"Teio, control your rhythm. Don't let McQueen influence you. Maintain your pace and use the correct running style."
"Wuwuwu! McQueen keeps messing with me with her Aura! It's so unfair!"
The next day, everything seems to have returned to normal in Team Miracle.
Tokai Teio was acting as always, as if yesterday's events didn't occur. Her emotions indeed recovered quite fast.
It was only yesterday that she was crying inconsolably, but now, she was back to being the energetic young Uma Musume, training alongside McQueen.
However, Teio was more obedient today than ever before.
She accepted all of Imanami's orders without question and no longer challenged his decisions.
Although she still complained, it was about her inability to keep up with everyone else's progress, not about the difficulty of the training.
While this might just be a temporary 'three-minute passion' after experiencing a setback, everyone was glad to see some change in Tokai Teio.
Imanami also didn't expect a single failure to suddenly turn Teio into her perfect self. After all, Teio's journey of tempering herself still had a long way to go.
But at the very least, it was a good start.
"Trainer Imanami... he did quite good. My trust in him wasn't misplaced."
Meanwhile, hidden on the other side of the training ground, Symboli Rudolf was with Air Groove, observing McQueen and Teio's training from a distance.
Symboli Rudolf had a look of relief on her face as she smiled faintly:
"Trainer Ikezoe and Trainer Imanami's cooperation was truly seamless."
"When Teio sought out Trainer Ikezoe, he understood my intentions perfectly and delivered a heavy blow to her, but it was just enough to only shatter her pride."
"Then, Trainer Imanami came in at the right moment and mended Teio's pride. It's a textbook example of teamwork."
"Isn't this what you wanted to see, President?"
Air Groove, standing beside her, replied with a smile,
"You wanted to see not a genius Teio, but a Teio that doesn't give up, right?"
"The Teio who was intimidated by Orfevre's Aura and gave up due to the vast difference in strength, isn't someone who you'd want to compete against, is she?"
"Indeed. While this was a step in the right direction, I'm waiting for Teio to grow first, grow to the point where she can defeat me without relying on tricks or luck."
"A Teio who hasn't fully matured simply doesn't possess the required strength to stand before me."
Even towards Tokai Teio, whom she regarded as her own adopted child, Symboli Rudolf, from the perspective of an Uma Musume, was very strict.
She never spoiled Tokai Teio rotten; in fact, many of the techniques Teio used were taught by her personally, and even many aspects of Teio's running style bore the mark of Rudolf's teachings.
It was precisely because Rudolf cherished Teio that she didn't want her to be just a genius.
More than anyone, she yearned for the moment Teio would transform into the next 'emperor.'
"—Speaking of which, Air Groove, do you have any new news about the Arima Kinen? I've been trying to recover my racing state so I haven't been paying attention."
"How should I put it... the URA's attitude is surprisingly lenient? Not as aggressive as we had imagined."
The news from Air Groove actually surprised Symboli Rudolf, who couldn't help but ask,
"The URA Japanese branch agreed? No objections?"
"Almost none. They only showed some dissatisfaction with our unauthorized announcement, but they didn't hound us over it either."
Air Groove shook her head, speaking with a touch of surprise:
"Also, the registration for the Arima Kinen just opened yesterday, and quite a number of Uma Musume from our side also seem eager to compete."
"Notable examples were Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross, who had submitted applications to me on multiple occasions."
"They said that they wanted to not only compete against each other, but to challenge T.M. Opera O."
"That's somewhat unexpected... but I can see why. It would make sense for T.M. Opera O to have roused their fighting spirits."
Symboli Rudolf nodded upon hearing this, not finding Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross's requests that surprising. Air Groove also nodded back and said:
"I've temporarily blocked their participation. After all, you participating in this Arima Kinen has already caused a massive uproar."
"If we were to add a few more Hall of Fame Uma Musume... I'm afraid it would cause the public to think we're bullies."
As Air Groove said this, it seemed like Symboli Rudolf had a slightly different opinion.
"Giving junior Uma Musume a chance to challenge senior Uma Musume—the Arima Kinen is such a magical place."
"Since I'm joining anyways, I actually think this is a good opportunity to let some of the more restless seniors get out and be more active."
"...Then it'll depend on whether the URA will allow it or not. Although I also think it would be very interesting."
Air Groove smiled and shrugged her shoulders upon hearing this.
