competing in this year's Spring Tenno Sho."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"You've seen how strong the Foreigners are. Central is completely outmatched. If Kousei-senpai's only goal was to crush Central, she wouldn't need to come here herself. If she truly has a reason for returning, I think one of them should be obvious."
Contrail finally understood. "You mean...?!"
"Haven't you always wanted to talk to Kousei-senpai? This Spring Tenno Sho is the perfect opportunity."
For some reason, hearing that she might see Kousei brought Contrail no joy. She clenched her fists, unable to stop them from trembling.
Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid!
Was she truly ready to face Kousei?