"Did you hear? Kousei failed to debut again."
"Really? I heard it's her second attempt. I saw her training once... she's just okay, nothing special."
"I feel a little sorry for her. Everyone says she doesn't have what it takes to be an Umamusume."
Kousei, the subject of their gossip, opened her eyes without a flicker of emotion.
"So noisy," she muttered. "I didn't think I could hear them even hiding on the rooftop."
Kousei was long accustomed to such talk. Tracen Academy was brimming with geniuses, but it also had its share of mediocrities like her.
Weak bloodline, low expectations—that alone would have been enough to bear.
On the day Kousei enrolled at Tracen, "Emperor" Symboli Rudolf happened to be giving an interview.
A superstar and president of Tracen's student council, Rudolf was the idol of most Umamusume, especially Kousei. Years ago, during the Japan Cup, young Kousei had stood in the stands as Rudolf tore across the track, her earth-shattering strides crushing all foreign challengers.
The undefeated Triple Crown Champion radiated overwhelming power, crushing all rivals with absolute dominance. Ten thousand voices roared as Kousei heard the commentator's triumphant cry: "This autumn! We have finally touched the world!"
Kousei watched the crowd weep uncontrollably, the champion's radiance stained with the blood of the world—a coronation ritual for the "Emperor."
This was the ideal, the embodiment of her dream. The Emperor's figure was deeply etched in Kousei's heart, and at that moment, she made a decision.
On this stage of dreams, I will become an Umamusume worthy of carrying people's dreams.
So, on her first day of school, Kousei mustered her courage and approached the Emperor.
"My dream is to become an Umamusume like you! I want to run alongside you!"
The interview, originally intended for Rudolf, exploded into chaos the moment Kousei interrupted.
"Huh? Who's that unfamiliar face? Is she a freshman?"
"Unbelievable! A freshman just challenged the Emperor!"
"This is huge news! I need to get back to the newsroom immediately!"
"Looks like things are about to get a lot more interesting around here."
Kousei wasn't sure how things had escalated so quickly, but reporters were always eager to create sensational stories, so it all seemed perfectly natural.
Rudolf watched Kousei, who appeared slightly awkward, and smiled knowingly. "Very well," she said, "come before me."
In an instant, rumors spread like wildfire.
The Emperor had responded to the fledgling's challenge! A report titled "Retaking the Throne? The Dawn of a New Era!" went viral across Tracen and the entire city.
"Look! It's her! The Umamusume who dared to challenge the Emperor!"
"Don't you think she's kind of cool?"
"Now that you mention it, she really is!"
Thanks to the article, everyone's expectations for Kousei soared. They seemed convinced she was truly exceptional, a prodigy destined for greatness.
Alas, dreams and reality rarely aligned. Despite bearing the name "Kousei," her talent didn't shine nearly as brightly.
(TL Note: Kousei (煌星) - Radiant Star. Name can also be interpreted as "Brilliant")
Testing revealed that Kousei's stats were entirely average, with her only notable trait being her versatile running style. Even during daily training, she proved unremarkable. Contrary to her name, she was a thoroughly ordinary Umamusume.
People gradually realized that Kousei's brilliance was merely superficial, and their expectations slowly crumbled. The tide of public opinion began to shift.
"What's the big deal? She's just another run-of-the-mill Umamusume."
"I was actually excited when I heard she was challenging the Emperor, but it turns out she's just all talk."
"Ugh~ I thought this would be big news. What a waste of my time."
"Kousei, let's be honest—you don't have what it takes to be an Umamusume. Your grades aren't bad, so why not give up on the Twinkle Series and focus on your studies?"
Tracen Academy was never short on prodigies, so mediocre Umamusume were destined to be overshadowed, their fleeting brilliance serving only as fuel for the true stars.
Kousei understood the brutal reality of the Twinkle Series better than anyone, yet she refused to yield.
Even without talent, without special recognition, even after repeated failures.
Kousei awoke from her reverie to find the junior Umamusume who had been sitting nearby gone. She quietly climbed down from the bench, her stomach growling from the long nap.
"Oh my~ Did I disturb you?"
Kousei turned toward the sound and saw an elegant Umamusume with an apologetic smile. She recognized her immediately: Mejiro McQueen, the esteemed scion of the Mejiro Family and a highly anticipated rising star.
Though they had debuted around the same time, McQueen already enjoyed immense popularity. Alongside Tokai Teio, the undefeated super-genius who had been on a winning streak since her debut, she was hailed as one of the "Twins." However, Teio's popularity far surpassed McQueen's. After all, she was an undefeated prodigy who had recently claimed the Satsuki Prize with undefeated triumph.
"It's frustrating, but true genius does exist."
This was the prevailing sentiment toward Tokai Teio. Compared to Kousei, the public was far more captivated by this prodigy, whom they called the "Reincarnation of the Emperor." They yearned for her continued dominance, for an undefeated Triple Crown, for the birth of a new legend.
"If you're not saying anything, are you angry?"
Kousei opened her mouth to explain, but her stomach betrayed her with a loud growl. Her fair cheeks flushed crimson, and she felt utterly flustered.
McQueen chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand, and produced a large bento box. "If you don't mind, let's share this!"
Kousei glanced at the bento box and thought, This thing is huge!
McQueen's bento box was filled with a dazzling array of meticulously prepared dishes, leaving Kousei overwhelmed.
"These were all made by the Mejiro Family chefs," McQueen explained. "I hope you find them to your taste."
Tears welled up in Kousei's eyes. I'm actually getting to taste the Mejiro Family's cooking in this lifetime! Mejiro McQueen turned out to be much kinder than Kousei had expected, without a trace of the haughtiness often associated with privileged young ladies. The two hit it off immediately, chatting easily and exchanging contact information before parting.
As afternoon arrived, Kousei prepared for her third debut race. Today was her final training session before the event.
As usual, idle gossip filled the training track.
"Kousei's back again? I don't know what she's still trying to prove."
"Yeah, if I were her, I would have given up long ago."
Kousei ignored the whispers, focusing solely on refining her skills. Although her times hadn't improved significantly, she felt she was on the verge of grasping the key to success.
"Just a little bit more."
Kousei felt she was on the verge of prying open that massive gate, but the crucial element remained just out of reach.
"Gather 'round!"
Most Umamusume who hadn't been individually assigned to training were engaged in group sessions. However, for various reasons, no one wanted to train with Kousei, leaving her always alone.
"Today's training ends here," the Trainer announced. "Given Kousei's upcoming third debut race, I believe a pre-race simulation is necessary. Kousei, you may choose your opponent."
Instantly, the Umamusume began whispering and chattering amongst themselves. Kousei knew this was the Trainer's way of considering her feelings; after all, no one would likely volunteer to spar with her.
But that was fine. Kousei had already decided on her opponent for this practice match.
Kousei stepped forward, and the room fell silent. Slowly, she raised her index finger before the crowd.
"My opponent is—Mejiro McQueen!"