As an Uma Musume, she could, of course, understand why many powerful Uma Musume were excited to finally find a new Uma Musume who could compete on the same stage as them.
This was simply the nature of Uma Musume; they loved going against strong opponents and enjoying the feeling of being challenged.
And this time's challenger was T.M. Opera O, the one who had gained the title of 'Overlord.'
Her performance in the Kikuka Sho was witnessed by all. If she had truly won by mere luck, so many Uma Musume wouldn't have been stirred with the desire to compete against her.
This was a true Overlord who could actually threaten the position of the Emperor, and this Arima Kinen would decide whether the eras will change or not.
"...But I can't help but find the URA's leniency a bit strange, President."
Air Groove, however, couldn't help but say with some concern,
"Could Shadai be planning something?"
"Certainly, Air Groove."
Symboli Rudolf nodded and answered,
"If I were to guess, T.M. Opera O's performance in the Kikuka Sho was probably equivalent to a resounding slap to Shadai's metaphorical face."
"Now that T.M. Opera O had actually managed to become a full-on Classic Triple Crown Uma Musume, they must be panicking hard."
"Since no Uma Musume they have... except for one they can't really control, can beat T.M. Opera O, I have naturally became their final hope to end T.M. Opera O's legend."
"—They also know I won't hold back too, since I am an Uma Musume."
"And even if I do hold back, T.M. Opera O's feat of beating me won't be that dazzling, and this era will still be an era ruled by 'the Emperor'."
"So they calculated that you'd have to compete seriously?"
As Air Groove heard Symboli Rudolf's explanation, she couldn't help but feel that something was off about it.
But in the end, she simply shook her head and brushed it off for now.
"Then now, I can only pray that our 'Emperor' can retire safely?"
Air Groove then couldn't help but ask with a touch of curiosity,
"Also, since you are planning to hand over the position of Student Council President to T.M. Opera O, who will assist her? Surely not me, right?"
"Both Brian and I have already decided to retire together with you, we'll be truly handing the era over to our juniors."
"...I haven't quite decided on that yet, but I do have a few candidates."
At the mention of being able to retire from the Student Council and enjoy the free and unburdened life of an Uma Musume, even Rudolf's face showed a relaxed expression.
Of course, this was on the premise that T.M. Opera O could defeat her; otherwise, she would certainly not leave the Student Council.
And even if T.M. Opera O won, Symboli Rudolf couldn't abdicate so smoothly.
It would take at least one or two years; the approval process from URA and so on were troublesome matters.
Thus, she would have to remain as President for at least one or two more years.
However, this was nothing compared to the duration Symboli Rudolf had served as Student Council President.
And in one or two years, these children should have grown enough to stand on their own, right? By then, Symboli Rudolf could confidently hand over the position to them.
Right then, a scene couldn't help but appear in Symboli Rudolf's mind...
T.M. Opera O, wearing a crown, sat in the president's seat, flanked by Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen as her right and left hand women.
On the other side, Gold Ship and Orfevre sat on the sofa, looking fierce, while Meisho Doto and Curren Chan welcomed the next newcomer to Tracen Academy...
—How wonderful! This was the era that will belong to these young Uma Musume.
"—Alright, Air Groove, it's time for me to do more training. I've been sitting in the office for too long, and I even gained a little weight."
"I wouldn't want people to see the esteemed 'Emperor' race while being fat; I'd be laughed at!"
"Then President, you'd best rein yourself in a bit and retract your Aura. Every time you train, all the nearby students get disrupted and run away because they're afraid of you."
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Chapter 200!
If you are wondering if your eyes are deceiving you, no you are not, there's an extra chapter today.
And it's not just an extra chapter, but a what if chapter.
You might think the author wrote it, but no, I WAS THE ONE WHO WROTE THIS WHAT IF CHAPTER!
That's right! It's a fanfic of a fanfic.
I've always found what if stories really interesting like the Re Zero what ifs, The Perfect Run what ifs and the Mother of Learning what ifs. (These are great books btw, read them)
So, as a celebration for reaching chapter 200, I've decided to write one myself.
Go check it out, see if my writing skills have improved at all after almost nearly a year of translating, and if I've managed to write peak, or abysmal garbage that makes you want to dig your eyes out.
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If you spot any errors, feel free to comment about it and I will fix it as soon as I can.